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The Committee Films crew prepares to shoot the scene where I bought my Nepal hat.
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Namche Bazaar is dwarfed by the towering Himalayan Mountains that surround this tiny village.
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The wind blew snow off the summit of Mount Everest that we could see in the distance during our two day hike from Namche Bazaar. The day after I took this picture was when the avalanche killed 17 Sherpa's on Everest.
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Field producer and writer, Michelle Lappin-Day and videographer, Colin Threinen, enjoy the helicopter ride up to Namche Bazaar.
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Scott marvels at a rock outcropping completely covered with prayer inscriptions at Namche Bazaar.
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I'd like to start off by saying that I never wanted to do an episode on Bigfoot. For one thing, I didn't have much interest in the topic even as a kid. Most of my friends would roll their eyes whenever big, harry monsters living in the woods came up. It was never anything I had taken very seriously. When the production company brought up the idea of doing an episode about Bigfoot I immediately said, "No way." However, my wife, Janet, reminded me of how many times I insist on certain academics and skeptics to remain open-minded about things I think are important such as the Tucson Lead Artifacts, Bat Creek Stone, and the Kensington Rune Stone. It didn't take long for me to soften up to the idea, but the final straw that convinced me was when Maria Awes called me and said we would be going to Nepal and the Himalayan Mountains if we did the episode. That was it, I was in!
After watching the episode last night I was very pleased about the other concern I had doing Bigfoot was it could be credibility killer if not handled properly. That is where the work of the production company comes and I was very pleased with the job they did. I went in as a skeptic and I came out a skeptic. That's not the same as saying I don't believe in Bigfoot or Yeti, it means I still haven't seen any evidence to convince me that they are real. I am certainly not convinced, but my mind will always be open to any potential new evidence.
Without a doubt, traveling to Nepal was one of the most eye-opening and incredible experiences I will ever have. It's hard to describe the feelings I had after leaving Katmandu in the helicopter as we flew ever higher in the Himalayas. As the highest peaks began to appear through the haze it was staggering to realize how massive and high they were. It was truly humbling to realize how small and insignificant we are compared to these massive mountains. Of course, the magic moment came when I saw Mount Everest for the first time. We were already almost at 14,000 feet during our climb to see the Yeti(Yak) scalp when I caught my first glimpse. It was towering in the distance over twice as high as were. Truly incredible and awe-inspiring. Perhaps the hardest thing I've ever done was the two-day hike down (and up, and down, and up...) from Namche Bazaar, eleven miles to Lukla where the most dangerous airport in the world is. The reason the hike was so hard was I caught the flu the day before we left and was miserable the entire hike. Even though my head and body ached, I still took in all the grandeur and incredible geology during the hike. It was a metamorphic geology fantasy seeing the gneisses smashed around through the tectonic forces of the rapidly rising Himalayas. It was without a doubt the most amazing trip we've taken on America Unearthed.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that on the morning we flew out of Lukla to Katmandu, was the day the avalanche killed 17 Sherpa's guides on Everest. A few days earlier on a hike, we'd met up with the Discovery Channel crew that was on Everest working with the Sherpa's who were killed. We had seven Sherpa guides with us for our time shooting in the mountains and we all became very close to these kind, hardworking and fun people. Our hearts go out to all the Sherpa families who lost loved ones on the mountain. It's probably the most dangerous job in the world and nobody could get to the summit of Everest without the help and guidance of these amazing people. Remember that the next time you hear about someone climbing Everest, without the Sherpa guides they wouldn't stand a ghost of chance.
Great show doc. Does the yeti put their bones in lava or volcanic disposal.
ReplyDeleteJarred,
ReplyDeleteBigfoots "bones" were actually a very interesting high white marble. The marble weathers relatively quickly, that's why it looks a little like giant bones.
The trip to Nepal was the best part. For me, the jury is still out regarding Bigfoot. I was a bit worried but you and the production crew did a great job presenting the material in a tasteful way.
ReplyDeleteA trip of a lifetime for most people. Thanks for recognizing the Sherpa. If only all humans could be as nice as they are.....especially some of your critics. LOL.
Dear Mr. Wolter,
ReplyDeleteI need to bring important information to your attention. You and may others are mystified by the lack of physical evidence for Bigfoot. I strongly encourage you to speak with a gentleman named Stan Gordon. Mr. Gordon has spent a lifetime investigating this subject and he is widely respected. Mr. Gordon is frequently cited as a source on documentaries and his website address is www.stangordon.info. I and many others believe Mr. Gordon has the answer for a lack of physical evidence. Some years ago Mr. Gordon began to notice a pattern that Bigfoot and UFOs are seem simultaneously. Then some well documented cases came forward in PA supporting this hypothesis. Please contact Mr. Gordon. He will provide you with compelling information that will help connect the dots. Kindest regards, Friedrich Kling.
Mr. Wolter,
DeleteWhy is it that you will post a reply to a ridiculous site linking Bigfoot with UFO's, yet when Oak Island is brought up in another one of your blog subjects, you will not post the link to http://www.criticalenquiry.org/oakisland/index.shtml which rationally debunks the Oak Island Hoax? Do wish to dwell in facts or rampant speculation? Please advise.
As I've stated many times, I will post whatever people blog unless it crosses the line of vulgarity, is consistently unproductive negativity (a "three strikes" policy if you will) or inappropriate promotion or links.
DeleteYour post fell into a different category where I am contractually bound not to disparage or say/post/tweet/etc., anything negative about another network show. I have a lot of experience with Oak Island and have opinions I cannot express until after the show runs its course. It appears they are on for at least a third season so I will have to wait.
Fair enough Mr. Wolter. I appreciate the explanation and the opportunity to present a balanced, historic perspective with the link above. Technically though, can't you maintain you're on H2 and Oak Island is on the History Channel?
DeleteHistory and H2 are owned by the same network and our show airs on History routinely. Any argument I might make about differences in channels wouldn't fly, nor would I expect it to.
DeleteSorry.
I find the response submitted by "Anonymous" typical of persons who react to a theory based on personal opinion. Most assuredly this individual has not researched the potential linkage between UFOs and Bigfoot. I would remind 'Anonymous' that the purpose of science is to investigate the unexplained not explain the uninvestigated. An emotional plague afflicts people whose belief systems are so rigid they ignore relevant facts and become enraged if anyone challenges their beliefs. As William S. Burroughs noted, "There is a fear of finding the truth behind the UFO enigma; however, the understanding that we are not alone in the cosmos will knock down our wall of misunderstanding with a sledgehammer." Signed, F. Friedrich Kling (IDENTIFIED)
DeleteFfkling,
DeleteWhile I remain very skeptical about the UFO/Aliens subject matter, like Bigfoot, I remain open-minded to any compelling factual information that may come forward. I have to say I like very much your quip about "science." It was well put and if you don't mind, I'll probably use it!
I think you're also right about certain people, which include a number of academics I've interacted with that have this exact phobia about their beliefs being challenged. Some of the behavior I've witnessed by academics involved in the Kensington Rune Stone debate would shock most people.
It's no wonder we still have the unanswered questions about our history that we do.
@ffkling: I haven't researched a potential link between UFO's and Bigfoot because it is a wholly ridiculous concept in its very inception. Certainly there are unidentified flying objects, but most if not all have rational explanations or await same. When you can first link UFO's to aliens, putting Bigfoot aside for a moment, I would be more than willing to review such research. As for Bigfoot, though there's plentiful evidence of hoaxes over the years, there really isn't any evidence of Bigfoot; other than that of an anecdotal nature. Perhaps now that everyone carries a phone with them that takes pictures, maybe we'll see more compelling evidence. But to think that the reason we haven't found Bigfoot remains is because aliens are whisking them away... well, that's downright fantasy, with no rational or empirical basis.
DeleteSo as far as beliefs go, it is not my beliefs that are being challenged, nor have I been put on the defensive. You are the one defending beliefs and opinion, and I am challenging same.
"Anonymous":
DeleteThe first sentence of your 20 January commentary perfectly illustrates my point.
Yes, a healthy dose of skepticism is always prudent however, I have conducted a lifetime of research, and the clincher was a 2008 sighting that occurred with multiple unaffiliated persons. You might be interested to know a partial list of prominent individuals who personally witnessed a UFO and/or professed their belief:
Delete• Paul Hellyer has held high-level posts in the Canadian government. During the 1960s as Defense Minister, Hellyer oversaw the unification of Canada’s armed forces, and in 1968 he nearly became Prime Minister. Recently Minister Hellyer publically declared, “UFOs are as real as the airplanes flying overhead.” It was the first time anyone of G-8 cabinet rank had ever publicly confirmed the alien presence on Earth.
• Dr. Werner Von Braun (developer of Germany’s V-2 rocket and US space program)
• Dr Hermann Oberth (father of space travel)
• Dr. Josef A. Hynek
• Professor Stephen Hawking
• Professor Michio Kaku
• Astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell
• Astronaut Gordon Cooper
• President Harry S. Truman
• President John F. Kennedy
• President Richard Nixon
• President Jimmy Carter
• President Ronald Reagan
• Senator Barry Goldwater
• President Mikhail Gorbachev
• Japanese Prime Minster Miyuki Hatoyama
• Walter Cronkite
• World Chess Federation president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
• Albert M. Chop, NASA Director
• General Douglas MacArthur
• General Nathan Twining, Chairman Joint Chiefs of staff
• United Kingdom Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding
• CIA Director & Admiral Roscoe Hillenkoetter
• Air Marshall Azim Daudpots
• Chief Vatican Theologian Monsignor Corrado Balducci
• Belgian Royal Air Force Deputy Chief and Major General Wilfred De Brouwer Report:
“My name is Wilfried De Brouwer. I am a retired Major General of the Belgian Air Force and I was Chief Operations in the Air Staff when an exceptional UFO wave took place over Belgium. Indeed, during the evening of 29 November 1989, in Eastern Belgium, 140 UFO sightings were reported. Hundreds of people saw a majestic triangular craft with a span of approximately 120 feet, powerful beaming spot lights, moving very slowly without making any significant noise but, in several cases, accelerating to very high speeds.
The following days and months, many more sightings would follow. The UFO wave would last more than one year during which more than 650 investigations were conducted, including 400 hours of audio witness reports. On one occasion, a photograph revealed the triangular shape and four light beams of the object.
In my function as Chief of Operations, I was confronted with numerous questions about the origin and nature of these craft. In the first instance, and in consultation with other NATO partners, I could confirm that no flights of stealth aircraft or any other experimental aircraft look place in the airspace of Belgium. In addition, the Civil Aviation Authorities confirmed that no flight plans had been introduced and the object(s) committed infractions against the existing aviation rules.
The Belgian Air Force tried to identify the alleged intruder(s) and, on three occasions, launched F 16 aircraft. On one occasion, two F 16 registered rapid changes in speed and altitude which were well outside of the performance envelope of existing aircraft. In short, the Belgian UFO wave was exceptional and the Air Force could not identify the nature, origin and intentions of the phenomena.”
Ffkling,
DeleteI guess I do understand how the conversation evolved into extraterrestrials, but I have to profess a serious lack of knowledge and interest in the subject matter. At least at this point. I say this so you won't be surprised by my limited involvement in the discussion.
However, I'm happy to facilitate the discussion as I'll probably have my curiosity piqued.
I guess no one remembers "The Six Million Dollar Man". I do, and it was cancelled when I was four. In this television series, Big Foot was some sort of alien. If I remember correctly, Big Foot was bionic and helped battle some sort of alien tank. I nearly fell to the floor laughing, when I saw the "Ancient Aliens" trailer for the Bigfoot is an alien episode. I've watched a few episodes for the views of Puma Punku, and Gobekli Tepe. Which reminds me...Scott, have you ever heard of the "Magna Fuente bowl" or "Pokotia Monolith/Monument/Statue"? Regarding the last, I've heard it called all three.
DeleteBest regards,
Anthony
@ffkling: Again, UFO stands for unidentified flying object; which are common. UFO does not necessarily mean "aliens". So someone can profess to seeing a UFO, without making the claim that alien life forms are visiting us. The mistake you make, along with others, is to equate UFO with definite alien life forms, based upon pure speculation on your part. That is not how science works.
DeleteWith the vastness of the universe, travel between solar systems would be difficult, though perhaps not impossible. What you see in the sky above, the stars far, far away... are only glimmers of what once was. Given the fact that intelligent life on our planet is but a drop in a huge bucket of time, even with said vastness of the universe, lining up periods of the development of intelligent life from various solar systems that could sustain life is a shot in the dark. Add to that, the size difference between celestial bodies, you could never expect possible alien life forms to be the same size as us even if they developed to the point where they could visit us. They could perhaps be much smaller, or incredibly bigger. Yet somehow with all these unsubstantiated reports, they seem to be about our size. These are the questions you should be concerned about. Not just assigning meaning to the unexplained with no rational or empirical basis.
What you have shown is the reliance upon "fringe science", which truly isn't science. Science fiction would be a better description. But do you know a telltale sign of fringe science, like the link you provided above? They're without exception trying to sell you something. Paypal accepted!
Anthony,
DeleteI remember the Six Million Dollar man too, but never saw the Bigfoot episode.
As far as go, citing appropriate links and recommending books is OK by me.
Hi Scott,
DeleteYou are a real gentleman! Thank you.
Here's a quote that I think will interest you:
“When you seek a path to any new truth, you must expect to find it
blocked by expert opinion.”
~~~Dr. Albert Guérard~~~
"Anonymous"-
DeleteJust the opposite. The mistake you make is to attribute all UFO sightings to prosaic phenomenon. I am talking about identifiable craft that navigate in a manner that is contrary to our understanding of physics. UFO for the individuals I cited is equivalent to UFO. Case in point, Belgium Royal Air Force Deputy Air Marshall W. de Brouwer. Apparently, you did not read his statement, " Two F 16 registered rapid changes in speed and altitude which were well outside of the performance envelope of existing aircraft. How do we know this as a fact? Due to multiple radar hits and visual verification by many trained observers. In short, the Belgian UFO wave was exceptional and the Air Force could not identify the nature, origin and intentions of the phenomena.” In other words, the G forces would have killed a human pilot. I imagine your response is that this was some ultra-secret experimental airplane. We know from the historical record that there is a lag of approx. 15 years before new technology is formally announced to the public, although there are plenty of leaks during this time period. The Belgian UFO wave occurred 26 years ago and there are no leaks much less announcements about the existence of a human craft that can replicate the turning and acceleration of the UFO.
I appreciate that you are a full-time skeptic or perhaps disinformation agent. As such, your modus operandi is to NEVER acknowledge the UFO reality.
As was most keenly observed regarding the denialists by Dr. Albert Guérard, “When you seek a path to any new truth, you must expect to find it blocked by expert opinion.”
Hell, it took hundreds of years before the Flat Earth Society reluctantly accepted that the Earth is round. No different with UFOs or Bigfoot. History always repeats itself.
@ffkling: I accept the U in UFO for meaning exactly what it is; "unidentified". Thus by its very definition, awaits identification. Unfortunately, you and others aren't willing to wait and instead apply your own identification using sheer speculation as if fact. This is the exact opposite of true science. It is middle ages stuff. It is akin to an allegation of witchcraft. It is the dogma you think you're rebelling against, supplying answers to the unknown without sufficient basis. You don't even realize the pedestal you've put yourself upon has no legs.
Deletea decade ago, I am posting at Whitley Strieber's UNKNOWNCOUNTRY
Deleteforums, my style was gonzo, my moniker "Da~an" was inspired by the
lead character in Gene Roddenberry's EARTH FINAL CONFLICT. I saw
all the nuances of the UFO debate between sincere experiencers and
logical skeptics. Scott, I'm glad you are allowing this exchange even
though its slightly tangental to any proofs via anthropology & fossil
remains for this question! I have a high respect for both Bobo Fey
and Ranae Holland. I have an equally profound respect for both you
and Whitley Strieber. Even though you and he have voiced views
that flew at a consensus, you both never quailed or wavered despite
or because of the mockery and insults, the ad hominem attacks, you
and he kept to a stern course and an inner moral compass. You are
being very fair with these two compelling and valid viewpoints, these
two perspectives. Loosely put, the skeptic in me wonders if external
stimuli triggers an ancient instinctsal "fright, flight or fight" response,
some folks see a bear and think it to be sasquatch, some folks see
ball lightning and think it to be a foo fighter or a flying saucer. The
disciple of Diogenes that i am has me then noticing that many of the
experiancers in the UFO community as with their counterparts in the
Online BIGFOOT communities are also often directly honest. You
know yourself your statements about academia and the KRS are in
the category of classic British understatements. If even ONE of the
many experiencers I've talked to was not insane or hallucinating or
in a trance or simply dreaming like Keats or Yeats poetically, then
we are not the only sapient beings in the universe. Life is on the
moons and planets that are around other solar systems. Unless
this is our "wet wiring" from 3 million years ago being triggered by
external stimuli, people are seeing large hominims & hominids,
and often UFOs but usually not at the same time. The linkage idea
is more recent. I am 60something and can remember the "swamp
gas" put downs hurled at BLUE BOOK era UFO folks. This has been
a consistent phenomenon for more than half a century. Either our
species is often half mad, or we are being visited. I'm placing poor
Bobo Fey into the category of people who may have seen an actual
adult Bigfoot. I looked at the older seasons of Finding Bigfoot. Ranae
began by studying the community of believers, and kept to her inner
compass in terms of not compromising her sense of science. she is
well aware of the studies done on primates by her peers. We need
be a dispassion, we need to step back from our beliefs, so we can be polite. this dialogue is healthy, psychically, in a very good way. in time, we will arrive at a basic truth, or very near to the same, as did
Diogenes in an ancient time! Life exists in the universe, all is not
inorganic and sterile. insults are puerile, a character flaw. This thread
is both honest and refreshing. I truly compliment all participants!!!
"Anonymous":
DeleteUpon studying your comments, it's self-evident that you are not a skeptic, but instead an irrational debunker.
According to the dictionary:
A debunker employs ridicule to demonstrate fallacy or fraudulence. The skeptic doubts, questions, or disagrees with assertions or generally accepted conclusions based upon a study and understanding of the subject material. "Anonymous" claims the extent of his research into the topic of UFOs to be a few episodes of, "Ancient Aliens" and the "Six Million Dollar Man". Interesting. I too remember the TV program about the bionic man. Regarding "Ancient Aliens", I too watched a few episodes, but found the information unconvincing.
Evidently a debunker KNOWS that “craft piloted by alien beings” is an impossibility. But how do debunkers know this? A skeptic would thoroughly review the evidence before issuing proclamations based on preconceived notions and prejudices of what is and what is not possible. Here is a fine example, "I haven't researched a potential link between UFO's and Bigfoot because it is a wholly ridiculous concept in its very inception.”
A true skeptic ponders, “How can I use the rules of logic and reason to gain new knowledge?” A true skeptic knows that logic and reason are the secure foundations upon which new knowledge is built. Only by using the rules of logic and reason (with some judicious intuition) can new knowledge be attained. The skeptic never uses guilt by association, innuendo, ad hominem attacks, red herrings, omission of relevant facts, and the many other fallacies and techniques of persuasion. On the other hand, debunkers use these frequently, especially when logic and reason seem to be failing their aim of destruction.
There's another site that can be easily found for debunkers of America Unearthed subject matter. It was popular at first because there were no other outlets to discuss these matters. Now there is this blog and, not coincidentally, the "debunker" discussions are dying because they are unproductive and overly negative. Especially for the casual fan who simply wants to ask a few questions. Who better to ask than me?
DeleteDebunkers are welcome here until they cross the line into stifling the conversation with unproductive negativity.
@ffkling: Other than the two posts within this thread dated 1/19, all my others were directed to you specifically. So the six million dollar man remarks are to be credited to another anonymous source.
DeleteYou've now twice taken issue with my quote, "I haven't researched a potential link between UFO's and Bigfoot because it is a wholly ridiculous concept in its very inception.” Rather than embrace it as some sort of gotcha, you should have read further. That remark was simply a preface. After stating that, I went on to explain my rationale for doing so; a rationale you've yet to confront logically. So far your response has been to accuse me of being a "disinfomation agent" and now "irrational" in my replies. I do hope Mr. Wolter will be kind enough to post what I hope to be my final response to you on this board and I would ask that you agree to move on from this discussion unless you can directly respond to the points I've made, rather than continue with further name calling.
"Anonymous"
DeleteI read your comment thoroughly. For starters, my initial comment was not directed to you, but Mr. Wolter; however, you choose to respond in a combative manner. I know the subject matter and I will not be bullied by proclamations about what is and is not possible. I have presented evidence for you to consider. I suggested you examine the wealth of information evaluated by Mr. Stan Gordon, who has spent 50 years studying the subject material. Did you read any of his books? No, Did you read any of the articles he has written? No. Instead you respond with a cheap shot, "But do you know a telltale sign of fringe science, like the link you provided above? They're without exception trying to sell you something. Paypal accepted!"
I can not nor will not do the work for you. There are many, many well documented UFO case reports. Following is just one example and here is an article I wrote about the incident:
The Battle of Los Angeles 25 February 1942
by F. F. Kling
On February 25, 1942 the citizens of Los Angeles were awakened to the wailing of air raid sirens, searchlights scanning the skies, and the firing of anti-aircraft (AA) heavy artillery.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 coupled with subsequent sweeping Japanese naval and land victories, US military and civilian defense forces were on high alert. Many of Los Angeles’s three million residents contemplated the frightful possibility that the Second World War would soon arrive to the shores of the United States, and indeed an invasion did occur. Early on the morning of February 25, 1942 in an incident now referred to as the Battle of Los Angeles, US West Coast early alert radar stations began tracking a large unidentified object bearing down on Los Angeles. The radar plotting coordinates were rapidly communicated to the Army’s 37th Coastal Heavy Artillery Brigade, and a mandatory blackout order was issued from 2:25AM to 7:21AM. The blackout was in effect from Los Angeles to the Mexican border and inland to the San Joaquin Valley. The huge aircraft search lights flashed along a ten-mile front until converging on a single “massive white cigar-shaped object” hovering above the city. Without hesitation the guns were ordered to “Green Alert.” Anti-aircraft guns thundered over the metropolitan area at the intruder, but without effect. Furious and relentless anti-Aircraft artillery did not stop firing on the UFO until the all-clear finally sounded at 7:21AM. All the action was clearly spotlighted for military and civilian ground observers by twenty powerful searchlights. Despite firing more than 1, 600 rounds of heavy flak and a similar number of rounds by US Army Air Corp fighter aircraft, much to the chagrin of the military chain of command, the object could not be brought down. An extremely good quality photograph appeared on the front page of the Los Angeles Times newspaper on February 26, 1942 that shows search light beams focusing on a gigantic flying saucer as AA artillery shells explode on and around the object.
The Los Angeles Air Raid Warden testified, “It was huge! I have never seen anything like it in my life. We could see it perfectly because it was very close. When the AA fire failed despite scoring direct hits, we sent fighter planes up and we watched them shoot at the object but it mattered not. It was like the Fourth of July but much louder. The flak was so thick that you could walk on it. Our AA artillery and fighter aircraft were firing like crazy, but nothing could touch the mystery ship. When we considered the possibility that the Japs had developed aircraft that were impervious to our newest and most powerful AA artillery and fighter aircraft, a sense of panic and pandemonium ensued. Thank God the mystery object never returned.”
This should give you a good start.
Hi Scott,
DeleteI would like to share with you information regarding a decades long frightening mystery that I would like to share with you. Do you have a site or email address where I may submit information for your perusal?
Thank you.
Are you familiar with the decades long global animal mutilation phenomena? I became aware of this disturbing mystery while growing-up on a Missouri farm. Livestock deaths are a normal part of ranching, but these deaths are anything but and the farming/ranching community is at a loss to explain what the hell is going on, although farmers and local law enforcement have a good idea whose behind the attacks. The subject of animal mutilations is inherently distasteful, if not repugnant, to most people. It’s hard to imagine why anyone would inflict cruelty upon helpless creatures, especially those which are solely dependent upon us for their existence. Yet, there is considerable evidence to suggest that a deliberate and premeditated assault on both domestic and wild animals has been ongoing for several decades. Since livestock, particularly cattle, have been the most frequent victims of these mutilations, the phenomenon has come to be known as “cattle mutilations.”
What is striking is that so little progress has been made over the years in determining the nature and source of these mutilations.
FFkling,
DeleteI did hear about this story several years ago, but not since. As I recall there was some thought of otherworldly creatures being involved, but my memory is hazy on it.
Are the mutilations still happening to your knowledge?
@ffkling: Again, you continue with UFO reports which I remain open to. I simply still find them to be "unidentified" while you continue to provide identification based upon sheer speculation. I did visit the Gordon site you referenced and immediately saw it for what it was; a sales pitch. Mr. Gordon's credentials? From his website: "Stan Gordon was trained as an electronics technician who specialized in radio communications. He worked in the advanced consumer electronics sales field for over forty years." So, no formal education and what, he worked at Radio Shack for forty years? Forgive me for not being impressed by this vague resume wholly lacking in specific achievements.
DeleteSo let us get back to a potential UFO/Bigfoot connection. I've already explained why such a concept is wholly without merit and please note that my initial points in this thread were directed to Mr. Wolter before you chose to take issue with the sort of person I am. So you came up with a long list of individuals who either witnessed or will acknowledge "UFO's" (to which I responded that accepting the concept of UFO's does not necessarily tie them to alien life forms). But here is your list again, followed by my final challenge to you:
• Dr. Werner Von Braun (developer of Germany’s V-2 rocket and US space program)
• Dr Hermann Oberth (father of space travel)
• Dr. Josef A. Hynek
• Professor Stephen Hawking
• Professor Michio Kaku
• Astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell
• Astronaut Gordon Cooper
• President Harry S. Truman
• President John F. Kennedy
• President Richard Nixon
• President Jimmy Carter
• President Ronald Reagan
• Senator Barry Goldwater
• President Mikhail Gorbachev
• Japanese Prime Minster Miyuki Hatoyama
• Walter Cronkite
• World Chess Federation president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
• Albert M. Chop, NASA Director
• General Douglas MacArthur
• General Nathan Twining, Chairman Joint Chiefs of staff
• United Kingdom Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding
• CIA Director & Admiral Roscoe Hillenkoetter
• Air Marshall Azim Daudpots
• Chief Vatican Theologian Monsignor Corrado Balducci
Not one of these individuals would entertain any real, plausible scientific connection between UFO's and Bigfoot; and for those alive would find your claims in this regard just as ridiculous as I do. My challenge to you is to provide a coherent argument that these people you believe support your position would dive off the deep end with you into Bigfoot terrain.
As an aside at this point, for anyone who would like another take on Mr. Kling's "Battle of Los Angeles" fiction, see here:
Deletehttp://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedailymirror/2011/02/another-good-story-ruined-the-battle-of-los-angeles.html
"anonymous"
DeleteYour link is a personal account asserting that newspaper headlines were fabricated in order to sell a Hollywood movie. Are we surprised that Hollywood film producers take liberties with the truth? This is your counter-evidence?
You believe that the craft was a weather balloon? Are you kidding? In essence you are claiming that the United States Army and Army Air Force was incapable of shooting down a weather balloon over the course of five hours?
The UFO was witnessed by hundreds of thousands of people. Follow this link to photo enhanced pictures of a solid saucer shaped craft as AA flak explodes on and around the object (or rather, according to Anonymous, a weather balloon resistant to heavy AA artillery fire):
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/ciencia/ciencia_flyingobjects27.htm
"Anonymous" said, "When you can first link UFO's to aliens, putting Bigfoot aside for a moment, I would be more than willing to review such research."
DeleteConsequently, I provided you with a list of prominent persons who accept the ET/UFO alien hypothesis. Was this not your first request?
I have presented evidence and you fail to provide arguments to the contrary. You are fully vested in your opinion and come hell or high water you will never admit otherwise, just as with the Flat Earth Society. So I am finished wasting my time with an irrational debunker.
Hi Scott,
DeleteYes indeed animal mutilations continue to be a highly disturbing global phenomena! We know its not satanic cults; no person has ever been arrested much less convicted despite the best efforts of local, state, and federal (FBI) law enforcement. We know its not predator attacks; pathology reports prove this. So what's behind the mutilations? Why are tens of thousands of worldwide mutilations occurring?
Thanks to the efforts of award winning investigative journalist Linda Moulton Howe, the animal mutilation mystery was made known to the broader public for the first time in 1980. Ms Howe graduated from the University of Colorado with a B.A. cum laude degree in English Literature. She then was awarded a scholarship to attend Stanford University where she earned her Master's Degree. She began her professional career with KMGH-TV in Denver, Colorado. Due to the high frequency of animal mutilation cases in Colorado, Ms. Howe began her decades long investigation in 1977. She produced a 1980 HBO documentary titled, "A Strange Harvest", and a subsequent 1993 documentary, "Strange Harvests". The information contained in these intriguing reports is just as relevant today.
Here is a YouTube link for the video documentaries:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7ePIVT2ggM.
I also encourage you to read a 2014 animal mutilation White Paper prepared by Richard Bonenfant, Ph.D. Dr. Bonenfant received his advanced degree in Anthropology. Prior to retirement, he worked as a State of New York research scientist.
Here is a link to Dr. Bonenfant's White Paper, "Significant Observations Relating to Animal Mutilations (The report is presented in three parts):
http://ufodigest.com/article/animal-mutilations-0321
Scott, please let me know your thoughts. If you would like me to supply you with additional information, you are welcome to send me an email at ffkling@sbcglobal.net
Thank you, sir, for your time and interest.
Please let me know how I may be of further service. Like you, I am intrigued by mysteries.
@ffkling: So I take it that none on your list will join you in Bigfoot/Alien country. But please spare me the strawman arguments you construct on my part, as those on your list professing to have seen or believe that "unidentified flying objects" exist, does not necessarily mean they equate them positively with alien life forms. Just as believing in the possibility of alien life elsewhere does not mean they are piloting those unidentified flying objects. Again, you fill in the blanks, fueled only with supposition and speculation and have yet to logically confront what I've been telling you from the very beginning of our discussion.
DeleteI will leave you with this... let's imagine my expertise is in philosophy. Hypothetically speaking, of course. And I tell you that as I have lived and/or worked in structures with plumbing, heating and cooling for over forty years. I have researched this area of specialty and have uncovered a conspiracy of sorts between plumbers and heating and cooling servicers that have been keeping secret repair knowledge from us, the consumers. In fact, I can unclog any drain and repair any HVAC system simply with a knock of the hand in a certain place and in certain sequences. This knowledge I will share with you if you buy my book for $19.99. So, will you dismiss what I'm telling you out of hand? Don't you have to buy my book first before you can tell me that what I'm suggesting is complete and utter nonsense? If someone asked you whether or not they should buy my book, would you tell them it was a complete waste of money before you even read it yourself? Well, if you think you must read my book before opining upon its worthlessness, then let me know and I'll quickly write it for you. But if you think such an idea... that I can unclog drains or fix HVAC systems with a knock of the hand is complete balderdash... well, now you know how I feel about your link to the commercial site of Mr. Gordon promoting a link between aliens and Bigfoot.
Happy travels.
Mr. Wolter,
DeleteIf you visit the link provided by Mr. Kling to Dr. Bonenfant's paper, you'll see a comment below by a Mr. O'Brien who attempts to offer some sanity to the discussion before Mr. Kling joins in begins his name-calling antics. There are plenty of non-alien explanations for cattle mutilations, yet those who push their alien agenda, sell their alien goods and offer their fiction (Dr. Bonenfant writes fiction on the side, apparently), ignore facts, twist reality to cater to their pre-drawn conclusions and otherwise have no proof to offer of their claims beyond speculation bordering on sheer lunacy. Again, they all have something to sell.
To be honest, the Bigfoot/Alien debate is not something I have a strong interest in. While I will continue to keep my radar on to new evidence and possibilities, my primary focus in on pre-Columbian contact in the America's.
DeleteI'm happy to facilitate the discussion here, but my input will be limited.
I saw the earlier post about the "1942 battle of Los Angeles" and decided to comment. If you search online for this topic, what comes to the forefront are many, many photos that appear to be doctored (some very poorly) and purport to show a UFO with the "classic" outline of a disc shaped craft with a trapezoidal top half locked in several searchlight beams. If, however, the original photographs are examined from the newspapers published shortly after the event, the searchlights are obviously locked in on or focused on puffs of shrapnel from exploding anti aircraft shells, and there is nothing seen of a "disc shaped craft", only formless clouds of shrapnel/smoke. Published statements from military authorities at the time stated it was believed that Japanese aircraft were approaching or attacking the West Coast. That is factual evidence from military sources and media photographs. I would also offer that the "flying saucer" type craft first originated in the entertainment industry in movies. Strange that all evidence introduced comes from science fiction films, comics, books, etc and then adopted as shapes of craft, beings, etc. Its a case of the chicken coming before the egg. Im not suggesting there aren't U-nidentified F-lying O-bjects, just that there is a lot of manufactured evidence that uses contemporary fiction or graphical representations that has its origins in science fiction. Reports of Bigfoot/UFO's in the same area isn't evidence of a connection if there isn't documented proof of both occurrences in the same relative time period and area. You can posit a hypothesis but that in itself isn't proof. These seems to be what is being suggested by the gentleman with the website.
DeleteI liked this episode! There was a perfect balance of skeptic and belief. I have always been very open minded to such deep rooted beliefs as Yetis and Sasquatches. We must remember that mountain gorillas were thought to be mythical creatures that didn't exist up until 1902, which is fairly recent historically speaking. The link between gigantopithecus and Sasquatch is a very credible link when you look at the mammalian history of North America. We had mammoths and mastodons (hairy elephants), the woolley rhinoceros, relatives of camels and giraffes, and even relatives of the modern horse! Most of the large mammals died out in North America around 10,000 years ago for reasons not yet fully known. Yet mountain lions, wolves, and bison survived this mass extinction! So therefore it is not unreasonable to think that a giant primate could have existed at the end of the last ice age and even survived in isolated pockets up to modern times.
ReplyDeleteOne thing to remember is that fossils only form under the right circumstances and conditions. Lack of evidence doesn't mean it does not exist nor that it never did exist. Here's a neat little link just to remind us of the animals we are familiar with today that were considered mythical in the very recent past:
http://listverse.com/2010/04/16/10-beasts-that-used-to-be-mythical/
InvisibleJean - Interesting link. And though I am a skeptic when it comes to bigfoot, I will be the first to admit that just because bones and carcass are never found, and valid sightings with solid proof of existence are sketchy does not mean the elusive bigfoot is out there lurking and running amok in the forests of North America.
DeleteMy wife watched the show and said that if bigfoot existed he would be seen readily enough by hunters and hikers. Though I am skeptic, I had to argue with her on her presumption. I am an avid hunter of most North America Big Game. I know how animal populations affect their being sighted. Example: Here in Wisconsin there are roughly 1.8 to 2 million white tailed deer, and on average when out on the road driving throughout the year I will see perhaps 100-150 deer. There are roughly 20k to 25k black bear in Wisconsin, and when I am out hiking or hunting or driving, I may only see one bear per year, and sometimes a year or two may go by when I see none, and I spend a lot of time in the woods. Now, if there was a population of bigfoot creatures, how large is that number in the state of WI? 10...25...50...100?? If there are 25k bear in Wisconsin and I might see one a year or every couple years...then imagine how many bigfoot I would see if there are only 25 bigfoot running around.. I may NEVER encounter one in my lifetime.
I don't dismiss that bigfoot could be possible, but like the great ape's existence being proven in 1902, I need to see one to stop being a skeptic.
Big Foot: Hide-and-seek World Champion!
DeleteAnd how!
DeleteI too am a skeptic of bigfoot. I have spent a lot of time in the northern forests of Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as reaches of Ontario. I hike, camp, fish, hunt, and have done so in many remote locations for twenty-five of my forty-one years of living.
ReplyDeleteBut with that in mind here is a story: About ten years I did have something odd happen to me and a cousin of mine when we were out hiking near Lake Vanessa in Ontario not too far from Sioux Lookout. We had been staying at an outpost fishing cabin on the lake. One afternoon w decided to go for a hike. We were walking along a dried up creek bed when we heard some loud snapping in the thick forest not far away. We kept hiking, making a little extra noise to not surprise any dangerous wild animals. The snapping continued and seemed to follow us, and then at one point it sounded like stones were being skidded across the creek bed ahead of us. About that time we both started to notice a strong musky smell and then shortly after that we heard what sounded like a whooping sound followed by a very deep growl that lasted several seconds. Needless to stay it startled us and we stopped in our tracks. We were pretty sure the growl came from the dense forest about thirty yards in front of us, and we immediately started walking backwards slowly. Once about fifty feet back we turned and continued, with a quick pace, back towards the cabin.
We both thought maybe a bear, or maybe a wolverine had made the growl. Never thought much about it until last year when I was watching Les Stroud do a couple bigfoot episodes and I learned that supposedly bigfoot creatures have been known to whoop, snap limbs, smack trees, and throw rocks, and sometimes even growl. Anyway...Still a skeptic, but I have to admit it makes me wonder about my incident a decade ago.
Teddy Roosevelt wrote about what could have been a bigfoot incident. If you have not ever read the story, it is easy to find by doing a search on the internet.
For me, I need to see it for myself or see a body. Interesting show.
TD Bauer
I'm a fan of "Finding Bigfoot" and did not expect A.U's episode to lay out in
ReplyDeletejust 43 minutes of time all the lore one can acquire over several seasons.
NETFLIX recently added Patrick Spain's five BEAST HUNTER episodes to its
roster, I became a fan of his on short order! Like you, he too delved into the
realms of Java's lore about monkey kings. After learning about the "Hobbits"
of Flores, we should not dismiss ORANG PENDAK at all and assume all is a
delightful fantasy. Concerning the upper limits of the Great Ape scale, likewise
I am pleased that Gigantopithecus is getting its due, and that most of the good folks connected to America Unearthed are keeping the grand metaphoric door
open as we connect Bigfoot to possible near "kin" on our sapient family tree!!!
Scott, your basic honesty is shining thru!!! Ranae Holland is still a skeptic and
is still looking for solid proof, too! I'd assume unless one has a direct & obvious
encounter, as with UFOs, we have to intuitively and logically evaluate the many
eyewitness accounts! As with the idea that this continent was more peopled
than the experts think, if it is possible to link Gigantopithecus to Zinjanthropus
to Homo Erectus or even Homo Ergaster, as we debate opposable thumbs,
bipedalism + fire, mayhap we'd learn more about ourselves and the choices
our ancestors made. Beringia as a land & sea route could have been open
and utilized in waves over 3 million years, it was always there and attractive
from time to time. I think the Solutrean Hypothesis has a logic to it. The story
of this continent is yet untold. The great discoveries are yet to be made! If A.U
is given its Seasons 4 & 5, could at least one of the future episodes be about
Louis Leakey's trip to Calico and/or Barstow California in the 1960s? He put
his professional reputation behind the idea that a "flint factory" existed there
200,000 years ago, that bore a resemblance to very similar but way older ones
in or near the Great Rift Valley in Africa. Surely a trained geologist can opine
on how often lightning strikes in the same place so as to "knapp" all the certs
or flints!!! the region also has pyrite nearby. I do think once again academia quailed and is loathe to think Neanderthal or Homo Erectus or a middle sized
Gigantopithecus had both the dexterity and insight to be in California some
200,000 years ago partially or completely knapping flints for easy transport.
Then again, I am saying this to the one person who brought some new insights
into the great debate over the Kensington Rune Stone! I think Louis Leakey's
eyes were still sharp even in old age, he knew what he saw. The repetitive nature of the knapping technique belies the assumption all was lightning over
time! If you could once again look closely at Zinjanthropus and his tool making,
despite the robust teeth and jaws implying a mainly herbivore diet, many of
the highly intelligent folks in the online Bigfoot communities would appreciate
you adding your expertise concerning weathering and aging into the debate!!!
I'm not asking you to go out on much of a limb academically, only look at some
old certs before being easily 99% to 100% certain about Sasquatch or Bigfoot!
Scott, what is your opinion on the Patterson-Gimlin film?
ReplyDeleteA documentary was made that brought in experts from various disciplines to critique the Patterson-Gimlin film. This group of experts did not consider the personalities, just the film itself. Their conclusion was the film was genuine. I think it appeared on Nat Geo, but I will check.
DeleteSome years ago it turned ridiculous, there were more people claiming to be responsible for faking that bigfoot suit than there were taking credit for the sax solo on Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street".
DeleteThe way it was broken down with closeups of the muscle moving under the skin, the moving breasts, etc. was pretty convincing.
Interesting, but not convincing .
ReplyDeleteHello Scott,
ReplyDeleteI hope you didn't touch the "Yeti scalp". From what I remember, someone proved it to be made from the rear end of a Yak. It's my understanding, some Yeti hair samples, collected 1,000 miles apart, actually belong to an upright walking polar bear. It was either called a "flat-faced", or "short-faced" polar bear, and was believed to have gone extinct 25,000 years ago. I've seen several programs over years, which tested "Big Foot hair", and then claimed, "belongs to an unknown hominid". I do find the dermal ridge patterns(fingerprints) interesting. It's been a while but, from what I remember, there's a few fingerprint experts who believe there's a small population. Personally, I would need to see one for myself.
I do know of someone who shot one when he was twelve. He doesn't like talking about it, and turned ghost white the one time he told me. After he shot it "center mass", the creature let out a "blood curling scream" and ran into the woods. He was with his younger sister, and both spent two weeks in the hospital with shock. The incident supposedly made national news in either the late 50's, or early 60's, however, I've done repeated searches over the years and found nothing.
Looking forward to the next episode!!!
Best regards,
Anthony
Mr. Wolter...
ReplyDeleteJust watched your episode on the Knights Templer, with pt. 2 coming next week. I found it fascinating. I love your show the most in that, it opens up huge possibilities of what may be out there and fosters looking at the world with a certain wonderment again. All that and you actually participate on this blog, which I find very cool....God bless...
Sonny,
ReplyDeleteGlad you see the show the way we intend it; to make people think. It's my obligation and my pleasure to respond to people who take the time to post a comment.
Thanks
"Anonymous"
ReplyDeleteI surmise from your final comments that it's all a scam to sell books? Your facile explanation is pathetically weak and representative of irrational debunkers.
By the way, what is O'Brian's theory? Care to summarize?
@ffkling: Sticks and stones. Sticks and stones...
DeleteHi Scott,
ReplyDeleteVery well as we all have our unique interests, although I will tell you that you will be missing out on the most important story to impact mankind, and it's not good. UFOs, abductions, and cattle mutilations are all interconnected. In the not too distant future the world as we know it will cease to exist. Dr. David Jacobs and Professor Ron Westrum have spent decades researching this area and they note a troubling trend developing, which will soon reveal itself. Suffice to say it's not good at all. I concur. I too have spent a lifetime of research. Additionally I scored in the 99th percentile of the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal administered by my former employer (I am retired now).
Best of luck and take care. Thanks for being a good sport.
Can you offer some proof that these things are interconnected? I mean more than just the subjective reports of these events. Also, how does your being given a test for determining how well an employee will make decisions during stress or ability as a manager figure into this topic?
Deleteffkling,
ReplyDeleteThere may come a day when I take more interest, but as you can see in these two current episodes, I have my hands pretty full at the moment!
Translation: Step away from the lunatic...
ReplyDeleteI meant it exactly as I said it.
DeleteUnderstood Mr. Wolter, as Mr. Kling is a better candidate to buy your book. Being in that 99th percentile...
ReplyDeleteI’m very intrigued by the series “America Unearthed.” It is very fascinating at least to me to watch a format which better documents and places the stories I have read about for years concerning the possibilities of early Welsh followers and even the Knights Templar in America. However, it was very surprising to myself that you featured an entire episode to Bigfoot/Sasquatch. So much has been covered in other TV shows and documentaries that I really couldn’t see where you could add anything more to the subject. I was wrong; the hair information was very interesting, but the episode fails to acknowledge that several samples of Yeti hair have been clipped from the scalp for examining in the past so there would be cut hairs on it. Also, an entire Yeti hand (the Pangboche hand) has all but disappeared. However, Scott, if you really want to read the largest amount of scientific scrutiny on the subject, you should pick up the book, “Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science” by Jeff Meldrum. This book contains the bulk of scientific research on the subject involving behavior, weight, anatomy, primate comparisons and a complete digital analysis of the Patterson-Gimlin film confirming how very unlikely it could be a man in a suit.
ReplyDelete^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
ReplyDeleteWilliam Uchtman... you've made a most excellent reply!
the episode did bring a few new insights into the debate!
now if i can only coax A.U's team to Barstow California in
a future season to look at some 200,000 year old certs!
this is perhaps a quiet afterthought, but when the good word
ReplyDeleteabout SEASON FOUR happens, could you create a new thread
where we all come up with most excellent topics for s4 + s5?
I think that's a great idea and if we get the good word, I'll do it!
ReplyDelete