Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 14 No 3 - 1995 10

Magazine Overview

Title: Ghost Trackers Newsletter
Issue: Volume 14, Number 3
Date: October 1995
Publisher: Ghost Research Society

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, the official paranormal publication of the Ghost Research Society (GRS), marks a transition to a new printer after the previous one, Cycle Printers run by John Jedra, retired after producing the newsletter since its inception in November 1982. Editor Dale D. Kaczmarek expresses regret over an upcoming price increase for memberships and subscriptions from $12.00 to $20.00 per year, effective January 1st, 1996, citing postal rate increases and the need to avoid financial losses. Sustaining, Contributing, and Overseas subscriptions will also increase, while Patron and Lifetime subscriptions remain the same. The newsletter will continue to be shipped First-class and Air Mail Printed Matter overseas, with overseas exchange publications sent via Surface mail.

The GRS, founded in 1978 by Martin V. Riccardo and published since September 1982, is a membership organization dedicated to researching ghosts, hauntings, poltergeists, and life after death. Various membership levels are offered, including Regular ($12.00/year), Sustaining ($17.00/year), and Contributing ($22.00/year), each with increasing benefits. The organization is also seeking officers, State Coordinators, Field Investigators, and Area Research Directors.

Back issues of the newsletter are available for purchase, with different prices for members and non-members. The GRS is always seeking photographs, newspaper clippings, articles, personal encounters, and anecdotes for publication, with full credit given to contributors. All published material becomes the property of the GRS and cannot be reprinted without written permission.

The "Current Chain of Command" lists Dale D. Kaczmarek as President & Editor, Martin V. Riccardo as Founder of GRS, and Tom Perrott as Area Research Dir. Regular Columnists include Tom Perrott, Maurice Schwalm, and Richard Senate. Inquiries and subscriptions can be sent to the Ghost Research Society at PO Box 205, Oak Lawn, IL. 60454-0205, or by calling (708)425-5163 or faxing (708)425-3969.

Articles and Features

"Sightings" Investigation at Gettysburg

Dale D. Kaczmarek recounts his appearance on the nationally televised paranormal show, "Sightings," where he suggested a show focusing on Civil War battlefield ghosts at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Sightings team flew him to Baltimore/Washington International Airport, and they stayed at the haunted Farnsworth House. The investigation involved author Mark Nesbitt and Professor Charles Emmons. Kaczmarek and the team explored the Little Round Top, Devil's Den, and the Triangular Field after dark, using night-vision scopes and equipment like a Gauss meter to detect electromagnetic anomalies. He noted strong readings in the Triangular Field, the site of a Confederate charge. Kaczmarek deemed the investigation a success.

He also mentions "The Other Side," a daily paranormal talk show, now hosted by Dana Fleming, which has featured three shows on ghosts. Kaczmarek expresses dissatisfaction with Fleming's skeptical approach, noting her requirement to see ghosts herself before believing.

"A Cry In The Dark" by Tom Perrott

Tom Perrott shares a personal experience from years ago when, during a business trip in Gloucestershire, England, he stayed at a 15th-century inn called the New Inn due to torrential rain causing floods. He heard what sounded like female sobbing emanating from the gallery or an adjoining room. Upon investigation, he found no gallery outside his window and no room on the other side. At the time, he attributed it to dreaming or a 'false awakening.'

Recently, after a talk on hauntings, a lady informed him that the New Inn was reputed to be haunted by 'a crying woman.' Further research revealed that in the Summer of 1553, Lady Jane Grey learned she was to become Queen of England at this hostelry. The spectral figure of a lady in a long robe has been seen in 'The Queen's Suite,' and numerous manifestations have occurred in the building. Perrott concludes by quoting Shakespeare: "There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

"The Haunted Mountain" by Maurice Schwalm

Maurice Schwalm details the story of Rhett Crow, a Kansas City-based potter and initiate of Native-American cults. An apparition, referred to as "The Old Man," told Crow in 1981 to seek his own salvation in the Southwest. Crow was instructed to find a holy mountain with female energy at the base and male energy at the tip. He found a potential location in Tubac, Arizona, after attending a trade show. After an initial period of poor sales and rain, sales improved when the sun appeared. Crow discovered a mountain about 15 miles east of Tubac. He experienced an apparition of "The Old Man" who instructed him to bury handmade sacrifices to the mountain to receive the gift of healing. Crow was told he was part of a reincarnational group dating back to Mayan times and that the land would be made available when he was ready to heal full-time. An anthropologist confirmed that some words used by "The Old Man" are of the pre-Mayan scissors tail clan, which Crow sees as authentication of his source. Schwalm speculates whether the 'sanctification' of the mountain will be accompanied by an increase in local rainfall.

"Report on the Montandon Case" by William Hauck

William Hauck reports on the case of Patricia Montandon, a popular San Francisco television personality in the late 1960s and early 1970s. After hiring a personal secretary, Mary Louise Ward, in 1968, Montandon began hosting New Age parties. During one such party, a Tarot card reader, feeling insulted, cursed Montandon and her house. This curse allegedly led to a series of paranormal events, including a bone-chilling cold, self-opening windows, unexplained fires, vandalism, and disturbing sounds. Montandon's career was ruined by rumors, and she sued TV Guide in 1972 for an article describing her as a "call-girl," winning $150,000 in damages.

The case is associated with four deaths: two of Montandon's friends committed suicide, her cousin died under mysterious circumstances, and her personal secretary, Mary Louise Ward, died in an inexplicable fire in 1969, with an autopsy revealing she was already dead before the fire started. Montandon sought help from various individuals, including astronaut Edgar Mitchell and satanist Anton LaVey. An exorcism was performed before she moved out of the house, which reportedly ended the disturbances. Investigators could not find a rational explanation for the events. The house was located in the Russian Hill area of San Francisco, known for hauntings and built over an old Russian Orthodox cemetery.

Other Content

• "The Gate" Advertisement: An advertisement for "THE GATE," an illustrated journal of the occult, bizarre, and unusual, published four times a year. Sample copies are available for $2.00.
• "Caer Tuatha BBS" Information: Details about an electronic Bulletin Board System dedicated to paranormal and Fortean phenomena, serving as the Midwest Connection for the Ghost Research Society. It offers message bases, e-mail, file libraries, and teleconference capabilities.
• New Contributing Members: Patricia McFarland, Shane and Oneta Carter are welcomed as new contributing members. Debra Munn upgraded to Overseas Contributing Member, and Rose Eckhoff joined as a Sustaining Member. The newsletter notes the addition of 8 new members and 19 renewals since the last issue.
• Next Meeting: The next bi-monthly meeting is scheduled for November 18th at 1pm in the Oak Lawn Rotary Room of the Oak Lawn Public Library.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around paranormal investigation, personal accounts of hauntings, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Dale D. Kaczmarek, is one of dedication to continuing the publication of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter despite rising costs, emphasizing the importance of paranormal research and the GRS's role in it. There is a clear interest in documenting diverse paranormal experiences, from historical hauntings to contemporary investigations and even UFO-related phenomena, as suggested by the mention of "Sightings" and the advertisement for "The Gate." The newsletter also highlights the community aspect of paranormal research, welcoming new members and announcing meetings.

This issue of "The Haunted Adobe" (Issue 9) delves into various paranormal phenomena, primarily focusing on ghost stories and hauntings. The magazine features personal accounts, historical anecdotes, and internet-submitted tales.

The Haunted Adobe

Richard Senate recounts his personal encounter with the ghost of the 'Black Lady' at the historic Olivas Adobe in Ventura, California. Built in 1847 by Don Raymundo Olivas, the adobe home was known for its lavish fiestas. Since becoming a museum in 1972, staff and visitors have reported seeing a woman in a long black dress. Senate's own encounter occurred in 1993 when he saw the apparition near the altar. He discovered that the sightings began around the time the city fathers removed tombstones from the local cemetery to create a park, and that one of the children who died in the house, Maria "Nellie" Olivas, was buried there. Senate is now trying to get the city to mark her grave.

Dogs, Ghosts & Angels

Diane M. Laurent explores the historical and cultural fascination with the supernatural abilities of dogs. She cites ghost hunter Elliott O'Donnell, who often used dogs in his investigations, noting their ability to sense ghosts. The article discusses how dogs are seen in folklore as loyal companions and sometimes as harbingers of death. It also mentions documented cases of angels appearing in the form of dogs to help people, referencing the story of Saint John Bosco. Laurent shares personal anecdotes, including a ghost in Valley Forge National Park whose presence agitated a ranger's dog, and her own Siberian Huskies' aversion to a particular house. She suggests that dogs' heightened awareness might stem from an inherited survival instinct from wolves or their role as 'creatures of the threshold' between life and death, similar to how children perceive ghosts and angels more readily than adults.

Tales From the Internet!

This section presents ghost stories submitted via the internet, specifically from the newsgroup alt.folklore.ghost-stories. The stories are presented as they appeared online, without editing.

Tales From Overseas

Hong Kong Ghost Story: George C. Ho shares a story about his roommate's friend, a police officer in Hong Kong. While driving home late one night, he saw a woman in the middle of the road and crashed his car trying to avoid her. The woman disappeared, and he couldn't find anyone. Months later, he encountered the same woman at the same intersection and time, but this time, he drove straight ahead, and she vanished just before impact. He has avoided that intersection at night since.

The Birthday Cake: Dave Brierley shares a story about a friend's brother who visited a newlywed couple in Darlington, U.K. The house had a strange atmosphere, particularly in a spare room intended for a nursery. Inside, they found an old cake tin. Upon opening it, they discovered a birthday cake with 'Happy One Year Old' written on it. The landlady revealed that the previous tenants had lost their baby on its first birthday.

My Old Flat: Alan Clegg recounts his experiences living alone in a converted attic flat in Birmingham, U.K. He felt a constant presence and heard heavy, laboured footsteps on the stairs, especially in the early morning, even when he knew he was alone. Other occurrences included a feeling of someone outside his door, frequent electrical problems, and food spoiling quickly. These phenomena ceased after the house underwent major renovation.

English Civil War: Mike Brierley shares a story about living near the ruins of Marple Hall in Cheshire, U.K., a place with a strong atmosphere. The hall was the home of the Bradshaws, and Judge John Bradshaw presided over the trial of Charles I. The most common ghost story is that of a 'white lady,' a maid who fell in love with a young soldier, but was ordered to drown him. Overcome with grief, she drowned herself. Another story involves the headless ghost of Judge Bradshaw, whose corpse was dug up and decapitated after the Restoration. Brierley also recounts his grandmother hearing the sound of horse hooves at night, possibly related to these stories.

S.P.I. Case Research Work

Malcolm Robinson details the "SPI Kilsyth Haunting Case" from August 1994. SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations) was contacted by Patricia Canavan, a 21-year-old woman living in Kilsyth, UK, with her two young children. Patricia reported that since moving into the house in September 1992, the rooms were always cold, regardless of heating. She also experienced taps and lights turning on and off, the stereo and video recorder activating spontaneously, and door handles moving. Her two-year-old son began talking to unseen individuals. Patricia herself experienced sensations of unseen presences, clothes being pulled, breathing on her neck, and shadows. Her boyfriend, Derek Walker, also reported a ghostly touch. Her sister, Elizabeth, witnessed an apparition of an old man. Neighbours complained of loud noises from the house when it was empty. The house was known to be haunted, with previous tenants also reporting strange experiences, and the previous tenant's child would not sleep in a particular room. The events took a toll on Patricia's health, worsening her asthma and leading her to take anti-depressants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the paranormal, with a strong focus on ghost sightings, hauntings, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting of such accounts, presenting them to the reader for consideration. The inclusion of personal testimonies, historical accounts, and internet submissions suggests a broad approach to documenting paranormal experiences. The magazine seems to validate the existence of these phenomena by presenting them without overt skepticism, encouraging readers to engage with the mysteries of the supernatural.

This issue of SPI focuses on a specific paranormal investigation conducted by the group at the home of Patricia Canavan. The magazine details the events leading up to the investigation, the investigation itself, the media coverage it received, and the subsequent resolution. It also includes reader feedback and several book reviews.

The SPI Investigation Begins

The article details how SPI, a paranormal research group, became involved in investigating strange events at Patricia Canavan's home. After hearing about the experiences relayed by Patricia, her sister Elizabeth, her boyfriend Derek, and Elizabeth's boyfriend Martin McDonald, SPI explained their need to spend a full night at the house with their psychic medium, Helen Walters, to gather more information and help move any spirit presences to their rightful place. This was agreed upon, and a date was set.

The Scottish Press Gets Wind of the Story

Patricia Canavan contacted the Scottish Daily Record newspaper, hoping to highlight her problem and prompt the local District Council to provide alternative accommodation. This publicity was not ideal for SPI, who would have preferred the media attention after the event. The Record published an article with the headline "I WANT AN EXORCIST," mentioning a local Priest, Father Jeremy Bath, who stated it was too soon to say if an exorcism would be carried out, but failing to mention that he had already blessed the house. Subsequently, the Daily Record contacted SPI for an interview, leading to another article titled "SPI GETS READY TO SPOOK HER GHOSTS" with the subtitle "EXORCISTS MOVING IN." The author clarifies that SPI members identified themselves as researchers, not exorcists, aiming to collect evidence and ease the situation. A further article in the Daily Record was headlined "GHOSTBUSTER, MALCOLM'S OUT TO END HAUNTED HOUSE ORDEAL," where the author explained that most ghosts are 'Earth-bound' entities that need to be made aware they have passed on.

The Investigation Continues

The eyes of Scotland were on the case, with various newspapers seeking to cover the story. SPI declined most requests but eventually agreed to let the Scottish SUN newspaper become involved, a decision they later regretted. On Tuesday, August 16th, SPI investigators, including Billy Devlin, Tony Devlin, and psychic Helen Walters, arrived at Patricia's home in Kilsyth. They were met by Patricia, her sister Elizabeth, Derek Walker, and Martin McDonald. Alan Muir, a reporter from the Sun, and his photographer were also present. The investigation involved placing white sheets of paper under ornaments to detect movement, using compasses to monitor paranormal activity, and employing thermometers. Paper clips were also used to detect any movement or new designs. Two video cameras, 35mm cameras, and sticky tape to seal window areas were utilized. Patricia and her friends left the house, planning to return in the morning. The SPI team then positioned themselves: Helen in the children's bedroom, Billy in Patricia's bedroom, and Tony in the hall. The Sun reporter and photographer stayed with the author in the living room.

A Ghostly Breeze?

Once the lights were off, the investigators waited in darkness. The author spoke into an audio tape recorder, asking spirits to make their presence felt. A small breeze wafted over the author's face, which he described as startling. He confirmed with the Sun reporters that they had not created the breeze. The author again asked for spirit communication. Billy and Tony reported no experiences. Helen reported feeling a 'cob-webby touch' and seeing small bright lights. The Sun photographer was heard snoring. After a break, the SPI team discussed their experiences. The Sun reporters left early to write their story, despite the investigation not being complete. The author made reporter Alan Muir promise to write a fair and honest report, a promise he foolishly believed.

Sandy Makes Contact

After a coffee break, the team moved to the front bedroom, where Helen had spent most of the night. Helen had brought items such as incense, holy water, and a crystal ball. They sat in silence, attempting to communicate with spirits. Helen again saw small bright lights, and Billy also claimed to see them. Helen then calmly informed Billy that an old man with a pipe was superimposed over his face. Helen then psychically picked up a young boy named Sandy, around four or five years old, who appeared distressed and lonely. It was speculated that this spirit child was making his presence felt. Helen played spiritual music to aid the process. Helen and the author preferred the term 'cleansing process' over 'ghost-bust' or 'spirit-rescue'.

Reluctant To Go!

To assist in the cleansing process, Patricia's kitchen table was moved into the bedroom, and Helen's crystal ball was placed on it. The team spread their fingers and touched each other's hands, feeling a sense of purpose. Helen recited the Lord's Prayer and a cleansing prayer, asking for the release of earth-bound spirits. The atmosphere was tense. Helen then announced she had made contact and moved on two adults and the boy Sandy, stating they were not related but were making their presence felt. However, she indicated an elderly gentleman was still present and reluctant to leave. Helen then repeated the prayer, and afterwards stated that the gentleman was gone and no spirit presence was felt. It was speculated that this elderly gentleman might be the one seen by Patricia's sister and reflected in the hallway mirror. The morning light streamed in, and Helen confirmed no spirit presence in any room of the house.

Patricia Returns

Patricia returned with her boyfriend and was asked how she felt. She reported that the house felt warm and she did not feel anything. SPI informed her of their actions and asked her to wait a few days and then call if anything further occurred. SPI reported that no further strange events had occurred at her home, and things were back to normal.

Shoddy Journalism

A couple of days later, the Scottish SUN newspaper published a report headlined "IS ANYBODY THERE?" subtitled "HELEN SAYS YES. ALL I HEARD WAS THE SUN MAN SNORING." The article used 'tongue in cheek' innuendo, describing Patricia's home as a "Ghouls Paradise" and placing the author as an 'In(spectre)'. SPI felt the article was a 'send up' and criticized the newspaper for treating psychic research unseriously. They learned a valuable lesson about not trusting newspaper promises and stated they would never work with the Scottish SUN again. Despite this negative experience, SPI considered the investigation successful, believing that Sandy and the other spirits had moved on to the afterlife.

If I Were A Ghost

This is a short essay by Linda Haluska, a member of the Ghost Research Society. Haluska suggests that October is over-rated for supernatural events due to media hype, arguing that unusual happenings occur year-round. She encourages ghost hunters to be aware and receptive to these occurrences, emphasizing that ghosts and supernatural events are present daily and that being open to them enhances spiritual lives. The piece concludes with "Happy Halloween to All!"

Opinion Polls

This section features letters from readers. Shelia Blische of New Hope, Pennsylvania, suggests offering video tapes of seminars and shows, and implementing a Q&A column. An anonymous member desires more local stories and a professionally designed cover instead of hand-drawn ones, also noting a need for better proofreading. Linda Haluska of Willow Springs, Illinois, praises the newsletter's content and suggests a striking picture or symbol for the cover design. The editors note that hand-drawn covers are a temporary necessity due to budget constraints and that efforts are being made to find artists. They also address requests for more local articles, explaining that it would be costly and could lead to favoritism, and they aim to treat all members fairly.

Book Reviews

This section contains several book reviews:

• Atlas of the Mysterious in North America by Rosemary Ellen Guiley: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this travel book is rated 6/10 for its exploration of unexplained sites. Kaczmarek found the sections on Haunted Places and Ghost Lights to be the strongest.
• Ulster Ghost Stories compiled by Joe Baker: Also reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this booklet of Irish ghost stories is rated 3/10. Kaczmarek noted some repetition from a previous booklet and that illustrations did not reproduce well.
• Ghosts and the Japanese: Cultural Experience in Japanese Death Legends by Michiko Iwasaka & Barre Toelken: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book is rated 7/10. Kaczmarek found the beginning difficult due to extensive vocabulary but enjoyed the stories, particularly those about ghosts at sea.
• Hell's Gate: Terror at Bobby Mackey's Music World by Douglas Hensley: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book is rated 6/10. Kaczmarek describes it as a story with much phenomena, comparing it to "The Amityville Horror" and "The Exorcist."
• The Ghosts Of Virginia by L.B. Taylor, Jr.: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this guidebook is rated 8/10. Kaczmarek found it indispensable for visiting haunted sites in Virginia.
• Mysteries of Strange Appearances From Beyond by Phyllis Raybin Emert: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book is rated 5/10. Kaczmarek contributed information to two chapters and received a mention in the book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around paranormal investigations, ghost stories, and the challenges of reporting on such phenomena. The SPI investigation into Patricia Canavan's haunting highlights the practical application of psychic mediumship and cleansing rituals. The critique of the Scottish Sun's journalism underscores the tension between sensationalist media coverage and serious paranormal research. Reader feedback reveals a desire for more localized content and professional presentation, while the editorial stance emphasizes fairness to all members and the financial realities of producing the newsletter. The book reviews broaden the scope by examining various works on ghosts, hauntings, and cultural legends from different regions, reinforcing the magazine's focus on the unexplained.

This document appears to be a collection of classified advertisements and promotional materials, likely from a New Age or paranormal-focused publication, with a prominent feature on "The Monuments of Mars" video series. The issue date is indicated as March, and the publication is likely American.

Classified Advertisements The classified section includes several listings:

• VOICES magazine: Offers interviews and features on topics such as Hitler, racism, Isis, Egyptians, and Sylvia Plath. It requests sample two 32-cent stamps for information and is located in Portland, ME.
• THE EAGLE'S SPIRIT: A monthly newsletter seeking New Age writers, poets, and artists. Subscriptions are $10 per year. Contact information is provided for Clarkston, WA.
• CATALYST: Described as a New Age Directory Limited Edition, it is a resource for networking newsletters, publications, book reports, and products. It costs $7.95 plus $2.00 postage/handling and is available from Marietta, GA.
• THE GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER: This newsletter is actively seeking artists for artwork and cover designs. Interested artists are instructed to send a query for information and cover design dimensions to GRS in Oak Lawn, IL. Artwork used will be prominently featured with credit, and artists will receive free issues. The newsletter is also looking for submissions for articles, book reviewers, and columnists, with writer's guidelines available upon query.

"The Monuments of Mars" Video Series A significant portion of the document is dedicated to promoting "The Monuments of Mars" video cassette series by Richard C. Hoagland. The series is presented as "The most monumental discovery of our time... This is the information our government does not want us to know!!!"

• Hoagland's Mars, Vol. 1: The NASA - Cydonia Briefings: This 83-minute video presents Richard C. Hoagland's findings from his independent Mars Investigation Team, focusing on the "FACE" and surrounding complex in Cydonia as evidence of extraordinary mathematical design. It was presented to NASA engineers and scientists.
• Hoagland's Mars, Vol. 2: The UN Briefing, The Terrestrial Connection. Extended Version: This 115-minute video documents Hoagland's 1992 presentation to the United Nations. It argues for connections between ancient Martian structures and Earth's ancient civilizations, suggesting evidence of intelligence from other worlds visiting Earth and the Solar System. It includes NASA "UFO" footage.
• Hoagland's Mars, Vol. 3: The Moon/Mars Connection: This 3-hour (2-tape) video presents findings of alien artifacts on the moon, linking them to the mysterious "face" and other artifacts found on Mars. The presentation was given at Ohio State University on June 2, 1994. This volume won two EBE Awards: "Best UFO Long Form Documentary" and "People's Choice."

Pricing for individual volumes is $24.95 for Vol. 1, and $34.95 for Vol. 3. Vol. 2's price is not explicitly stated but is implied to be similar. A special offer allows ordering all three volumes for $89.95 with no additional shipping and handling. All orders require $1.50 per tape for S&H if ordered individually. Contact information for ordering is provided for ODYSSEY ENT. & DIST. INC. in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, including a phone number.

Richard C. Hoagland is described as a former science consultant to NASA and CBS News, who has led an independent team investigating evidence for ancient alien cultures. He has appeared on television programs like Larry King Live, GMA, and Sonya Live.

"Rez Mary" Event Promotion A separate flyer, presented in a stark red and black design, promotes "CHICAGOLAND'S FAVORITE GHOST IS GONNA SCARE YA TO DEF!!" The event is titled "REZ MARY" and is presented by R-S-R RECORDS and INDEPENDENT CREATIVE UNIT PRODUCTIONS. It is available for $7.50 postpaid, with checks or money orders payable to Dale Kaczmarek and mailed to GRS, PO Box 205, Oak Lawn, IL. 60454-0205. Delivery is estimated at 10 days. The flyer also mentions "And other Chicagoland Locations."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The content strongly leans towards UFOlogy, ancient astronaut theories, and paranormal phenomena. The promotion of Richard C. Hoagland's work, particularly the "Monuments of Mars" series, suggests an editorial stance that supports or at least extensively covers these topics, framing them as significant discoveries potentially suppressed by mainstream authorities ("This is the information our government does not want us to know!!!"). The inclusion of classified ads for New Age publications and a ghost event further reinforces this thematic focus.