Queening it at Long Beach

Did you know that ships were not allowed to pick up survivors during World War II? And that applied to one of the biggest ships of all time - Queen Mary - when it sliced into its escort ship (there's an irony) and left 300 drowning. It had been zig-zagging to avoid Nazi destroyers, the bosun's locker was holed and water rushed in.

Built in 1934, it was retired to Long Island CA in 1967 as a hotel without parallel. But visitors say they can hear ghostly pounding on the lower decks and cries of drowning sailors. Of course, it could be sound effects and played to invite conjecture. Everyone loves a sailor they say but the Queen Mary sailed on and left breaking hearts and minds behind.

Rules is rules even for Queens!

Contributed by Barbara Turner

Paranormal Activity and marketing

Paranormic Activity, a film written and directed by Oren Pele, has already achieved the highest gross profit for a 'documentary-video-form independent film ever! Its original budget of $11,000 has made over $100,000,000 in box office receipts since its release on October 16th 2009, nationally.

The story is about a couple experiencing a haunted presence in their home. How many times has this theme been used? So what is the secret to it's phenomonal success?

Marketing, similar to that of that of 'The Blair Witch Project' which  grossed more than a million dollars on a mere $15,000 budget. The short advertising clips released on television, featured very little of both the films but instead concentrated on the audience reaction; screams, horror (even men!) disbelief, and even exits to escape the fear of the unknown to come! 

The hand-held camera is the viewer; another secret weapon. The horror docu-genre is quite new but astoundingly effective which is why it has been used again, as in 'The Last Broadcast.' Compared to evoking fear by the late Master of Suspense (Britisher Alfred Hitchcock....Psycho, Rear Window, Dial M for Murder etc) but cornering this particular market, Oren Pele has few equals.

The ghosts and spirits would approve! It's free publicity for them!

Contributed by Barbara Turner

Haunted castle in Romania

Looking at the world’s most haunted places, you realise that the States have six and England, three in the Top Ten. And India? None. I wonder why. Perhaps you can tell me?

While you think about it, let me tell you about the only one in Romania.

Built in the 15th century in Transylvania, it is called Bran Castle but we know it as Dracula’s Castle, linked to Bram Stoker’s horror story, ‘Dracula’.

Much better name, Bran is so ordinary. Vlan the Impaler lived there until he died in 1476. As his name suggests, he did pretty nasty things to his prisoners.

Today, Prince Dominic of Tuscany lives there, The Romanian government said he could in 2006. Why doesn’t he live in Tuscany?

I can guess. Today it is light, bright, and no need to scale the walls anymore. A lift has been installed. I ascended to Vlad’s balcony and marvelled how things had changed. No more inpaling.
Tea and cakes are served and the Prince can sometimes be seen waving rather embarrassingly to his subjects. One or two wave back.

Most look for evidence of Dracula and thirst for Vlad!

Contributed by Barbara Turner

Sei Hei Ki and salt water

Reacting to my post on ways to protect yourself from harmful spirits, here is what a dear friend has to say about it...

"I can assist with removal of entities and attempts at fatal black magic utilizing a combination of botanical extracts and intuitive guidance. Sei Hei Ki's (advanced reiki) align the patient; however one has to keep repeating treatments and if the person is susceptible to psychic attacks; its pretty tough.

Am sensitive even to causes of death in several cases - and can name the person who has had a not so pleasant intention; but its a huge risk and sometimes left unsaid. That includes recent deaths you may have witnessed.

Physical symptoms include: Back pain, Bloating, Puffiness, headaches, unusual clots on thighs and chest or other body parts, in more advanced cases - hair fall, symptoms that one may mistake for hypo or hyper thyroidism - not being able to walk, sudden infections like an entire group getting severe fevers out of the blue, being dazey and confused.

Otherwise there are career issues where nothing works out and relationship issues.

Sei Hei Ki's and Salt water reduce these problems but do not treat them quickly. Neither do most healing techniques - chanting, homas, pujas, reiki, shamanic practice. They are powerful but not enough.

Good work though :-))!! Thank you."

What has been your experience, dear reader. Share it with us and let the world know.

Paranormal Activity and why it scares you

There are few things in life that genuinely scare you. Rash drivers, snakes, darkness, ghosts and spirits.

But not every horror film really sends a shiver down your spine. Which is why it's surprising that Paranormal Activity, a low budget independent film, has worked so well.

Particularly because it's not high on production values - it's a home-made film made with $11,000.

Which is less than one-tenth of any average Hollywood film.

So what is working for the film?

One, the film has its moments that will make you jump out of your skin.

Two, it captures everyday moments in night vision - perfect for that raw appeal.

Watch it and let me know your thoughts on it.