Not exactly UFO news, but close enough.

About Para-Boston: New Paranormal Investigation Unit Created to Take Us Closer to Proving Ghosts, Spirits and Hauntings Exist

Boston, MA – August 29, 2008 – Do you believe in ghosts? Although sometimes a silly question, Do You Believe in Ghosts? has been a fundamental aspect of all human culture since long before recorded history. Belief or disbelief in ghosts crosses all past and present civilizations, cultures, countries, religions, ethnicities and belief systems. Accounts of individuals crossing from the physical to the nonphysical and then communicating with the living are found in everything from ancient cave drawings to the Bible, from folklore to scientific journals to local newspapers.

While a generous slice of humanity readily or reluctantly believes in ghosts, a larger slice refuses to believe in the paranormal despite stories of hauntings in cities and towns across the world. And while a good percentage of ghost sightings are faked, false alarms or practical jokes, another good percentage is believed to be the real thing.

Still, individuals talking about their encounters with the paranormal to people in their everyday lives will almost always be met with cynicism. Psychics communicating with the dead can all too easily be debunked. And until recently, paranormal groups were considered as not much more than bunches of weirdoes and crazies.

So what do paranormal investigations and investigators need to do to change the perception? Change the rules. Over the last few years, paranormal groups have redirected their efforts from communicating with spooks to aiming to prove the paranormal exists… scientifically. As in creating a sophisticated and controlled environment at the site of a haunting by using an array of devices and technologies that were not sensitive or powerful enough, or available that long ago.

Cable shows such as Ghost Hunters now focus on capturing provable paranormal evidence by digital video, sound, images, electromagnetic waves, and other scientific principles. The goal of modern ghost hunting is conducting paranormal investigation less focused on wandering around a haunted site trying not to be scared, and more focused on helping the discipline become an accepted branch of natural science.

But what about the ghostly shoulder taps? Forms in corners? Flashes of swirling light? Voices on voice recorder playback that no one heard during the recording? Diaphanous ladies floating down stairs? The only way to truly prove that these spectacular experiences happened is by balancing nonphysical incidents with credible electronic trace evidence.

In June of 2008, two veteran paranormal investigators, Scott Trainito and Sal Pignatone, founded Para-Boston, a paranormal investigationteam based in Boston Massachusetts. Para-Boston’s members share the belief that credible investigation of hauntings and supernatural phenomena need a skillfully coordinated studyofscientific techniques.

Para-Boston has already made its mark on a national scale. After performingmany investigations in the Boston area, they were chosen by FearNet of New York to be filmed and featured performing an investigation for an upcoming cable program, The Ten Moststreets in America. To be aired before the end of 2008, as well as a radio broadcasting on CBS radio and requests for other filmings since then.

Fueled by passion and dedication to taking paranormal investigation to higher and higher levels of proof and believability, Para-Boston offers a complete line of services at no cost.

Para-Boston,One Boston'sLeading Paranormal Organizations

Boston, MA - August 29, 2008 - The answers to the myriad questions on whether ghosts and spirits exist may not be as far away as people think. In June of this year, paranormal investigation group veterans Scott Trainito and Sal Pigantone placed an ad looking for paranormal enthusiasts who wanted to raise the bar on paranormal investigation. Their vision: create a research organization that advanced seeking the paranormal from ghost hunting to science.

According to Pigantone, "Over the last few years, paranormal groups have been forming throughout the country and throughout the world. Why? Better technologies and better precision devices have taken ghost investigation from the late night Ouija board experience to an array of scientific and technological techniques and equipment. Properly performed investigations now resemble a science lab."

Answering the call, and within just a couple of weeks, they assembled a group of talented and passionate people. Some came from other local paranormal groupsand Some were ghost hunting veterans that wanted to take ghost and spirit research to a higher level. Some had experience with paranormal activity and had a passion to join a group. And, while some were new to the field, all were committed to doing whatever it takes to help make the study of the paranormal a more validly accepted branch in mainstream science.

Para-Boston's ultimate goal? To Prove Ghosts Exist. Para-Boston's modern investigation techniques are all about amassing scientifically provable results.FEARNET Media of New York asked them to investigate the infamous Gallows Road in Salem MA. They filmed it for an upcoming 10 Most Hauntedscariest streetsin America cable program, to be aired before the end of 2008.

According to Pigantone, "One of our biggest assets is how we balance our teams with members who are devout skeptics and members who are believers.Each group member pushes back against the other. Our results are a healthy and credible combination.

Paranormal Investigation Groups - One Big Family - Share Information, Investigations, Contacts and Members

Boston, MA - August 29, 2008 - In an unusual display of camaraderie not often found in similar and often competing organizations, modern paranormal investigation is all about cooperation and sharing.

Of the scores of paranormal groups around the country and around the world, the vast majority are always ready to oblige requests from other groups. From shipping borrowed equipment coast-to-coast, providing historical or genealogical information, or handing over information on other investigations with similar challenges, this community considers itself one big family. Anall-for-one, one-for-allattitude that is sorely lacking in more conventional and competitive associations.

Considered kooky outsiders for so long, paranormal groups have always found acceptance and encouragement from their peers. It is not uncommon for one group to call in another with different expertise to team upon a particularly challenging investigation.

Boston, MA - August 29, 2008 - Few homeowners live as comfortably with ghosts as a family inWeymouth Massachusetts does. For over fifteen years, the couple and their two sons have shared their 200-year-old home with three ghosts. A little girl who haunts a second floor bedroom. An old man who walks out of the woods, across the yard and checks the front door almost every night. A man murdered on the second floor landing.

The familycalled Para-Boston, a leading paranormal investigation group, not of out fear but from curiosity. The family had grown accustomed to hearing noises and voices and seeing forms cross rooms. According toby one resident, "We have always known therewas nothing negative or malevolent about the ghosts living in our house. My sons have grown upwith them. We called Para-Boston partly to prove that we are not crazy. And partly to know once and for all who these people were."

Eager to help, Para-Boston sent an advance team to thetheir home. They gathered as much information as possible from the homeowners, and conducted a walk-through of every room and area of the house and the grounds. They determined the house showed strong signs of a possible haunting.

Over the next week, the group conducted its own research to discover property ownership beginning from the year the house was built. They gathered information on the circumstances that led to the hauntings. The old man used to be the groundskeeper in the late 1800s and is seen still roaming the house making sure all is secure. A little girl had somehow died in the care of a nanny in the 1930s anda manhad been murdered mysteriously in 1971 in the home.

On investigation night, ten members of Para-Boston arrived at 6:30 in the evening and immediately three began taking baseline readings to measure the everyday state of the house. They spent time in every room, space and corner of the house and grounds with EMF (electromagnetic field) meters, noncontact thermometers, digital voice, still and video cameras.

Next, they turned off the electricity for the entire house and repeated the whole process. Taking base line readings without the presence of appliances, lights, active electrical wiring in the walls. The group now knew how and to what degree electricity and electrical devices affected the energy, electromagnetic properties and temperature inside the house. Device and meter readings were calibrated accordingly for the utmost accuracy.

The investigation began with three teams of three assigned to different sections of the house. One team focused on the first floor. One on the second. One out in the backgrounds. Each team, comprised ofthree techniciansspent 45-minutes performing tests, and taking readings. Then the teams moved to a new location so each spent time in the three appointed areas.

When the cycle was complete, the teams had separate experiences and findings in each of the three areas. Always mindful of an investigation's integrity, the groups did not discuss their experiences with one another until this phase of the investigation was complete. Then, they compared notes to see if there were any similar readings and findings. There were.

The group now knew the most active areas of the house and grounds.The group focused on trying to communicate with the little girl by EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena.) Using a hypersensitive digit sound recording device created by Para-Boston associate and colleagueMike Baker, they asked several long sessions of questions. Occasionally, the red indicator lights lit very faintly registering a response that the investigators could not hear.

Close to 11 PM, and wrapping up the night's activities, the investigators gathered to discuss the highlights of the evening's work.

• The energy in the little girl's second floor bedroom was intense, hot and thick, and 15 -20 degrees hotter than the rest of the house, even with the air conditioner on. Some investigators had to leave after a few minutes because of the profound feeling of a presence.
• The second floor bedroom closet was even more intensely energetic, and provided a strongindication of a possible presence.
• But the most compelling evidence from the investigation came a few days later after all the voice recordings were monitored and the digital still photos and video were inspected.
• o 1. Several minutes of EVP recording revealed conversations between achild and an adult woman. Truly startling evidence.
• o 2. Digital photos capturedpossible orbs of light in the backyard.
• o 3. Digit photos captured a long string of light in the basement.

In the world of paranormal investigation, this house is remarkably active for a reasonably small structure. Para-Boston plans to return to continue conversing with theexperiences there and try to take more readings.

Core Equipment

EMF Meter- A meter for measuring electromagnetic fields. Spirits have been found to interrupt or even create their own electromagnetic fields. Compasses can also be used to detect changes in EMF's. A
spike in EMF activity could represent spirit activity and is an excellent tool of the paranormal investigator to locate areas to study and collaborate evidence of the presence of ghosts.

EVP- "Electronic Voice Phenomenon" is the recording of audio tapes at a suspected haunted site; and although no voices were heard at the time of the recording, unexplained voices may be discovered
during playback of the audio tape. Both digital recorder and traditional tape recorders may be used with an external microphone.

Motion Sensors and Detectors- Some paranormal investigators use motion detectors to watch for unseen object or infrared (heat) movement which may indicate paranormal presences.

Dowsing Rods- Two rods held out in front of one which cross when paranormal activity is present. For years, dowsing rods have been used to find water for wells, and burial sites. They are an
inexpensive tool for those sensitive enough to use them (about 80% are!), to help detect areas of paranormal activity for confirmation with photos and other detection devices.

Cameras- Paranormal investigators use both digital and 35mm cameras. Digital cameras are great because they seem more adept at capturing anomalies and give instant results. They are also
cheaper to use than film.

Haunting Terminology

Thermal Scanners/Thermometers- Used to detect cold or hot spots which can indicate paranormal activity.

Anomaly- Something found on a picture, photograph, video or voice recording that has no explainable source.

Apparition- A spirit that is in human form and usually visible to the naked eye; or may appear in a photo undetected originally by the naked eye. Often this anomaly is dressed in period clothing. Very
hard to capture on film but many have reported seeing this type of ghost. This is the "Hollywood Type" ghost featured in many movies.

Ectoplasm- The term used for a smoke-like or fog looking mist that appears in photos but was not discernible by the human eye. This phenomena has been captured in the midst of large groups of
people, as well.

Energy Lights- These show up on photos as colored lights during some manifestations of hauntings. They usually are not visible to the naked eye and can appear in different colors such as red, orange
or green.

Intelligent Haunting- When spirits dwell in a specific area and demonstrate an interaction with those here in the physical realm.

Kinetic Energy- Description for the movement of objects by a ghost. A physical manifestation of an unseen force which may move, throw or even destroy objects. These ghosts are known as "Poltergeists"
(German for "noisy ghost").

Orb- Orbs are believed to be energy or the spirit and soul of individuals, which show up as circles or balls of light in photos - varying in size, color and opacity. I personally believe them to be
departed spirits whose soul is "enlightened," hence they are seen as "light." The whiter or brighter the light, the more truth is known by them. As a side note, it is important to know that dust, rain or snow
directly in front of the camera can also appear to be orbs in a photograph.

Plasma/Plasmoid- Moving orbs caught during the time of camera exposure. Orbs have also been filmed moving, on video. In photos, they appear as streaking light or as an orb with a tail showing the
path of motion. These are also known as "supercharged orbs" in motion.

Poltergeist- German for "noisy ghost." These ghosts manifest in the physical enough to produce sounds and the movement of objects.

Residual Haunting- When a spirit is seen doing the same thing over and over, many believe this to be simply an energy imprint or residual haunting. In other words, a strong, traumatic event that
occurred in some other time, repeating itself over and over. Usually these spirits do not interact with those who see them. My opinion, is that this could simply be a state of mind I call "hell;" being trapped by
one's own mind in darkness or lack of understanding. Sort of reliving of an event perhaps through fear, guilt or condemnation until that spirit finds truth and freedom.

Shadow People/Dark Shadows- Unexplainable dark shadows in photos and video which sometimes may be seen with the naked eye. Many believe these to be demons, but I believe they are departed
spirits who are in darkness currently. In other words, the state of their soul is visible as darkness instead of light. That is not to say they are bad people, but simply people who are void of truth or bound by untruths.

VortexorVortices- A long streak across a photo that may be caused by a very high-speeding "orb;" some believe vortices are a gateway between both realms (physical and spirit realms). They are
usually white in color and may appear as a funnel-shape. Camera straps, human hair, a tree branch, etc., right in front of the camera lens during exposure have been notoriously mistaken for a vortex. It
is important to make sure anything that may interfere with your photo is removed from

Some Ghost Hunting Practical Rules of Thumb

By Para-Boston Investigators

While some ghost hunters stick to scientific methods of investigation, Others are energy sensitive and contribute to the team by being able to ‘feel' paranormal presences. all ghost hunters should follow a common set of rules.

Know your equipment and their processes and benefits. Take time familiarizing yourself with the operation and reading parameters of EMF (electromagnetic field) meters, compasses and diving rods. Know how to operate your voice recorders for optimal sound recording and prevention of taping over EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) sessions. Learn the difference between EMF readings and electrical wiring fields. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the possibility that you might actually encounter the Holy Grail of ghost hunting, seeing a ghost.

Involve others in your ghostly journeys. Ghost hunting should not be done alone. Research the area you wish to investigate. What is the history or legend of the place? Have someone in your group take notes of all that happens. Record feelings, happenings and observations. Share thoughts and look for common threads in those thoughts.

While taking photos, video and voice recordings try to eliminate any other source of explanation for your results. For example, if you choose to run a voice recorder, make sure no one talks or even whispers during the investigation.

When taking pictures with a camera, remember that dust will produce "orbs" and other effects that appear supernatural. The presence of car headlights, mirrors, glass, rain, bugs, and camera straps can and often do produce "fake ghost images.

Do not wear perfumes, fragrances or colognes as some ghosts emit scents and smells in the air during supernatural activity. Some spirit's manifest by emitting their favorite cigar smoke or a unique fragrance. For your investigation to be an investigation rather than a spooky experience, be alcohol and drug free so your evidence is credible.

Cameras: you may use digital or a basic camera with 400 speed film. Pack extra batteries, film and flashlights. Avoid using camera flashes across from reflective objects such as mirrors, chrome and glass. Take several shots from the same location and from different angles to help decipher the spirits from dust or reflections. Waiting for a minute or so after moving before taking pictures may help eliminate
dust particles in the air.

Bright light, rain, dust, and physical objects can produce "orbs" (balls of light) that are not genuine. Do not smoke during your investigation so you mistake cigarette smoke for a ghostly manifestation. Hold your breath while investigating in cold environments before taking pictures to eliminate mist from your breath appearing in your photos. Be alert and remain objective by seeking to eliminate any natural occurrences that will compromise your paranormal results.

Cell phones and pagers should be turned off as they can distort detection equipment, compasses and digital images and camcorder recordings. If you edit your photographs in a computer photo editing programs, be sure not apply color correction and editing features that might put in paranormal looking effects. If you are using film, make sure the effects in your photo are from the ghost, not a development error.

Look for things hanging in front of your camera while photographing such as tree limbs, your camera strap, your hat, spider webs, ropes, etc. They will appear "bright white" like energy when the flash "pops" on them at close range. Flashes on cameras are not recommended.A true energy of light will manifest just as easily without a flash. You can use compasses to help detect changes in energy fields and a thermometer to help detect "cold or hot spots." Changes in energy fields as well as temperature shifts could be pointing to paranormal activity.

Spirits may be encountered at any time or any place. It does not have to be at night. But always investigate the paranormal with a clear mind.

Para-Boston is a paranormal investigationteam based in Boston Massachusetts. Not in the least bit shy of the paranormal, they will expertly investigate any type of haunting. Para-Boston can be reached at its Web Site:http://www.para-boston.org/

Para-Boston . Paranormal Investigators . 857-363-0298 .www.para-boston.org/