Movie reviews: Ghost Adventures

On Wednesday, July 25th at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, millions tuned into the Sci-Fi Channel for the TV premiere of “Ghost Adventures,” a raw documentary’ in which Zak Bagans, Nick Groff, and Aaron Goodwin go to Virginia City, NV and Goldfield, NV on a ghost-hunting expedition. Virginia City is rife with macabre lore and reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in America. The townsfolk seem to enjoy their town’s reputation and history. Goldfield is the site of the Goldfield Hotel (the last paying, and living, guest was in World War II), which is reputed as being one of “the scariest places on earth.”

“Ghost Adventures” has already won Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary that was given by the New York International Film & Video Festival and it was almost nominated for Best Feature Film from the Eerie Horror Film Festival. Zak and his team also traveled to the Berlin Feature Film International film festival and the Cannes film festival for international appeal.

Zak and his crew venture into places where others fear to tread. “Ghost Adventures” is probably one of the most convincing paranormal documentaries that viewers have seen, or will ever see. Along with the usual orbs there are noises, EVP (electronic voice phenomena), mysterious shadows, flying objects, and the coup de gracea full-bodied apparition. The internet is abuzz with the news of this evidence and with the film’s premiere. The film and its crew all have My Space websites, and hundreds of My Space Friends.

This film and the Zak’s techniques have been described as “extreme ghost-hunting” due in part to the taunts Zak slews at potential spirits in a highly controversial way, to the areas that they visited, and partly due to the evidence that they captured. One viewer has described Zak Bagans as the “Ty Pennington of Ghost Hunting” because of his charm and appeal to viewers and his enthusiastic attitude to his profession (Ty Pennington gained fame in “Trading Spaces” and then his own show, “Extreme Makeover”).

In Virginia City, NV the team visited the Old Washoe Club that harbors an infamous reputation. Among the rooms they visited were a crypt that was used to stack and store bodies that had died from disease or mining accidents in the later part of the 1800’s. Many orbs and EVP’s are heard throughout this segment and it is within this Club that a full-bodied apparition is seen walking across the screen. As Nick sets up cameras and other paranormal equipment he

Basic guide for ghost hunting – Part 23

During the course of my work in soul rescue, there are a few methods that I use to clear an entity attachment and it depends mostly on the type of entity (benevolent or malevolent) and the person involved. In order for someone to undergo an entity clearance process, they need to come to the realisation that they have an entity and be willing to release it before any real help can be given. In the case of someone in denial, mentally ill or otherwise unable to make an informed decision, the clearer must communicate with this persons higher self and seek permission from it in order for the process to go ahead…Or the entity must want to go. If the person does not accept that they have an entity, but a connection is able to be made with the being itself and it communicates that it wishes to leave, clearance can also be done without the “hosts” cooperation. Often times, once the entity becomes trapped in the person’s auric field, they need help to get free of it and this is what we as clearers and soul rescuers are there for. The clearance process is facilitated for the highest good of all involved (both the host and the attached entity) as removal of the attachment will allow the host to continue with their life, able to fulfill their lifes purpose free from encumbrance and at the same time the entity is freed to enter into healing in preparation for its next incarnation.

Initially, in assessing a person for entity clearance, we must try to find out the history of the attachment…when any issues began, when any pain or illness manifested…basically a good outline of how the subject is being affected by any possible attachment and how long this has been an issue.

* People who seek sessions often describe the following symptoms:

Feelings of being blocked in life, regardless of what you do to try to change things (just when things are going right, it always seems to fall apart)

Hearing intrusive thoughts and voices

Recognition that some behaviour is not consistent with your personality. The realisation that “That wasn’t me!” following something you’ve thought, said or done

Repetitious dreams or nightmares

Problems following the use of pendulums or ouija board

Addictions

Sexual dysfunction

Feelings of abandonment, unnatural clinginess or separation anxiety

Feelings of not being alone in your body

Feelings of being followed or stalked with no evidence of this happening

Relationship problems

Phobias and irrational

Basic guide for ghost hunting – Part 3

So you want to be a ghost hunter?

Ghost hunting can be an exciting hobby, especially if you are a thrill seeker and love the paranormal. However it can be tricky. There are a lot of natural elements then can cause false evidence. Don’t worry it even happens to the best.

There are a lot of web sites that offer a lot of so called evidence. Unfortunately you can’t always believe what you see and hear. If you are ghost hunting because you truly want sufficient proof of life after death you need to educate yourself.

Here are some useful tips on how to get started if photographing

1. Mother Nature is not always your friend when you are searching for ghosts. The weather can have a great effect on your photographic out come. The dampness in the air, the chill of fall and winter weather can effect any camera. These conditions can cause orbs or what appears to be ectoplasm.

2. The right camera and the right film speed are crucial. You want at least 800-speed film. 400 speed is OK, but it never really gives quality to support any evidence you think you might find. The best camera to use is a digital camera. Preferably a 4.o mega pixel or higher. Low pixel cameras can cause what looks like little faces or bodies floating in the back round.

3. Camera control is also another issue. You need to be steady as you snap your pictures. Unsteady shots can cause what is known as the ribbon effect. Sure it looks cool sometimes, but it is no ghost. You can even take a picture of a person on slow speed and be unsteady and it can look like a true ghost. Be careful of that. Slow shutter should never be used when you are ghost hunting. Don’t try to fool the experts either. They will tell you exactly how you did it.

4. Your breath can make ghosts. Yes it is true, you need to hold your breath when you are taking pictures especially in colder conditions. Cameras are very sensitive equipment and pick up a lot of things. Your very own breath can look like gigantic ectoplasm. Also the breath of others that may be with you, Before you snap your picture make sure everyone is aware so they can be out of the way.

5. Orbs, I personally disregard them. Why, because there is a mile list long of things that can cause an orb. Things that can cause an orb are moisture, bugs, far off lights, dust, and lint among many other things. You should always clean your lens before you go out on a ghost hunt. Never photograph near any light source it will always show up as some strange phenomenon in your photographs.

6. A vortex that is another tricky one. If you have long hair a stray piece gets in front of the lens it can cause what is known as a vortex. So be sure to have your hair pulled straight back and secure.

7. Above all safety and abiding the law should hold the up most importance when you are going on a ghost hunt. You should never go alone, especially at night. You need the security of a group and someone should always carry a walkie-talkie or cell phone in case anyone is to become injured. You should also never tress pass it is a crime and can be punishable by fine or even jail.

Keep these tips in mind before you go out and seek those ghosts. Also don’t be discouraged if you don’t get anything right away. Even the pros have to go through rolls of film before they catch something significant.

The best times for ghost hunting is between April and October. Dusk and dawn are also great hours to catch great stuff. Most of all have fun!

Can dogs sense the supernatural?

Can Dogs Sense the Supernatural?

This is a very difficult question to answer because there is no absolute scientific evidence of the existence of the supernatural. There are many things that are unexplained at this time. I have gone to a cemetery on ghost hunting expeditions. I have recorded electronic voice phenomena (EVP). There was no earthly explanation for the whistling and laughing and voices that I captured on my tape recorder during my investigations. Due to my personal experience I believe there are either spirits or beings residing in a different dimension than the space that we occupy. Even Thomas Edison did not rule out the possibility of being able to contact the dead using a recording device.

So where do dogs fit in as being receptors of the supernatural? Well we all are aware that dogs have keener hearing and a much more highly developed sense of smell than humans do. Is it possible that they have the ability to hear sounds that emanate from the spirit world? When EVP are captured on a tape or digital recorder the voices are not audible at the time of the recording. It is not until playback that the EVP is revealed. EVP is usually lasts only a couple of seconds. So it is sporadic at best. Perhaps our canine friends hear short bursts of electrical energy that is audible to their highly developed sense of hearing.

Then again maybe dogs have a different way of sensing the supernatural. They might “feel” the energy of ghostly ones. It is a known fact that animals can sense weather related incidents prior to their occurrence. Animals have been known to predict earthquakes and other impending disasters. Odd behavior from household pets and livestock are often noted by their human counterparts before the event takes place. Perhaps dogs can pick up on electrical impulses of the earth and the supernatural as well.

I believe my own dog sensed my mother in my home several hours after her death. My mom had died shortly after midnight. The following evening as I was sitting at my computer still in shock from my mother’s sudden passing my dog walked up next to my chair and started looking up towards the ceiling. She then started to growl while turning around in circles with her nose still looking upward. She kept on turning and growling several times until I took her outside. She had never done anything even remotely similar to that behavior before and she has never done it again and it’s been 18 months since my mother died. I feel my dog somehow sensed my mother’s spirit during a visitation from her that evening.

I am hopeful that one day in the not too distant future scientists will devise an absolute method for detecting the supernatural. When that is accomplished then it will be much easier to test the abilities of our canine companions. Until then we can only wonder what they are sensing when they gaze down the hallway, ears alert, head cocked, perhaps a slight tail wag as if they are privy to the visit of some unseen guest.

Basic guide for ghost hunting – Part 20

So you have watched TAPS and you think you are now ready to dive into the fun world of the paranormal. Hold on there Chief, allow me to explain some things about the paranormal investigation you may have not thought of.

the first thing you should realise is that a lot of the local haunts you may be heading to are in fact private property. So do not go to any location without permission from the owner.

Another thing do not go to a grave yard at night, this may seem like the thing to do but it is not and it is trespassing.

Second, lets say you have permission to go to a location, what do you bring? The TAPS guys have everything but some of that stuff is very expensive. All you need are a couple cameras and tape recorders and a compass. The cameras should be used if activity occurs canvass the are with photos. The tape recorders should be used for EVP phenomenon you know ask a question get an answer on tape that you did not hear with your ears. The compass is the poor mans EMF meter. The needle of the compass will rotate if it comes in contact with magnetic fields.

Third, Think about this, and think very hard about it. Not all ghosts or spirits are one of two types residual or intelligent, there are in fact non human entity’s that’s correct, demons. These things can follow you home make you sick and piss you off all in the same day. If this happens consult a church or kiss your TAPS watching ass good bye. Not only demons but some cases have reported spirit attachment this is were a ghost follows you every where including your home your bed every where.

Fourth, What will you do if something really happens? Can you really handle seeing something occur before your eyes that has no logical explanation? What if something attacks you and scratches you or bites you? I have seen some really weird stuff and let me tell you it weighs on your mind forcing you to re-think some beliefs you may have about life in general. Often times hauntings are accompanied by a tragic story. The back story alone could make you depressed. Suicide and murder are often involved in the back story or maybe even cults or devil worship. All these things could have deep psychological impact on your fragile little brain. What if you get an EVP of a child yelling for his mother and sounds deathly afraid? These things happen whether or not it is a child that has died or a demon messing with your brain in hopes that you die is the question. If things get too deep just leave the place, you are out to have fun not have a mental episode.

Lets sum this up by saying if investigating the paranormal is something you want to do, do it. Safety should be a main priority do not go alone and get permission these things are the two most important things to remember. Now enjoy.

Basic guide for ghost hunting – Part 6

I think there could easily be a hierachy of ghosts and saintly spirits, as addressed by the Catholic Church. The Catholics have been studying the afterlife for a good long time you know. They make no bones about it, and go ahead and accept the reality of EVIL. They have special priests available to ship out from the Vatican. In Rome, there are courses for the priests who seem to have knack for this kind of thing. I liken it to our Navy Seals, you know special training for extreme circumstances. For myself, I’m a chicken-heart, and have absolutely no interest in ghost-hunting, just like I wouldn’t join a city-gang-cult for sport.

Due to my own sensitivity, coupled with a fruitful imagination, I need no encouragement to see or hear “the other”. The problem, of course, is you cannot take it to the bank. Plus we have the additional problem, is it real, or is it Memorex? (sorry, I couldn’t resist)

I believe that if a should a person be given the gift of clairvoyancy, it is to be given away also as a gift, and not sold like a head of lettuce, a common commodity. Do we not lose our gifts when we offend God? Ask Dorian Gray.(Re: The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900) Ask Lucifer. He switched teams, halfway through the game,so, he should know.

I watch the ghost shows on T.V. and listen to late night talk radio. I have learned some people believe that they are being communicated with through their answering machines. Well?

I have heard some very strange messages on machines myself, I sometimes work in telemarketing…and let me tell you, the answering machine can be a very creative tool of someone expressing an inner communication to an anonymous audience. Do ghosts use them? The answer seems to change be it 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., at least for me. I waffle, therefore I am.

Perhaps ghosts live in a relative universe, such as some people’s perception of the truth.

This could work out, much like the theories of truth, so that one could believe in ghosts only when it suited the context, i.e., is there money in it? The old “I believe in God as long as it is convenient to what I want” idea.

Just in case, I say a prayer for the dead, found in my personal Catholic Prayers for the Dead. It goes like this…Help me to pray for my brothers and sisters who have departed from this world. May their time of purification be short and they be quickly guided into that Holy Light…I think the Buddhists utilize prayer wheels to connect, but I guess everybody has a need to connect somehow. May it be only positive and loving, if you do find your personal ghost.

Basic guide for ghost hunting – Part 22

When finding the incarnate entity you have be tactful of the haunted place you choose . Spirits live in a parallel universe , they pull energy from earth’s surfaces and surroundings . Their energy can be detected if you have the right kind of equipment . A hand held digital recorder , and a 35 mm single shot camera , and your on your way to finding the paranormal .

The most active places , usually include old forts , vacated prisons and asylums . Light houses are good to , if you live on the coast . Historical places have significant entities , but you must have permission first to investigate . Be professional and polite , when asking . Be skeptical and always try to prove something not haunted , before you jump to conclusions that it is . Getting the entities to interact with you can be difficult . Ask for names , why they are there , and try to provoke if necessary .

When asking questions , make sure your hand held recorder is on and working , allow 30 to 40 seconds before asking a different question . Dowsing rods can be used to pick up magnetic fields when doing your walk through of haunted establishment , They should stick straight out in front of you , if a magnetic field is present they will begin to cross . Changes in temperature can be noticeably present to the body . They are called cold spots , this is hard to prove unless you have thermal indicators and infra red cameras .

Head lamps and flash lights are a must , but only use them to navigate your way through the structure . Stay in one place for a while and try to experience the rooms effect . Entities will only come out when they are ready , and are hard to catch on video unless the cameras are in a fixed position . Evps and Emfs readings are used , but they are expensive and complicated to operate . Keeping to the basics will give you better experiences and more fright for the bite .

Movie reviews: Death of a Ghost Hunter

Death of a Ghost Hunter (2007)

Starring: Patti Tindall, Mike Marsh, Davina Joy, and Lindsay Page

Director: Sean Tretta

Rating: Eight of Ten Stars

Professional ghost hunter Carter Simms (Tindall) is hired to lead a three-day investigation at a house where a preacher and his family perished twenty years ago in what appeared to be a brutal murder/suicide. Together with videographer Colin Green (Marsh) and journalist Yvette Sandoval (Joy), and joined at the last minute by the enigmatic fundamentalist Christian Mary Young Mortenson (Page), she sets out to locate and document any evidence of ghostly activity. What she finds will shock her. What she doesn’t find will kill her.

“Death of a Ghost Hunter” is an expertly crafted ghost movie that manages to both hold to the traditions of the genre while also delivering unexpected surprises. It’s a movie that will satisfy those in the audience who are interested in the “science” of ghost hunting (as portrayed in the “Ghost Hunters” television series or by guests on late-night talkshow “Coast to Coast AM), as well as those who are just looking for a well-done supernatural thriller.

The exceptional quality of the film starts from a foundation of a good script that not only presents a solid story, but which is written so well that each character in the film has a unique way of speaking, making them and the entire situation that much more believeable. The actors all give top-notch, natural-seeming performances, taking the strengths of the script and amplifying them. Acting-wise, there isn’t a moment in the film that doesn’t seem real and a character that doesn’t have believeable reactions to events.

That’s not to say this is a perfect movie. There are some core elements to the plot that I find questionable-elements I can’t comment on without spoiling some of the film’s big surprises-because I find it hard to believe that even in a small town some of the circumstances surrounding the death of the preacher wouldn’t come to light during the police investigation in 1982. (There are also what appears to be plot problems as the film unfolds, but thsoe are intentional and they start to make sense as the pieces of the mystery surrounding the haunting begin to come together.)

But, most of the problems with the film don’t rise far beyond the level of nitpicking. In fact, it compares favorably to recent big Hollwood ghost movies that took months and hundreds of thousands of dollars to make, even though “Death of a

Ghost Hunting 101 – You Can Hunt Ghosts Too!!

During each lecture I do, people ask me if I can explain in simple terms how to hunt ghosts. Following each question, I chuckle and tell them that it isn’t as hard as it seems, in fact, anyone can do it. What does it take to be a ghost hunter? Let me tell you exactly what you might need to be a ghost hunter. As time goes on, you may wish to increase your arsenal of items to become more proficient.

There is no special piece of equipment you need to be a ghost hunter. The list is simple and can be interchanged for anyone’s personal needs.

Let me take this opportunity to explain what we believe ghosts to be. Ghost hunting is merely theory and conjecture. Through the study of many different theories and scientific reports, we have derived the possibility of where ghosts come from. The bodies we wear are merely a shell for the energy we hold inside. We came from energy before we were born and we will return to energy when we die. This is simple physics as well as the circle of life. Ghosts are made up of this energy. When we die, it is presumed that we have come from this energy and therefore, that is what we will return to. We dispose of this body that we have worn out so completely and the energy leaves it. Remember, ghosts are people too. They have died and become ghosts keeping the same attitudes, personalities and emotions they had when they were alive. So, if you were a crabby, grumpy person in life, you will be a crabby, grumpy person as a ghost. If you were a happy, peppy person in life, you will be the same as a ghost.

That being said, the first item on our list of necessities for ghost hunting is keeping an open mind. The best thing you can do for yourself every day besides showering and cleaning yourself up is to meditate. Meditation is good for your body, mind and soul. It opens you up to what surrounds us every day. It allows your mind to breathe and to think. You are able to completely free yourself from all the stress and repetitive tasks you must undertake each day. Meditation is something I suggest doing daily. This is a great start for a ghost hunter. Keep an open mind and with it you will be able to feel, hear and possibly, see ghosts. While doing that be sure to keep an open mind to the possibility that ghosts do exist. You want to be sure to keep the positive feelings and energy going. They will feel more welcome and you will feel better as well.

Next, have a flashlight. It doesn’t matter where you choose to do your ghost hunting, a flashlight is imperative. Night time is the best time for ghost hunting and you need to see where you are going. If you decide to enter a cemetery at night, besides getting permission first, you want to make sure you are not falling into the open grave that is to be used for someone in the future. You don’t want to be tripping over sticks, logs, rocks or anything else and you don’t want to twist your ankle in a smaller hole merely because you didn’t see it. If you want to keep yourself in a bit more secrecy, you can get a flashlight with a red lens. This limits the light but still allows you to be able to see where you are going.

You will want to have a companion. Never, ever, EVER go anywhere by yourself. If something happens to you, no one will know where you are going. It is a good idea to tell someone, anyone where you will be going for the night, then take a companion with you. If you fall and hurt yourself, who will go for help? Who will be able to help you? A companion not only can validate and authenticate anything that happens to you but might also save your life.

With that companion, bring a cell phone and make sure you have service. Sometimes, even though you might have a good cellular plan, you won’t get service in certain areas. Make sure you have the phone for those times you may find yourself lost or in trouble. Carry it somewhere that it won’t fall out of your pocket or be destroyed if you fall and can be easily reached.

Also, take a whistle. If you are two women, please take a whistle. Although you may be in a secluded spot, having a whistle just may help you in times of necessity.

Take a camera. Take any camera. There should be no particular camera you take with you. It can be a still camera, videocamera, disposable camera, 35 mm camera. Be sure you know how to use it, take extra film and be sure to take at least two extra sets of batteries. When dealing with ghosts, sometimes they may need the energy from your camera or the batteries and you may find they drain quickly. It’s not that they are bad batteries unless you have had them in your home for two years or so. Ghosts sometimes need energy to produce an outcome and this is one place where they may derive the energy from.

A pad and pencil to mark down any unusual events, times, locations and perhaps a map of the area you are investigating is a good idea. Again, you are wanting to validate any paranormal activity.

The last thing you may wish to consider is a cassette recorder for recording EVP (electronic voice phenomenon). You can use the recorder and “talk” to the ghosts and with any amount of luck, you may get them to talk back to you. Ask them questions or just talk to them and see if you get any response in return. Ghosts can be friendly and just suddenly talk to you or they can be grumpy or have an attitude (remember, you could be bothering them too) and say not very nice things. BUT, in over ten years of ghost hunting, I have never come across any evil or malevolent. I am not saying they don’t exist, I am merely saying I have never been confronted by one.

In case I haven’t emphasized this enough, safety is key. You cannot do enough to make sure that you are safe when ghost hunting. Never put yourself in a position that would harm you, your companion or anyone else. Also, make sure anywhere you go that you have permission. If you don’t obtain permission for anywhere you are investigating, you are trespassing. If you are caught you are going to have to explain to the authorities why you didn’t get permission and possibly face time in jail. It also makes it more difficult if not impossible for any ghost hunters to be able to come behind you and gain permission. Be sure to follow the rules.

So having equipment in hand and knowing how to use it, you feel you are ready to begin your first ghost hunt. Decide where you will be going. Make sure you take the length of time it takes to get there into consideration. It would be wise to take a trip there and take preliminary pictures during the day time. You can use these for comparison if you capture something unusual or interesting on your film. Make a map of the area so you know where you will want to walk and also so you don’t get lost. Not every place has a fence. Taking a trip to your decided-upon place is also a good idea so you can see what obstacles might be in your way during the day. Returning at night gives you an idea of what you will be confronted with.

Take your trip to your decided-upon destination. Take pictures. Take lots of pictures. Talk to the ghosts that reside there. You can ask permission to take their picture. Some people do this as they feel it allows them to get pictures. It couldn’t hurt and might help. Do the same when you are attempting to capture EVP. Be sure that if you take more than a few people that this is not a giggle-fest. You want to be respectful of the area and the ghosts resting there. You don’t want to be playing on any graves or running around if you are in a cemetery. You don’t want to be running around anywhere no matter where you are. Try to be quiet, be respectful. Ghosts are people too!!

I hope these hints and techniques help you on your ghost hunts. Remember to be mindful and think. Don’t wander aimlessly like you don’t know what you are doing. Pay attention. The best thing you can use is your mind.

You can have a great ghost hunt and perhaps get some great pictures if you just take your time and use some common sense. Ghost hunting is fun, pleasurable, interesting and if you read up on the history of the site you are investigating can give you a good idea of just what took place on the ground you are standing on. These are very simple techniques I have given you, use them wisely.

Happy Ghost Hunting!!

About the Author

Gloria Young has been a ghost hunter and paranormal investigator for over 10 years. She has dedicated her life to researching paranormal activity. She has written, “Faces of a Ghost Hunter” as well as three other books. She founded the paranormal research group, “Ghost Trackers”. She has co-produced two documentaries on ghost hunting. (www.ghost-trackers.org)

Best ghost walks and tours in the US

If you’re planning a visit to San Francisco some time in the future, I have a recommendation for a fantastic ghost tour, San Francisco Ghost Hunt (http://www.sfghosthunt.com). The tour is from 7 pm until roughly 10 pm, and runs every night of the week except for Tuesdays. It meets in the Queen Anne Hotel, an absolutely gorgeous hotel in the Pacific Heights district. The Queen Anne, by the way, is an authentically restored Victorian hotel rich in history and has had a lot of reports of paranormal activity. Room 410 is the most active.

The tour guide is a colorful man named Jim Fassbinder. He dresses in a quirky combination of period clothing: high boots, black slacks, old-time button down shirt and black leather top hat and duster. He has shoulder length frizzy hair, a goatee and mustache. He has a charming sense of humor, is very knowledgeable about the area, and although he does the tours for fun does appear to take ghost hunting seriously. Our group’s questions about the hows and whys of ghosts were taken earnestly and his answers, theories and interpretations were knowledgeable and sensible. He belongs to a few national ghost research organizations and has been contacted by various groups for information and advice. He’s been on a few Travel Channel haunting-related shows, and was coincidentally on TV the afternoon before our tour.

The tour is through a relatively quiet and safe upper class residential area. Although Jim does tend to become derailed if asked questions in the middle of his stories (he has to mentally trace his steps to be able to continue), his monologue is delivered with a dry sense of humor and is entertaining and informative enough to hold your attention. I imagine after giving the same tour 6 nights a week for the past 9 years, I’d forget where I was in my speech as well!

There were three things that made this tour even more fascinating to me. First, when we got to a particular mansion where a young woman was murdered, Jim pulled an old skeleton key out of his pocket. He said he knows a women who collects “haunted” artifacts, and he obtained the key through her. She said it was a key from that mansion. He holds the key on the flat of the palm of his hand, and in a minute or two and some slight movement the key finally, inexplicably, rolls over in his hand. Big deal, right? Well, he asked for a volunteer to do the same, and being the big skeptic I am, I stepped right up. He laid the key flat on my upturned palm. He put his hand