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Biltmore: Home to Some of America’s Greatest Ghostly Legends

Jul 8

Posted by sj in Articles, Off the Rocker

(photo: Sam Jamgochian)

Biltmore Estate: unfathomably huge, vastly gorgeous, dangerously humid, and home to those who had long since passed.

The Estate was more than a house to owner George Vanderbilt; it was a constant work of passion and was opened in 1895. It was home to many joyous days, from dances and social gatherings, to brilliant dinners, and even to the birth of George and Edith’s daughter, Cornelia.

In 1914, George passed away from complications after an appendectomy. Taking the news hard, Edith was said to hold full conversations with George, even long after he had gone.

Today, countless people have reported numerous hauntings over the years. They include:
- Most reported is the presence of George himself – many people report seeing him reading, smoking, or sitting in the library, and sometimes in the 2nd floor Oak Sitting Room.
- Hearing sounds of conversation and laughter (assumed to be Edith and George) by the marble fireplace
- Footsteps walking around the home
- Laughter and running around the pool area. People have also reported hearing people swimming and splashing in the pool. Others claim to have seen a dark figure under the water’s surface, back when the pool was allowed to be filled.
- Seeing a young woman in a period outfit in one of the basement rooms
- Sounds of Edith crying from her bedroom
- Strangely enough, one of the most popular sightings is a headless orange cat running throughout the estate

I decided to go to the Biltmore trip Wednesday to see for myself. I did no research of anything until after I went  there, and compared my experiences to those of other people. Though I can’t say I saw George himself, I did find something.

I’m pretty sensitive to paranormal happenings, believe it or not. I get sudden, shooting headaches, feel dizzy, lightheaded and sick, and start to feel really irritated, among other things. My body tends to react physically before emotionally to it. Walking down one of the halls, I started getting the headache and felt dizzy, only  to look up and realize I was nearing the library. I stayed in there longer, closely looking around, and the more intense my feelings got. So, I quickly left, and started feeling better. The feeling came back in Edith’s room, and definitely near the pool, where I completely spaced out and almost fell down the stairs. Once I left the creepier rooms, I’d feel fine. The library was definitely the worst feeling though – I didn’t think I’d actually make it through the rest of the house.

I’ve read that a lot of rooms are closed off because of weird happenings. Employees aren’t allowed to disclose information, and photos aren’t allowed to be taken.
I really do believe something’s going on there, regardless of what other people think. There’s a very obvious “feel” of something inhuman. I plan to go back some time, hopefully with connections, and look around it more. I definitely recommend anybody going there – ghosts or not, it’s a gorgeous home. A great deal of rooms and the 4th floor are closed off, but enough of it is open to be astounded at. It’s extremely humid and sticky during the summer, and probably more crowded during the Winter (Christmas at Biltmore), but in between, it’s definitely worth the trip. From there, you can make your own decision.

~ Sam Jamgochian

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Delegate Swap

Jul 6

Posted by sj in Articles

Among the many students here, most of the delegates have no problem showing their love and appreciation for other delegations – just ask the charming representatives from FloTucky or Mississippiana

While familiar beds, unplugged alarm clocks, and mom’s home cooking may eagerly awaiting everybody with open arms and neglected hearts, no doubt about it, there may be exceptions to this. These expectations are simple, and everybody always wonders about the unknown and the chance to explore someting new. So, that raises the question – what delegation would you go home with, if you had the chance?

“Colorado. They’re a small group, and they’re all nice and cool.” ~ Christian Olivas (New Mexico)

“California, they’re a really fun group.” ~ Benjamin Corman (Massachusettes)

“Michigan. They like to hug, I like hugs, I think I’d fit in there!” ~ Katherine Munoz (Massachusettes)

“California, they have a lot of fun and they’re really awesome.” ~ Hollis Lineberger (North Carolina)

“Definitely the Marshall Islands! They’re like our baby chapter – like our adopted group. They came up here with us and they’re really sweet.” ~ Joanna Heintze (Florida)

“California. I’ve never been there and the delegation seems really nice.” ~ Alex Brown (North Carolina)

“North Carolina, because they have the best shirts” ~ Julia Harbaugh (Model UN)

“California, because they’re really fly.” ~ Tyler Brent (Model UN)

“Probably D.C., because their chants rock; they’re really awesome.” ~ Taylor (Texas)

“Tennessee, because they’re really sweet.” ~ Emily Jonas (Georgia)

“California, because I’ve never been there.” ~ Elizabeth Holland (Georgia)

“Kentucky. The people are super nice.” ~Ainsley Liken (Georgia)

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Staying Healthy & Clean at Blue Ridge

Jul 6

Posted by sj in Articles

At Blue Ridge, we’re surrounded by beautiful nature, and a diverse group of friendly people. Being around any group in general, you should want  to set your best foot forward. This includes looking, feeling (and smelling) your absolute best. If you forgot a home essential, and aren’t exactly the “Mister Moneybags” type to go buy toiletry replacements in Lee Hall, there are always some ways to work around it.

For some, a big worry is hair. Not only is this a common problem amongst girls, but it affects guys as well. If you’re worried about your hair looking frenzied or flat because you forgot your beloved hairspray or gel, don’t be afraid to apply a little bit of lotion to keep your hair in place. (Note Do not use too much lotion, for risk of greasy looking hair).

Lotion isn’t just a quick fix for hair – it can also be a fix for the few deordorant-less. If your pits begin to take on a fierce debate within other’s nostrils, don’t try to cover the odor with perfume or cologne. Use some lotion and apply it to your underamrs – of course, after washing with soap and water. The lotion will clog pores in your skin, so sweating won’t be that big of an issue.

For those who are having a wrinkle problem with their clothing, and have no iron handy, use a blow-dryer or flat iron to fix your problems. Run the heat over the clothing, so a clean and professional look is achieved through out the week’s committees.

While staying clean is one thing, staying healthy is a whole other ball game. Blue Ridge is gorgeous, but for some, the sunshine is deadly. Being outside is great and you can enjoy it, just as long as you’re protected from the sun. If possible, try and stay in the shade and always stay hydrated. If you have loss of appetite, skin flushing, dry mouth, or darker than usual urine, your body is giving you a hint: DRINK SOME WATER. These are signs of dehydration, which can progress quickly if not taken care of.

Junk food is good, but remember  to try and maintain a balanced eating style with healthy meals. Don’t forget the food pyramid if you’re wondering what is ideal to eat.

Be aware that CONA is fun, but there’s no reason to be dirty and sick.

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Top Ten Things to Experience at CONA (Insider’s Guide)

Jul 6

Posted by sj in Articles, Off the Rocker

For all returning CONA delegates, it should be easy to recall initial feelings at your very first conference. Many were filled with anticipation, and perhaps fear, that they would be lost in  a sea of people. As you settle back into life in the Blue Ridge Mountains, pass the torch off to the 2010’s incoming first years. Several delegates, presiding officers, and other conference goers passed on a few of the tips that they picked up over the years.

1) For ladies: ALWAYS BRING A PAIR OF FLATS! Those heels may appear super cute on flat ground, but in case you didn’t notice, we are on the mountain. Heels plus the mountain equals feet in major pain, and no one likes that.
2) Carry deodorant around. It is a fact of life: get hot, and sweat. That’s not fun for anyone. So, please, deodorant is a must.
3) Speak up! It is an exhilarating experience to speak in front of people. You might even inspire someone else to speak their mind, too, and you never know – you might change someone’s perspective on a major issue.
4) Drink water! North Carolina is known for its humidity. This lovely addition to the atmosphere will make you even more dehydrated and exhausted. Carry water bottles around all the time: it’s cool to fall because of the dart game, but not so much when you’re dehydrated.
5) Keen an open mind. Your opinion matters a lot, but you won’t grow as a person if you don’t listen to other’s ideas, especially different ideas. You don’t have to agree, but it’s good to acknowledge difference and even accept that some contrasting ideas are true.
6) Be sure to keep your schedule and watch handy! The day is so hectic and busy, and if you don’t have the schedule to tell you where to go, it’s easy to get flustered. One thing to do is to highlight or circle all of the events that are relevant to you, that way it’s easy to find it when you need it quickly.
7) Make new friends. Some people brush off the idea that friends you make at CONA will be your friends forever, but it’s the truth. With social networking sites like Facebook and the wonderful invention known as texting, it’s easier than ever to stay connected with new friends. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll have a job interview with a new company in a new state, and your potential boss will be a CONA alumni.
8) Use those Spirit Fingers! True, they might look slightly out of place back home, but here they are a symbol of agreement and comraderie.
9) Delegates agree that you have to try the Eureka! This frozen treat is similar to a blizzard, with candy goodness blended into ice cream. Nothing served in the cafeteria can compete with the sweetness of this savory treat.
10) The most important aspect of this week is to live without regrets. The worst thing you can do is walk away from this experience wishing you had taken a chance or a risk. Live it up at CONA; these experiences will carry you over until next summer.

~ Caroline Tambling

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How to Pass the Time as a Delegate

Jul 5

Posted by sj in Articles

Tasks nearly as daunting and dradful as the hills here at Blue Ridge themselves – though they may seem simple, actually fighting to come out of it all alive doesn’t become a mindset until the problem itself comes up. What are these things? The travels to and from CONA, safely tucked away in the mountains of North Carolina. Ranging from short hours to overnight stops – and definitely everywhere in between – at some point, everybody caught themselves staring out the window, aimlessly asking aloud, “Where are we?”

The ride itself is more like a piece of candy that’s way passed expired, but the rewards at both ends are rather satisfying, as everybody knows. Though the ride to may have had it’s rough spots, and excitement wore thin sometimes, here’s to hoping the ride home can be a little  more bearable, offering satisfying entertainment to delegate’s intellectual palettes other than movies, Crab naming and iPods.

The first attempt to create a list of things to do was supposed to be inspiried by what everybody else did on their trip here. However, most people spent the trip working! It’s highly doubtful anybody will be working on their trip home. The staff of the Blue Ridge Journal got wise and created a list of things to do during the trip, to prevent mind-numbing, drool inducing boredom.

- Before getting on the bus - because a shower might not be accessable, grab some damp towels or moist wipes and give yourself a pretty good wipe down, this way you’ll feel less grimey later on. Also take the time to stretch out and wear comfortable clothing.

- Journal – while blogging may seem like the current way to record your times, write down periodically on your trip of sights you’ve passed, hilarious quotes from your busmates, scenery you enjoy, or write down your thoughts on where you are. This may seem pointless, but in 10 years or so, you’ll probably love reading through it. Stuff it with photos and souviners if you can.

- Books, magazines, puzzles – if you stop anywhere on your trip, find a cheap Sodoku puzzle book, coloring materials, or something light to read through.

- Never Have I Ever - this game gets hilarious pretty quickly, and it can help ease some stress of the ride. Everybody holds up ten fingers and takes turns saying things they’ve never done. If somebody has done it, though, they put a finger down. Last person with fingers up wins.

- The Yellow Car Game - this is simple; every time you spot a yellow car, shout out “yellow car!” and if you’re the first one to spot it, you get a point. Yellow bug cars are two points each.

- 20 Questions – this classic is easily forgettable. Think of anything, and others try to guess what you’re thinking of by asking a series of questions. Once they get to twenty, if they have no guess, they lose the round.

- Car bingo – Play with road signs, car colors, scenery etc, etc…

- RELAX - after a long week at CONA, your body is due for some down time and sleep. Curl up with a warm blanket and let yourself get some serious shut eye.

- When the ride seems to suck, remember – it could be worse; you could still be walking up the mountain.

My personal favorite activity to pass the time is the yellow car game – I always win.
So, delegates, how do you plan to, or how did you, pass the time on your long journey home?

~ Sam Jamgochian

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