Classic Urban Legends

Let's indulge in one of the best urban practices - legends. These are spooky cautionary tales.

Make Your Own Horror Shorts

You're watching horror movies, enjoying the anticipation of approaching fall, longer shadows, shorter nights, and Halloween creeping closer. Why not try your own horror short film on your cell phone, just 30 seconds to one minute and 30 seconds. Nothing crazy. But something that artistically creeps you out.

New Castle After Dark - GREAT YouTube Channel For Horror Fans

I highly recommend New Castle After Dark channel on YouTube if you love 70s/80s horror. I'm very much addicted. These guys have great taste! Be sure to subscribe and hit the bell symbol for notifications if you are a horror fan of this era. 

Coins on a Grave

If you're in a cemetery and see coins atop of a soldier's grave, don't touch it! Here's the background -

You leave a penny if you want to give thanks for their service
You leave a nickel if you did boot camp with the deceased
You leave a dime if you served with the deceased
You leave a quarter if you were with the deceased when he/she passed

This is a way to let the family members know that they are not forgotten and their graves are visited.

Top 5 Destination Truth Episodes

"Destination Truth" with Josh Gates was perhaps an all-time favorite along the lines of "In Search" of adoration for unexplained-loving audiences. I have enjoyed the 4-part season ending episodes of "Expedition Unknown," but most episodes I find utterly boring. It's sad as Josh is high energy and practical so putting him on the chase of the unexplained is a lot more fun than chasing history. I replay the old "Destination Truth" episodes a lot and here's what I consider my top 5 favorite episodes. 

Endocannibalism: Do Bigfoot Eat Their Dead?

Skeptic: What about Bigfoot's bones? If they die, they have to leave bones. 

Typical researcher: The animals in the forest eat their flesh, scatter their bones. 

A brave researcher: They bury their dead.

Me the realist: I see no reason they don't cannibalize their kin. 

I have reasons for seeing it this way and once you see the supporting evidence, you may go into a new category - realist.

Cloven Footprints

"Devil's Footprints"

"It appears on Thursday night last, there was a very heavy snowfall in the neighbourhood of Exeter and the South of Devon. On the following morning the inhabitants of the above towns were surprised at discovering the footmarks of some strange and mysterious animal endowed with the power of ubiquity, as the footprints were to be seen in all kinds of unaccountable places – on the tops of houses and narrow walls, in gardens and court-yards, enclosed by high walls and pailings, as well in open fields." (from newspaper clipping)

Mannequin Horrors!

Since I was a kid, I was both fascinated and a bit uncomfortable around mannequins. So, of course, I've owned two of them in my lifetime. Let's check out some creepy mannequin designs, some atomic mannequins and some horror movies based on mannequins!

SPI: Spontaneous Portal Interaction

There are upon occasion odd incidents of people being in one place and then seeming to pop up in another. There is a belief that some sort of interdimensional portal could pop up in a location and a person could walk right through and out another side (into another universe, another time period, or another location on the globe). Here are some odd portal incidents to consider when contemplating such a concept - 

How to Make a Shrunken Head

Used as trophies and for ritual, shrunken heads are not quite what you might assume they are. When I was a kid and first saw a TV special that showed them, I was aghast! I had images of some natives along the Amazon boiling my head until it was a raisin.

Let Me Tell You Some Scary Tales

Here's just some scary tales you can find on my YouTube Channel. Enjoy!

GHOST HUNTING THEORIES Books For Sale on Kindle Now! $1.99

I am so very pleased to announce the release of five Ghost Hunting Theories books on Kindle, each for $1.99! I want my readers to have collections of some of the best knowledge accrued and information that can't be found anywhere else. I do believe these books will satisfy greatly!

Enjoy!

REVERSE ENGINEERING BIGFOOT

WHAT GHOSTS DO

ANCIENT GIANTS' PUZZLE

OUTDOOR HAUNTED PLACES

CREEPIEST UNEXPLAINED MYSTERIES

MOMO: Missouri Monster Film Releases in September!

Seth Breedlove and Small Town Monsters does it again! (I just love this series of documentaries!!!)

I got to preview this flick and I HIGHLY recommend it. It has a campy 70s grindhouse feel - well done, mixed with informative narrative. This is such a great presentation.

Small Town Monsters Unleashes
MOMO: The Missouri Monster September 20th
DVD and VOD Release Announced for
Narrative Horror/Documentary Hybrid

Five of the Most Haunted Roads in America

There is nothing like a trek in the summertime through green overgrowth on a narrow country road, twisting and turning without knowing what is up around the next bend, but it's even more spooky when you know the road has a reputation for unexplained mysteries, ghosts, spooklights, and weird creature sightings.

I'm going to share my top 5 favorite haunted roads in America. 

"Reverse Engineering Bigfoot" My Book on Kindle Now $1.99

My new book on Kindle ($1.99) is available now. It is an amazing compilation of everything about the aspects of Bigfoot from skin, hair, infrasound, evolution, eyes, walk, etc. This has some of the most amazing info no one has explained about the Tall Ones.

Enjoy!

Reverse Engineering Bigfoot

"Creepiest Unexplained Mysteries" My Book Out Now on Kindle $1.99

My first compilation book from Ghost Hunting Theories blog. "Creepiest Unexplained Mysteries" is a compilation of the scariest and most bizarre cases you won't find anywhere else.

There are more books coming out rapidly!

Dogman: This Ain't Fight Club

This is a special guest post by one of my favorite researchers - Mark Machek, Owner of Cryptidville.com regarding Dogman. Be prepared to be informed! 

Ghost Hunting Theories in Top 15 Paranormal Blogs of 2019!

It's always an honor to hear that this blog makes top lists for paranormal content. It has been a labor of love for almost 11 years now and growing. My readers are as curious about the universe as I am. Expect me to continue push the research, insights, unexpected finds, and more as the expedition teams I manage and myself go out and seek info to enlighten.

Thanks y'all! 

Prank-Themed/Dare-Themed Horror Movies

Dares, initiations and pranks gone wrong - some of the favorites of the horror genre.  Here's some to whet your appetite for terror!

I will give you my personal scoring of one to four stars for each.

Habituation Situation: Bigfoot Getting More Confident

Every Monday on Ghost Hunting Theories I continue to archive what I consider to be one of the most significant habituation situations documented by researchers. As the series continues along, field notes, photos, audio and video will be revealed on a massive scale.

As the researchers worked to understand the entities they were dealing with, around every corner they found more and more startling evidence and interactions that changed their viewpoint on everything they thought they knew about mankind.

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My Top 10 Favorite Suspense-Thriller Movies

I love suspense thrillers, but some just miss the mark with me. Perhaps they draw out the suspense to the state of boredom or they make a victim character who is not likable. And there must always be a question in the viewer's mind if the hero is insane or imagining things. It's really about putting ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. The actors, pacing, lighting, and score are everything to pass it off.

Here's my top faves that I go to often and they always satisfy -


I love thriller-suspense genre and there are a LOT out there, but some just hit the button for me and I find myself replaying them over and over.

I am going to place these in order of the one I watch the most often to the one I watch the least often - 

*Descriptions from IMDB*


Rear Window
A wheelchair-bound photographer spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder.

This one is pure class, great pacing, suspenseful music, and keeps you wondering to the end. There is something about Jimmy Stewart's voice and nervousness that makes it particularly delightful to watch.

Disturbia
A teen living under house arrest becomes convinced his neighbor is a serial killer.

I like teen movies and this one has a kicking soundtrack, typical teens, and a hint of "is this kid crazy or is he right?" Very well done update on "Rear Window" plot.

Midnight Lace
In London, a recently wed American woman's sanity comes into question when she claims to be the victim of a threatening stalker.

Doris Day is always a treasure, but when she plays a nervous new bride being stalked, you wonder all the way to the end if she's crazy. It's lovely to listen to and suspenseful enough to not look away.

Joy Ride
Three young people on a road trip from Colorado to New Jersey talk to a trucker on their CB radio, then must escape when he turns out to be a psychotic killer.

Another teen suspense thriller that hits the mark. The characters are likable and their situation is terrifying. There is nothing worse than being stalked on the road far from home. Great cast, very well paced and terrifying plot.

Cape Fear
A convicted rapist, released from prison after serving a fourteen-year sentence, stalks the family of the lawyer who originally defended him.

There is a 1962 version and an early 90s version. I like the newer one better but maybe that's because De Niro plays a threatening douche bag so well. Lovely southern twang to it and the climax is to die for.

Body Double
A young actor's obsession with spying on a beautiful woman who lives nearby leads to a baffling series of events with drastic consequences.

This one is dark, sexy, and slick. You have to wonder if this guy witnessed a murder or he's just losing it. It is a very haunting one and very disturbing. You can't look away.

Unbreakable
A man learns something extraordinary about himself after a devastating accident.

This one is off the usual path of suspense-thriller with some superhero tones to it. What would an ordinary guy do if he found out he was different? What if he were stalked by his arch nemesis? Bruce Willis did this role well.

The Hitcher

A young man who escapes the clutches of a murderous hitch-hiker is subsequently stalked by the hitcher and framed for his crimes.

Another terror on the open road theme. This one is played so well by Rutger Hauer that you almost like this ruthless killer. C. Thomas Howell knocked it out of the friggin' park when he played this role. I was sweating along with him.

Psycho
A Phoenix secretary embezzles forty thousand dollars from her employer's client, goes on the run, and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother.

Classic, classy, and somber. This one is a standard for anyone who likes suspense thrillers. It set the standard for the genre.

A Perfect Getaway 
Two pairs of lovers on a Hawaiian vacation discover that psychopaths are stalking and murdering tourists on the islands.

I love Hawaii as a setting and the characters are just eclectic enough you don't know who to be suspicious of. When I want a vacay, waters, swimsuits, and tension - this is the one.

For more great recommendations, I suggest Friendspire. This social platform allows friends to share favorite recommends.

The Empire State Building's Dark History

"He is much better off without me … I wouldn’t make a good wife for anybody". (suicide note, woman above)

How To Make A Variety of Halloween Ghosts

It's that time of year again when you start thinking of the spooky season. My birthday is in mid September and my gift to myself is to decorate for Halloween. There is plenty of time for planning and for crafts, construction, and plotting out your designs.

How to Host a Horror Movie Marathon

You want to have friends over for a movie marathon, but it's not enough to just show one horror movie after another. How about if you pick a theme with snacks to match and a lineup that showcases the theme? 

Are You a Superhero and Don't Know It?

If you were a superhero, what would your talent be? I think I might go for a healer. Be able to touch people or think about them and create a healthy balance and healing process.

Weirdest and Rarest Weather Phenomena

Snow rollers

Snow rollers are a rare meteorological phenomenon. Did you ever build a snow fort as a kid? Start with a snowball, roll it along the ground to make a giant ball? Well, in the right conditions, wind can pick up snow and roll it! 

GhostStop: One Stop Ghosting Shopping

Ghost investigators, hobbyists, and even homeowner check out equipment utilized on modern-day ghost investigations. At some point, you're going to want to see what's out there and what might fit your needs. There is one site that holds a great number of possibilities and it's called GhostStop.

Don Monroe Case Files: Mystery Rope Braiding Continues

In the Don Monroe Case Files, the researcher has an update for us from the "rope braiding" incidents at his cabin in the Northwest.

LINK TO PRIOR POST ABOUT BRAIDS

August 10th, Don came back to his cabin from a trip away.

When Don arrived, he found ropes again tied high on the ladder that leans against his cabin.

The house lights were on, but had been left off before he departed on the trip.

No signs of broken entry. The door was locked.

Inside, he found 3 yards of red rope tied to the buckle of a cartridge belt and the other end tied to a metal clamp.

The mystery continues....

Habituation Situation: Bigfoot's Dexterity and Designs

Every Monday on Ghost Hunting Theories I continue to archive what I consider to be one of the most significant habituation situations documented by researchers. As the series continues along, field notes, photos, audio and video will be revealed on a massive scale.

As the researchers worked to understand the entities they were dealing with, around every corner they found more and more startling evidence and interactions that changed their viewpoint on everything they thought they knew about mankind.

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Grandin Road Halloween 2019

It's that time of year when Halloween decor begins to make its grand showing. In the case of Grandin Road, this is always a gorgeous and gothic delight!

Gangster Ghosts

Gangster: A gangster is a member a gang out to perform illegal activities. They are also called mobsters. Perhaps one of these most infamous gangsters in America was Al Capone. He got to that position by cornering the market in prostitution, bootlegged alcohol and gambling in Chicago during the Prohibition Era.

Spirit Halloween 2019

For we paranormal geeks and horror fiends, the latter half of summer starts our engines for the Halloween season. Nothing says "it's coming" like Spirit Halloween stores. Admit it, how many times do you wander around the shop while it's open during the season? For me, I average about 6 times and that's showing restraint. .

Mirrors: Portals To Other Worlds?

"I love mirrors. They let one pass through the surface of things."

Claude Chabrol

Mirrors have always held a love/hate relationship for the humans that covet them. A mirror can be a reflection of what it outside of it, but some have long wondered if perhaps they reflect also something held within; other realms, the dead, evil, and dead souls. 

Horror-Themed Bakery Has Grand Opening Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the special celebration of the opening of a combination prop bakery/gluten-free/horror and scifi preservation museum/quirky baked good shop called Spooky's Swirls.

(From their Facebook Page)

COME CELEBRATE WITH US!!!

Spooky's Swirls Grand Opening Celebration & Open House!!!
Saturday August 10th from 10AM - 4PM!!
3029 N Alma School RD #117, Chandler, AZ 85204

Yes we will be open late (4pm) for the signing, but be forewarned, our baked goods are available only while they last!!

"Spooky’s Swirls - Props & Pastries" is a horror/sci-fi themed, gluten free bakery with a museum of actual screenused props and wardrobes on display. Located just outside Phoenix in Chandler, AZ, Spooky's offers a welcoming atmosphere that beckons patrons to stay awhile; not only to experience the amazing exhibits of Filmic History, but to stick around and enjoy the devilishly delicious treats and coffees while socializing or taking advantage of our library of vintage genre magazines and licensed movie screenings."

One of The HSPPA's incredible screen used pieces on display is Paul T. Taylor's costume he wore as PINHEAD in HELLRAISER: JUDGMENT with a custom bust made from the production molds by the films writer, director & SFX artist, Gary J. Tunnicliffe. This piece is extra special because in addition we have something more....

....GRAND OPENING SPECIAL GUEST.... Paul T Taylor, "PINHEAD" from Hellraiser: Judgment!! Paul will be in-store signing a special Spooky's "Pinhead' 11x17 print FREE with purchase!! (One print per person). [Other items are welcome but will have standard signing fee TBD]

***PLUS***
We will be joined by a couple costumed characters ....Tusken Raider (Star Wars) and The Arizona Ghostbusters plus MORE TBA!!! 12pm - 4pm

AND....GIVEAWAYS, COLORING CONTEST, AND MORE TBA!!!


ABOUT
Paseo Del Oro
3029-117 N Alma School RD
Chandler, AZ 85224


Monday   Closed
Tuesday    Closed
Wednesday    8 am - 2 pm
Thursday   8 am - 2 pm
Friday   8 am - 2 pm
Saturday   9 am - 1 pm
Sunday   9 am - 1 pm

spookysswirls@gmail.com

http://spookysswirls.com/

URBEX: Abandoned Motels

Julie and I went back to the abandoned motel used for one of the chapters in our Abandoned Places: Abandoned Memories (Desert Edition) book. It's changed a bit. The last time, there was a TV out front, now, a black bird with its head ripped off - welcoming, huh?

Given that motels are temporary dwellings and often the location of vacations and escape from our usual routine, seeing one abandoned is a sobering thing. Here's just some of what I've come across over the years of URBEX'ing. 

1970s Halloweens

There were some wonderful Halloween specials in the 1970s. Halloween was just catching fire big time in popularity and nearly every single child trick or treated. I recall going out until midnight and carrying a pillowcase. We were greedy boogers and being part of the baby-boomer generation, there were a lot of us! 

Transitioning to Autumn

It's August. You're hot, sticky, cranky, and quite done with this summer thing. Like most of my readers, autumn is your season. The anticipation of next month is agonizing as you do your time in the 90s with 100% humidity. Here's how to bring autumn to your home and your senses even when it's a ga-zillion degrees outside.

I'm on the Radio Today!

Listen to me at 3 pm EST/2 pm CST/12 pm PST on WHAPP Radio from my incredible home state of Virginia.

Live on Facebook - LINK
Radio online - LINK

Hope y'all get to listen to what I'm up to in all things unexplained -

Lovelock Cave Series: Inconsistencies Found in Smithsonian's "Narrative"

On a visit to Lovelock Cave, a group of researchers discovered some interesting evidence of the past lying around.  If you want to keep up on future installments of this series look for the tab at the top of the blog that says "Lovelock Cave Series." 

This post is co-written by researcher Dennis Guern who had the piece of mind to document while there. 

Prior posts in the Lovelock Cave Series 

1 - Lovelock Cave Secrets Exposed: Academics' Misguided Information

2 - Lovelock Cave Expedition: Dennis Guern - Guided by the Light 

3 - Lovelock Cave Skull - Size Proportions

Habituation Situation: Unrelenting Bigfoot Activity

Every Monday on Ghost Hunting Theories I continue to archive what I consider to be one of the most significant habituation situations documented by researchers. As the series continues along, field notes, photos, audio and video will be revealed on a massive scale.

As the researchers worked to understand the entities they were dealing with, around every corner they found more and more startling evidence and interactions that changed their viewpoint on everything they thought they knew about mankind.

LINK TO #1
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LINK to #3
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Real Escaped Lunatics Versus Urban Legends

Urban legends often include escaped lunatic asylum patients, such as "hook" story and "Bunnyman." 

Horror-Themed Cakes

mmmmm - cake and horror. What a mix! Here's some inspiring horror-themed cakes to start you in the mood for movie nights and Halloween -

Thirteen Ghosts: Their Origins

I have to admit, parts of the remake 2001 movie “Thirteen Ghosts” totally hit the mark for me. I think the single scariest scene I’ve ever seen in a movie was the junkyard scene when they’re trying to capture the Juggernaut. Something about setting a trap for a huge seriously evil ghost that can’t be seen is shivery scary and I adore junkyards so the location was wickedly grim, as well.

Haunted Lakes

Haunted lakes are a chilling scenario. Sure, haunted houses, haunted railroad tracks, haunted forests, but haunted lakes can add a pallor over any fishing trip or summer getaway. Why would a lake be haunted? Well, let's look at some that claim to be -