Author Archives: trmcswain

About trmcswain

Tina R. McSwain is Founder & Director of The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society or CAPS. She also serves as Lead Investigator and Historian of the group, and has amassed over 15 years of experience in research and study of the paranormal. She is a native Charlottean, and has been interested in the paranormal since reading Nancy Roberts' North and South Carolina ghost books of the 1960's/1970's. Early TV shows such as Dark Shadows and Kolchak - The Night Stalker aided to further pique this interest. Since childhood, she has had a profound curiosity about ghosts, hauntings and paranormal events, and throughout her adult life, has continued to learn and gain knowledge in this world around her. Her catalyst for studying the paranormal was her first encounter in 1989 with a full blown apparition of a friend's grandmother. The lady's ghost walked toward Tina, smiled, waved, and then turned around and disappeared. After the initial shock, Tina realized this was a rare occurrence and one she wanted to repeat. Thus, she began to research her experience. Soon after, Tina found and worked with local metaphysical advisors and psychics, and read and studied many volumes on paranormal investigation techniques, equipment used, and the science and theory behind it. After several years of study, she desired to practice what she had learned. She sought out and joined a number of North and South Carolina Paranormal and Ghost Hunting groups over the years. While serving in varying capacities, she gained valuable experience and continued to learn and experiment with and utilize new technology. Wanting a more professional and scientific based research oriented group, Tina formed CAPS with a small group of like-minded colleagues. Since its formation in 2005, CAPS has assisted over 150 private home and business owners, historical sites, and government agencies in both the Carolinas and Tennessee who have had concerns of paranormal activity. When not helping a client, the CAPS team visits reportedly haunted locations, both famous and not-so-famous, in an effort to validate or dismiss these claims. In addition, CAPS serves as mentors to area high school students choosing ghost hunting as the subject of their North Carolina High School Project Graduation requirements. Tina also formed and handles the CAPS Cemetery Clean-up Committee. Believing that CAPS can make a difference in its community at large, Tina chose The Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina as CAPS Official Charity. Tina and her CAPS team members volunteer their time throughout the year in support of the charity's efforts to end hunger. Tina also speaks to groups at various venues and events to educate the public on the vast world of the paranormal. She has appeared on national internet radio shows on the ParaX Network, as well as local radio and television programming, in various print media, and has served as paranormal consultant on a recent TV pilot production. Under Tina's direction and leadership, the Charlotte Area Paranormal Society continues to aid and support our clients; conduct research, investigate, study and gather evidence of, and document encounters with, the unknown.

Paranormally Speaking

By

Tina R. McSwain

Many paranormal research teams employ the use of a “psychic” on their investigations.  Why not check out a local Psychic Fair to see what this mystic is all about.  CAPS will be there too, so come by our table and meet the team, tell us your ghost story, or get information on CAPS (The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society) and what we do.

CAPS to Appear at The Traveling Psychic Fair

The first Traveling Psychic Fair of 2013 will be held at Muggs Coffee on Park Road (near Selwyn intersection) in Charlotte, NC on Sunday – January 13, 2013 from 12 NOON until 5PM.

The Fair features the following:

Gina Spriggs – Master Tarologist

Lisa Jenkins – Intuitive Readings

Karen Yoder – Tarot With a Twist

Jenn Vivian – Aura Readings

Linda Backes – Mystical Fochaadams

Azera – Intuitive Tarot Reading

Dawn Petalino – Personalized Chakra Readings

Iesha Hoffman – Messages from Spirit

Bea Gordon – Angel Readings

Tina Heckman – Animal Communicator/Intuitive

Sherrie Avitan – Channeled Psychometry

Andy Silver – Spiritual Mediator

All Readers will offer introductory 15 MINUTE sessions for $25.00. There will be vendors as well.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Conventions, Tina R. McSwain

Paranormally Speaking

By

Tina R. McSwain

Things that make you go….hmm

In the past two weeks, there have been two articles on preparing for a Zombie Apocalypse, one from the US Department of Homeland Security, and the other, telling us that the US Military and local Law Enforcement Officers will recieve training on how to deal with the problem.

Links to follow:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/06/homeland-security-warns-the-zombies-are\ -coming_n_1862768.html?1346969251&ncid=webmail6

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/17/zombie-apocalypse-training-halo-corp_n_1889724.html?ncid=wsc-huffpost-cards-headline

Hmm….indeed!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Tina R. McSwain

Paranormally Speaking

By

Tina R. McSwain

Are You Ready…

For the Zombie Apocalypse?  Traditionally, Zombies were beings made of voo doo spells.  They were the dead brought back to do the bidding of the living.  To quell them, you simply put salt in their mouths and sewed their mouths up.  Enter George A Romero and The Night of the Living Dead.  Zombies would never be the same.

There have been sequels by Romero as well as other well known “zombie movies”.  Some good, some VERY bad.  Recently, we have had a new player in this fascination with Zombies.  The Walking Dead, a very well written saga of a band of survivors led by Rick Grimes, a law enforcement office from Cynthiana, KY.

Over time, we have learned alot about Zombies.  In George’s version they are turned by a cosmic event which brings all the dead to life, in search of human flesh for sustenance.  In AMC’s The Walking Dead, we do not know what has caused the dead to walk, but we assume it is some sort of biological weaponry gone wrong.

With the current events in Florida, New Jersey, West Virgina, and Canada, we best hone up on our survival skills.  Following are suggestions and tips on how to survive a Zombie attack:

Who better to give this kind of advice than a Paranormal Expert, right?

First, remember they are slow.  You can outrun them.  With all the limb dragging and body parts falling off due to decay, you have time.  Just don’t get cornered or try to take on more than just a few of them.  Being outnumbered by Zombies will not end very well for you.  In TWD, we learn that the cold slows them down even further.  Therefore, do all of your Zombie hunting in the winter months.  You may want to think about Canada or Alaska as your new permanent home.

Second, do not make any noise.  This includes the sounds made by gunshots.  It is best to find and utilize a bow and arrow or cross bow to take these suckers out.  (No noise).  And, in a world devoid of industry, you can make an arrow out of a very sharp twig.  In TWD. Michonne makes very good use of a Ninja sword.  Might want to add that piece to your collection now.  (A true Jedi Lightsaber would come in most handy where facing a hoard of Zombies).  Also, a baseball bat, shovel or ax will work in a pinch.

Third, they MUST be mortally wounded in the head.  Kill the Brain!! Anything else will render them a threat.  They can still grab you and bite you.  Double tap if necessary.  But conserve ammunition.  Again, no industry for the manufacture of bullets and gunshots are loud  (refer to above paragraph)

Fourth, siphon gas from all the abandoned vehicles you will find along the way.  Pick a vehicle with high gas mileage as your escape vehicle.  Toyota Prius would be my choice.

Fifth, find food.  VERY important to find and salvage all the food you can.  Scavenge all stores, houses, cars, etc.  If you find a Wal-Mart, definitely hit it, but beware of the Wall-Martian Zombies left inside. The government says canned foods are good as long as there is no rust or the can has not blown up, so enjoy.

Sixth, grab as many weapons as you can.  Guns, ammo, shovels, swords, knives, bats, bow and arrow, anything that can be used to bash in or cut off the head of a Zombie.  (NOTE”  if you do cut off the head, it can still bite.  Be sure and crush the skull with whatever means at your disposal) Note:  National Guard Armories and police stations, as well as military bases would be an excellent place to search for weapons.

Seventh, find some sort of secure shelter.  Gated communities or even prisons would be a good choice.  However, ALWAYS have an escape plan if things start to go south on you. A solar equipped house with solar heating and air, solar power etc would be best.  (A battery powered car that could be charged with solar would be ideal as well.)

Eight, find bottled water, or boil your own.  Find and keep a lighter or matches handy for starting fires.

Ninth, remember you MUST put down any of your colleagues as soon as they die.  They will come back to bite you!  Again, in the head!!

And, finally, tenth, it is best to survive in a group.  More targets for the Zombies, and you can always sacrifice the weak or the slow so that you can make your escape and live on to fight another day.

A word of caution…people can be more dangerous than Zombies, so always keep your guard up around your “friends”.  Civility and humanism goes out the window in a true catastrophe.  And, being a pilot of an aircraft (or knowing one and saving him/her) might be a good idea.

I hope you will take heed of this public service announcement by CAPS Founder, Tina McSwain, and commit this information to memory so that you too can survive the Zombie Apocalypse!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Tina R. McSwain, Uncategorized

Paranormally Speaking

By

Tina R. McSwain

CAPS is Featured in the June Issue of Charlotte Magazine

We are proud to announce that CAPS is featured in the June issue of Charlotte Magazine.

We would like to express our thanks to Writer, Michelle Boudin, Charlotte Magazine Editor and Staff, and Photographer, Adam Whitlow, for including us in their publication.

Tina R. McSwain, Founder & Director,

The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS)

https://www.charlottemagazine.com/Charlotte-Magazine/June-2012/CAPS-Charlottes-Own-Ghostbuster/

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Paranormally Speaking

By

Tina R. McSwain

Being more than you can be.  CAPS and I are paranormal investigators and researchers first and foremost.  We strive to help those folks who live in a haunted house or otherwise experience the paranotmal and are frightened by it.  However, when you find yourself with such a captive group as the team members of CAPS, we often find other outlets for our talents.

We volunteer our time with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.  And, in the next few wkeks, you can do the same.  Like NASCAR?  Want to help the hungry?  Then, read on…

AARP Million Meals packing event needs 3000 volunteers for this special program.
Volunteers will get the opportunity to pack a million meals for seniors living in poverty. The event will take place May 24 – 25 at the Charlotte Convention Center and will be coordinated by Second Harvest Food Bank. Celebrity Race Car Driver Jeff Gordon will be there packing meals and will be working side by side with the volunteers for this event.
AARP and AARP Foundation, in collaboration with the charitable organization Outreach, Inc., are bringing together thousands of volunteers over the course of two days with a goal to package one million nutritious meals through Drive to End Hunger. Be a part of this extraordinary effort to help fight older adult hunger in your community and across North Carolina. The meals packaged will help feed older people in North Carolina. Together we can leave hunger in the dust.
Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and driver of the #24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet, will be at the Convention Center on Thursday 5/24 to participate. Also participating are tennis legend Martina Navratilova on Thursday 5/24 and Friday 5/25, and Host of CBS NFL Today James “JB” Brown on Friday 5/25.
All participating volunteers will receive a t-shirt at check-in, on the day of the event.
Please consider volunteering for this event!

Thank you!!

Tina R. McSwain, Founder & Director

The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS)

Leave a Comment

Filed under Tina R. McSwain

Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

The Traveling Psychic Fair — Coming May 6th!

Until recently, I did not know just how big the metaphysical community was here in Charlotte.  If you’re in the area on Sunday, come and check it out.

The Traveling Psychic Fair is Back! Join a growing community of talented Healers and Intuitives for a day of food, fun and fortune! Introductory 15 minute readings are being offered by several of Charlotte’s most talented individuals for only $25!! It is the perfect way to “try on” several psychics to see who most resonates with YOU! Date: Sunday May 6th Time: 12:00 – 5:00 Place: Amelie’s French Bakery 2424 N Davidson St Charlotte, NC 28205 There will be: •Aura Readings •Animal Communication •Rune Readings •Psychometry •Intuitive Tarot •Life Purpose Readings •Holistic Energy Readings •Spirit Communicators….and much more! CAPS will be there too with an Information Table. Stop by and Say Hi!!

There will be:

Messages From Spirit – Jonathan Harris Intuitive
Life Readings – Linda Thunberg
OverSoul Readings – Lynn Durbin
Aura Readings – Jennifer Vivian
Scrabble Tarot – Karen Yoder
Animal Communication – Tina Marie Heckman
Rune Readings – Jennifer Halls
Intuitive Body Work: John Mcbride
Psychometry – Sherry Avitan Intuitive
Tarot – Gina Spriggs
Life Purpose Readings – Marcela McBride
Holistic Energy Readings – Jennifer Thompson
Somatic Intuitive readings – Kimberly Beroset
EMF Balancing – Aleksandra Shumaker
How to Make Your Own Pendulum – Shari Claire
Learn More About CAPS – The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society – Tina R. McSwain
Date: Sunday May 6th
Time: 12:00 – 5:00
Place: Amelie’s French Bakery 2424 N Davidson St Charlotte, NC 28205

Leave a Comment

Filed under Conventions, Tina R. McSwain

Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

On the Road Again

This time to Birmingham, AL to investigate the Sloss Furnace Works.  There’s supposed to be a rather nasty fellow down there nicknamed, “Slag”.  He tends to push and slap folks.  Under his supervision, 47 workers died.  He was a cruel overseer.  Some say, he slipped and fell to his death.  Others, have a more sinister explanation.  He was pushed into the furnace by the men he treated so badly.

He’s supposedly there now, taking his revenge on all who dare to roam the furnace works at night.  My team and I are off tomorrow to fine out.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

Random Thoughts

…Did you have bad luck on Friday the 13th?  My bad luck seemed to hit on the 12th.

…Did you travel on Friday the 13th?  Many do not for fear of being in an accident.

…Has the lure of ghost hunting a famously haunted location with known celebrities in the paranormal field diminished?

…And finally, the Titantic struck an iceberg and went down to her watery grave 100 years ago today.  Are there ghosts on board?  Do they still roam the lavish halls as they did on that fateful night in 1912?

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

Do we do enough for our community?

If you think the answer is No, then I have an opportunity for you.  At this years ConCarolinas, (June 1-3, 2012 at The University Hilton – Charlotte, NC) they will again be holding a Blood Drive to benefit the American Red Cross. 

If you plan on going, why not consider giving a pint of blood to help save a life (actually, up to 3 lives can be saved by one pint of blood).

So, starve a vampire, give blood!  Some helpful links below:

Please check out this web page if you are a first time donor…
https://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/first-time-donors

Please check out this web site to view donation FAQ’s…
https://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/donation-faqs

Please check out this web page to view eligibility requirements…

https://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements/eligibility\
-criteria-topic

You can also go to https://www.redcrossblood.org to get more info on blood
donating.

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Paranormally Speaking

From The Mad Monster Party

By Tina R. McSwain

The first time I attended a horror convention has me hooked.  Not my normal “con”, but a lot of fun nonetheless.  The celebrities were plentiful and a diverse group.  The vendor room drew alot of lookers, as well as buyers, so the merchants looked happy.

Then, there were the costumes.  I saw various versions of Freddy Kruger, Jason from Friday the 13th, pinhead, rogue vikings, a pair of dragons, and enough zombies to officially announce that the apocalypse has begun.  People watching is a favorite pastime of mine, and there were some interesting characters here.

If you’re local, the Con is still in Charlotte at the Blake Hotel.  Go ceck it out.  I on the otherhand am going to Kenturcy to investigate Waverly Hills Sanatarium again.

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized