AUGUST GHOSTWATCH NEWSLETTER August 2009
The official Newsletter of Richard And Debbie Senate

Pioneers of the Paranormal Conference a success

The event held at the Clock Tower Inn located in Ventura with a large number attending. Debbie gave readings and Mr. Senate gave a stirring talk of the problems that face ghost hunting today. He warned that paranormal groups must stop their infighting and work together. Young people, who take up ghost hunting just a thrill, are giving us all a bad name. Seeing TV ghost hunters "bating" the ghost to do something on camera have inspired these would-be investigators to threaten the ghosts to appear and even resort to vandalism in an attempt to have something happen. Because of this many haunted sites are closing their doors to ghost hunting teams. Mr. Senate called for a set of ethics for ghost hunters and some way to co-ordinate findings. To that end Mr. Senate is starting up a new place for paranormal investigators to share information. It will be in the form of an online Magazine. The speakers were great at the conference—Mr Barry Conrad’s talk was informative and all who came enjoyed the cool balmy weather in Downtown Ventura.

The new magazine was launched August 3 with the proto-cop sent out.
^{It is a simple work but as they say—from the small acorn the might oak doth grow. "I worked long and hard to set up the magazine," reports Mr. Senate. "I want a place where people can share ideas without ridicule. Here all ideas from the most scientific to the most far out will be printed and discussed. We have long needed such an outlet. I can’t do this alone. I need people to submit their ideas and ghost hunts. I want theories and thoughts. The first magazine focuses on what are ghosts and some ideas about them. The following magazine will make a special focus ghosts in Hollywood and the film capital. I have not worked out all the bugs just yet but any advise is welcome. If you would like to be sent a free copy just e-mail me at hainthunter@aol.com.}"

Quote Worth Remembering:

"Those who crave for adventure will find it in Psychical Research"

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

We can not all become explorers in far away lands or fly into the sky to examine space but we can all take up the challenge of psychic research. We can delve into the unknown universe of the paranormal realms by looking into haunted places, strange mysteries, and bizarre happening. There are great discoveries just waiting for the right person to find an answer. There are thrills, and yes, even some dangers for psychic explorers are truly entering into an unknown country and not everything in this land is harmless. Not all ghosts are Casper the Friendly Ghost. Still, the call to adventure must be heeded by a select few as they attempt to find answers to the greatest riddle of them all—what happens when we die?

New exciting tours set for August and September 2009

August 15, Saturday, Unsolved Mysteries of Ventura County. A tour of great crimes and their outcomes. Starting at the Ventura City Hall, formerly the County Court House.

1 to 3 pm. For tickets call 805-658-4726

August 22, Saturday night. Cemetery Park tour and ghost hunt. 8:30 to 10:00. Do bring your cameras, e-meters, tape recorders and flashlights for a rousing good time at the old burying ground. Yes, people have seen things here. For tickets call 805-658-4726

August 29, Saturday night Ghosts and Ghouls tour of City Hall. Several ghosts walk the old resorted building. A very popular tour Mr. Senate will go over the many stories of ghosts at this location and even invite people to take part in some "experiments." For tickets call 805-658-4726. A fun tour!

September 5 Saturday night. Ghostly Ventura. This tour is part history and part ghost hunting. Join Richard Senate in a quest for the identity of the mysterious "Lady in Red" seen in the west wing hall. Who is she and why does she walk? For tickets call 805-658-4726

Mr. Senate’s New Novel set to publish soon:

"I love to write but few of my works of fiction have ever seen the light of day," reports Mr. Senate in a telephone interview. "I am pleased that the Lost Continent Magazine has published parts of my Steampunk novel "The Flight of the Hercules" in the pages of their adventure magazine and now they are offering hardback addition with beautiful art to the public. It’s an adventure tale set in 1895 that harkens back to my first favorite author—Jules Vern. I had great fun writing the piece and I hope people will have fun reading the work."

Mr. Senate is now working on the sequel "The Voyage of the Plunger" set in 1898. As the name implies it’s about a submarine. If anyone would like to purchase a copy of the Flight of the Hercules, all the needed data will be in forthcoming newsletters.

Glen Tavern Inn Video Cancelled.

The management of the historic Glen Tavern Inn has blocked all psychic investigation after several ugly incidents happened. The Santa Paula Hotel has long been known for its ghostly residents and several groups have investigated the place since the late 1980s. Recently priggish ghost hunters have caused mischief at the site leading to customers checking out. Conversations with the new general manager indicate that in the future all ghost hunts will not be welcome on property. Mr. Senate had planned a video on the site for youtube to outline the many ghost stories at the place but now, due to their new altitude, he has cancelled the project. "I respect their wishes and will stop all investigations there or even encouraging people to go to the site," says Mr. Senate. "I have seen the immature ways some unthinking ghost hunting groups use. They are so determined to find something they can become a nuisance. I fully understand the management and would ask all involved in the paranormal to not venture over the threshold of the establishment."

Three New booklets set for publication: Haunted Downtown Ventura, The Naked Ghost Hunter and Survival Ghost Hunting.

Three short pamphlets are about to be published each one with a different subject. They reflect Mr. Senate’s ongoing quest for new knowledge on the paranormal. A brief sketch of the booklets is provided here:

HAUNTED DOWNTOWN VENTURA.

A reprinted and updated version of a booklet long out of print. First printed by the Phantom Bookshop Press, 50 signed copies were sold. The booklet is updated with new art and new stories and offered for the collector of rare books on the paranormal. ‘I always liked this booklet." Says Mr. Senate. "I am glad it has returned to thrill a whole new generation of ghost hunters."

THE NAKED GHOST HUNTER.

A controversial theory that sex and ghost hunting might well be linked is outlined here. "I have long held that ghosts are energy," remarks Mr. Senate. "Sexual energy can, I believe, re-charge or enhance psychic events in haunted places. It’s a controversial theory and one that might get me in a little hot water but, I believe it is worth of study and I look forward to some ghost hunters taking up the challenge to see if this concept is valid. I have also included a number of hotel sites for ghost hunters to challenge the unknown using sex as a tool."

The idea isn’t all that strange and one that many WICCANs follow.

SURVIVAL GHOST HUNTING.

This is a short booklet with all the basics of ghosthunting. It grew out of Mr. Senates notes from his class in ghosts and haunted houses. It is short and easy to read for any new comer to the study of ghost hunting outlining what to do and how to do it.

These booklets should be ready for the fall season. Cover designs by Megan Senate

Richard Senate’s Ethics for Ghost Hunting

1. First of all, do no harm.

2. Never vandalize or damage property. Be like a ghost and leave no evidence of your visit behind.

3. Never drink or take controlled substances when ghost hunting.

4. Don’t jump to conclusions. Follow where ever the data takes you. Remember not everything is supernatural.

5. The investigations not done until the paperwork is complete.

6. Share your data with other ghost hunters!

7. Never trespass –even if cool places are closed to you.

8. Check your facts! Don’t believe what data you learn from paranormal sources. Check them out.

9. Always be respectful to ghosts and patrons. Remember, someday you might become a ghost!

10. Save all data! Any physical evidence must be preserved.