Reaching Through the Ether

Now you see me, now you don’t: cephalopods in hiding

2011-08-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today’s post is about a natural phenomena so strange that one would swear it is a result of something otherworldly. However, sometimes the truly bazar is hiding in our own backyard and, despite the “reality” of this story, it seems worth sharing to those ether-minded readers.

(Source: http://www.dimensionsguide.com/size-of-an-octopus/)

Marine biologist, Roger Hanlon, studies cephalopods, which include squid, cuttlefish and octopus. During one of his expeditions, he was able to film one of the most interesting abilities of these sea creatures: the capacity to completely mimic their environment. On his Marine Biological Laboratory website page, Hanlon writes that the “distinguishing feature of cephalopods is that individual animals can change their appearance with a speed and diversity unparalleled in the animal kingdom: we term this ‘rapid, neurally controlled polymorphism.’” He goes on to write how some cephalopods can have 30 to 50 different appearances.

Biologists have determined six “mechanisms of camouflage;” including: 1) General background resemblance, 2) Deceptive resemblance (including mimicry), 3) Disruptive coloration, 4) Countershading/concealment of the shadow, 5) Rarity through polymorphism, and 6) Cryptic behavior and vigilance. What is so striking about cephalopods is their ability to use all six mechanisms. A complete understanding of how this process takes place still alludes scientist. Still, they have surmised that sight is the primary cue for both texture and color changes despite being colorblind. The video goes on to show how the skin actually changes pigment and does a far better job of demonstrating these abilities than any words could.

(Source: http://www.sciencefriday.com/videos/watch/10397)

Special Note: Apologies are due for the limited number of recent posts. The Reaching Through the Ether team has been busy developing a website to replace the companion blog. This site will greatly expand on news, expeditions, films and books that creep out of the depths of the ether. Currently, this blog is still being used until further notice.

Some more pics from Prospect

2011-08-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

For information about Prospect Place, the history, the hauntings and our ghost hunt, visit these other posts: Mystery and murder at Prospect Place, Live from Prospect Place: I, and Live from Prospect Place: II. Now, for some more pics from our trip to Prospect.

Below: These are all painting that are for sale at Prospect Place.

Above: This one is hard to see, but it is a not-so-stable staircase.

Above: Cross painted on the wall in a large room on the, I think, third floor.

Above: What appears to be an old well was down in the cellar. When you get inside, a collapsed tunnel leads under the house.

Below: The Adams' family tree.

Below: These were posted by some of the rooms on the second floor.

Live From Prospect Place: II

2011-07-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well, travelers into the unknown, after another sweep through the mansion we have obtained no EVP or film footage of note. We do have one very frightening thing that we did indeed see. Behold:

We love this guy! He follows you everywhere...best comedy commercial on TV. Go Kevin!

There is a lot about Prospect Place that is interesting and we are eager to share. But, it is more about the history and what the educational foundation is doing. So, with that said, we will bid you all a good evening unless something reaches through the ether to grab us.

Thanks for reading!

Live From Prospect Place: I

2011-07-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

Well, hello to all those who are following our Prospect Place adventure. The fact that we are blogging to you means one thing: we have not been murdered or possessed by the demons "prospecting"(did someone hear a drum to accentuate such a witty pun?) through these halls. We have gotten a bit dusty though. The maid has not cleaned in awhile, despite the fact that she has been seen near the stairs where she died. So...

We got in around 7:00 p.m. Below, you can see a couple photos of the gates leading into Prospect Place. The person taking the photos is much more pleasing to the eye than the subject of the photo, but, don't worry, you will have the chance to see that lovely lady in a bit.

Upon entering, this was the towering mansion of the dead (how is that for ominous?). Here was the beast we would be facing down this evening:

What you are all seeing here is a side view of the mansion. The entrance is around on the right side, where, as you ascend the front steps, you are first met with a pigeon and some cigarette-filled ashtrays. After calling the number posted on the door, George Adams, the descendant of - you guessed it, George Adams (who built the mansion twice - more on that later) answered the door. Unfortunately, the door bell did not create a loud gong sound and Lurch did not come to the door. However, we must say, Mr. Adams was surely far better company than Lurch would have been. After briefly showing us around, Mr. Adams sat down with us to discuss his family's epic history and how he came to live in an apartment in the back with his partner, Paul. Being that the purpose of this article is to let all of you know about the adventure, the details of this discussion will be saved for posts in the coming weeks. We will say, however, a thank you to Mr. Adams for his time.

From there, we explored the house and the barn. Below, are some pictures from this first outing:

I am not entirely sure what this is. Perhaps, a well? There are unsubstantiated rumors that there was a escape tunnel for slaves hiding in the basement. Now, there are only spiders...lots and lots of spiders.

This was painted on the wall in one of the upstairs rooms. It was red...must be blood, right?

We haven't encountered any ghosts yet, but the above and below pictures are creepy enough. They were rich; shouldn't they smile. The above picture is of Mary Adams, George W. Adams second wife. The below painting is of George himself.

Well, we are off to explore some more. Nothing of note to report at this time. Again, stay tuned to future posts and examiner articles where we will detail our discussions with Mr. Adams and the wonderful educational programs that revolve around Prospect Place. We're off. If we don't come back...well, that's not good.

Upcoming site visit: Prospect Place

2011-07-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

On May 11, 2011, we published the article, “Mystery and murder at Prospect Place,” where we detailed the dark and eventful history of the family that built and resided in the estate. Prospect Place has gained national prominence for its hauntings and has appeared on several national ghost hunting television shows. In addition, we announced our upcoming site visit, which will take place on the evening of July 7th, 2011. A more lengthy review of the site can be read on our blog, Reaching Through the Ether, where we will also post live updates, pictures and videos of our experiences. Next week’s Examiner article will also review our experience; however, the more detailed information will only be provided on the blog due to space limitations. So, please join us and, on the chance we are not heard from again, find out what happened.

"Ghost City" appears over Chinese river

2011-06-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

ITN News

Earlier this month, what has been referred to as a ghost city appeared over the Xin’an River in the eastern Chinese city of Huanshan. For approximately four hours, buildings, mountains and trees could clearly be seen just above a thin cloud of mist that hovered over the river. The event had occurred following extensive rain and high humidity. Consequently, most reports refer to the phenomenon as a mirage, while others speculate that the appearance of the city was due to a vortex revealing another dimension. Despite the speculation, it is not known what created the vivid image, though the term mirage will be used for the purposes of this article.

ITN News

Video taken by the UK news network ITN, showed a woman looking upon the scene and saying, “It’s really amazing; it looks like a scene in a movie, in a fairyland.” This is not the first occurrence of a mirage in China. In 2006, the China Daily, an English language publication, printed four pictures of mirages off the coast of the Shandong Province. Mirages have occurred throughout the world, from Iceland to Japan, and have been the subject of the recounts of historical events. Despite the documentation and the endless number of pictures that can be found on the Internet, the clarity of the Xin’an event sets it apart and allows for much skepticism as to whether it was indeed simply a mirage. Mirages are optical illusions created by the bending of light rays as they pass through air with a high degree of variation in temperature.

ITN News

What was not determined from the news footage or the various articles about the event was whether any investigation took place at the site. The mirage lasted for four hours. During that time,were there any accounts of someone traveling along the river and changing their perspective of the city? As one moved closer to the image, did it disappear or actually appear in all dimensions from all angles? Was a boat taken to the image? Were any high-powered lenses used to look at the image? If this was a mirage, would any moving objects or people whose images were duplicated be shown in motion, more like a video feed? Or, would they be still? If anyone has found accounts beyond the general articles that are online and, essentially, provide the same information, please let us know.

What do you believe?

2011-05-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

In his recent book, The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies – How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths, Michael Shermer writes about a 2009 Harris Poll concerning what people believe. 2,303 Americans were surveyed for the poll. The results included the following:

Ø God: 82%

Ø Miracles: 76%

Ø Heaven: 75%

Ø Jesus is God or the son of God: 73%

Ø Angels: 72%

Ø Survival of the soul after death: 71%

Ø The virgin birth (of Jesus): 61%

Ø The devil: 60%

Ø Darwin’s Theory of Evolution: 45%

Ø Ghosts: 42%

Ø Creationism: 40%

Ø UFOs: 32%
Ø Astrology: 26%
Ø Witches: 23%
Ø Reincarnation: 20%

Of the 17 items listed above, only Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is a concept that has been tested using scientific means as well as being peer reviewed. More of the survey participants believe in the 10 supernatural items listed prior to the aforementioned scientific theory. It should also be noted that all of the 10 beliefs are Christian-based, which would be expected considering the American demographic that was surveyed. This is in contrast to, with the exception of Creationism, the beliefs that are not of a wholly Christian or religious base.

Though not stemming from a Judeo-Christian belief system, the “believing” author of this article would suggest that the sheer number of people holding supernatural beliefs implies something about the validity of paranormal experiences. So, the above poll brings the question: Why do people believe what they do? A strong majority of people believe in things for which there is no definitive evidence while dismissing comprehensively tested scientific theories. Are those believers in the supernatural simply examples of confirmation bias? Michael Shermer has regularly written about how this is indeed the case. In addition, he has extensively detailed how people come to believe what they do, which does not typically involve the objective study of a topic. So, then, if Shermer is correct, how can so many people hold such beliefs and give detailed accounts of otherworldly experiences?

This blog post is not going to answer these questions. What the authors are hoping for, however, is a dialogue between those reading. In addition to the comments section for this blog, readers are invited to send more extensive examinations on the nature of one’s beliefs to reachingthroughtheether@gmail.com. Those comments that are particularly insightful will then be posted on this site, which will hopefully allow for a more in-depth discussion of the subject matter. Remember, the authors of this blog both hold drastically different views from one-another, with one being a believer in the paranormal and the other being much more of a materialist. Consequently, the intent of this exercise is not to provoke argument between the readers themselves or the authors and the readers. In addition, the authors are not wanting to simply learn more about what people believe, but, more importantly, to have readers answer the question of why they believe what they do. This is a public forum, so others may offer differing views. This is acceptable as long as it is done politely and the discussion centers on the beliefs and not the believer. Most importantly of all, responses to readers should further the discussion and our understanding of the wonderful and uniquely human characteristic: belief.

Mystery and Murder at Prospect Place

2011-05-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

The network of secret routes and homes known as the Underground Railroad was used to aid slaves as they fled north towards freedom. Many abolitionists sympathetic to the plight of these individuals opened their homes at their own risk. George W. Adams was an example of just such a man. After inheriting his father’s plantation, Adams freed the slaves, sold the plantation and moved to Ohio. One of his sons, George, would maintain his father’s abolitionist beliefs, and would, consequently, allow his home to be a safe house on the Underground Railroad. After the death of his first wife and upon marrying his second, George Adams would go on to build Prospect Place. From the murder of a bounty hunter to the disappearance of George’s son-in-law, the history of the Adams family and their descendants holds all the drama and intrigue of an epic historical novel.

Prospect Place has garnered somewhat of a national reputation. The television shows Ghost Hunters (SyFy Channel) and Ghost Adventures (Travel Channel) have held investigations at the site. In addition, a visit to their website will demonstrate how those responsible for restoring Prospect Place are capitalizing on its reputation. They offer both public as well as private tours and overnight stays for ghost hunters. The site also provides videos from previous ghost hunting expeditions. On the evening of Thursday, July 7, the authors of this article will perform their own expedition. Real time updates, pictures and videos will be posted on this blog as they occur. Depending on what unworldly beings are waiting to greet the two authors as they arrive, posts will begin around 8:00 p.m.

Below, ghost fans, are some additional pictures and information as well as video clips from one of the television shows that have visited Prospect Place. Very dramatic history behind this place. The first set of pictures is from the G.W. Adams Educational Center website. The property/business manager of the site and, I believe, a major catalyst in bringing Prospect Place back to life is none other than George J. Adams. The name is not coincidental. So, without further ado..

Awe, Nothing like a romantic getaway. We can't wait!

We love old pictures like this. 19th and early 20th century photos could be of the sweetest, old couple of the time and still feel a bit creepy. This one, in particular, is interesting, however. The subjects of photos of this period are often looking blankly and somberly into the camera. Here, we see family members staring at others in the picture; the two in the front seem to be casually speaking to one-another; and, our favorite, the woman who is referred to simply as "unknown woman" is grinning mischievously. What has she done? In addition, the lone picture on the left wall appears to be askew, possibly a reflection of the photo as a whole. Though, in fairness, it also looks to just be leaning out from the wall. But, where is the symbolism in that?

Also, you can go to the Grave Addiction site, which we referenced in an earlier article, to see some additional photos taken by the creator of that site, Beth.

And, on a final note, here is a clip from the Travel Channel television show, Ghost Adventures. This is the first of four clips.

Well, that is all for this session. We will periodically offer additional information about Prospect Place and its history as we draw closer to the site visit. Thanks, everyone, for stopping in. Make sure to enter your email to receive updates when we have new posts and click on the follow tab to, as you might guess, follow this blog. And, of course, read our article on the Examiner site to help promote us. We will typically post every Wednesday, but that could expand depending on site expeditions and, more importantly, moods.

Thanks!

The screaming dead must have lost their voices

2011-05-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

The journey to Cedar Hill Cemetery seemed fated to result in dramatic events as though scripted by a Hollywood screenwriter of the supernatural. The location of the Baker Mausoleum on the 113 acre cemetery was unknown at the beginning of this expedition. Upon entering the site, a series of roads branched into several directions. These roads would then split again, creating a network of veins throughout the rolling hills. Despite the odds, the authors of this article drove directly to meet the Baker family at their resting place as though guided. (Reference The screaming dead article for additional background on this story.)

As things turned out, if some mysterious force was reaching out to pull those living closer, it was simply a tease. As legend has it, one will hear a woman screaming when placing his or her ear against the mausoleum door. Even the non-believing skeptic felt slightly anxious while stepping up to the dilapidated structure. At times, imagination and eerie surroundings have a way of overcoming reason when put to the test. All that was heard, however, was the murmuring sounds created by the cars passing by on nearby Cedar Road as the rumble of engines vibrated up through the concrete. If there are indeed spirits haunting The Baker Mausoleum, they may tease by leading one to anxious anticipation. But, unfortunately, the experience will not end in screams.

The Screaming Dead

2011-04-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

Approximately 30 miles east of Columbus, Ohio and situated at the fork in the Licking River there is a town called Newark. With a population of 47,500, Newark is by no means a large city, but it has still grown beyond the size where every action of one of its citizens becomes the knowledge of the community as a whole. Like all Midwest towns, Newark has its basket of locals who went on to gain some modicum of celebrity; including the likes of horror author, Gary A. Braunbeck and Edward James Roye, the president of Liberia from (1870-1871). (The authors of this article would be remiss not to mention Kara Wetzel, who is described in Wikipedia as “The oldest of rapper Lil’ Waynes’ illegitimate children’s ‘baby mamas.’” )

Another characteristic of Newark that it likely shares with towns across the United States is its several haunted locations that have created both local and, in some cases, national prominence. These include the widely known Newark Earthworks, which once contained the largest earthen enclosures in the world, as well as, what every town cannot go without, a high school that is haunted by the ghost of a janitor who accidentally hung himself. Though these will likely be topics of future articles, this and forthcoming articles will focus on the Cedar Hills Cemetery.

Thanks to a Perpetual Care Fund, Cedar Hill Cemetery has successfully endured since 1850. As a chartered division of the City of Newark, it is the largest municipal cemetery in central Ohio. When considering ghostly matters, it is not the entire location that is of interest.

If one drives through the gates leading into the 113 acre cemetery, follows the road furthest to the right and continues into the rolling hills that contain a small number of the 36,000 who have been laid to rest there, he or she will find themselves at the Baker Mausoleum.

Likely due to its worn appearance, with collapsed columns along its side and the statue of a weeping woman perched near the door, the mausoleum has been nicknamed The Asylum. Nine members of the Baker Clan have been interned within the mausoleum. The youngest of which, Annie Dickinson Baker, was only three days old. Her name was accompanied by the inscription, “Our Little Lady.”

Next to the mausoleum are a series of headstones that, due to the names and the manner in which they are positioned, appear to have been of some relation to the Bakers. As legend goes, if a person puts their ear up to the mausoleum, he or she will be treated with the sound of a woman screaming. The intent of future articles will, of course, be to determine whether any “event” can be experienced at this site. More importantly, however, the building of the mausoleum and those interned there will be further researched to see whether there is a more detailed “story” that led to this legend, or if it is simply the product of a haunting physical appearance and location that invites the promulgation of such stories.

Now, if you ask "The Materialist" of this dynamic duo, he will bet that the screaming is a combination of an active imagination and the sounds of cars driving nearby reverberating through the concrete. He is, however, hoping like hell (which he, of course, does not believe to exist) to be proven wrong. Now, as for "The Believer," she is quite open to the possibility that this is nothing more than a small town legend, for she is sensible and does not believe in all that is presented to her. She is, however, very open to the possibility that something that is not understood has left a slight crack in the ether that is just large enough to allow for the escape of sorrowful, tortured screams.

We shall see...stay tuned!

A Long in the Making Endeavor

2011-04-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

For years now, the two of us have been talking about doing something like this. And, finally, what motivated us to do so was an ad for local contributors to write for the examiner.com on a variety of subjects. One of these subjects was, of course, paranormal topics. So, we used this as the push we needed. Regardless of whether we are accepted, we will use this blog to move forward with our new adventure. Below, is a copy of the writing sample we sent to the examiner with the application. It may look familiar as we also used parts of it for the introduction.

Typing Paranormal into Google will treat one to 64.8 million potential links to explore. A more modest search of Ohio Paranormal will result in 4.25 million hits. If the researcher of all things spooky and strange decides to dig into a good book on the subject, he or she can browse through one of Amazon.com’s 869 nonfiction or 517 history books on the Paranormal. With all of the videos, personal testimonies and words written on the subjects of the supernatural, alien encounters, outer-body experiences and a whole host of other topics, there is still no definitive evidence that anything exists beyond the materialist, physical world presented to us every day. Despite this, a 2005 Gallup Poll taken from a population of 3017 Americans, Canadians and Britons determined that 73% of those polled believe in at least one of 10 paranormal topics; including: extrasensory perception, haunted houses, ghosts, telepathy, clairvoyance, astrology, communication with the dead, witches, reincarnation, and, finally, channeling spiritual entities.

So, when considering the disparity in what “facts” exist regarding the paranormal and what people actually believe, what, then, is the elusive truth? Is the paranormal a relic of some primitive world that serves a person’s confirmation biases? The product of unyielding dogmas used by authoritative powers to maintain their constituents’ loyalties while simultaneously stunting the progress of society? Or, are these populist beliefs that those in power do not want to acknowledge? Beliefs that fall outside the realm that human being’s five senses can document and record? These are the questions the authors of this article, one a skeptic siding more with materialists and the other quite the opposite, seek to answer.

Tally-ho and way we go!