Ghost Adventures at Eastern State Penitentiary - Sneak Extended View!

The Beastie Boys The Ghost Adventures crew is going on a true "lockdown" this week as they investigate the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, one of the oldest standing prisons in the country. I wanted to provide you some location details and an extended video preview of this all new episode, premiering Friday at 9 PM E/P on the Travel Channel.

The Eastern State Penitentiary, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is considered one of the most haunted locations in the world. The prison first opened its doors in 1829 and was designed to hold 253 prisoners, each occupying a solitary confinement cell for their entire sentence. Although executions were not carried out at Eastern State, the prison was home to its fair share of murders. At least two guards were murdered over the years, as were many inmates. Hundreds of others died from disease and old age. The inmates are long gone but there is strong evidence that their angry spirits continue to roam the cell blocks and corridors.

Also check out these behind-the-scenes photos from previous episodes!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Death by Chocolate

A 29-year old factory worker has died after falling into a vat of melting chocolate. According to spokespersons, the man died instantly after he slipped into the 8' vat and was hit in the head by one of the mixing paddles. Co-workers tried desperately to turn off the mixer, but were too late. Vincent Smith, Jr. was a temporary worker at the chocolate factory in Camden, New Jersey.

Three of the men were standing on raised platforms, feeding the vat with chunks of chocolate which was being melted for shipping out to other companies, who use the melted chocolate in their recipes. Smith somehow lost his balance and fell into the vat. A co-worker tried to save him, but could not. He was pictured, covered in chocolate, standing outside the factory while waiting for emergency rescuers to arrive, obviously disturbed by the accident.

Investigators are looking into the accident but do not suspect foul play.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Monaco Rare Coins

For many, the paranormal is basically a hobby. It isn't that they believe any less or investigate any less professionally than those who seek to make more of their interest, it is just that they do not want to invest that much time and effort in the matter. Some groups invest huge amounts of money in tools and technology, then have to learn how to use it; others rely on more traditional approaches - well, and psychics.

Rare coin collecting kind of fits that bill better, if you ask me. While you really need to devote a fair portion of your time and attention to a serious study of phenomenology, anyone can collect rare coins - especially with the help of Monaco Rare Coins.

A division of the Monex group, just joining Monaco gives you access to some $10 million in rare coins, readily available to add to your collection. Monaco has the contacts to secure what they don't have in short order. Plus, you do not have to be an expert in rare coins to invest wisely; Monaco provides the expertise, along with everything else! Their knowledgeable staff are members of guilds and associations related to numismatism, highly respected for their professionalism and quality of support.

If you aren't able to devote the resources to parapsychology you know you should, then try contributing some other way. Participate through research and recording (such as this blog), where your efforts have more of an impact. Then get a real hobby - like collecting coins!

Technical Notes

I have switched registrars and have been having some issues getting it to go through. I will be working on it today and that may keep me from posting anything new for a day or two. But the real reason I'm writing is in case things get wonky and the site can't be reached.

If The Weirding is down for any amount of time, please be patient and we'll be right back. Like I say, this shouldn't happen, but you know how things go; just in case it does, I can always be found at The Rundown. I'll address any technical issues there, so you can keep-up with it all until we get back on our feet.

Again, I did everything right and in plenty of time, so there really shouldn't be any problems; this is just to give you advance warning - a "better safe than sorry" scenario.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Turkish Game Show Seeks to Save Souls from Eternal Damnation, Draw Laughs

Stop me if you've heard this one: a Christian priest, a Muslim imam, a rabbi, and a Buddhist monk enter a room full of 10 atheists... It's not a joke, it's Penitents Compete, a new game show out of Istanbul in which the men of the cloth try to convert atheists into believers. Winners get to take a pilgrimage to a location based on their newfound faith (the Vatican for Christians, Tibet for Buddhists, etc.).

Of course, some religious leaders/spokespeople have a bit of a problem with this light-hearted chucklefest. While some say it cheapens religion, faith, and belief in God, producers argue otherwise.

We are giving the biggest prize in the world: the gift of belief in God. God is great and it doesn't matter which religion you believe in. The important thing is to believe,

Before the atheist can enter the program, he must be evaluated by a panel of theologians who will attempt to ferret-out the real non-believers from those just looking for a free trip. The show highlights recent socio-political matters in the area, as religion has taken a more prominent role in politics there with detractors of the ruling party insisting it has "a hidden Islamist [sic?] agenda." The ruling party denies this.

Penitents Compete starts lighting-up the charts this September. Meanwhile, future fans are encouraged to play the game at home, stones and glass houses not provided.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Ghost Adventures at Bird Cage Theater - Sneak Peek!

This week the Ghost Adventures Crew is heading to Tombstone, AZ for an investigation of the Bird Cage Theater, one of the most haunted buildings in the wild west. Tune in for the episode premiere and see what evidence the team discovers this Friday at 9 PM E/P on the Travel Channel.

The New York Times once called the former gambling hall, saloon, and brothel, "the roughest, bawdiest, and most wicked night spot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast." The walls of the Bird Cage Theater are riddled with over 140 bullet holes and at least 26 people lost their lives here in gun or knife fights. Visitors and employees of the Bird Cage Theater have reported seeing the spirits of former prostitutes and men in cowboy hats. Some claim to have been touched and pushed by unseen forces.

Click the link above to see a preview of Friday night's episode!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

19th-Century Checks, Tools Remain Unclaimed

Several months back, a rider found several mounted checks dating back to 1884, along with tools from the period, at a bus station. Police made the discovery public but no one has claimed the items. Because the checks were prepared for display, police are once again looking for the owner(s) of the antiques. If no one claims the unusual finds, they will become the property of the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center. Most such found items are auctioned-off after 60 days.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

A Pond No More

When George Terry Dinnie left his home to walk his dog, his 2500-gallon water pond was full. When he returned some 90 minutes later, it was absolutely empty! Dinnie managed to save some of the expensive fish, but many died. "They pumped the water out faster than I can fill it up again. It's as weird as weird can be," Dinnie told reporters.

However, a swale on his lawn appeared moister than usual and neighbors said they saw water spraying from it while Dinnie was away with his dog. He filled the pond up again and replaced the fish and plants he managed to save. But where his pond went remains unknown.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Grave Robber Detained

Families were shocked to learn their deceased loved ones' remains had been disturbed by a thief who stole their jewelry and precious mementos. A policeman discovered the break-in at the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in London on the 24^th.

Many graves have glass "niches" in which loved ones place special items, such as jewelry, photographs, and other effects. 23 year-old Michael Vail is alleged to have smashed several of those containing expensive items in order to steal them. He has been charged with breaking and entering, along with improperly interfering with human remains.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Bella True's Jewelry Tips for Guys

When it comes to shopping for jewelry, we guys are generally all thumbs. Jewelry can be used to mark many occasions (in addition to an engagement), and by following Bella True's fantastic "Tips for Guys" section, you really can't go wrong.

For many guys, an investment in jewelry says we are committed to the relationship, but women have their own ideas concerning jewelry and you have to take them into account. The wrong piece at the wrong time could give the wrong signals - it could even end the relationship! As a rule of thumb, earrings are a safe bet no matter how long the two of you have been going out. As a bonus, they are among the most affordable pieces, too.

Most importantly, pay attention to her personal style. Regardless of the jewelry you plan on purchasing, if it clashes with her sensibilities, you have failed in your mission and might even lose points! Conservative women tend to prefer shorter length jewelry, while the more outgoing types take to long pieces which move with her.

Check out Bella True's "Tips for Guys" before you buy. This fantastic resource should be bookmarked by every guy reading this! The nine tips provided will teach you everything you need to know about jewelry, especially when it comes to giving it as a gift. Most importantly, regardless of the type of jewelry, whatever you buy should reflect your partner's personal style. As long as you follow that single rule, your gift will be cherished and appreciated.

Things What Done Fell from the Sky: Lightning Strikes Six

A group of young men were apparently playing cricket when heavy rains forced them under a nearby tree for shelter. Lightning struck the tree and all six men. Authorities received several emergency calls and when they responded, one of the boys was convulsing and another was in cardiac arrest. All were taken to the hospital, where they remain. Five are in stable condition, but the sixth - the one who suffered from cardiac arrest - is in serious condition.

Never seek shelter under a tree in a thunderstorm. According to the National Weather Service, lightning is the second deadliest natural event (next to flash floods). If CPR is administered immediately, lightning strike victims have a better chance at survival, however few people survive cardiac arrest.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

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Mexican Officials Seek "Lost Island"

Mexican officials are desperately searching for a long-lost island which first appeared on 18^th-Century maps. They claim the US is encroaching on Mexican borders, and locating the island would help prove this claim. Experts believe the sea bottom in the area, to which Mexican officials have already made claim, to be rich with oil. However, reconnaissance shows nothing in the area.

Old maps were largely made by copying existing maps, and errors could appear on maps for centuries. As more explorers made their ways into unchartered territory and more of the land was mapped, these errors were corrected. Isla Bermeja may never have existed, though other popular theories say an earthquake could have removed it, global warming could be to blame, or the US bombed it!

Experts dismiss this latter claim but say they will seek more funding to continue searching for the lost island of Isla Bermeja.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Scheduling Problems

Hey guys, I was just dropping-in to tell you some entries which were set to post did not, for some reason. Blogger has been having problems with their scheduled posting function. It appeared to be fixed, but like I said, some scheduled posts were not published as set.

It being so late, I simply changed the dates for tomorrow and Monday. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dansko Kicks

I associate clogs with the 1990s, I do. There was an entire sub-sect of society that wore them incessantly - with every outfit - so much so that they became synonymous with them. The Art House crowd with their clove cigarettes and horn-rimmed glasses. The guys who hung out with them almost invariably wore Dansko sandals (as well as shorts with heavy sweaters).

Not one for fashion, I don't know if clogs and sandals are still in vogue, but I know I saw a pictorial just yesterday, featuring a very popular young actress wearing the ugliest, tackiest, "Who shot the couch?" threads I may ever have seen. So, the entire 1990s decade aside, maybe we should bring back the clogs and sandals?

"Stoned Wallabies Make Crop Circles"

An official for Tasmania released a statement saying wallabies were getting into the poppy fields, getting "high as a kite," then rolling in circles which create crop circle patterns.

The statement was made during a meeting on the security of the poppy crop. Tasmania supplies about 50% of the legal opium used in medicines and painkillers worldwide. It seems the wallabies are destroying some of the crop with their parties.

Another spokesperson said the incidents were rare and were not limited to the Australian wallabies. Other poppy farmers in the area backed the wallaby claims and added sheep to the equation.

It seems unlikely such "stoned" spinnings would result in the elaborate patterns of classic crop circles.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009