Category Archives: Conspiracy Theories

ChemTrails: Now That’s Just Crazy Talk

24 Saturday May 2014

Posted by in Conspiracy Theories, Famous People, Hoaxes, Radio Show

≈ Comments Off on ChemTrails: Now That’s Just Crazy Talk

Tags

, , ,

ChemTrail

ChemTrail Conspiracy Theory

ChemTrails: Now That’s Just Crazy Talk

The API (Archer Paranormal Investigations) Gals discussed ChemTrails recently on Archer Paranormal Radio, broadcasting every Thursday at 7 pm EST on www.liveparanormal.com. When 2L suggested the story, I had no idea what she was talking about. When I googled it, I thought: Really? People really believe this? But, I’ve been left speechless before.

ChemTrails are the white chemical trails following an airplane. Scientists and government officials claim that these white lines are merely ConTrails, condensation trails. Conspiracy theorists claim these trails signify chemical or biological warfare causing respiratory disease. The theory started in 1995 when late-night talk show host Art Bell promulgated the theory. Believers hung their hat on one piece of evidence: The trails lasted longer in the sky than previous trails.

Unfortunately, contrails existed long before 1995. They form at certain altitudes and atmospheric conditions. Basically, they may form or they may not. It all depends on a number of factors.

I find the argument for their existence tenuous at best. There are more efficient ways to chemically infiltrate a population. I highly doubt that a major airline corporation would willingly participate in a plan to kill off their clients. Corporations = Revenue. Airlines rely on paying passengers to increase revenue.

Now some readers may counter that the airlines are not willing participants. Okay. Why wouldn’t the government just use their own planes? They have plenty of them. Again, contrails are not always created. They dissipate at different rates of speed. They are unpredictable. Why would a government utilize an unpredictable form of chemical warfare when so many other reliable forms exist? They wouldn’t. And they don’t.

I’m really writing this blog because one of my favorite meteorologists, Paul Dellegatto, posted a hilarious ChemTrail photo on his official Facebook page. It was serendipitous since I was discussing this the previous night. Serendipity. Now that’s real.

SETI: 100% Sure Aliens Exist

23 Friday May 2014

Posted by in Conspiracy Theories, Extraterrestrial Life, UFOs

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , ,

SETI and Congress

SETI members Appear before Congress

SETI: 100% Sure Aliens Exist

Members of SETI (Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence) appeared before Congress testifying that extraterrestrial life is “plausible and warrants scientific inquiry.” SETI astronomers stated that “aliens are most definitely out there.” We just lack proof.

The SETI Institute was established on November 20, 1984, in California as a non-profit research institute. The mission: Search for life in the universe. The institute monitors satellites pointed toward the sky hoping to capture some form of intelligence life. None have appeared.

SETI can only scan a small portion of the universe. Unfortunately, the area is very, very small. That correlates to the very, very small chance of SETI capturing any recordings. But SETI persevere. And they should. Within the last few years, scientists have identified several Earth-like planets in the universe. These are planets similar to Earth’s constitution and would be ideal to sustain life. Researchers argue that these Earth-like should be able to sustain life—in some form. Further, the existence of microbial life is “close to 100%.” Those are great odds.

Just as former President Bill Clinton recently commented, the SETI researchers feel that Earth is not unique. Nor alone. They also feel proof will arrive within the next 20 years, provided funding levels continue.

Should Congress continue to fund SETI? You bet! Congress should also continue to support—and fund—NASA. I am with the 35% who believe that extraterrestrial life exists. Searching for that life is our natural evolution.

Hanger 1: The UFO Files Delivers

15 Thursday May 2014

Posted by in Conspiracy Theories, Hoaxes, Media, Radio Show, Reality TV, UFOs

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , ,

Hanger 1: The UFO Files

Hanger 1: The UFO Files

 

Hanger 1: The UFO Files

If I ranked my paranormal/unexplained topic interests in numeric order, the listing would be:

  1. Paranormal;
  2. Mysteries;
  3. Urban Legends;
  4. UFOs;
  5. Conspiracy Theories.

However, the UFO topic may move up. Last year a fellow Rotarian presented his evidence about his personal quest for UFO information to my club. He was interesting, and it piqued my interest. The API (Archer Paranormal Investigations) discussed UFOs on our weekly radio show. That really got me thinking. Personal Disclosure Statement: I believe in extraterrestrial life. I’m not sure whether we are as fascinating to them (and cause them to observe us from afar) as we are with them. Personally, I wouldn’t bother. However, when you peruse the Internet, the images are thought-provoking.

When I was a teenager growing up on the water of Southwest Florida I observed a strange unidentifiable object. It was a UFO in a literal sense. I had no idea what it was. That’s not stating that it was an actual extraterrestrial spacecraft hovering over the Intercostal waters. Now I’m hooked and want to know more. So I turned where every able-minded person goes: Television.

Hanger 1: The UFO Files debuted on February 28, 2014. It airs weekly on H2 (one of the various channels for the History Channel) on Fridays at 10 pm. Named for the MUFON facility housing the 70,000+ documents and evidence, the show purports to open the MUFON archives to the American viewing audience. Immediately, any viewer should be suspicious. Television executives whose goals are generating revenue for their networks tailored a TV show to the masses. The show is similar to every other paranormal/conspiracy theory latent enterprise. If you believe everything on the show, then you are one of the fools born every minute = SUCKER!

But that does not mean you should stop watching. You should watch. And question everything! MUFON, the Mutual UFO Network, was established on May 31, 1969 by Walt Andrus. He collected a group of UFO hobbyist and formed the Midwest UFO Network, commonly known as MUFON. The geographic focus shifted from the Midwest to international, but the acronym remained the same. The named changed in 1973. MUFON is the largest investigative organization devoted to Ufology. In the 45 years since its inception, MUFON has investigated a ton of cases—enough to fill a “hanger.” The television series is an attempt to disseminate their “findings” to the public.

Hanger 1 is interesting. I actually enjoy it. I’m not bothered by the supposed inconsistencies reported by skeptics or hard-core Ufologists. Again, this is television entertainment. If you disagree with it airing on H2, a History Channel network, then I sure hope you are waiving your banner at the Weather Channel for airing non-weather related shows. Or TLC (The Learning Channel) for the not-so-educational pageants and cheerleading mama dramas. Remember: Networks air television shows that will make them money. Presentation of the “truth” may not always apply. (Nearly every “reality show” comes to mind)

Back to Hanger 1: The re-enactments are minimal; the “evidence” plausible. For me, the show attains its ultimate goal: My interest is further piqued and I want to know more. That’s a rare feat for most network programming.

 

The Shat Is Back!

09 Friday May 2014

Posted by in Conspiracy Theories, Disasters, Famous People, Paranormal, Radio Show, UFOs

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

Weird or What? with William Shatner

Weird or What? with William Shatner

The Shat is Back!

I adore William Shatner. It’s true. I grew up watching Star Trek re-runs when you could only get 3—yes, 3—TV channels. Shatner has been able to parley the role of Captain James T. Kirk into an enduring career. Not bad for the 80-year-old pitchman. He is a fixture in the paranormal community. And he deserves every bit of kudos he can muster. Shatner’s TV show Weird or What? is a hoot, just like him.

Weird or What? airs on the National Geographic Channel. It delves into “mysteries and strange phenomena.” It also allows Shatner to interject his pithy humor. The episodes vary and run a full gamut of subject-matter. The API (Archer Paranormal Investigations) gals discussed one of the topics on our weekly radio show, Archer Paranormal Radio. The case involved the mysterious disappearance of three fishermen off the Australian coast in 2007. While the final determination is unknown, several theories have been bandied about: 1) They all fell overboard; 2) A giant squid attacked them; and 3) A USO (unidentified sea object) abducted them. This is good television, my friend!

This case is fascinating. The catamaran Kaz II was found drifting 5 days after the party set sail. All were experienced sailors. When officials boarded the boat, nothing seemed amiss—except the missing crew. I don’t think a giant squid attacked them. There would be noticeable signs on the boat. Nor do I believe in USOs. I do, however, believe that a UFO can submerge like a submarine. But a USO? Pass. So what really happened? I don’t think anyone will know. That is unless they pop up out of the blue like Travis Walton. Unfortunately, I think all three men are lost to the sea. But, thanks to Shatner’s show, I learned something: People love to make up their own acronyms. And Shatner ROCKS!

“Kooks” Are Nearing the Majority

07 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by in Conspiracy Theories, Famous People, UFOs, Urban Legends

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, ,

Bill Clinton Discusses UFOs

Bill Clinton Discusses UFOs

“Kooks” Are Nearing the Majority

Former President Bill Clinton made Internet news when he appeared on Jimmy Kimmel’s TV show and discussed aliens. Specifically Roswell, New Mexico. Although Mr. Clinton discounted claims that aliens were housed at Area 51, he was very receptive to the idea that extraterrestrial life exists. How could it not?

A Selected History

Unidentified Flying Objects, or UFOs, sightings have occurred throughout history. In the Book Ezekiel from the Bible mentions a sighting.

1883: First known photograph taken by Jose Bonilla in Zacatecas, Mexico;

1912: First comment made by a political figure, Winston Churchill;

1947: 1st major sighting where several witnesses describe the crash of an unknown flying craft in Roswell, NM;

1948: Thomas Mantell dies while attempting to intercept UFO;

1952: 2nd major sighting occurs in Washington, D.C.;

1957: 3rd major sighting occurs in Levelland, Texas;

1963: Barney and Betty Hill claim to have been abducted by aliens;

1964: Over 750 cases reported and investigated;

1969: MUFON established;

1973: Abduction of two fishermen from Pascagoula, Mississippi;

1975: Travis Walton abducted by aliens in Arizona and witnessed by his friends.

The common thread is that all of these people claim that little, green men with big eyes abducted them. M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs portrayed them as greenish-grey creatures with large eyes.

What We Know, a.k.a. Facts

The U.S. Air Force coined the term “UFO” in 1952. This term applies to anything in the sky that is unknown—at the time. Admittedly, most people did not have access to information like today. So, most of what was seen back then was unknown. However, there are over 70,000 sightings worldwide each year! Still.

80 million Americans (36%) believe in UFOs;

48% of Americans are receptive to the idea that extraterrestrial life exists;

35% of Americans do not believe at all;

16% of Americans are just not sure;

Democrats believe more than Independents (2nd) and Republicans (3rd). That applies to UFOs and paranormal;

37% of the believers are college graduates;

53% of the believers attended college;

More men (49%) believe than women (48%). Interestingly more women (68%) believe in ghosts than men (52%);

79% of Americans believe the US government is withholding information;

1 in 5 Americans believe in alien abduction;

1 in 7 Americans know someone or personally experienced an encounter of some form;

1 in 10 Americans have personally witnessed a UFO;

3 in 4 Americans believe that aliens have left “signs” of their existence;

1 in 5 Americans believe that Washington, D.C. will be the “landing zone” for an alien encounter. That’s good news for Bill, unless Hilary runs.

Extraterrestrial researchers agree that intelligent life exists in the universe. They’re unsure, however, if it exists in our galaxy. I agree!

 

 

Would I Lie for You?

21 Friday Mar 2014

Posted by in Conspiracy Theories, Famous People, Ghost Hunting, Hoaxes

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , ,

Monk Ghost

A 1956 picture supposedly depicting a monk sitting in the pews at Eastry Church, Kent, England.

Would I Lie For You?

Would I lie about a “haunting” for my 15 minutes of fame? No. I am not a skeptic; I’m a believer. However, I am so deeply rooted to my beliefs that I don’t have to lie. I’m also a seeker of truth.

Don’t get me wrong. I blog to be read. I co-host a weekly radio show (Archer Paranormal Radio) to be heard. And I hope to convert just one person. Dangle the reality TV carrot and I will bite. Hint that I should over-embellish and I’ll refuse to swallow.

There is absolutely no reason to embellish and to stretch the truth. Some places are simply not haunted. When the Ghost Radar is silent, it’s S-I-L-E-N-T. Rarely do I capture EVPs. I get a lot of orbs; however, I usually take pictures only when the Ghost Radar displays a blip. So, really, it’s not most of the time. Even though some locations are not haunted, it does not diminish the history tied to the location. And those stories should be told. It is unfortunate that it does not make for “sexy” TV viewing.

Paranormal investigators should have dud cases. Helps us learn to use the tools and to root out the hoaxes (btw, topic of discussion next week on the radio show). Ghost hunters need to properly debunk evidence. If in doubt, throw it out. When we debunk, we gain credibility in the field. And this is a field of study!

Recently, my paranormal investigation group had to make the decision: Do we go along with the urban legend or promulgate the deception? Or do we turn down the TV appearance opportunity? We did the latter. Instead of simply saying no, we peppered our response with solid reasons why the location was bad choice. We took it a step farther and suggested a better (in our minds) location, a choice location with lots of evidence and great history. The production company passed. (Shocker!) They have their priorities and Archer Paranormal Investigations have ours. And I’m okay with that—well, sort of. Heck, I even believe they will call us back. Did I mention I’m an optimist, too?!

Mary Todd Lincoln Faked Image

Famous faked image of Mary Todd Lincoln posing with the deceased president.

Note on Title: I cannot get the song “Would I lie to you?” out of my head. Whenever I am confronted with perpetuating an urban legend haunting, that song goes through my head. Only I revise it to sing “Would I Lie for You?”

Amityville Horror = HOAX

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by in Conspiracy Theories, Famous Locations, Famous People, Hoaxes, Live Paranormal, Radio Show

≈ Comments Off on Amityville Horror = HOAX

Tags

, , , ,

Crowd Outside 112 Ocean Avenue

Crowd Outside 112 Ocean Avenue

Amityville Horror = HOAX

Amityville was a hoax. There. I said it. I only wished that potential clients believed it and would stop trying to equate their experiences with those of the Lutzes.

Coroner Removes Dead DeFeo Family

Coroner Removes Dead DeFeo Family

The Amityville Horror story was promulgated to solidify the defense for Ronald “Butch” DeFeo, Jr. Mr. DeFeo was accused of slaughtering his family on November 13, 1974. Suspicion quickly turned to DeFeo, who was 24 years old at the time. The motive was simple: life insurance money. DeFeo’s defense attorney William Weber concocted the demonic possession defense in an effort to prove DeFeo was insane. It backfired. However, it propelled George and Kathy Lutz into the international spotlight—thanks to writer Jay Anson.

Newspaper Story

Newspaper Story

Melvin Harris aptly explains the plot in his non-fiction book Investigating the Unexplained. I’ll hit the high notes:

  • Long Island Press interviewed George Lutz for an article published on January 17, 1976.
  • The article detailed “tame” subjective experiences.
  • Good Housekeeping published an article in April 1977.
  • That article claimed a Roman Catholic priest warned the family about a bedroom.
  • The article also stated that Kathy’s aunt, a former nun, berated George for over 3 hours.
  • Jay Anson’s book was published in 1977 declaring “A True Story.”
  • The movie based on the book opened in 1979.
  • Paranormal investigators deemed the incident uninteresting and declined to investigate.
  • Police Sgt. Cammorato later denied visiting the house, contrary to what George stated.
  • Father Pecorara also denied entering the home.

George’s original story morphed into a tall tale of demons and levitations. Little has been corroborated. Even less has been authenticated. The real victims are the house at 112 Ocean Avenue and the subsequent owners, who successful settled a lawsuit related to these events.

I’m amazed at the number of people who contact Archer Paranormal Investigations (www.archer-pi.com) and report similar occurrences. It is almost as if there is a checklist for demonic possession. Black flies? Yep, by the hundreds. Glowing eyes in the windows? Yes, looks like a pig. Or a boar. Or maybe even a hog. Clergy warn you about the house? How did you know? Just after we had it blessed.

The point is: Don’t believe the hype. Most of the stories are just that—stories. However, there is a small percentage of cases that are real. Every case is different. Treat them that way.

Tune in this Thursday, March 20 on Archer Paranormal Radio on www.liveparanormal.com as we discuss Conspiracy Theories.

Movie Poster for The Amityville Horror

Movie Poster for The Amityville Horror