Category Archives: Animals

The Great Potoo, Mother Nature’s Incredibly Spooky Bird

12 Saturday Feb 2022

Posted by in Animals, Not Haunted, Not Haunted--But Cool

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A great potoo with its mouth open.

Yes, the strange bird of epic memes is real. It is the great potoo, a nocturnal large-mouthed, large-eyed bird that emits the creepiest of moans.

The great potoo is a fascinating bird. It sits in camouflage for extended periods of time, which makes it difficult to spot. Young birds learn to sit quietly alongside their parents for hours. Even though their eyes are closed, they sense movement with their “magic eyes.” Despite the resemblance, they are not related to owls. They are closely aligned with frogmouths and nightjars. The seven species are located throughout Central America and Bolivia and Brazil.

Their large mouths scoop up insects and small birds. They’re called “monstrous nightbirds’; however, they’re kind of cool.

They appear in an Amazonian folktale.

In Ecuador, the Shuar people tell the story of a married man and wife who have a disagreement. The wife, Aóho, failed to make a satisfying dinner with the pumpkins. Her husband ran away in anger. He began to climb with Aóho following. She fell to the earth, scattering her pumpkins. Upon impact, she turned into a potoo. The husband turned into the moon. Every night when the moon appears in the sky, Aóho calls “aishirű, aishirű” (translated as “my husband, my husband”). Her calls can be heard throughout the night.

To listen to their moaning growl, visit: https://ebird.org/species/grepot1.

Loch Ness Mystery: Giant Eel?

06 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by in Animals, Famous Locations, Loch Ness, Travel Channel, Uncategorized

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LochNess-graphic

Tune into the Travel Channel on September 15th for the 2-hour documentary profiling the latest scientific research conducted in search of Nessie. Professor Neil Gemmel, University of Otago (New Zealand), collected 250 samples of DNA from Loch Ness. His team captured, extracted, and sequenced the samples, and the results were announced this week. Gemmel proclaimed, “We’ve used science to add another chapter to Loch Ness’ mystique.”

Turns out the samples support a very large eel swimming in Britain’s largest body of fresh water. Researchers created a comprehensible spectrum of life from the samples. None support a Jurassic-age reptile or unknown sea monster. Instead, the DNA showed that eels were quite plentiful in the loch.

Gemmell concluded that more research is needed. Catch the documentary on your local Travel Channel.

A Yeti Is Just a Yeti Unless It’s Really a …

30 Saturday Sep 2017

Posted by in Animals, Bigfoot, Uncategorized, Yeti

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EricShiptonYeti

A Yeti Is Just a Yeti Unless It’s Really a …

The search for the Yeti took a step backwards last month. Daniel Taylor, whose interest in the Yeti was sparked by the infamous 1951 photograph by Eric Shipton, spent 60 years searching for the creature that made the 13-inch imprint in the snow all those years ago. Taylor’s new book, Yeti: The Ecology of a Mystery, provides a new—yet believable—answer to the question: Where have all the Yeti’s gone?

People are fascinated with Yetis, Bigfoots (North American version), and Sasquatches (Canadian version). This is merely semantics since all of these names refer to the same creature. “Yeti” is the Himalayan variety. It’s also called the Abominable Snowman, since it is sighted in snow-covered areas. While setting up foundations protecting the environments they may inhabit, Taylor dedicated his life to locating these humanoid creatures.

DNA testing was attempted to identify this new animal/beast/creature of the snow. It was initially incomplete and abandoned when the researchers learned there was a link with bears. I suspect that since the initial findings didn’t fit with their theory, they dismissed the sample as contaminated. That’s unfortunate. New analysis was completed and the results conclusive.

Nearly every culture has a large, hybrid man/animal creature story. Usually these creatures are classified ape-man, denoting the bipedal mobility of the creatures. One possibility that hasn’t gotten much attention: bears that walk on 2 legs. Until now.

Himalayan Brown Bears, also called tree bears or vegetarian bears (they predominantly eat fruit and are actually omnivores), live in isolated areas in India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Tibet and walk on two legs. The hair samples that were analyzed came back belonging to these bears.

This doesn’t end the debate on whether the Yeti exists. It merely means that the evidence found doesn’t belong to a Yeti. Keep searching—but remain respectful.

 

Taylor’s book is getting positive reviews. Check it out.

 

Debunking Mothman: Not a Greater Sandhill Crane

13 Monday Feb 2017

Posted by in Animals, Debunking the Debunked, Famous Locations, Mothman, Paranormal, Uncategorized

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sandhillcrane

Debunking Mothman: Not a Greater Sandhill Crane

This summer I’m heading to West Virginia. In between visiting the family church and cemetery while gathering genealogy information, I’ll be stopping in on some special paranormal destinations. Two are related to Mothman: The Mothman Museum and The McClintic Wildlife Management Area. In doing some preliminary research, I am debunking some of the explanations. Consider it debunking the debunked. In this first installment, Mothman was not a Greater Sandhill Crane.

scarberry-drawing

Mothman was a paranormal event that lasted 13 months, from November 15, 1966-December 15, 1967. Over that span, numerous witnesses in and around Point Pleasant, West Virginia, reported seeing a 7-foot tall creature with glowing red eyes and a 10-foot wingspan. Some of the sightings coincided with U.F.O. sightings and talks about visits from the “Men in Black.” All sightings ceased the day after the December 15, 1967, Silver Bridge collapse, killing 46 people. Several theories have been proffered over the years. An early one was that people saw wayward Greater Sandhill Cranes.

greatersandhill

The Greater Sandhill Crane is the larger form of Sandhill Crane species. They are tall grey birds. Adults have red markings on the head. They are between 3-5 feet in height, weighing 6.5-14 pounds. They “form large flocks” and are migratory. Although they can be found in the Northern United States, they migrate to the Southern US and Mexico during the winter months. The Greater Sandhill Crane was previously spotted within the McClintic Wildlife Management Area, where the first Mothman sighting occurred. However, these people did not mistake a crane for the creature.

There are several reasons as to why the bird was not Mothman. The Greater Sandhill Crane does not have red eyes, a key feature to the witness reports. Further, the bird is too small. Witnesses stated that Mothman was 7-feet tall. That is 2 feet taller than the largest Greater Sandhill Crane. Not one witness reported seeing multiple Mothmen—only the solitary Mothman. The birds live in groups. A wayward single bird may be spotted once, maybe twice, however, not for 13 months. Finally, Greater Sandhill Cranes migrate to warmer climates during the winter. The average temperature in November in Point Pleasant is 14°F. December’s average is 9°F, with January at -2°F, February -4°F, and March rising to 9°F. It’s just too cold in West Virginia for these birds to remain throughout the winter.

In this segment of “Debunking the Debunked,” I believe that Mothman could not have been a Greater Sandhill Crane. More soon.

 

“Ghost of Spud” Returns Temporarily in 2017 Super Bowl Ad

06 Monday Feb 2017

Posted by in Advertising, Animals, Commercials, Famous People, In the News, Paranormal, Pets, TV Reviews, Uncategorized

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“Ghost of Spud” Returns Temporarily in 2017 Super Bowl Ad

A 30-second Super Bowl commercial is a bargain at $5.5 million, once advertising companies factor in the expected 110 million people tuning in, the social media marketing tie-ins, and the Monday morning water cooler talk. Plus, most people tune in just for the commercials. Rankings and ratings started well before kickoff. Super Bowl LI had some incredible commercials: poignant, powerful, and quirky. There was a commercial for every viewer—even the paranormal enthusiast. Anheuser-Busch brought back 80s “original party animal,” Spud MacKenzie from the grave.

spuds-mackenzie

Bud Light’s famous “spokesdog” debuted in 1987 in a Super Bowl XXI commercial. He was an overnight success. Although “Spud” was portrayed as a male, the female bull terrier named “Honey Tree Evil Eye” captured the hearts of beer drinkers across the world. The advertising campaign ran for three (3) Super Bowls: XXI (1987); XXII (1988); and XXIII (1989). During that time, Spud was credited with increasing sales 20%. After thirty years (30), more than 70% of people over the age of 21 still recognize him. During the 80s, advocacy groups were concerned that the huggable dog was alluring children to drink—or at least to wear the Bud Light merchandise. The commercials ended nearly as fast as they started. Tragically, the original “Spud” died in 1993.

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The 2017 commercial was a throwback acknowledging the 30th anniversary of Spud’s debut. Bud Light shifted the focus from party-party-party “Spud,” now played by “Gigi,” to wise sage Spud proclaiming, “You’re here for the friendships!” He has returned from the grave to encourage a young professional to join his friends by participating in Trivia Night and attending get-togethers where Bud Light is served. Spud’s mission: reminding his young friend that spending time with friends is more fun than staying home alone. Yes, it had Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol feel about it.

In addition to broadcasting during the game, the commercial has had over 7.6 million views on YouTube.com. Anheuser-Busch claims the commercial is temporary and will disappear just like real ghosts do. Watch it before is vanishes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYeXldMEpV8.

 

Would You Kill Bigfoot? Alternatively, Should Bigfoot be Killed?

29 Sunday Jan 2017

Posted by in Animals, Bigfoot, Conspiracy Theories, Destination America, In the News, Reality TV, Uncategorized

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Would You Kill Bigfoot? Alternatively, Should Bigfoot be Killed?

The philosophical question usually arises in a classroom, with a purely hypothetical situation. However, Destination America’s new TV show Killing Bigfoot attempts to tackle it.

The first season, 6-part series Killing Bigfoot debuts on February 4th. It follows the Gulf Coast Bigfoot Research Organization (GCBRO) as they track down and ultimately kill Bigfoot. They justify this decision to fatally wound the elusive creature because it has reportedly been slaughtering farm animals and pets, while attacking homes. No actual proof exists to show this cryptozoological creature in the act, which has caused some tension in the field.

Bigfoot is a humanoid creature standing between 7-8 feet in height. He is a hairy beast who prefers a solitary life. Hence the inability to capture him on video, film, or camera phone. Native American legends told of such a beast, along with early American settlers. Since 1967, there have been over 3,000 sightings across the United States. However, no one has ever captured one. Nor have any skeletal remains been located.

In 2016, GCBRO started receiving reports on possible sightings. And the ethical/philosophical questions arose. Do they merely capture the beast? Or gun it down? Predictably, the club wants to kill it. They claim that a nuisance animal can be hunted down and killed. On the other hand, former group member Dr. Samuel Webb Sentell advises not to kill it. He argues that Bigfoot is classified as a humanoid, part man/part beast. Since these animals are reclusive, they show signs of intelligence. They live in families. Simply put: Killing Bigfoot equates to murder.

bigfoot

The GCBRO rebuttal is that a killing is required to show science that Bigfoot exists. Further, they would like to harvest him in the name of science. Wow.

The first obstacle is locating the humanoid. Seems that the 6 episodes spend most of the time attempting to find one. The pesky, elusive creature truly enjoys hiding. Maybe he can hear and understand just what the hunt is about. And he objects.

Tune in February 4th on Destination America at 9 PM. Let me know what you think.

Mothman Turned 50: Let’s Celecbrate

26 Thursday Jan 2017

Posted by in Animals, Conferences, Curiosities, Disasters, Famous Locations, In the News, Paranormal, Road Trip, Special Events, Ufology, UFOs, Uncategorized, Urban Legends

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Mothman Turned 50: Let’s Celebrate

Sightings of the red-eyed, 7 foot tall half man/half flying creature turned 50 last November. Although “Mothman,” as he was called, only appeared in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, from November 1966-December 15, 1967, he still captures the imaginations of cryptozoologists, paranormal researchers, and general urban legend fans. He has spawned an entire industry in the small town. There’s a Mothman Museum; TNT Tours to see McClintic Wildlife Management Area, where the first documented sighting occurred; evening U.F.O. sky watches; and the popular Mothman Festival. This year the festival will celebrate the 50th anniversary.

Mothman descended into the quite town of Point Pleasant on November 15, 1966. Two couples were taking a cousin out to the abandoned TNT factory for some night hiking. Upon arrival at the chain-linked fence, the five young adults reported encountering a 7’ feathery creature with large wings (possibly 15 feet wide). They quickly returned to the car and sped off into town. This begins the sightings made more popular by John A. Keel’s The Mothman Prophecies book published in 1975.

The first “Congress,” outdated word for festival, began over Labor Weekend in 1968 when Saucer News editor, Gray Barker, organized a small event. Forty-six people attended and participated in touring the Silver Bridge disaster, learning about Shawnee leader Cornstalk who was murdered in the area in 1777, and a “saucer watch,” whereby people stared up into the clear evening sky searching for U.F.O.s. Apparently, the Congress was a success. Renamed the Mothman Festival, the current event has been running for 16 years.

This year the event returns to downtown Point Pleasant, West Virginia, on September 16-17, 2017. Vendors, live music, food services, and a 5K run are planned. Admission to the Main Street events is free; however, nominal fees will be charged for the TNT tours and other additional events. According to the Official Mothman Festival Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/mothmanfestival/, 1,505 people are interested in attending and nearly 500 confirmed. Quite an uptick from the original 46.

Mothman is truly Americana. Other similar sightings have been reported, but none have the Appalachian appeal that Mothman brings to West Virginia. Definitely worth a visit.

For more information, visit: http://mothmanfestival.com/

A Genuine Amy Allan

24 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by in Animals, Famous People, In the News, Pets, Psychics, Reality TV, Scarefest

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Amy Allan

Amy Allan & Bella at Scarefest.

A Genuine Amy Allan

Amy Allan stood nervously in front of the 100+ people at Scarefest and was amazed. She was utterly surprised that all of these people wanted to listen to her. She was very popular and her Q & A quite informative.

Amy Allan is the psychic medium star of Travel Channel’s Dead Files. Together with retired police detective Steve DiSchiavi, Amy tours predominately residential houses helping the occupants understand the possible paranormal events occurring. The show is very popular.

Amy Allan comes from a lineage of psychics. Though Amy admits to difficult teen years, she eventually embraced her gifts and studied under Dr. William Roll. Early in her career, Amy apprenticed with Dr. Roll in the Haunting in Georgia case.

Initially approached in 2003, Amy declined an offer for the TV show because of contractual obligations with CBS. However, things changed by 2007 and Amy agreed to join the show…but on her terms. Amy works within a scientific background and demands certain methodology to ensure that the cases are not compromised. She is adamant that the rules be followed so that the results and data are not faulty—basically to preserve integrity.

Walk-through investigations take between 3-6 hours. They are physically draining. Afterwards, Amy meditates, orders a lot of food to help with grounding, takes a bath with oils and salts, and then she sleeps—a lot. Psychic work is tough on the mind and the body.

Amy travels “with a lot of dead people” who surround her and protect her during the walks. Amy calls her spirit guides “amazing,” stating “They have my back.”

Prior to arriving at a location, Amy conducts a partial opening. Understandably, the walk-throughs are edited and pared down.

Some additional factoids:

  • Ex-husband Matt removes the personal items; however, it takes 3-4 people to reassemble the house.
  • Amy travels 26 days a month, 8 months a year.
  • Amy agrees with most of the sketches; however, she prefers to work with a police sketch artist.
  • The sketches take between 3-4 hours to create with the longest taking 9 hours.
  • Amy thought the sketch from the Alaska investigation was a practical joke by the crew.
  • Amy has encountered dead family pets, as well as a cow.
  • Amy is working on 2 books.

Amy continued the Q & A session by telling the crowd the importance for the living to release the dead, especially children. Amy educates the attendees. Dead Files incorporates skeptics with a psychic medium supported by research. The most important aspect is to isolate the medium from the researcher. This eliminates contamination. Despite Internet gossip, Amy does use paranormal equipment. She would like to see it used more in scientifically controlled environments. Amy encourages paranormal groups to do more than use the tools; incorporate them into longer research endeavors.

Amy Allan was genuine and entertaining. Asked whether Dead Files was renewed for another season, Amy merely smiled. Wink. Wink.

Rossendale Fairies Redoux

22 Thursday May 2014

Posted by in Animals, Fairies, Famous Locations, Famous People, Great Britain, Hoaxes, Radio Show

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Cottingley Fairies, 1917

Cottingley Fairies, 1917

Rossendale Fairies Redoux

In 1917, two cousins painted fairies onto paper boards, strung them of trees, and photographed themselves mingling with the “fairies.” Named for their town, the “Cottingley Fairies” pictures were a sensation. The hoax fooled the likes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Doyle was a strong proponent of spiritualism and used the photographs to illustrate his belief in fairies. Shucks. Who doesn’t want to believe in fairies?

Cottingley Fairies 2

Cottingley Fairies 2

Interest in the “Cottingley Fairies” dwindled by 1921; however, the girls remained adamant that the images were real until 1983—some 60 years after their publication. And now it seems that another Brit has photographed a new crop of fairies.

British professor John Hyatt thought he was capturing flora and fauna but discovered shortly thereafter that small, winged anomalies were also in the pictures. Hyatt claims they are fairies. One entomologist disagrees. She thinks that the anomalies are “midges,” a small species of fly. Former Fact or Faked: The Paranormal Files host, Ben Hansen, boldly declares them as doctored images. Hansen takes exception to the clarity of the “fairies” in contrast to Professor Hyatt’s story. Basically: “Why are the “fairies” in focus when Hyatt was photographing the flora, which is not in focus?”

Rossendale Fairies

Rossendale Fairies

Entitled “Rossendale Fairies” (a take on the Cottingley location from 1917), Hyatt’s photographs are currently on display in England. But what about fairies? Are they only seen on the British Isles?

Seems the petite creatures are mainly found in Iceland, Ireland, Norway, and Scotland. Great Britain also has some sightings. Not all fairies were nice. In some cultures, people believed that fairies swapped sickly fairy babies with healthy human babies—the changeling belief. This belief was popularized by the 1895 murder case where a husband killed his wife, Bridget Cleary, thinking that she was a changeling brought to him by the fairy people. Michael Cleary was found guilty of manslaughter and served 15 years in prison. After his release, Michael eventually immigrated to Canada.

The Irish children’s rhyme asks: Are you a witch, or are you a fairy. Or are you the wife of Michael Cleary?

Creepy. Almost as creepy as the children’s song in The Birds. I’ll save that commentary for another blog.

All Dogs Go to Heaven

27 Thursday Feb 2014

Posted by in Animals, Famous People, Live Paranormal, Media, Pets, Radio Show

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Dogs in Heaven Debate

Two churches debate whether dogs (actually all animals) go to heaven.

 

Tonight on the Archer Paranormal Hour:

1. Do animals have souls? Visit http://tithenai.tumblr.com/post/3215186237/two-churches-located-across-the-street-from-each-other to see the great church debate.

2. Can demonic possession be a viable defense to murder?

3. API tribute to the late Harold Ramis.

Tune in at 7 pm EST on www.liveparanormal.com