Tampa Ghost Watchers

2012-01-11T07:29:00.005-05:00

PARASKEVI 13 Complete Schedule as of Wednesday, January 11, 2012

FRIDAY - January 13 - Opening Session
Location: Friday Morning Musicale - 809 W. Horatio Street, Tampa 33606
Registration begins at 6 PM, Program starts at 7 PM - additional parking in a lot at the corner of S. Blvd and Horatio. Look for signs.
Agenda: Welcome to Paraskevi 13
What is a Ghost ?
Why do you feel something and others don't ?

CASUAL AFTER GATHERING - on the Backyard Patio at Four Green Fields.
205 W. Platt Street, Tampa

SATURDAY - January 14
9:30 AM - Registration, Program starts at 10 AM
Cemetery Tour - Oaklawn Cemetery - It is at the intersection of Morgan Street and Harrison Street in downtown Tampa, about two block south of I-275. Adjacent to the HART Bus Terminal

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

SATURDAY AFTERNOON SEMINARS:
Sunday's Fine Dining - 1919 E. Seventh Avenue, Ybor City
(TWO SEMINAR ROOMS- ALL Speakers to rotate)
1 - 2 PM - The Spiritual Side of the Paranormal - Father David Price
2-2:15 PM Break
2:15 - 3:15 - The Historical Side of the Paranormal - Troy Taylor
3:15 - 4 - Break
4 - 5 PM - The Communicative Side of the Paranormal - April Slaughter

SATURDAY NIGHT - Aboard the American Victory Ship - located behind the Florida Aquarium at Channelside. 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602. Parking is available immediately in front of the ship, look for the driveway immediatly north of the Aquarium for access. Boarding at 8 PM.
8 PM - 9:30 PM - Panel Discussion on Learning to Investigate - Father Price, April Slaughter, Troy Taylor
9:30 - Midnight - Investigations aboard the American Victory Ship

Paraskevi 13 - A Very Unique Paranormal Event

2011-12-12T16:31:00.005-05:00

Paraskeví 13

- by Amy Lassiter

Paranormal.

Controversy. Wonder. Good. Evil. Unexplainable.

Paranormal.

It’s just one word. But it is one word that certainly evokes a wide range of reactions and opinions. There are skeptics and there are believers, and even then, the believers and mediums use varying methods and have had different experiences.

Demonology. Ghost hunting. Investigations. Instrumental Transcommunication.

In its broadest sense, paranormal is a general term that designates experiences which lie outside the range of the norm or of scientific explanation. If you have ever witnessed or taken part in such an activity or are simply curious and want to learn more, you will not want to miss Paraskeví 13 on Friday, January 13 and Saturday, January 14. This two day paranormal event, held at the historic Friday Morning Musicale, is focused on Investigating the Paranormal and includes workshop sessions, guest speakers and visits to three historic Tampa locations.

Here’s a sneak peak at the guest speakers as well as an introduction to their paranormal specialties.

Father David Price
Father Price is both the Assistant Pastor for Saint Christopher Old Catholic Church in Louisville, Kentucky and a professional Paranormal Investigator. In addition to his day-to-day ministration requirements, he practices demonology, assists in exorcisms, performs home blessings, and is one of the founders of the Paranormal Clergy Institute. The mission of the Institute is to help home owners and paranormal groups directly involved with demonic infestation cases or who have questions regarding demonic infestation.
Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and taught that there was no afterlife, Father Price converted to Catholicism at the age of 16 and was ordained as a Catholic Priest in 2007. The Old Catholic Church branched off from the Roman Catholic Church in the late 1800s over the declaration of papal infallibility in Vatican I. They believe that the pope is not infallible, meaning without error; therefore he is viewed as the Bishop of Rome but not as the head of the Church. Although the beliefs of the Old Catholic Church fall somewhere between liberalism and conservatism, the Roman Catholic Church does view it’s sacraments as valid. When Father Price converted to Catholicism, he began to volunteer at the Waverly Hills Sanatorium, considered one of the most haunted locations in the world. His investigations here accelerated his interest in the paranormal, and demonology in particular, “something I was drawn to all along and know I was called to do.” The Institute defines a demonologist as one who ‘has accepted his/her calling to devote their lives to the study of demonology and may be appointed by Church leadership to investigate demonic cases.’
Father Price and the Paranormal Institute receive anywhere from 2 to 15 requests a day for help in identifying or expelling a demon from individuals, homes or businesses. Because of funding, the Institute cannot always make the trip to help those that are suffering, so they focus on education: what a demon is or is not, what signs may indicate that a demon has targeted an individual or home, an explanation of the three stages (infestation, oppression and possession), and how to stay strong and take control of the problem. Ninety percent of the cases they see involve the oppression stage which is when the demonic problem becomes personal and interacts with the victim, sometimes taking over the person’s thoughts for a time and beginning to cut him off from society.
According to Father Price, demonic cases can be resolved in days, weeks, or through a lifetime of counseling and prayer. He explained that there are two forms of exorcisms, Minor Right and Solemn Ritual and that he can perform the Minor Rite of Exorcism on a place, but not a person. If someone is allegedly possessed and the investigation, physical report and psychological evaluation confirm it, then the Bishop gets involved. Without spiritual help, the end result of all possessed people is suicide, which unfortunately is the ultimate goal of the demon.
For more information on Father Price, visit http://www.paranormalclergy.com/ or http://www.usocc.org/.

Troy Taylor
When Troy Taylor was young, he was fascinated by unsolved mysteries and the unknown. “I grew up around some gruesome things and spent endless hours dragging my friends around the town, making them listen to my stories, most of which were made up!” Today, however, Troy no longer deals with his own imagination. He is the author of 84 books on ghosts, haunting, the paranormal, history, crime, and the unexplained, and is the founder of the American Ghost Society and the owner of the Illinois and American Hauntings Tour companies.
Raised on the prairies of Illinois, Troy developed an interest in "things that go bump in the night" and as a young man, moved on to ghost tours and writing about haunts in Chicago and Central Illinois. His entire day to day life is now devoted to the paranormal, ghosts and haunting and he believes that “ghosts are part of everyone’s story, whether you want it to be or not.” He is fascinated by crime scenes and unsolved mysteries as both “almost always spawn ghost stories.” For example, he recently learned of a woman who owned a grocery store in the 1960s who was killed with her own meat grinder. While the reaction of most others is “gross,” Troy can’t help be but be fascinated and compelled to learn more.
Troy began his first book in 1989, which delved into the history and hauntings of Decatur, Illinois and has been researching and writing ever since. In 1996, he organized a group of ghost enthusiasts into an investigation team and the American Ghost Society was launched. It gained more than 600 members in the years that followed and continues today as one of America’s largest and most honored research groups. If that isn’t enough, Troy is also the founder of Whitechapel Press and Dark Haven Entertainment and is the principal owner of the haunted Avon Theater in Decatur. Avon Theater is also one of the only places that Troy has seen a ghost, despite his more than 25 years of experience in this field. “I was in my office, getting some work done, and there he was, a guy – a ghost – just sitting down next to me.”
Troy’s most recent book, The Ghost Hunter's Guidebook:The Common Sense Guide to Paranormal Research reveals what it really takes to be a credible paranormal researcher; offers detailed methods for investigating homes, buildings and graveyards; and includes guides for collecting evidence and photographs. For more information on Troy Taylor, visit http://www.prairieghosts.com/

April Slaughter
April Slaughter began her journey into the unknown at the age of eight when her family moved into a home which was haunted. For twelve years April felt this presence and came to believe it would be best to educate herself on what might be happening. She began to study various phenomena, collecting books, doing research and spending much time in cemeteries and at the age of 21, she decided to pursue a full-time career in the paranormal field. Chris and Nancy Peterson of the Utah Ghost Hunters Society became her mentors and “took me under their wing.”
When April submitted an article to TAPS Paramagazine about a haunted hospital, she was asked to continue writing for the publication and had the opportunity to travel to various events, visit some of the most famous haunts in the country, and interact with others in the field. Although she gained a vast amount of knowledge, April grew tired of “hamster wheel ghost hunting, collecting evidence but not going beyond that. I wanted to learn from the people beyond and became interested in Instrumental Transcommunication (ITC), in other words, speaking to the dead.”
One vehicle for doing so is called Frank’s Box, “basically a hand-made, modified radio which constantly scans AM/FM and low band frequencies. The theory is that spirits can piece together voices through the frequencies and then send messages back.” When April first asked creator Frank Sumption for a box, he said no. After another year of ITC research, she approached him again and this time, received a favorable response. “Frank builds the boxes for people not when they ask him to, but when a box tells him to. Each is one of a kind and put together with various parts and thrift store finds. I have box numbers 37, 38 and 73 and after success with all three, others now send their boxes to me to work with.”
While she’s had incredible experience and success with Frank’s Box, April’s most impressive experience came from a device that does not use radio, but is based on a tool that electricians put up against a wall to find hotspots. There are only four of these out there and the device is beginning to work consistently for her. “The world is all about communication and I am communicating with something that I can’t see. When people die, they still check in and love us.”
At Paraskeví 13, you will see both devices and hear excerpts from April’s conversations with those beyond. “When I speak to the public, I bring emotion and my own experiences into it, showing that something positive and amazing can happen, but not indicating it as proof. This is what I believe, and if you don’t it is ok. This is just how I connect to the other side. We have a lot to learn from those beyond; they know I am listening, so they communicate with me.”
April is also the co-founder of www.paranormalsource.com and the author of Ghosthunting Texas, working on 3 additional. Visit http://www.aprilslaughter.com/ for more information.

Maureen Patrick
Maureen Patrick
Maureen Patrick is a 3rd generation Floridian and a Tampa native who holds an advanced degree in Cultural History and is a graveyard specialist. About 20 years ago, she became interested in the 19th Century Rural Cemetery phenomenon, “which is what happened when Americans let go of the baggage their Puritan ancestors saddled them with, which included a fire and brimstone view of the afterlife. The most common epitaph in the 18th century was ‘Stranger, pause and look at me; as I am now so you will be.’ To put that on a grave marker was a constant reminder that life is short and hard and the afterlife isn’t going to be much better.”In the mid-1800s, the view of death and everything connected with it began to change. Formal landscaped graveyards were featured as a part of urban planning.”The afterlife was viewed in the 19th century as a garden and cemetery design was intended to mirror that: to make people feel like they would enter that garden and be reunited with loved ones there. “People love old cemeteries for different reasons – the aesthetics, the design for comforting people, the historical stories connected with them. The dead live again through their epitaphs and grave art, and through the stories that their survivors inherit. Oaklawn Cemetery (founded 1850) in Downtown Tampa presents this all in quite a nice little package.”In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, Maureen also hosts ghost tours. “I am a classic example of no one being stronger in their belief then a convert. I can’t say I ever disbelieved; I think we often brush shoulders with the paranormal and just may not always be paying attention.” Maureen started out doing history tours in Ybor City and in 2002 began researching ghost walks. “When I started I had a thesis which was that if an area was haunted, it had to have certain things in common: original buildings that were still standing and in use, and a history of the unusual, the violent, or the bizarre. It’s important that the buildings remain ‘inhabited.’ There is something about the proximity to humans that keeps spirits active.”Learn more from Maureen about Oaklawn Cemetery and participate in one of her ghost walks. For more information about Maureen and her ghost walks: http://www.historicguides.com/ Learn more from Maureen about Oaklawn Cemetery and participate in one of her ghost walks during Paraskeví 13. Visit http://www.historicguides.com/, http://www.tampahistoricalsociety.org/, or http://www.theaterprep.com/ for additional information.

Everyone attending Paraskeví 13 will find something to be excited about! SPACE IS LIMITED. Advance Tickets are $75 Per Person for all events/ $100 Per Person After January 1. To purchase tickets, visit http://paraskevi13-2012.eventbrite.com/.

Your are Invited to Paraskeví 13

2011-11-10T14:16:00.006-05:00

This is your invitation to a unique Two Days at Paraskevi 13

Our Space is VERY limited, so sign up early ! (Might Make a Very Unique Holiday Gift as Well)

Friday, January 13, 2012 - 7 PM - 10 PM at the historic Friday Morning Musicale in Tampa - Investigating the Paranormal - Please arrive early for this event.
10 PM - ? Social meeting

Saturday, January 14, 2012 - Locations to be announced
10 - 11: 30 AM - Workshop Session 1
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
1 - 2:30 - Workshop Session 2
3- 4:30 - Workshop Session 3

DINNER ON YOUR OWN

8 PM - Workshop Session 4 aboard the American Victory Ship
.

WORKSHOP SESSIONS will give you the opportunity to break into smaller groups lead by our speakers. Sessions to include:

Spiritual influences in Paranormal Investigations, including Exorcisms

Investigating Haunted Locations with Crime History

UFO Investigations

Visits to Three Historic Tampa Locations including the Oaklawn Cemetery

Participating speakers and investigators:

Troy Taylor, Author of 84 books on ghosts, the paranormal, history, and crime. Founder of the American Ghost Society. From Illinois.

April Slaughter, Author, paranormal investigator, and one of only two owners of the controversial Frank's Box. She also served as a contributing writer and manager with Taps ParaMagazine. She and her husband founded The Paranormal Source. April is from Dallas, TX.

Father David Price, Assistant Pastor for Saint Christopher Old Catholic Church in Louisville, Kentucky . Fr. David also performs home blessings and assists the Archbishop Long in exorcisms. Father Price is from Louisville, KY.

Maureen Patrick, President,Tampa Historical Society and Historic Guides. Maureen conducts tours in Ybor City and other historic locations.

Bill Sharpe, Tampa Ghost Watchers.

Other Speakers to be announced.

SPACE IS LIMITED.

$100 Per Person

Buy Tickets Here

Investigations and meetings

2011-10-01T10:02:00.001-04:00

When will the meetings start up again? Are there any more private investigations?

Investigations Announced

2011-07-07T12:38:00.005-04:00

Two nights at the historic
Island Hotel in Cedar Key
on Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21. Get more info here

Regular Meeting

2010-02-19T09:41:00.003-05:00

Sunday, Feb 21
7 PM

No Cost to attend - this meeting is open to members and non-members.

Location: Office of the Tampa Marketing Company, 1906 N. Armenia Ave. #306, Tampa.
(813) 283-0760

Agenda:
Upcoming Events
Project Assignment

If you have an interest in investigations, history, or anything paranormal, plan to attend and meet some of Tampas real time local ghost hunters.

Dear Members

2009-10-11T10:25:00.003-04:00

Recently I received an email questioning me about the costs of our events. Let me crystal clearly explain things to you.

We do not charge when we have home investigations in almost all cases.
With over 200 members, we can't exactly march 200 members through someones home.

We try to provide you with the best events possible - as planned.

St. AuGHOSTine we brought some of the best speakers and investigators from around the country. Paying for their costs and airfare. Speakers came from San Francisco, Colorado, Kentucky, Savannah, Gettysburg, New York and more. Get a grip, do you really think these quality speakers just go everywhere at enormous expense to themselves just to provide you with some program that you may or may not show up for ? Do you think these facilities will provide free space just because we are nice people ? Get real.

The Day of the Dead will include dinner and a hall rental. How do I make that happen free ?

The cost for Cassadaga will go to the home owner at their request and for a fee to the psychic conducting the séance. If you have ever been to Cassadaga, you would know that every psychic there expects to be paid.

As to the Myrtles, it includes a hotel room, additional staff to be on hand all night, and a required one million dollar liability policy . When I commit our group to that, I have to commit to paying for ALL of the rooms at the Plantation and those extra costs. In New Orleans, I also have to make major commitments. I will be expending over $5,000 in deposits alone in the next 40 days for a trip and investigation not to be held until late May.

The event next Saturday at the Hillsborough River State Park requires a $6 per car entrance fee to the State of Florida, the cost of the Fort event is $5 per person that goes to the park service and to the over 6 reenactors and additional park ranger that are staying late just so our group can have a special visit to Fort Foster.

If you cannot afford to attend an event, I understand. I can't afford to dine at Bern's either - so I don't go. But that sure doesn't mean that others can't or shouldn't or that Bern's doesn't serve a fine meal - because they sure do.

In St. AuGHOSTine we had the opportunity to experience the Telephone to the Dead belonging to Chris Moon, Publisher of Haunted Times magazine. While I am still unsure of what I thought about it, I can tell you, that I considered this to be one of the most amazing experiences I have had since doing investigations. We covered the cost to bring Chris from Colorado. It was well worth it. Father David Price of the Old Catholic Church actually spoke of about demonic positions and exorcisms - from experience. Mark Nesbitt is continually on televison shows talking about Gettysburg and Fredericksburg ghosts - he spoke at our event on investigating battlefield ghosts. Murray Silver shared a near death experience. Gloria Young shared her experiences investigating in San Francisco including Alcatraz. Stacey Jones from New York brought her expeiences as a cop. Ericka Boussaharne shared stories as a cold case psychic that many in attendance remembered. Dusty Smith provided local guidework as probably the most knowledgeable person on St. Augustine Cemeteries. All of these speakers are of national acclaim. Google their names with paranormal or ghost after it and find out. Have you bothered to spend anytime doing that so you might be a little knowledgeable ?

If you want to continually stomp into supposedly haunted homes with teams
that are disorganized and that think they know everything because they stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night, then so be it.

Tampa Ghost Watchers has earned a national reputation for well organized events with knowledgeable speakers, quality planning and execution. When I commit to a location or event, I am the one on the hook. Your only commitment is to select to attend or not.

We have about 10 people at the Hillsborough River State Park - guides and costumed reenactors - that have planned part of their day next week for our group members. Is it too much to ask for you to tell me if you plan to attend or not ? And to pay the cost to enter a state park and pay the fee that the general public pays ? I think not.

I spend hours doing research, making phone calls, and sticking my financial neck out so that you have the opportunity to expand your knowledge or to have an experience. Have you researched any of our speakers or locations ? When you have been on an investigation with us, have you responded with an email as to your findings or experiences ?

I apologize for my lengthy dialogue, but I felt I needed to speak up. I am very proud of our past accomplishments and efforts - the coming years will only get better but only if you open your minds and spirits and participate when you can.

St. AuGHOSTine Wrap Up !

2009-10-05T13:59:00.003-04:00

Thank you for everyone for all of your help and assistance over the weekend.

Special thanks to our speakers and guides: Erick Boussarhane, Murray Silver, Chris Moon, Dusty Smith, Stacey Jones, Mark Nesbitt, Father David Price, and Gloria Young. What a tremendous amount of experience and ideas were shared ! Thanks Dusty for a special event on Thursday evening.

Thank you to Steve Williams, Kevin Hull, Frank Perrick, and Claire Castillo for the guiding assistance to the group. Thanks to L&W Catering, the St. Augustine Boating Club, the Holiday Inn- Historic District, and to Meredith, Pam, and Sara at the St. Augustine Light House.

As always, we want to hear your comments and about your experiences. Please click on the comment box below this post.

Fort Foster Visit and Investigation - Sat. Oct 17

2009-10-01T09:45:00.004-04:00

On the banks of the Hillsborough River is a reconstructed Ft. Foster, from the Seminole Indian Wars. The history and lifestyle is portrayed once a month through an educational program by enactors. Tampa Ghost Watchers will have a special members only visit on Saturday, October 17. The event will be preceeded by a bring your own covered dish dinner at 1 PM at the Hillsborough River State Park. Cost to attend is $6 entrance per car to the park and $5 per person for the two hour visit to the Fort and the program provided by the enactors. The reconstructed Fort is immediately adjacent to the river and the original location of Fort Foster. Bring a Dish, Drinks (no alcoholic beverages allowed in the park), comfortable shoes and look for our gather point. Cost to attend to be paid in cash at the event.

The enactors have had some most interesting experiences at the Fort and will have some great stories to tell.

PLEASE BE SURE TO RSVP - bill@tampaghostwatchers.com

The park is located 9 miles north of Tampa and six miles south of Zephyrhills on U.S. 301. Our group will visit the Fort at 4 PM. YOU MUST BE ON TIME !
Get more directions at http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortfoster/default.cfm

El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

2009-08-26T18:44:00.011-04:00

Friday, Oct 30 - 7 PM - 11 PM - American Legion Post 5, the Only American Legion Post with an adjacent Cemetery at 3810 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow...

Food, Drink, Day of the Dead celebration, and more !

The mostly Latin holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration usually occurs on the 2nd of November, but we will gather on the Friday before.
NO Costumes, but orange marigolds or sugar skulls or skull masks are welcome !
We will also have an altar to place the picture of anyone you wish remembered.
Get more info about El Día de los Muertos here.

NOTE: you must be at least 21 years of age with proper ID to attend this event.

Included will be a Mexican dinner, beer, wine and other beverages and El Día de los Muertos ceremony. $24.99 per person. Buy tickets here

Introduction to Ghost Hunting - Saturday, Sept. 26

2009-08-20T17:04:00.012-04:00

Interested in learning more about Ghost Hunting and the Paranormal ?
Join the largest paranormal group in the US at a Special Seminar on the Introduction to Ghost Hunting to be held at one of Tampa's most historic buildings.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept 26, 10 AM - 1 PM

HOW MUCH:
$ $20 day of the event - cash only at the door.

Hosted by Tampa Ghost Watchers

Speakers:
Ronn Williams of Polk County Paranormal Team
Jim Brett of the Tampa Bay Paranormal Society
John Sullivan of Haunted Hunters
Bill Sharpe of Tampa Ghost Watchers

Topics:

What are ghosts ?

Where do I look ?

How do you know if its haunted ?

What are you looking for ?

What equipment do you need ?

Ok, I found something - What do I do now ?

WHERE: Friday Morning Musicale and Federated Clubs

Housed in a Gothic Mediterranean building, Friday Morning Musicale built in 1926 was opened as a community center and theatre to promote arts and dance in South Tampa. Location: 809 Horatio Street , Tampa Florida 33606
Directions here.

Want to get more serious about ghost hunting ?
Consider our three day conference in St. Augustine, October 2-4, 2009.
Get more info here.

See pictures from our previous trip to Andersonville Civil War Prison Camp and Cemetery here and Pat's Island Cemetery here.

Meeting Notice - Sunday, August 23, 2009

2009-08-20T08:40:00.002-04:00

Sunday, August 23 - 6 PM at the Offices of the Tampa Marketing Company. 1906 N. Armenia Ave. #306, Tampa, FL
813-283-0760.
We will have a discussion on two recent investigations and a conference call from one of our St. AuGHOSTine speakers.
This meeting is open to members, guests, and anyone interested in the paranormal. We will also be seeking volunteers to assist in an ongoing investigation. No cost to attend this meeting.

BUT PLEASE RSVP to bill@tampaghostwatchers.com

Introduction to Ghost Hunting - August 1

2009-07-17T09:18:00.000-04:00

YOU ARE INVITED TO A SPECIAL DISCUSSION -
What: Introduction to Ghost Hunting
When: Saturday, August 1, 10 AM - NOON
Where: Offices of the Tampa Marketing Company
1906 N. Armenia Ave. #306, Tampa, FL
How much: FREE Event
Who can attend: Open to the public

PLEASE RSVP to bill@tampaghostwatchers.com

Call Bill Sharpe at 813-283-0760 for more information
or email bill@tampaghostwatchers.com
There is no cost to attend this two hour discussion designed to answer questions and to provide an introduction to paranormal investigations and more.

Topics to be discussed will include:
1. what to know before you go
2. what questions to ask
3. equipment you may require
4. what to do when you find something
5. this is very interesting, now what do I do ?

What do you need to bring for the seminar ? An open mind and a lot of curiosity.

Tampa Ghost Watchers, with over 200 members, is the Largest Paranormal Investigation group in Florida.
www.tampaghostwatchers.com

Ocala National Forest 2009

2009-07-17T09:03:00.003-04:00

HERE ARE ALL THE DETAILS. If you have not signed up, please let me know ASAP ! So we can be ready for you. $25 per person to attend. Bill's cell phone number is 813-770-3902. BUT NO GUARANTEE THEY WILL WORK IN THE FOREST. OCALA NATIONAL FOREST - Register here

Saturday/Sunday - August 8 & 9.
The plan is to meet at SILVER GLEN SPRINGS at 2 PM in the Ocala National Forest. This is a beautiful swimming/picnicing location. It is also easy to find. It takes about 3 hours from our office. Directions are as follows: Take I-75 North to Ocala, In Ocala, take the Hwy 40 exit EAST, go approximately one hour to the middle of the Ocala National Forest, you will pass an area called Four Corners (there is a grocery store there) and continue on Hwy 40 past Juniper Springs to Hwy 19 (just a couple miles past Juniper Springs) turn NORTH on Hwy 19, several miles north you will find SILVER GLEN SPRINGS. We are to meet there by 2 PM on Saturday. And will depart from there at 4 PM. Get there early, or visit Juniper Springs if you are early. These are beautiful Florida treasures. Look for my yellow Smart Car in the parking lot.
Our camping site is about 30 minutes away from the Springs, in the middle of the forest. Remember this is primitive camping. You will be very close to your car, and a 45 minute hike or so to the former settlement. We will get situated and then hike in to the settlement before dark to get a real look at the area. Then we will return around 9 PM and again in the very early morning as the sun rises. We are ready to provide you with hamburgers and hotdogs for dinner, so not to worry. Bring your own drinks, and remember water. Remember this is primitive camping. Bring toilet paper, flashlights, tent, and whatever you may require. AND A CHAIR TO SIT IN. I expect us to be leaving the campsite by noon on Sunday. BUT stay to enjoy this spectacular forest. Map to Silver Glen Springs here http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/local-resources/images/maps/oca/canoe_silver.pdf Details of the Settlement here : The Yearling Trail Pats Island is one of the most popular historic attractions on the Ocala National Forest. The area was named after it's first postmaster Patrick Smith who settled there in the 1840's and the unique relationship of two ecosystems, long leaf pine and sand pine scrub. Much of the land bounded by the St. Johns and Ocklawaha rivers consists of the largest concentration of sand pine scrub in the world. Within this vast area there are oases of fertile soils and moisture that support growth of longleaf pine, wiregrass, turkey oak and other trees and plants not found in the surrounding arid scrub. Pioneers who settled in these areas called them islands because a sea of scrub surrounded them. The Reuben Long family came to the area around 1872 and individual family members applied for and were granted homestead acres that they worked and lived on for many years. Human habitation on the island peaked before the turn of the 20th century when about a dozen families sought to eke out a living on the 1400-acre island. A living was made from farming, running woods cattle and hogs, hunting, fishing, making moonshine whisky, and trading with boat travel on the St. Johns River. There is an ecological uniqueness of this of a longleaf pine island surrounded by scrub pine, which creates a single community isolated from the mainstream of central Florida life. The imposed remoteness contributed to a community essentially untouched by outside forces. The community had its own church, school, post office and self-appointed lay ministers. Life was hard on the island and after the big back-to-back freezes of 1894 and 1895 the population began to decline. Most of the settlers had sold or leased their homesteads before the Ocala National Forest was formed in 1908. Outside forces were slowly bringing life as it had been on the island to an end. In 1935 the island was abandoned by man and surrendered back to the elements after less than 100 years of human occupation. The natural beauty of the area and the colorful life style of these rugged people fascinated the author, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. She stayed with the last two inhabitants of the island, Calvin and Mary Long in October 1933. During this and other visits she recorded many stories told by the Longs. Calvin's childhood story of nursing a deer from a fawn gave her the idea for the Pulitzer Prize winning novel "The Yearling". The book was made into a movie starring Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman and Claude Jarman, Jr. and was filmed on location in the early 1940's. Today you too can visit Pat's Island via the Yearling Trail. The trailhead is located on SR 19 across from the Silver Glen Springs entrance. From there you can hike up to 6 miles visiting various sites of historical significance and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Pats Island is located in Juniper Prairie Wilderness where natural processes are the primary influences and human activity is limited. Forest Service management of Pat's Island preserves and protects its physical and biological characteristics and allows us to experience this treasure without intention to disturb or destroy natural processes. As wilderness, the island is closed to motorized equipment and bicycles. As you circle the island, stop and notice the sites where the residents once lived. When you once again see the sand pine scrub, you will be arriving back at the trailhead. Perhaps you may want to complete your trip with a visit to Silver Glen Springs. Snacking at a shaded picnic table or swimming in crystal clear 72 degrees year around water is a great way to top off the day. You may want to visit the Boils Trail at the glen where Jody (of The Yearling) built a "flutter mill" with palmetto leaf and sticks. It was here that he nodded off to sleep when he was supposed to be home attending his chores. The Lake George Trail from the Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area to Lake George also offers another hiking adventure.

Next Meeting - Sunday, July 12 - 7 PM

2009-06-30T12:17:00.001-04:00

Members, Guests, and Interested Persons are welcome to attend this general meeting.
Sunday, July 12 - 7 PM
Tampa Marketing Company, 1906 N. Armenia Ave. #306, Tampa, FL 33607

Agenda:
Introduction of all in attendance.
Gettysburg Trip Summary Andersonville/ Americus Investigation - SummaryUpcoming Pat's Island/Ocala National Forest Camping TripSt. AuGHOSTine
Conference Call
Open Discussion
Meeting will end at approximately 9:30 PM
Refreshments will be served.

Andersonville/Americus a Great Trip we will do Again !

2009-06-29T13:58:00.004-04:00

Thanks to everyone that participated in the Andersonville/Americus trip. I cannot thank Fred Sanchez and Kevin Frye with the National Park Service enough for the assistance and guidance. While I am sure we are all slowly digging though our pics and audio, I think we all stayed busy and saw and experienced some really great things in South Georgia. The Windsor Hotel was a beautiful place to stay and the historic charm of Americus had everyone's attention. We had time to visit the incredible Providence Canyon and spent several hours at historic Westville. The town was filled with relocated historic stuctures and surprised us all with the size and number of structures to visit. We briefly stopped at Andersonville Village to see the original train depot before going on to the National Park. The park closed at 5 and we began. We had five hours of almost complete, exclusive access to the cemetery, prison, and headquarters area. While it started as a very hot Georgia day, it gradually cooled off as we investigated in small groups various locations in the park. We cannot thank the Andersonville National Park enough for their time and permissions to experience such a true national historic landmark. To see where over 33,000 prisoners were kept and over 13,000 had died was an emotional experience. We had approximately 6 different small groups of investigators scattered throughout.

Sunday we visited the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Americus before proceeding on to Plains, Georgia for a visit to the home town of Jimmy Carter. A visit to his boyhood home, school, and family gravesite was followed by some fresh peanut butter ice cream before the long trip home. It was great to see Steve and Becky from Memphis that made the long drive down to participate.

My worst fears in organizing the trip was the weather and trying to keep everyone not lost. The weather was very hot - 110 heat factor, but dry. We lost one person beginning on Friday night, she never checked in with me and decided later on Saturday to go home, she is fine. Two people did get lost, but they figured it out and found us again. The biggest problem was when two participants decided to get into a big argument in the hotel late on Saturday night. This was not their first time doing this and I had warned them previously. They added great stress to everyone and ruined one participant's trip entirely - as well as their own. I have insisted they NEVER attend any of our events again.

Overall however, the incredible story of Andersonville with the generous access allowed by Fred Sanchez and the wealth of information provided by Kevin Frye made for one of the best trips Tampa Ghost Watchers has ever had. Thanks to everyone that attended and to those that helped along the way in making it a success. We encourage and welcome your comments. You can see my unedited pictures here.

Don't forget, our next meeting will be Sunday, July 12, 7 PM

at our offices at 1906 N. Armenia Avenue in Tampa -

PLEASE NOTE: we have moved to the third floor, we are now in #306. We have a conference all planned, will have summaries of our trips to Gettysburg and Andersonville and more.

Andersonville/Americus REVISED SCHEDULE

2009-06-15T09:50:00.008-04:00

NOTE: We still have space for more participants on this trip, but email bill@tampaghostwatchers.com ASAP to be able to participate. I feel this may be our most exciting trip ever due to our access to facilities and due to the obscurity of the location.

Camp Sumter and Andersonville National Park closes to the public at 5 PM, Tampa Ghost Watchers will have exclusive access to the park from closing until 10 PM on Saturday night ! We will be accompanied by a Park official and noted volunteer historian Kevin Frye.

If you are looking for or have space for another person to ride with you or if you are looking to share a room, let me know asap. One lady is looking for a room share now. This is a good 5 hour drive from Tampa. PLEASE WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES, DRESS FOR THE SUMMER HEAT, AND BRING YOUR OWN COOLER WITH PLENTY OF DRINKS ! (DO NOT WEAR SANDALS WHILE AT CAMP SUMTER) We will have additional drinks for you, but it gets very hot and dry in south Georgia in late June.

Friday, June 26 - Late Night Meeting as you arrive in Floyd's Pub in the Windsor Hotel. We will all be arriving at different times so it will be a late and casual get together as we arrive.The Windsor is said to be haunted on the second and third floors. Ghosts of a little girl and former housekeeper are thought to roam the hotel. Both were pushed down the elevator shaft in the early 1900's. Windsor-americus.com
Late Night - EVP investigation of the Windsor Hotel. Andersonville background story.Saturday,

June 27 - 8 AM Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for hotel guests
9 AM - Visit to the Global Village and Discovery Center. Center for Habitat for Humanity /www.habitat.org
11AM - Visit to Providence Canyon (admission included)
Noon - 3 PM Historic Westville - pioneer town from the 1800's. Visions of pioneer farmers and Civil War veterans have been reportedly seen here Westville.org - Admission included - Lunch at the Kiser House Restaurant (on your own)
3 PM - Visit to Andersonville Village including Pioneer Farm - Admission Included
5 PM - 10 PM - Andersonville National Park Visit/ Investigation - EXCLUSIVE NIGHT VISIT FOR TAMPA GHOST WATCHERS ONLY ! (Box snack and drinks provided)Special Presentation by historic researcher Kevin Frye.Reports of tragic feelings reaching to you have been reported. Of 45,000 Union soldiers imprisoned at Camp Sumter, almost 13,000 died, mostly of starvation. More info at www.andersonvillegeorgia.com

Sunday, June 28 - 8 AM - Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for hotel guests - Hotel Checkout
9:00 AM - Visit to the Oak Gove Cemetey in Americus. Opened in 1856, the Oak Grove Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Georgia's historic figures, from state chief justices and an 1865 candidate for governor to soldiers from the Native American, Mexican and Civil wars. http://www.georgiatrust.com/
11 AM - Visit to Plains, Georgia. Home town of former President Jimmy Carter.

Depart for home as you wishSchedule and events subject to change

Tarpon Springs Investigation Report

2009-06-15T09:14:00.002-04:00

Over 40 of us visited the Zone Lounge in Tarpon Springs for a very thoughtful discussion on paranormal communication last night. Bruce Moen helped members reach to their inner selves when seeking spiritual contact. For a four hour event the time seemed to fly by. We welcome your comments from the event below.

St. AuGHOSTine will be held in October

2009-06-07T14:53:00.004-04:00

We are putting together one of the most informative paranormal conferences in Florida history with speakers from California, New York, Colorado, Kentucky, and more !

We will have access to the famous St. Augustine Lighthouse for four seperate groups to investigate.

Get all the details at http://www.staughostine.com/

Gettysburg Update #3

2009-05-26T10:58:00.001-04:00

Gettysburg Update #2

2009-05-26T10:49:00.005-04:00

We have arrived back in Tampa with blisters on our feet.
Sunday we visited the Battlefield during the late evening, taking pictures and evps within 300 feet of where the battle was fought and where President Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address. Was quite a feeling of history. We felt several presences during the visit, watch for more stories and pics to come. The afternoon was spent at a wine tasting overlooking the battlefields.

Monday we travelled to Point Lookout on the Southern Maryland Coast. This was the location of the largest Union Prison Camp. The lighthouse, Fort Lincoln, and the prison camp are known to have activity. Unfortunately, we were not able to enter the lighthouse, but the camp and fort area were most interesting.

Andersonville/Americus June 26-28

2009-05-26T10:07:00.005-04:00

Tampa Ghost Watchers will visit the Historic (and haunted) Windsor Hotel in Americus, Georgia
(Americus is just 30 minutes west of I-75, and approximately 5 hours north of Tampa)

This weekend is near the longest day of the year. The sun will not set until almost 9 PM.

REGISTER HERE

ANDERSONVILLE/AMERICUS REVISED SCHEDULE

If you are looking for or have space for another person to ride with you or if you are looking to share a room, let me know asap. One lady is looking for a room share now. This is a good 5 hour drive from Tampa.

Friday, June 26 - Late Night Meeting in Floyd’s Pub in the Windsor Hotel. The Windsor is said to be haunted on the second and third floors. (We currently have all the rooms on those floors reserved) Ghosts of a little girl and former housekeeper are thought to roam the hotel. Both were pushed down the elevator shaft in the early 1900’s. Windsor-americus.com

Saturday, June 27 -
8 AM Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for hotel guests

9 AM - Visit to the Global Village and Discovery Center. Center for Habitat for Humanity /www.habitat.org

11AM - Visit to Providence Canyon (admission included)

Noon - 3 PM Historic Westville - pioneer town from the 1800’s. Visions of pioneer farmers and Civil War veterans have been reportedly seen hereWestville.org - Admission included - Lunch at the Kiser House Restaurant (on your own)

3 PM - Visit to Andersonville Village including Pioneer Farm - Admission Included

5 PM - 10 PM - Andersonville National Park Visit/ Investigation - EXCLUSIVE NIGHT VISIT FOR US ONLY ! (Box snack and drinks provided)Special Presentation by historic researcher Kevin Frye.Reports of tragic feelings reaching to you have been reported. Of 45,000 Union soldiers imprisoned at Camp Sumter, almost 13,000 died, mostly of starvation. More info at www.andersonvillegeorgia.com

Sunday, June 28
8 AM - Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for hotel guests

9:30 AM - Visit to the Oak Gove Cemetey in Americus. Opened in 1856, the Oak Grove Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Georgia’s historic figures, from state chief justices and an 1865 candidate for governor to soldiers from the Native American, Mexican and Civil wars. www.georgiatrust.com

11 AM - Visit to Plains, Georgia. Home town of former President Jimmy Carter.

Depart for home as you wishSchedule and events subject to change

ROOM INFORMATION: Contact the Windsor Hotel directly for rooms at 229 – 924-1555 for reservations.
Remember to mention Tampa Ghost Watchers – Ghost Seminars to get the special rate of $76.95 for a double, add $10 per person each additional.

Cost per person
$ 99

Register online HERE.

More info:
bill@tampaghostwatchers.com
813-770-3902

More St. AuGHOSTine Details

2009-05-24T07:59:00.003-04:00

We have a new confirmed speaker for our St. AuGHOSTine event in October.
Murray Silver has been called Savannah's Most Haunted Man and has visited us a few times before. He has visited us before and has always been a very popular speaker.

Watch for more details soon including an exciting location as well.
This event will sell out very soon. Get more info and register here.

Andersonville - Late June

2009-05-24T07:41:00.004-04:00

Thanks for the great response ! We may be having a slight schedule change announced shortly due to a great opportunity for a Saturday night investigation while there. Watch for more details in the coming week - but this will be a very exciting change.

We are near sold out on this trip, so if you plan to attend or want more information please let me know asap. Apparently our website is currently down, will resolve when we get back to Tampa on Monday.

Tarpon Springs 2

2009-05-24T07:38:00.002-04:00

Sunday, June 14, we will be having a more in depth visit to the Zone in Tarpon Springs with Bruce Moen and Caryl Dennis. The visit will include a much more intensive and informative workshop than our usual effort. The cost is $20 per person to be paid at the door, but we need to know you are coming if you have not RSVP'd so far. This event is open to anyone that would like to participate and will start at 6:30 pm and last for several hours.

Gettysburg Update #1

2009-05-24T07:20:00.005-04:00

We are about to start day 3 of our trip.
We arrived on time and got everyone together for a super visit to the Edgar Allan Poe home and grave. Before we left Baltimore we also had time to overlook the harbor from Ft. McHenry where Francis Scott Key wrote the words to the Star Spangled Banner. Friday night we spent on the Gettysburg College campus and saw the location of the Blue Boy. As legend goes, he escaped from a life of abuse at the nearby orphanage to be taken in at a girls dorm on campus. In a search for him in the cold of the winter, he hung onto a third floor window ledge for an extended period of time. He was never found, nor did any indication exist that he fell. However, he does decide to return every now and then.

We spent Saturday on a two hour Battlefield bus tour that was most informative. Over 50,000 men died in the 3 days of the battle. One location was 10,000 killed in just over 2 hours. We later returned to many of the battle areas for evp research and for lots more picture taking.

Two hours was spend in the afternoon with Gettysburg historian Mark Nesbitt. This time was most precious and informative. We were joined at Mark's home by psychic medium Patty Wilson. This was a definite highlight of the trip.

Last night we spent midnight at the Jennie Wade house, the only civilian killed in the battle. We could see where the errant bullet entered the house and where she was standing in the kitchen when she was hit. This was a very good visit, however, it was followed by a visit with a medium that was excessively disappointing.

Our lodging at the Farnsworth Inn has been exceptional. Several of us reported some type of activity after the first night, so far we have not tagged up to compare last night's notes.

Today will be a little more relaxed as we enjoy the town and a wine tasting later today. We are going to try to get a group picture, but with 13 of us, that can be difficult.

Our Memorial Trip Next Year will be to New Orleans, want to come with us ?

Recent events and postings

2009-05-19T01:28:00.004-04:00

Hi Bill. I must say that the recent events you planned sound like they would have been fun. However, after reading through the blog I can see that the petty bickering and childish behavior still have a strong presence. It is unfortunate because I can honestly say that I enjoyed participating in the events and meetings until the end of 2007 when all of this started (which is why I have not attending anything in almost two years). Hopefully people will realize that everyone needs to grow the heck up and stop being so petty then the old members would return. I know that you put a great deal of effort into the planning but you can't make everyone happy. Seriously people.....let's grow up and be adults. It is one thing to have an opinion and not everyone has to agree with that opinion but stop the petty bickering and back stabbing already. Can't you people see that by doing this it only drives members away and creates a hostile environment!?!?!?!?! This group is about ghost watching. If you aren't happy join another group or keep your snide remarks to yourself. Don't ruin it because you can't play well with others. You should all be greatful that Bill takes the time to put things together. Onyx (Helen)

Tarpon Springs Investigation #1

2009-05-14T09:04:00.001-04:00

Tarpon Springs - Sunday, May 17

Tarpon Springs is a beautiful area with a Greek heritage that is evident at the very nearby Sponge Docks. The Docks have plenty of unique gift shops, restaurants and bakeries.
If you want to arrive earlier, I will be at
Snookers Grill at 606 N. Pinellas Avenue in Tarpon Springs at 6 PM.
http://www.snookersgrill.com/

The investigation will be at the Zone Lounge building at 121 E. Tarpon Avenue, Downtown Tarpon Springs. Meet at the door to the lounge at 7:45 PM. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE.

Sunday, May 17 from 8 PM as we investigate a building in downtown Tarpon Springs built in 1894. The building was used as a bar, office, brothel, and more over the years. Reports of apparitions, voices, and more. There will be NO Cost to attend this investigation, however, this is exclusively for paid members of Tampa Ghost Watchers ! If you are not yet a paid member you can still join here. Be sure to tell me what size t-shirt you require.

YOU CAN JOIN TAMPA GHOST WATCHERS here.

In planning this investigation I have had discussions with author and psychic Caryl Dennis. (You can find out more about her here) We have planned the Tarpon Springs investigation in TWO Parts. (Date for second part will be Sunday, June 14 from 6:30 - 10 PM) The second visit will feature a spiritual workshop and investigaton involving Caryl and International speaker Bruce Moen. (More info about him here. ) There is not a cost to attend the event on May 17 if you are a paid member, but there will be a cost of $20 to attend the June 14 event. More details to follow.

The investigation will be at the Zone Lounge building at 121 E. Tarpon Avenue, Downtown Tarpon Springs. Meet at the door to the lounge by 8 PM.

Call me only if you have a real problem. 813-770-3902 cell.

American Victory Ship

2009-05-14T09:03:00.001-04:00

Thanks to everyone that participated in the American Victory Ship investigation. There were a number of experiences reported and we hope you will share them here.
A couple of participants indicated they were "disappointed" in not having had an experience. While most were very impressed and some plan to attend the special ship event this weekend. An investigation at a large location usually means everyone wanders the area for awhile to see where they feel something and then return to conduct a more thorough investigation with cameras, voice recorders, concentration, or more.
This isn't the bird show at Busch Gardens at 1:15 and 3:15. You have to work at this - and mostly, be patient and very attentive.

Let's Make this Clear

2009-05-05T20:59:00.003-04:00

My job is to provide you with as much opportunity to have a paranormal experience as possible. Everyone has a different belief as to what a ghost is and as to what the experience is.

With my experiences I have my opinions. With your experiences, you have yours.

In the words shared by my good friend Dusty Smith with the Daytona Beach Paranormal Reserch Group, there is no right or wrong.

I don't like it when passersby start saying "boo" and other things while we are investigating. And I don't like it when I think you are too busy looking at a blinking meter that you don't really know what it means than being aware of the actual activity around you. I want you to have experiences that you remember for the rest of your life and I will work hard to put you in that situation with the right attiude and knowledge to do just that - but only if you let me instead of walking in with total preconcieved notions generated from a tv show. It is not an easy job trying to keep so many people with so many diverse backgrounds and desires happy.

The previous writer's grumbles centered around a cemetery investigation on a hot day rather than an evening home investigation. The cemetery we visited has been written about in at least 4 different books because of screams heard, apparitions seen, and more. As I have asked before, do you want the opportunity of a paranormal experience or are you just trying to fill your social calendar ?

I am fortunate, I already have a busy social calendar.

At our recent visit to the Belleview Biltmore, several attendees went into states of fear and depression in one of the wings. Observing and sharing that experience will be continually with me as I remember paranormal investigations. I want to have and to share paranormal experiences that are bigger than the last, that is my simply defined but very complex task for Tampa Ghost Watchers.

Tarpon Springs Investigation

2009-05-05T15:03:00.007-04:00

INVESTIGATION FOR PAID TAMPA GHOST WATCHERS MEMBERS ONLY !

Sunday, May 17 from 7 PM as we investigate a building in downtown Tarpon Springs built in 1894. The building was used as a bar, office, brothel, and more over the years. Reports of apparitions, voices, and more. There will be NO Cost to attend this investigation, however, this is exclusively for paid members of Tampa Ghost Watchers ! If you are not yet a paid member you can still join here. Be sure to tell me what size t-shirt you require.

RSVP BY SENDING ME AN EMAIL WITH YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS.
I will send you the exact address upon receipt of your RSVP.
The investigation will be from 8-10:30 PM. BUT some of us will be meeting nearby at Snookers Grill at 6:30 PM. Get directions to Snookers here.

In planning this investigation I have had discussions with author and psychic Caryl Dennis. (You can find out more about her here) We have planned the Tarpon Springs investigation in two parts. (Date for second part will be Sunday, June 14 from 6:30 - 10 PM) The second visit will feature a spiritual workshop and investigaton involving Caryl and International speaker Bruce Moen. (More info about him here. ) There is not a cost to attend the event on May 17 if you are a paid member, but there will be a cost of $20 to attend the June 14 event. More details to follow soon.

My Comments About Hans Holzer

2009-05-05T14:26:00.001-04:00

With Sadness I report the death of the Greatest Ghost Hunter of All -

Hans Holzer.
(more about Dr. Holzer below)

With over 100 books to his credit, he investigated using spirit mediums with followup support using more scientific methods. Reading his first book when I was in high school is the basis for my involvement in paranormal investigations.

I have been frequently angered by investigators that have become totally reliant on "meters that go blink" for reasons they don't really know why instead of recognizing that we are seeking the remnants of a former real human spirit and that maybe a more spiritual approach is the most valid method of investigation offering a greater opportunity for personal experience. The "meters that go blink" have become the staple for tv ghost shows such as TAPS and Paranormal States. Jason, Grant, and others experiences pale in comparison to the worldwide investigations of Hans Holzer. He was best known for his investigations in Amityville NY.

In planning our upcoming Tarpon Springs investigation, on Sunday, May 17, I have had discussions with author and psychic Caryl Dennis. (You can find out more about her here) We have planned the Tarpons Springs investigation in two parts. (Date for second part to be announced, but tentatively Sunday, June 14.) The first on Sunday, May 17 is for our members exclusively to visit with the "meters that go blink" and then a followup with a spiritual workshop and investigaton also involving International speaker Bruce Moen. (More info about him here. ) My plan is simply to provide you with the opportunity to experience and learn for yourself what I feel is the real way to investigate paranormal activity rather than the hype generated by well produced tv shows provided for entertainment.

It is hard to take any supposed investigator seriously if they haven't read at least one of Hans Holzers books. He will be missed.

Bill

Hans Holzer Passes to the Other Side

2009-05-03T09:07:00.003-04:00

Hans Holzer, whose investigations into the paranormal took him to haunted houses all over the world, most notably the Long Island house that inspired "The Amityville Horror," died Sunday at his home in Manhattan. He was 89.

The death was confirmed by his daughter Alexandra Holzer.

Mr. Holzer - who wrote more than 140 books on ghosts, the afterlife, witchcraft, extraterrestrial beings and other phenomena associated with the realm he called "the other side" - carried out his most famous investigation with the medium Ethel Johnson-Meyers in 1977. Together they roamed the house in Amityville in which a young man, Ronald DeFeo Jr., had murdered his parents and four siblings in 1974.

The house had become notorious after its next owners claimed to have been tormented by a series of spine-chilling noises and eerie visitations, set forth in the best-selling 1977 book "The Amityville Horror: A True Story," written by Jay Anson.

After Johnson-Meyers channeled the spirit of a Shinnecock Indian chief, who said that the house stood on an ancient Indian burial ground, Mr. Holzer took photographs of bullet holes from the 1974 murders in which mysterious halos appeared.

Mr. Holzer went on to write a nonfiction book about the house, "Murder in Amityville" (1979), which formed the basis for the 1982 film "Amityville II: The Possession"; he also wrote two novels, "The Amityville Curse" (1981) and "The Secret of Amityville" (1985).

Hans Holzer was born in Vienna, Austria, and developed an interest in the supernatural when his uncle Henry told him stories about ghosts and fairies. He studied archaeology, ancient history and numismatics at the University of Vienna but left Austria for New York with his family in 1938, just before the Nazi takeover.

After studying Japanese at Columbia University, Mr. Holzer indulged an infatuation with the theater in the 1950s. He wrote sketches for the short-lived revue "Safari!" and the book and music for "Hotel Excelsior," about a group of young Americans in Paris, which opened in Provincetown, Mass., and proceeded no farther. He also wrote theater reviews for the London Sporting Review.

He earned a master's degree in comparative religion and a doctorate in parapsychology at the London College of Applied Science. He went on to teach parapsychology at the New York Institute of Technology.

In 1962, he married the Countess Catherine Genevieve Buxhoeveden. The marriage ended in divorce. In addition to his daughter Alexandra, of Chester, N.Y., he is survived by another daughter, Nadine Widener of New York City, and five grandchildren.

In pursuit of ghosts, Mr. Holzer began investigating haunted houses and recording the testimony of subjects who believed that they had had paranormal experiences. This field research, usually conducted with a medium and a Polaroid camera, provided the material for dozens of books, beginning with "Ghost Hunter" (1963).

Mr. Holzer called himself "a scientific investigator of the paranormal."

From the San Francisco Chronicle

Investigation - Saturday, May 9

2009-04-21T10:22:00.005-04:00

Tampa Ghost Watchers will be visiting the American Victory Ship on SATURDAY, May 9 from 7-10:30 PM for an investigation. The ship is located immediately behind the Florida Aquarium at Channelside in downtown Tampa.

This ship was launched in 1945 and has seen duty in the North Atlantic during World War II, the Viet Nam War, and the Korean conflict. In March 1953, the SS American Victory was assigned the grim task of retuning the bodies of 370 GIs who lost their lives in Korea. Get info about the ship here.

We will board the ship at exactly 7 PM. Our event will include a discussion on the history of the ship followed by an investigation until 10:30 PM. YOU MUST WEAR SOFT SOLE SHOES !!!!

SPACE IS LIMITED. Cost to attend is $25 per person. Sign up here.

Our Group

2009-04-21T08:48:00.005-04:00

We had a great investigation at Myrtle Hill Memorial Gardens on Sunday. Almost 50 attended. It as a near perfect day and while it is only just over 24 hrs since our visit, several attendees have reported some interesting experiences that occurred. If you have some pictures or more to share, please click on the COMMENT link below and let us know what you thought of the event and about your experience.

Sunday, April 19 was the date of the visit. April 12 was Easter Sunday, on March 22 we had a FREE cook out at Phillippe Park, on March 13 over 40 attended an investigation of the Belleview Biltmore before they close for over two years. Since January you should have received over 20 emails from me and of course, this blog has been updated as required.

We have a group of 14 going to Gettysburg the end of May and have put together a trip to Andersonville/Camp Sumpter in South Georgia the end of June. (PLEASE SIGN UP ASAP, as we will have to release rooms at the haunted Windsor Hotel soon if not reserved - get details here) We also have a planned campout investigation to Pat's Island in the Ocala National Forest in early August. This was the location of a post office, small settlement, cemetery, and large sinkhole, also the Yearling Trail.

Our next event will be on the American Victory Ship in downtown Tampa on Saturday, May 9 from 7-11 PM.

With all of this going on I received this email yesterday afternoon:
Hi Bill. I know you are busy but what is happening with the club. Several of us are very dissapointed. There never seems to be any investigations. I myself have only been to the Trelis Clinic. There has to be more to it than that. Is no one contacting you for assisstance with activity? Please don't take it the wrong way. It's just that I expected something....(Name withheld)

The Tampa Chamber of Commerce charges over $350 per year to join, plus costs to attend their events. They have a full time staff of over 10 to organize their events. We charge $25 to join - once- and you get a t-shirt (the Chamber doesn't even give you a t-shirt)

Tampa Ghost Watchers is quite possibly the largest paranormal group in the US with almost 200 members now. We do our best to provide you with plenty of events of every type and cost. Thank you to everyone that helps to make our events successful and to keep us operating smoothly. But if you are expecting events 7 days a week/24hours a day you can expect poorly organized events, plenty of repeats, and the need for a lot more money to be spent on a full time staff. The experience of paranormal investigations can be exciting, BUT if ghost hunting represents your entire social and event calendar, then maybe you need to get some help.

Investigation - Sunday, April 19

2009-04-11T13:35:00.005-04:00

Cemetary Investigation at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park
Sunday, April 19
4 PM - Dusk

Location: Corner of Martin Luther King and N. 50th Street in Tampa.

Founded in 1917 on over 100 acres this beautiful location has been known to have generated calls to Tampa Police of screams and moans, with nothing ever found. Stories of full body apparitions at various mausoleums have been reported as well.

Directions: On I-4, just East of Ybor City, take the 50th Street/Columbus exit North approximately one mile. Look for the Cemetary entrance on the left just past the Martin Luther King intersection. You will see a very large American flag on the right just past the cemetary entrance.

Bring any equipment you may require.
Bring comfortable shoes and water or beverages as there are no facilities nearby.

PLEASE NOTE: Follow my directions clearly, there are 3 Cemetaries adjacent to each other at this location. Look for my bright yellow Smart Car on the left as you enter the gates. Do NOT drive on the grass.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT !
NO Cost to attend. Members, Guests, and spirits invited.

IF YOU ARE A NEW MEMBER OR I OWE YOU A T-SHIRT AND YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR SHIRT SIZED AND I WILL BRING IT TO MYRTLE HILL.

PLEASE RSVP by sending an email to bill@tampaghostwatchers.com

Picnic Meeting - Sunday, March 22

2009-03-13T13:18:00.005-04:00

OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, March 22 at 2 PM

When: Sunday, March 22 - 2-6 PM

Where: Shelter #6 - Philippe Park, Safety Harbor

This will be an opportunity to socialize and share stories and experiences. AND a chance to meet our members if you have never been to one of our previous meetings or events.

Philippe Park is also known for its ceremonial mound and grave of Count Philippe. AND just to keep you guessing, while the grave of the Count is marked - he isn't there. But he is buried somewhere nearby.
Bring a covered dish to share. We will provide paper cups, plates, silverware and hamburgers/hotdogs.

PLEASE RSVP AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BRINGING BY POSTING ON THE COMMENTS OF THIS BLOG SO WE CAN BALANCE THE ITEMS SERVED.

NO Cost to attend, but contributions accepted. Members, Guests, and spirits invited.

Get directions to the park here.

Trelles Recordings

2009-02-19T17:44:00.004-05:00

Eileen and I took recordings at the Trelles. If anyone would like me to email them to them so they can analyze them, please email me at Pandooora@aol.com. Put EVP in the subject line so I don't delete your email.
I had a good time at the Trelles and enjoyed working with all of you!!!
Anna Marie

Trelles Clinic 02/15/09

2009-02-16T10:03:00.000-05:00

Ghost of the Trellis Clinic

2009-02-16T07:53:00.005-05:00

This photo was taken at the Trellis Clinic on Feb. 15th, during our group investigation. Ghost or merely matrixing? The temperature in the room dropped tremendously while we attempted to communicate using dowsing rods with a detected energy spot.Two members with sensitive abilities were communicating with the energy of a male, who advised he worked at the clinic.
Also notice that the image spans the area across the door opening, in a solid form, and would not have appeared as it does if it were a reflection.

One Sentence Answers Requested

2009-02-08T12:50:00.001-05:00

Why are you interested in ghosts and paranormal investigations ? (Please keep it to one sentence by clicking on the comments link below)

Upcoming Events

2009-02-04T18:08:00.002-05:00

FIRST, Our Next Investigation will be on Sunday, Feb 15 as we return to the Trelles Clinic in Ybor. Since our last visit national tv crews have been in as well. The work on transitioning the former clinic to a spa facility is moving along rapidly, so we need to visit while we can. We will meet at Street Car Charlies again at 6 PM for food and drink before proceeding to the Clinic at 7 PM. This time we will split the group into two groups, one experienced and one of rookies. So, while our investigations are usually limited just to members, this one will be open to any newcomers as well. Street Car Charlies is immediately across the streetcar tracks from the Trelles Clinic at 1811 N. 15th Street in Ybor. There is NO cost to attend this event and everyone is welcome.

SECOND, the Tampa Ghost Watchers at the Biltmore is almost sold out for Friday the 13 in March. If you said you were coming, but have not paid for the event, we will have to assume you are NOT planning to attend. This hotel will be closed for over two years starting in late May. I still have recieved no reply from anyone at Tapscon, but I do not think their event will be held. Most of the hotel staff is being layed off in April according to press releases. If anyone knows different about Tapscon, please let me know. Please sign up asap. I had to sign a SIX page contract with the hotel over this event. Sign up at
http://ghostseminars.com/seminars.html. If you are not signed up with us, do not show up at the hotel planning to attend as we will cannot allow you to participate. Cost is $89 per person and includes reception, dinner, program, and investigation.

THIRD, Tampa Ghost Watchers Do Gettysburg. Memorial Day Weekend. The Air Tran flights from Tampa have been changed to depart earlier. That is good. If you have tickets, you are set, but keep watching in case they change times again. I still have one room available. We will be visiting the Point Lookout Lighthouse, the Edgar Allan Poe House and Grave, and Ft. McHenry. Get details about the lighthouse at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/naturalresource/fall2001/ghosts.html

Get more info at www.Ghostseminars.com

Events Schedule

2009-01-30T16:45:00.003-05:00

WOW ! What a great meeting.
Thanks to everyone that attended our last meeting and Thanks to author, ghosthunter Mark Nesbitt for a great conference call. This was one of our largest meetings ever.

Mark Your Calendar:
1. Sunday, Feb 15 - 6 PM - Our Next meeting date. Exact location to be announced, but we may have an investigation.

2. THE LAST FRIDAY THE 13th at the Belleview Biltmore.
Friday, March 13 - This classic hotel is scheduled to close for several years of renovation in late May. We will have a group dinner, special program, and then a late night investigation tour by Emilio. This will not be open to the public, only to our group. Cost $89 per person including program, dinner, investigation, and breakfast buffet. We have a special room rate of $129 for the night. We have limited space due to the special nature of the investigation. (Friday is not a usual ghost tour night, so we should have a great time without the crowds and no one has conducted more tours of the Biltmore than Emilio) Email bill@tampagold.com to reserve your spot.

3. Sunday, March 8 - Meeting/Investigation - more details soon.

Event Survey

2009-01-16T11:40:00.004-05:00

As we plan for 2009, please take a moment and let me know what type of events you want to see Tampa Ghost Watchers conduct in 2009.

PLEASE PROVIDE AS MUCH COMMENT AS TO WHY AND WHY NOT AS YOU WISH. This is very helpful.

1. Do you want more events just in the immediate Tampa area ?
2. Do you want more events that are program oriented with speakers and guests ?
3. Do you want weekend events within a reasonable drive of Tampa ? (probably requiring a two night hotel stay)

Please rate the following only if you attended: (1 being great and 5 it really sucked)

a. Cedar Key trip
b. Ocala Forest Camping
c. St. AuGHOSTine
d. Ybor Paranormal Conference
e. Niagara Falls
f. Gregorian Chant
g. Phillippee Park Gathering
h. Cassadaga with Memphis Ghosts
i. TapsCon at the Belleview Biltmore
j. Sunset Ceremony at RedHawk Ranch
l. Others

Any other paranormal events that you attended that you think is worth mentioning, and why ?

Any other paranormal events that you think we should consider having, and why ?

We know you are not all alike. Budgets are different, time constraints exist, interests are different, and plenty more differences.
We probably have the broadest range of any paranormal group in the country and we plan to stay that way. BUT your comments, suggestions, and criticisms are extremely important to us and this is the place to do it.

PLEASE CLICK ON COMMENTS BELOW AND POST YOUR RESPONSES. We really want interaction between each of you on our plan. I received two responses so far and have posted them below.

Next Meeting - Sunday, Jan 25

2009-01-16T11:39:00.001-05:00

HOPE EVERY ONE IS HAVING A GREAT NEW YEAR !

Our Next Meeting of the Tampa Ghost Watchers will be Sunday, Jan. 25, 6 PM at the offices of the Tampa Marketing Company. 1906 N. Armenia Ave. #207.
Please call me if the door is locked at 813-770-3902 cell.

We will have a conference call with one of the Gettysburg Ghost Investigators, and we will layout our schedule of meetings and events for 2009.

Members, Guests, Visitors are all welcome to attend. NO Cost to attend.

Gregorian Chant & Holiday Get Together

2008-12-09T10:36:00.002-05:00

The Gregorian Chant Advent Concert is planned for Sunday, Dec 14 at 4 PM. Location: Sacred Heart Church, corner of Twiggs St. and Florida Avenue in downtown Tampa. Donations expected. This is an open to the public event with a sung mass from the 11th/12th Centuries. More info at www.FloridaProMusica.com

After the Chant (probably 6 PM) - Holiday Get Together at a new location called CORK at 406 South Howard Avenue in Tampa. This new restaurant/wine bar just opened this week. It is immediately across the street from MacDintons and has the same owners. They have generously offered to provide us with a selection of complimentary appetizers, but I need to let them know how many participants we expect. SO, please email me if you plan to attend.

Everyone is welcome to attend both events. Just Please RSVP to me as soon as possible for the Holiday Get Together.

bill@tampaghostwatchers.com

EVPs Digital vs Analog

2008-12-02T14:27:00.001-05:00

I always run a few analog recorders and a digital. As mentioned at Cedar Key, the way a digital recorder works is with Voice recognition software. Your digital recorder reads what it thought it heard and then in prints a digital sound signal. Much like when talking to the phone company automated signal many times it didn't get it right. They are programmed to hear and play only in the actual frequency range of a human voice. Many times the cheaper ones will pick up sounds not in the programmed range and play them back with the only software it has available. This software recreates the sound as an in the room type volume. So a whisper across the street from the house you are investigating could in actuality play back as yelling in the room you are standing in.
Analog works with sound ions in printing through magnetic heads onto tape. If the sound is not clear it may records garbled but it wont take it upon its self to INVENT words as a digital will.
I have been running two recorders together for the past few investigations. What I have found is that my digital recorder makes up a lot more then I thought it did. A person might say " I left it in the refrigerator "and the digital might play it back as "I want some cheese". In the beginning of using digital recorders I thought, I know no one said that! So it must be paranormal. Now that I have researched how recorders work I realized this wasn't paranormal but digital recognition software gone a rye.
Now don't throw away your digital recorders. Digital recorders, because of the possibility of hearing something not in the human frequency range and having to print it out in a human frequency range can be great for understanding some of what the paranormal whispers are actually saying. Of coarse its just a digital software guess but at least its some hint to what could be being said.
As a paranormal investigator debunking is an important part of the job. Before I play a recording for a client that says "GET OUT OR I'LL KILL YOU" I want to make sure its not a fellow investigator saying "is it raining out side". If you should get a recording like that and its not backed up on a analog recorder this doesn't mean that it wasn't paranormal. It just means perhaps we should schedule another investigation sooner then we thought...

Trelles Clinic Investigation

2008-11-28T09:33:00.001-05:00

NOTE: The Planned Campout at Red Hawk Ranch on Dec 13 and 14 has been Cancelled. Watch for a rescheduled date soon.

However, the Gregorian Chant Advent Concert is still planned for Sunday, Dec 14 at 4 PM. Location: Sacred Heart Church, corner of Twiggs St. and Florida Avenue in downtown Tampa. Donations expected.
After event get together at MacDinton's Irish Pub at S. Howard and Azeele.

TRELLES CLINIC INVESTIGATION Sunday, Nov 30

Special thanks to Fred with the former Trelles Clinic and Carrie with MC Film for getting us access to this unique, historic location.
You are invited to participate in an investigation of the former Trelles Clinic in Ybor City on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Location: 1508 8th Ave.

We will meet at Streetcar Charlies Restaurant and Bar at 6 PM and enter the Clinic across the street at 7 PM.
Streetcar Charlies is at 8th and 15th.
You can get more info about the clinic and Dr. Pacheco by entering a search on Google.

Please RSVP your attendance by emailing me at bill@tampagold.com.

Depending on number of participants, we may have different teams entering at different times.

No cost to attend, however, you must be a member of Tampa Ghost Watchers to attend.

Lots of Events this Past Year

2008-11-24T09:54:00.006-05:00

Someone recently sent me an email saying: "Doesn't look like your group has been active since 2007."

Where the hell did you get that idea ?

In the last 90 days we held a conference in Ybor City with a large and diverse group of speakers. The event was covered by 4 newspapers and two tv stations. camped out in Wimauma at Red Hawk Ranch and enjoyed a very spiritual Native American Sunset Ceremony. We had a cemetary walk at Oaklawn in conjunction with the Tampa Historical Society.

We have held a few meetings and conducted quite a few small investigations.

In 2008 we booked the entire Island Hotel in Cedar Key, took 8 people to Lillydale in NewYork and to Nigagara Falls with investigations of 3 forts, and a lot more.

We went to Cassadaga, investigated an old fire house, and scores more.

Tampa Ghost Watchers is the largest paranormal investigation team in Florida and quite possibly in the country. We welcome everyone's participation.

BUT it is up to you to take the moment to add your email address to our FREE email list so that you are kept informed of our events.

You can add your name to our email list here

Next Meeting Announced

2008-11-07T17:15:00.004-05:00

Next Meeting will be Sunday, Nov. 16 at 6 PM. Current Plans are for the meeting to be at the Tampa Marketing Company Offices at 1906 N. Armenia Ave. #207, Tampa, FL 33607, while the time is firm there is a chance we will be changing the location. Please watch for a later email or watch this blog for a possible change in locations.

*************************************
TSHIRTS - I am about to order some new t-shirts. Any member that I owe a shirt to, please send me a reminder with a size request. Any potential members - this is the time to join as I am ordering shirts. Join here

I will also be ordering some Dark Smoke Gray long sleeve tshirts. If you would like to order one I need to know size wanted prior to MONDAY, Nov. 10 - 2 PM. Cost is $15 each. This is a one time chance to order these long sleeve shirts.

Let me know asap.

******************************

GETTYSBURG !

We have reserved one of the most haunted locations in all of Gettysburg for Memorial Day Weekend.
May 22 - May 25. Total cost per person including a shared room, three private
investigations, tours, reception, one night dinner and ground transporation, cost will be $575 per person.

$200 deposit per room (for two people) needed asap. Limited to 8 total rooms, 16 participants.
PLEASE NOTE: there are NO single beds available.
Please indicate your room partner.

If interested in sharing a room please let me know so we can possibly match you with someone else.
First to pay deposits will have their space held.

ONLY 4 ROOMS REMAIN AT THIS TIME !

$475 per person
Balance due March 1, 2009 .

Airfare to Baltimore will be approximately $225.

GOTHIC GRAVEYARD WALK - Sunday, Oct 26 - 3:30 PM

2008-10-14T11:06:00.003-04:00

GOTHIC GRAVEYARD WALK AND TAMPA GHOST WATCHERS MEETING

Celebrate Halloween with friends -
New, Old, and Dead at
Oaklawn Cemetery, founded 1850
Morgan and Harrison Streets
(Downtown Tampa)
Join historian/actor Maureen Patrick
for a guided stroll through Tampa’s first public burying ground, where history is often amusing and
frequently bizarre.

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 2008

Ms. Patrick will appear in elaborate Mourning Attire as
Miss Prudence Fipwhistle (born 1855 – died 1899)

To reach Oaklawn, take I-275 South to Downtown East-West (Jefferson St.) exit. Stay far right at bottom of ramp. Go straight at signal; cemetery on right. Parking adjacent.

$5 donation requested at tour’s end
benefits Tampa Historical Society, Inc.

TAMPA GHOST WATCHERS WILL HOLD A BRIEF MEETING AT OAKLAWN IMMEDIATLY FOLLOWING THE WALK.

Campout at Wimauma Sat, Oct 11 and Oct 12

2008-10-01T18:18:00.001-04:00

Claire's group has been conducting an investigation at the Red Hawk Ranch. The owners have extended to us a great invitation. This is a FREE event. However, please bring food and drink as you need.

If you have never participated in a Native American Circle at Sunset you have missed a lot. If you cannot or select not to campout, that is ok, plan to arrive about 5 PM and bring a dish for a covered dish event that will last until approximately 9 PM. Thanks, Bill
RSVP to Claire at financlaire@verizon.net Please be sure to let her know if you are coming to the Spirit Circle or if you plan to campout.

****************************************************************
FROM BRAD and BRENDA:

WE ARE OFFERING AN OPEN INVITATION TO TAMPA GHOST WATCHERS TO JOIN US HERE ON REDHAWK RANCH ON SATURDAY OCT. 11TH FOR A WEEK-END RETREAT.

OUR GATES WILL BE OPEN AT 8 AM SATURDAY MORNING SO THAT YOU MAY COME EARLY AND ENJOY THE WHOLE DAY HERE. BRING YOUR TENTS - CAMPING EQUIPMENT - CAMERAS - ENOUGH FOOD AND DRINKS FOR YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR CHILDREN ARE VERY WELCOME.

WE ARE ON 18 BEAUTIFUL ACRES IN A PARK LIKE SETTING AND WE HAVE A SPRING FED CREEK WITH SMALL WATERFALLS THAT RUN THE FULL LENGTH OF THE PROPERTY. WE HAVE PICNIC TABLES - 8 FT. PORCH SWINGS HANGING FROM THE ANCIENT OAKS - A DELUXE WOODEN OUTHOUSE - A SHOWER HOUSE - A LIGHTED PICNIC AREA W/3 CHARCOAL GRILLS - HORSE SHOES - KNIFE AND AXE THROWING - MUSIC -
AND AT DUSK WE WILL HAVE SACRED NATIVE AMERICAN CIRCLE FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE. THE CIRCLE IS: BEING SAGED & BLESSED UPON ENTERING THE CIRCLE TO REMOVE ANY NEGATIVE ENERGY. YOU MAY BRING A BLANKET OR BAG CHAIR TO SIT ON IN THE CIRCLE. WE BRING IN THE 4 DIRECTIONS AND BLESS FATHER SKY AND MOTHER EARTH - WE HAVE A PRAYER - SONGS - STORIES TO SHARE AND JUST HONORING THE ANCESTORS THAT HAVE GONE BEFORE US. BRING YOUR INVESTIGATION EQUIPMENT AND WE THINK YOU WILL BE AMAZED. THE 11TH IS 2 DAYS BEFORE THE FULL MOON, SO IT WILL BE A GREAT NIGHT FOR CAMERAS. THIS IS OUR HOME AND ALL ARE WELCOME TO EXPLORE THE ENTIRE 18 ACRES AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO FEES, BUT WE ARE ASKING THAT OUR HOME BE OFF LIMITS BECAUSE OF OUR 2 PRECIOUS TINY DOGS INSIDE.

YOU MAY PITCH YOUR TENTS ALONG THE CREEK OR ANY SPOT THAT SUITS YOU. YOU MAY DRIVE OVER TO THE CAMPGROUND AREA TO UNLOAD YOUR VEHICLE AND WE ASK YOU TO THEN PLEASE PARK OVER BY THE BARN TO KEEP THE AREA CLEAR FOR BEAUTY AND GREAT ENERGY. PLEASE COME JOIN US FOR A WONDERFUL TRIP BACK IN TIME WHERE THE SKY IS SO CLEAR AND WITH NATURE AND LIFE ALL AROUND US. THE SOUNDS AT NIGHT ARE WONDEROUS. WADO .....(THANK YOU ) BUD & BRENDA HOSHAW
4110 CR579 S WIMAUMA, FL. 33598
813-634-5352

WE ARE JUST MINUTES EAST OF SUN CITY & WILL HAVE SIGNS TO HELP GUIDE YOU.

Please let Claire know ASAP if you have an interest in attending. Due to a prior commitment I will arrive late on Saturday.
Thanks to Claire for arranging this and especially to Bud and Brenda for the hospitality.

Bill

Next Meeting: Sunday, Sept 21 - Time to Be Announced

2008-09-07T12:38:00.003-04:00

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THIS DATE. Watch for more details here soon.

Sunday, Sept 21

We had an afternoon picnic just over a month ago, and are considering doint it again, please give us your thoughts.

Members, Guests, and Interested Others are Welcome to Attend !

Ybor City Paranormal Conference

2008-09-07T12:29:00.002-04:00

Thank you to everyone that made this another successful event.

We had a very interesting program and agenda. Your responses are very important to us, and we welcome your comments - Good and Bad.

See our coverage on WFLA Channel 8 here

The St. Petersburg Times here

The Tampa Tribune here.

Thanks, Bill

What Do You Think This Is ?

2008-08-09T09:40:00.001-04:00

Have a look at the attached video clip from CNN, and post your thoughts.

You can see the video here

Tap Con

2008-08-03T11:28:00.002-04:00

Tap-con was disorganized but we knew it was going to be before we went. There were good friends, great speakers and it was a wonderful experience to meet 500 other paranormal investigators. It was great hearing all their experiences and listening to their different theories. We traded business cards like a game of "Go Fish", and I hope to see those faces again at our events. It was great having such a sharing and learning experience with fellow Tampa Ghost Watcher members at my side. I would like to thank, Debbie, Angela, Cathy, Mike, Linda, Jamie, Bill, Claire, Jose, Rosemary, Nancy for sharing the experience and making it more wonderful for me.
We had some fun experiences with Robert the doll. I forgot to ask permission to do EVPs with him and to my dismay that whole section of tape was blank. I wont forget again! My lesson in manners I guess. Debbie had a playful experience with something messing with her recorders. Her digital recorder was missing upon arrival, returned to the top of her purse that last day we were there. When we went to Bills room for a small get together, Debbie's microphone on her analog recorder was destroyed, pulled off the wire completely. We searched the room to find no sign of even the smallest piece of it laying around. On another occation we searched the room for Debbie's glasses, walking in and out of the room to get ice I was surprised to find her glasses neatly set out side our door upon my return, where I would have to have step on them to enter and exit the room. Perhaps it was a playful spirt, perhaps it was menopause, but we enjoyed the experiance. Linda and I both experience being physically touched by something the basement. We were not in the same group which made it more significant that it was in the same area. I was sad that Denise couldn't make it due to Tom's illness. Sending Denise and Tom big Huggs and prayers. Get well soon WE NEED YOU BACK!!!
I agree that it was poorly run by Tapcon but I have to say that the people around us made it all worth the cost. The actual Taps group did everything possible to make up for the mess that Tapcon made out of their reputation. Would I do it again? No! I think I would rather spend my money on some of the Tampa Ghost Watcher excursions which have the same people experiences but don't have the chaos and confusion brought about by poor management. As for the Biltmore (White Queen of the Gulf) she holds my heart and if I had to sleep in a toilet I would and will return.
P.S. I went to experience the spirits, not to stay in a luxury hotel. I have to say our room was clean and nice, what we saw of it. I understand the hotel was over booked and probably rented rooms not usually in service. But I think overall the hotel staff went above and beyond to keep things together and shouldn't be condemned for one maid that didn't do her job. The Biltmore is scheduled for a complete renovation. Probably because its a very old building with many structural problems. But old buildings are where ghosts tend to hang out and I would have slept in the Leakey cellar if they would have let me.

TAPSCON

2008-07-22T08:39:00.001-04:00

I will be publishing an article about Tapscon soon. Will provide a link here when it is posted.

Taps CON

2008-07-21T18:20:00.003-04:00

Any comments about Taps CON? I will simply just say that it could have been better organized and my room had to be the nastiest room in the entire hotel. Rusty water, pubic hair all over the bathroom floot, mold in the bathroom, 2 inch gap in the window sill allowing mosquitoes in at night, lipstick on 3 or the 4 cups. This did not make a good impression. Actually, we checked out Saturday morning. While the history might be nice and the downstairs is nice, my room seriously lacked attention. Old is one thing....dirty is completely unacceptable!!!!!!!!! I can definately say I will NEVER stay at the Biltmore again and won't recommend it to anyone. We spoke with about 15 other people who had the same complaint so it was obviously just not us. Oh, I forgot to mention the exposed wires and mold on the ceiling in the corridor just down from us. Yes, I took photos of this in case someone doubted me. I just wanted to share my experience.

GHOSTLY COOKOUT - Sunday, July 13

2008-07-11T10:00:00.004-04:00

WOW WHAT A RESPONSE !
We have about 40 people planning to attend.

Our current needs are for some more food items.
Due to response, have change our start time to 4 PM. Park Closes at Dark.

When: Sunday, July 13 from 4 PM - Sunset.

Where: Phillippe Park in Safety Harbor.

How Much: FREE Event

More details here soon.

Get park directions here
List of people and planned items are here:
AnnaMarie - Chocolate cake, nustard and cups
Susan S and Bob -
Ron @ Sharon - plates & silverware
Julie F and Guest -
Jeanne B - Food item
Sam & Deb G - macaroni salad and deviled eggs
Charley and Mary B. Cups, Napkins and utensils
Nancy H and 3 guests - plates , napkins and utensils
Terri P - food item
Pras and 2 guests - maybe
Rick and Denise - -
Frank andDebbie - -
Luann - maybe
Mike and Linda - Beans and Brownies
Claire and Ramon - Chips and dips
Christi P. -
Debbie - hashbrown casserole
Helen B and guest- food item
Al and Patricia -
Ronn and Sharon -
Check S. and Guest
Lee and Susie and Diana -
Kathy F - Drinks
Angela and Cathy - potato salad and buffalo wings
Bill - Hamburgers and Brats

PLEASE RSVP FOR THE COOKOUT BY POSTING YOUR COMMENT BELOW.

Cedar Key Night Shot Video Camera

2008-07-01T17:31:00.004-04:00

I have a DVD from the bar at Cedar Key. If anyone is interested in watching 1 to 2 hours of still shot video camera for experience. After about 20 minutes your eyes start to burn. This will give you a little insite into what Steve on Taps must go through. Let me know I will bring the DVD with me to the cook out. I wont say if there is anything found on the tape cause I don't want to ruin the end of the movie for you... Just kidding. Let me know.
Anna Marie
Pandooora@aol.com

July 2nd Investigation Invitation

2008-06-29T13:26:00.001-04:00

When: Wed, July 2, 11 PM - 1 AM
Where: Dave's Aqua Lounge
10820 Gandy Blvd. - St. Petersburg
(This is located on the Causeway, about 1/2 mile EAST of 4th St. N.)
How Much: No Cost to attend. (However, I am sure if you spent a dollar at Dave's he would appreciate it)

RSVP to investigation leader Al Dubiel at 727-656-1124 or email him at dubielstrains@tampabay.rr.com with your plans to attend and any equipment you plan to bring.
Please wear soft sole shoes to keep down any noise.
PLEASE BE ON TIME !

Team sign ups

2008-06-29T08:47:00.002-04:00

It seems a lot of people are afraid they will be left behind. No one who wants to participate will be left behind. As mentioned at the meetings and Cedar Key if you would like to be added to an investigation team please email me at Pandooora@aol.com .
Investigations have not started yet and we are just getting things set up so relax. Remember when volunteering for a team. You must be a paid member. You must keep in contact with your team leader. You should stay as active in Tampa Ghost Watchers activities as possible.
These investigations are in private homes. Team can be changed without notice for undisclosed reasons. They must be handled professionally. If you volunteer be ready to do the work. You must review all your evidence and get back to the team leader in a timely manor. Should you find that investigations take too much of your time, you can resign from a team and be placed back on one in a later date.
Thank You
Anna Marie

Enough with the Orbs Already

2008-04-20T14:14:00.001-04:00

Enough with the Orbs Already
From Stephen Wagner
Your Guide to Paranormal Phenomena.
It’s time to drop them as paranormal evidence

THERE IS AN ongoing debate, or at least spirited discussion, among ghost hunters and paranormal investigators about the validity of orbs as paranormal evidence. Orbs are anomalous spots that sometimes show up in photographs. Most are white, some are multicolored; some look solid, others appear textured.

Many ghost hunters believe they are evidence of ghosts – that they are some kind of spirit or psychic energy manifesting as these glowing balls of light. A growing number of researchers, however, are concluding that orbs are nothing more than dust particles illuminated by the camera flash. Actually, researchers will usually say that “most” such orbs are the result of dust, being reluctant to say that “all” are dust, leaving room for the possibility of a paranormal explanation.

The Experiments

Countless experiments have now been conducted showing that dusty areas do produce orbs in flash photographs. (See The Truth About Orbs and Orbs and Artifacts among many other web articles for the technical details.) Small insects, rain, snow, pollen and other airborne particulates can also produce them. These experiments were designed to show that these airborne elements can be the cause of orbs and may not necessarily be ghost phenomena.

I applaud these efforts, but the essential question, it seems to me, is: How did orbs in photographs become associated with ghost phenomena in the first place? In other words, why do they even need to be disproved? Yes, anomalous white spots occasionally appear in photos... How do we suddenly make the great leap to say that they are spirit energy? That’s quite a leap. And an erroneous one, in my estimation.

Paranormal Assumption

I suspect this is how it came about.

Most people do not take photographs in very dark locations, either indoors or outdoors. The people who do this on a regular basis, however, are ghost hunters. Skulking around abandoned buildings and cemeteries at night with their digital cameras, you will hear them announce “Flash” (to warn fellow ghost hunters) as they snap dozens of pictures.

Of course, they did not see any luminous orbs of light with their naked eyes when they took the pictures, but there in many of the photos – plain as day against the relatively dark background – are brightly glowing orbs. The ghost hunters are in a possibly haunted location… the orbs were invisible to the eye… yet they show up in the photos… they must be something paranormal, they conclude. They must be spirit energy.

I belong to a ghost hunting group, so I know how eager members are to find evidence of a haunting. Seeing that unexpected orb in a photo gets them excited. “Proof!”

Well, hardly, I’m sorry to say. Real ghost evidence is darn hard to come by and has proved devilishly difficult to document. Orbs, unfortunately, have become all-too-easy things to point to as evidence when they are most certainly nothing of the kind. The experiments with dust and insects have shown that clearly.

A Common Anomaly

“Well, then why do orbs show up in ghost hunting photographs? Why don’t they show up in everyday pictures?” I have heard ghost hunters make that argument.

The fact is, they do show up in everyday pictures – quite frequently. I receive dozens of such photos every month from readers. The photos are not from ghost hunts, but from birthday parties, sports events, holidays – the usually things people take pictures of. They contain the same wide variety of orbs – white, colored, textured and seemingly moving – as those taken in cemeteries and haunted houses.

It could be argued that these everyday pictures are also capturing spirit activity, but of course there’s no way to prove that. The simpler explanation is that it’s just dust.

Again, these orbs tend to show up more prominently in ghost hunting photographs because they are usually taken in a darkened environment and they stand out more clearly against the dark background. But they do show up under normal lighting conditions, even if more faintly.
And what of moving orbs caught on video? The ones I’ve seen can most easily be explained as flying insects and, yes, floating motes of dust.

Please, No More

So at this point I am willing to dismiss all orb photos as non-paranormal anomalies. There seems to be no compelling reason to consider them as anything but dust and such. There are much more interesting and mysterious areas of ghost research to occupy our time and resources – such as electronic voice phenomena.

Let’s not waste any more speculation on orbs. Enough already.

G...ood EVP article

2008-03-31T11:50:00.002-04:00

EVP: Beyond White Noise
From Stephen Wagner,Your Guide to Paranormal Phenomena.FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
The disturbing implications of electronic voice phenomena
Electronic voice phenomena is today one of the most fascinating areas of paranormal research. Human-sounding voices from unknown origin are recorded on such electronic media as tape recorders, digital voice recorders, video recorders and other devices. Strangely, the voices are not heard at the time of the recording; it is only when the recording is played back that the voices are heard. (Contrary to the premise of the film White Noise, EVPs are very often found without the use of 'white noise' – random static from a radio or television – although this method has been used successfully.) The phenomenon has been experienced and documented virtually since the invention of recording devices. Skeptics reasoned that the voices were caused by stray radio broadcasts or pre-recorded voices on re-used tapes.
EVP researchers were quick to dismiss the second reason, affirming that they only used sealed new tapes for their recordings. And then, of course, digital recorders, which require no tapes, made that argument irrelevant – the voices still showed up. Aside from outright fraud (and to be sure there is some of that taking place here and there), this left the skeptics with the one 'reasonable' explanation: the voices were caused by fragments of radio broadcasts. This dismissive explanation makes it clear that these skeptics – who usually tout themselves as being scientifically minded – have never tried to record EVPs and have certainly not researched the phenomenon very well. (Unfortunately, this is very often the case with skeptics and the paranormal.) If they had researched it, they would have found that the radio broadcast theory is absurd. Why? Because quite often, these voices actually respond to questions posed by researchers, comment on situations in a relevant manner, and occasionally even address the researchers by name. The chances of a stray radio broadcast doing this with just a few choice words are too remote to even consider by any objective person. Also, the voices are clearly not those of loudmouthed DJs or other broadcasters; they are voices of average people, children, adults, seniors, male and female. Some have accents and some are infused with human emotion. There are real personalities behind these voices, wherever they come from.
EVP, The Next Level: Getting Proof
How AA-EVP is experimenting to validate the 'ghost voice' phenomenon
ELECTRONIC VOICE PHENOMENA, or EVP, is one of the most fascinating areas of ghost research. Human-sounding voices of unknown origin are captured on audio recordings. Ghost hunting groups around the world now routinely include voice recorders as part of their standard equipment for ghost hunts in the hopes of capturing EVP. They are often successful. For the most part, however, the recordings are as far as they go. Rarely is there any follow-up to determine whose voices they are or where they come from. Are they indeed voices of the dead… or something else? Today, the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena (AA-EVP) is taking EVP research to a new level. Through scientific experiments, they hope to provide more understanding of this intriguing mystery.
I spoke with Tom Butler, Co-Director of AA-EVP, about the group’s work. When was AA-EVP established and why? Sarah Estep established the AA-EVP in May of 1982 to, as we say in the : “Provide objective evidence that we survive death in an individual conscious state.” Lisa [Butler, Co-Director of AA-EVP] began recording for EVP after reading Sarah Estep’s first book, Voices of Eternity, which is now a free PDF download from the book page of AA-EVP. That was in 1987, as I remember. Sarah had run the Association for eighteen years and wanted to retire. So in May of 2000, Sarah dissolved the AA-EVP, sent us the old membership list and we reformed the Association without missing a newsletter. We immediately got the Association on the Internet. We wanted members to be able to share their EVP and discuss the paranormal voices, so we established an email sharing group. So that members could learn from the past, we also set up an online document archive, which now holds the majority of past newsletters. A discussion board, called the Idea Exchange, was recently added. There, members are able to help one another learn to work with EVP, and share ideas for new techniques. It is just the two of us operating the Association, so we are not able to give one-on-one attention to all five hundred plus members. That is why members helping members is very important. We are thankful for the help of volunteer moderators and regional coordinators, as many members have greatly benefited from their help. We wrote the book, There is No Death and There are No Dead, as a textbook to introduce EVP to people who are interested in these phenomena in a way that is both interesting and rational.
EVP is showing up in many parts of our culture. For instance, just about all ghost hunting clubs have at least one person using EVP as part of the investigation. Scientists seeking to debunk any form of nonphysical phenomena now include EVP in their comments, albeit usually while ignoring the evidence. The media is more often including some use of EVP in television programs and movies. However, not all of these references to the phenomenal voices are accurate, and we spend more and more of our time trying to counter misleading and nonsensical references with evidence-based explanations. We are determined to let the evidence be our guide, but we are also determined to provide at least one resource for the public to use when trying to determine what that evidence really does show and what something is that just “seems to be true.”
Next page > A new approach
EVP, The Next Level: Getting Proof
(cont'd)
AA-EVP is the first group I’ve heard of that is taking a scientific approach to getting results. How did that come about?
Lisa has a degree in psychology and I have one in electronic engineering. We have both worked in the corporate world. We both studied metaphysical concepts since our teenage years and have considerable training in several healing and mediumship modalities. So you can see, our temperament and training tends toward the pragmatic and deterministic, making us uncomfortable being associated with wishful thinking or things wondrous but unsubstantiated.
You will often hear Lisa say that EVP is “objective evidence.” It is clearly a form of communication between two intelligent individuals. From our studies, the only explanation that explains the evidence is the “survival hypothesis,” and if that is true, then the implications of such tangible proof of our survival and the existence of a place in which to survive have profound implications for humankind.
For instance, we are beginning to see a substantial body of material that is giving us a clear view of the greater reality:
People in the physical are the source of the energy needed to cause etheric to physical influence. We see evidence in EVP that we are the architects of our experiences. This also seems to substantiate the belief that we, as Self, are “embodied” in the physical via our physical body.
We have entities around us all of the time. One of my favorite stories about EVP was told to us by a lady member who was alone recording for EVP. She asked her unseen communicators, “How many people are there from the Big Circle with me now?” The resulting EVP stated, “Twenty-three.” We can demonstrate rather conclusively that people have formed supporting groups on the other side. We think it can also be shown that we live with unseen helpers and that our lifetime is experienced as a cooperative effort between ourselves and our friends in spirit. Who we gather to us and how they are able to help us is a function of our worldview and our attention to the subtle communications from our helpers. This attention can be developed.
What our religions, culture and family teach us about death and after death has a great deal to do with our experiences concerning the other side. At this time, most western religions are teaching things that cause some people to manifest a fearful experience when they interface with the other side and when they transition there. We can also see the disservice our popular media is giving the public by doing almost always showing contact with the other side as something to be feared.
We have substantial, replicable proof that EVP can be developed into a powerful tool for etheric studies. If the evidence is considered, it is clear that many of the fundamental beliefs of science will need to be changed, and EVP offers a tangible means for determining how that change should be approached. For instance, central to the superpsi and quantum-holographics hypotheses, which are proposed as an alternative explanation to the survival hypothesis to explain the observed evidence, is the notion that information is “nonlocal.” This is based on the observation that mediums, remote viewers and clairvoyants (all more or less different expressions of the same ability) seem to be able to access information unaffected by time or space. In our work with EVP, we see that information is specific to an entity or a thought form. We do not know where the entity must “come from” to speak to us, but we are told by the communicators that they must, and have been told that they must “now go on” and will no longer be able to communicate. We see what seems like nonlocality as an illusion caused by scientists trying to explain the evidence using only physical world principles. There are more, but these are the essential points. If you consider that these observations are based on experimental evidence, and then consider that virtually all of the scientific community is taught the assumption that all has evolved from the Big Bang, and that consciousness has a biological origin, then you can see that it is not evidence alone that we must produce. There must also be a change in worldview, probably first of the average person, and then of scientists as funding becomes more available for etheric studies. We see this happening a little in Europe with a few EVP research grants being issued, but much remains to be done. So, in answer to your question, we set out to make the AA-EVP an organization in which grieving parents can find help, the newly interested can learn about EVP and the community of science can begin their etheric studies in a reasonable and rational environment. It is our hope that the AA-EVP will eventually have the funding to issue research grants to verify and the above observations and find ways to apply the result to the benefit of the community.
Next page > The 4Cell experiment
EVP, The Next Level: Getting Proof
(cont'd)
Can you briefly describe your 4Cell experiment? Members of the AA-EVP represent a most unusual resource for science, in that many are very successful in recording EVP, and at the same time, willing to participate in organized experiments. Wanting to explore a way to use an experimental protocol, rather than something representing a hardware or phenomena analysis solution, we organized the 4Cell EVP Demonstration as an ongoing series of experiments to be conducted by many different four-person groups. Here is the 4Cell EVP Demonstration protocol:
A Requester thinks of a request to be given to cooperating nonphysical communicators (spirits). The request should be specifically of interest to the Requester and can be directed at a research question, such as, “What happens after the moment of physical death?” or a fact-finding question, such as, “Where is so-and-so’s body?” The Requester tells the Sender the request but not the answer or expected response.
A Sender is given the request and then conveys it to his or her communicators on the other side, asking that they send the requested information to the Receiver.

The sender then notifies the Receiver that a request has been “sent,” but does not tell the Receiver what the request is.
A Receiver conducts an EVP session asking to record the response to the request. Since the energy required for trans-etheric communication is thought to be limited in the group, the Receiver should be the only one conducting an EVP session for any particular cycle, and should only know that a request has been made. If the Receiver finds EVP in the resulting recording, the messages are sent to the Scribe.
A Scribe accepts the EVP, if any, from the Receiver and makes a first determination as to what is said in the utterance, if possible. The Scribe then asks the Requester for the request and posts the two on a private email sharing group so that the other three members of the Cell are able to listen to the EVP and determine which might be a fit for the request. The results of this collaboration, along with a standardized report of the proceedings, are then posted on the Idea Exchange for peer review. Other members of the AA-EVP are then asked to consider the offered EVP, if any, by functioning as a listening panel. What results have you gotten from the 4Cell experiment? The 4Cell experiments began showing us some very important results right away. For instance:
It is predicted in metaphysics that conceptual information, such as the feeling of love, should be more easily communicated across the veil than is concrete information, such as a street address. We seem to have some evidence confirming this. For instance, the question, “What is the name of so and so’s favorite restaurant?” The expected answer was the concrete name, “The waterfront.” The answer received was, “Has a view of the bay,” which is what the actual name could mean to people.
Some groups did better as they continued to work together, but others seemed to have more trouble if they had members with a lot of doubt about the experiments or if they were not getting along well. This needs much more study, but does seem to support the notion that it is possible to develop the energy necessary for etheric to physical influences by cultivating rapport amongst the participants. This is the “contact field” concept. It is also apparent that the Receiver should have a history of previous success in recording for EVP.
Very specific information that is not known to the receiver can be recorded. For instance, the question, “What are the names of so and so’s teachers in such and such school?” The expected answer was, “Vivian and Rosmund.” The answer recorded was, “Vivian and Rosmund.”
Some of the groups have established a team of cooperating entities. In one case, Vicki Talbott’s son, Braden, who is now on the other side, gave her the EVP message, “We are cell mates, Mom.” (This message was not recorded as part of a 4Cell experiment.) There are other discoveries from the 4Cell EVP Demonstration and, collectively, we are satisfied that the 4Cell protocol is an effective tool that anyone can use for these studies. One of the points we would like the observer to note is that we are not describing experiments, such as the usual psi functioning experiments, in which success is measured in very small differences between the results and chance. In the first place, according to physical science, the voice should not be in the recording. Beyond that, there is no physical reason that the Receiver can be expected to know what the question is, and of course, it is not reasonable to think that the Receiver would know the answer to something like a name of a teacher. The odds of the person guessing the question and then the answer must be astounding. Next page > What's next
EVP, The Next Level: Getting Proof
(cont'd)
There remains the question of whether or not the Receiver is telepathically finding the answer from the Requester, but remember that the Sender does not know the answer to the question; only the Requester knows the answer, so in the flow of the protocol, the mind holding the answer is one person removed from the Receiver. By itself, this does not rule out telepathy, but the way the answers are sometimes provided further compounds the difficulty of obtaining the correct answer telepathically. We believe questions can be conceived that will even further reduce the likelihood of telepathy, but you can see that at some point we must finally invoke Occam’s Razor and admit that the source of the messages is a nonphysical communicator. We feel that the evidence conclusively proves the survival hypothesis. What do these results mean to you? How do you interpret them? One of the most exciting things about EVP and related phenomena is that the evidence of EVP can be related to other forms of etheric to physical influence in an effort to see if their is any agreement.
When there is, we see that all of these phenomena may depend on essentially the same physical principles. There is considerable agreement between what we find using voice and visual forms of nonphysical to physical communication, and what is reported in studies of mediums and such largely uncharted areas as the nature of ghosts and the physical relationship between incarnate and discarnate people. The difference between all of the other forms of these studies and working with EVP is that EVP is able to be used in experimental protocols that can be adopted by researchers around the world to produce essentially the same results. We have shown in the 4Cell experiments that an organized protocol can produce specific responses on request. That means that, even if the researcher does not agree with the source of the responses, it should be possible to use EVP as a “window” into the nature of consciousness, the hypothesized physical-etheric interface and the concept of post mortem survival.
Do you have other experiments in mind? What’s next in your research?
Research can assume many forms. We would love to have a sociologist conduct a study of the Big Circle recording group – on both sides of the veil. This is a group of AA-EVP members who, beginning with Martha Copeland and Karen Mossey, found that their children on the other side were able to communicate with them via EVP. In fact, it was Martha’s daughter, Cathy, who named the group, “The Big Circle.” In at least one case, we are pretty sure that a child on the other side guided his mother to join the Association and the Big Circle. In her book, I’m Still Here, you can read the story of how Martha has learned to continue her relationship with her daughter across the veil via EVP. See [link]http://bigcircle.aaevp.com/[/link] and [link]http://www.evpcommunications.com/[/link].
We see the relationship between the physical experimenter and the nonphysical communicator, both individually and as groups, is an important area of future research. The human resources for this research is available now, but what it will apparently require is funding that is specifically assigned to the project.
We have opened a prediction registry and a names registry in our discussion board, but it is clear that it will take time to mature these into useful tools. One of the problems is finding people who are both dedicated to the work and who have the personal resources to be able to spend the time. None of these efforts come without a cost.
Individual researchers outside of the AA-EVP are working in specific areas, such as analyzing the voice patterns in EVP or trying to establish a pattern of responses in EVP that prove the existence of the phenomena, but as an international association, we think our responsibility is first to serve our members and to help others learn about EVP and how to use it for their personal improvement. We try to find ways to experimentally further our understanding of these phenomena, but once again, it is just the two of us directing the Association and any new initiative comes with added workload, even if there are volunteers helping.
Our objective is to finally turn the AA-EVP into an organization in which we can concentrate on research and have a company manage the day-to-day operation. Next, we seek funding to support research aimed at the larger questions in etheric studies that might only be answered by an organization that has many qualified EVP experimenters.

Identufying Orbs..FYI

2008-03-27T11:37:00.002-04:00

http://www.sgha.net/articles/orbs.html It would help if I post the link.......Debbie

Identifying Orbs...FYI

2008-03-27T11:24:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone, I ran across this excellent article on how to identify ORBS. Even I can understand this......enjoy! Debbie

Next Meeting - Sunday, March 30 - 7 PM

2008-03-11T09:31:00.002-04:00

Our next meeting of Tampa Ghost Watchers will be Sunday, March 30 at 7 PM at the office of the Tampa Marketing Company at 1906 N. Armenia Avenue #207, Tampa, FL . Phone is 813-283-0760.

Three home investigations to discuss including some video from a recent investigation.

Cedar Key/ Niagara Falls

2008-03-11T09:25:00.002-04:00

We are currently sold out on the CEDAR KEY event, however, if you have not paid for your room and registration it will be released as of Monday, March 17. I have paid for all of the hotel rooms and most of the other expenses. So, please help out. Let me know of your plans and I can email you an invoice for credit card payment.

NIAGARA FALLS - We are close to being sold out for the Memorial Day trip. If you plan to attend, please let me know asap.

Ocala National Forest

2008-03-11T08:46:00.003-04:00

HERE ARE ALL THE DETAILS. If you have not signed up, please let me know ASAP ! So we can be ready for you. $20 per person to attend.
Bill's cell phone number is 813-770-3902 , Lee's is (239) 246-3168
BUT NO GUARANTEE THEY WILL WORK IN THE FOREST.

OCALA NATIONAL FOREST - This Saturday/Sunday - March 15.
The weather forecast is for 80 degree weather with a very slight chance of rain. PERFECT ! The plan is to meet at SILVER GLEN SPRINGS in the Ocala National Forest. This is a beautiful swimming/picnicing location. It is also easy to find. It takes about 3 hours from our office. Directions are as follows: Take I-75 North to Ocala, In Ocala, take the Hwy 40 exit EAST, go approximately one hour to the middle of the Ocala National Forest, you will pass an area called Four Corners (there is a grocery store there) and continue on Hwy 40 past Juniper Springs to Hwy 19 (just a couple miles past Juniper Springs) turn NORTH on Hwy 19, several miles north you will find SILVER GLEN SPRINGS.
We are to meet there by 3 PM on Saturday. And will depart from there promptly. Get there early, or visit Juniper Springs if you are early. These are beautiful Florida treasures. Lee Ehrlich with Ghost Pros will be at Silver Glen Springs about 1:30, he said he would bring his GHOST PROS van to be easily found. I hope to be the last arrival at 3.

Our camping site will be about 30 minutes away from the Springs, in the middle of the forest. Remember this is primitive camping. You will be very close to your car, and a 45 minute hike or so to the former settlement. Thanks to the time change we will have sunlight until about 8 PM. We will get situated and then hike in to the settlement before dark to get a real look at the area. Then we will return around 10 PM and again in the very early morning as the sun rises.

We are ready to provide you with hamburgers and hotdogs for dinner, so not to worry. Bring your own drinks, and remember water.

Remember this is primitive camping. Bring toilet paper, flashlights, tent, and whatever you may require. AND A CHAIR TO SIT IN.

I expect us to be leaving the campsite by noon. BUT stay to enjoy this spectacular forest.

Map to Silver Glen Springs here http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/local-resources/images/maps/oca/canoe_silver.pdf

Details of the Settlement here :
The Yearling Trail
Pats Island is one of the most popular historic attractions on the Ocala National Forest. The area was named after it's first postmaster Patrick Smith who settled there in the 1840's and the unique relationship of two ecosystems, long leaf pine and sand pine scrub.
Much of the land bounded by the St. Johns and Ocklawaha rivers consists of the largest concentration of sand pine scrub in the world. Within this vast area there are oases of fertile soils and moisture that support growth of longleaf pine, wiregrass, turkey oak and other trees and plants not found in the surrounding arid scrub. Pioneers who settled in these areas called them islands because a sea of scrub surrounded them.
The Reuben Long family came to the area around 1872 and individual family members applied for and were granted homestead acres that they worked and lived on for many years. Human habitation on the island peaked before the turn of the 20th century when about a dozen families sought to eke out a living on the 1400-acre island. A living was made from farming, running woods cattle and hogs, hunting, fishing, making moonshine whisky, and trading with boat travel on the St. Johns River.
There is an ecological uniqueness of this of a longleaf pine island surrounded by scrub pine, which creates a single community isolated from the mainstream of central Florida life. The imposed remoteness contributed to a community essentially untouched by outside forces. The community had its own church, school, post office and self-appointed lay ministers.
Life was hard on the island and after the big back-to-back freezes of 1894 and 1895 the population began to decline. Most of the settlers had sold or leased their homesteads before the Ocala National Forest was formed in 1908. Outside forces were slowly bringing life as it had been on the island to an end. In 1935 the island was abandoned by man and surrendered back to the elements after less than 100 years of human occupation.
The natural beauty of the area and the colorful life style of these rugged people fascinated the author, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. She stayed with the last two inhabitants of the island, Calvin and Mary Long in October 1933. During this and other visits she recorded many stories told by the Longs. Calvin's childhood story of nursing a deer from a fawn gave her the idea for the Pulitzer Prize winning novel "The Yearling". The book was made into a movie starring Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman and Claude Jarman, Jr. and was filmed on location in the early 1940's.
Today you too can visit Pat's Island via the Yearling Trail. The trailhead is located on SR 19 across from the Silver Glen Springs entrance. From there you can hike up to 6 miles visiting various sites of historical significance and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Pats Island is located in Juniper Prairie Wilderness where natural processes are the primary influences and human activity is limited. Forest Service management of Pat's Island preserves and protects its physical and biological characteristics and allows us to experience this treasure without intention to disturb or destroy natural processes. As wilderness, the island is closed to motorized equipment and bicycles.
As you circle the island, stop and notice the sites where the residents once lived. When you once again see the sand pine scrub, you will be arriving back at the trailhead. Perhaps you may want to complete your trip with a visit to Silver Glen Springs. Snacking at a shaded picnic table or swimming in crystal clear 72 degrees year around water is a great way to top off the day. You may want to visit the Boils Trail at the glen where Jody (of The Yearling) built a "flutter mill" with palmetto leaf and sticks. It was here that he nodded off to sleep when he was supposed to be home attending his chores. The Lake George Trail from the Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area to Lake George also offers another hiking adventure.

2008-03-04T08:52:00.004-05:00

We has a blast at the Belleview Biltmore. We had 24 people come and around 2pm the giggles set in. It was such a fun group.
My son, a beginner got the best experience picture. Dont ya just hate it when you take a beginner fishing and they are the one who catches the big fish! lol This is his picture. He heard a voice, snuck up the stairs and put his arm around the corner and got this photo.

This next picture was taken by Debbie. We have found posting pictures that have to be blown up tend to blur and loose a lot of the excitement so if anyone wants clearer pictures please e-mail me. Pandooora@aol.com.

Months ago I got a great clear face of a child in blowing up a dot on a picture and this picture was the same way. It was just a weird dot and I blew it up and was shocked to see this face. So if you get a strange looking dot that might be your best catch of the day!

Anna Marie

Fire Station # 5

2008-03-03T06:57:00.007-05:00

Here are two photos taken within the fire station. Bill had asked Linda and I to get there ahead of the group and met with Dominique, and that gave us a few minutes to look around before everyone else got there. The four orbs seemed to be moving and the doorway shot seems to be a figure peeking out. I have attempted to clean up the photos but no luck. The photos here are as I took them.

What do you think?

Ocala

2008-02-25T11:33:00.002-05:00

I have two extra tents at my home in Mulberry. 6 man and 11 man. I have not used the 11 man in many years and hope rodents havent used it for nesting material. They are both easy to throw together pup tents. I will be sharing a tent with Debbie. I would be happy to lend them to anyone who needs a tent. I need to know as soon as possible. I dont go to Mulberry very often. I would need someone with a larger car to go out there with me. I cant fit them in my widdle mustang.
Anna Marie
e-mail me at Pandooora@aol.com

Fun Story

2008-02-18T18:19:00.002-05:00

Here is a fun story I would like to share with the group.

My mother has had a friend since I was about 2. They lived in Long Island NY together. My mom moved to NJ and her friend moved to Arcaida Florida. When my mother comes to town I always take her down there and leave her with her friend for a week.
Last night I took my Mom to the firehouse. She was new but the group was easy to be with and she had a great time. (I would like to thank you all for that) On the way to her friends house she said to me I would like to tell Jo (her friend) about the ghost stuff but I am afraid of what she will think.
Okay we get there and I crash in a living room chair and put my big gigantic key chain and my driving glasses on a heavy oak table about a foot from the chair. The keys and glasses were pretty close to the middle of the table. About 15 minutes later the keys go flying off the table and land in the middle of the living room floor, in front all four of us. I said what the hell? And her friend says "oh that's just my ghost". I turned to my mom and said, "your safe mom I think she is okay with it". LOL
See you just never know where you are going to find activity...
Anna Marie

Firehouse # 5...Opps!

2008-02-18T10:44:00.002-05:00

Opps!....I forgot to attach the photo's I cropped the first photo to enlarge and of course light enhanced both a bit as it was dark...I missed this the first time I went through my photos. debbie

Firehouse # 5

2008-02-18T10:39:00.002-05:00

Thanks Bill for the Great investigation! A great photo I took on the outside of the firehouse not only captures an Orb on top of the stairs but check out the light (vortex?) at the base on the railing. A photo taken seconds later but from a different angle shows neither, there were no lights out there on the side.......Debbie

Thanks

2008-02-18T07:12:00.002-05:00

I would like to say thank you to all the people who went to the firehouse last night. This great group of people made it a wonderful night. I would especially like to thank Bill for all his efforts to make these events available to us.. GREAT JOB BILL!!!
Anna Marie

Cassadaga Spiritual Weekend

2008-02-13T16:54:00.006-05:00

The attached photo was taken on Friday Feb.8th within the private Arrarat Cemetery in Daytona Beach. The group was led by Dusty Smith, and the investigation was beyond words.
This event was excellent and we are still going through tons of evidence.
Lee Erlich of Ghost Pros and I walked about 30 feet away from our group to do some EVP work. I experienced an approx. 20-25 degree temperature change and felt someone behind me. When I turned, no one was there, so I started snapping digital still photos. Concentrate on the lower right hand corner.
If you are a skeptic, I can't show you anything more convincing than this.
Enjoy.

Cassadaga Event

2008-02-12T16:49:00.000-05:00

I got to Cassadaga about 2 on Saturday afternoon and enjoyed the event very much. Cassadaga was as expected and with perfect weather. It was late night investigating. We had quite a few there from TampaGhostWatchers, so we will have some stories to tell at the Social after the Fire Station Investigation. The social will be held at the Dubliner Irish Pub on Azeele Street between Armenia and Howard Avenues after the Fire Station Investigation.

Next Meeting/ Investigation - Sunday, Feb 17

2008-02-12T16:48:00.000-05:00

Our Next Meeting will be an investigation of a Tampa Fire Station built in 1925. Get more details about it here.

We will meet at our offices first at 7 PM on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 1906 N. Armenia Ave. #207, Tampa, FL Phone 813-770-3902 cell

The Investigation will be from 8 - 9:30 with a social to follow.

There is no cost to participate, however,

PAID MEMBERS ONLY WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND THIS MEETING/INVESTIGATION.

You can join online here.

PLEASE BE ON TIME. AND Bring Flashlights. There will not be power on in the building.

RSVP REQUIRED, send your email to bill@tampaghostwatchers.com

The link is finally up to book

2008-02-05T13:09:00.000-05:00

I hope you guys can join me!!!
OVERNIGHT INVESTIGATION OF THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE RESORT March 1!
Back by popular demand, Orlando Ghost Tours is pleased to announce an overnight investigation of the beautiful Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Clearwater, Florida March 1!
Over the years, Orlando Ghost Tours has been proud to provide our guests with unique paranormal investigative opportunities in such amazing locations as New Orleans, Savannah, and Chicago. The exciting results of our investigations and the overwhelmingly positive interaction with our groups have made each of our overnight events moments that we all cherish. It is during these events, that you, our valued guests, get to become an amateur ghost hunter for the night and broaden your experiences in the world of the paranormal!
For more than a century, the Belleview Biltmore Resort has bestowed Southern hospitality and unparalleled elegance to an impressive guest list. Since 1897, British royalty, heads of state, movie stars, and professional athletes have all heralded the resort’s distinctive charm. With a fascinating history laced with social prominence and a remarkable revitalization, the Belleview Biltmore Resort holds a rightful position on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the Belleview Biltmore unites historic charm with contemporary amenities to bring guests an experience that is simply beyond compare.
Ghostly encounters are also interlaced with the history of this grand resort, and now you can join the Orlando Ghost Tours team of investigators as well as those of our dear friends at Southern Ghosts on an exciting journey to the Belleview Biltmore and explore a side of this wonderful facility that you never knew existed!
This event begins at 9 p.m. in the front lobby and continues until right around 1:00 a.m.
Rooms are limited.. book ASAP
Investigation only will be available when rooms are not.
To book use this link.
Questions please call me 813-412-1747
http://www.hauntedorlando.com/belleviewevening

the entity...

2008-02-05T10:30:00.001-05:00

Interesting article.......http://thebrgs.homestead.com/entity.html

Belleview Biltmore

2008-01-30T09:07:00.000-05:00

The Belleview Biltmore over night investigation (March 1st) will be posted on the site within the next 48 hours. Anyone who was interested will be able to book after then. Emilio apologizes for taking so long in getting that done but as a video producer he has been swamped. The web address to sign up is http://www.hauntedorlando.com/bellviewtour.html
Anna Marie
You can e-mail me with any questions at Pandooora@aol.com

Email From Brent Fair of TAPSCON

2008-01-28T12:10:00.000-05:00

I received this email from Brent Fair of the TAPCON on Jan.3rd.
Enjoy

Dear VIP pass holder, Firstly, I would like to thank you for your interest in Taps CON and for deciding to purchase a VIP package. I hope your experience at Taps CON will be a memorable one! Secondly, I apologize to you personally, for the delay in confirming your seating for the VIP lectures. There was a minor issue with our email server and we are just now at the point of being able to respond to your request.I must state, we are a bit over the posted "70" requests for the "first come first serve" registrants. However, since we were unable to access our email account here, to gauge our capacity for the seating, we are honoring your request for a seat anyhow! As you know, there is a maximum capacity of 70 persons in the Belleair Amphitheater, which is why we limited the seating to 70. Since we are honoring over that amount, we are now expanding the VIP lecture area into the Candlelight Ballroom, which has seating capacity to accommodate our needs.VIP lectures will not be held solely in the Belleair Amphitheater now!This means we are adding more lectures to the schedule, to better round out your experience.Please know that by YOU receiving this email, that we have noted your request to have seats reserved. As the event gets closer, you will receive an additional email confirming the people that you have registered for lecture seating. If there are errors in our list, we will arrange telephone contact to you, to clear up any discrepancies.Additionally, we appreciate your understanding that this is our inaugural year for Taps CON and that we are in the process of LEARNING what work sand what doesn't. Clearly, the instructions on the web site (VIP page) area little confusing as to how to register for the lectures. We can assure you that next year, it will be less confusing and that auto-confirmation swill be given out upon registration for lectures.Again, we appreciate your patience and your interest in the lectures at Taps CON. Please remember NOT to reply to this message, as it will not be returned. Again, your registration request has been received! If we have additional questions for you, we will be in touch. If not, we will see you at Taps CON!
Best wishes,
Brent Fair Taps CON Founder

Meeting Notice and MORE !!

2008-01-19T09:44:00.000-05:00

Our Next Meeting will be on Sunday, Jan 27 at 7 PM at the offices of the Tampa Marketing Company at 1906 N. Armenia Ave. #207, in Tampa. Phone is 813-283-0760 should the building front door be locked.
Please be on time !

Football season will be almost over by then (Superbowl to go), Gasparilla will have been on the 26th (hope I am not too hungover) and it will be time to launch a full year of ghost hunting plans.

We will discuss a recent investigation and discuss TWO more coming in the next two weeks, with a follow up as well. So, there are lots of things about to happen.

For those of you that are Verizon FIOS subscribers in the Tampa Bay area, during the next 10 days you will be seeing extensive tv spots airing during almost every ghost/paranormal related show starting this Monday night through the end of January. Watch for the promotion of http://www.ghostseminars.com/ . The site will be totally live by late Monday afternoon before the first tv commercial runs. Please email me your thoughts.

The Dupont Registry recently mentioned our group as one of the Top Tampa Bay things to be involved in. They haven't seen anything yet, wait til they see what all we are doing in 2008 !
That is it above, but unfortunately you can't read it :(
But what it says is: Who You Gonna Call ? If you are the type that likes to shine a flashlight on things that go bump in the night - Tampa Ghost Watchers - a serious paranormal investigation team might be for you. .... If anyone has a copy of the publication, please bring it to the meeting.

See you soon !!!

Cassadaga Spiritual Weekend

2008-01-19T08:45:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
I just spoke to Steve of the Memphis Ghost Hunters about the Cassadaga Spiritual Weekend seminar on Feb.8-10 and he has two rooms left available. This seminar will give one the opportunity to tune your psychic ability and hopefully come in contact with your inner capability. We will also go on an investigation in Daytona Beach. If you still want to attend, he must have your confirmation by Jan. 25TH and payment by Jan.31ST.

Belleview Biltmore

2008-01-18T11:00:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone,
As a few of you might know I am a Belleview Biltmore addict. My Mom is coming into town in February and I wanna drag her butt there.
I have been talking to the director of the Belleview Biltmore, Orlando Ghost tours and he is setting up an over night investigation for me on March 1st. The cost is usually $75 for the over night. It starts at 9pm and ends at 1am to 2am. If people get a room they allow 4 in a room and it lowers the cost of the investigation. The cost of the room is $200 for the first two people and $60 for the other two additional. The investigation is included in the cost of the room. So four people would be $320. I have never gone to the Biltmore without witnessing a lot of activity and would love to invite the group to join me. Anyone with questions can call me or Emilio. If you call Emilio directly let him know you got the information from Anna Marie so he will know what you are talking about. My number is 813-412-1747 and Emilio can be reached at(407) 247-0452. The event wont be on the web site until a few weeks before. I can assure you that it will happen.
Let me know what you think
Anna Marie

MEETING - Sunday, Jan 6 - 7 PM

2008-01-04T15:03:00.000-05:00

Meeting of the Tampa Ghost Watchers

Sunday, Jan 6, 7 PM

Location: Tampa Marketing Co. Offices
1906 N. Armenia Ave. #207, Tampa 813-283-0760

Agenda:

Investigation discussion
examining evidence
procedures
documentation

Upcoming events

Crop Circles

2008-01-02T21:24:00.000-05:00

I dont know if any of you are into crop circles but I loved the pictures so I thought I would share them. Go to the first page and click on pictures.
Anna Marie

http://www.lucypringle.co.uk/articles/millennium/

good site on emf meters

2007-12-28T08:28:00.000-05:00

http://nevadaghosthuntingsupplies.com/articleghosthunt.html

a really good ORB site.....

2007-12-21T16:28:00.001-05:00

http://www.rense. com/general69/ orbs.htm

Ghost adventures.....

2007-12-19T10:17:00.001-05:00

Has anyone seen Ghost adventures with Zak Bagans yet? What do you think about the footage of the things being thrown? Debbie

Hi Bill

2007-12-16T16:52:00.000-05:00

Hi Bll,
Great to hear from you I was worried a malevolent spirit sucked you up. We had a great time at the Belleview Biltmore when a few of us went in the beginning of December. I had even gotton scratched by something. Which I felt you couldn't do better then that for proof something was there. I was no where near a wall and the scratch left a noticeable mark. We also go unusual EMF and at the same time got EVPs. It was very exciting and I suggest it to anyone who has not been there. I also have registered with Tapscon for the July event along with Debbie and Denise.
I am excited to see what the coming events are and if you need any help just give me a call.
Anna Marie

Back Among the Living, almost.

2007-12-16T14:58:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Sorry for the delay, but this is my busiest time of the year and month. As you know I am the Publisher of a monthly newspaper and of numerous websites. The holiday season requires me at numerous events, as many as 6 in an evening, 7 days a week. But as the actual holiday gets closer, my schedule is starting to get a little more free. Unfortunately, January will not be a lot better as I break out my pirate gear for Gasparilla.

Here is the key news, as reported below, TAPS is planning a conference at the Belleview Biltmore in July. I have registered and suggest if you are interested to register ASAP.
The best deal is the VIP registration that includes a room for two nights. They have blocked the hotel, and their seems to be no other way to get rooms at this time. Get the details in the post below or go to the Taps website.

I plan for us to conduct 3 investigations between Christmas and Jan . 13. Watch for emails concerning those soon.

Lots of you have indicated company for the holidays, so
OUR NEXT OFFICIAL MEETING WILL BE SUNDAY, JAN 6 at 7 PM at our offices in Tampa.

We previously asked for volunteers to Committees. Here are the initial assignments:

1. LOCATIONS - objective is to research potential locations and to make initial recommendations as to investigaiton potential - Julie E., Jose Suarez, Rick and Joan Del Rio, Debbie Eskew

2. INVESTIGATION STRUCTURE AND PROCESSES - create interview procedures and make recommendations as to investigation potential - Claire Castillo, Marie Dumont, Jeanine Torres, Lori Pablo, Linda & Mike Burton

3. INVESTIGATION TEAM - Teams Coordinator - Marie Dumon - Various Number of Teams - Limited number of members per team. EVERY TampaGhostWatchers member will be a member of the Investigations Team.

4. OUTREACH - responsible for assisting in communcating with other parnormal teams and keeping our team aware of related events and news. Work to establish web and other links with other organizations. - Tom and Denise Drudy,

5. EVENT TEAM - responsible for assisting in the holding of our own events and seminars. Julie E., Anna Marie Maguire

Again, every member will be a member of the Investigations Team. Watch for investigations teams to be announced soon.

If your name is not listed, please let me know ASAP as to which team you would like to be on.

I expect to announce several key seminar/investigation events for next year. Exact dates are still being determined but the locations are: Early April -Cedar Key, May - Ocala National Forest Settlement, Early June - Niagara Falls/ Niagara on the Lake, Late August - Key West, Oct. - St. Augustine. Let me know if you have an interest in any one or more of these. (Or any other locations that you might suggest)

AND of course, SP is holding his event at Cassadaga on Feb. 8-10. Details on our website under special events.

We will have a more active schedule of events for 2008.

Your thoughts and input is always more than welcome. Have a Great New Year !

Dangerous Computer Virus

2007-12-15T13:24:00.000-05:00

Hi All, We've checked with Norton Antivirus and they are gearing up for this virus so I believe this is real. We've checked snopes.com and this is for real. Get this sent around to your contacts ASAP, because we do not need this spreading around.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS: You should be alert during the next days. Do not open any message with an attached filed called 'Invitation' regardless of who sent it. It is a virus that opens an Olympic Torch, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C of your computer. This virus will be received from someone who has your E-mail address in his or her contact list, that is why you should send this E-mail to all your contacts. It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it. If you receive an E-mail called 'Invitation', even if it was sent by a friend, do not open it, and shut down your computer immediately. This is the worst virus announced by CNN, and it has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever. McAfee discovered this virus yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept.

PLEASE COPY THIS E-MAIL AND SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS, AND REMEMBER IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US

TAPS CONFERENCE (The Atlantic Paranormal Society)

2007-12-13T12:53:00.000-05:00

Taps is holding a two day conference at the Belleview Biltmore in Clearwater, July 19th.(Saturday) through July 20th 2008 (Sunday). This event is being billed as TAPs Con and Jason, Grant, Steve, our own Dusty, and most of the TAPS crew is scheduled to lecture. The tickets are on sale now but are going fast. The VIP Package includes all the lectures, two night stay at the hotel,access to all activities and the opportunity to investigate the Belleview Biltmore with renowned paranormal investigators. This is a true educational event for seekers of ghosts, demonology, and professional investigations.
Please go to the TAPs web site for more info.

Bill is still among the living

2007-12-13T12:32:00.000-05:00

I spoke to Bill by phone today(12-13-07) and he apologizes for not being in contact with the group. He is really slammed at work and has dead lines he must make and client meetings he can't miss. Look forward to a message from him shortly for the next Ghost Watchers meeting and info on TAPS conference in Clearwater, in July 2008.

Where's Bill?

2007-12-12T20:43:00.000-05:00

Has anyone heard from Bill lately? I've had a few calls from other members wondering when our next meeting is going to be.

Jose

free audio editor....

2007-11-28T13:21:00.001-05:00

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Paranormal Book Store...

2007-11-28T06:57:00.001-05:00

http://www.hauntedlives.com/HLStore.html

Top 10 Ghost Tours in America

2007-11-28T06:39:00.001-05:00

http://www.americasbestonline.net/ghost.htm