Tale of the haunted pizza place

When you think of places that are haunted you would likely imagine old houses, maybe hospitals, or perhaps hotels and motels. But what about pizza places? If the following video is to be believed then Stocky's Pizza, a restaurant in Haughton, Louisiana is haunted by something that likes to mess with one employee, Lori Evans, in particular. The story comes via a local radio station, Kiss Country 93.7. From the original article entitled "Is Stocky's Pizza Haunted? Shocking Surveillance Footage Points to Paranormal Activity [VIDEO]":

Many folks believe in ghosts, but few can say they’ve caught evidence of a haunting on video. Stocky’s Pizza employee Lori Evans says there’s not only a ghost haunting the recently opened Haughton, Louisiana pizzeria, but that it’s far from friendly. And she has some unnerving surveillance camera footage to prove it.

Last Saturday morning, Evans arrived at Stocky’s to find the ice scoop in the middle of the kitchen floor. When the staff left the night before, it was placed on top of the ice machine where it’s normally kept.

The discovery was the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back,” Evans tells Kiss Country.

A number of similarly eerie incidents prior to that morning prompted her to scour the surveillance video to see just what was going on. What she discovered will make you shiver.

The following video was recorded on July 14 at a little after 6 a.m. — hours before the arrival of any of the staffers. Nobody was in the pizzeria at the time, confirms Evans.

Here in all of it's glory is the video.

Personally I've watched this surveillance footage more than a few times and I can't really make anything out. Maybe you can see what it is that is supposed to be taking place and I would certainly appreciate any input or opinions. Regardless of what is or isn't happening in the video, the article goes into more detail about some other experiences that Lori Evans has a had at Stocky's Pizza.

The first thing that happened was when I was standing in the kitchen area at the dough roller working. All of a sudden a bottle of tobasco sauce hit me in the back then landed on the ground. I looked back because the bottle had been on top of the microwave. A server who was in the dining area actually saw it happen and we were both freaked out because it flew across room as opposed to just falling from its spot! We started wondering at that point. The tobasco sauce has been mysteriously thrown several times and busted on one occasion! Another time was when we were working and heard a loud crash in the back hall. When we went to see what it was, there was a broom and a dust pan both on the floor. They “snap” into a holder on the wall so they are never on the floor. They’d been hanging there fine all day with no problems and snap into separate holders, yet both fell???? The motion sensors have gone off twice and the alarm company has called the owner to come out and check; to find nothing. Several of us have actually “felt” a presence and had the hair stand up on our arms/neck. When I came in that morning and found those on the floor, so far from their spot, I knew it was time to check it out on tape and we finally found evidence of activity!

Follow this link for the original article from Kiss Country 93.7. I'm not too sure what to make of Evans' account. It definitely isn't anything out of the ordinary (ha!) as far as “haunted” places go. Although the location in this case is a bit unusual, I suppose anywhere can truly end up haunted. As a kind of post script to this story, in the comments section below this article Lori Evans states that a ghost researcher/paranormal investigator has gotten in touch with her in order to set up an after hours investigation. Hopefully some more information will come out of this about what's going on. As always be sure to check out the original link for the full article and be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below. That's all I have for now and suddenly I'm craving some pizza, so if you please excuse me I've gotta get my 'za on!

Ghost of Guildford

I don't often post ghost photos, or posts about ghosts for that matter, but I couldn't pass this one up only because it struck me as quite interesting. I first found the photo from an AboveTopSecret thread [which is evidently my M.O. :)]. The story originally came from GetSurrey, a news website. The article relates the following from the photographer who allegedly captured the "ghost";

Ghost or some kind of image artifact?

THROUGH the low light borne from a thick swathe of fog wrapping itself around The Mount, a featureless figure stands on the path – could this be a genuine photograph of a ghost captured in Guildford, or is it a mere trick of the light?

Amateur photographer, Mark Baker, 37, who took the picture has no idea, but does think it strange the series of pictures he took last week when trying out a new camera timer appeared to show a white form when he downloaded them.

Mark, who was sitting in his van, using his new equipment when he took the photos, said: “I have just got a new timer for my camera and wanted to get some photos of the fog lifting – so my camera was just taking pictures.

“It was not until I got home and was downloading, I noticed it,” he said, adamant he had not digitally altered the image in any way. “The black specks are dirt on the windscreen of my van, but the image is way past that.”

The concept of taking a photograph without seeing anything anomalous, only to find something after the film has been processed (or downloaded nowadays), is really quite common within the ghost hunting side of the paranormal. Additionally the area of Guildford, which is located in Surrey, UK, where the photo was taken has a history to it that, at least according to ghost hunters, would be conducive to allowing for ghostly manifestations to occur. It was the location of where the town's executions were carried out in the past. The author of the article interviewed Phil Hutchinson who not only runs the Ghost Tour of Guildford, but who also is a member of the Ghost Club that is, at least according to the article, is “one of the world’s oldest organisations associated with psychical research”.

Hutchinson is quoted as saying:

“I do not think it is fake,” he said. “It is not the sort of photo I was expecting, almost always they are illuminated bits of dust on the flash – this is something very different.”

Mr Hutchinson said the only sightings he had heard related to The Mount previously came from council workers at Henley Fort who claimed to have seen a man walking his dog disappear before their eyes.

“This is one of the best ghost photographs I have seen for some time, however, I think it is an amazing trick of the light, although that does not mean I am convinced – it is symmetrical and has about the height and dimensions of a human form.”

According to both the original article and also the AboveTopSecret thread, a local ghost hunting group by the name of The GhostfinderParanormal Society conducted an investigation of the site around which the photo was taken. A part of their investigation can be viewed no the YouTube video below.

The head of The Ghostfinder Paranormal Society had this to say about the photo:

Barri Ghai, director of The Ghostfinder Paranormal Society, also believed the photos were free of doctoring. He said: “I am stuck for words on this one – these images have caused quite a stir amongst my team.

“We are actually convincing ourselves that this could be genuine, a real ghost, but obviously for us to say that without a full investigation of the area is a tough one.

“At first glance I thought it could be a light anomaly, 99% of all photos have an explanation and my impression would be an anomaly caused by the light and camera.”

Follow this link in order to view the article for yourself. Additionally you can head over to the AboveTopSecret thread to find the original post I read and to hear from one of the members of The Ghostfinder Paranormal Society. So, what exactly did Mark Baker photograph? Who knows? I will say that this photo certainly looks far better than any of the “orb” photos that I have seen and certainly ranks right up there in my mind with the photos that I originally discussed in this earlier post. I'm by no means a photo-analyst and so can only offer a layman's opinion. It looks really good. But I'm reserving calling it a photo of a ghost. I'm willing to say that the photo is extremely strange and I'm interested to hear what you guys think about it. If you have any ideas please feel free to comment below and let me know. 

Looking in from the outside

The following post is courtesy of Ashley Ruff:

During the three and a half years that I have been dating Tony I have had the joy of watching him explore the world of forteana, hopping around from theory to theory. While observing Tony research, I have learned that the majority of people involved in this field are extremely immature. Are they childish for believing that the moon may be a hollow satellite? No. Are they silly for thinking that a giant dinosaur might live in Loch Ness? Not at all. The majority of the people involved in this field show a lack of maturity by not working together AND for not picking up where the last generation of researchers left off by exploring new theories or evolving those theories further.

I don't know how many times Tony has come to me and showed me some website where one guy shared a new/evolved theory about God knows what and a million people tore that guy's theory apart, instead of bothering to entertain it or waisting time pointing out something silly like grammatical flaws-looking past the theory and dissecting the man. Tony has told me about countless arguments where people waist valuable time fighting over pointless details instead of using that time to work together. AND don't even get me started on the politics involved. Debating theories is one thing, but I couldn't believe how these grown men and women would argue a theory by typing stupid insults (some veiled and some not). I'll never forget when one of Tony's friends and mentors was verbally attacked via the listeners' comment section on a website due to his “rebellious” opinions. It wouldn't be so bad if these people were debating theories like adults, but they act like children with name-calling and completely unrelated insults. These people are too busy promoting their pet theories and defending them like their religion than to come together. Aren't they all suppose to be working towards the same goal? Uncovering answers or something?

I've learned that they choose not to work together: finding it more effective to bring each other down, laugh at the theories of others, and generally act like a group of preschoolers . Fine. It's easier for the alien guys to stay in their own group and for the cryptozoology guys to stay in their corner and then the paranormal ghost guys are off in some abandoned building looking for a ghost or something. Maybe all of these weird events have connections (or maybe they don't), but since these groups choose to do their own thing we probably won't know.

They can choose not to work together, fine, but for God's sake get some new material. It's sad that these people spend their lives researching theories only to come to the same conclusions that the generations before them came to. Pick up where they left off! Use their theories as a launching point! Obviously they didn't find the answers, right? So use what they know and keep going. Very few people that Tony has told me about (or that I have heard) have been able to move on. I don't know much about this stuff but I've learned that MacTonnies, for example, was able to move past the standard ETH (alien crap) and go on to the Cryptoterrestrial Theory. Even Tony has been able to move past the cafeteria tray of forteana and begin attempting to find the connections.

It's not that I'm trying to offend anyone, but maybe they need a little offending. I thought it was typical that people working towards a common goal would work together. I'm not even saying that people shouldn't disagree, but don't put a theory on a pedestal. It's a THEORY for a reason. And maybe they could argue their points of view like adults, and really would it hurt to entertain a new theory? As far as we know none of the other theories have proven to be true so why hold fast to any?

I'm a senior in college, one of those artsy-fartsy kids that always has paint on their jeans. Before I met Tony I had little interest (and still have little interest) in this paranormal stuff. I enjoy a WhoForted? article now and then, I've been known to listen to MysteriousUniverse, go on a supposedly haunted road, etc., but I think it's sad that it takes an outsider, someone with no real stock in this field, to point out these two, seemingly obvious, flaws. And yet so few people are rocking the boat by stepping outside of their comfort zones, including their pet theories, by collaborating. Perhaps if (and when) a Bigfoot guy could sit down with a UFO guy and compare notes, something NEW could happen for a change. But, hey, I'm just an outsider. - Ashley R

Interview with some Forteans (no garlic required)

This past Saturday (Oct 2, 2011) I had the distinct honor and privilege to talk for an hour and a half with the always entertaining and enlightening Greg and Dana Newkirk of Who Forted? mag. The topic of the interview was essentially; Why Forteana? But more than that, it was a chance to get to know some fellow Forteans that are fighting the good fight against the way too serious Believers and Skeptics who, more often than not, muddy the proverbial waters with all of their posturing and ego stroking. While we had an amazing talk, due to some technical difficulties, I was unable to actually record the conversation that we had. But fear not dear readers for I took copious, at times confusing, notes of the interview. So if are willing to stay with me, come as we journey inside the minds of some “Gen-x debunkers”.

Both Greg and Dana's interest in paranormal phenomena grew out of the 'Ghost Hunting' craze that struck television in the late 90's early 00's. Greg's group GHI (Ghost Hunters Incorporated) came about through the efforts of a prank on a friend and contributor to Who Forted? Nick Foust. Meanwhile Dana was busy with a ghost hunting group of her own, the Kitchener-Waterloo Paranormal Research Society, which would eventually become known as The Girly Ghost Hunters. Under this incarnation Dana's group went on to have an internationally syndicated TV show. After a fallout between the two groups, I know shocking that in the paranormal field people can't get along, Greg along with members of GHI and Dana joined forces to create the Who Forted? that we all know and love. (For those of you at home keeping, it was Dana that came up with the amazing name “Who Forted?” rather than Greg's “The Knights of the New Fortean Right”)

Greg's interest in the paranormal grew out of a desire to scare one of his friends in a graveyard, but quickly became more than that. For Greg, even today, there exists a reality to the Ghost phenomena. What that reality may ultimately prove to be exactly? Well, Greg is the first to tell you that he remains unconvinced that “ghosts” are in fact the disembodied souls of Aunt Linda or Uncle Keith. Yet something is still going on in some of these cases. Going quickly from  this, Who Forted?  became (in)famous for their not always so serious approach to the paranormal. But honestly that's what I find so refreshing about them .While they realize that there is some reality behind the phenomena they investigate, they don't get bogged down by being too serious. Nor do they have any time or patience for all of the posturing and grandstanding that many in the field have made their livelihood off of. Best of all they are still looking for the story behind the story, or the human element that comprises it.


One of the topics that we spent a good amount of time discussing is the height and popularity of the so-called “Paranormal Media”, i.e. Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters International, et al. The show that dominated this portion of the conversation, wasn't one of these however. It was Paranormal State. The show has definitely been a polarizing entry into the paranormal world. As both Greg and Dana were quick to point out it definitely lead the way in the possible exploitation of persons who were likely dealing with serious issues, paranormal reality aside. Many of the people whose homes the investigator's entered needed some actual help, but from psychological professionals and not some undergrads from a college.

The main topic, however, was what exactly is important in paranormal research or the Fortean field. The shows that we discussed and the “field” in general, all seem to suffer this need for proof and perhaps, most depressingly, a lot of it is politics or a “pissing contest”. But they may be missing the most important part, namely the person at the heart of the incident. All too often people in this field are more worried about catching Bigfoot, seeing ghosts, or stroking their own egos, when maybe what's equally (if not more) important are the people involved. After all when I asked how much they thought any of these things were real, Greg said that the event is a real as the effect it has on the person. More often than not the story is the only thing that investigators have to work with. Hard evidence is often just as elusive as the phenomena itself.

At the end of the day, the time I spent with Greg and Dana was equal parts riveting, entertaining, and at times downright hilarious. They are some of the most level-headed people that I've had the pleasure of interacting with in this crazy field. I asked about their plans for the future; for the site, for their group, and ultimately for themselves. They want to continue producing better and better products, and most importantly continue entertaining other's and themselves. Before the conversation was over, Greg and Dana left a few words of wisdom for the rest of us. For Dana, success in this community is to always continue being curious. Greg wanted us all to remember that something is only paranormal until someone explains it.

The interview with Greg and Dana of Who Forted? was a nice change of pace. It's good to know that there are still some people out there who can walk that thin line between looking at something humorously, while not outright mocking it. Be sure to check out their site daily for some of the best commentary on the Fortean this side of Charles Fort himself. Additionally, be sure to check out their latest project that will be debuting soon, “The Bigfoot Hunter: Still Searching”. You can find my review of the film here, but be sure to head over to the Facebook page to keep up to date with all of the latest news about the film. 

Promotional movie poster.

 

The Bigfoot Hunter: Still Searching - review

Paranormal documentaries are just about a dime a dozen in todays world and finding a good one can be quite difficult. Luckily I had the opportunity recently to check out an early screening of the excellent film The Bigfoot Hunter: Still Searching. The documentary tells the story of Timothy Holmes founder of Southern Tier Bigfoot Watch and the Who Forted? Gang, in an earlier incarnation known as GHI or Ghost Hunters Incorporated, who joined him in the woods of southern New York in order to hunt the elusive cryptid.

Official movie poster

When the group first meets Mr. Holmes they are more than a little skeptical of him. Its pretty funny the first time one of them sees that Holmes is carrying a gun, and seems genuinely frightened of this prospect. But to Holmes, the gun is a safety measure to protect you from an angry Bigfoot. Also early on the viewer is introduced to Holmes's sometimes partner Becky Sawer of Searching for Bigfoot, who joins GHI and Holmes as they head up to the area known as Connecticut Hill.

It's at this area that Sawer and Holmes have had the majority of their Bigfoot encounters, so much so that Holmes believes the area is a paranormal hot spot. The Who Forted? gang spend quite sometime with Holmes and Sawer but ultimately end up empty handed in the evidence department. But that's not really what this movie is about.

Holmes is clearly the main subject of this film and as well he should be, he is a very entertaining individual. And often in the paranormal field, the personalities that are in it are just as, if not more so, fascinating than the mysteries themselves. The film is ultimately about one man's never ending quest to find the elusive Bigfoot, whether or not the evidence is out there to be found; Timothy Holmes will always be “Still Searching”

I can't recommend this film enough, it's so rare to find a documentary in the paranormal field that isn't either trying to debunk the subject entirely or worse looking for evidence under every rock and tree. The film strikes a happy balance between the two. Below is the official trailer for the film.

For more information about the documentary, such as release date and where to see it, please check out the Who Forted? Website. You can also follow them over at the Twitter.

Life happens.

Hey there readers, sorry it's been a few days since my last post. Life has been pretty hectic here the last few nights. So I'm back with just a quick little post in order to get your opinion on what you think.

The video below is purportedly of "poltergeist" activity. It looks interesting, but as with most things that are found on the internet (and YouTube in particular) I take it with a grain of salt, at best. At worst I can only assume it's a hoax. Anyway have a look for yourself and let me know what you think. Until next time, take it easy!

Here's the link to the guys site that is videoing this "activity". And here is a link to the relevant discussion over at the AboveTopSecret website.

Ashley takes on Ghost Adventures

Sometime back I mentioned that I was going to have a guest post up here at Forteania. Well that idea originally fell through, however tonight I'm pleased to introduce to you Ashley Ruff (who in the interest of full disclosure is my girlfriend). She has lovingly put up with this Fortean stuff for a number of years and tonight will be offering you her unedited opinion on a fairly well known paranormal TV show. 

The show in question is Ghost Adventures, which if you haven't seen before please check out this clip of some of their “best” evidence. So without further ado, I will let Ashley take it away from here.

Also here is the shows website, if you are interested in learning more about it. 

This past Saturday Tony introduced me to a television show on the Travel Channel called Ghost Adventures. The cast of the show consists of three men: Zak (what a douchey way to spell Zack), Nick, and Aaron. The main guy, Zak, looks remarkably like Ben Ten’s Kevin Eleven-stupid hair, bulgy muscles, tight t-shirts, and everything-complete butter face. Out of the three, I would probably rank Aaron as the dumbest. He’s supposed to be the camera man but he didn’t seem very capable of filming. At one point he was running around outside a parking lot in the rain and screaming. I don’t remember Nick.

Kevin Elevin                                                        Zak Bagans              

 In this particular episode the men locked themselves inside of dam which led to Zak making several unfunny puns. I can understand one, but after that he probably should have quit beating that dead horse. The dialogue of the episode consisted of Zak’s puns, the three men taunting the “ghosts” (Zak would say things like, “If you are here tweak my nipples.”), Zak flexing his muscles whenever he got the opportunity, and the men replaying their tape recorders and insisting that they had recorded EVPs, but don’t worry, if you didn’t catch the ghosts’ message they would replay each EVP three to four times.

My final thoughts:

1. I wonder if the guy who green-lit this show is still employed with the Travel Channel.
2. How much product is in Zak’s hair?
3. Overall if I ever want some Eye candy to look at, I know exactly where to go.