Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2003 13:46:09 -0800 (PST)
From: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com> |
Subject: Help with vampire book?
To: Bertrand

Hi, my name is Dick Shizzman and I’m writing a book on vampires. I myself am not a vampire, but I’ve been interested in the culture for awhile now. I’ve been in contact with everyone from club owners, to professors, to high school students, hoping to learn more about this sub-culture. I would like to have a correspondence with you about your experiences as a vampire. If you’d be interested in talking with me please contact me soon.

Thanks,
Dick (it's me, Shizzy)

From: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com> |
To: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2003 19:24:43 -0600

What made you contact me, Mr. Shizzman?

Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2003 17:31:25 -0800 (PST)
From: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com> |
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
To: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com>

I found you on the net at a message board. If you aren't familiar with the lifestyle I’m researching than I apologize for the misunderstanding. If you are a vampire, than I would like to have a correspondence with you. Hope to hear from you soon.

Dick

From: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com> |
To: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2003 21:43:56 -0600

I'm familiar with the lifestyle however that does not mean I practice it. Tell me, are looking for the physical and mental reasons that a human believes they must have blood to survive? Or are you trying to uncover, from somewhere deep within the boundless information and vast colonization of the cyber world, real vampires? By real I do mean those we would regard more towards fiction.

You interest me. I look forward to hearing back.
Bertrand

Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2003 11:41:38 -0800 (PST)
From: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com> |
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
To: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com>

Bertrand,

I'm looking for all of the above. I’d like any information about all peoples that call themselves vampires. I'd like to know the locations of vampire hotspots. While in New Orleans I encountered upper class professor types who won't come out and call themselves vampires, but who do have some strange practices that are very vampire like. I've also met club kids who call themselves vampires who seem to be more into a Goth S&M type scene. I'm just getting started though, and I have much to learn. If you could give me some info on the experiences, lifestyle, and belief systems of vampires of any ilk, I'd be much obliged. Hope to hear from you soon.

Dick

From: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com> |
To: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2003 23:17:16 -0600

It is my opinion that human vampires drink blood to fulfill some primitive need buried deep within the cultured psyche. It is a taboo to be broken in a world of political correctness, a world which strives for perfection, it is the exception to the rule. Blood has long since been viewed as a source of power, a source of freedom. People need that in this day and time, they need a uniqueness to verify their existence. Imagine the world you live in day in and day out. You exist in this world, you do not live. Vampires, the human kind, seek acceptance, for the most part. There are certain diseases which give the vampire-like attributes, porphyria being one. Porphyria, if memory serves, is a blood disease and some of the side effects are retraction of the gums and extreme sensitivity to sunlight.

Recently I watched a movie called "Vampire Clan" and it was based on the vampire murders in Florida a few years back. Surprisingly, the film is accurate. There was a need for acceptance in those youths, a need to find themselves.

In no way do I condone what those children did, nothing so.

I've begun and I await questions.
Bertrand

Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2003 22:59:51 -0800 (PST)
From: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com> |
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
To: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com>

Bertrand,

This is very interesting. This is exactly the kind of insight I am looking for. Some questions....What is it about this lifestyle that has managed to attract young people for generations? What is the philosophy of one who is a vampire in terms of religious/political beliefs? Can a vampire be a Christian, an atheist? What is the connection between lawyers and vampires? How much have movies exaggerated the violent aspects of vampire life? Is it more often that people who live as vampires experience it as a phase, or do most spend their whole lives in the culture? Again, I thank you for your time. I eagerly await your commentary on these issues.

Dick

From: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com> |
To: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2003 08:53:14 -0600

The allure of acceptance traps the young. In the world of the vampire, human age can be surpassed quite easily, at least in theory. Covens, or Clans, whichever they prefer today, are generally accepting of the strays of humanity, these are the lost souls. There's no clique, there's simply a fulfillment of some far off need that the youth wishes to fulfill, if that makes sense. A vampire can be whatever religion it chooses. Therein enters Hollywood where the mere mention of God makes the undead draw back. Humanity isn't bound by such laws, thus you might see a Hindu, Jewish, or any other race or culture where vampires are present. Again I offer the fact that it is acceptance. There is no color, no race, no segregation amongst vampires, except for rival clans. Vampires are territorial creatures. Stephen Kaplan found that, if memory serves, 13 real, true, honest-older-than-you-or-I vampires are 'alive' and well in the United States. I believe the book in which I read that is called Out of the Dark, but I could be wrong. The only connection I can feel between Wicca and vampirism is the acceptance of the world around you. Wiccans are in touch with the earth, the very soil, nature itself. A vampire embraces these things because it is, in fact, the opposite of nature. Or nature incarnate. It's really up to you to decide, Mr. Shizzman.

Movies, for the most, act as a shelter I imagine. When you read the newspaper and see those political cartoons, sometimes you can laugh at the president and when you see him on the television it makes things a little easier to swallow from him, if you imagine him in a comical format. Vampires look at Hollywood the same way, I'd imagine. To some, not all, blood is an addiction, like heroin or marijuana, and it's a drug just the same. Some people do adopt the vampire lifestyle for years and for some it's just a phase. There really is no good answer to the question because of everyone's individuality. In my opinion, it's just a phase to separate ones' self from vanilla world by adding a little flavor.

Bertrand

Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2003 20:17:11 -0800 (PST)
From: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com> |
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
To: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com>

Bertrand,

I would like you to go into more detail on the clan aspect of vampires. What disagreements give rise to the separation of vampires into clans? Also, have you ever made any contact with any of the so-called true vampires? One of the 13 in America as Kaplan states? Is there any way that you would be able to tell immediately that you were in the presence of a true vampire? Are there any areas of the country where there is a concentration of people who embrace vampire culture? I am thinking New Orleans and San Francisco when I ask. I would also like to know the circumstances under which you became attracted to this way of life. Hope to hear from you soon.

Dick

From: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com> |
To: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2003 22:41:43 -0600

According to history, vampires have always been somewhat territorial. Very rarely (no cases that I can readily recall) have been single vampires feeding on a town, etc. It's my personal opinion that clans are simply a way that more acceptances can be gained, much like gangs. If Robbie were a member of the Bloods, then the Fangs would definitely keep an eye out for him. Why? Clan rivalry. Actually, the clans aren't that far from the gangs which occupy New York, San Francisco, etc. But a true vampire is territorial. Much like a panther, or tiger, or any predator for that matter and it is sociable when the need calls for it.

There are so many things in the world that we'll never know about. No, I've never made knowing contact with any of the vampires Kaplan found. Again, I should keep better with the times, I suppose. New Orleans and San Fransisco, where the unnatural is natural. If I sat here and told you I didn't believe there were vampires in New Orleans, I'd be lying. However, the only ones I've seen are the pale gothly children who've decided that no one understands them and the best way to protest life is to hiss at passersby with exposed teeth and the like. Mr. Shizzman, I don't ever claim to have seen an immortal vampire, but if I had and he or she wore a spiked dog collar and mohawk, there is no way I could take it seriously.

Think of me as the man who stands outside the masses, observing life from afar but never really being a part of it. I've always had an interest in the supernatural, be it ghost hunting, werewolves (there's not really much info out there on werewolves, ever noticed that? Strange.) and vampires, whatever. I realize that these answers are vague and may not suit your palette, but it is as I see them. I claim no doctrine in the field, I'm just someone who enjoys very much the intelligent discussion of said issues. You interest me. Your book interests me.

I'll close with this, Mr. Shizzman:
Imagine growing up, mommy and daddy are there but they aren't there, and all you have to keep yourself sane are the ramblings from your demented thoughts. You are utterly, truly, and in all ways alone. But what's this? There's someone else like you, someone else who is alone, and there's another, and another, and before you know it there is a sort of clansmanship being built.

That is what a vampire is, Mr. Shizzman. Think about it.

Bertrand

Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2003 22:35:31 -0800 (PST)
From: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com> |
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
To: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com>

Bertrand,

I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed this dialogue we've had. I hope that you will wish to continue this further....
I have been interviewing a man named Sirhan for the past couple of months. He is a sociology instructor at a community college in New Orleans. I suspect he comes from considerable wealth because he takes residence at a beautiful home on St. Charles Street near the French Quarter, coincidentally not far from Anne Rice's home. He is originally from India and has lived in the U.S. for twenty years. This man has hinted to me strongly that he is a true vampire....one of Kaplan's sort...not the ignored and outcast youth found in Wiccan clubs and Goth bars. I have visited his home three times for dinner. What has happened at his home I find difficult to comprehend. He has discussed something called spiritual cannibalism. He talks of stages of manipulation where a person becomes a kind of spiritual slave to a vampire who has mastered this trick or, "dark art" as he calls it. “Bobaccounti” is an Indian word for this process that loosely translated means "to swallow ones soul." He has also done things at dinner that can only be described as supernatural. I myself am a skeptic. I am familiar with many magic tricks and I consider myself to be a person who isn't easily fooled. I have never believed in the existence of supernatural forces. Yet, I cannot explain the things he's doing.

What I would like from you, if you would be so kind, is a framework of questioning that will help me dig deeper into this man's psyche. What sort of things could I ask him that would help me come to a conclusion about his nature? I would NEVER believe that such a being could exist, and at this time I'm not fully convinced that he is of the sort. I do feel compelled to investigate further. I am having dinner with him again on Tuesday evening and I would greatly appreciate a line of questioning to follow that would help me form a conclusion about who, or what, he is. I could then supply you with his answers and maybe we could formulate some ideas and come to a conclusion about Sirhan. The situation is quite serious. I hope to hear from you soon.

Dick

From: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com> |
To: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2003 08:46:05 -0600

A line of questioning, this is peculiar.

I am assuming you are in a surrounding area to New Orleans? I myself am just hours away, but that's neither here nor there. My advice to you is to find out specific dates that the he finds significant which might lead you, the interrogator, to believe he was around in those days. "In 1776, I was created," and your reply would be "1776? Oh yes, that's when John Hancock was accused of purgery!" Something of that nature. Never give an inch or he will take a yard. The vampire is a boastful creature in many respects. Use that to your advantage Mr. Shizzman. You must be careful around this man. He may truly be one of the true vampires out in the world. Forgive the hurriedness of this letter.

Till next we talk, Kind regards, Mr. Shizzman.

Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2003 19:09:22 -0800 (PST)
From: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
To: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com>

Bertrand,

My last meeting with Sirhan was either a drug induced hallucination, or a dangerous encounter with a true vampire. Our evening together began much the same as the others. After a wonderful meal we proceeded to his study for strong drink and conversation. After several glasses of wine, Sirhan began to speak about his childhood in India. He said that in his small village there lived a vampire named Hatfield. Hatfield was an Englishman working as the village doctor. He told Sirhan that he would teach him the dark arts and that he could gain immortality by indulging his lust for blood.

At first, the young Sirhan resisted the vampire, but he soon became fascinated by him. At this point I asked Sirhan to tell me plainly whether or not he was a vampire. To my surprise he said yes. He told me that he “began” his new life as a vampire shortly before World War I. Sirhan appears to be in his late thirties to early forties. He proceeded to tell me that he has “extinguished” thousands of lives to quench his thirst for blood. He then told me in detail of how he has managed to participate in many wars and conflicts around the world so that he could feed off of the blood of casualties. To be honest, this scared the ever loving shit out of me. An intense fever came over me and I began to sweat. I was about to make my way to the porch to cool off when all of the sudden a window flew open, allowing a cold air to fill the room. It seemed as though Sirhan had done this with his mind. I asked him if he had opened the window using mind over matter. He said that it was mind over matter that was used to open the window, but that it was I who had done so. He said that I had fed off of his power simply by being in his company. Sirhan then asked me if I would like to hear some music. Before I could answer, “Personal Jesus” by Depeche Mode began to play loudly. Sirhan then arose from his chair and began to levitate. This appeared to be a magician’s trick at first. He hovered two feet above the ground floating around the room singing along with the tune. Then, all at once he flew up to the ceiling and began to walk on it upside down. He looked down at me smiling and said that he wanted to kill again. He lunged at me with rage in his eyes. Terrified, I broke free of his grasp and ran out of the house and straight to my hotel as fast as I could.

I am now home in Atlanta trying to piece together all I have experienced. I am seriously considering changing the focus of my book from a look at “Today’s Vampire” to one about Sirhan. If he doesn’t kill me I might be able to talk him into letting me write his life’s story. Do you think I have good reason to believe that this man is a vampire? He might have put a drug in my drink which caused me to hallucinate. As skeptical as I am, I am running out of explanations for why Sirhan can’t be what he says he is. I eagerly await your thoughts.

Sincerely,
Dick

From: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com> |
To: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2003 22:17:22 -0600

Mr. Shizzman,

It is true that some people have developed acute, and in some cases blatant abilities of telekinesis, the power over objects. I find it incredibly hard to believe that someone has the ability to walk on ceilings but I cannot rule it out altogether. Having not been there, I am at a loss of what to think. Truthfully I am both enraged and enthralled. On one hand there is this proof (none of which I have experienced) that sounds to me more like an Anne Rice reader gone crazy, on the other is the weighted possibility of truth. If it were a real vampire, one who had lived since World War I and had 'extinguished' thousands, why is it that you think he let you leave? As I've said, vampires are territorial, and a human knowing of their existence threatens that. However, on the plus side vampires can hide in that. This man might be using the folklore to his advantage. After all, who'll believe there's really a vampire loose in New Orleans, home of the fictitious Vampire Lestat? There is also the possibility that this man may have gotten into your mind as it were. The power of suggestion is a very real force.

I advise you to take the things that have been shown to you and study them. Your belief, or mine, is irrelevant, Mr. Shizzman. The fact is that Sirhan may be the real thing.

I live in Baton Rouge, not too far from New Orleans. I go there quite a bit and I've seen my share of vampires, but none that have exhibited these kinds of powers.

Bertrand

Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2003 11:13:00 -0800 (PST)
From: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com> |
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
To: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com>

Bertrand,

I am starting to lose it. I swear that I saw Sirhan on the train the other day here in Atlanta. And I keep getting hang-up phone calls. I've also come down with a terrible flu. I’ve been having craving barely cooked steak and I've become sensitive to light. I have a terrible fear that Sirhan may have bitten me the other night during our last meeting. I am experiencing the first effects of a newly bitten vampire. I have other theories. He may have hypnotized me during dinner without me knowing. He does have powers that could include hypnosis. It might also be all in my head. I have searched my body for bite marks and I can't find OH MY GOD HE IS HERE! HE JUST CALLED FROM HIS HOTEL AND HE SAID HE'S COMING OVER TONIGHT! WHAT CAN I DO? WILL HE BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME WEAKNESSES AS THE VAMPIRES OF LEGEND? SHOULD I WEAR GARLIC TO REPELL HIM? SWEET JESUS I’M DOOMED!!

Dick

From: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com> |
To: “Dick Shizzman”
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2003 13:40:25 -0600

I've enjoyed talking with you, Mr. Shizzman. I expect no further correspondence.

Bertrand

Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2003 10:11:06 -0800 (PST)
From: "Dick Shizzman" <dickshizzxxxx@yahoo.com> |
Subject: Re: Help with vampire book?
To: “Bertrand” <Bertxxx@msn.com>

Hello Bertrand,

It is I….Sirhan. I have been reading the correspondence between you and our friend Dick. I am here at his beautiful home in Atlanta. I decided to pay him a visit and bite him a couple more times to hurry along transformation. Dick has now taken his place among the Nosferatu in immortality. Tonight we are going to turn into bats and fly around Atlanta looking down women’s shirts. That’s just how we roll. Just last night I visited your home in Baton Rouge. I was outside your house flying around all spooky like. I gotta say Bertrand, you have a nice crib. I dig the pool. I watched you through your window for awhile. You were in front of the computer in your boxer shorts, eating a bowl of ice cream. I’m sorry to have to tell you this Bertrand, but I am going to have to swallow your soul. I’m terribly sorry Bertrand, but this is standard. I am very “territorial” you see and I can’t have you running around telling people what I am. I have good news though. It used to be that I had to be near a person to swallow their soul, but now I’m able to swallow souls using hypnosis via email. DING DONG, BLING BLING, BIG BOOBIES, CHA CHING. Did you read that? Sweet. Your soul is mine. Just go and say your goodbyes to family and friends and explain to them that you’ll be living in servitude as my undead slave. I hope you understand that you won’t be a real vampire. You’ll be more like a zombie that spends eternity preparing dinner and carrying luggage. Dick and I will arrive at your, I mean, MY new home in Baton Rouge tomorrow. We’re going to have a balls out, Dracula style, pool party. Go ahead and get a bunch of liquor, twenty pounds of raw meat, and a live goat for us to snack on. We’ll bring the girlies and the Bloody Mary mix. See you soon gimp!

Sirhan