Welcome to UGRI (Utah Ghost Research & Investigation), Utah's Ghost Hunters. UGRI is consisted of a group of people who all share the same interest, the spiritual paranormal. UGRI investigates and researches spirits, or the nonliving.
On this website you can find information about how we do our research, what equipment we use, how our investigations went, pictures we took, audio we've recorded, etc.
If you would like UGRI to conduct an investigation at your home, place of business or property and feel free to contact us by click on Contact at the top. Investigations are done free of charge. All our investigations are done with the utmost respect to property, privacy, and spiritually.
Orbs, opionions of what they are
Posted by Rusty on Saturday March 18th, 2006 10:17am
Orbs
Much has been speculated on what orbs actually are, and more importantly, are orbs `real`, or merely light refractions, dust, or insects. Many orb `armchair critics` abound on the web forums, making laughable pronouncements that they are in the main 90% false - by subscribing their existence to dust anomalies.
I am sure that many of you that are novices to paranormal research could easily be persuaded to believe these PC Prophets, as in all fairness they are outside what we understand to be the `real` world. Over a considerable time we have collated a significant number of orb photographs, and we feel that we can help to overcome such uninformed bigotry by trying to analyse exactly what we understand about them.
Pictured below are a range of orb pictures from across the world and from our records.
Most orbs have a clearly defined shape that is cerebral or in layman terms, similar to sea anemones. It is stated that orbs are the first stage manifestation of an apparition, but the picture is more complex than this assignation. The orb is actually a `snake like` entity which can move freely and with independent will across and through any structure. Dust on the contrary, is often dull grey and `lifeless` looking, with none of the classic orb characteristics, and a careful study will reveal a dark central spot around which the light anomaly has formed. An example is pictured below.
The genuine orb `coil` actually unfolds and breaks at the edge as it moves through into a second phase (as depicted below). As it unwinds it breaks up into a misty substance, and then it will attempt to form the final phase manifestation of a shape, or will remain as a copius mist which is commonly associated at the same time as an orb appearance. Unfortunately, we would wish for this explanation to remain the golden rule, but like I stated earlier, it can be more complex than that.
Most of us associate one orb per `spirit`. This isn`t always true. One spiritual entity can have around it maybe one more, or even many orbs that actually form part of the same anomaly. Many people that have witnessed orb activity have seen it through either an infrared camera, or digital still photographs - but it is possible on occasions to witness them through a naked eye. These occurances are not that uncommon.
An additional factor which clearly defines these manifestations as `real` can be attributed to their individual uniqueness. No orb pattern is the exactly the same as the next one, each orb (like nature and humans) is quite unique. At many of our regular paranormal investigation sites we can often identify the same orb again and again.
Quite apart from that, they also retain their original size and structure. Like us, they come in all sizes. Quite rarely they can appear in different colours too, the more common white can sometimes be red or even black. Why this is so is not currently known or understood, but no doubt in time our limited understanding will change as better detection equipment is brought into play through the commercial sector.
Okay, if we can accept for one moment that an orb is a very real - and dare I say, a common apparition, we must decide what an orb actually represents. From my perspective, many orbs are a sentient lifeform. They are aware of our presence and often react to it by either moving away or by following us. Their operating temperature is much colder than warm blooded mammals, and this phenomenon is often used as a yardstick by non-psychics to determine their presence. My view is that orbs are not only of human origin but also of animal too. I believe that when we pass over, (die, or whatever concept you can relate to), our thinking intelligence, or soul passes into a metamorphosis which allows us to travel on a different plane to the world that we currently live in. This is conjectural, only your participation in analysing this phenomena will give any real understanding as to what you believe orbs may be, but definately not mere dust or insects in the bulk of captured manifestations. 
Ghost Research
Posted by Rusty on Sunday December 4th, 2005 10:17am
Relevance for Ghost Research by: George Hansen
Ghost research faces peculiar problems:
For thousands of years ghosts have been reported, discussed, and denied. Today the debates over their existence are as heated as ever. They show no sign of being resolved.
Movies such as The Sixth Sense, Ghost, and Ghostbusters have been immensely popular. Each has taken in hundreds of millions of dollars in box office receipts. In contrast, the average support for serious ghost research published in refereed, scientific, English-language journals is probably less than $10,000 annually, and it may be less than half that amount.
No scientific institutions (with offices, buildings, paid staff) are devoted to investigating the reality of ghosts. There are virtually no university courses on ghost research, and there is no credible academic textbook on the topic. Those who try to investigate the phenomena are likely to be housewives, police officers, or college students working on their own nickel, with no support from any institution.
Active ghost research groups rarely last for more than a few years. Such organizations frequently fractionate and dissolve, leaving behind feelings of bitterness and disappointment.
Conferences devoted to ghosts often include presentations on UFOs, Bigfoot, aliens, and channelers. The boundaries between these topics are blurred.
Many people will speak of their ghost experiences, but often only in hushed tones, and maybe only to close friends. They perceive a stigma associated with the phenomena.
The above facts are well known to ghost researchers, but they rarely, if ever, are incorporated into theories of ghosts. Yet any comprehensive theory must explain these difficulties and peculiarities. Liminality theory directly addresses the matters, and it is founded on understandings of earlier cultures, which respected the reality of ghosts.
Liminal phenomena are typically transient, ephemeral, and have an affinity for chaos, transition, and instability. They are also usually viewed as slightly disreputable. Ghosts themselves are transient; their manifestations are unpredictable. They are neither solid nor stable. The question of their reality is perennially in dispute.
Marginality is a type of liminality, and ghost research is viewed as exceedingly marginal, even laughable, by the scientific establishment.
Top 100 Paranormal Sites is now Online!
Posted by Jeremy on Friday September 2nd, 2005 12:02pm
UGRI has taken an extensive amount of time to develop their own Top 100 Paranormal Sites list to provide the paranormal community with a lightning fast list of the best paranormal sites on the internet! The list is likely to be very bare at the moment, but give it some time until sites submit their information to us.
If you have your own site, click on 'Top 100 Ghost Sites' on the left hand site, and then click 'Add Your Site'.
Check this list often, as it will be changing very frequently.
Also, we've added a list of the latest and greatest books on Ghost Hunting and the Paranormal on the right side of our page. Check it out!
UGRI.org Email is Back Up!
Posted by Jeremy on Tuesday August 30th, 2005 02:00pm
UGRI Email is back up! Sorry if this caused any inconvienence.
For all of those who have asked us if your pictures/evp are going to be posted that you have submitted to us.. If they are legitmate and the paranormal characteristics of the photo are clear and present enough, yes.. they will be. That means that none of them have, or only very few have. Now that we are moved over to our new server, we'll be getting all the visitor submitted files posted as soon as possible! Thanks!
Meet and Greet
Posted by Rusty on Saturday August 13th, 2005 11:34am
Hey everyone the UGRI meet and greet is on! We will be meeting at Lindsey Gardens Park in the Avenues section in Salt Lake City. It is at the corner of 9th Ave. and M street, right by the Salt Lake cemetery, we will meet there at 6:00PM until ???? Saturday August 27th. We look forward to seeing you there.
Domain Name Transfer
Posted by Jeremy on Thursday August 4th, 2005 01:04pm
UGRI has moved servers, and in doing so, also had to transfer the domain ugri.org to the new server (instead of transfering you like we use to.) This caused a slight downtime, but was only for most of the day on Thursday.
UGRI is now moved over to the new server, and so is the domain. Check back soon, we have many new 'sections' and ideas to implement onto the website now that we are on a larger and faster server.
New Pictures and EVP
Posted by Rusty on Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 10:01am
Hey everyone exciting news, we are fianally getting the website fully up and running again, we have recently added some new pictures, and EVP, with more to follow real soon. Plus we will be adding some more video real soon. We also have some really great new items to add, keep coming back, you will see lots of great new investigations recently being added to our webiste. So enjoy UGRI, join the forum , keep coming back, out website changes all the time!
New Official UGRI Logo Merchandise
Posted by Rusty on Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 09:35am
Get officail UGRI merchandise. We now have an official site to purchase UGRI merchandise with our Ghost Logo on it. Just go to:
www.cafepress.com/ugri
Find what you would like and order it, it's that simple. We are still non profit, this helps us pay for our expenses, website, equipment, fuel for investigations, film, Video tapes, etc.
Students Haunt Theater to Hunt Down Ghost
Posted by Jeremy on Monday February 28th, 2005 08:15am
Actually, the first-time Lane Community College course is called "Ghost Hunting 101." And it's proved frightfully popular, drawing 15 students from as far away as Brownsville and Roseburg.
After six weeks of classroom instruction on how to invite and document paranormal manifestations, the Lane students did their first investigation Saturday at Eugene's Bijou Art Cinemas.
The atmosphere was perfect. Cobwebs draped the chandeliers. Rooms inside were dark, drafty and musty. Plus, the place is rife with rumors of ghost sightings past, said manager Louise Thomas.
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UK Man Makes Money on Haunted Tours
Posted by Jeremy on Thursday February 17th, 2005 01:15pm
A Norfolk-based paranormal expert is set to take his nights of ghost-hunting across the country after success at one of Suffolk's best-known stately homes.
Two highly successful events have seen the 800-year-old estate reveal some of its many secrets, leaving the majority of the 100 brave guests scared and intruged.
Now, following that success, Mr Buckland is discovering that people across the country are keen to find out about possible ghosts and ghouls in their neck of the woods.
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Childrens Ghost Hunting TV Show?
Posted by Jeremy on Tuesday February 15th, 2005 01:20pm
Canadian indie CCI Entertainment has unveiled its latest production, kids reality series GMI: Ghost Master Investigates, which has been commissioned by children's channel YTV.
YTV has committed to 26 episodes of the show, which purports to "build on the art and science of ghost hunting." GMI is a live-action reality show where 24 kids compete to become the ultimate Ghost Master while investigating paranormal activity in a variety of haunted venues.
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Councillor Rejects Town Ghost Tale
Posted by Jeremy on Tuesday February 15th, 2005 01:19pm
Residents of a seaside village in Co Antrim have been getting goosebumps over claims of ghostly goings on at a stately pile.
Rumours have spread like wildfire that a ghost was spotted at Carnasheera, a former gentleman's residence at Ballybrack Road in pretty Cushendun.
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Controversy Over Live Exorcism TV Show
Posted by Jeremy on Tuesday February 15th, 2005 07:14am
Channel 4 has come under fire from TV watchdogs and religious groups for planning to screen a live exorcism at the end of the month.
A man who claims he is possessed by evil spirits will be wired up to neuro-imaging technology that will monitor the activity throughout the exorcism.
The exorcism will be performed by an Anglican priest, who has said he has performed the process "for many years".
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Things look different? New Site Design!
Posted by Jeremy on Thursday February 10th, 2005 11:23am
Ive been working on a new website design over the past few weeks. What you are seeing now, is the basic new design. Shortly, you will notice the layout being enhanced with images.. so be patient for that!
Some of you may ask.. why a new site design... the old one was fine.
Well, its quite simple.. the old one was not fine.. and I'm sure some of you reading this know what I'm talking about. I designed the original UGRI site without a lot of knowledge of web standards and css. This new site is meant for flawless surfability within all browsers, resolutions and platforms. So, do enjoy!
For the next week, you will notice the site looking a little 'oddball' while i get everything sized over.. so just bare with us!
Haunted Places in West Virginia
Posted by Jeremy on Thursday February 10th, 2005 09:38am
Some of you may find this interesting, its a recent news article with a large list of haunted places and a small description of those places residing in West Virginia!
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Does a ghost knock books off library shelves at night?
Posted by Jeremy on Thursday February 10th, 2005 09:26am
A familiar face from behind the counter at Dorking library has retired after 21 years in the job.
Over the years, June has noticed spooky goings on and, although she has never seen a ghost, she declared: "The building is haunted.
"I've noticed books have been moved, or fallen off the middle of a shelf," she said. "It's a female ghost. She seems friendly, although we're not sure who she is. She just seems mischievous.
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