Pat Spain goes to British Columbia in search of Cadborasaurus, or "Caddy" as it is fondly known. He talks to local witnesses who claim to have seen the monster, hangs out with local fishermen, and spots local whales. He speculates that some Caddy sightings could be humpbacks surfacing in unison, or perhaps porpoises. He also pokes around in the Woods Hole Institute's freezer, checking out their specimens, and talks to some First Nations folks about native legends (Caddy has a long history). He also looks at possible historical and current candidates, including the elusive oarfish. Then he goes diving into the deep (in a submersible), where he sees strange things, like a giant jellyfish. In the deep, Pat believes, an unknown sea monster like Caddy could exist.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
DESTINATION TRUTH: Haunted Island Prison - Ucumar
SyFy Channel - Orignal Air Date: 3/22/2011
First, Josh & crew head to Panama to check out a notorious prison of the country's former dictator. Located on an island, it is remote and was difficult to escape -- a hellish place for inmates. On the way there, the team has the usual adventures, talks with locals (including former prisoners), and nearly gets drowned trying to kayak across the ocean surf. When there, they poke around the complex at night, hear strange sounds, and get frightened by a . . . frog. Later, they meet with Ghost Hunters International's Kris & Barry to review evidence. An orb turns out to be caused by a spider web, but they're too easy on a fuzzy sounding EVP (in my opinion). Strange noises and "footsteps" they heard remain mysterious, and Josh concludes the inmates seem to be serving an "afterlife sentence."
Next, the team heads to Argentina to look for the bigfoot-like ucumar, which their recreation makes look like half bigfoot, half rat. After stopping in Rio De Janero, they head to Salta, Rosario, the El Ukumari Ranch, and the outback -- after talking to ranchers and local witnesses, of course. They set up camp and go tromping around in the dark (with horses at one point), looking for the beast. They find some bones and some footprints, hear a mysterious sound, and get a thermal camera hit they can't track down. Back home, the bones turn out to be dog and the print from a bear -- an endangered animal virtually unknown in this part of Argentina. Josh concludes that the very rare bear is likely the truth behind this legend.
Monday, March 14, 2011
BEAST HUNTER: Swamp Monster of the Congo
National Geographic Channel - Original Air Date: 3/11/11
Pat Spain, a great-nephew of Charles Fort, goes to the Congo to look for the legendary, dinosaur-like mokele mbembe. He talks to witnesses, one of whom claims to have seen the monster a mere 3 months ago. (The witness dismisses Pat's natural animal explanations.) Trudging into the jungle, Pat sets numerous camera and video traps. As in the Amazon, Pat spends much time gaining the trust of the locals to aid in his search. But he doesn't find a dinosaur, he does, however, see elephants -- and even gets one on his camera traps. He speculates that elephants in the river may have helped give rise to the mokele mbembe legend. Of course, in the end, he doesn't rule out the beast's existence.
After 3 shows, I do appreciate this program's low-key approach to investigation. It's usually very sober, and seldom has those annoying "cliffhanger" commercial breaks. Because of this, however, it is a bit of a snooze. Certainly, actually finding a beast would make it much more exciting.
Pat Spain, a great-nephew of Charles Fort, goes to the Congo to look for the legendary, dinosaur-like mokele mbembe. He talks to witnesses, one of whom claims to have seen the monster a mere 3 months ago. (The witness dismisses Pat's natural animal explanations.) Trudging into the jungle, Pat sets numerous camera and video traps. As in the Amazon, Pat spends much time gaining the trust of the locals to aid in his search. But he doesn't find a dinosaur, he does, however, see elephants -- and even gets one on his camera traps. He speculates that elephants in the river may have helped give rise to the mokele mbembe legend. Of course, in the end, he doesn't rule out the beast's existence.
After 3 shows, I do appreciate this program's low-key approach to investigation. It's usually very sober, and seldom has those annoying "cliffhanger" commercial breaks. Because of this, however, it is a bit of a snooze. Certainly, actually finding a beast would make it much more exciting.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
BEAST HUNTER: Nightmare of the Amazon
National Geographic Channel - Original Air Date: 3/5/11
Pat Spain goes to the Amazon looking for the mapinguari -- either a beast or an evil spirit, which the show describes as a one-eyed monster(with a sideways face), slashing claws, a noxious stench, a mouth in its chest, and a savage howl. It also supposedly protects the forest from clearcutters. To ingratiate himself to the locals, Pat undergoes a ritual involving being stung by bullet ants (so called because the sting feels like being shot). Talking to witnesses, Pat theorizes that a giant anteater may be responsible for at least one attack. Another scientist theorizes that the beast could be a giant ground sloth (supposedly extinct). Pat does some call blasting, and gets a reply (which sadly does not show up on their audio). He also gets a witness to pick the giant sloth out of a lineup. Interesting theory, but next time I hope we'll have more evidence.
Pat Spain goes to the Amazon looking for the mapinguari -- either a beast or an evil spirit, which the show describes as a one-eyed monster(with a sideways face), slashing claws, a noxious stench, a mouth in its chest, and a savage howl. It also supposedly protects the forest from clearcutters. To ingratiate himself to the locals, Pat undergoes a ritual involving being stung by bullet ants (so called because the sting feels like being shot). Talking to witnesses, Pat theorizes that a giant anteater may be responsible for at least one attack. Another scientist theorizes that the beast could be a giant ground sloth (supposedly extinct). Pat does some call blasting, and gets a reply (which sadly does not show up on their audio). He also gets a witness to pick the giant sloth out of a lineup. Interesting theory, but next time I hope we'll have more evidence.
BEAST HUNTER: Man Ape of Sumatra
National Geographic Channel - Original Air Date: 3/5/11
Hunting host Pat Spain goes to Sumatra in this kick off for a series of monster hunting shows - boldly going where Josh Gates (Destination Truth) and MonsterQuest have gone before. This show does the usual witness interviews and chats with locals. Some of the witnesses, especially the naturalists, are very compelling. Then Pat tromps around the jungle looking for the beast. And, of course, doesn't find it.
While this might be okay for newbies, mostly it seems like a less entertaining version of Destination Truth. I expect a little more meat from my National Geographic shows.
Hunting host Pat Spain goes to Sumatra in this kick off for a series of monster hunting shows - boldly going where Josh Gates (Destination Truth) and MonsterQuest have gone before. This show does the usual witness interviews and chats with locals. Some of the witnesses, especially the naturalists, are very compelling. Then Pat tromps around the jungle looking for the beast. And, of course, doesn't find it.
While this might be okay for newbies, mostly it seems like a less entertaining version of Destination Truth. I expect a little more meat from my National Geographic shows.
Monday, February 7, 2011
My Capricon 2010 Schedule
As those of you who follow my free newsletter know, I'm appearing at Capricon 2010, in suburban Chicagoland this weekend. (February 11-13, 2010)
Here's a rundown of the events/panels I'm appearing at. Hope to see you there!
D & D - The Beginning - Friday, 02-11-2011 - 11:30 am to 1:00 pm - Lake Michigan B
C'mon, we've all played a little D & D at some point, right? Stephen Sullivan joined TSR as part of the development team for Dungeons & Dragons. Come get the inside scoop on how the world's most famous role playing game came to be.
Stephen D. Sullivan
Breaking Into the Gaming Industry - Friday, 02-11-2011 - 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm - Ravinia B (Teen Lounge)
Got an idea for the next D & D or WoW? Learn from the pros how to get into the gaming industry and succeed.
David Abzug
Brian Babendererde
Stephen D. Sullivan (M)
A Celebration of Bad Films, Part Deux - Friday, 02-11-2011 - 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm - Willow
We couldn't cover them all last year, so welcome back for Part Deux! They are the films you claim never to have seen, but when they come on cable, you can't turn away. You might even have a copy on DVD hidden behind the more sociably acceptable porn. What movies make Plan 9 From Outer Space look like a masterpiece of plotting, character, and special effects?
Br. Guy Consolmagno
Lee Darrow
Dave McCarty
Paul McComas (M)
Stephen D. Sullivan
Reading: Stephen Sullivan - Saturday, 02-12-2011 - 10:00 am to 10:30 am - River AB (Cafe)
Autographing: Paul McComas & Stephen D. Sullivan - Saturday, 02-12-2011 - 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm - Autograph Table
Escapist Gaming - Saturday, 02-12-2011 - 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm - Birch B
For most people, a primary childhood escape was "make believe". As "adults", we still escape through games - role playing, board games, online, and others. What are your favorite escapist games?
Donald J. Bingle
Matthew Duhan
Melissa Fichter
Eileen Maksym
Stephen D. Sullivan (M)
Tentacle Love - Sunday, 02-13-2011 - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm - Birch B
The influence of Lovecraft and Cthulhu on today's SF and horror.
Brian Babendererde
Valli Hoski
Stephen D. Sullivan (M)
Gene Wolfe
C'mon, we've all played a little D & D at some point, right? Stephen Sullivan joined TSR as part of the development team for Dungeons & Dragons. Come get the inside scoop on how the world's most famous role playing game came to be.
Stephen D. Sullivan
Breaking Into the Gaming Industry - Friday, 02-11-2011 - 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm - Ravinia B (Teen Lounge)
Got an idea for the next D & D or WoW? Learn from the pros how to get into the gaming industry and succeed.
David Abzug
Brian Babendererde
Stephen D. Sullivan (M)
A Celebration of Bad Films, Part Deux - Friday, 02-11-2011 - 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm - Willow
We couldn't cover them all last year, so welcome back for Part Deux! They are the films you claim never to have seen, but when they come on cable, you can't turn away. You might even have a copy on DVD hidden behind the more sociably acceptable porn. What movies make Plan 9 From Outer Space look like a masterpiece of plotting, character, and special effects?
Br. Guy Consolmagno
Lee Darrow
Dave McCarty
Paul McComas (M)
Stephen D. Sullivan
Reading: Stephen Sullivan - Saturday, 02-12-2011 - 10:00 am to 10:30 am - River AB (Cafe)
Autographing: Paul McComas & Stephen D. Sullivan - Saturday, 02-12-2011 - 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm - Autograph Table
Escapist Gaming - Saturday, 02-12-2011 - 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm - Birch B
For most people, a primary childhood escape was "make believe". As "adults", we still escape through games - role playing, board games, online, and others. What are your favorite escapist games?
Donald J. Bingle
Matthew Duhan
Melissa Fichter
Eileen Maksym
Stephen D. Sullivan (M)
Tentacle Love - Sunday, 02-13-2011 - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm - Birch B
The influence of Lovecraft and Cthulhu on today's SF and horror.
Brian Babendererde
Valli Hoski
Stephen D. Sullivan (M)
Gene Wolfe
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Bigfoot: The Definitive Guide
History Channel - Original Air Date: 2/2/11 (?)
This show claims that its team of "top scientists" will search the globe for bigfoot, doubt its existence, discover shocking new evidence, and wonder if we've been searching for the wrong creature all along. In 2009, North Americans reported 250 bigfoot sightings. The show plots 10,000 sightings on a world map to determine patterns. More than 95% of all reported sightings are in Asia or North America; nearly 70% of these are at high altitude with dense tree cover. Hotspots include the Himalayas (Yeti), Indonesia (Orang Pendek), Central Asia (neanderthals), and North America (Sasquatch). The wilds of British Columbia have one of the highest concentrations of sightings in the world. The show then does numerous recreations of sightings (with quite good special effects). Team members include Jeff Meldrum (from the stone-throwing MonsterQuest incident), Ian Redmond (bigfoot hunter), Anna Nekaris, Bill Sellers, and Jack Rink.
They look at video footage, trying to sort out the hoaxes -- like the one from Bamf (sp?) Canada (a local promotion) -- and images too blurry to be any good. Once they've eliminated these, there's not much left. The team isn't surprised, as animals can be hard to photograph -- and cite the recent discovery of the bili ape. (I however, would point out the pictures of this ape are much, much better than any bigfoot evidence, despite all the bigfoot searching.) They look at a "tree structure" in the woods (which looks like a tree fall to me) and speculate it may be territory marking by bigfoot. They do some moonlight hunting and engage in tree knocking and "call blasting" and even use tracking dogs. Of course, they find nothing.
Then they look at the Patterson film. Redmond and Nikaris point out the "natural gait" of the creature (they clearly haven't seen the clips of Bob Heoronimous walking with his natural gait); Sellers and Rink are skeptical, pointing out that Patterson was a scoundrel. Journalist Mike McCleod relays that Patterson never held a steady job, claimed to be an "inventor," and published a book on Bigfoot (Do Abominable Snowmen of America Really Exist?) a year before featuring a sketch similar to what he later claimed to photograph. Patterson also borrowed money to direct a film about bigfoot and was down on his luck. The whole thing seems to good to be true. The team remains split on the authenticity, and I'm still disappointed these "experts" apparently haven't seen the National Geographic Is It Real special I referenced above, which convinced me the Patterson film is a fake. The team does dismiss the "skunk ape" Florida sightings as most likely "pet" chimps (or other apes) released by their owners.
Then Meldrum looks at the famous Shipton Yeti prints, which he's convinced are real -- if perhaps pathological because of the twin big toes on one foot. (He ignores the idea that the print is something else distorted by snow melt. None of the rest of the photos look like the "footprint" cast to me.) The show points out that only one species of primate is known to live in cold weather, and speculates that Yeti might have adapted, too. Redmond, at least believes that Yeti don't live in the snow, but merely pass through. He also believes in a lowland yeti called "mandi baru" (sp). They mention the yarin as well, and quickly turn to gigantopithecus as a possible explanation. Could Bigfoot be this human offshoot/ancestor? There are sightings of such creatures worldwide, especially in Russia, where they are called almas. They recount a Red Army encounter with such a creature and then talk about the "hobbit" found in SE Asia and orang pendek. Then they turn to homo heidelbergensis, a large-framed human offshot, as a likely suspect. We then get stories or bigfoots/wildmen chasing and kidnapping women.
Jack Rink then suggests that bigfoot isn't a throwback, but rather modern humans who have deliberately adapted to the wild -- possibly as part of a shamanistic ritual. In British Columbia, one First Nations archeologist believes that Squamish nation initiates spent years training in the woods, covering themselves in moss to keep warm. When these "wild people" were seen by members of other societies, they led to the legends. The show then suggests that these shamanic traditions may continue even today, all over the world. But is this enough to explain all the sightings worldwide? The team weighs all the evidence and -- not surprisingly -- the skeptics remain skeptical and the believers remain believers. What seems clear is that the Patterson film escalated sightings, but not all sightings are hoaxes or easily explained. Bill Sellers points out that if these creatures were real, there should be more solid physical evidence.
With a title like Bigfoot: The Definitive Guide, one would hope for a show full of sightings and good science. While we do get plenty of stories and sightings, a pretty good overview of the phenomenon, and a veritable catalog of bigfoots, bigfoot-like creatures, and suspects for what bigfoot could really be, the science beyond that cataloging is very much of the "I want to believe" variety rather than actual "how can we form a hypothesis and test it" science. What we mostly get, rather than "good" science is speculation, lots and lots of speculation.
This show claims that its team of "top scientists" will search the globe for bigfoot, doubt its existence, discover shocking new evidence, and wonder if we've been searching for the wrong creature all along. In 2009, North Americans reported 250 bigfoot sightings. The show plots 10,000 sightings on a world map to determine patterns. More than 95% of all reported sightings are in Asia or North America; nearly 70% of these are at high altitude with dense tree cover. Hotspots include the Himalayas (Yeti), Indonesia (Orang Pendek), Central Asia (neanderthals), and North America (Sasquatch). The wilds of British Columbia have one of the highest concentrations of sightings in the world. The show then does numerous recreations of sightings (with quite good special effects). Team members include Jeff Meldrum (from the stone-throwing MonsterQuest incident), Ian Redmond (bigfoot hunter), Anna Nekaris, Bill Sellers, and Jack Rink.
They look at video footage, trying to sort out the hoaxes -- like the one from Bamf (sp?) Canada (a local promotion) -- and images too blurry to be any good. Once they've eliminated these, there's not much left. The team isn't surprised, as animals can be hard to photograph -- and cite the recent discovery of the bili ape. (I however, would point out the pictures of this ape are much, much better than any bigfoot evidence, despite all the bigfoot searching.) They look at a "tree structure" in the woods (which looks like a tree fall to me) and speculate it may be territory marking by bigfoot. They do some moonlight hunting and engage in tree knocking and "call blasting" and even use tracking dogs. Of course, they find nothing.
Then they look at the Patterson film. Redmond and Nikaris point out the "natural gait" of the creature (they clearly haven't seen the clips of Bob Heoronimous walking with his natural gait); Sellers and Rink are skeptical, pointing out that Patterson was a scoundrel. Journalist Mike McCleod relays that Patterson never held a steady job, claimed to be an "inventor," and published a book on Bigfoot (Do Abominable Snowmen of America Really Exist?) a year before featuring a sketch similar to what he later claimed to photograph. Patterson also borrowed money to direct a film about bigfoot and was down on his luck. The whole thing seems to good to be true. The team remains split on the authenticity, and I'm still disappointed these "experts" apparently haven't seen the National Geographic Is It Real special I referenced above, which convinced me the Patterson film is a fake. The team does dismiss the "skunk ape" Florida sightings as most likely "pet" chimps (or other apes) released by their owners.
Then Meldrum looks at the famous Shipton Yeti prints, which he's convinced are real -- if perhaps pathological because of the twin big toes on one foot. (He ignores the idea that the print is something else distorted by snow melt. None of the rest of the photos look like the "footprint" cast to me.) The show points out that only one species of primate is known to live in cold weather, and speculates that Yeti might have adapted, too. Redmond, at least believes that Yeti don't live in the snow, but merely pass through. He also believes in a lowland yeti called "mandi baru" (sp). They mention the yarin as well, and quickly turn to gigantopithecus as a possible explanation. Could Bigfoot be this human offshoot/ancestor? There are sightings of such creatures worldwide, especially in Russia, where they are called almas. They recount a Red Army encounter with such a creature and then talk about the "hobbit" found in SE Asia and orang pendek. Then they turn to homo heidelbergensis, a large-framed human offshot, as a likely suspect. We then get stories or bigfoots/wildmen chasing and kidnapping women.
Jack Rink then suggests that bigfoot isn't a throwback, but rather modern humans who have deliberately adapted to the wild -- possibly as part of a shamanistic ritual. In British Columbia, one First Nations archeologist believes that Squamish nation initiates spent years training in the woods, covering themselves in moss to keep warm. When these "wild people" were seen by members of other societies, they led to the legends. The show then suggests that these shamanic traditions may continue even today, all over the world. But is this enough to explain all the sightings worldwide? The team weighs all the evidence and -- not surprisingly -- the skeptics remain skeptical and the believers remain believers. What seems clear is that the Patterson film escalated sightings, but not all sightings are hoaxes or easily explained. Bill Sellers points out that if these creatures were real, there should be more solid physical evidence.
With a title like Bigfoot: The Definitive Guide, one would hope for a show full of sightings and good science. While we do get plenty of stories and sightings, a pretty good overview of the phenomenon, and a veritable catalog of bigfoots, bigfoot-like creatures, and suspects for what bigfoot could really be, the science beyond that cataloging is very much of the "I want to believe" variety rather than actual "how can we form a hypothesis and test it" science. What we mostly get, rather than "good" science is speculation, lots and lots of speculation.
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