Vanderbilt University's Office of Religious Life made faculty members aware of four Wiccan/Pagan holidays by including them on the 2011-12 religious holy days and observances calendar. The holidays include Samhain (Ocotber 31st) and Beltane (May 1st). Vanderbilt's religious policy indicates that students might be absent on religious days such as these, and faculty and staff must honor those rights.
Allowing these absences is up to professors. A spokesperson told reporters they had no way of knowing who was of what faith amongst the student body and faculty, and whether or not one celebrates a religious holy day - or is even actually a member of the faith s/he claims - is "on the honor system."
Vanderbilt employees have only two paid holy days - Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. However, they also get two personal days in addition to vacation time. Students have several more, including numerous federal holidays. Tennessee is known to be fiercely conservative, but Vanderbilt follows the BBC Interfaith Calendar, which includes Pagan holidays.
The word "holiday" literally means "holy day."
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
The paranormal, the Supernatural, the odd and Unexplained
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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...
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Texas Man Attacks Woman, Claims to be Vampire
19-year-old Lyle Monroe Bensley was growling and hissing in a parking lot wearing only his boxer shorts when police found him. They were called after Bensley broke into a woman's home in Galveston, Texas and tried to drink her blood. Bensley claimed he was a 500-year-old vampire who needed to feed.
The woman was not harmed. Bensley is being held on $40,000 bond and awaits a psychiatric evaluation in a Galveston jail. According to reports, Bensley was not on drugs or medication at the time of the attack and arrest, and asked police to restrain him so he wouldn't kill them.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
The woman was not harmed. Bensley is being held on $40,000 bond and awaits a psychiatric evaluation in a Galveston jail. According to reports, Bensley was not on drugs or medication at the time of the attack and arrest, and asked police to restrain him so he wouldn't kill them.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Batplane UFO Spotted Over Spain
Described as "scorpion-like," the UFO sighted over Spain and photographed by Jamie O'Rourke looks more like the Batplane to me, though it does have some scorpion-like qualities. The triangular craft has an elongated nose and two pincer-like fins on each wing. It is black with a clear center, suggesting it is most likely terrestrial in origin.
O'Rourke sent the images to the UFO Global Reporting Center, which covered the sighting there. You can see the series of photos on their blog. The UFO sighting took place August 21st, 2011.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
O'Rourke sent the images to the UFO Global Reporting Center, which covered the sighting there. You can see the series of photos on their blog. The UFO sighting took place August 21st, 2011.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Check Out ChiLL
I know you're into cryptozoology, ufology, and real-world mysteries of the unexplained, but I have a feeling at least some of you are tabletop RPG gamers, lapsed or current. The Weirding is basically separate from The OddBlog, but shares the domain and is actually just another department of it, so I wanted to take a moment to promote the ChiLL RPG section.
ChiLL is a tabletop roleplaying game, like Dungeons & Dragons, focusing on Creatures of the Unknown - many of which are based on real-world myths, legends, and accounts of the Unexplained. While you are unlikely to learn anything about the real-world counterparts, it is an interesting look at how pop-culture latches onto these things. It's particularly interesting when thought of in historical context.
There was a slight uptick in interest in the Unexplained in the 1990s. While I will always associate the 1990s with a resurgence in the 1960's movements, and it was, there were a handful of 1970's concepts and trends that re-emerged as well - an interest in UFOs being foremost among these. Renewed interest in the Roswell incident was at the forefront of this, but it went much further, and much deeper. Eventually, it died-out and we're still here, a decade or so later.
Still, the concepts and ideas presented in the game are interesting for real-world researchers for these reasons. The Weirding covers mostly game-specific material, but I'm about to publish a larger department on Creatures of the Unknown that will reference stories and posts from The OddBlog quite often. I just redesigned the material already published and I think you'd dig it. So check it out!
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
ChiLL is a tabletop roleplaying game, like Dungeons & Dragons, focusing on Creatures of the Unknown - many of which are based on real-world myths, legends, and accounts of the Unexplained. While you are unlikely to learn anything about the real-world counterparts, it is an interesting look at how pop-culture latches onto these things. It's particularly interesting when thought of in historical context.
There was a slight uptick in interest in the Unexplained in the 1990s. While I will always associate the 1990s with a resurgence in the 1960's movements, and it was, there were a handful of 1970's concepts and trends that re-emerged as well - an interest in UFOs being foremost among these. Renewed interest in the Roswell incident was at the forefront of this, but it went much further, and much deeper. Eventually, it died-out and we're still here, a decade or so later.
Still, the concepts and ideas presented in the game are interesting for real-world researchers for these reasons. The Weirding covers mostly game-specific material, but I'm about to publish a larger department on Creatures of the Unknown that will reference stories and posts from The OddBlog quite often. I just redesigned the material already published and I think you'd dig it. So check it out!
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Weight Loss That Works
Most weight-loss supplements actually just help you lose water weight. While this will shed pounds, it is not lasting, as your body needs water and can rarely have too much (technically speaking). To get weight loss pills that really work, they need to burn and block fat and suppress your appetite. But which ones do and which of those work best? Follow the link above to learn more about these supplements, and which of them work best.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Prince Chupa
Prince George's Hospital in Maryland banned smoking on-site on June 1st, forcing smokers to break in the woods surrounding the facility. Since then, eyewitness reports of a Chupacabra, or chupacabra-like, creature have flooded the area. The hospital "adopted" the little creature, naming it "Prince Chupa."
A team trapped Prince Chupa briefly and took several close-up pictures of it. According to lab technician Joe Livermore, "It’s got a rat tail and a head like a deer." He added that it may be a cross between a rat, a dog, and a kangaroo, but admitted that he has no idea exactly what Prince Chupa is.
MSNBC has pictures and a video of the creature, which was released after being photographed. Witnesses say it is shy and there may be more than one.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
A team trapped Prince Chupa briefly and took several close-up pictures of it. According to lab technician Joe Livermore, "It’s got a rat tail and a head like a deer." He added that it may be a cross between a rat, a dog, and a kangaroo, but admitted that he has no idea exactly what Prince Chupa is.
MSNBC has pictures and a video of the creature, which was released after being photographed. Witnesses say it is shy and there may be more than one.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Capybara Spotted in California
A Capybara - a large rodent native to South America - was photographed as it exited a pond near a water treatment facility in Paso Robles about two weeks ago. A capybara lives for about four years and can grow to large size, but is not considered dangerous. This capybara is estimated at 100 pounds and may have escaped captivity as an illegal pet, or been set free by its owner once it grew too large.
Another capybara was seen in the general area about two years ago. Authorities believe it is the same rodent.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Another capybara was seen in the general area about two years ago. Authorities believe it is the same rodent.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
31 Days of Horror
Yes, 31 Days of Horror movie reviews will be back this year at The Rundown. I know things got hinky last year, but that wasn't entirely my fault and I've started early this year, so I'm hoping for the best.
Anyway, that's one fresh review of a probably rotten horror movie every day in October, leading up to Halloween on The Rundown, starting October 1st. There will be a decent mix of cult-favorite B-raters, mainstream horror fare, classics, and the like, so be sure to check it out.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Anyway, that's one fresh review of a probably rotten horror movie every day in October, leading up to Halloween on The Rundown, starting October 1st. There will be a decent mix of cult-favorite B-raters, mainstream horror fare, classics, and the like, so be sure to check it out.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
New York Overrun by Swine
And that is not a euphemism. Apparently, hundreds of wild boar have escaped local game farms, overrunning areas of the state. They have attacked and killed pets, rooted through trash, and even gone after humans on occasion. Unfortunately, funding is only enough to afford one official who is working overtime and making little progress.
While the overall "picture" of the wild boar problem in New York state is unclear, authorities believe there are a few hundred living in the wild and breeding in at least three counties. Their litters are of four to five piglets. Boar are not native to the state.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
While the overall "picture" of the wild boar problem in New York state is unclear, authorities believe there are a few hundred living in the wild and breeding in at least three counties. Their litters are of four to five piglets. Boar are not native to the state.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Things What Done Fell from the Sky - Alligators
When Dr. J.L. Smith noticed something fall from the sky and start crawling toward his tent, he got up to find an alligator about 12" long. A moment later, Dr. Smith saw another come sailing from above and hit the ground just like the first.
Dr. Smith was in the process of opening up a new turpentine farm in Silvertown Township, South Carolina in 1877 when it rained alligators on him. After finding the second, he discovered six more within an area of approximately 200 yards. They fell upon high, sandy ground about six miles north of the Savannah River, according to him.
Due to the small number and the proximity of the river, it is quite possible that this small "nest" of a half-dozen alligators of similar length and size were simply displaced by a freak gust of wind, as is often suggested in such matters, but it would actually be one of the few times when such an explanation makes sense.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Dr. Smith was in the process of opening up a new turpentine farm in Silvertown Township, South Carolina in 1877 when it rained alligators on him. After finding the second, he discovered six more within an area of approximately 200 yards. They fell upon high, sandy ground about six miles north of the Savannah River, according to him.
Due to the small number and the proximity of the river, it is quite possible that this small "nest" of a half-dozen alligators of similar length and size were simply displaced by a freak gust of wind, as is often suggested in such matters, but it would actually be one of the few times when such an explanation makes sense.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Things What Done Fell from the Sky - Coins in Ramsgate
Years before the Redding incident, shoppers in Ramsgate, Kent heard pennies striking the pavement. It was a December day like any other in 1968 and, once again, eyewitnesses claimed not to have seen the coins falling, only to having heard them striking the pavement. Some of the coins were dented from the impact, but there were no tall buildings nearby and no planes were observed overhead.
One eyewitness claimed the pennies came in "short, scattered bursts" every 15 minutes or so, dropping 40-50 pennies each time.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
One eyewitness claimed the pennies came in "short, scattered bursts" every 15 minutes or so, dropping 40-50 pennies each time.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Sri Lankan Grease Devils
"There is no grease devil, as such. It is a human among us with an ulterior motive of stealing or to engage in some illegal activities," a police spokesperson told reporters regarding a recent outbreak of attacks in and around Sri Lanka by what locals refer to as "grease devils."
As noted, grease devils are traditionally normal human beings who strip to their underwear and cover themselves in grease to better facilitate committing crimes. In recent weeks, several women have been attacked by these supposed "grease devils," and bitten about the necks and breasts. There have been some 30 or more reported incidents. This has lead to almost 50 arrests in and around the area, though locals insist the authorities have not done enough.
Police fired tear gas on a mob that had collected outside a local precinct, looking to lynch four men who had been arrested as possible grease devils just this week. Sri Lankan police and onlookers were injured during a similar melee following the release of a suspected grease devil at a different jail.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
As noted, grease devils are traditionally normal human beings who strip to their underwear and cover themselves in grease to better facilitate committing crimes. In recent weeks, several women have been attacked by these supposed "grease devils," and bitten about the necks and breasts. There have been some 30 or more reported incidents. This has lead to almost 50 arrests in and around the area, though locals insist the authorities have not done enough.
Police fired tear gas on a mob that had collected outside a local precinct, looking to lynch four men who had been arrested as possible grease devils just this week. Sri Lankan police and onlookers were injured during a similar melee following the release of a suspected grease devil at a different jail.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Things What Done Fell from the Sky - Coins in Redding
Children were accused of stealing money from the poorbox at St. Elisabeth's Church in Redding, England when a candystore owner reported a rush at his business on the morning of May 28th, 1982. No money was found missing, but the kids were definitely richer. They claimed the coins they had been finding the church's yard seemed to "fall from the sky."
In particular, the children said they would hear a tinkle on the ground, look about, and find a coin. Rev. Graham Marshall conducted a study of the area and phenomenon and immediately dismissed any seemingly "normal" explanation, such as pranksters or puking birds. Perhaps most inexplicable, several of the coins were embedded into the ground edgewise, suggesting a fall from a great height.
No explanation was ever found.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
In particular, the children said they would hear a tinkle on the ground, look about, and find a coin. Rev. Graham Marshall conducted a study of the area and phenomenon and immediately dismissed any seemingly "normal" explanation, such as pranksters or puking birds. Perhaps most inexplicable, several of the coins were embedded into the ground edgewise, suggesting a fall from a great height.
No explanation was ever found.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Party Attacked by Polar Bear, Boy Dies
A 17-year-old boy died in Norway and four others were injured when a polar bear attacked their campsite. The five were part of a larger British party camping on the Von Postbreen glacier. Polar bears had been sighted and reported in nearby areas and officials say at least three are killed every year.
Two of the four survivors who were attacked are in serious, but stable, condition. The rest of the expedition to explore the glacier has been canceled in light of the tragedy. The polar bear was identified and killed.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Two of the four survivors who were attacked are in serious, but stable, condition. The rest of the expedition to explore the glacier has been canceled in light of the tragedy. The polar bear was identified and killed.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Storms in Area
Yet again. In fact, I've already had to disconnect the PC twice this morning, so I'm going to ride it out by watching movies and such. If I can get to anything later in the day or tonight, I will. In the meantime, please enjoy the archives!
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Nazi UFO Conspiracy
Video deleted as part of an ongoing cover-up by the US DoD and its Allies in the Axis of Evil.
It is also of note to mention that much of this also has to do with "private companies" that have stolen patents and plans and even murdered the inventors. Raytheon is one of the major players in this ongoing conspiracy.
Covering-up wholesale murder for monetary profit and political gain is only a matter of National Security when it is exposed.
The video originally posted detailed the manufacturing of some kind of purple liquid that was reputed to be rocket fuel, anti-gravity technology, and showed several test flights of Nazi UFOs. It also had video of abandoned UFOs setting in garages and hangars throughout Germany. IIRC, they were said to date back to WWII. - October 17, 2019
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
It is also of note to mention that much of this also has to do with "private companies" that have stolen patents and plans and even murdered the inventors. Raytheon is one of the major players in this ongoing conspiracy.
Covering-up wholesale murder for monetary profit and political gain is only a matter of National Security when it is exposed.
The video originally posted detailed the manufacturing of some kind of purple liquid that was reputed to be rocket fuel, anti-gravity technology, and showed several test flights of Nazi UFOs. It also had video of abandoned UFOs setting in garages and hangars throughout Germany. IIRC, they were said to date back to WWII. - October 17, 2019
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
South Carolina Don't Wanna See Your Nutz
A 65-year-old woman is facing a jury trial in South Carolina for displaying her "Nutz." That is, a set of plastic testicles hanging from the back of her pickup known commercially as "Truck Nutz." Virginia Tice said simply she does not want to pay the nearly $450 fine, but the Police Chief of Bonneau, where the ticket was issued, said he does not believe it is a matter of Free Speech.
Tice is being represented for free by a local law firm. The trial was delayed because Tice was out of town, but should begin about two weeks from now. According to Police Chief Franco Fuda, South Carolina law considers a bumper sticker or device obscene if it depicts "sexual acts, excretory functions, or parts of the human body."
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Tice is being represented for free by a local law firm. The trial was delayed because Tice was out of town, but should begin about two weeks from now. According to Police Chief Franco Fuda, South Carolina law considers a bumper sticker or device obscene if it depicts "sexual acts, excretory functions, or parts of the human body."
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Great White Leaps Aboard
Six marine scientists were researching four great white sharks in Mossel Bay, South Africa known for leaping out of the water when they attack seals. As one of the men chummed the water with sardines, one of the sharks broke the surface and became airborne, landing in the back of the boat atop the the bait and fuel containers.
The scientists attempted to wrestle the half-ton great white back into the water, but it proved too much for them to handle. As it thrashed about, it cut fuel lines and the men had to radio for help. They tied a rope around the shark's tail and poured water over its gills to keep it alive as their boat was towed back to shore.
There, a crane lifted the shark back into the water, but it couldn't find its way out of the harbor and beached itself about an hour after it was released. The scientists then tied its tail and dorsal fins and towed it out to sea, where it was released.
No one was harmed by the flying great white shark.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
The scientists attempted to wrestle the half-ton great white back into the water, but it proved too much for them to handle. As it thrashed about, it cut fuel lines and the men had to radio for help. They tied a rope around the shark's tail and poured water over its gills to keep it alive as their boat was towed back to shore.
There, a crane lifted the shark back into the water, but it couldn't find its way out of the harbor and beached itself about an hour after it was released. The scientists then tied its tail and dorsal fins and towed it out to sea, where it was released.
No one was harmed by the flying great white shark.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
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