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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...

Friday, July 29, 2011

New Nessie Photos Confound Cryptozoologists

William Jobes has been going to Loch Ness for 45 years, hoping to snap a photo of the elusive Loch Ness Monster -- and he believes he may finally have done just that! Jobes says what he believes to have been Nessie's head surfaced in the loch about 200-300 yards from the shore where he stood back in May and he managed to get a single picture. Luckily, what may have been Nessie's back and tail popped up a moment later and Jobes snapped several shots.

While skeptics claim the photos show a stick that may have floated downriver, other experts aren't so sure. The best of the pictures seems to show a rather nondescript "hump" with what may be a tail poking out of the water just behind it.

"I know the difference between a piece of wood or a particular animal. I immediately did think it was a seal but it's head was like a sheep." Jobes told reporters. The picture, taken about 11:10am on May 24th, 2011, can be seen at The Daily Mail.

In June, owners of a cafe on Loch Ness claimed to have spotted Nessie, though many dismissed their claim as financially-motivated.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Thursday, July 28, 2011

PHOTO: Petit-Rechain 1990

Petit-Rechain
Petit-Rechain
The "Petit-Rechain" picture, named for the locale near which it was thought to have been taken, became famous when it was circulated around the world in conjunction with the "Belgian Wave" of sightings.

The "Belgian UFO Wave" occurred between 1989 and 1990.  An incident in November 1990, during which dozens of eyewitnesses saw a triangular craft with three lights -- similar to the one depicted in the Petit-Rechain photograph -- flying soundlessly and very slowly over Belgium, was later attributed to a Soviet satellite breaking-up over the area.  This cover story is a lie.

While the explanation sounds far-fetched, a man named only as "Patrick" told French-language broadcaster RTL that he and some friends created the craft in the picture using only a piece of polystyrene suspended in the air. Patrick says he was only 18 at the time the picture was taken, and his admission was coerced.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Time-Travel Proven Impossible

Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology measured the speed of a single photon, the smallest unit of light, and claim that it cannot move faster than the speed of light (in a vacuum). Not only does this prove Einstein's assertion that nothing can move faster than the speed of light, it also eliminates the possibility of time-travel.

Published in the U.S. journal, Physical Review Letters, the study concluded that "an effect cannot occur before its cause" -- a rule we all learned in grade school (or should have).

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Explaining My Absence

I chronicle a lot of inexplicable mysteries here, but my absence can be explained fairly succinctly (though I tend to ramble, so don't expect it):

We had a record number of storms here this year and it rained for days and days and days over the course of many weeks time and again over the last seven months. The electricity went out for days at a time not once but twice, and I got out of the habit of sitting in front of the computer blogging. When I got back into it, I developed a serious cramp in my back, but I pressed on for a few more weeks.

It was in May when the cramp spread and became so unbearable that I was forced to seek medical attention. If you've ever been through something like this, you know how it goes: Your doctor does jackshit but make an appointment for you with a "specialist" who does jackshit but send you for round after round of x-rays, MRIs, and exams. Months after your original appointment, you might get some help, but more than likely, you'll be told to "rest" or "drink more water" or something equally banal that simply means, "We aren't going to prescribe you the medicine you need because other people abuse it, you look like you might abuse it, or we don't get incentives to do so."

Anyway, I'm back in pain management and it took several months, several doctors, and countless phonecalls to get me back there. I lost innumerable hours, countless dollars, one primary care physician, and am actually on anti-anxiety medicine now (that's true, though it isn't all because of this debacle). But I am getting the help I need -- at least the help my insurance provides -- so I'm hoping to be back to regular posting soon. But, again, this has only just begun; I'm nowhere near 100% and nothing is certain, so I can only be hopeful at this point.

But The OddBlog is going on five years old, so there's more than enough oddities and cryptozoology to keep you reading until things get back to normal.

And, as always, thank you for reading!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Dead Man Wakes Up in Morgue

A South African man was taken to the morgue after his family called authorities and reported him dead from an asthma attack. Some 21 hours later, morgue workers heard pounding and someone screaming for help. Fearing a ghost, the workers ran to their boss who called police.

When police arrived, they discovered the old man pale and shaking, but alive. The family was gathered to make funeral arrangements when they were told the man was fine. The morgue owner said he was so scared by the experience that he was having nightmares the day after, but is feeling better now.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Saturday, July 23, 2011

What's All the Haboob, Bub?

Some citizens in and around Arizona have taken umbrage to weathermen's use of the word "haboob" to describe the dust storms residents have faced in recent months. These dust storms are caused by thunderstorms with high winds which pick up sand, loose dirt, and dust particles. While not uncommon to the area, Arizona has seen a large number of them recently.

"Haboob" is the term used to describe similar dust storms in other parts of the world, and technically the correct term for meteorologists. Insiders say these weathermen often use the word off-camera, but downplay it on TV to avoid confusing viewers.

Arizona is on the border of Mexico and attracts many would-be immigrants who want to enter the country illegally. Mexico is largely under the rule of large, and very dangerous, drug cartels. These crimes have been spilling into the state of Arizona for some time now and the mainstream media downplays their significance as "racism." However, Arizona residents have good reason to worry, as their state has become a hotbed of criminal activity that no one seems willing to tackle.

The controversy was actually created by a small number of people who have just enough time on their hands to not only be offended by the term "haboob," but to bother writing-in to the media outlets to express it. By and large, this fringe minority insists that Arizona's dust storms are unique from others and shouldn't be lumped-in with the rest.

Opponents say this nonsense is spurred by xenophobia, and possibly racism.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Friday, July 22, 2011

13-year-old Shoots Chupacabra

13-year-old Carter Pope of La Salle, Texas, claims to have shot and killed what he thinks may be a chupacabra.  His father doubted his claim until he saw the carcass for himself.  "It looks like nothing I have ever personally seen before," Carter's father told reporters.

Carter said the creature was "moving slowly across" an open field near his home when he saw it and he immediately thought it was a chupacabra.  "It started shaking slowly.  There was no hair at all on it.  Its back legs were shriveled up."  The creature was about 200 yards from where Carter stood.  He shot it three times.

Pictures of the beast appear to show what is likely to be a coyote or wild dog with mange, but skin from the possible chupacabra has been sent to labs for testing.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Be Back Shortly

Sorry guys but, due to a scheduling thing, I have been busier than usual this week. I'll be back to regular posting next week, but should have a few things for you before and during the weekend.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Has the Lizard Man Returned to South Carolina?

In 1988, a South Carolina resident claimed to have seen a 7' tall lizard-like creature with three fingers that stood on two feet. This report came in shortly after the sheriff investigated a car that had been mauled by... something. Tens of thousands of reporters, visitors, and hopeful cryptozoologists descended on small Lee County, hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever might have wreaked such havoc. Yet the Lizard Man was not seen.

That is, not until 2008, when yet another car had its bumpers and wheel wells shredded. Again came calls of a strange creature. Some eyewitnesses claim the Lizard Man of South Carolina had glowing red eyes, but agreed that it had only three fingers. Again, though residents searched, the Lizard Man was not found.

Just over the July 4th weekend, yet another car was discovered torn apart by something(s) unknown, leaving many Lee County, South Carolina residents to speculate that the Lizard Man may have returned.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Would-Be Robber Held as Sex Slave

According to some reports, 32-year-old Viktor Jasinski attempted to rob a hair salon in April of 2009 only to be floored by a single kick from 28-year-old salon owner and karate black belt, Olga Zajac.  Zajac then dragged Jasinski into a back room, tied him up with a blowdryer cord, and kept him as a sex slave for three days.  Zajac was said to have fed Jasinski nothing but Viagra to ensure his continued productivity.

Upon his release, the would-be robber went straight to police in Meshchovsk, Russia, to report his ordeal and both were arrested.  But, while Olga admits the two had sex, she claimed she bought him new clothes, fed him actual food while he was there, and even gave him money before he left.  The 28-year-old summed him up with, "What a bastard."

Some commenters claim the police exposed the story as a hoax, but with little elaboration.  Is the entire story untrue, or only Jasinski's version of events?  Unfortunately, the Internet does not say, as the salaciousness of the story seems to outweigh any attempts at truth.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Woman Disposals of Husband's Penis

48-year-old Catherine Kieu Becker drugged her husband's dinner, tied him to the bed, and cut off his penis as he woke-up. She then put his penis in the garbage disposal and turned it on. Her 51-year-old husband underwent emergency surgery, but little is known about his condition.

Becker has been charged with a litany of crimes, including aggravated mayhem, which could get her life in prison. She is currently being held on $1 million bond. When questioned by police, Becker said her husband - who initiated divorce proceedings some months earlier - "deserved it."

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Cult Leader Kills "Gay" Boy, 4

Peter Lucas Moses, a cult leader from North Carolina, faces the death penalty for killing a 4-year-old boy he thought to be gay, as well as a 28-year-old woman who was barren and wanted to leave the group. Moses presided over a house in which four women and nine children lived. He was the father of all the children but the one he murdered.

According to testimony, Moses told 25-year-old Vania Rae Sisk to get rid of her 4-year-old son Jadon Higganbothan because he might be gay. Moses is said to have believed this because the boy's father left Sisk. After learning that Jadon had hit another of the children on the bottom, Moses told the women to setup computer equipment and speakers. While religious music played, he took the boy into the garage and shot him.

In December, Peter Lucas Moses and the other women beat Antoinetta Yvonne McKoy throughout the day before he shot and killed her. Sisk is said to have brought him the gun. McKoy managed to get free and run to a neighbor's house, but the neighbor refused to call police for reasons undisclosed or unknown. Though McKoy begged for her life, the women were afraid Moses would go back to jail and insisted he kill her. The cult then taped the body into plastic bags and placed it in a dumpster - but not before displaying it to friends and family.

All of the surviving cult members face first-degree murder charges in North Carolina.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

New Nessie Sighting?

A local Scottish couple claims to have spotted what they believe was Nessie on June 15th, though some are questioning the sighting due to its timing.  Mr. and Mrs. Hargreaves have run a local cafe on the loch for one year and during that time they have spotted nothing unusual.  However, at around 2:30 - 3:00pm on June 15th, 2011, Jan Hargreaves says she and her husband saw "something that looked bizarre."

According to her and her husband, the unknown object was black with a neck too long to be a seal's.  It disappeared underwater for about 30-40 seconds, then returned.  The entire encounter lasted a good four to five minutes.

Critics note the sighting took place at the beginning of tourist season, and by a shopkeep.  However, expert Steve Fettham noted that it was from the same vantage point as Tim Dinsdale's most famous video of Nessie, filmed in 1960.  He was also believes locals' sightings more credible than those of tourists.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Friday, July 8, 2011

Grizzly Bear Fatally Mauls Man in Yellowstone

For the first time in 25 years, a grizzly bear fatally mauled a Yellowstone Park visitor. A 57-year-old man and his wife spotted the sow and two of her cubs, but when they attempted to leave the area, the mother attacked the man. His wife played dead some yards away and though the grizzly bear picked her up and slung her around by her backpack, she was uninjured.

Officials called it a "1-in-3 million" attack and do not believe the animal dangerous. It appears as though she was simply looking after the safety of her cubs. A hunt for the grizzly bear is underway, though.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Pilgrim's Ancient Codex Missing

Spanish authorities have announced that they are searching for the Codex Calixtinus, an ancient collection of prayers, sermons, and liturgic texts that served as a guide for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage of Medieval Times. The 12th-Century manuscript disappeared from a safety deposit box held in the Santiago de Compostela cathedral in Galicia sometime last week. The theft was only reported to police this Wednesday.

The Codex Calixtinus is considered a major religious artifact and its disappearance a blow to Spanish culture.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Ivan Marx - Bigfoot and the Mothman

Ivan Marx was a controversial figure in the search for Bigfoot.  He made a movie or two and claimed to have caught the monster on film, but the film was later deemed a hoax.  He made several more movies based on his supposed encounters and attempts to track the beast, but serious investigators dismiss his claims.

Marx was central to the Bossburg, Washington, "Cripple Foot" track findings, in which one of the footprints appeared to show a creature affected by a condition similar to "club-foot."  These tracks were later debunked, though doubt as to their authenticity remains.

Here is just over seven minutes of footage Marx shot in which he claims to have captured images of Bigfoot.  One of the creatures was later redubbed a Mothman sighting, as it appears to show a headless torso.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Friday, July 1, 2011

2000+ Fetuses Found in Buddhist Temple

In 2010, Thailand police found over 2000+ fetuses in a Buddhist temple where bodies are generally kept for cremation. An investigation concluded that two temple workers and a third woman were culpable. The fetuses were secured in plastic shopping bags and paper. They were to be incinerated, but the furnace was not working. The smell alerted authorities.

A few years prior, authorities were alerted by the number of women from areas in which abortion was illegal who were turning to the Web to find clinics and costs. Abortion is illegal in Thailand, but illegal abortions are common.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011