Archive for April, 2011
O’DONNELL: And you thought lizards were only in the garden
Apr 23rd
The Rolling Stones.
While walking through your town, if you happen to see a group of reptilian men walking around, the first question that probably would come to mind is “I didn’t know The Rolling Stones are on tour?”
The leathery creatures you’ve seen may not be an aging British rock band but a group of creatures simply known as the Lizard People.
In various locations around the country there have been reported sightings of these creatures in swamps and walking the streets. Some seem to be harmless, trying to live a quiet existences while others are much more violent and full of rage.
Deep beneath Los Angeles, Calif., is rumored to be an intricate working of tunnels filled with Lizard Men guarding a wealth of gold. These lizards are also said to have a mass amount of knowledge about the creation of the earth.
The website for Weird California cites a legend about the Lizard Men from Chief Greenleaf of the Hopi Indians. It is believed the Lizards are scientifically advanced to humans and can predict the coming of earthquakes. The website also says that Chief Greenleaf spoke of golden tablets the Lizard Men kept about the history of earth.
According to the book “Midwest Haunting” by Lee Prosser there are Lizard Men living on the outskirts of the Kansas City, Mo. Supposedly, at night they sneak into the city and steal supplies, because they are frightened of humans, so they try not to make contact.
“Midwest Haunting” claims the Lizards can shape shift to blend in with the general population. The book concludes that no remains of the creatures have been found.
A final famous lizard person living among us is the “Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp” in South Carolina. The majority of the sightings of the creature took place in the summer of 1988.
According to a CNN report in 2008 the scaly beast made his return after a two decade absence. The video report was shot in light of a local couple’s minivan being ravaged with deep claw and teeth marks that some thought could be a bear. No matter the logical explanation the incident was enough to arose fears in the community that the Lizard Man was back.
The CNN story describes the South Carolina Lizard Man as a seven foot tall creature, covered and scales, three toes and three long claws on each hand. The temperament of the creature is described as bad. What the Lizard Man may have against minivans remains unclear.
Even though they have their shortcomings, the Lizard People should be welcomed into our culture. I think treating them like monsters is wrong and eventually could hurt our country. Befriending the Lizards of Los Angeles could lead the creatures into sharing a portion of their gold. This could aid heavily in paying off the national debt. Furthermore our scientists could make amazing leaps with the knowledge about the planet that these Lizards possess.
Also, we seem to have a lot in common with these Lizard People. The creatures of Kansas City only collect supplies at night and in disguise. A peaceful trip to the supermarket without unwanted disturbances is something anyone can agree with. Then we have the Lizard Man of South Carolina. After being caught in traffic behind a mini-van I also have wanted to claw and bite the hood of a vehicle.
If America truly is the “great melting pot” then let us welcome the Lizard People. Not only could we take on a wealth of knowledge and potentially create an economic stimulus, we might just gain a few friends.
Jordan O’Donnell
O’DONNELL: Evil comes in all sizes
Apr 21st
Robert.
When my mother was a little girl, one of her biggest fears was a doll.
It was not just any doll, but one of Emmitt the Clown. Those unfamiliar with Emmitt, he is a clown that looks unshaved, a bit dirty, clutches a knapsack and always frowns. My mother was so horrified, she would try and stuff it deep into a hallway closet with the hopes my grandmother would never find it. Sure enough my grandmother would find it and the doll would make its way back to its throne on the mantle. My mother attempted many times to rid herself of this menace, but Emmitt would always return still frowning. My mother was certain this doll was evil.
As it turns out Emmitt the Clown was not the first sinister doll to cause torment. Recently, I was listening to an old episode of the radio show “Coast to Coast” with George Noory. He was interviewing a paranormal investigator named Joshua P. Warren and their discussion centered around one of Warren’s recent investigations that found him in Key West, Florida. He was there visiting the Fort East Martello Museum, which is home to Robert the Haunted Doll.
As the story was told on air Robert originally belonged to Eugene Otto. The doll was given to him by one of his family’s servants. Though the doll was given in the form of a gift, it came harboring evil. This particular servant had become angry with the family and to make matters worse, she was skilled in the art of voodoo.
Eugene loved his new toy and would carry on long conversations with it. His parents would listen in and initially thought it was a young boy playing. When the extended talks between Eugene and Robert escalated to sometimes angry shouting, the parents began to have their concerns. These occurrences were only the beginning of the troubles with little Robert.
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The Otto’s would often wake up in the morning or return from being out, to find their home in complete disarray.
Hauntedamericatours.com elaborates on these situations. The site explains The Ottos would find chairs overturned, torn clothes, silverware thrown, and frequently unused rooms looking as if a tornado had come through. Initially The Ottos placed the blame on their son to which Eugene replied the now famous Key West phrase, “Robert Did It!”
New Owners eventually took over the house to find Robert waiting in the attic. Hauntedamericatours.com once again elaborates by pointing out that the family didn’t last in the home long due to finding Robert in various rooms as if he had moved on his own. Even in one situation, the site reports that a family member saw Robert at the foot of a bed clutching a knife and giggling. After hearing that story, it should come as no surprise that Robert is the inspiration for the popular horror movies “Child’s Play.”
On the “Coast to Coast” Show Joshua P. Warren discussed the current state of the curse surrounding Robert. Visitors who wish to take a picture with the haunted doll must politely ask him first. He will give his nod of approval by titling his head to one side or the other. If the visitor dares to snap a picture without asking Robert bad things could be coming their way. The worst is that the “rude” visitor is cursed with bad luck. Hauntedamericatours.com points to the story of a woman from Orlando who claims the doll followed her home in spirit. She would see Robert’s silhouette creeping around the walls and even the doll’s face in a window.
The other negative that can occur if you chose to not have a proper meeting with Robert is the film will be blank or exposed, even on digital cameras. On Robert’s own website robertthedoll.org, a story is cited covering a visit from the Travel Channel. The team attempted to video Robert with top of the line HD cameras. When they would try to review their results the screen was blank. Several explanations were made and the crew worked to fix the problems with the camera. Despite their efforts, still the footage remained blank. Finally they asked Robert if it would be alright to film him, they began to shoot again and upon viewing the results the footage came out clear.
You can still visit Robert today. He currently makes his home at the Fort Martello Museum in Key West Florida. If seeing Robert in person may be to much, go to his website robertthedoll.org.
Jordan O’Donnell
O’DONNELL: Get a higher education and meet a ghost
Apr 19th
Solano Hall.
It’s the time of year when high school students are either finalizing their plans or applying for college.
They have so much to consider when selecting an institution. What school will fit my major best? What school throws the best parties? What school is the most haunted?
Granted, the third question is only asked by a few aspiring scholars. For that select group, Quincy University may be an intriguing choice.
Besides offering an excellent liberal arts education, QU can perhaps give students an experience in the paranomal. Who would think this gorgeous sprawling campus is home not only to higher knowledge seeking students but perhaps ghosts?
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Solano Hall was the location of the music department on campus prior to 2008 and according to prairieghosts.com the building was where an orphanage used to be before 1945. There was a fire at the orphanage and several children were said to have perished in the blaze. The site goes on to say that while the building was used by QU, there were reports that a ghost of a child had been seen roaming the hallways and some had heard sounds of running feet and children either laughing or screaming from the above floors. The building was torn down June 2, 2008.
MacHugh Theater is now home to various theater productions during the school year, and prairieghosts.com mentions that this is because in the 1980s, a theater professor helped bring back the performing arts to the building after it had served as a gymnasium for some time. The site refers to “campus lore” when it talks about the deceased professor choosing to never leave the theater he helped revive. There are times when the professor can be seen roaming around the light booth. The ghost of the professor has also been known to occupy the lighting booth when performances are going on. Some people even in death can’t get enough of the theater.
Finally my brother, who is a QU alum, has a ghost story of his own. He lived in Padua Hall in 1998, and he was told that on the fourth floor a student committed suicide by jumping from his room’s window. The story he was told goes on to say that the boy’s ghost haunts the floor and his screams can be heard from time to time. During my brother’s stay, the fourth floor was blocked off from entry. One night walking home, he happened to look up towards Padua’s fourth floor. Through the windows of the usually dark floor, he could see a light flicking on and off. He watched it for a moment before the light went dark for good. When he got inside he asked around to see if anyone such as a maintenance worker was on the fourth floor. All inquiries he made were met with the reminder that the fourth floor had been closed off.
College can provide so many valuable experiences and moving away from home can give a person freedom and teach responsibility. The education courses provide one with knowledge and enlightenment and the social life gives the chance for someone to learn how to interact with peers, so why not add having an encounter with a ghost to give an experience in the paranormal?
Jordan O’Donnell
MAGLIOCCO: Slam that poem down
Apr 12th
All of the children in the class who know what a poetry slam is please raise your hand, anyone, anyone?
Bueller? Bueller? Why am I not suprised?
OK, to be fair, I suppose I am merely assuming that no one knows what a poetry slam is, because I’m an elitist hater, but I happen to know for a fact that the contestants, judges and spectators (intentional or accidental) who attended the Quincy Not-So-Fine Arts Society’s inaugural slam April 2, 2011, know what a poetry slam is.
Magliocco
Poetry slams saw their birth in the mid ’80s in Chicago, Ill. Though rules and regulations oftentimes vary, the major themes remain the same: poets of all races, religions, colors and creeds assembling and reading their original works for sport. It is not unlike any standard professional sporting event you may have seen, judges (refs) that scrutinize your every word and fans that are encouraged to cheer and jeer at their leisure. It truly is a wonderful way for any writer to gain confidence in themselves and their work, and if they already have confidence in themselves and their work — well, have you ever seen a guitar player play a ridiculously fast solo? Same thing, only with words.
As usual, the folks at Brix Wine & Cheese were wonderful hosts of our happy little event; Brix has been the home base for every poetry slam the NSFA has held, and it is the perfect venue for such an event in size, acoustics and ambiance. Our celebrity judges were: Phil Quevillon: NSFA Senoir Activities director, Megan Duesterhaus: Executive Director of Quanada, and Rob Dwiyre of the Quincy Society of fine Arts, and this humble scribe served as master of ceremonies for the event. (To read Clinton Begley’s blog on last year’s slam, click here.)
Though the turn out for competitors was small, all of the talent was HUGE. For those who do not know, Quincy has a very strong and talented community of poets, and I have always been honored to count myself among those ranks. Briana Robertson, Chaz Robertson, Clara Robertson and Lincoln Brown stepped up to the plate and knocked verse after verse straight out of the park. As a writer, it is unbelievably exciting to be in the presence of talented writers spitting truth through their words. The audience was feeling it too, even the accidental spectators were fascinated by the strange humans with their iambic pentameter and stanzas. It truly was a magical event, and we are proud to extend our congratulations to this slam’s winner: Briana Robertson.
The NSFA society throws several slams and poetry related events every year so, if you haven’t already, join the facebook group to keep up on all the fun.
JJ Magliocco
O’DONNELL: “The Other Side” wants to hear your stories
Apr 11th
O'Donnell
We live in an area rich in ghost stories, sightings of UFOs and witnesses to paranormal activity. With this in mind “The Other Side” would like to reach out and hear your stories.
Do you have a strange, bizarre or creepy story you would like to share, please let me know. Perhaps you know of a location you would like me to visit — please let me know, the more haunted the better.
With my posts, I am striving to highlight not only unexplained occurrences around the country but also shed light on some of the intriguing things that are happening right outside our back door.
“The Other Side” is eager to get out and about in the local area and discover what is giving people the creeps. As Dr. Peter Venkman and the Ghostbusters say “contact us, we are ready to believe you.”
Email your stories to jordanmichaelodonnell@gmail.com. Happy Hauntings everyone!
O’DONNELL: Aliens want Earth’s classic rock stars
Apr 7th
Former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar claims in his new autobiography “Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock” that he was abducted by extra terrestrials. According to the book he was approached by two aliens that took him into their spaceship and tapped into his brain.
Whether the creatures were importing or exporting information is unclear to Haggar. The singer admits the story sounds crazy but Sandy Nicholas, who founded the Alien Research Group told TMZ.com that he “experienced something similar.” Surprisingly there have been no accounts reported that Haggar is confusing his alien encounter with a drunken run in backstage with David Lee Roth.
Sammy Haggar is not the first classic rock star to report a run in with intelligent life from another world. In 1968, Mick Jagger, the lead-singer of The Rolling Stones, was dating the popular singer Marianne Faithful. While on a camping trip in southwest England, Jagger claims to have seen a UFO. He described the craft as a luminous, cigar shaped object. This may stand as solid proof that it doesn’t matter what planet you come from, “Jumping Jack Flash” is a fantastic song.
Another rocker who has had a UFO sighting is former Beatle, the late John Lennon. In August 1974, while he was separated from Yoko Ono, Lennon claimed to have seen a UFO hovering near the balcony of his New York City apartment. Were aliens trying to make contact with humans or simply requesting a Beatles reunion tour?
It seems aliens have also tried to make contact with “The Boss.” At a 2008 rally for
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then presidential candidate Barack Obama, a Philadelphia woman captured video of four objects hovering in the sky. As these strange flying crafts remained overhead Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rocked through their set supporting the future President of the United.
Are aliens trying to steal our classic rock stars? These occurrences have lead me to believe that humans should consider finding a hidden and heavily guarded area where we can store our classic rock stars. We have to protect those like Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and Bob Seger, before the aliens snatch them away. If aliens really are only out for Earth’s classic rock stars we can all at least rest easy knowing the cast of “The Jersey Shore” is safe.
O’DONNELL: Is your house haunted? There’s an app for that
Apr 4th
If you are concerned that your home may be haunted by ghosts, you now can look no further than your iPhone for proof. The Apple App Store delivers the “Ghost Radar.” For just $0.99, you can turn your phone into a device ready for investigating paranormal activity.
O'Donnell
This application utilizes the sensors on the iPhone device to detect ghostly presences. The “Ghost Radar” takes measurements of electromagnetic fields, vibrations and sounds. When a usual pattern is picked up an alert sounds signaling the analysis.
The “Ghost Radar” currently holds a three out five rating and is located in the entertainment category. Other ghost hunting apps can be found in the utilities section but are not as well reviewed and seem to be more complicated to operate.
The question that stands is how seriously the “Ghost Radar” can be taken. I decided to put the app to the test to see if I could get some answers. I have never really had suspicions that my home is haunted. Most odd noises in the middle of the night can be credited to my cat, Mr. Nippers. I thought I would give it a try anyway and maybe uncover some ghosts who have just been hiding around my house without me noticing.
I started up the app and roamed throughout my house. I gripped my iPhone tightly and stared at the screen. After nearly an hour of aimless wandering, the “Ghost Radar” had not picked up anything unusal. I then left my phone on my desk with the app still on and left it alone for several hours. I wanted to see if maybe the app would have better luck without me causing any disruptions. Four hours went by and when I eagerly checked to see if the app had found anything I was met with disappointment. “The Ghost Radar” still managed to pick up nothing.
It was time to up the ante a bit. I drove out to an old local cemetery. I figured if I was going to get any ghostly readings, this would be the place to go. I started my walk around the cemetery grounds with the app up and ready. I walked for nearly twenty minutes and still nothing. I was starting to lose hope, when suddenly the “Ghost Radar” alert began sounding. As I moved deeper into the cemetery the alerts rolled in with more frequency. I walked for about ten more minutes till the constant sound of the apps alert got to my nerves. Walking back to my car and out of the cemetery the alerts began to subside. By the time I had reached my car the “Ghost Radar” had gone completely silent.
In my opinion the “Ghost Radar” app is a good starting point for anyone interested in investigating the paranormal. Instead of draining a lot of money on expensive EMI meters, I would suggest giving this app a spin. For $0.99, you could get peace of mind knowing your house is ghost free. Then again this app could have you looking to book exorcisms and therapy appointments.
Use at your own risk.
MAGLIOCCO: Hello, you fool, I love you…
Apr 2nd
Clinton Belgey
Magliocco
It is with a heavy heart that I take up this task. Clinton Begley, the Local Q’s former “Alt Arts” blogger and all around great guy, is moving on to greener pastures to pursue academic greatness, and we are all left floundering in his mighty wake.
For those who do not know Clint, he was called by his friends “the hardest working man in showbiz” (it’s a falsehood that James Brown owns that title). Clint worked tirelessly to illuminate as many darkened corners of Quincy’s hidden arts scene so that the general public could recognize just how much talent our little burgh has to offer. I worry how much will fall through the cracks without his eagle eye, but I also owe it to him to try my hardest to pick up where he left off — we all do.
I am truly honored that he tapped me to take up this “Alt Arts” mantle in his stead; when great people trust you to fill their shoes it is humbling and highly motivating. So wherever you are and whoever you may be raise your glass to Clinton Begley: artist, musician, scholar, outdoors man, ace event planner, friend. I miss you already, dear.
My name is JJ Magliocco, and I am proud to be the Local Q’s new (but certainly not improved) “Alt Arts” Blogger.
What does “Alt Arts” mean? I’m not entirely sure. What does “Alt Arts” mean to me? That one is a bit easier: “Alt Arts” is the garage band writing their own desperate lullabies whether they are good or bad. Alt arts is the sleep deprived artist slamming coffee, chain smoking and sketching until their fingers bleed. “Alt Arts” is the poet, who doesn’t know it and is redefining what prose really is. “Alt Arts” is the pioneering chefs paving new avenues in the world of cuisine. The illustrators, the bloggers, the rappers, the filmmakers: they are all “Alt Arts,” and their voices deserve to be and will be heard. This is what “Alt Arts” means to me, and this is what I hope to accomplish as a member of this team.
I will not always be PC, and I will almost assuredly anger a good portion of my readers one way or another. This is the reality of my writing style; I will editorialize and share my opinions without apology because you, the reader, deserve truth as much as you deserve objective information. I tend to find little is objective in this world, and that is doubly true for the world of art. You will, of course, see black and white facts in the form of artist interviews or promotional information, but my penchant for pop culture reference and back-handed sarcasm will be hard to stifle.
So, dear reader, bear with me, and I promise to bring you new and interesting perspectives on this beautiful and often misunderstood world of Quincy “Alt Arts.”
O’DONNELL: “The Other Side” — all things paranormal
Apr 1st
Jordan O'Donnell
Are you tired of being the only one sitting around a table wondering if Aliens really are trying to contact Earth? Could you be one of the few currently organizing a plan for when a zombie apocalypse strikes? Or perhaps you are the person constantly trying to convince your friends that your basement really is haunted?
Well if you answered yes to any of these questions you have clicked on the right blog. My name is Jordan O’Donnell and I am a new blogger who has just joined the Local Q crew. Welcome to “The Other Side,” my posts will be covering a wide range of topics as long as they are strange, bizarre or just all around creepy.
Whether you are a believer or not, paranormal activity, the afterlife, alien contact and weird phenomena can be fascinating. Reports of these occurrences can evoke many reactions reaching from laughter to utter fear. “The Other Side” will strive to hunt these happenings out and bring them to the attention of the loyal Local Q reader.
I will act merely as your guide into these unusual events but I will not hesitate to throw my own opinion in every now and again. As my posts evolve, I hope to venture out around the region and do some of my own investigation into the strange events around our area. Though this portion of the Midwest is small, it has no lack of peculiar stories ranging from ghosts to sightings of UFOs.
Consider this your invitation to join me on this journey. If you know of any out of the ordinary incidents in our area that you would like me to visit and explore feel free to contact me. The Local Q has just become a bit stranger, welcome readers to “The Other Side.”
–Jordan O’Donnell
