Tuesday, January 25, 2011
What They Say...
They say that ghosts are creations conjured up to create fear. They say that the noises people hear in "haunted houses" are all in their heads, that the shadows of people captured on film are mist or a blotch on the picture, and mediums are con-men looking to make money off grieving people through fake readings. Most people have trouble believing in afterlife, not to mention spirits on earth communicating with the living. Without testable, feasible, and tangible evidence that spirits exist, or that communicating with them is possible, they may never accept their possible presence. Only those not grounded to earth, who believe in the unbeliveable, and accept the oddities in life, will find the ability to believe in paranormal presence and communication.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Writing Analytically: Exercise # 1
http://media.www.thetriangle.org/media/storage/paper689/news/2004/10/29/SciTech/Psychics.Fake.Spirit.Mediums.Actually.Money.Monkeys-786327.shtml
This is an opinion piece written for Drexel University's student newspaper. The author, Aaron Sakulich, was a Drexel senior majoring in material science when he wrote this article in 2004. The article, titled "Psychics fake spirit mediums, actually money monkeys," criticized famous mediums such as John Edwards for using grieving families to make millions. The most compelling pieces of evidence he presented was when he gave how-to steps for being a medium, making it seem like a ridiculously simple scam. Sakulich mocked Edward's show by pointing out how he chooses a month or an object that the deceased is "showing him." Yet, these general things will mean something to everyone. It is obvious what the author wants his readers to believe; he wants them to doubt the abilities of psychic mediums and the presence of afterlife. But what are his reasonings for all this doubt? Why did is fill him with enough anger to publish 700 words of disagreement? The author is obviously concerned with mediums' profit off of people who are innocent and willing to pay for answers, but his disapproval is intense. Sakulich was a material science major at this time, and therefore unable to accept occurrences that have yet to be proven by science. His true motive may be his lack of religious beliefs and the need to disprove the beliefs of others.
This is an opinion piece written for Drexel University's student newspaper. The author, Aaron Sakulich, was a Drexel senior majoring in material science when he wrote this article in 2004. The article, titled "Psychics fake spirit mediums, actually money monkeys," criticized famous mediums such as John Edwards for using grieving families to make millions. The most compelling pieces of evidence he presented was when he gave how-to steps for being a medium, making it seem like a ridiculously simple scam. Sakulich mocked Edward's show by pointing out how he chooses a month or an object that the deceased is "showing him." Yet, these general things will mean something to everyone. It is obvious what the author wants his readers to believe; he wants them to doubt the abilities of psychic mediums and the presence of afterlife. But what are his reasonings for all this doubt? Why did is fill him with enough anger to publish 700 words of disagreement? The author is obviously concerned with mediums' profit off of people who are innocent and willing to pay for answers, but his disapproval is intense. Sakulich was a material science major at this time, and therefore unable to accept occurrences that have yet to be proven by science. His true motive may be his lack of religious beliefs and the need to disprove the beliefs of others.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Intro Post -- Paranormal Studies
For centuries people have have intense fear of ghosts and spirits, along with an equally intense fascination. They are portrayed in pop culture as terrifying villains with missions to torture the living through endless horror films. They can be seen as romantic lost souls fighting to help a loved one, like Patrick Swayze in "Ghost." Their claimed presence in homes, hotels, and graveyards has been shown on TV shows, written about in books, and made into a business through "ghost tours." (Usually not worth your money.) People who find themselves being able to communicate with those on the other side make livings as Mediums. John Edward was so successful as a Medium he even landed a television show called "Crossing Over." Real life ghostbusters enter the homes of those who are being "haunted by a ghost" in an attempt to expel it on Paranormal State.
After my best friends mother contacted a Medium after her mother died, she found answers she never dreamed of finding. This got me thinking about these ghosts and spirits on the "other side." Do Mediums truely have the ability to communicate with the dead, or are they simply preying on greiving families willing to believe anyone who has so-called answers. Are the ghost stories we hear true? Do these "ghostbusters" fabricate stories to make for an entertaining (and successful) TV show? Through this blog I'm going to research Paranormal Studies and figure out if there's truth behind the claims.
After my best friends mother contacted a Medium after her mother died, she found answers she never dreamed of finding. This got me thinking about these ghosts and spirits on the "other side." Do Mediums truely have the ability to communicate with the dead, or are they simply preying on greiving families willing to believe anyone who has so-called answers. Are the ghost stories we hear true? Do these "ghostbusters" fabricate stories to make for an entertaining (and successful) TV show? Through this blog I'm going to research Paranormal Studies and figure out if there's truth behind the claims.
About Me
My name is Ellen LoManto. I am 18 years old and a freshman at James Madison University. I'm starting this blog for my GWRTC103 class.
I am a (hopeful) Media Arts & Design major with a concentration in Web Design. I was born and raised in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and live with my parents, my two sisters, and my dog Molly. I'm pretty boring when it comes to my hobbies, I enjoy reading and watching movies. If eating can be considered a hobby then that is up there also. During my free time ( if not with my friends, or in my study lounge) I can be found using my Netflix account. I'm obviously inactive, and possibly the epitome of the term "un-athletic" Other than my Sorority, Sigma Kappa, I really have yet to get involved at JMU but I'm always looking for opportunities!
I am a (hopeful) Media Arts & Design major with a concentration in Web Design. I was born and raised in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and live with my parents, my two sisters, and my dog Molly. I'm pretty boring when it comes to my hobbies, I enjoy reading and watching movies. If eating can be considered a hobby then that is up there also. During my free time ( if not with my friends, or in my study lounge) I can be found using my Netflix account. I'm obviously inactive, and possibly the epitome of the term "un-athletic" Other than my Sorority, Sigma Kappa, I really have yet to get involved at JMU but I'm always looking for opportunities!
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