Beyond Ghosts: Para-Historians Blog

She blinded me with Science!

2011-04-24T12:26:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I've been able to take a few minutes and offer my "two cents" to the World via this blog. Thankfully today is the day folks. Yet It's interesting to me that the topic at hand would be about science, or "scientific investigator," a popular moniker for some researchers looking to separate themselves from the herd in the paranormal. Generally people look to me to answer questions about ghosts, monsters and psychic phenomena! Is that stuff real or what?

Firstly, one of the greatest tenets in paranormal research is the fact that this "field" of study is completely wide open. This simply means there is so much left to debate and figure out, this current craze in all things "phenomenal" is just the tip of the ice berg. There are far more questions than answers at this time.

The major hurdle is science, and I mean this in the most loving way possible. Science is the standard by which all things applicable is based against for explanation and rationale. Fairly straightforward. So be that as it may, when you have a field that's as "wide open" as the paranormal, and you have a field that's as tried and true as Science, somewhere in the middle there ought to be some agreed upon common ground, at least as necessary for a proper starting point!

Without this proverbial "starting point" there can be no meeting on the same page, and both fields are like passing ships in the night. Perfectly fine for Science, but for the exploration of the paranormal, not so much. Science makes no claim for the existence of ghosts, not in any traditional sense of what they are largely believed to be (dead people), but maybe if we can change our school of thought somewhat, maybe then we can close this ever present divide even just slightly.

As always I would never attempt to change anyone's belief or try to convert you to my way of thinking. That's just not how things operate, and those that do try, well, they are barking up the wrong tree. Especially those that make futile attempts via creating diluted false accusations and mud slinging. I wish they could understand that the majority of people who listen or read their rhetoric recognize it for what it is...a sad attempt to get undeserved attention. Terrorism is dead wrong and these people are laughable.

Common sense is a powerful weapon for the most part, and in the field of supernatural research, it should be an investigator's top tool. Critical, logical thinking should be the standard. Because after all else is thrown out, what is left standing could very well be anomalous, or even paranormal. Science has the answers, absolutely, but some of the things paranormal researches are coming up with could very well be new discoveries to be explored scientifically. There are few absolutes.

Take for example the patient who "dies" on the operating table. Doctors fail to resuscitate him, try as the may, and pronounce this person dead, clinically and legally. But after a few short minutes the man "miraculously" comes "back to life," catching the medical professionals with a scenario they can't scientifically explain. Doctors are asked how the man could die and return to life in a matter of a few minutes...the response "We don't know that at this point, sometimes the human body just amazes us!" Certainly not an everyday occurrence, yet it has been documented, and medical doctors have been left baffled scientifically. Just food for thought.

The bottom line here is that if ghosts aren't dead people, enough credible data has been collected around the World pointing to the fact that paranormal phenomena is occurring, so what the hell is this stuff? Living things are made up of energy, um, ok, so could this energy from life leave behind measurable signatures in death? Plausible? Interesting nonetheless. Or maybe other theories hold more water if given a chance.

There is a popular hypothetical theory known as "Multi-verse," which contends that there is currently multiple possible universes in existence which make up everything...ENERGY, space, time, etc...And if ghosts are believed to be energy, again, interesting theoretical science. I don't profess to be an expert in any scientific field, but this may be a great direction for paranormal researchers to go in. And you don't have to be a "scientist" to look into this stuff, just curious and open minded. Again, far more questions than answers.

Just a quick thought or two on the ever popular notion of "scientific investigator," and how this might not be a bad idea all things considered. Of course you shouldn't investigate or conduct research with a close-mindedness, unless your intention is to debunk and disprove everything. And if that's your aim, then your like the hamster running on the perpetual wheel or your just "sour grapes" lol! Either way, what are you doing to help answer the obvious questions? We should all be just looking for that common middle ground, the much needed starting point. Now how's that for kicking some Science? Cheers!

Food and frights at the Union Hotel!

2011-02-16T08:57:00.000-05:00

As you approach the Union Hotel in the sleepy little town of Corfu, NY, you get a feeling of Norman Bates staring out the upper floor window of the the house in the movie Psycho. This place has that look and feel to it both outside and in!

The Union Hotel is one of Corfu's most historic locations. It was built in the 1830's and was the talk of the town. This place saw many visitors come through the door as it was the main stomping ground from Batavia to Buffalo. The Hotel had of course a bar, restaurant, sixteen nicely furnished rooms, and a room to entertain in. The third floor was made in to a large ballroom that had one of the countries only "floating dance floors." The Hotel would hold be a gathering place for locals as well as a place to hang your hat for travelers passing through. The Union Hotel was a main stagecoach stop between Batavia and Buffalo.

Like all old wooden structures back in the day, the Union Hotel burned down in 1886 but was soon rebuilt to what stands there today. Along with the fire that destroyed the building, the Union Hotel comes with a historic past. You can be sure to note that this place saw it's moments of happier times with the dances in the ballroom, to also more seedy times with intoxication, prostitution and deaths. The Union Hotel's storied history is sure to tell a great story! What story can it tell us and can we find out on March 12th when we stop in for a cold one...I mean cold spot!

Beyond Ghosts is making there 4th visit to the Union Hotel on March 12th and we want you to come along to see why we keep going back. It still has that look and feel of an old 19th century hotel as you get a sense you stepped in to a time machine. As you enter the third floor ballroom, you get a feeling that the band is going to start playing on the stage. The 2nd and 3rd floor are mostly untouched and give you a sense of what the building was like way back when.

Along with the historic nature of the building, we have yet to be disappointed in the paranormal activity we have experienced at this hotel. We captured a shadow person darting across the hall in the second floor, as well as witnessing a dark figure up in the third floor dance hall. EVP's we have captured have ranged from direct responses, to laughing, and even recordings of objects being thrown across a room!

I know what everyone is thinking. Yeah, sounds great, but this is in another rowdy bar where all the noise is heard throughout the building. Well, that is not true at all. To the contrary the bar is separate from the "main" building that we will be investigating. It is closed off by a LARGE wooden sliding door that would make the medieval castles in Europe jealous! The background noise is not a factor at this location.

On top of the historic nature and paranormal activity of the Union Hotel, this place has got GREAT food. Shane puts out a spread that will make sure you are fat and happy before the investigation. Make sure to where your elastic pants! The "all you can eat" buffet ranges from 3 different meats like beef, chicken, and pork. And it seems like 10 different side dishes that range from salads, to pasta, and more! There is enough food to go back for 3rd's, 4th's and even 5th's. The food alone is worth a visit to this place that is only 5 minutes away from Darien Lake Amusement Park.

Not convinced yet? Well, of course we will be there, lol! The merry crew of Beyond Ghosts will be there to show you the in's and out's of the Union Hotel. Not to mention, we have a lot of new and experimental equipment that we will bring, and of course allow everyone to use. Just come with a flashlight and recorder, and we will provide the rest!

So take the short drive down Broadway towards Darien Lake, or the i90 Pembroke exit that leads you straight in to Corfu and the Union Hotel. This little hidden gem sure will not disappoint. Come see what guests have yet to check out of the Union Hotel, or better yet, why don't you check in for a long stay!

Go to the Beyond Ghosts EVENTS page for more info!

Pick your poison friends!

2010-05-22T11:06:00.002-04:00

I make no bones about telling folks that I am actively involved in paranormal research, i.e., a "ghost hunter," for lack of a better term. It's interesting that nowadays, the response to this is 8 times out of 10 a resounding positive! Gone are the days when people with interests like mine were looked upon as creeps and weirdos, "ghouls" merely skulking about at night in abandoned buildings and cemeteries trying to get our rocks off. It's mainstream today, and in a huge way, and it's downright pop culture.

So now what people? It's okay to hunt the shadows and try to figure out paranormal phenomena, in fact, it's nearly a national pastime it seems. But where do we go from here? How many times is merely capturing an evp, or perceived spirit voice, or having the lights on your K-2 Meter go from green to red in a blink of an eye going to be the trick? Now what?

The field of paranormal research is at a pivotal crossroads, or so it would seem. Just peek around the corner. It's almost a dangerous sub-culture, where you either believe or you are labeled a dissenter, criticize (even constructively) and you are at war with others who are doing the exact same thing you're doing! Frightening stuff.

So who is to blame? We are. There is no formal education or training on the subject, and how could there be? What's the parameters for paranormal phenomena anyhow? Science barely acknowledges us, and skeptics think we're idiots who are ignorant or just afraid to die someday. Were is the organization, where is the structure, where is the unity? Pseudo-science, heck, and then some people.

I am a believer in paranormal phenomena, period, end quote. But I am rational and steadfast in the belief that many unexplained things can also be naturally explained by looking deep enough. Ask the tough question, do some homework, experiment, and poke around. And don't be scared to do so, after all, it's going to help this field in the long run.If everyone I knew in the paranormal considered common dust orbs to be evidence for the existence of ghosts, we'd be back in the 1980's looking like rejects to society, regardless of what dribble is showcased on our televisions! In fact, those shows wouldn't get a second look. It's about moving forward, and NOW is the time paranormalists!

Believe, but try not to convert others, and merely showcase the best evidence you can gather. Don't be afraid to criticize your own work, you need to be hardest on yourself, for the sake of the field and those around you. And if you get nothing, then so be it, move on to the next and retain your honesty and integrity. Your credibility and reputation is all you have anyway at the end of the day. Remain somewhat skeptical, but keep an open mind, and push forward.

Skeptics, we need them as well. They keep many of us honest and they ALWAYS ask the tough questions whether we like it or not! Checks and balances, and the best do so without an agenda or ax to grind. True skeptics are critical of "evidence" and supposed findings of paranormal phenomena, but rarely lash out unjustifiably and are not viscous. I mean after all, what good does that do? It's like telling a five year old child that there's no Santa Claus or stating that you don't believe in God because "You can't see Him." Hmmm, seems like malcontent or "naysayer" personality traits.

Regardless of your feelings on the existence of paranormal phenomena, we all need to do our part for the betterment and furthering of the field. Believe, don't believe, stay undecided for eternity, the main point is that we should keep pushing ourselves and other researchers and we should never be scared of what others say or think about us. Consider why you got into this field in the first place, because other people will. If it's the right reasons, then who cares about which side of the popular opinion you fall on. See you in June.

Beyond Ghosts aka "Para-historians"

2010-04-16T09:41:00.004-04:00

That's right, you heard it first (maybe) right here folks, Beyond Ghosts is more, much more in fact, then simply a group of paranormal investigators or just an internet based radio show. Beyond Ghosts is proud of the fact that although we are also those things mentioned above, we are first and foremost, and most importantly, a new breed of preservationists!

Beyond Ghosts offers others a chance to get involved in paranormal investigations and research at a cost. A cost you say? Yes, a minor figure which goes to benefit the host location of each AND every event or program we put on. Really? YES, really. But that's merely the up front benefit of working with us, there is a greater method to our madness and thankfully it's catching on like wildfire.

We get to educate others, teach them, about the historic locations we've "investigated" while looking to gather evidence of paranormal phenomena or research claims of perceived supernatural occurrences. Huh? Well it's really rather simple. Beyond Ghosts goes somewhere and conducts a professional investigation, sometimes for a single night, sometimes for a few nights to a week. We collect as much data as possible, separating the fact from fiction, and we make sure we have the location's story down cold. That's where the fun part begins.

At this point it's no longer about "Do ghosts exist?" or, "Is my place haunted?, it then becomes a situation where a building or a property takes on a life of its own and speaks! The focus is the location and its story. And Beyond Ghosts tells it, using the paranormal as a popular theme, ensuring these places are not easily forgotten in this age of modern technology or bust. Pretty clever stuff, and Beyond Ghosts are indeed pioneers in this respect.

We've helped to raise close to thirty thousand dollars for the Buffalo Central Terminal in Buffalo, NY, along with the WNY ghost Hunters, our sister group, and nearly five thousand for the historic Van Horn Mansion in Burt, NY. A few others places have recently signed on, and we'll disclose the details at a later date (hold on to your seats!).

"Para-historians" tell of history utilizing the paranormal and paranormal investigations as the backdrop. Since we still lack the ever elusive "time machine" needed to go back in time ourselves and take a "look see," endeavors such as those put forth by Beyond Ghosts will have to suffice, save for going to the local history museum. Here's a recent article written about our efforts : http://www.examiner.com/x-2764-Paranormal-News-Examiner~y2010m3d26-Beyond-Ghosts-finds-paranormal-work-may-help-save-historic-properties

If you would like any more info. about getting involved with us, or a heads up about upcoming projects, please drop us a line at beyondghosts@yahoo.com, "PARA-HISTORIANS" in the subject line.

If you yourself own a building or property which you believe could benefit from working with us, or know of a location, please contact us and let us know. See you in MAY!

Believe or Believe NOT!

2010-03-14T10:23:00.003-04:00

Ghost hunting is something that anyone and everyone can pursue, and we all get into it for a variety of personal reasons. For myself, I enjoy the camaraderie, the exploration, and frankly, the "thrill of the hunt!" Others are of course entitled to their own opinions, and as we always say here at Beyond Ghosts, "to each their own." The most important aspect of paranormal research is ultimately honesty and integrity, if not just for the field, then for your team and for yourself.

The last few years has seen a rise in groups claiming to be involved in the paranormal to apply science in investigations of perceived phenomena. As stated last month, no problem, except that we need to be on the same page as what constitutes excepted paranormal phenomena, and what scientific theories (key word) are applicable to these endeavors. I imagine it goes far beyond arbitrarily "googling" random scientific principles and trying to apply them to the paranormal. Again, in order for this to make sense, there needs to be some accepted uniformity, without picking and choosing your applications.

I'll be the first one to stand up in a room and say that the existence of ghosts is far from proven...to the masses. However, at the end of the day, what matters most, what the others believe or what you believe? You could produce a bottle filled with ghosts, 100% proof of an afterlife right? To some, but to everyone, heck NO! Why? Because there will always be some out there that refuse to believe, for whatever reason, and no matter what proof you produce, these naysayers refuse to have any of it. Case closed. Close mindedness? Perhaps. There is a segment out there that thinks that science is the be all end all, and I say more power to them, and then there are others who hide behind science because they fear the truth. Death is the final frontier, the last true unknown, and is a top fear for most people around the world.
Surprise...it happens to every one of us.

If someone wants to believe that ghosts are real, so be it, what does it really hurt? More than half the people asked in a given day will admit it's possible that hauntings can take place, many more will tell you there own "ghost stories." Shocking? Not really, just use common sense. Tales of ghosts, hauntings, legends and myths are timeless. So if your neighbor thinks that their house is full of spooks, why do some people make it their mission to disprove or discredit such people? To make themselves feel better, or to make themselves seem important or smarter that everyone else? C'mon. Clearly it speaks of fear of the unknown. I mean, you're not getting paid to be skeptical, its' not your job right? And if it were, the ones who do it with an obvious axe to grind or in a mean and "venomous" fashion are doing their side of the debate little if any good. You just seem like bullies or even terrorists, depending on how far you want to take something considered a hobby or passion. Debating issues should be kept civil and responsible, if you want to be taken seriously, and yes, it does work for both sides, believers and non-believers.

I too am still waiting for definitive proof of the Chupacabra, poltergeists, or UFOs from outer space, waiting with baited breath. But I HAVE had a handful of personal experiences conducting paranormal research, and even have some examples of corresponding pieces of evidence to support them. Enough to satisfy the masses, maybe not, but enough to satisfy me personally. Enough said.

If people want to explore abandoned locations to hunt for specters, more power to them. If they want to pay for the experience, that's there choice in a free society, and I see no problem with that. People out there that find this to be nonsense or wrong, go do something else, live your own life your own way. And yes, I understand that we ALL are entitled to our own opinions, but once again, it's the delivery. Trying to make others look bad or even destroy them over this stuff is contemptible and ridiculous. Here at Beyond Ghosts we employ a "Live and Let Live" policy, and hope to network and work with all other groups and individuals out there, regardless of their belief or position on the paranormal .

I will leave you with these pearls of wisdom, it is absolutely okay to agree to disagree. See you next month...if you need to contact us please do so via beyondghosts@yahoo.com. Cheers!

Mine's Bigger Than Yours!

2010-02-13T11:56:00.005-05:00

I have never been one to care what others say or think of me, especially in regard to my endeavors in the paranormal. The reason is simple. I do my very best to walk a straight line and conduct my work with honesty, integrity, and respect. Above and beyond that, I try to help individuals outside the field when I can, and also teach others about what I have learned doing this for the last several years. What more can be asked, seriously?

Paranormal research is something that anyone and everyone can participate in, and although this is a great selling point for the genre, it's also a big reason for the lack of paranormal unity. Mind you, nobody on this end is ever going to try and convince you that we all need to get along at any cost, and regardless of any circumstances, or that we need to pretend that we are one big harmonious family who never butt heads or disagree. Let's be realistic here, people are people after all.

Debunkers and skeptics alike are there to keep investigators and researchers honest, and to push us to keep forging ahead to try and catalog as much credible evidence as we can. Alas, after all this is said and done, debunkers will still try to pick every minute detail apart to disprove the evidence gathered, and skeptics will still be, well, skeptical. In some cases to a fault. That's just the name of the game in this field, a genre of interest growing in popularity by leaps and bounds, and something that's considered a pseudo-science at best.

One of the biggest kickers to me is the fact that so much energy is expelled in this field trying to discredit those we disagree with, allowing our egos to get the best of us, especially once I point out again that ghost hunting is something that anyone and everyone can partake in. I don't imagine that every single person involved in the mud slinging and smear campaigns too often seen in the paranormal community are genuinely evil or just mean spirited, a few probably feel that their doing the genre justice by helping to police things for the betterment of paranormal research...by criticizing and tearing down others and helping to try and ruin them...seriously?

The ones that are most laughable are the groups and individuals that see fit to attack others publicly with a "holier than thou vigor," and drum up gossip or other slanderous information for the sole purpose of proving that they themselves are the greatest "blank(s)," and the subject of their ire or wraith are the lowest of the low! I know, what purpose does it all serve...especially when it's apparent they have an obvious ax to grind?

I oftentimes wonder why these seemingly normal folks fail to first take a step back, before ultimately taking that proverbial first step forward and offering their one sided point of view? Judge

Let's not mince words, I firmly believe that each and every one of us is ultimately entitled to own beliefs and opinions. And if someone truly wrongs you, you may defend yourself as you see fit...regardless of the consequences. After all, this is still a free country and we can all benefit from the fundamentals of free will. This is meant to be a blog for thinkers ;)!

The point of this piece is that we can disagree with each other and not try to destroy each other...over what anyway, forays into paranormal research? Groups and individuals who don't realize, or understand, that the masses can distinguish between a legitimate point to be made and a witch hunt, are sadly fooling themselves, and generally only attract other disgruntled haters and malcontents (remember like attracts like!). To each their own, whatever makes you feel in control and powerful at the end of the day I guess is what gets you through.

Being critical is perfectly acceptable, and is encouraged by legitimate researchers as a way of helping to add credibility to evidence or perceived evidence. But if you're going to be callous or just mean, I'll be the first to say "put up or shut up!" Especially if you yourself are involved in ghost hunting or paranormal research...where's your own material? Let's hear or see your stuff when push comes to shove. One sided debates still seem to be the order of the day in the paranormal, hence, please remember to consider the source (and the verbiage used).

Just ask yourself the following questions : "What exactly is the benefit of these harsh criticisms...and how do they strengthen the field?"

Judge not lest ye be judged?

My intentions being involved in the paranormal field? By John

2010-01-25T12:20:00.002-05:00

During the course of my many travels throughout this great country of ours, I oftentimes get into conversations with people concerning my endeavors in paranormal research. Believe it or not, about 90% of the folks you talk with have actually had paranormal experiences of their own, or have first hand knowledge of supposedly haunted locations! And the majority of these good people admire the work being done by investigators in the field, if only for the fact that its "Scary Stuff!"

Taking the "Wow" factor off the table for a minute, why do so many investigators and researchers get involved in the paranormal field? Outside of the obvious reason, the greatest fear known to Man is the inevitability of death, what mass appeal does forays into paranormal studies have for most of us? It is cool, exciting, fun, interesting, a rush, and at times scary, but there has to be more...doesn't there?

There are two distinct, yet not foreign to one another, schools of thought on the matter. The paranormal by it's natural (or "unnatural") design is a "new frontier," a field of loose study which lacks a number of defined boundaries to facilitate a true science. The biggest hurdle facing the paranormal field is credibility and everyone getting on the same page as far as acceptable principles and theories (the real science part of the matter at hand). Are you in this for personal exploration or are you in this for science?

I can see so many problems with the paranormal becoming an accepted field of scientific study, most notably, the individual's perception of what paranormal subjects actually are? For example, what is a ghost? Ask ten different people and you'll likely get at least six different answers, and a few being polar opposites!
I myself adhere to the mindset that living things being made up of energy (this may be extremely basal, but then again, this is only my opinion and not a college level class on chemistry or physics), pass on and they leave behind an energy signature, and depending on the individuals' personality, this can sometimes be a fair representation of their living persona! Matters not if it's a human or a non-human we are referring too...of course, this my opinion as stated earlier, and how can such things be proven definitively after all?

Science. Oh, how I do love science. I am a biologist after all, and spent many a day back in college engaging in all sorts of experiments and discussions of "plausible" theory. In some cases, the stuff made sense, other times, it was merely "chalk board science," theory if you will, and still needed to be proven at some point, for better or for worse. The biggest problem folks in the paranormal have when dealing with science is the fact that they think science is going to be their greatest ally in proving the existence of Bigfoot, Casper, or even E.T.! That is the wrong approach from jump street. Science is thy enemy is this regard. The idea needs to be that Science is there to stand in your way, it is what our beliefs and ideas are tested against...hence the idea of experiments and hypotheses. Science by its virtue is there to disprove. Interesting notion, and I love the stuff to this day.

As for me personally, I enjoy many different facets of paranormal research, most notably, the fact that we have so few answers as opposed to questions. And that for me is the hook. I can search for the rest of my life and never capture the concrete "evidence" needed to silence the critics. Who cares? You are never going to sell the masses 100% on what you "know" is an apparition or an evp of George Washington saying "I hate cherry trees!" The idea of this pursuit should NOT be, at least for most of us, I need to convert others to my way of thinking or I will show those people what I can do...this only speaks of ego and selfishness. Of course, like everything else written herein, merely my humble opinion. I look to investigate places for me, looking to find answers for myself and my teammates. Every group out there does things right, and every group out there does things wrong...we are all human. To each there own. The paranormal has enough room for everyone wishing to be involved.

In closing, my intentions being involved in the paranormal field have nothing to do with being a fan of paranormal t.v., which I am, trying to capture evidence of ghosts and UFO's to show my family and friends, which I do, or trying to discredit any others in the field, which is sad, I am in this for me and my team. I am looking for answers to questions for me and those around me, and if others enjoy my efforts, let them hear me speak, and if they do not, let those individuals have a blessed and prosperous life as well. And the sole reason I am writing this is to publicly express why I ghost hunt, it is NOT to cause controversy or point the finger at any individual or teams out there doing work in the paranormal. Trust me, that's the last thing on my mind, it's 2010, a new start to a new year! My next post is coming in Feb., wonder what I'll talk about then????

P.S. "Paranormal Unity" is not the fact that everyone needs to believe the same things, or stand around hugging one another (we can always agree to disagree), it's more from the stand that you can criticize the work others do, but without being nasty and viscous. This stuff goes on all over the World and needlessly. It's about "constructive criticism," not cheap shots...this is another reason the paranormal field is having a hard time gaining a foot hold as an acceptable field of scientific study.

Am I a paranormal expert? by Ryan

2010-01-19T08:57:00.006-05:00

Well first off, I never claimed to be. Secondly, how can anyone consider themselves an expert in a field full of experiments and pseudo-sciences. Also, I am not sure what qualifications are needed to be an "expert" at paranormal investigations. But in case anyone out there has an idea of what those qualifications may be, here are mine:

Schooling
- Associates degree in Computer Information Systems from Erie Community College
- Bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems from Buffalo State College

Work experience
- I have over 10 years experience in the computer specialist field and I am currently employed as a Computer Specialist for NY State and work in local school districts.

Volunteer work
- I am the Events Coordinator for the Buffalo Central Terminal. I have also volunteered time with the Newfane Historical Society.

Paranormal groups
- I am the founder of WNY Ghost Hunters based out of the Buffalo Central Terminal. I have successfully established a group that is also volunteers at the Terminal for clean-up and events. We also investigate other locations throughout the area and are also the exclusive group for the Van Horn Mansion. We have been in existence for over 1 year.

Paranormal Investigations
- I have investigated for about 3 years now and have been in an established group for a year. Places investigated are Buffalo Central Terminal, Iron Island, Rolling Hills, Van Horn Mansion, Kelly Hotel, Hayes Hall, JN Adams Hospital, Valentown, Palmyra, Knickerbocker Hotel, Conneautt Lake Hotel, USS Sullivans, Residentials, and a few other undisclosed locations in WNY.

Other information
- I have been an active member of a local Civil War Reenactment group for over 8 years. I enjoy history and like educating and entertaining other by portraying life as it was in the 19th Century during the Civil War.

So, there is my resume. Does it make me more or less qualified than anyone else? I think no. What I do know is the I have FUN doing this! I am sorry, but I am not interested in turning my time in the paranormal field in to a boring book-worm type class in college. I am NOT a boring Professor (though John calls me the Professor, lol!) and I will never throw out big words and theories to impress you. My schooling, job experience, and volunteer work speaks for itself and I don't need to try and sound smart. That is not me and never will be. So bottom line is this, I never claimed to be an expert and I don't care what anyone else thinks of my qualifications. I am in it to have fun and explore some of the coolest and most historical locations in the country. Hopefully along the way I can experience or catch some paranormal activity, and maybe interact with someone from the past. And if you don't like some of my evidence or want to bash it, then have at it. I am open to any opinions and am just showing you what we captured. I have never hid evidence and will freely show anyone what was captured and what we THINK it is. If you have a better idea of what something may be than great! I don't take it personally as we are searching for things that may or may not be there.

We are all in this field together, and what I am doing is not anything different than what anyone else can be doing as well. I can show what I do and how I do it, and you can take it as you will. Don't let anyone fool you in thinking they know more than you, as we are all doing basically the same thing. And if you are in it to strictly help people, that is good for you. One thing I am NOT qualified to do is establish the fact of dealing with people's mental well being. I am not a psychologist and I would rather not get involved in figuring out what is going on in people's heads. So I do hope that paranormal investigators who claim to be able to help people rid ghosts and demons from homes are qualified in psychology as they may do more damage than good because not everything is a ghost. I am not a Psychologist, Psychic, or Demonologist, but just a "regular Joe" who works on computers for a career.

So far, I am enjoying my time in WNY Ghost Hunters and Beyond Ghosts. I have met some of the nicest people and also friends that will be considered friends long after I am done doing this. I also have been in some of the greatest places in the area. I have explored some great locations loaded with history, and experienced some great paranormal activity. And guess what, as soon as this stops being fun, I will stop doing this!

Here is the bottom line, if you want to enjoy yourself, have fun, laugh a little, explore some great historical locations, and hopefully experience some of the paranormal, than you are welcomed to hang with me. My mission at Beyond Ghosts is to make a lot of these great historical places accessible to everyone who wants to come and explore and have fun. If you are interested in a science lesson about quantum physics, theories, and bashing other groups and there evidence, go elsewhere as I am not for you. From the great turnouts we have received at our events and lectures, I am happy to say that most people are in it for the same reasons as me.

Now if that means I am not "in it for the right reasons" then so be it!

Ryan Willard