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1:24 am
March 30, 2009
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Revenant
| | Hopelessly Locked In A "Fear Cage" | |
| Lead Investigator | posts 1393 |
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Move over Penn State kids…there's a new sheriff in town…
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Greenlights-Paranormal-Cops-1001278.aspx
Apparently A&E has greenlit a new show. Cops during the day, paranormal investigators by night. This is all happening in my hometown of Chicago. What can they bring to the paranormal table that we haven't already seen? One word my friends….FIREARMS! Brian from GH sees a ghost and its "Dude, run!" These guys see a ghost and the lead flies! "They scare one of ours, we put two of theirs back in the grave. That's the Chicago way!"
Anyway, no date is given as to when this gem is going to air.
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"Skepticism is not a position, it's a process." -Dr Michael Shermer
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1:50 am
March 30, 2009
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Revenant
| | Hopelessly Locked In A "Fear Cage" | |
| Lead Investigator | posts 1393 |
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Doh! Forgot to add a couple of things:
http://chicagoparanormaldetectives.com/index.html
That seems to be their website and blog.
http://www.examiner.com/x-2764-Chicago-Paranormal-News-Examiner~y2009m3d17-Paranormal-Cops
That one is a more detailed look at the show. And brace yourselves…there will be a medium…
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"Skepticism is not a position, it's a process." -Dr Michael Shermer
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2:17 am
March 30, 2009
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Learjet
| | Australia | |
| Lead Investigator | posts 1122 |
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6:37 am
March 30, 2009
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Oubliette
| | Igloo in NJ | |
| Lead Investigator | posts 574 |
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When is this idiocy going to stop? A & E has already disgraced itself with Paranormal State.
I suppose being cops gives them more legitimacy than if they were plumbers. Totally agree with comments in the other thread about bringing a medium into the mix. It immediately throws this show in with the other garbage that is out there.
At least GH and GHI have refused since GH's first season to go the psychic route, although apparently only on TV. Seems off camera they have no problem appearing with people who "sense" things.
The only way A & E could ever win my respect again would be to pick up "The Skeptologists". Of course, that won't happen as it will negate the other paranormal shows out there. Nobody wants that bubble burst, it seems. These mindless productions are being made for one reason: ratings (which equals money).
What next? Kindergarten Ghost Busters? The Chip Coffey Hour? The ideas are endless….
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If 50 million people believe a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
Anatole France
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10:26 am
March 30, 2009
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Bobarino
| | Valencia, CA | |
| Investigator | posts 181 |
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Whenever I see the name "Paranormal Cops" I think that the show will be about going after ghosts for crimes they commited while living….
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I've found that being AWESOME is a full time job…
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12:15 pm
March 30, 2009
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Revenant
| | Hopelessly Locked In A "Fear Cage" | |
| Lead Investigator | posts 1393 |
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Learjet said:
I think Harry might have beat you to it.
http://www.skepticalviewer.com/forums/other-shows/ae-to-air-new-paranormal-cops-show/page-1
You're right. Sorry about that Harry. I usually check before I post a new topic too. Must have been the Chicago connection that was making me all excited and careless.
Oubliette- "The Chip Coffey Hour?" Dare to dream…
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"Skepticism is not a position, it's a process." -Dr Michael Shermer
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7:05 pm
April 11, 2009
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reality
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| Investigator in Training | posts 5 |
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Hello everyone,
Not to invite myself but, I know the guys involved in this show. Their approach with the Medium is simply this. If they cannot substantiate what she says by some other means, (temperature drop, EMF spike etc), they dont take what she says into consideration as "evidence". They utilize her skills much like a polygraph machine. Inadmissable in court (by itself) however, very useful in serious criminal investigations for pointing investigators in certain directions. This is not your run of the mill paranormal show with sensationalism or any jumping to conclusions. The fact that these guys are real cops is what makes all the diffeence in the world. Since there is no such thing as a professional paranormal investigator, this group uses the next best thing, professional investigators. The career risks they take demand a higher level of accountability. Lets see how it plays out on t.v.
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1:59 am
April 12, 2009
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Revenant
| | Hopelessly Locked In A "Fear Cage" | |
| Lead Investigator | posts 1393 |
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Hello Reality. No need to "invite yourself." Everyone is welcome to share their view and I'm certainly glad that you did.
I admire your enthusiasm about the show. As you probably already know, many loyal Ghost Hunter fans have begun…"questioning"…their integrity of the past couple of years. Whether warranted or not, whether anything has been proven or not, well, as Jason likes to say "It is what it is."
Being from Chicago myself, I personally look forward to the show. Knowing the locations and maybe even having been to them is pretty cool, at least for me. And I've dealt with many police officers there (hmm…then again, that's a whole different topic and my lawyer has advised me not to post anything on the web about it…anyway…). If they can muster up a little integrity in the field of the paranormal, then they have a legimate shot at a hit show. I think we can all use a bit of sincerity and honesty right about now.
However…I do have some concerns. First and foremost, are the principles behind the research. The most fundamental is that we do not know what a "ghost" is. Therefore, it is impossible to say what a ghost is capable of. There is no scientific evidence that "temperature drops or EMF spikes" have anything to do with ghosts. In fact, both of those things can be explained in normal ways as opposed to paranormal. And please…I am not bashing you personally or the new show. But that is what the show is up against.
Was I personally disappointed when I heard that a medium is being used? Yes. If she is to be used as a "polygraph machine," well…then use a polygraph machine. In the field of the paranormal, the further that one drifts from mysticism and steers more towards science is when true discoveries shall be made. It is my hope beyond hope, my dream of dreams…but please…tell me that on at least a couple of the shows, they'll be able to get a real, honest-to-goodness scientist from the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois or Northwestern. That, in itself, would show me that they are serious. That they actually want to take that extra step. That they know that what they are seeking is mysterious, but are ultimately grounded in reality and won't submit to unsubstantiated theories and conjecture.
They have their choice; being Ghost Hunters with guns, or being true pioneers in the field of the paranormal. Up to them. Should be interesting to see which path they choose…
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"Skepticism is not a position, it's a process." -Dr Michael Shermer
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7:24 pm
April 12, 2009
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Learjet
| | Australia | |
| Lead Investigator | posts 1122 |
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I also have concerns that this will be just another paranormal show that goes in with preconceived ideas, ideas that may be false to start with."There's this theory that" will go down like a lead balloon too.
Double checking a medium with an EMF meter or temp gauge is like three wrongs trying to make a right.
It doesn't matter who does it, cops, plumbers or cheer leaders. Anyone can find "ghosts" with an EMF meter and a temperature gauge. I reckon I could probably even find some in the chook shed while collecting eggs.
Hope I'm wrong and they bring something fresh and genuine to light.
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5:06 am
April 13, 2009
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reality
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| Investigator in Training | posts 5 |
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I dont agree that it doesnt matter who conducts these investigations. We have seen children, plumbers and other average joes who have nothing to lose, pretend to be "investigators". Cheerleaders, mailmen or waitresses conducting these investigations would not deliver the necessary accountability that cops do. Sorry if I offend anyone but, its kind of like this comparisson. A guy on the front porch of his mobile home somewhere in West Virginia reporting a UFO or, 2 pilots from American Airlines reporting a UFO. As far as the polygraph machine comment is concerned, it seems to have been misunderstood. The example is in reference to needing another means to substantiate what she says before it is perceived as evidence. There may be some familiar things the viewer sees. Sure. The point is, who is explaining what has happened? There will also be some new techniques and viewpoints as well. This show wants to eliminate doubt in the viewers mind as much as possible. I agree that scientific experts would be a great idea. Understand that these guys really maintain real positions within the criminal justice profession. You cant be relied upon to collect evidence at a crime scene which may lead to someone becoming incarcerated if you are a fraud on t.v. The main thing is that they want to bring "real" credibiliy to the field. They dont claim to be all knowing or perfect either. And, they do not contradict themselves by saying what "ghosts" can and cannot do. Its the unknown. How can (anyone) claim to know the limits?
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11:45 am
April 13, 2009
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Learjet
| | Australia | |
| Lead Investigator | posts 1122 |
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reality said:
… its kind of like this comparisson. A guy on the front porch of his mobile home somewhere in West Virginia reporting a UFO or, 2 pilots from American Airlines reporting a UFO.
Using that comparison, I'd go with the pilots. Though as was demonstrated in the Morristown UFO hoax, even a pilot with 20 years in the aviation industry was caught out with flare balloons.
I still maintain that searching for ghosts with EMF meters is dodgy business unless one knows precisely what they are doing and are using the correct equipment. As far as I know, EMF meter usage is not included in police training. This is my field of expertise so I will be watching with interest.
By chance do you know which model / brand of EMF meter they are using?
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1:37 pm
April 13, 2009
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Nosfer
| | Rotaredom | |
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Well, another way of thinking about it, though, is that the guy outside his mobile home has probably been looking at the sky quite a bit and would know what should or should not be there. It all depends upon the guy and it all depends upon the pilots, just like in every other profession. There is not enough information given for me to make the decision.
Their background really doesn't matter, though, because the overriding factors are going to be ratings. A&E does not have a good track record at the moment. They have to compete against PS…and THOSE kids find something massive every week, so….
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Legal: The content of this post is copyrighted and is intended exclusively for use on skepticalviewer.com It may not be copied, distributed, or redisplayed on any other site without the express written consent of the author.
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1:57 pm
April 13, 2009
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Wes
| | Spaulding Inn, Room 38 | |
| Investigator | posts 142 |
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As another Chicago native (shout out to Revenant and deep dish pizza) I'm also looking forward to some Chicago investigations by local cops: I'm guessing a lot of cases involving mobsters and politicans … we'll know they're real Chicago (unoffical motto: "Where's mine?") ghosts if they ask for kickbacks to stop haunting a place.
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"The truth shall bear all light."
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10:17 pm
April 13, 2009
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Revenant
| | Hopelessly Locked In A "Fear Cage" | |
| Lead Investigator | posts 1393 |
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reality said:
Cheerleaders, mailmen or waitresses conducting these investigations would not deliver the necessary accountability that cops do.
Obviously you have not seen "Hot Girls In Scary Places." I kid, I kid… 
As I said, I'm looking forward to the show. At the absolute least, they're from Chicago, so automatically they'll be funnier than the antics of "Stango." Typical guys from Chicago are tough, sarcastically funny, all about the Bears, and truly believe that pizza is its own food group (with Gino's East being at the top of the food pyramid). I'm pretty sure Wes will back me up on that.
One last thing, Reality…maybe something to pass along to your friends. In your last post you ended with "How can (anyone) claim to know the limits?" I agree. What we need is solid information and solid research. I hoping that your friends are considering posting their findings on their website after each episode. Downloadable EVP's, EMF readings, FLIR temperature ranges, settings and time stamps (see the article "Doctored Manson FLIR" for the reasons why) etc. The more information that the public is given, the more that the public will be willing to listen and consider it.
You see, TAPS doesn't do this. They gather the evidence, review the evidence themselves, case closed…*fist-bump*…on to the next. Independent testing of the evidence would be great. Outside of that, posting all the evidence would essentially be the same as a "peer review" in science. Your friends wish to find evidence of the paranormal. We, the fans, can help. We can help determine possible explanations. Develop alternate theories as to why something happened. We can tear everything apart and look at it from every angle. This is the backbone of science. But if your friends provide us with something that we can't explain…then that truly would be exciting. And really, isn't that what we are all after?
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"Skepticism is not a position, it's a process." -Dr Michael Shermer
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11:14 pm
April 14, 2009
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reality
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| Investigator in Training | posts 5 |
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Revenant, I like your ideas and will pass them along. If they arent already planning this, I think they should give it serious consideration. The bottom line is this, these guys cannot afford to be irresponsible with their investigations. Please feel free to send them an e-mail if you (or anyone) has questions or opinions. I think they would really appreciate the feedback and would entertain the ideas from people with sincere input.
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6:57 am
April 15, 2009
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holmesgirl
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| Investigator in Training | posts 7 |
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hi. new to the sight. very glad to be here. last names is holmes so i thought my name was a good fit…lol. anyways, i have done a little research on things that have been talked about here. i am always interested in new shows,especially paranormal shows. i do believe when you have spoken about the pilots here they belong to united airlines, and not american airlines. the faa refuses to speak about it. it might damage uniteds image. my neighbor happens to be a mechanic for united so when the story hit, you bet your ass i was all over him like glue. the sun-times realeased a story about the paranomal cops team, if i remember in late january. if you take the guys names they mentioned and googled them, one of the guys on their team, is not very highly talked about. he has a court pending issue for taking away a womans civil rights, if you read the court report it seems like he gave her a concussion. thats great, and your going to be on t.v. representing chicagoland? way to make the chicagoland area look good. who the crap would want that? sounds like a woman beater to me. why do they call this same indivudual a wife abuser? thats extremly credible. im sure ur ghost hunting skills will be also. im not a cop hater, my husband happens to be one, hes also the one who asked me to find research on these guys before i waste my time to watch their show. he understands the risk they are taking by telling everybody they are cops. i like to give everybody a fair shot, but with somebody known as a wife abuser and has a pending court issue,its hard to say their evidence will be credible. does anybody know when the show will be aired? all press releases have nothing on any of that. chicagoparanormaldetectives.com is thier web sight. so convient they failed to mention what equipment they are using,just cute little stories about themselves. big deal. the public dosent care what you do in your own time, if you want us to tune in, show what you do not how you play. im not bashing anyody here, im simply stating proven facts via research on the internet. thanks for your time. mrs. holmes…
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7:02 am
April 15, 2009
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Nosfer
| | Rotaredom | |
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I think the URL you mean is:
http://www.chicagoparanormaldetectives.com/
It's just an "s" but it's an important letter! :)
"'Paranormal Cops'" is the perfect marriage of A&E's successful crime and justice genre with our blossoming paranormal programming that documents real-life accounts of bona fide paranormal investigators," said Robert Sharenow, Senior Vice President, Nonfiction and Alternative Programming, A&E. "And Ryan and his Paranormal State' team continue to bring intense, authentic and emotionally riveting cases to our viewers."
The best thing PC can do is to distance themselves as far as possible from PS, preferably on another network!
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Legal: The content of this post is copyrighted and is intended exclusively for use on skepticalviewer.com It may not be copied, distributed, or redisplayed on any other site without the express written consent of the author.
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7:42 am
April 15, 2009
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Nosfer
| | Rotaredom | |
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If there was an award in high school for “Least Likely to Investigate Paranormal Activity”, Brian Jones would have won the title running away. Frankly, running away is what he does best. Ironically, Brian is fearless when it comes to revealing the things in life he fears the most: Scary movies, loud noises, and barrel-chested, cigar-chompin’, police officers.
Steve and his phobias?
This less-than-intrepid Investigative Assistant serves as a sort of “canary in the haunted coalmine”: Brian’s uncanny self-preservation instinct is so finely tuned, when he turns tail and runs for the hills, it’s clear spirits are afoot.
What is this? "Dude Run?" Funny how his name is Brian, too.
If he turns tail and runs for the hills, it's clear spirits are afoot …doesn't sound too scientific to me LOL
Revenant, I like your ideas and will pass them along. If they arent already planning this, I think they should give it serious consideration. The bottom line is this, these guys cannot afford to be irresponsible with their investigations. Please feel free to send them an e-mail if you (or anyone) has questions or opinions. I think they would really appreciate the feedback and would entertain the ideas from people with sincere input.
reality: Have them take a gander through the posts here and see where we have described (by example) of what not to do and the many suggestions that are in these pages that would be more along the lines of what _to do_
There is unfortunately very little on their website. Nothing about methods, no offerings of evidence caught (the bios indicate that paranormal activity has been captured on camera by at least one of the investigators prior to the creation of this show) It would be interesting to see it.
When does this show first air? The press release just says "later in 2009" and that follows the PS airdate of 19 January, which means it could be anytime this year :)
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Legal: The content of this post is copyrighted and is intended exclusively for use on skepticalviewer.com It may not be copied, distributed, or redisplayed on any other site without the express written consent of the author.
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9:04 am
April 15, 2009
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holmesgirl
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| Investigator in Training | posts 7 |
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brian sounds like a bit of a scardy cat, interesting quote you have found. it mentions in their web sight that brian is not a police officer as well as scott. i can take into considersation that the "medium" is not a cop, isnt this show titled paranormal cops? they should have stayed with using just cops if you ask me. the word parnormal stictly means not normal. brian you sound "not normal." hey paranormal cops, if your reading this why dosent your web sight show what kind of equipment your using? if you have had evidence before your show began, prove it. do you really think we care if you off playing music in the woods, austin? im glad your in tune with nature and everything, mother nature is beautiful. how about the art of ghost hunting. thats what i wana know about. is your name austin weinstock or austin edwards? make up your mind. hey ron, mr. muscle man, where is the so called evidence. PROVE IT!!!! ron, did you all by yourself start this group 6 years ago or two years ago or three years ago? you guys arent even on t.v yet and you cant make up your mind how long ago the group was started, what your last name is, and even though your web sight talks about evidence, there is none seen. come on cpd as your nick name yourself for short, show me and others valid evidence. sssssttttiiiiiiillllll waiting!!!!
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