Wednesday, March 28, 2012

The Night I had Chills

This is the most recent experience I had; in fact, it was just last night when I got home after my busy day.
I was feeling a little cold in the room, and it was probably the A/C being turned on like usual and I even associated it with the slightly colder weather out there as the strong winds shook the leaves on the trees and the skies just turned dark so suddenly; indicating a drop in the temperature and a possibility of a heavy downpour or even a storm soon.

I kept feeling the chills even when the windows were closed and curtains drawn to cover the glare from the streetlights outside the house, and I even had the A/C turned off to save myself from the extreme chill I was already sensing. The chilly air seemed to come from the direction of the windows, although I was told that it was probably the fan circulating the air in the room from the ceiling where it was hanging.
I snuggled into my woolen blanket which felt warm and comfortable for my body and my toes; and I bet, even for my fingers where the nails are starting to turn into dark colors (and that only happens when I am very very cold, like in the office or in the frozen section of the supermarket).

It was then that I remembered those stories; the stories which I read earlier in the afternoon. I was reading stories about haunted houses, hostels, and places and there was this story about the haunted hut of a chalet narrated by the traveler who experienced it firsthand while on a stress-free vacation with her family at the foot of a renowned mountain in Malaysia. All of a sudden, her experience sprung to mind; from the trees shaking outside, and the strong wind and the balcony outside the room. It was then that I kept telling myself to dismiss the story; although unsuccessfully as I was feeling very uneasy and the cold just kept creeping in that I was almost feeling stone cold.

Well, I didn't experience anything weird as my eyes were just shutting themselves down though it was a great thing given the chilly situation but I did remember having this extremely weird dream (I will talk about it in a separate post) and woke up this morning feeling so puzzled.
It did not bother me, and I was still fine until later in the morning as I met up with my friend and she told me something so bizarre that I was still trying to come to terms with until now.
All the things seem to make sense now; yes, including the chilly experience last night; they are all explained now.

Curious about what she said?
A short sentence, but it is a strong suspicion which I slowly confirmed and now I can probably verify it...
The words, just seemed so distant that I even find it weird when I first heard it, but now they do, make total sense.





"You're having a fever"

Yes, that's it, I am definitely under the weather now..and I guess I will need a doctor, I can't decide which is better news though the latter and the evident truth since I am feeling extremely tired at the moment definitely beats anything scary, don't you think?

I had you there, didn't you? Admit it!

(The real and no-fuss article here; no pulling legs this time, really:)

Monday, March 26, 2012

A Flying Coffin?

I am not sure how many have heard of this, but this was probably one of the unexplained mysteries which took place in the year 2002, in Malaysia!

Yes, a decade ago, but I could still remember the news buzz back then although I was busy with my books studying for my tests or doing my assignments.

It came back to surprise me when I was just reading some articles on the Internet and came across the title of the mystery of the flying coffin caught on the surveillance camera in the local Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Sabah.
The image was captured on the surveillance camera which was mounted on top of the airport; and resembled that of a 'coffin'. The coffin seemed like it was flying across the sky; thus earning its nickname 'The Flying Coffin'.

Although not widely reported by the daily news or the media, a few of the local airport officials bore witnesses to the sighting of the flying coffin; and the image captured on the surveillance camera screen. The officials monitoring the screen were surprised by the sudden appearance of the shape resembling a coffin on the screen; and even a security guard on duty in the area also mentioned that he saw the same thing.

The weird thing is that the object was not detected by the radar; except a MAS Fokker Aircraft which took off three minutes earlier. If it was truly a UFO or something like that, then it would have been picked up by the sensitive rays of the radar but surprisingly this was not.

There were many sources found in the discussions with some deducing the possibility of a mistaken image of something else; or probably a mind game, or illusion.
Then there is also an unrelated article about a bloodstained coffin found downstream in a village in Sabah, scaring the local Ibans (That was explained in the related articles link below).

However, I don't think the two sources are really connected because as explained in the story of the bloodstained coffin found downstream, it was really a case of irresponsibility by the undertaker in charge of the funeral for the deceased.
Furthermore, if the coffin found downstream was connected to the earlier flying coffin, then that means there must be a flying coffin in the first place.

However, since the first case remains unexplained, it was partially dismissed as a mistake or an illusion despite the impression of the image found on the surveillance camera.

I don't know how to make of this, but I have no explanation either. It could be a mistake, but to have so many officials from a respectable airport management board and also security personnel on duty bearing witnesses, I am not sure what to think.

Any thought?

Sources:
UFO Sighting in Sabah?
Daily Express News
Unexplained Mysteries Forum
UFO images in Malaysia


Other related sources to coffin in Sabah:
The Flying Coffin
The Star

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Supernatural Reality Shows a Trend?

I have noticed that quite a number of reality shows related to the search/hunt for the supernatural has surfaced lately; or over the past few years. The popularity of these genres had obviously paved the path for these shows to be born; given the curious nature of viewers and people in general.

I have seen a few of them; and I have to say, some were really disturbing (the types that can send that chill down your spine and make you avoid going to the bathroom).
At the same time, I couldn't help but wonder, what is the message that we are sending to the future generation?
Are we debunking the myth that there are paranormal activities going out there; attributing them to the laws of science? Or are we showing the future youths that there are lots of spiritual beings wandering around there, in case you didn't know and just thought that you should be scared?

While some take on a more a serious nature of investigating the mystery surrounding a certain place reputed for being haunted and sharing on the stories on why it could be haunted, there are some that I was surprised (and a little annoyed) that they were challenging the spirits to appear and confront them. I don't see why they need to resort to such low tactics; although it was claimed that it was for the investigation purposes.

I beg to differ in my opinion here; as I find some of the behaviors rather annoying, if not downright rude and it was as if these investigators were of more superior being that they can command the spirits to appear right before them. I don't know where did that idea come from, but as far as I know, I was told never to provoke the spirits under any circumstance.
Sure, the idea is to find out the truth and to prove whether the hauntings do truly exist in that particular place with a reputation, but there is no need to go to that extent of showing your own greatness. The air of arrogance I have witnessed in some of these reality show hosts just makes me wonder the spirits do not just appear and scare the hell out of them.
(These hosts would be delighted with the appearances anyhow, and can't wait to capture the images on their camera though; and perhaps, that is the reason that the spirit did not want to appear, so as not to give them that pleasure of seeing them in their form).

I guess some of these so-called paranormal experts have yet to meet with a real exorcism or tasted the wrath of a malevolent spirit which could drag them to the netherworld just there and then. Maybe it was for the sense of entertainment that they are behaving so stupidly, or was it that they were just too full of themselves in their heads?
Either way, I hope they pray that they are protected by God at all times or someday, they are just going to get a taste of their arrogance and that ain't going to be sweet.

Pushing and belittling the existence of spirits to provide that cheap thrill or excitement is hardly what I would even associate with entertainment.
Perhaps some may be able to catch my point of reference here; whereby the team claimed to be aspiring ghostbusters or investigators equipped with technology and advanced machines to help them with their expedition and then analyzing themselves. Sometimes sounds captured make them jump up in joy and then they start to share their experiences and even what they think they heard or saw. Deciphering whatever they heard is purely based on their own assumptions; and I doubt that can account for much credibility, no offense meant here.
Furthermore the backgrounds and experiences of these investigators do cast a net of doubt over their knowledge on the incidents encountered and explained; and again, not much credibility.

It is no wonder then that there are so many ghostbusters or investigators wannabes sprouting out of a sudden and then having all these equipments just automatically qualifies them to become paranormal researchers/investigators and then if they are fortunate enough, they will get their own tv show. Is that it, anyone who claims to enjoy and curious about the paranormal and does research can be an investigator?

I don't know anymore, but sometimes, I find it a little too far-fetched and honestly, maybe they may have lots of courage, money, researches, viewers and high-tech equipment but they definitely lack in one thing; respect.

That being said, I do enjoy some of the rather great documentaries (although spooky) which shared about the paranormal and even constantly reminds viewers never to dabble in the world of magic and the following are the ones that I feel are quite up to their standards:
(I am NOT promoting any form of supernatural stories/tv shows!)
Asia:
Singapore's IT (Incredible Tales hosted by VJ Utt)
Hong Kong's Guai Tan (hosted by HK actor/TV personality Leung Si Ho)
Malaysia's Misteri Nusantara (TV3)

US: Sightings (only until year 1997)

The few that kept to the nature of the shows; which is to feature and share stories as told by the residents who have experienced strange happenings around the place.
I don't find the notion of having volunteers or people sitting in specific spots in the haunted place remotely fascinating or interesting, as I don't think anyone should be at risk at all; especially when you are dealing with the unknown.

Anyway, in short, I do echo some of the calls by religious groups to study the nature of some tv shows focused on the supernatural as it did not serve its purpose in the nature of the show, rather showing us a series of risky and deemed courageous acts on screen.
It is time to ponder on what are the real objectives of these shows, and are they sending the right messages to the youngsters out there, or do we want young people daring each other to spend a night in a haunted place to see if they can get away with it to share their glory on video posted on the web later?

Friday, March 16, 2012

A Legend of Mankind

We have heard of the version of how human beings were created, from the Bible; where man and woman were created in the image of God.
Have we ever wondered about other beliefs about how mankind were created?
I mean, not that I'm doubting my own beliefs but it is interesting to hear and read about the other perceptions people in other cultures have of how we, humans were first created.

I have previously posted on the creation of the Universe; by the legendary hero, Pan Gu. You can read that story here

Now, the story of the creation of mankind continues after that story; yes, it is like the sequel to the earlier story.

In this story, after Pan Gu created the universe in the earlier story, the Goddess Nuwa (or Nuwo) was passing by and admired the marvellous creation by the hero.
(Goddess Nuwa is believed to be the original ancestor of human being and also the one who separated Heaven from Earth).

Anyway, as Goddess Nuwa was passing by and enjoyed the works and also the living trees, water, birds and animals dwelling on land, water and in the skies, she was suddenly overcome by a feeling of emptiness. She wondered what it was that caused that emotion and while pondering on the matter, was nearing a pond nearby.

She looked into the pond and staring back at her was her own reflection; to which she looked and it was then that she realized that the universe lacked the presence of beings like herself; who could boost the population and add livelihood to the land where all the livings dwell.
As Nuwa thought of the matter, she tried to figure out how she could come up with these 'new' beings.

Turning to the clay on the ground, she then made them into mounds of shapes which formed the mouth, eyes, nose, ears and limbs. Man and woman was then made in her own image; to look like her physically.

What started as only two human beings soon developed into a crowd as Nuwa worked hard to create more and more beings to fill up the land. However, Nuwa too realized that despite her hard work, she had only two hands to work at creating these beings and she would need to think of new ways to create these beings in a more natural and faster manner. Thus, Nuwa used the rattan found in the nearby woods whereby she stirred the mud and then each patch of mud which lands, turns to become a human being.

One day, Nuwa spotted a few human beings lying at the foot of a hill and they had gray hair on their head and looked weak. They were lifeless and lay still; indicating that they were already dead. Nuwa was in despair, to see her works of creation diminishing through the aging process and also death.
Nuwa then worries whether she will be able to sustain the population of human beings she had created, with the beings dying once ripe of age which is part of the natural living process.
She knew then that she needs to find a way to ensure that there will be a natural continuity of life, and at the same time, the number of population increases and sustains while balancing that of the deaths.

Nuwa turned to observe the other living beings and how the birds and animals multiply in their numbers and decided to apply the same concept to man and woman. However, to ensure that there will not be any abnormality to the reproduction process, Nuwa also set the rules for mating; whereby only man and woman can mate and human beings are not to mate with animals or other beings. It was a rule drawn by Nuwa to maintain the normality of the continuation of mankind without crossing the boundaries.

This sets the edge of the human reproduction cycle and also that of the other living, which continues until this very day.

That is the version found in the Chinese mythology of how mankind was created; and thus the Goddess Nuwa is also known as the creator of human beings and also listed as the first ancestor of mankind.