Hey folks!
Just wanted to drop in and say I'm working on some blog posts to get back on a regular thrice a week schedule here. Been pretty busy still but I did write a little opinion piece for a blog about Video Games called Theory Of Game by Justin Hebert. Go check his blog out and you'll see my video game related rants and raves from time to time..
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Anyways, if I had all my pics uploaded I'd give you a Vivi update like I've been promising, but I don't and I'm watching a movie so I'll get em up soon.
Oh, and for those that are interested, Paranormal Activity 2 (in theaters now) is about what you'd expect from a sequel to that movie, but explains the first movie in a plausible way (unless you saw the alternate ending...). Either way, I'd call it a "Rent", not a see-it-in-the-theaters-like-I-did movie.
Listen to my band now! The Long Black Veils!!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
update on ME!
hey folks!
Just wanted to let you know, I'm still here, still working on my Vivi papercraft (almost done!!!!) still fishing and still playing in my band The Long Black Veils.
I've been busy with home life and working on getting some training (unemployment doesn't pay as well as I'd like :) ) playing live shows with the band and being busy with family life, but I'll have a Vivi update soon, as well as a new blogroll link for a friend of mine who is starting a video game blog that I'll be contributing to (vidya games are awesome!).
In the meantime, let me point out to you a few things completely awesome:
In the realm of papercraft: EVIL DEAD!
In the realm of fishing: Trout Ninja!
In the realm of random awesomesauce: Absolute Zero!!
Look foward to some random rations coming soon including a papercraft gift for a relative in law, a fishing report from the upper Kings river, and hopefully the completed Vivi by the end of the week!!!!
Just wanted to let you know, I'm still here, still working on my Vivi papercraft (almost done!!!!) still fishing and still playing in my band The Long Black Veils.
I've been busy with home life and working on getting some training (unemployment doesn't pay as well as I'd like :) ) playing live shows with the band and being busy with family life, but I'll have a Vivi update soon, as well as a new blogroll link for a friend of mine who is starting a video game blog that I'll be contributing to (vidya games are awesome!).
In the meantime, let me point out to you a few things completely awesome:
In the realm of papercraft: EVIL DEAD!
In the realm of fishing: Trout Ninja!
In the realm of random awesomesauce: Absolute Zero!!
Look foward to some random rations coming soon including a papercraft gift for a relative in law, a fishing report from the upper Kings river, and hopefully the completed Vivi by the end of the week!!!!
Monday, October 18, 2010
More Vivi!!
Hey folks!
Got another Vivi update for you! I'm not quite done yet, been busy with my band and other such things, but here is the progress I've made on the awesome mage hat!
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| The brim of the hat, its actually 2 pieces top\bottom |
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| The underside glues to the top |
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| This piece was easy to attach |
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| This piece was NOT easy lol it fits weird and is bigger than the piece it glues to |
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| this is when it starts to look cool |
Now all that's left is the Arms\hands and to finish the hat and I'll be done! I'm very proud of this model, even though it does have some mistakes. It's the biggest and most difficult I've done so far :) Stay tuned for the full model in completion very soon!!
Comments are appreciated :D
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Just couldn't wait!
Hey folks!
I just couldn't wait for this Vivi Update, so here you go, and I'm sure I'll make more progress very soon!
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| Finally finished the bottom half!! |
 | |
| I'm particularly proud of how well the back came out |
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| Vivi's Fireball, very small and cramp inducing! |
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| You can see how the pieces fit together |
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| Finished fireball |
Hey folks! I'm back again with my final spooktacular reblog post!
"Having posted my views on Environmental evidence, I move on now to Visual Evidence.
To me, Visual evidence of the paranormal is the most compelling, as it can be studied and analyzed to the most minute detail. There are photographs and videos all over the internet to be studied, and its easy and relatively inexpensive to go out and take pictures and video on an investigation.
First I would like to talk about authenticity, as it is the most important factor when analyzing visual evidence. It is a reality that everything can be faked with today's technology. The best video and photograph could be the result of an intelligent 14 year old and a copy of Photoshop, I've seen it done. So whats the point in analyzing evidence that has no way of verifying its authenticity?
There comes a point at which to critically analyze visual evidence you have to put aside your beliefs of whether something is real or has been faked. With visual evidence there are many methods of examination which can reveal the authenticity of the photograph, as in has it been tampered with physically or digitally. But there is no way of telling if the photographer has faked the scenario in question, setting it up to look supernatural before the picture is even taken. So there is an element of trust in question. In the end visual evidence really is no more convincing scientifically than Environmental evidence because of this. But it is much more compelling anecdotal evidence than any other kind.
Another reason I find visual evidence so interesting is that you can in fact be an expert in the field. Photography and Videography are very technical and precise fields, and to be an expert in them is to be an expert at analyzing visual evidence. I only wish I had the time and money to be such an expert, but I have my contacts that fill that "expert" need when I have it.
That out of the way, I'd like to drop a quote from a guide I wrote for The Atlantic Paranormal Society website in reference to posting visual evidence on the message boards and the reactions to expect, I've edited it for length and pertinance.
"Posting Etiquette, A sample guide:
4. Take responses to your posts or posted evidence with a grain of salt, a touch of humility, and a bucket full of understanding and patience. Just because you are 100% sure there is something paranormal about your picture doesnt mean there is. Dont get defensive about replies to your post or posted evidence, there will always be someone who disagree's with what you think you've found.
5. Be aware of your own attitude, if someone is irritating you subtly or you are getting frustrated with 9 out of 10 people saying your posted evidence is mundane, take a step back, keep your reaction in check, and proceed thoughtfully. Emotion is a wonderful thing when kept in control, passion for the field is a great quality, but can be very hurtful when left unchecked.
7. If someone tears your evidence apart, they are most likely doing so from a technical viewpoint, which is how it should be done. Using science, technology, and solid logic to debunk evidence is what makes the field more than just a pseudoscience, and if we are ever to become a fully respectable field of research and study, we must conform to the base principles of investigation and testing. So when someone shreds your evidence to pieces with concise and accurate methods of deduction, don't be offended, be honored that they spent that much time to debunk your evidence, and be happy that you can have a solid answer instead of a vague feeling of the veracity of the evidence."
These points are the ones that relate to real life events, whether it be a buddy showing you his cool photo of smoke that "looks like a face" or when you are showing off your own such photo's to others. Just remember, not everyone is a believer, but everyone likes a cool picture.
I have to give credit where its due, the reason I wrote the etiquette section of my visual evidence guide is thanks to a buddy on the TAPS message boards, Jackpot316. You can see the full guide and everyone elses comments and suggestions at http://www.tapsmainforum.com/index.php?topic=10499.0
And I highly suggest that you join the TAPS message boards, its very educational, entertaining, and you meet a lot of great people like jackpot316 Ncarnate78, Dreams4U, Mystical, and many more I don't have time to list, 0h, and I'm there too."
That's it for my Howloweeny posts, next time back to Papercraft and a much needed Vivi update!! Thanks for reading and please leave comments and click the "share" button below to post this on your facebook page!
"Having posted my views on Environmental evidence, I move on now to Visual Evidence.
To me, Visual evidence of the paranormal is the most compelling, as it can be studied and analyzed to the most minute detail. There are photographs and videos all over the internet to be studied, and its easy and relatively inexpensive to go out and take pictures and video on an investigation.
First I would like to talk about authenticity, as it is the most important factor when analyzing visual evidence. It is a reality that everything can be faked with today's technology. The best video and photograph could be the result of an intelligent 14 year old and a copy of Photoshop, I've seen it done. So whats the point in analyzing evidence that has no way of verifying its authenticity?
There comes a point at which to critically analyze visual evidence you have to put aside your beliefs of whether something is real or has been faked. With visual evidence there are many methods of examination which can reveal the authenticity of the photograph, as in has it been tampered with physically or digitally. But there is no way of telling if the photographer has faked the scenario in question, setting it up to look supernatural before the picture is even taken. So there is an element of trust in question. In the end visual evidence really is no more convincing scientifically than Environmental evidence because of this. But it is much more compelling anecdotal evidence than any other kind.
Another reason I find visual evidence so interesting is that you can in fact be an expert in the field. Photography and Videography are very technical and precise fields, and to be an expert in them is to be an expert at analyzing visual evidence. I only wish I had the time and money to be such an expert, but I have my contacts that fill that "expert" need when I have it.
That out of the way, I'd like to drop a quote from a guide I wrote for The Atlantic Paranormal Society website in reference to posting visual evidence on the message boards and the reactions to expect, I've edited it for length and pertinance.
"Posting Etiquette, A sample guide:
4. Take responses to your posts or posted evidence with a grain of salt, a touch of humility, and a bucket full of understanding and patience. Just because you are 100% sure there is something paranormal about your picture doesnt mean there is. Dont get defensive about replies to your post or posted evidence, there will always be someone who disagree's with what you think you've found.
5. Be aware of your own attitude, if someone is irritating you subtly or you are getting frustrated with 9 out of 10 people saying your posted evidence is mundane, take a step back, keep your reaction in check, and proceed thoughtfully. Emotion is a wonderful thing when kept in control, passion for the field is a great quality, but can be very hurtful when left unchecked.
7. If someone tears your evidence apart, they are most likely doing so from a technical viewpoint, which is how it should be done. Using science, technology, and solid logic to debunk evidence is what makes the field more than just a pseudoscience, and if we are ever to become a fully respectable field of research and study, we must conform to the base principles of investigation and testing. So when someone shreds your evidence to pieces with concise and accurate methods of deduction, don't be offended, be honored that they spent that much time to debunk your evidence, and be happy that you can have a solid answer instead of a vague feeling of the veracity of the evidence."
These points are the ones that relate to real life events, whether it be a buddy showing you his cool photo of smoke that "looks like a face" or when you are showing off your own such photo's to others. Just remember, not everyone is a believer, but everyone likes a cool picture.
I have to give credit where its due, the reason I wrote the etiquette section of my visual evidence guide is thanks to a buddy on the TAPS message boards, Jackpot316. You can see the full guide and everyone elses comments and suggestions at http://www.tapsmainforum.com/index.php?topic=10499.0
And I highly suggest that you join the TAPS message boards, its very educational, entertaining, and you meet a lot of great people like jackpot316 Ncarnate78, Dreams4U, Mystical, and many more I don't have time to list, 0h, and I'm there too."
That's it for my Howloweeny posts, next time back to Papercraft and a much needed Vivi update!! Thanks for reading and please leave comments and click the "share" button below to post this on your facebook page!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Hey folks!
This is part 3 in my reblog of ghostiness, discussing types of paranormal evidence and such. Enjoy!
"This is the disclamer: I am no professional by any means. I only know from experience and general knowledge. Everything is IMO only.
I do alot of looking for physical evidence of the paranormal. I'd say 90% of the time its all completley normal, its that 10% of the time that gets us excited. Evidence ranges from visual- photographs and video, to aural- EVP's, sounds on tape or DAR, to Environmental- recorded measurments of EMF, tempurature fluctuations (cold\hot spots), even barometric pressure.
Today we will cover what is, in my opinion, the weakest of the three evidences: Environmental Evidence.
Environmental evidence is the least accurate and easiest to discount. Some may find that statement offensive or think it untrue. But the simple fact of the matter is that environmental evidence is unreliable and conjectural. It has not been proven that an EMF spike, or a change in barometric pressure, or tempurature fluctuations, have anything to do with the paranormal. I qualify that statement with this one: EMF and tempurature fluctuations have long been associated with paranormal activity, and it is a widely accepted means of determining activity within a location. But to a non-believer or an investigator debunking from a scientific standpoint as well as a believers view, conjectural evidence is weak to failing.
In the course of an investigation, I would indeed take all the environmental readings customarily taken, record the readings and thier locations and variables, make sure they are accurate and then continue on. These readings, as conjectural as they are, do seem to give a fairly accurate base reading of the activity level within a location. Through the studies of investigators around the world it has been found that these readings are reliable in thier general capacity.
So when telling someone of your investigations, make note of the environmental evidence, but dont emphasize it. Within the community, the readings will be understood, but outside of the field, the readings mean basically nothing. For example, if I was to say to a friend "I found 3 moving cold spots, the first two were accompanied by abnormal EMF readings and the third with a drop in barometric pressure." My friend would say "So?" even if he did understand the terms. But if I were to say that to someone who is an investigator, that would be fairly good evidence of activity.
However, if I were to explain the terms and the significance of the events simply as follows "hot/Cold spots are believed to be caused by paranormal activity, as are abnormal EMF readings and abnormal barometric pressure readings, and we experienced them all, 3 times in a short period." The friend would most likley say something like "So that means there might be some activity, interesting, do you have any other evidence?"
And at that point I would move on to Visual Evidence. Which I will do, in my next post.
Thanks for reading, as always feel free to comment on anything I write, I want your opinions!"
That's all folks! Stay tuned for tomorrows post!
This is part 3 in my reblog of ghostiness, discussing types of paranormal evidence and such. Enjoy!
"This is the disclamer: I am no professional by any means. I only know from experience and general knowledge. Everything is IMO only.
I do alot of looking for physical evidence of the paranormal. I'd say 90% of the time its all completley normal, its that 10% of the time that gets us excited. Evidence ranges from visual- photographs and video, to aural- EVP's, sounds on tape or DAR, to Environmental- recorded measurments of EMF, tempurature fluctuations (cold\hot spots), even barometric pressure.
Today we will cover what is, in my opinion, the weakest of the three evidences: Environmental Evidence.
Environmental evidence is the least accurate and easiest to discount. Some may find that statement offensive or think it untrue. But the simple fact of the matter is that environmental evidence is unreliable and conjectural. It has not been proven that an EMF spike, or a change in barometric pressure, or tempurature fluctuations, have anything to do with the paranormal. I qualify that statement with this one: EMF and tempurature fluctuations have long been associated with paranormal activity, and it is a widely accepted means of determining activity within a location. But to a non-believer or an investigator debunking from a scientific standpoint as well as a believers view, conjectural evidence is weak to failing.
In the course of an investigation, I would indeed take all the environmental readings customarily taken, record the readings and thier locations and variables, make sure they are accurate and then continue on. These readings, as conjectural as they are, do seem to give a fairly accurate base reading of the activity level within a location. Through the studies of investigators around the world it has been found that these readings are reliable in thier general capacity.
So when telling someone of your investigations, make note of the environmental evidence, but dont emphasize it. Within the community, the readings will be understood, but outside of the field, the readings mean basically nothing. For example, if I was to say to a friend "I found 3 moving cold spots, the first two were accompanied by abnormal EMF readings and the third with a drop in barometric pressure." My friend would say "So?" even if he did understand the terms. But if I were to say that to someone who is an investigator, that would be fairly good evidence of activity.
However, if I were to explain the terms and the significance of the events simply as follows "hot/Cold spots are believed to be caused by paranormal activity, as are abnormal EMF readings and abnormal barometric pressure readings, and we experienced them all, 3 times in a short period." The friend would most likley say something like "So that means there might be some activity, interesting, do you have any other evidence?"
And at that point I would move on to Visual Evidence. Which I will do, in my next post.
Thanks for reading, as always feel free to comment on anything I write, I want your opinions!"
That's all folks! Stay tuned for tomorrows post!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Re-blog Paranormal Halloweeny part 2
Hey Folks!
This is Part 2 of my Paranormal themed posts for the howl-o-ween season, you can get an idea of how I think and my religiosity through these posts, but also a glimpse into how the field of Paranormal Investigation isn't a bunch of kids breaking into abandoned houses and scaring themselves silly. The next two posts will be a bit more technical, but this post is personal, since I'm talking about my own beliefs and procedures. Comment, follow, share, etc :)
"This will be sort of a continuation of the first post I made. Of a more general nature, and with more thoughts than references.
Whenever I put forth my view of the paranormal in relation to Christianity, I get replies similar to those comments left for my last post. (thank you to those who commented). So invariably I have to delve deeper into my own theosophy (theology\philosophy, I made a new word.) of the subject.
I think the term "all things in moderation" fits well here. When I was a non-Christian, I engulfed myself in the occult and the paranormal, and I brought others with me as well. Its a burden I will bear for the rest of my life. Imagine bringing others to the occult, equipping them with knowledge and experience in the ungodly, then setting them on the path of wickedness, only to become a Christian later on in life. I imagine it is somewhat similar to how Saul\Paul felt after he was made blind and came to Christ.
While I was in the condition of the non-believer, I delved as deep as my own fear would allow, stopping short only when in fear of death either physical, or (if indeed possible) spiritual. So while my experience is extensive, I wont be telling fantastic stories of the kind, because it serves only to glamorize the lifestyle, and I stand against that. Instead I will attempt to use my experience to shed some light on the subject of the paranormal, and in turn show that it can be fascinating without being detrimental to life or faith.
As I said, moderation is the key. I dont devote myself to anything besides my family and God. I try to spread my time equally amongst my many hobbies after the first two priorities have been seen to.
Much like others I have talked to, I have a very strong urge and impulse to delve into the paranormal, be it ghosts, demons and angels, the enochian keys, astral travel, or anything else that doesnt involve drug use. I have found that when I let my urges get the best of me, I get set on a downward spiral, and my quality of life in general starts to decline drastically. I have also found then when I adhere to the guidelines I've set for myself, I do just fine.
Number 1. I dont do E.V.P.'s, or Electronic Voice Phenomenon. The Bible strictly forbids trying to make contact with the dead. Conducting an EVP session involves asking questions to any entity that may be in the vicinity and reviewing audio tape later to check for responses. If someone brings me an EVP to listen to, I will on occasion. But I will never participate in the EVP session itself. I also count the "mexican ultrasound", Ouija boards, ball or bowl scrying, and other such things in this rule.
Number 2. I dont research occultic religions too deeply. What good is it to me to know the kinds of herbs and stones used in a Gardenarian Wiccan Solstice Ceremony? To know of the ceremony, and the purpose of it, is plenty of reference material for discussion, debate, and interest.
If I hold myself fast to those 2 guidelines, I dont seem to have a problem. I can observe, categorize, document, and analyze anything paranormal, as long as I do it from a perspective of a Christian, and not just someone interested in the paranormal.
So you have my viewpoints and personal rules so far. I apply them to the entire range of things considered "paranormal", from UFO's to Shamanism, from ghosts to Satanism, and everything in between. Id like to know what you think, Whether you be Christian or not, skeptic, investgator, non-believer, or debunker, I am interested in all opinions and views.
Im open to questions, Ill post a blog in response to any good question I get. Also suggestions, if you feel you want to hear what I have to say on any given subject, simply let me know, and I will do my best to respond."
That's it for today, I think I'll post the other two over the next two days so I can get back on my regular schedule and get some music and papercraft posts up soon. Thanks for reading, Leave a comment!!
This is Part 2 of my Paranormal themed posts for the howl-o-ween season, you can get an idea of how I think and my religiosity through these posts, but also a glimpse into how the field of Paranormal Investigation isn't a bunch of kids breaking into abandoned houses and scaring themselves silly. The next two posts will be a bit more technical, but this post is personal, since I'm talking about my own beliefs and procedures. Comment, follow, share, etc :)
"This will be sort of a continuation of the first post I made. Of a more general nature, and with more thoughts than references.
Whenever I put forth my view of the paranormal in relation to Christianity, I get replies similar to those comments left for my last post. (thank you to those who commented). So invariably I have to delve deeper into my own theosophy (theology\philosophy, I made a new word.) of the subject.
I think the term "all things in moderation" fits well here. When I was a non-Christian, I engulfed myself in the occult and the paranormal, and I brought others with me as well. Its a burden I will bear for the rest of my life. Imagine bringing others to the occult, equipping them with knowledge and experience in the ungodly, then setting them on the path of wickedness, only to become a Christian later on in life. I imagine it is somewhat similar to how Saul\Paul felt after he was made blind and came to Christ.
While I was in the condition of the non-believer, I delved as deep as my own fear would allow, stopping short only when in fear of death either physical, or (if indeed possible) spiritual. So while my experience is extensive, I wont be telling fantastic stories of the kind, because it serves only to glamorize the lifestyle, and I stand against that. Instead I will attempt to use my experience to shed some light on the subject of the paranormal, and in turn show that it can be fascinating without being detrimental to life or faith.
As I said, moderation is the key. I dont devote myself to anything besides my family and God. I try to spread my time equally amongst my many hobbies after the first two priorities have been seen to.
Much like others I have talked to, I have a very strong urge and impulse to delve into the paranormal, be it ghosts, demons and angels, the enochian keys, astral travel, or anything else that doesnt involve drug use. I have found that when I let my urges get the best of me, I get set on a downward spiral, and my quality of life in general starts to decline drastically. I have also found then when I adhere to the guidelines I've set for myself, I do just fine.
Number 1. I dont do E.V.P.'s, or Electronic Voice Phenomenon. The Bible strictly forbids trying to make contact with the dead. Conducting an EVP session involves asking questions to any entity that may be in the vicinity and reviewing audio tape later to check for responses. If someone brings me an EVP to listen to, I will on occasion. But I will never participate in the EVP session itself. I also count the "mexican ultrasound", Ouija boards, ball or bowl scrying, and other such things in this rule.
Number 2. I dont research occultic religions too deeply. What good is it to me to know the kinds of herbs and stones used in a Gardenarian Wiccan Solstice Ceremony? To know of the ceremony, and the purpose of it, is plenty of reference material for discussion, debate, and interest.
If I hold myself fast to those 2 guidelines, I dont seem to have a problem. I can observe, categorize, document, and analyze anything paranormal, as long as I do it from a perspective of a Christian, and not just someone interested in the paranormal.
So you have my viewpoints and personal rules so far. I apply them to the entire range of things considered "paranormal", from UFO's to Shamanism, from ghosts to Satanism, and everything in between. Id like to know what you think, Whether you be Christian or not, skeptic, investgator, non-believer, or debunker, I am interested in all opinions and views.
Im open to questions, Ill post a blog in response to any good question I get. Also suggestions, if you feel you want to hear what I have to say on any given subject, simply let me know, and I will do my best to respond."
That's it for today, I think I'll post the other two over the next two days so I can get back on my regular schedule and get some music and papercraft posts up soon. Thanks for reading, Leave a comment!!
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