FREAKY PHENOMENA

by Don Rauf

Have you ever wondered how you store memories or what causes a rush of emotions? Why do we dream or sleepwalk? What causes the feeling of déjà vu? Many of these questions have been explored by scientists and psychologists, many of whom believe we have only tapped into a small portion of the brain’s potential. This book looks at the differences between the conscious and unconscious mind—how the resting unconscious mind is responsible for sleepwalking and how the mind can play tricks called hallucinations. Consciousness looks at some of the more mysterious phenomena related to our consciousness and unconsciousness, as well as the science that might explain them. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Each title in this series contains a foreword by the Senior Research Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, color photos throughout, and back matter that includes an index and further resource lists of books, films, and Internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series, encouraging library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content-rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers can reference back to the definitions—building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos provide links via QR codes to online video content that gives a multimedia dimension to the topics. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Don Rauf

The early Christian philosopher St. Augustine said, “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” For centuries, people have looked to a higher being to provide answers, help, and even miracles. Faith and positive thinking are closely related but not the same. In some instances, believers have claimed to have had visions of angels. Others believe in the power of faith to heal, or that God can give revelations about what the future holds. There is a darker side to faith too—the Devil. Some believe that this sinister figure is responsible for inexplicable and horrific occurrences on Earth. Accounts of supposed demonic possession abound. This book explores some of the mysteries people have experienced related to faith. Weighing the evidence, Faith examines the phenomena that have been attributed to angels, miracles, possession, and other strange occurrences. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Each title in this series contains a foreword by the Senior Research Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, color photos throughout, and back matter that includes an index and further resource lists of books, films, and Internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series, encouraging library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content-rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers can reference back to the definitions—building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos provide links via QR codes to online video content that gives a multimedia dimension to the topics. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Don Rauf

The human body is capable of many great things, not the least of which is its remarkable ability to heal. It can overcome sicknesses like the flu, can mend broken bones, and close wounds. Modern medicine has made great progress in keeping us alive and well. But the power of the mind can keep bodies sound and help return the sick to good health, too. People can relieve stress and anxiety through healing crystals, acupuncture, and other techniques. The calming of the mind can greatly benefit a person’s health. Healing looks at powers of the mind to heal and other puzzles of nature that lie beyond Western medicine. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Each title in this series contains a foreword by the Senior Research Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, color photos throughout, and back matter that includes an index and further resource lists of books, films, and Internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series, encouraging library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content-rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers can reference back to the definitions—building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos provide links via QR codes to online video content that gives a multimedia dimension to the topics. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Don Rauf

Death is an unfortunate but inevitable part of life. But once they are dead, have our dearly departed really left us? As long as humans have lived and died, people have wondered about the possibility of life after death. Many believe in ghosts—apparitions that appear to the living. Others believe in good or evil spirits—unseen forces in nature. There are mediums and others with psychic abilities who claim to communicate with or have a spiritual connection with the dead. And then, there are people who believe they have experienced near death—often described as seeing a bright light, feeling secure, serene, warm, or the sensation of rising out of their bodies. This volume of Freaky Phenomena acquaints readers with the lore and reality of ghosts and reincarnation. Life After Death explores the belief of life after death in various cultures, well-known ghost stories, and the question many of us find ourselves asking: What happens to us after death? PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Each title in this series contains a foreword by the Senior Research Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, color photos throughout, and back matter that includes an index and further resource lists of books, films, and Internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series, encouraging library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content-rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers can reference back to the definitions—building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos provide links via QR codes to online video content that gives a multimedia dimension to the topics. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Don Rauf

There are mysterious places and structures around the world that raise intriguing questions about their origins, construction, and effects. Who is responsible for the Great Pyramid in Egypt? Why have so many aircraft and boats disappeared while traveling through the Bermuda Triangle? Who built Stonehenge with its precise astronomical alignments? For years, scientists have searched for answers to these and other questions. While some plausible theories have been put forth, questions remain. Mysterious Places is a fascinating read. Travel to Egypt, London, and the open waters to learn about the world’s most fascinating mysteries. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Each title in this series contains a foreword by the Senior Research Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, color photos throughout, and back matter that includes an index and further resource lists of books, films, and Internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series, encouraging library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content-rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers can reference back to the definitions—building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos provide links via QR codes to online video content that gives a multimedia dimension to the topics. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Don Rauf

Our personalities make each of us unique. But what if you had more than one personality? A person with multiple personality disorder can have multiple, unique—and sometimes even dangerous—personalities. Multiple personality disorder is only one form of disassociation that the human mind can experience. From Cotard delusion, the belief that you’re walking dead, to Capgras syndrome, the illusion that those around you are imposters, this volume of Freaky Phenomena investigates disorders of the human mind. Personality explores true accounts of these conditions and how they affect a person’s life. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Each title in this series contains a foreword by the Senior Research Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, color photos throughout, and back matter that includes an index and further resource lists of books, films, and Internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series, encouraging library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content-rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers can reference back to the definitions—building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos provide links via QR codes to online video content that gives a multimedia dimension to the topics. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Michael Centore

Ten percent of the human brain is made up of neurons that do the actual thinking, but what of the remaining 90 percent? Some scientists say we have only tapped into a small portion of the brain’s potential. The human brain is capable of some extraordinary things, and thinking and experiencing emotions may be just the tip of the iceberg. There are people throughout the world who claim to have unusual mental abilities. Some claim they can move objects with their minds or control fire. There are even accounts of people having out-of-body experiences—a sensation of being outside one’s own body, typically of floating and being able to observe oneself from a distance. Psychic Abilities takes a look at people who claim to have these special gifts and the science behind them. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Each title in this series contains a foreword by the Senior Research Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, color photos throughout, and back matter that includes an index and further resource lists of books, films, and Internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series, encouraging library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content-rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers can reference back to the definitions—building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos provide links via QR codes to online video content that gives a multimedia dimension to the topics. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Don Rauf

Sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch are the five senses that that allow us to function in the world—and make our lives more enjoyable. Although some people are born blind or deaf, or lose one of their senses later in life, these individuals often find that their other senses become heightened to make up for the lack. Other people seem to have senses that are so sharp they are almost superhuman. There are people with amazing hearing, who can detect very, very soft sounds or high frequencies. While supertasters experience taste with much greater sensitivity than others, others may have sharp eyesight or even an ability to recall images from memory after only a few moments of exposure. Scientific studies have revealed a lot about how people acquire or inherit these super senses. The Senses explores ways that sight, taste, hearing, touch, and smell sometimes go way beyond normal to become extraordinary. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Each title in this series contains a foreword by the Senior Research Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, color photos throughout, and back matter that includes an index and further resource lists of books, films, and Internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series, encouraging library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content-rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers can reference back to the definitions—building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos provide links via QR codes to online video content that gives a multimedia dimension to the topics. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.