A desire to explore the world of the paranormal, seeking that which is unexplained or unproved, is exciting and often fulfilling. But unfortunately, our society has an M.O. of taking advantage of belief and desire. It can make the faithful into fools. And usually that can be accomplished with simply separating the believers from their hard-earned money.

Paranormal technology has the potential to enhance seekers’ paranormal quests. Or it can be useless scams. The latest in this arena? Various expensive tools designed to capitalize on grieving believers’ desires to contact departed loved ones.

Some examples. The Phone Angel, a cell phone buried in a grave with an external speaker, has been sold for nearly ,000 a piece. Mourners can call and broadcast their voices towards their deceased family member or friend. Or how about the Endless Echoes satellite dish tool, developed on the idea that dead souls float in outer space. For the price of .95 a minute, you can leave a message on the company’s answering service — ideally that message you never got to communicate — and have it blasted into space. Read the full post at Paranormal Insider

Author Edgar Allen Poe, famous for his stories and poems involving death, love, hate and fear, was born on January 19th 1809. Although Philadelphia comes in a close second place, no one loves Poe more it seems than Baltimore, Maryland — even going as far as to name their NFL team “The Baltimore Ravens“. Every year the city of Baltimore parties for Poe first on his birthday and then on the day of his death. Plus, they’ve got his body — which certainly counts for a lot.

The world-famous Edgar Allen Poe birthday celebration will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19 and Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008. In charge of events is Jeff Jerome, curator of the Poe House and Museum. A Baltimore tradition since 1982, events will take place in Westminster Hall and will celebrate Poe’s life and work as well as his person — which rests in the adjacent cemetery.

Read more at Paranormal Insider