The Mongolian Death Worm
For anyone who’s ever seen an episode of the popular movie series Tremors, the idea of a giant attacking monster in the ground is quite terrifying. Luckily, those movies, set in the 1990s, were just fiction . . . or were they? Perhaps the basis of Tremors was found from another source—a real source.
For over a century, the legend of a giant worm in Mongolia has been documented by inquisitive Westerners. Called the “Mongolian Death Worm,” the tales are an interesting and mysterious aspect of Mongolian folklore. Generally, nomadic Gobi Desert dwellers, along with locals in that area, are those who claim to see the creature. Often described as a large, deadly beast, this mythical cryptid has captured the imagination of many over the years.
Physically, the death worm is described as being a large, red, sausage-like creature with a length ranging from two to five feet. The creature is said to be highly venomous, and it can shoot its venom at its prey or in self-defense. The venom is so toxic that it can corrode flesh and cause immediate death. Much like the creatures from Tremors, the death worm burrows through the ground to escape predators and to travel.
Still, as with most cryptids, the legend of the Mongolian Death Worm is met with skepticism by the scientific community. As of today, there’s no concrete evidence of the creature’s existence. Even still, its legend continues to be a popular topic of discussion and has even found its way into other popular, mainstream fictional works. So, whether a mythical creature or a product of imagination, the legend of the Mongolian Death Worm persists as a captivating aspect of cultural mythology in Mongolia and around the globe.
Leap Castle: Ireland’s Most Haunted Castle
Tucked away in the serene landscapes of County Offaly, Ireland, Leap Castle stands as a sentinel of time, bearing witness to centuries of history and whispers of the supernatural. This medieval fortress, shrouded in mystery, has earned its place as one of Ireland’s most haunted castles, with a dark past that echoes through its ancient halls.
Leap Castle’s history began with the rise and fall of the O’Carroll clan who constructed the castle in the 13th century. Power struggles, conflicts, and political upheavals that characterized medieval Ireland resulted in Leap Castle becoming a stage for sinister behavior.
Many of the rooms within the historic castle have stories associated with murder. One of the most famous is the Bloody Chapel. Legend has it that the O’Carroll brothers, locked in a bitter feud for control of the castle, turned the chapel into a scene of unspeakable violence. The rivalry reached its climax with a brutal murder, staining the chapel with blood and forever earning it its ominous name. The details of the feud have become somewhat obscured by time, blending historical facts with the elements of local folklore. However, the tale of the O’Carroll brothers and the Bloody Chapel persists, adding an air of tragedy and horror to Leap Castle’s narrative.
Leap Castle’s reputation for being haunted is largely attributed to the mysterious entity known as the Elemental. Descriptions of the Elemental vary, with some accounts describing it as a shadowy figure, while others speak of a grotesque, humanoid creature. The origins and purpose of the Elemental remain shrouded in mystery, but its presence is often associated with paranormal occurrences and unsettling experiences within the castle.
Websites, books, and articles detail many more events and haunts within the famous structure. Leap Castle stands as a living testament to Ireland’s rich and complex history. Its walls echo with the whispers of the past, from the familial strife of the O’Carroll clan to the alleged hauntings that have made it a beacon for paranormal enthusiasts. Whether one is drawn to its architectural beauty or intrigued by the mysteries that linger in its shadowy corners, Leap Castle invites visitors to step into a realm where history and the supernatural converge, leaving an indelible mark on all who dare to explore its haunted halls.
Crop Circles
For anyone paying attention, crop circles have been in the news for decades. Reports were so common in the 1990s that, at that time, many people stopped paying attention. Still, there are mixed explanations for these unusual occurrences.
Crop circles, also called crop formations or corn circles, are patterns created in certain crops, usually cereals like corn, wheat, or barley. Coined “crop circles” in the 1980s, some theorize that crop circles merely appear from natural causes like severe wind, or are man-made, while others attribute them to alien origins. Most crop circles are created overnight, but that’s not always the case. Crop circles are not to be confused with different crop formations known as cropmarks. Cropmarks are buried archaeological sites that are visible from the air and are usually square or circular and appear in the same locations year after year.
Crop-circle enthusiasts call themselves cereologists, or "croppies," after Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. Most cereologists believe crop circles to be the work of extraterrestrials or some kind of plasma vortex. While there has been very little scientific study of crop circles and no official UFO evidence to date, the number of crop circles has increased worldwide since the 1970s. Designs in the United Kingdom have appeared near roads in areas of medium to dense populations and near monuments like Stonehenge and Avebury. Apparently, crop circles might be a phenomenon that has been around for centuries. In 1678, a news pamphlet called The Mowing-Devil: or, Strange News Out of Hartford-shire was published. It is claimed to be the first distributed news article addressing crop circles, although the details within the publication show differences from modern crop circles.
Taner Edis, a professor of physics at Truman State University, speculated that crop circles fall within the range of events that tend to be hoaxes. In 1991, Doug Bower and Dave Chorley claimed they created many crop circles throughout England as a hoax. Generally, crop circles are viewed as hoaxes. Scientists have identified methods where people can flatten or bend crops. Newer suggestions posit that GPS and lasers are used to attain the accuracy seen in many crop circles. Additionally, some hoaxers have been caught in the act of creating crop circles.
Although scientists are generally firm in their belief that all crop circles are hoaxes, they haven’t been able to definitively determine that all were manmade. Alternative theories exist for how the remaining formations are created. Of note, weather, magnetism, and the paranormal are included theories. The paranormal theory, of course, leaves the field wide open. The most popular belief by the masses is that crop circles are of alien origin. The media, such as grocery store tabloids have heavily influenced this widespread belief. Still, until definitively proven, anything is possible, even extraterrestrials making pretty pictures in our food supply.
The Haunted Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is a historic hotel and resort located in Estes Park, CO, and originally built by Freelan Oscar Stanley. Designed to attract wealthy vacationers, the Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 with 140 rooms. Its doors are still open today.
So, what’s unique about this place? Well, it does boast of being haunted. In addition, in October 1974, a horror writer whose name is now commonplace in American culture stayed the night at the Stanley Hotel, along with his wife. During their stay, and as winter quickly approached, the resort was in the process of shutting its doors for the season. This left the pair in a unique position, as they were the only guests at the hotel. The author walked the empty hallways and ate in the large dining room alone. Later that night, he had a chilling nightmare. Instead of just forgetting it, however, he penned the outline for a new book. The Shining by Stephen King would become one of the most famous horror novels of all time. It even had a movie made by the same name starring Jack Nicholson. Released in 1980, it’s one of the most iconic movies of our day.
Besides being the inspiration and setting for King’s horror fiction, the Stanley Hotel is claimed to be haunted. On June 25, 1911, a leak caused a pocket of gas to collect below room 217, and when a chambermaid lit the room's lamp, the gas exploded and blew a hole through the floor. No one was killed in the explosion, but the chambermaid broke both of her ankles and eight other people were injured. Many believe the chambermaid returns to this room at times and resumes her chambermaid duties. Guests have reported their belongings being unpacked, folded, and moved around the room. Interestingly, room 217 is also the room that Stephen King and his wife stayed in the night of their visit.
The majority of paranormal activity is reported from the fourth floor. Guests have reported hearing footsteps and furniture being moved above them when the only thing above them is the roof. Guests have complained of children running up and down the halls, giggling and screaming, but when they open their doors, no children are in the hallway. Hotel employees and guests report similar stories of resident ghosts like that of a friendly cowboy who likes to sit in the corner of room 428 or walk around the room and kiss the ladies on the forehead at night. Many guests claim to see Mr. Stanley himself, usually in the billiard room, while his wife Flora is said to entertain guests with her piano playing in the ballroom.
The Stanley Hotel would be a great place to plan a visit. The beautiful mountain scenery, the history, the connection to The Shining, and the alleged hauntings make the Stanley Hotel quite the vacation destination. If you do go, don’t forget your pen and paper. You just might get some inspiration for the next horror bestseller.
The Loveland Frogmen
The cryptids that we’ve discussed in the past show the vast differences between different creatures. They are described as mammalian, fish, reptilian, and much more. So, it comes as no surprise when our next cryptid is described as amphibian-like—froggish, actually—but with some very un-froglike characteristics.
The Loveland frogmen are cryptids that come to us from the Loveland, Ohio area, hence their name. Reported sightings first began in 1955 when a businessman driving along a solitary road at around 4 am purportedly saw three giant frogs standing near the road. According to him, he pulled over and watched the strange creatures for several minutes. After being observed for a time, one of the frogs produced a metallic object that shot sparks into the air—very unlike any normal frog indeed.
Nearly two decades later in 1972, a Loveland police officer reported seeing a creature with the same description as the frogmen previously described. Again, the sighting was in the early morning hours, this time around 1 am. The officer nearly hit the creature, but he stopped in time. When the car stopped, the frogman stood, turned and faced the car, and then turned and climbed over a guardrail. It disappeared into the Ohio River below.
In 2016, two teenagers claimed to have seen a frogman in Cincinnati, more than 25 miles from Loveland. They apparently even captured a video of the creature; however, most who’ve seen the footage claim it was a hoax.
So, are there giant frogmen in Ohio? As with most cryptids, it’s very difficult to say. What we can say, though, is that the Loveland frogmen, if real, would be one of our strangest—and slipperiest—cryptids we’ve looked at to date.
Nostradamus - 16th Century Prophet or Not?
The definition of seer is clearly inferred from the word itself; it means one who can see. However, it’s not talking about seeing with physical eyes. Rather, a seer is one who can see with spiritual or metaphysical eyes.
Perhaps the most famous seer of all time is Nostradamus. Born in 1503 in France, Michel de Nostradame was a famous French astrologer and physician born in 1503. He claimed to have prophecies regarding his own period in history as well as the future. At 14 years old, Nostradame began studying medicine at the University of Avignon. Following a delay in his education due to the bubonic plague, he continued studying medicine1522 at the University of Montpelier, where he completed his education (although some accounts claim he never finished.) When he received his license to practice medicine, he Latinized his name to Nostradamus. He eventually married and had children, but his entire family succumbed to the plague in 1534. He spent his time traveling around Europe and it is believed that during these travels he experienced a psychic awakening.
Following accusations of heresy by the Catholic church, Nostradamus left his home and traveled throughout Europe. During this time, his abilities as a seer occurred. Legend says he came upon a group of Franciscan monks and correctly identified one of them as the future Pope.
Apparently, he would spend hours at night meditating in front of a bowl filled with water and herbs where he would receive his visions. Around 1547, he began making prophesies. In 1555, he put his visions in a book entitled Centuries which would contain 100 predictions occurring over the next 2,000 years.
Nostradamus had many critics, but the majority of the people believed his prophecies were spiritually inspired. His fame led him to mingle with the elite of the day, including the French royal, Catherine de Medici, the wife of King Henri II of France.
Nostradamus suffered from gout and arthritis, which it is believed eventually resulted in congestive heart failure. In 1566, he told his secretary that he would be dead in the morning. Sure enough, he was found dead on the floor in his room as predicted.
In the modern era, Nostradamus has been credited with predicting a handful of events in world history including the rise of Hitler, the development of the atomic bomb, and the assassination of John F. Kennedy. For more details, one can search for his prophecies. Regardless, it could be said that many have come to pass. Undoubtedly, though, many have not. So, was Nostradamus truly a seer, or was he just a man who made some good guesses? I’d say that’s the question of the hour.
STS-48 - The NASA Mission that May Have Brought Back Proof
On September 12th, 1991, a space shuttle rocketed off Earth from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to release a research satellite. The mission, designated STS-48, was a success, and the five astronauts who crewed the craft safely landed back on Earth six days later at a U.S. Air Force base in California.
Most people probably either don’t remember the mission or have never even heard of it. However, those who do remember STS-48 might remember it for the unique coverage it received after the mission’s completion—coverage that addressed something altogether different from a satellite launch. A video sequence recorded by the space shuttle Discovery during that six-day period shows something odd—something that many believe was of extraterrestrial origin.
In the black and white footage caught on September 15th, a camera is trained towards the earth. At some point during the video, an object that appears white and large appears in the center of the screen just below the earth’s horizon. The object moves from right to left at a moderate rate of speed at what appears to be a course paralleling the earth’s atmosphere. Approximately 15 seconds after it appears, a broader flash is seen on the screen, but it’s unclear what was the source of the flash. At that moment, the object makes a sudden turn greater than 90 degrees and moves off at an extremely accelerated pace toward the top of the screen and away from Earth.
The object described above wasn’t the only object that was visible on the screen and that appeared to change course when the flash occurred. A close and repeated examination of the video—which can be found on YouTube—shows other objects changing direction following the flash event.
Many claim the video shows that the space shuttle was being followed by extraterrestrial spacecraft. Others just claim the video captured evidence of the existence of otherworldly spacecraft. Of note, the footage gained much attention and was aired by media outlets such as CNN’s Larry King Live.
Explanations provided by different “experts” state that the objects were shuttle debris, such as ice, that were propelled away from the Discovery when certain engineered thrusters activated, also explaining the sudden flash of light. The objects have also been described as being meteors, satellites, and other space debris. Although many have attempted to debunk the UFO theory, doubt still abounds. For one reason, many “experts” in favor of a UFO theory have explained away the more rational theories mentioned already.
So, UFO, or not? Truly, something seems odd about the footage, but it’s hard to definitively say. Probably the one verity here is that those in the UFO camp will continue to believe the video shows proof of extraterrestrial spacecraft, while those who look for other explanations will believe or continue to look for other rationalizations other than UFO.
Champ - America's Loch Ness Monster
Champ is a North American lake monster that is believed by some to live in Lake Champlain - a natural freshwater lake between Vermont, and New York and which crosses over into Canada.
The Lake Champlain region has a history of Indigenous people long said to have lived and hunted near the lake. The Abenaki and Iroquois legends told of a serpent-like creature that inhabited the lake. The Abenaki, who called the creature “Gitaskog.” The legend said that the creature was known to be a man-eater.
The next alleged recorded sightings were by French cartographer Samuel de Champlain. He was attributed as saying that he saw a very large creature matching the more contemporary description of Champ; however, there’s no record of him having ever said this. It is documented, though, that he saw fish “five feet long, which were as large as my thigh; the head being as big as my two fists, with a snout two feet and half [sic] long, and a double row of very sharp and dangerous teeth.” This is a far cry from the 20-foot-long serpent with a head like a horse that he purportedly saw and described. Instead, it appears that he portrayed the common garfish that inhabit Lake Champlain.
In the past two centuries, many sightings have been reported. For example, in 1873, The New York Times reported that a railroad crew had seen the head of an ‘enormous serpent’ in Lake Champlain. After that, with the intent of adding it to his World’s Fair Show collection, the legendary showman P.T. Barnum offered $50,000 in reward money to anyone who could bring him Champ’s hide. In July of 1883, Clinton County Sheriff Nathan H. Mooney reported an ‘enormous snake or water serpent’ he thought was 25 to 35 feet long.
In 1977, a woman named Sandra Mansi was on vacation with her family when she took a photograph of what some believed to be Champy poking its head and back above the surface of the lake. The authenticity of the famous photo has been thrown into doubt because Mansi did not keep the negative and she couldn’t find where she’d taken the photo from. Considering those missing pieces, which precluded further examination into the authenticity of the photo, many believe the object in the photo was just an opportunely-shaped log floating in a lake.
For those looking for more solid evidence, a video was taken in 2005 of Champ. This time, the tapes were available and reviewed by two former FBI forensic image analysts. Their conclusion was that the video had not been altered. More videos taken by other witnesses show strange objects and wakes. These videos can be found online. In 2003, while working on a Discovery Channel show, recorded underwater sounds in the lake that resembled Beluga whales or dolphins. It should go without saying that these mammals don’t inhabit Lake Champlain. All of these encounters are just a few of the hundreds of eyewitness testimonies that have been reported.
So, is there actually an American Loch Ness Monster lurking in Lake Champlain? Well, hard evidence is iffy; however, there have been so many sightings that it’s hard to completely dismiss the idea that something unusual lurks in the waters of Lake Champlain. With all the cellphone cameras out there, hopefully, it’s just a matter of time until we get a clear shot of Champ.
The Sacred Uluru Monolith
Our forays into the supernatural often take us to native traditions and folklore. Many of these stories are hundreds or even thousands of years old and were passed down orally from generation to generation within specific tribes. Our next interesting topic of focus is the historic—and culturally significant—natural rock formation known as Uluru.
Also called ‘Ayers Rock’ by Australian locals, Uluru is one of Australia’s most prominent landmarks. More importantly, Uluru is one of the most important sacred sites of the indigenous people of Australia. Uluru is a large sandstone monolith in the desert of Australia’s Northern Territory, 208 miles (335 km) from the nearest large town. Rising from the comparatively flat surrounding territory, Uluru stands alone as the only mountainous formation in the vast area. Uluru notably changes color throughout the day as the sun sets or rises; the rock structure’s orange color can change from gold to yellow to blazing red. There’s even a designated viewing area to watch the colorful transformation as the sun lowers and sets.
The local Anangu people do not climb Uluru because of the monument’s great spiritual significance to them. Non-native tourists didn’t use to show the same reverence, however. For many years, visitors would climb the Anangu’s sacred mount. But in 2019, climbing Uluru was banned by the Australian government. National Park brochures now contain a request that tourists respect Anangu law and tradition by not climbing the rock. According to the Anangu, the world was once devoid of features until ancestral beings in human, plant, and animal form created the landscape that can be seen today. Many of the Anangu’s ancestral creator spirits, known as Tjukuritja or Waparitja, are believed to live within Uluru and all the land around the formation.
Indigenous tradition claims that because the creator spirits still inhabit Uluru, anyone who removes rocks from the formation will be cursed and suffer misfortune. Interestingly, many who in the past took objects from Uluru—anything from rocks to sand—often mailed them back to the national park office over the monolith. Many of them claimed to have experienced a curse of some sort, although the curses varied from person to person. Tourism to the towering structure spiked in 2019 but has since seen a decline, which many attribute to a lack of tourism due to COVID-19.
Other people’s traditions and beliefs should always be respected, even if they are drastically different than our own. Not only is it important to show reverence for the traditions of others, but sometimes honoring other’s customs benefits us, too. After all, as in our study above, no one wants to be cursed simply by picking up a rock. So, if you ever visit Australia’s most sacred indigenous site, leave it how you found it. You might just be better off for it.
The Tunguska Event - The Explosion that Leveled a Forest
Earth’s history is full of natural, yet atypical phenomena. From the rise and fall of entire species to the creation and erosion of the Earth’s landscape to asteroids impacting the Earth's surface, these types of occurrences have had significant effects on our world. Yet, they occur so gradually or rarely that people are surprised to learn of their occurrences. One such unusual historical event that was actually observed by people and documented by scientists was the Tunguska event.
On the morning of June 30, 1908, near the Tunguska River in Russia’s sparsely populated Siberian region, a 12-megaton explosion devastated the area. The explosion flattened all the trees, vegetation, and wildlife over an area of 830 square miles of forest. Although the shape of the damage on the Earth’s surface was like the shape of a butterfly, to comprehend the damage, a person can generally imagine a box 28 miles by 28 miles square. That was one big explosion!
At the time, Russian settlers reportedly witnessed a column of bluish, bright light moving across the sky. Ten minutes later, there was a flash and sound of an explosion. Eyewitnesses reported hearing the explosion move from the east to the north of them. The sounds were accompanied by a shock wave that knocked people off their feet and shattered windows hundreds of miles away. Witnesses said at least three people may have died from the event.
A Russian expedition to the region in 1927 discovered limbless, still-standing trees across a five-mile area at the epicenter of the explosion. Outside of that area, trees were knocked down away from the epicenter. The event was generally believed to have been caused by a ‘meteor air burst’ of a stony asteroid or meteorite. An air burst occurs when a meteor enters the earth’s atmosphere and then explodes before impacting the ground. Technically, even though there was no impact crater, the Tunguska incident has been classified as an ‘impact event.’ Later samples taken from the region showed evidence of materials present from otherworldly sources.
Although scientists have solid theories and some evidence to support those theories, the nature and eyewitness accounts of the Tunguska event give it a mysterious vibe. It’s lucky for humanity that the event occurred in such a remote area, which prevented the significant loss of human life. But what if another asteroid were to come barreling out of the dark vastness of space on an uninterrupted collision course with Earth? Would we be so lucky as the 1908 event? Or would it be much worse? We’ll just have to wait and see.
The Clairvoyant Edgar Cayce
It seems preposterous to think that abilities exist in this world that can only be called “superhuman.” It’s one thing to see fantastic things on screen. It’s something entirely else to read eye-witness accounts professing that these things really do happen. One of these purported powers is clairvoyance, which is in a nutshell the ability of a person to know things that should be impossible for them to know. One of the world’s most famous clairvoyants was Edgar Cayce.
Edgar Cayce was an American, self-proclaimed clairvoyant, also known as ‘The Sleeping Prophet.’ Born in 1877, Cayce was born near Beverly, Kentucky. As a child, he claimed he saw the ghost of his deceased grandfather, and a woman with wings who taught Cayce that if he fell asleep on his schoolbooks, he would still be able to learn the material.
As he got older, Cayce said he learned to put himself into a trance-like state and connect his mind to a ‘dream realm’ where all minds were timelessly connected. He could also allegedly make predictions regarding the future and even provide remedies for diseases that helped people heal from ailments. Some of Cayce’s most notable clients included Woodrow Wilson and Thomas Edison. At least 14,306 of Edgar Cayce’s readings were recorded and can be found at the A.R.E. headquarters in Virginia Beach, VA.
Toward the end of his life, Cayce founded the Association for Research and Enlightenment, or A.R.E. A.R.E., located in Virginia Beach, VA, allegedly provides resources for individuals to explore such things as meditation, dream interpretation, and holistic health. At least 14,306 recordings of Edgar Cayce’s readings can be found at the A.R.E. Cayce’s fame lives on today, and his reputation doesn’t appear to be diminishing in certain circles.
So, nowadays, are there others out there like Cayce who can see, perceive, and know things that should be impossible for them? If they’re out there, where are they? Are their actions revered in small communities, but go unnoticed by the rest of the world? Or do they hide, keeping their gifts away from the prying—and greedy—eyes of the world?
Honey Island Swamp Monster
Naturally, elusive creatures such as our cryptids are generally said to inhabit areas of the world that are less populated by humans. And that makes sense. After all, if Bigfoot hid in the alleys of New York City we’d call him a squatter, not a cryptid. Our next cryptid is another Bigfoot relative that allegedly roams another remote location.
Honey Island Swamp is a marshland located in the eastern part of Louisiana. At only 250 acres, the swamp is considered the “most pristine” swampland in the United States. Not only is the bayou inhabited by numerous species of wildlife, but it is also believed to be home to the Honey Island Swamp Monster.
This cryptid, also known as the Cajun Sasquatch, is said to be a bipedal humanoid that stands about seven feet tall and weighs around 400 pounds. The swamp monster is described as foul-smelling, with gray, black, or orange hair, yellow or red eyes, and webbed feet with three or four toes. The creature has allegedly been seen around the swamp for the better part of six decades; however, the earliest stories of the monster come from Choctaw legends, passed down from generation to generation, of a giant beast that terrorized the region.
In 1963, two men—Harlan Ford and Billy Mills—were deep in Honey Island Swamp when they came upon a massive creature on all fours. After hearing their voices, they saw the creature stand on two feet and face them. I made eye contact with them for several seconds before fleeing into the thick swamp vegetation.
There have been numerous alleged encounters with the Honey Island Swamp Monster. Also, many unusual footprints captured in plaster and strange sounds caught in recordings are believed to belong to the creature.
It’s possible that we’ll come to the full truth through definitive proof, one day. Or it’s just as possible that a large Louisiana alligator has already ended the mystery of the Honey Island Swamp Monster. It’s hard to know. But one can always hope. And wait.
Freemasonry - A Secretive Society
So, are you part of any secret societies? Do you sneak out of your home, checking behind you to ensure you aren’t being followed as you travel to a hidden meeting place? Are you required by oath to keep secrets from those you love? Statistically, the answer to these questions is, “Probably not.” However, millions of people in the world are part of such groups. One of the most famous of these groups is Freemasonry.
Most people believe that Freemasonry began in the 14th century with local fraternities of stonemasons acting as a type of early labor union. Some theorists, however, place Freemasonry in an evolved order of the ancient Knights Templar who changed their name for survival. Whatever the origins, today Freemasonry is considered one of the world’s oldest and most secretive, secular, non-religious, fraternal societies. There are estimated to be over 6,000,000 Freemasons around the world. Members–called “Freemasons” or simply “Masons”–are encouraged to volunteer their time towards charity work. All discussions regarding politics or religion are said to be forbidden.
Freemasonry has been associated with many different conspiracies. One common belief is that Freemasons control the inner workings of our society and have members infiltrating every major organization to influence world decisions. Theorists believe members of Freemasonry seek to hold key positions within the United States government. This theory also equates Freemasons with the New World Order, particularly those who have achieved the high honor of a 33rd-degree level Mason, or “white hat.” However, the secrecy surrounding Freemasonry makes it difficult to verify or disprove such claims, at least when they pertain to current world leaders.
Freemasonry is sometimes thought by outsiders to be associated with Satanism, and some Christians denounce them as people who stand against God. Members and proponents of the Freemasons, however, deny such claims.
It’s hard for the average person to know what to believe in the world that we live in. The possibility exists, too, that you might even know a Freemason or two, but are unaware of their secret participation in the organization. The two polar-opposite theories of the purpose of Masons paint the organization in two very different lights; one, that of altruistic servants of the community; and two, power-hungry men that want to control the world for their own purposes . . . far from altruistic.
Queen Mary - A Haunted Ocean Liner
The world’s oceans have been the settings for many things including tragedy, intrigue, and death. Truly, the oceans could be considered the earth’s largest mass graveyards. Some believe that the spirits of many of those who were buried in the depths of the seas are not at rest, but roam in their malcontent. One of the places that legends say these ghosts roam are ships. The British ocean liner Queen Mary is one of them.
Queen Mary is a historic ocean liner that was the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Ocean between the 1930s and the 1960s. Due to her swiftness and large carrying capacity, Queen Mary was converted into a troop ship during World War II, painted battleship gray, and nicknamed “The Grey Ghost.” On October 2nd, 1942, while carrying thousands of American soldiers to Europe, Queen Mary accidentally collided with H.M.S. Curacao, a light cruiser of the Royal Navy. Curacao was ripped in half, killing hundreds of servicemen. Prohibited from stopping, Queen Mary sailed on, leaving over three hundred men in the water. Queen Mary has reportedly been the site of many more ill-fated deaths and accidents since then.
Now permanently docked in Long Beach, California, Queen Mary is considered one of the most haunted hotels in the world. Crew members have reported what sounds like dozens of hands ‘pounding’ the outside of the ship as if the ghosts of the lost servicemen are begging to be let aboard. The most haunted room on the ship is said to be room B340. The room was reportedly sealed shut for many years but has been opened once again for overnight stays by only the most fearless patrons. This popular cabin has allegedly held a significant number of paranormal activities. Several stories have been reported of haunted meetings taped in the ship’s records. Staff and visitors of the Queen Mary have reported apparitions, chilling screams, phantom figures, cold spots, and a generally haunted feeling while aboard the ship.
Worth a trip if one is in the area, the Queen Mary hotel and museum might be the closest that many people may ever get to real ghosts. Of course, there are many locales across the globe that boast being haunted, but few have the history of Queen Mary. And for us, that history makes Queen Mary hauntingly attractive.
Kit Green, a Man of Mystery
There are undoubtedly some unusual things in the world we live in. Plenty of unexplainable events occur, and most people generally chalk them up to just being weird phenomena. But many of these events are purposefully orchestrated by governments and organizations with varying motives. The people involved are often literally researching, poking, and prodding the boundaries of our world, including the untapped abilities of the human brain. So it was with, Christopher “Kit” Green, a man who led an extraordinary life as an expert in paranormal research.
As a young man, Green earned a Ph.D. in neurophysiology and became a medical doctor before joining the CIA in 1969. At the CIA, Kit Green held several different positions and accomplished varied assignments, including creating top-secret evaluations of the mental stability of foreign leaders and working on biological and chemical threat analyses. Green also specialized in forensic medicine and conducted analyses on the bodies of CIA agents who had died under suspicious circumstances. Green once said of his time at the CIA, “Some say I ran the weird desk.”
In 1972, Green was assigned to the psychic research program at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) where he oversaw the administration of medical tests on people with alleged extraordinary abilities. Green used CT scans to analyze the brains of individuals with extraordinary abilities and compared them to scans from the brains of average individuals.
Interestingly, the famous psychic and spoon-bending sensation Uri Gellar agreed to take part in a research program conducted at SRI in 1972, and Kit Green was personally assigned to work with him. Green was involved with Ingo Swann's remote viewing experiments. He also worked on adapting the technology of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) brain scanners into high-tech lie detectors. Green used fMRI to test the existence or non-existence of a telepathic connection between human test subjects at a distance. Green was allegedly involved in projects developing the technology to read people's minds and reverse-engineer alien technology. He was awarded the CIA’s highest honor - the National Intelligence Medal - for his work on a classified project from 1979 to 1983.
Individuals like Kit Green are a rare breed. Although the average person has no idea what strange things the governments and corporations of the world are doing behind closed doors, the information that has come forth over the years sheds some light on some of the strange experiments being performed. What we know of Green and his time as a researcher with the CIA confirms that he indeed “ran the weird desk.” But are there other “weird desks” out there? That’s hard to say. . . unless you’re one of our readers. Then, the answer is simple.
Valensole UFO Encounter
Anyone who has ever scanned the tabloids while waiting in a grocery store checkout line knows a thing or two about extraterrestrial beings and their motives for visiting Earth. Those same passive readers have also seen that the dangers associated with alleged UFO encounters can vary greatly, from benign to downright hazardous. One interesting encounter that was reported in France many decades ago was supposedly on the latter end of that spectrum.
Valensole France is a small community known as the “Lavender Village of France.” In 1965, Maurice Masse, a farmer, was working in his fields when he noticed two children standing nearby. As Masse looked closer at the children, he was surprised to realize that they were not children at all but strange-looking beings. He later described them as having large, bald heads, pasty faces, huge, slanted eyes, and wearing coveralls. As he watched them, they returned Masse’s stare back as they stood by an odd-looking craft. Masse then noticed that one of them was holding an unidentifiable, tube-like device.
Suddenly, Masse was hit and disabled by a beam of energy. He fell to the ground unconscious. However, he awoke in time to see the craft fly away into the sky. Afterward, he reported the experience to the French gendarmerie who conducted an extensive investigation. During a later interview, Masse was shown a drawing of an unidentified flying object that had landed in Socorro, New Mexico, USA. Masse said the depiction on the paper matched the craft he had seen in his field.
For several years after the incident, Masse was unable to grow crops in the spot where the UFO had allegedly been located. Interestingly, Masse came to consider the encounter "a spiritual experience" and said he looked upon the site as "hallowed ground" that "should be kept in his family forever."
With the unknown factor of extraterrestrials’ motives, is it any wonder that believers and hopers have a sense of foreboding about alien life? The question “What would they do if they were here and free to do their will on earth” has led many people to dread if and when otherworldly creatures are discovered or come en masse. The experience of a small-town French farmer doesn’t answer the question, but it does move the needle a little further from a benign
FEMA Camps
Theories about the U.S. government’s motivations and goals for its processes and procedures abound. Many of those theories seem far out there, while many don’t appear too far-fetched at all. We’ve seen that time, hard evidence, and the occasional hard-charging journalist can indeed bring the truth to light. One of the theories that has gained some traction in certain circles surrounds the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
When major natural disasters or other crises occur in the United States, the President of the United States can declare the incident a federal emergency. This in turn activates FEMA to attend to the effects of the crisis. FEMA was established in 1979 under executive order by President Jimmy Carter. In 2002, FEMA was codified into law and made a division of the Department of Homeland Security.
One of the many things FEMA does during a crisis is establish camps. On paper, these camps are constructed to provide aid to those most affected by giving them shelter, food, water, hygiene, and other necessities. But are these camps all they’re cracked up to be?
Theorists claim that FEMA camps have been used as concentration camps where the government has imprisoned US citizens during certain crises. But the theory isn’t just a view into the past. Some versions of the theory say that in the future large numbers of US citizens, including dissidents, will be imprisoned by a New World Order. Why would they do that? Extermination.
These theories began circulating in the 1970s, but have gained greater public attention with the evolution of the internet and social media. Supporters of these theories argue that FEMA's 'disaster response' mission is merely a cover for its true purpose. Theorists believe the organization is 'the executive arm of the coming police state' and plans to one day assume control of the United States following a major nationwide disaster. Skeptics of these theories believe the 1940s Holocaust in Nazi Germany propagated these irrational fears. After all, the realities of the Holocaust and the details of FEMA camp theories have similarities
So, are FEMA camps really guises for sinister ulterior motives to subjugate and kill the American populace? Will FEMA one day take over control of all American citizens’ lives? Maybe. Time and new revelations on the matter will tell.
One if by Land, Two if by Sea
In New York City, there’s a restaurant with allegedly sordid and unfortunate beginnings. One if by Land, Two if by Sea is a modern, upscale establishment located in West Village. There, one can find not only some of the finest dining in New York City but also some of the most notorious spooks in the Big Apple, too.
It is widely believed that One if by Land, Two if by Sea is haunted. Built in 1767, the restaurant was once Aaron Burr's carriage house. Burr is best known in history as the third vice president of the United States. In the 1790s, after the death of his wife, Burr took up residence there with his daughter Theodosia. Disturbing rumors of an intimate relationship between Burr and Theodosia allegedly fueled a famous duel between Burr and Alexander Hamilton on July 11, 1804, which left Hamilton dead and Burr in political ruin.
In 1813, Theodosia boarded a ship bound for Charleston, South Carolina. The ship departed New York City but never reached its destination port. It was never seen again. Later, in 1836, Burr died from a stroke in financial ruin.
Over the years, the carriage house changed hands and purposes many times. In 1973, it was refurbished and opened its doors as the One if by Land, Two if by Sea restaurant. The eatery may boast excellent reviews, but it’s the spirits we’re interested in. One if by Land, Two if by Sea is allegedly haunted by at least twenty different ghosts that terrorize the diners and staff. A maître d' once resigned after claiming he was shoved up and down the stairs each night by 'invisible hands.' Other reported paranormal events include flickering lights, disappearing and falling paintings, and diners being shoved by spirits. However, Aaron Burr and Theodosia are the most famous ghosts said to haunt the restaurant. Burr allegedly throws and breaks plates, while Theodosia reportedly walks the halls and steals earrings from unsuspecting female diners.
So, if you’re looking for a good meal that comes with a side of shiver down your spine, it seems that One if by Land, Two if by Sea might just be your cup of tea. Bon appétit!
Skunk Ape
Bigfoot seems to have so many brothers, sisters—even cousins three times removed—that it’s hard to keep track of them all. Still, the local lore about these different creatures usually includes some distinct differences from the world’s most famous sasquatch. The Skunk Ape legend is no different.
The Skunk Ape originated in the southeastern United States and is known by many names including Swamp Cabbage Man, the Swamp Ape, Stink Ape, and the Florida Bigfoot. Sightings have most commonly been reported in the state of Florida, although they haven’t been confined to the Sunshine State. The first official reports of a large, man-sized monkey were reported in 1818 when locals claimed they saw the creature raiding food stores and stalking fishermen.
The Skunk Ape is approximately 5 to 7 feet tall and covered with mottled reddish-brown hair, except around its face where the hair is a lighter color. As one can imagine from its name, the Skunk Ape has a reputation for being . . . well . . . stinky. It is said to have an overpowering stench like that of skunk musk.
Skunk Ape sightings long predate Juan Ponce de Leon when he claimed Florida for Spain. Folklore from the Seminole tribes of Florida includes stories of a strong, foul-smelling, secretive creature they call the “cannibal giant.” More recent sightings have come from many sources, including in 1997 when a full tour bus containing between 30-40 people witnessed the creature. It is said that all of the tourists saw the Skunk Ape, which they described as a “seven-foot, red-haired ape.”
Concerning the various humanoid cryptid legends that dot the planet, one must wonder if the sightings are the strangest coincidence ever, if different regions are seeking for their own notoriety through their claims, or if there is actually truth to the existence of Bigfoot and his worldwide family. For many, the truth has yet to come forward. For others, though, the facts that have come forth are plenty convincing.
The Creepiest Island on Earth
Thanks to horror movies like Childs Play and Puppet Master, dolls have gotten a pretty bad rap. But, it’s not just Hollywood that’s instilled in many people a dread for these children’s toys. An actual phobia of dolls—called pediophobia—can be found in medical and psychological texts. Is it any wonder then that the Island of the Dolls is such a creepy place for so many people?
Located just south of Mexico City, Mexico, La Isla del las Munecas is thought to have a dark, mysterious past. In the mid-20th century, Don Julian Santana Barrera abandoned his life in Mexico City and moved to the island. Although versions vary, the story goes that Santana Barrera found a drowned girl in the water adjacent to his island. He also found a doll in the water. One version of the story says that the man heard the spirit of the deceased girl crying for her doll. So, he hung the doll up in a tree. From then on, his life’s mission became finding dolls to honor and appease the little girl.
Santana Barrera did many things to acquire the dolls that still adorn the island’s trees. He searched for them in the garbage, walked the lake’s banks to find them, and even traded the island’s produce to locals in exchange for dolls. It’s no wonder that many believe the man was suffering from a mental disorder.
In 2001, Santana Barrera died of a heart attack; however, the dolls remained. The Island of the Dolls has been featured on popular television shows, including the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures. The place has become a popular tourist attraction. For anyone interested in visiting its eerie shores, guides can be hired to transport the tourists, although many local boatowners refuse to visit the island out of superstition. And, is it any wonder that they refuse? After all, it’s probably the spookiest toy land on the planet.