The Pros of Paranormal Cons

BY LARISSA MRYKALO

I propose that the American Psychological Association should include a new diagnosis in its diagnostic manual: Post Paranormal Conference Blues (PPCB?). There's nothing like spending a weekend with friends and not only having fun but also learning something too. I just arrived home from Phenomacon 106 that took place in Gettysburg, PA and once again, I realize how fortunate I am to get to attend conferences and not only meet up with but speak to some truly interesting and genuine folks.

I asked my friend, Alli, to give me a quote about why she comes to paranormal conferences and her response mirrored the ones of those I just saw on the Phenomacon Facebook page. She said it was, "A great opportunity to connect and learn from other like-minded people." The range of guests goes from skeptics and scientists to psychics and healers. I went from speaking to Grady Mosby who is the author of "A Near Death Experience: I Died and Came Back from Hell" to discussing Bigfoot and the recent Rick Dyer hoax with Eric Altman, Director of the Pennsylvania Bigfoot Society. I attended paranormal researcher/psychic, Chris Fleming's panel on angels and left there much less skeptical and will definitely be keeping my eyes open. This was just on my first day.

'Three Pillars' Paranormal Card Game Debuts at Phenomacon

A new card game that allows you to "play the paranormal" debuted this weekend in one of the most haunted places on Earth, Gettysburg. "The Three Pillars: A Paranormal Card Game" became available for purchase at Phenomacon which began on Thursday, April 10 thanks to the cats at CORE games.

The Three Pillars represent the three key "players" or components of a successful paranormal investigation; psychic, skeptic, and scientist. Demos and a tournament Friday evening introduced paranormal enthusiasts to the game which is described below:

THE THREE PILLARS is a fast-paced, witty game of checks and balances that celebrates the paranormal community while gently satirizing the drama that is often encountered within it. Assemble your team, visit haunted locations and submit evidence to close the cases - but be warned - not only must you deal with Murphy's Law, but with other paranormal teams investigating the same places as you - and chances are, they won't be helpful. Never before has Paranormal Division been so fun!