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Operation: All Clear - The Oklahoma City Bombing

Oklahoma City Bombing The Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 was alleged to have been carried-out by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols (alone...

Thursday, October 28, 2010

US Midwest Hit by Record Number of Tornadoes

In the second-worst October outbreak in recorded history, states throughout the United States Midwest have been hit by 56 tornadoes in the past two days. Accompanied by violent storms, powerful winds, rain, and snow, injuries across several states have been reported. Though the most violent weather has moved out of the area, some regions are still facing heavy storms.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Russian Bears Eating Corpses

Due to a lack of food, bears in some regions of Russia are using graveyards "like refrigerators," according to scientists. Locals say the bears have alternately scavenged towns and trashcans, as a scorching summer has depleted their natural diet of berries, mushrooms, and the like. One young man was mauled to death by the starving beasts in Komi.

Other analysts say the bears have plenty to eat, it's simply that graveyards offer an easy food supply.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Emperor of Exmoor Dead, Long Live the Emperor

The "Emperor of Exmoor" is a 9' tall, 300-lb. red stag some reported as having been killed a couple weeks back after landowners offered a bounty of over $1500. However, no one has claimed the money and no evidence of the kill has been presented, leading some to believe that the story was simply put forth to ward-off hunters.

In fact, the landowners who reportedly offered the bounty say they did no such thing and are actually quite protective of the Emperor of Exmoor. Further, several report having seen the red stag numerous times since its reported demise.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Smart Kids Become Heavy Drinking Adults

Two separate studies came to the same conclusion: When smart kids grow-up, they tend to drink more often, and more heavily, than their stupiderer classmates. One of the studies was conducted in America, the other in Britain. But researchers do not know exactly what the correlation is. Many people, mostly outside of the scientific community, have offered theories, but I was too drunk to give a damn.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Tatzelwurm

Tatzelwurm
The Tatzelwurm
The Tatzelwurm truly tests the accuracy and efficacy of cryptozoology, as its existence remains a hotly-contested subject for debate.  While there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to support the creature's existence, others have completely written it off as folklore and legend.

To be sure, the legend is incredulous: A seven-foot, serpentine creature with the head of a rat and shiny, possibly scaly, skin.  Its mode of transportation and attack is even more disturbing, as the tatzelwurm is said to coil itself and spring toward its victims, biting and scratching them with its short forearms.

The tatzelwurm's origins are rooted in antiquity; it is thought to have been first mentioned in 1779 in the Swiss and Austrian Alps.  Reports grew more frequent in the late 19th-Century, but no tatzelwurm was ever produced.  A skeleton discovered in 1924 was purported to be that of the tatzelwurm, which was so well-known as to have three distinct names (stollenwurm and springwurm being the other two), but it was never proven to be.

Many believe the creature did exist at one time, but is now extinct.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Only the Best

According to several sources, anyone can create and sell online, and few of them work. Many of them use the same ingredients, and you can never be 100% certain of what you are getting. That is why the link provided shows only proven dietary aids.

Being slightly overweight or wanting to lose a few pounds is one thing, but if you have a serious weight issue, be sure to consult a professional before changing your diet!

The Lake Worth Monster - Texas' Bigfoot

Though reports of a large creature in the Fort Worth, TX area had been coming in for nearly two months, police dismissed them as pranks until July 10th, 1969, when six eyewitnesses with an 18" scratch on their car flooded their office one night to report a large, hairy and scaly "monster" which fell from the trees to attack them.

Though they investigated, they found nothing, but the local paper picked-up on the story and ran a feature on the "goat-man" of Fort Worth, Texas. Some described it as nearing 7' in height, and weighing some 300-lbs. The Lake Worth Monster was covered in whitish-grey hair, beneath which most reported scales or scaly skin.

The next day, some 30+ people were gathered to get a glimpse of the Lake Worth Monster, and it did not disappoint. A mass sighting resulted in sheriff's deputies being called to the scene. When some onlookers attempted to approach the creature, it is said it threw a tire at them -- with the rim still inside it!

A famous picture was taken which resembles little more than a cottonball-blob, and at which the photographer now scoffs. The last sighting occurred some two months after the first and police later blamed pranksters, but others are not entirely convinced and no suspects were ever arrested or even accused.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Cheating Woman Murders Babies for 14 Years

Michele Kalina's husband and daughter were told to stay out of a closet in the family's home, which they did for years, until one day. When they found what they believed to be human remains, they called police. Ever thorough, the cops told them they were not human remains and the Kalinas threw them away. However, police returned to the apartment two more times, finding human remains on each visit.

Once the story had been pieced together (I can pretty much guarantee no cop managed this much), authorities came to the conclusion that Kalina had been having an affair with an unnamed man for some 14 years, during which she was impregnated no fewer than five times, killing and hiding the babies to avoid detection!

Michele Kalina has been arrested and is facing numerous charges, including homicide.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Halloween Horror Movie Reviews

I forgot to tell you guys: I am reviewing (well, trying to) 31 horror flicks for October over to Rated-B. Of course, I've had a few setbacks, but I can still feasibly pull this thing off, and I'm going to do my best to do exactly that, so if you dig horror flicks, please check it out.

This link is for all the Reviews on the site, but the first 31 will be the horror movies. Unless you read this months after Halloween, in which case, you're on your own! (Still working on that pesky navigation thing...)

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Ghost Adventures - The Vulture Mine

Ghost Adventures - The Vulture MineThe Ghost Adventures crew goes to the Vulture Mine in Arizona, which sets in complete isolation, 70 miles from Phoenix. The mine was discovered in 1863, and by the 1880s, there were more than 5,000 residents drawn to the town by opportunity and greed. The gold discovered there was responsible for much of Arizona's development.

Corruption was rampant -- if you showed any threat to the mine or the gold stores, you would be hung without trial. Many people were buried where they died without ever having a marked grave. The U.S. government sent in troops to protect the town, but even the soldiers were greedy and corrupt.

Unfortunately, it seems the spirits at Vulture Mine wanted Zak, Nick, and Aaron gone before they could arrive. A huge storm hit Arizona before the lockdown could begin, forcing the guys to head back to town and wait-out the storm. However, the setback did nothing but fuel the GA crew's desire to find out what lurks in the old mining town!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Your Own, Personal, Exorcism

Ghostbreaker, Denise Guzzardo, shared some tips for ridding your home of an unwanted spirit with the Chicago Tribune. Many of Guzzardo's tips are taken directly from folklore, and they may well work for you, but they may not; though the article does not mention it, the specific nature of a haunting is key to breaking, and/or banishing, a spirit. Still, the techniques she mentions are traditionally correct and I am impressed that she shared the information so willingly.

Of course, that is because Guzzardo knows that if the haunting is of a less than savory nature, an expert will have to be called-in.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Annual Stuff

Sorry guys, but regular readers know this is The Weirding's busy time; every year, I try to release a major update to the site and I usually wait until the very last damn minute to get it all together. Actually, that isn't exactly true, but it's close enough to the truth that I don't mind owning it. Anyway, this means I have less time to post, but things get back to normal shortly thereafter.

Also, I'd been refraining from mentioning it until I could see how it was going to play-out, but I had a major change in my medications about a month ago (as in I'm no longer taking them) and there's been a period of adjustment. The truth is that I won't know how well I'm able to function without them until it actually gets, and stays, cold (which is when it's hurt worst, traditionally), so that's still an issue.

Anyway, I do have posts for you, but as usual, it's one of those hit-and-run -type things, and for that, I apologize. I'm also doing some basic maintenance across the site and blogs.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Monday, October 25, 2010

Superstitious Thinking Works

According to researchers, superstition actually works. They did various tests in which they told one group an object was "lucky," then told the control group nothing of the sort, and those who believed they were working with "lucky" objects outperformed those in the control group! The objects in question (a golf ball in one test) were not actually blessed or considered "lucky" by anyone in any way.

In another test, researchers allowed superstitious people to keep their lucky objects (such a a rabbit's foot) with them while they took various tests, then had them leave them behind while they took others. In all cases, the testers performed better when they had their lucky objects.

Researchers think that those who adhere to these superstitions did better with "lucky" objects because they boost the "participants’ confidence in their own capabilities."

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Some Tech Stuff

Hey, I got The OddBlog's (and The Weirding's) FAVICON back!  (The little skull in your browser bar.)  It took some finagling, but I did it, and I'd like to thank the Blogger Help Group thingy and a user named "Greenlava" for helping me.  I also tightened the keywords, updated the freaking copyright, and did a few behind-the-scenes stuff you probably can't detect (but the search engines, spiders, directories, et.al. should).

I still have a host of things to do, including going back through the tags (which takes forever but I agree is very important).  I am also going through the outbound links to make sure we are offering the best out there.  I may try to do a little more networking when I find the time.

If you run a related blog or website, please leave a comment.  I'm more than happy to do the reciprocal linking thing!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Saturday, October 23, 2010

11 Hurt While Fleeing Ol' Scratch

When a 30-year-old, unclothed, African man got up to feed his baby in an apartment just outside of Paris, 11 of the apartment's occupants apparently mistook him for the Devil. The man was stabbed in the hand and forced out of the apartment. As he tried to force his way back inside, the other occupants leapt from the window to avoid him.

Victims include a 4-month-old and 2-year-old, and reports indicate several of the other jumpers were children, as well. They are investigating whether or not the children leapt on their own or were coerced by others.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Creepers Kill German Man, Eat His Corpse

30-year-old Mark Voegel did not bring visitors to his apartment because he kept a large collection of insects and lizards, many of which were very aggressive and highly poisonous. When the heating elements on the container holding his "pet" black widow spider exploded, releasing it and its termite prey, the spider bit Voegel, killing him.

When authorities arrive, they described a scene like that from "a horror movie." Voegel's body was stretched over his couch, in the process of being eaten by the 200+ insects and lizards he kept inside. Lizards ripped chunks of flesh from his corpse, which bird-eating insects then carried into their nests. Spiders, termites, and various insects crawled from the victim's mouth and nose, and termites had devoured far more than his flesh. His body was found only after neighbors complained of the smell.

Experts say most of the creatures in Voegel's apartment would never have been allowed in a residential home.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Lose Weight Fast

It is fall now, very soon to be winter, and many people may think it is okay to go ahead and pack on the pounds -- after all, no one is going to see it and there are all those great, candy and food -centric holidays! But then, when spring rolls around, you are going to need those  to shed the pounds by summer.

Why go through the same cycle every year? While weight-loss aids can certainly be used, you should not rely on them alone. Changing eating and exercise habits even slightly can help immensely.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Google Finds God... FINALLY

Though experts doubt it will stop them from being evil, Google Street View returned a weird image of what appears to be two cloaked figures floating aimlessly over Switzerland. While many are explaining-away the "figures" as anomalies, lens flares, and even gum, others suggest they may well be God and "His only begotten Son," Jesus.

One reader posted a picture that appears to show the "figures" alongside the "decapitated" top portion of a streetlight, suggesting the entire thing was merely an error.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Siberian Tiger Bites Man... in Wisconsin

A seven-year-old Siberian tiger attacked a 38-year-old volunteer who was watering the animal at the time. The tiger, Khan, grabbed John Meeker's arm and pulled it into its cage. Other volunteers on-scene were able to get Meeker away from the tiger and begin administering first-aid. Meeker was airlifted to the hospital.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Monkey-Fighting Crocodile Kills 19 on Monday to Friday Plane

A crocodile smuggled aboard a small flight in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a passenger's duffel bag escaped, panicking passengers aboard and crashing the plane. Nineteen people aboard died as a result.

Authorities had to kill the crocodile on the ground when it emerged from the wreckage, but might not have gotten the story had it not been for a lone survivor of the flight who recounted the terrifying tale. When the crocodile emerged, passengers all went to one side of the plane to avoid it, causing the pilot to lose control of the imbalanced vessel.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Diet Reviews

I have been (somewhat) blessed in the weight department, only insofar as I have never had the need to lose weight. I have not been able to successfully gain weight and keep it on, which some consider a "champagne problem," but can actually be pretty difficult to deal with on its own. Still, I do sympathize with those who are looking to lose a few pounds.

Make a plan, and plans start with ample research. Look into reviews and find one that fits your needs, then be sure to study the possible side-effects and contact your health provider with any questions you may have.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Ghost Adventures @ Hillview Manor

Hillview Manor in New Castle, Pennsylvania was built to house the poor who could not care for themselves. It was later turned into a retirement home and became the place where thousands carried out the final days of their lives. The building has a longstanding problem with suicides and behind the building there are countless numbers of un-marked graves containing the bones of those who perished in the manor.

The Ghost Adventures investigation results in a number of spine-chilling EVPs containing intelligent responses to their questions. One spirit tells Zak, "I'm Jim." Later on, Jim speaks again when Nick asks what color pants he is wearing by responding, "blue."

The Hillview Manor investigation proves to be one of the most emotional episodes yet. The spirits inside the building call out for help, and ask for their voices to be heard. Luckily Zak, Nick, and Aaron were able to give these spirits a chance to speak, if only for a moment.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Monday, October 18, 2010

Mountain Goat Kills Hiker in Washington

63-year-old Robert Boardman was gored in the leg by a mountain goat on Klahhane Ridge in Olympic National Park and pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital in Port Angeles. Authorities say he was hiking with two companions when the group was confronted by the goat, which was known to be aggressive, Boardman tried to shoo it away, but it attacked him.

The goat lorded over the man after goring him, only leaving after a ranger pelted it with rocks. Rangers later hunted the goat down and killed it.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Ghost Adventures @ The Stanley Hotel

This investigation brings Zak, Nick, and Aaron to Estes Park, Colorado to investigate one of the most famously haunted hotels in the United States. The hotel has inspired dozens of notable guests to visit the small town at the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park. Stephen King was inspired to write his famous novel, The Shining, after experiencing some paranormal events during a stay at the hotel.

The Stanley Hotel is built upon a giant bed of quartz and limestone, which are said to be good conductors of paranormal energy. There is also a lake you must drive over on the way into town. Paranormal believers think these things help to trap the spiritual energy in Estes Park. The guys chose to stay at some of the most famously haunted rooms in the building.

Zak has personally dedicated this episode to paranormal skeptics, in honor of scientist and skeptic Bill Chapel, who joined the team toward the latter part of the investigation. Bill used a specially designed thermal and electromagnetic device to track where the changes in these levels around the room. Between Zak's investigating and the results documented simultaneously by Bill, you will be very impressed by the evidence they capture!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

New Carnivore Discovered

Researchers in Madagascar discovered a previously unknown carnivorous mammal they named Durrell's vontsira, in honor of conservationist, Gerald Durrell. The creature was first spotted in 2004, and a dead specimen was sent for study in 2005. Researchers say it is related to the brown-tailed vontsira, but has several differences.

Durrell's vontsira lives in Madagascar's largest lake, which is threatened by pollution and invasive species, and considered extremely rare. Researchers say it may be one of the most endangered species on the planet.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Back

So sorry guys! I had a really bad... something with my stomach and am still not certain what's wrong. Changes were made to my medicine, which may well have been to blame, but I fear I may have an ulcer. I'm not certain what it is, but it made last week terribly uncomfortable for me, so I did as little work as possible (which is nothing new). Then I had a birthday and there was a holiday, so I took that extra time-off just to relax.

But I'm back for now -- again, still fighting the stomach thing, so -- I may be off and on for the next week or two, but I'll be cranking-out posts at least through to the weekend.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Friday, October 8, 2010

Ghost Adventures - Waverly Plantation

During the tuberculosis epidemic, millions were afflicted with the disease, making it necessary to setup care centers for those infected. In Louisville, Kentucky there is a sanatorium that was the final resting place for thousands of tuberculosis victims. Waverly Hills sanatorium was built to care for victims from all over the United States. Sadly, most did not make it through the sickness.

The most heartbreaking part of the building is the former children's ward, where so many sick children spent their entire lives fighting the disease. Numerous visitors tell stories about the sad and playful spirits of children who still walk the halls of the sanatorium.

There are even stories of dopplegangers walking the halls of the building. One investigator describes an experience he had while leading a class through Waverly Plantation. The man had left to check out a lower floor. Once he returned to the group, they said they had moments before seen him walk into a different room. The legend says if you meet your doppleganger, you are supposed to die.

The Ghost Adventures Team goes back to Waverly tonight.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Friday, October 1, 2010

Ghost Adventures: Return to Bobby Mackey's

Ghost AdventuresThere is one place that you might hear Zak Bagans say he is afraid to investigate. Demonic possessions and physical attacks are run-of-the mill at Bobby Mackey's Music World. The building, which now hosts a country music bar, has been home to a slaughterhouse and is the site of a well-publicized satanic murder. In 2008, Zak, Nick, and Aaron spent a night investigating the building, not knowing it would change their lives forever.

Bobby Mackey's is the only location the guys have visited where they feel spirits have followed them home. After the first investigation, Nick was startled awake by banging pots and pans. Thinking his house was broken into, he ran downstairs to find his kitchen faucet turned on and nobody around. Aaron even admits that investigating Bobby Mackey's played a factor in ruining his marriage.

You won't believe the evidence and occurrences that happen during this investigation. The spirits call the Ghost Adventures guys and their guests by name. They use their past and emotions to play games, and they even mimic friends to get to the guys. What lies ahead is one of the toughest investigations Ghost Adventures fans will ever witness.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010