The Haunted West

As hobbies go, paranormal investigating probably doesn't quite fit into the same category as, say, knitting. But as with any hobby, sooner or later, a person wants to share their interest with others, maybe encourage others to join in the fun, start a knitting circle, or something. While I don't tend to broadcast the fact that I spend my free time ghost hunting, sooner or later, my penchant for haunted places leaks out to friends, family and acquaintances. On the surface, I get raised eyebrows from most, but given the opportunity (and nobody within hearing distance), these same scoffers will seek me out to learn more. See, I believe everyone harbors a guilty curiosity in the unknown, how else to explain the popularity of all those paranormal show out there? So, with this in mind, here's something for all you closet investigators: Women Investigating Ghost Sighting (W.I.G.S) has teamed up with VC Paranormal to offer "An Introduction To Paranormal In...

Today I received an update on the memorial dedication of the Nevada State Hospital Cemetery. Anonymous wrote: "A new monument with 767 names (and acknowledging that there are likely up to 400 more unknown) has been installed in the hospital cemetery. It will be dedicated this Friday, January 21, 2011 between 2-4 pm. This event is open to the public. After the outdoor dedication there will be refreshments and historical displays inside the new Agriculture Building adjacent to the cemetery". This cemetery is a vital piece of Nevada's past; from 1882-1947, approximately 1000 patients from the nearby State Mental Health Institute lie buried on an adjacent piece of property with little or no ceremony to acknowledge their existence or final resting place. The memorial is a result of a tremendous effort by the Friends of Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services Cemetery. I'm hoping the weather holds and the day of the dedication is clear. If not, I'll bundle up...