(10:58am Oct 26, 2009)

brieflynoted:

Tonight’s reading material - A History of Ghosts by Peter Aykroyd.

Before last night I never knew that Dan Aykroyd had any real serious interest in paranormal activity. Yes, he co-wrote Ghostbusters, but I figured it was just another great movie that transpired from his genius, comedic self. I didn’t think he spoke of this kind of stuff regularly in his home. I was mistaken. Turns out generations of the Aykroyd family have studied the subject, including his great grandfather who held many seances, and his father who after discovering his 80 plus of his journal’s began to become an expert on the matter himself.

Josh, Vin, Hana and I intently listened as the Aykroyds talked about mediums, channels, ectoplasm, spirit photography and other mysterious paranormal phenomena at the 92Y last night. It was fascinating and fun. I felt like I was at a student lecture at an esteemed university, not a Q&A with a “movie star.” I must admit, I’m pretty excited to get through this book.  This kind of stuff is entertaining regardless of whether you believe in ghosts or not, and that’s why Aykroyd adds they’ve enjoyed studying it for so many years.

Aykroyd was amazing on stage, a true performer even in a lecture, and very proud of his Dad’s impressive accomplishments -he created the Dept of Environment in Canada and served as the chairman of the NFB.

All in all, a great night with great friends, although we didn’t get that group picture with Dr. Raymond Stantz like we hoped :)

We also recommend Stacy Horn’s Unbelievable: Investigations into Ghosts, Poltergeists, Telepathy, and Other Unseen Phenomena, from the Duke Parapsychology Laboratory.