Professor Gruntsplatter's Spookatorium

Spookatorium 026

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:37:23 PDT

Welcome to the 3rd annual Halloween episode, Episode 26. This time around we pay tribute to Harry Houdini who left this mortal coil on Halloween back in 1926. In addition to the stupefying feats of conjuring and illusion he was best known for, Houdini spent 30 years exhaustively researching spiritualism and the paranormal. Sitting with and studying the techniques of the best known mediums of the day, and ultimately being unconvinced that the were capable of their grandiose claims.

Next we take a look at electro-magnetic fields as they relate to investigating the paranormal. Looking at the reality of what the fields are, and the leap of faith required to draw some of the conclusions that investigators seem to draw from them. Aside from that there is just a whole lot of music.

Tunes this time out from the likes of...

1. PESSARY (1:05)
2. DECEASED (4:23)
3. GOTHICA (9:38)
4. THE PROTAGONIST (18:26)
5. MERCYFUL FATE (23:44)
6. NIGHTMARE LODGE (28:36)
7. BENESTROPHE (32:14)
8. THE ROHAN THEATRE BAND (46:44)
9. STEROID MAXIMUS (51:47)
10. DEATHSPELL OMEGA (55:30)
11. HOCICO (60:00)
12. THE ACCUSED (66:45)
13. THE BLEEDING LIGHT (67:54)
14. MEGAPTERA (76:45)
15. BAUHAUS (83:30)

Professor Gruntsplatter's Spookatorium 026

Cheers,
Prof. Gruntsplatter

There is a Heartbeat

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:07:40 PDT

I'm not going to say that I am getting back to a normalized schedule anymore. Every time I think I will be something, or things, prevents it from happening. The show will and does go on however, and I hope if you follow the Spookatorium you will continue to. If the show were to die I would deliver the eulogy so that those that cared would know. Until you hear that eulogy, and I don't forsee it, I hope you will check in now and again and if you are subscribed to the podcast you stay that way.

I'm working on the Halloween episode now, which I hope to have posted soon. Part of the problem is that I have so much I want to read, and the things I have been looking at feel like they deserve more research that it seems I'm never ready to present it in the abbreviated context of the show. I will sort it out.

I appreciate your patience and I should have a new show up soon.

Prof. Gruntsplatter

Interweb Tricks

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:24:49 PDT

This image was created by adding the feed URL for the site into wordle.net ...a pictorial summary of the last few posts regarding the Bigfoot Story...

That's a Wrap...

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:53:21 PDT

Well, Searchingforbigfoot.com has just released the following press sheet admiting the Georgia Gorilla/Bigfoot is a hoax, and that it is a rubber suit. The full press release is below...

They headline it that searchingforbigfoot.com "uncovered the truth". They are taking the position that they were duped by Whitton and Dyer, and were not intentionally complicite in the fraud. That seems unlikely, but if it is the truth then their investigative instincts are lacking. To wrap themselves up in something like this without vetting the situation fully shows little regard for their already spotty reputation. Tom Bascardi has been involved in a similar situation previously, so either he is incredibly naive or as he stated in the press conference on the 15th is looking to make as much money as possible.

I don't have time a the moment to finish my thoughts on this, I will have more on the next show I suspect, the press release is below...

THE FOLLOWING IS PART OF THE NEWS RELEASE GIVEN TO FOX NEWS

Good afternoon. I am Steve Kulls Executive Director of Squatchdetective.com and Host of Squatchdetective Radio. I am here with Bob Schmalzbach, Vice President of Searching for Bigfoot, Inc. I had been invited to be a witness of the thawing of the alleged Bigfoot Body by the Searching for Bigfoot team. As an independent researcher, it has been Squatchdetective.com's goal to obtain proof positive in all cases when either trying to substantiate a claim or debunk it, so as there is no question to the matter's certainty. Having worked in the past, with Searching for Bigfoot, Inc., I understand that it has always been their corporate goal, “to tell it like they see it, as it happens, and when it happens”. In my organization's limited involvement with Searching For Bigfoot, Inc. it is and has been the goal of both organizations to obtain the truth in this and all matters.

On July 9th, 2008, Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer placed a video on Youtube making the claim they had recovered the body of a Bigfoot body. Their website, Bigfoottracker.com also echoed the sentiment. At that time I had doubts and followed the story for two weeks when on July 25th, 2008 I placed a video response to challenge them to come on to Squatchdetective Radio on July 28th , 2008.

On July 14th, 2008 an article was published where Whitton released a statement to his local newspaper, the Clayton Times Daily stating that they had recovered the body of a Bigfoot.

The afternoon of July 28th, 2008, Ricky Dyer asked if I would call him and after interviewing him using various forensic interviewing techniques, which I have been trained on, I could not get an accurate read on him as I was seeing deception on numerous things, but insisted he had a body in his possession. At one point he asked me who Tom Biscardi was. I immediately surmised however their motive was financial.

After concluding my one plus hour long phone call with Dyer I called the CEO of Searching for Bigfoot, Tom Biscardi, and we discussed the matter. We, at that time decided it best to turn the investigation over to Mr. Biscardi and his team. My involvement in the remainder of the process was as an independent observer.

The following are my observations and the facts as I understand and know them:
On August 1st, 2008 Tom Biscardi traveled to Georgia and on August 2nd was given a sample, allegedly, from the corpse, for DNA testing. The DNA was hand delivered to Dr. Curt Nelson of Michigan and a chain of custody of the said sample was maintained from the time it was received from Ricky Dyer and Matthew Whitton.

On August 4th, 2008 both Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer entered a legally binding contract with Searching For Bigfoot, Inc .recognizing the fact that Searching for Bigfoot, had absolutely nothing to do in the demise or storage of the corpse until such time as it was transferred to Searching For Bigfoot for the benefit of scientific study, marketing and promotion.

On August 10th, 2008 Tom Biscardi received an email from Dr. Nelson that after the amplifications of two of the three samples, that the size of the DNA was consistent with human/ape DNA.

On or about August 12th, 2008, Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer requested an undisclosed sum of money as an advance, expected from the marketing and promotion, and as a good faith gesture of the contract.

On August 14th, 2008, after signing a transfer receipt for the amount money requested and counting said money, Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer led the Searching for Bigfoot Team to a location and turned over a freezer with something appearing large, hairy, and frozen in ice.
On August 15th, 2008, Tom Biscardi, Ricky Dyer and Matthew Whitton held a press conference at the Cabana Hotel in Paolo Alto, California, announcing that the corpse of a creature fitting the description known as “Bigfoot” had been discovered. A police officer of seven years, on medical leave, labeled as a hero for being wounded in the line of duty, got up in front of the world and told the world of how he and Ricky Dyer uncovered this creature. This has since been proven a lie. It is notable that Rick Dyer insisted on this press conference and told Tom Biscardi he would not release the “body” unless the conference was held on this specific date.

On August 16th, 2008 the freezer containing the alleged corpse arrived with the Searching For Bigfoot Team. I arrived on location at 6PM to provide initial verification examination, biohazard control and consult for security measures at the location. At that time the ice was being thawed slowly without aid, to prevent any decomposition of the alleged corpse. We estimated that the freezer and its contents weighed over 1500 pounds and it would take several days or longer to thaw completely.

On August 17th, 2008 Searching for Bigfoot Team Director of Field Operations, TJ Biscardi and myself, were up early to discover that some hair was now exposed. I extracted some from the alleged corpse and examined it and had some concerns. Bob Schmalzbach arrived and concurred. We burned said sample and said hair sample melted into a ball uncharacteristic of hair.

At that time we contacted Mr. Biscardi who gave us permission to begin an expedited melting process. We set up a salamander heater to heat the freezer. Within one hour we were able to see the partially exposed head, as I was now able to touch it, I was able to feel that it seemed mostly firm, but unusually hollow in one small section. This was yet another ominous sign. Within the next hour of thaw, a break appeared up near the feet area. As the team and I began examining this area near the feet, I observed the foot which looked unnatural, reached in and confirmed it was a rubber foot.

At that point we immediately contacted, Tom Biscardi and advised him of the situation and he began to take action on his end. Later that day, Tom Biscardi informed us that both Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer admitted it was a costume. They reportedly agreed to sign a promissory note and admission of what they had done, and set a meeting in their hotel room in California for 8AM on August 17th, 2008.

At that time I drew up the documents for Mr. Biscardi. On August 17th, 2008 Tom Biscardi went to the hotel where Dyer and Whitton were staying and found that they had left. At this time action is being instigated against the perpetrators of this fraud. Tom Biscardi asked us to contact you, the press, and share all that we have discovered.

The motives behind this fraud are still unknown at this time. It is still unclear why Whitton who, being a police officer for the Clayton County Police Department in Georgia got up before the world and lied and was complicit in a scheme to defraud in a felonious manner.

At this time the victim of this series of deceptions, Searching for Bigfoot, Inc., is seeking justice for themselves and for all the people who were deceived by this deception. Due to this event peoples lives have been disrupted and many people, so wanting vindication about there prior experiences were hurt. Let us all try to be mindful of such.

On behalf of myself I can say with certainty Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer not the best Bigfoot trackers in the world!

Thank you.

This Smells Like Feet

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:17:30 PDT

The full video of today's "Bigfoot" press conference is online here courtesy of King5 News out of Seattle.

Immediately after the press conference a colleague received a text message from someone who attended, his full report on the event can be seen here. The text message was related to the DNA evidence. Of the three samples, one inconclusive, one human and one opossum. Not exactly a bombshell. There were three pieces of evidence handed out to the press, two photos, and an email printout from the person that reportedly did the DNA testing. Those can be seen at the link above.

As the day went on the reports began to appear on the various sites and in the mainstream media all of which seem to say it was unconvincing and many willing to call it a hoax. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) has released a strong statement on the matter here. (Thanks to Skincarver Jeff for pointing that out I hadn't found it yet) They feel they have soundly debunked the body as a costume. The costume theory doesn't really appear to be a slam dunk to me, but there are no doubt similarities. The "evidence" is all laid out on a message board post by someone named "Navigator." I'm not saying it isn't a hoax, but I would expect something a little more formal than that with more direct evidence. The bravado of the debunking is not too distant from the bravado of the other side.

The press conference itself contains, contradictions, not only within the event today but also against the information they have been putting out since this began. When the questions get more pointed Tom Bascardi, seems to interrupt and try and refocus. I find it amusing that they keep saying it will be reviewed by "scientists" without being terribly specific about what that means. The email regarding the DNA is from a Curt Nelson of the University of Minnesota, he is listed as being a Senior Scientist of the Department of Entomology on the U of M site. I'm not sure about the qualifications an Entomologist has for sequencing DNA.

When they are pressed on why they didn't call someone of science or authority when they found this, they claim they had no idea who to call or trust. However, Whitton is an active duty police officer and Dyer has been reported as being a former corrections officer, though the BFRO story seems to question that.

The "clear videos and photos" have not been released, the DNA evidence is inconclusive (if we are generous) and rules out an unknown hominid (if we are not being generous.) After watching the press conference and their avoidance to come out with anything substantive or allow some sort of independent analysis for what they have or don't have it seems rather clear that these guys are milking a phantom.

My original story for the podcast went into some of these inconsistencies and doubts more so than the one that aired. I recorded the revised version right after the press release and photo came out and at the time felt like that took enough gravitas to make that announcement that maybe I would reserve final judgement a bit longer. After seeing the opportunity to astound the world squandered today, and the continued dance of egoism and non specifics the only thing I am really curious about at this point is how they are going to get themselves out from under this when it's proven they are yanking peoples chains.

Belly of the Beast

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:24:48 PDT

I can't get past the appearance of the guts in the "Georgia Gorilla." I find it very difficult to see how a creature reported to have been dead for "a few days" when it was found, and manhandled by 6 people over the course of a day and a half trying to get it out of the woods, would have its intestines a) still intact b) delicately sitting atop the corpse. Between the animals in the world that might find them tasty, the insects, natural process of decay and the journey from forest to freezer, it's difficult to imagine that they have remained so well intact.

The press conference is in a few hours.

Spookatorium 025

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:38:29 PDT

Welcome to Episode 25, once again it has been too long... This episode features some potentially landmark news from the world of Cryptozoology, but first things first...

Out of the gate we discuss the bizarre affliction that has come to be known as Morgellons disease. This condition as yet unrecognized by the medical establishment includes such symptoms as the growth of multi colored fibers from the body that have been reported to move autonomously, and strange crystalline or granular residue that appears within lesions all accompanied by the feeling of insects crawling under the skin. The CDC has begun looking into it after several years of requests from those that suffer from it. However in some medical circles it continues to be looked at as a psychological rather than physiological condition. Then there are those that see the condition as a result of something more nefarious.

After that we take a look at a set of core components by which hauntings might be judged in order to come up with some type of standardized scientific perspective on what occurs in a haunting scenario. Along the way we touch a bit on Patternology and the Fortean perspective of holistic review rather than compartmentalized observation.

Finally, a piece I had to re-record after some breaking news today altered the story dramatically. Bigfoottracker.com, now working in cooperation with Searchingforbigfoot.com have announced that they have a bigfoot corpse in their possession, and will be presenting their currently collected evidence on August 15th at a press conference in Palo alto, CA. The creature is said to have been discovered in Northern Georgia, and additionally live creatures were also seen in the area at the time. This has been a twisted tale that first appeared on Cryptomundo.com about a month ago. Since that time several evidence free, taunting videos were posted and removed by the members of Bigfoottracker, and the alleged pathologist they had reviewing the corpse was found to be a fraud. The group admitted to hoaxing the pathologist story, but maintained they did have a body. Today a press release was issued fleshing out that claim, and there has been a leak of a photo. The story was covered by local papers but I didn't see much else in the way of mainstream coverage, but I suspect that will be changing very soon. The photo is compelling, and I look forward to hearing more details from the press conference.

Music this time from the likes of...

AVRIGUS (1:05)
JOY DIVISION (5:30)
TSOL (10:12)
BLACK MESSIAH (20:12)
SCRAP.EDX (23:04)
BEYOND DAWN (27:00)
NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS (37:37)
EISREGEN (41:48)
GOD (45:56)
INADE (49:52)
FRONT 242 (64:20)
NAILBOMB (68:43)
DEATH IN JUNE (71:23)
NACHTMYSTIUM (76:03)

Background:
NAMANAX
DUAL

That's all for now, I will hopefully have some additional information on the sasquatch story in the coming days. I'm also hoping to clear out some of my back log of stories by updating the site more frequently between episodes of the show.

Professor Gruntsplatter's Spookatorium 025

Cheers,
Prof. Gruntsplatter

From Russia With Latex Gloves

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:18:48 PDT

Nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, the town of Zheleznovodsk, Russia, has sounded its barbaric yawp. The region known for the spas and resorts that speckle the area has planted its flag firmly upon the forehead of public art.

Svetlana Avakina, the sculptor, declares of the work, "This device is eternal, it will never change..." Its base of three angels is based on the iconic work of Alessandro Botticelli, and resting upon the backs of the cherubic babes rests an 800 pound enema bulb.

"There is no kitsch or obscenity, it is a successful work of art," Alexander Kharchenko, the director of Mashuk-Akva Term told The Associated Press. "An enema is almost a symbol of our region."

Next time you are in Southern Russia, don't for get to have your picture taken with this beauty and take up the cause...

"Let's beat constipation and sloppiness with enemas."

- Prof. Gruntsplatter

Spookatorium 024

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:43:41 PDT

Welcome back after a long delay with episode 24. Computer issues and chain stores downloaded their grief upon my doorstep in a flaming paper bag, but hopefully I will be able to get back to a proper schedule now. Hopefully some of you are still listening…

First up we revisit the legend of “Oriuagor” a tome purported to drive insane those who dare to read it. First touched upon in Episode 19, an email submission cracks this one open again. I had largely written it off as a marketing gimmick for someone seeking to fabricate a new Necronomicon, but a submitter from Denmark suggests that the legends at least are known there, and the work of fiction we discussed previously was born of those legends.

Next up we look at reports of a lake monster in Minnesota’s Lake Pepin, quaintly, if not predictably, known as Pepie. A local paddle boat operator is offering $50,000 for evidence of Pepie’s existence. I’m sure he’d be happy to sell you a boat ride to go have a look. Next in Pennsylvania there have been at least four reports of a large bird or bat like creature stalking the back roads over the last year. The descriptions vary slightly, but the witness reports are pretty interesting.

Finally we brush upon the subject of Demonology, and the its inherent bias and delusion when approaching the paranormal. There is an excellent article from noted Parapsychologist Loyd Auerbach on a similar tract that can be found here. Beyond that the balance of skepticism and belief is looked at as well as the definition of skepticism as it relates to the unknown. For me skepticism is an informed state of indecision, however much of the skeptical community seems just as zealous in the their disbelief as those who think every orb caught on film is the ghost of some thing or other. Intellectual curiosity gets pushed from the equation and genuine research suffers when your mind is already made up and it’s detrimental to the greater understanding that I hope most people involved in such things are seeking.

So that’s it for this episode. As always, if you have opinions, suggestions or tales to tell, please feel free to post a comment or forward along an email to professor(at)spookatorium.org.

Music this time supplied by…

MASCHINENZIMMER 412 (1:05)
CLOCKDVA (5:50)
SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES (9:54)
LUDICRA (21:15)
DEAD WORLD (25:29)
HAUS ARAFNA (29:49)
TIGER LILLIES (33:23)
BLOOD AXIS (44:08)
CHRISTIAN DEATH (48:16)
DISGRACE (52:14)
HELTIR (60:47)
NOISE UNIT (64:29)
OLD MAN GLOOM (69:20)
GGFH (72:46)

With background accompaniment from
LAIBACH

Professor Gruntsplatter's Spookatorium 024

Happy Friday the 13th,
Prof. Gruntsplatter

Update - and Reefer Madness!!

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:32:22 PDT

The show will go on, between life and migrating to a new computer I got off schedule a bit, but as soon as things are squared away again the show will pick back up. If you haven't weeded through the archives before now would be a good time... Hopefully I'll have something new up in the next week or so.

While I'm here please enjoy this touching tale of 3 young men in Texas. The mischievous lads found themselves in an old cemetery, and saw fit to dig up a corpse over the course of two days. Once they had reached the body, a lite bulb went off over their sweaty little heads... I can almost hear their exhausted excitement now.

They used their shovel to remove the head of the corpse and determined it would make an most outstanding bong. I'm not sure exactly what sort of drug addled engineering was involved in the mechanics of their undertaking (sic) but the story came out when they were arrested on another matter and confessed to this as well. The police initially didn't' believe it, but gathered enough evidence to conclude that the scamps were likely telling the truth.

The grave is believed to have belonged to an 11 year old boy named Willie Sims who died in 1921. The skull has not been recovered, and some how rain has kept the investigators from determining if the body and coffin are still in the grave. We can film the sunken Titanic in Hi Def, but they can't find a headless cadaver in a puddle or, at the very least, persuade people this stupid to tell them where the skull is. Since there is, as yet, no confirmed corpse or skull that has surfaced, and the boys told different stories on how the corpse was beheaded some still wonder if all of this really happened. It's a hell of a thing to make up. All three were home schooled, imagine their parents surprise when they turn in their "What I did on Spring Break" papers...

Spookatorium 023

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:56:53 PDT

Episode 23 has arrived... tin foil hats are optional but fashionable. This time we take a peek at the life of Thomas Dyott. Dyott amassed a sizeable fortune selling patent medicines under such tantalizing names as Roberton's Infallible Worm Destroying Lozenges & Vegetable Nervous Cordial. The fortune was sizeable enough to enable him to build a “utopian” village, called Dyottville (what else?) that coincidently allowed him to skirt labor laws to perpetuate his business.

From there we peek behind the curtain of opportunist psychiatry and look at the phenomenon of Spirit Release, the process of psychiatric exorcism. In fairness to the recent stories I’ve done on the exorcism/possession upswing (here’s another one), I thought we’d look at some charlatans of a different color. As well as a brief overview we look at the case of Askinra, a spirit that reportedly tormented a man who was possessed by the spirit when he was murdered in a past life.

Finally we look at the Mormon theory that bigfoot is actually the earthly incarnation of the biblical Cain. It is accepted among some within the church that bigfoot is in fact the doomed Cain milling about the earth as penance for the murder of his brother forever wracked with misery and virtually immortal.

Music this time supplied by…

HARVESTMAN (1:05)
BAD SECTOR (4:38)
HOLLENFURT (8:24)
GARMONBOZIA (17:35)
BELBORN (20:48)
FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY (23:44)
IMPETIGO(28:50)
LAMENT CONFIGURATION (40:19)
GOLIAH (44:16)
SOMEWHERE IN EUROPE (47:58)
BETHLEHEM (55:35)
DIE VERBANNTEN KINDER EVAS (60:36)
GAURITHOTH (63:23)
RUHR HUNTER (67:54)

With background accompaniment from
HYBRYDS

Professor Gruntsplatter's Spookatorium 023

That’s it until next time…

Prof. Gruntsplatter

Spookatorium 022

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:46:55 PDT

Episode 22 is upon us, this go around we examine numerous instances of a aural phenomenon described in the Tibetan Book of the Dead as the sound of the soul separating from the body. Buzzing and grinding sounds that build to a crescendo have been associated with everything from Near Death Experiences, Shamanic Rituals, Old Hag Syndrome and other forms of transcendent consciousness. An excellent article, called “Her Sweet Murmur” by Greg Taylor (which you can read if you click the link there) from the collection Dark Lore Vol. 1 summarizes these connections and we take a look at this one component of the article which goes further into exploring some additional sounds.

Then we travel to Ohio to review the story of the Loveland Frog. A 3-4 foot bipedal frog like creature allegedly spotted on the back roads around Loveland, Ohio in 1955 and 1972. While evidence is limited to eye witness testimony and there are reports that at least some of it may have been exaggerated or hoaxed it remains one of my favorite crypto tales.

Finally we take a look at the discredited work of Dr. Johann Beringer. He believed in the early 1700’s that fossils were in fact cast off ideas carved by the hand of God. His collection grew to encompass bizarre specimens like birds with fish heads, and even stones that bore the name of God.

It was later revealed he was duped by colleagues and they were all forgeries, but not until Beringer had published his work. Humiliated, he supposedly spent his remaining days and fortune trying to buy back copies of his book, Lithographia Wirceburgensis, which you can view through the link. His story is perhaps a cautionary tale for those Intelligent Design fans out there. The video is a little dramatization documentary of the events surrounding Beringer’s rise and fall.

The sounds this time around are supplied by…

CHAOS AS SHELTER (1:05)
WYRD (4:36)
NOVY SVET (9:53)
SISTRENATUS (25:31)
BODY CHOKE (28:25)
NEW MIND (32:18)
MOTH MASQUE (36:38)
BACKWORLD (45:19)
AGNES BERNELLE (49:55)
KHOLD (53:28)
SKINNY PUPPY (60:15)
BRUTAL TRUTH (63:55)
CAUL (66:45)
NEFILIM (70:19)

With background accompaniment from
BURZUM & NOCTURNAL EMISSIONS

Professor Gruntsplatter's Spookatorium 022

Thanks as always for tuning in... and congrats to Aspen, the winner of the Blood of the Black Owl "S/T" CD in our first drawing.

- Prof. Gruntsplatter

March of the Shadow Gnome

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:33:11 PDT

The Sun in the UK has a report from General Geumes, Argentina indicating the town is being visited, and intimidated by a mysterious "gnome." Additionally, this devious little fellow was captured on video, unfortunately it's not available for embedding.

Jose Alvarez who shot the cell phone video had this to say... "One of my friends was so scared after seeing that thing that we had to take him to the hospital.”

I will try and keep an eye out for follow ups on this. Pretty awesome story, true or not, and the video is a great addition to what will no doubt become a legend with some legs in the area.

- Prof. Gruntsplatter

They Came For the Mayor

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:34:32 PDT

Ken Williams (aka Don LaRose) was the mayor of Centerton, Arkansas for 6 years until this March 5th when he resigned. His reason for resigning - 30 years ago he believes he was abducted and brainwashed by Satanists. He claims he was not aware of his tormented past until he recently was injected with a "truth serum."

This "truth serum", which is unnamed in the article, caused these memories to come rushing back, and he realized he had a wife and two kids in his previous life as Don LaRose. Williams said he left his wife and kids to protect them from the Satanists and changed his name and started a new life.

The ReligionNews Blog details the story further, their take is slightly different and fills in some of the back story. LaRose became Pastor of a Hessville Baptist church in 1978. At some point he told his parishioners that he was abducted by a cult in in Maine, New York back in 1975 for "blaspheming Satan". He says they gave him multiple shock treatments to erase his memory and took him from Maine to Minneapolis and dumped him off. In 1980 he began acting strangely and telling people the Satanists were after him again for criticizing cults. He claims to have seen one of the Satanists through the window of the church while delivering a sermon, no one present at the sermon saw anyone suspicious. The next day LaRose did a runner and disappeared.

He floated around for a few years before settling in Arkansas, and ultimately wound up a multi term mayor in Centerton under his new identity, and identity he stole from a man who died in 1958.

LaRose/Williams apparently now claims, at least to some media, it was an underworld crime organization rather than a Satanic cult that was or is after him. He is quoted here as saying that he lived in fear of being found out ever since, and now that he's been outed feels he may be in danger again. This suggests he didn't need the "truth serum" to recall any of this and his Grandson isn't buying the tale at all.

Here's a peek at "Satanic Panic: The Creation Of A Contemporary Legend" on GoogleBooks if you are unaware of the of the Satanic Panic movement. A more concise summary can be seen here courtesy of the Skeptics Dictionary. The media space this idea consumed in the 80's really was absurd. Geraldo Riveria pretty much built a career off of it as well as numerous moth like pop-psychologists drawn to the fictional satanic flame. There was never any evidence uncovered that organized and violent Satanic Cults existed.

Spookatorium 021

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:27:47 PST

Welcome gawkers to episode 21 of the show! This episode we examine the Jewish ritual of Kapparot - the transfer of sins into the body of a chicken and the sacrifice of the chicken prior to Yom Kippur... as well as recent performance of it in New York and the aftermath left behind. I’ve also included a short PETA video here in the notes to further give you an idea of what we are talking about. I also juxtapose this with a sensational article from the Sioux City Journal regarding a reported ritual killing.

Following this we look at the hoax of the Jenny Haniver. Oddly named this crytpotaxidermy beast constructed from dried, rays, skates and cuttlefish has been passed off as a bona fide monster since the 16th Century, and continues to be despite widely being dubbed a hoax from early on. You can buy one right here.

Finally a look at the fascinating Charles Bonnet Syndrome. The condition in which those with failing vision find their lives interrupted by elaborate hallucinations. I hadn't heard of this until reading a great piece in the book Dark Lore Vol. 1 which I would recommend.

In addition this time we are having a little drawing from which the winner will receive a copy of Blood of the Black Owl's self titled record on Bindrune Recordings. Details are in the show...

Music this time from the likes of...

BLIXA BARGELD (1:05)
CARPATHIAN FOREST (5:00)
TULUS (10:45)
THE ACCUSED (26:33)
HARMONY GARDEN (28:55)
MALHAVOC (32:51)
DARKTHRONE (37:14)
BABYLAND (43:23)
SUBTERANNEAN MASQUERADE (46:56)
EMBER (52:45)
DESSAU (54:57)
COIL (65:17)
NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS (71:15)
NEVER PRESENCE FOREVER (76:25)

With background accompaniment from
DEL

Professor Gruntsplatter's Spookatorium 021

That is it this time, leave a comment or drop an email ya ingrates.

- Prof. Gruntsplatter

Beezlebufo & It's Not Necessary Being Green

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:13:24 PST

The Associated Press sent out a story that has made the rounds of news outlets today about the discovery of the bones of a giant prehistoric toad in Madagascar. Nicknamed the "Devil Toad" or Beelzebufo, it weighed in excess of 10 pounds, the largest current living frog the Goliath Frog can get up to about 7 pounds. It is believed the Devil Toad was capable of taking down small dinosaurs. Also of interest is the similarity between the the Beezlebufo and current toads in South America on the other side of the world. It's led to renewed speculation about prehistoric geography.

While I'm here, here's an older story I have been holding onto for awhile. Back in September it was announced that Japanese scientists had created a transparent frog. Their reasoning for prompting the transparency mutation was so that the organs would be visible without dissection for educational purposes and general coolness. Professor Masayuki Sumida whose team bred the frogs has hopes that with further experimentation they will be able to create a frog that will glow when it develops cancer. Sumida plans to patent the transparent frog technology.

Devil May Care

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:35:23 PDT

Here are some additional pieces to follow up on the stories in the last podcast regarding possession and exorcism.

The latest exorcism death comes to us from Texas where a 60 year old man killed his 59 year old wife. His claim is that he was attempting to perform an exorcism when the devil entered HIS body and the devil killed her. He told the police he was pinning her face down on the carpet when she died. When the police arrived he'd wrapped the body in the a sheet and placed a cross and a sword on the body. I haven't seen any reports on the autopsy yet in regards to what actually killed her, suffocation sounds like a real possibility. Hubby was charged with murder. I believe this was the 4th exorcism death I have seen a report on in the last month.

The other part of the story from the show was in regard to the Catholic Church and their renewed focus on exorcism and satanic fear mongering. This story from the BBC struck my curiosity... during the reign of Pope John Paul II enrollment in the religious orders fell 25%, and just between 2005 and 2006 it dropped an additional 10%. So, the ranks and influence of the Church and its full time adherents seems to be hemorrhaging and has been for sometime. It could be suggested that the Vatican may be trying to spice up the prospect of a life within the Church. In this day and age with the knowledge we have of science, the evolution of myth and archetypes, with the politicization of religion and zealotry on the upswing in some circles the Catholic Church doesn't have the presence it once had. They are seeking the resurrection of the bogeyman.

Additionally, the Washington Post picked up the story on the possession treatment center in Poland we covered in the last show. Here's their piece on that one. There is a bit more detail in this one than the originally translated Polish article I mentioned, and it offers a bit of a larger picture.

Rev. Amorth, who is considered the "Exorcist In Chief" for the Vatican says, "People don't pray anymore, they don't go to church, they don't go to confession. The devil has an easy time of it," Amorth said in an interview. "There's a lot more devil worship, people interested in satanic things and seances, and less in Jesus."

According to Rev. Jankowski, one of the folks working at the center those at risk include "include people who turn away from the church and embrace New Age therapies, alternative religions or the occult. Internet addicts and yoga devotees are also at risk."

Yoga is potentially Satanic, but raping children isn't on their list for some reason. However a woman who was seeking a divorce and began to hate her husband is most likely possessed as the story linked indicates.

They are resurrecting the bogeyman to validate themselves. This message is filtering down to those who... don't have a real good sense of discretion, and as I said this is the 4th exorcism death I have seen in a month.

- Prof. Gruntsplatter

Spookatorium 020

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:35:48 PDT

Greetings once again, episode 20 is now up for your consumption. It is nice to reach the 20 show landmark.

This time we take a look at a rise in reports of possession, exorcisms and the mark of the beast in the news, and some things the Catholic church are doing to that end, including a treatment center for demonic possession being built in Poland.

Next up we take a look at the legacy of John “Goat Gland” Brinkley. Brinkley was a medical huckster that made a fortune off the idea that goat testicles were an excellent cure for virility issues. He became a multi millionaire during the Great Depression peddling this idea, and even made a couple failed attempts at the Governorship of Kansas.

Finally, we look at George Daynor’s Palace of Depression in New Jersey. It’s tale of determination built from scraps in a swampy auto graveyard that became a monument to perseverance and hard work during the Great Depression. Its eccentric creator however ended up in a paupers grave, the victim of his own ambition and promotional vision.

The sounds this time around are supplied by…

BIG BLACK (1:05)
CAZZODIO (3:19)
DOUBTING THOMAS (7:07)
BLACKHOUSE (21:14)
FUNERAL DINER (23:06)
DEINONYCHUS (26:16)
ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN (30:00)
IMPALED NAZARENE (41:51)
16 VOLT (45:25)
HAGALAZ RUNEDANCE (49:40)
BLACK FLAG (58:33)
PINE TREE STATE MIND CONTROL (61:38)
DIVINUS BAAL & RUNA (64:23)
NEUROSIS (68:06)

With background accompaniment from
NECROPHORUS
HOLLOW EARTH

Thanks again as always for tuning in, if you have anything to say or any good stories to share feel free to leave a comment or send over an email.

Professor Gruntsplatter's Spookatorium 020

- Prof. Gruntsplatter

This one goes to 11:11

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 22:22:51 PST

A couple days ago my better half pointed at the clock on the stove and said "I always seem to look at the clock when it's 11:11." We talked for a minute about numbers that appear repeatedly in life and how it can reach the point of strangeness, and that was that. Today I discovered the "Beyond Reality Radio Show" which is a paranormal show hosted by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson of TAPS fame. The episode I listened to they were interviewing Uri Geller, and someone called in to to ask his opinion on the "1111" phenomenon.

A phenomenon was news to me... There is actually a fair amount of material on this out there and I am surprised I haven't seen any of it before. Geller has an article on his site about it which you can check out. He seems to focus simply on the number 11, more than anything, and takes ample opportunity to make points about September 11th that seem completely out of place. He does include a few numerology equations as well, some of which seem to have more relevance than others, but this part of the article I found somewhat interesting...

"If you multiply 1111 by 1111 you get 1234321, representing a pyramid, and number 11 is a sacred number of the pyramid with the proportions of the great pyramid being of the ratio 7:11. Eleven is also a number harmonious with Pi. Therefore, it seems that number eleven is of central importance in understanding the mathematical infrastructure of the universe." - Uri Geller

His is certainly not the only interpretation though, there are those that link it to the Mayan Calendar and the prophetic speculation linked to 2012. It is at 11:11 Universal or Greenwich Mean Time depending on the report that the calendar ceases on 12/21/12. Here's a sensationalistic video to illustrate that point of view.

There are also those that associate it with a portal between "duality and oneness" as a pathway to a different level of consciousness and evolutionary path. Other's point to it as a meditation path and a time of day for collective prayer, which is explained in this interview...

Still others associate it with passages from the bible, like Revelations 11:11.

"And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them." - Revelations 11:11

I've also seen comparisons drawn to Daniel 11:11 and this video illustrates that portion of the Bible with lots of gory effects and rotten corpses...

"And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand. " Daniel 11:11

So there is a mess of information out there related to 11:11, but no definitive explanation or even real common ground has been found to explain the prevalence the number seems to have in so many peoples lives.

Prof. Gruntsplatter

Spookatorium 019

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:31:04 PDT

Episode 19 is now up, this time out we take a look at an alleged forbidden tome called Oriuagor, and the superstitions and warnings associated with reading the work. We also look at the very real likelihood that it’s all a marketing hoax.

Next we review the life and death of Anna Goldi who was immortalized as “The Last Witch of Europe” after her execution 1782 on bogus allegations of witchery in a small Swiss town.

Lastly, we look into two fabled giant serpents, the Lindorm in Scandinavia, and the Tatzelwurm reported to live in the Alps throughout Bavaria, Austria and Switzerland. For a comprehensive look at the Tatzelwurm evidence and lore check out the feature over at Cryptomundo.com.

The sounds this time around are supplied by…

NAIANDRA MURIATICA
ECONOCON
KAPO!
IBURN
HEAD OF DAVID
VENOM
NAPALM DEATH
EINSTURZENDE NEUBAUTEN
VEIN CAGE
DEF.MASTER
GODFLESH
TEAR GARDEN
GROTUS
DREAM INTO DUST

With background accompaniment from
AESTHETIC MEAT FRONT
NOS
DEVILLOCK

Thanks as always for checking out the show, feel free to comment and don’t forget to check out the Flickr group and other features of the site.

Professor Gruntsplatter's Spookatorium 019

- Prof. Gruntsplatter

Balloon Witches

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:07:51 PST

This video has been out for a few months and I kept bouncing back and forth on whether to cover it on the show or just post it here. So here it is...

It relates to a reported flying humanoid recorded in Mexico. There has been much speculation that it is something much more mundane than the witch that the news report suggests. Have a look and see for yourself.

Here is an amateur analysis done of the video, and there are a few others you can find on youtube, but how much pixelation do you really need to see...

A lot of people believe the video simply shows a cluster of balloons that creates a humanoid illusion. As you will see highlighted in the analysis video, there is a section of the footage that seems to show the object make contact with the ground this is curious, but far too low resolution to really draw any conclusions from. Some say it might be this thing...

I found it interesting because you don't see too many alleged flying witch videos...

Prof. Gruntsplatter

Spookatorium 018

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:05:24 PST

Welcome to episode 18, some of the little improvements I have been hoping to do for awhile finally got taken care of, so hopefully you’ll like those.

This time out we look at the legacy of Mary Toft, she was involved in a hoax in 1726 that drew the attention of the King of England and inspired perhaps the most famous of any trick in a magicians repertoire. Her story is outlined further in the book “The Girl Who Gave Birth To Rabbits: A True Medical Mystery,” which I am hoping to check out before too long.

Next we take a trip down south to check in on a couple of mysterious creature sightings. One is believed to be a possible Skunk Ape and the other dubbed the Beast of Bolivia, is killing dogs in South Carolina. In addition LiveScience.com ran a recent article on the possibility of using hi resolution satellite imagery to search for elusive breeding colonies of various cryptids.

Finally we take a look at the theory of palingenesy, the alchemical idea inspired by the work of Greek philosopher Lucretious that sought to explain ghosts and apparitions chemically, rather than metaphysically. The thought was that a body’s form resided in its salts, and by applying heat to those salts, you could regenerate the form of a dead or destroyed plant or animal as an apparition. This one is pretty interesting and I have been meaning to cover it for a few weeks so I hope you find it curious.

The sounds this time around are supplied by…

DISHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
DAZZLINGKILLMEN
MISSING FOUNDATION
SNOG
BLANCHE
CLAN OF XYMOX
DESCENDENTS
NAVICON TORTURE TECHNOLOGIES
VO.I.D
FLUISTERWOUD
TODAY IS THE DAY
THE JESUS & MARY CHAIN
BRUTE FORCE
CHARNEL VALLEY

With background accompaniment from
NAJ
CORPOPARASSITA

Thanks as always for checking out the show…

Professor Gruntsplatter's Spookatorium 018

- Prof. Gruntsplatter

Shake Hands With The Treeman

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:38:21 PST

This is really quite remarkable. An Indonesian man has what dermatologists are now suggesting is Human Papilloma Virus. Under normal circumstances the disease generates small warts on the skin, like plantar warts etc. There is also an STD version of the infection.

In this man's case however he has an immune system that isn't able to contain the warts, and they have blossomed root like branches that have pocked his body and entirely consumed his hands. It has cost him his family and ability to work, and it would seem from looking at him many other simple activities in life. Now an American doctor is hopeful that a treatment of synthetic Vitamin A will get the warts under control.

There are three different videos on the Telegraph UK article you can check out here.

Spookatorium 017

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:30:12 PDT

Well, this was intended to be the second annual Halloween episode… it is a bit late I realize, however listen to it through pumpkin shaped headphones if you will. Halloween is a time of year and a feeling in the air, not simply a day on the calendar.

This episode looks into ghostly sightings and communication with the dead through various gadgetry. Our first stop is among the urban legends and paranormal sightings on a secluded lane known as Zombie Road in western St. Louis County. And looks briefly at investigations by missourighosts.net and the Missouri Paranormal Research Group.

Then it is off to 1930’s Britain for a peek at the contraptions of the Askir-Jobson Trianion Guild, who with information they claim to have received from a deceased colleague created devices to facilitate communication with spirits.

Another person who more recently claims to have received instructions from entities on building a device to communicate with the dead is Frank Sumption. His creation, quaintly called “Frank’s Box” or “The Ghost Box” uses more modern electronics to create what he believe is a live EVP receiver. You can check out the schematics for the device here, Coast to Coast AM did a show on the subject as well that you can check out here, and I have included a video of the device in action for you to judge for yourself.

Finally we take a look at the theories behind the talking board, or Ouija board, from the Spiritualist and Atomatistic points of view. You can find a mess of Ouija stories and transcriptions here at the Grave Addiction site and I’d recommend checking out the Museum Of Talking Boards for a great photo gallery of various talking boards over the years.

In addition the ghastly harmonies of the following break up the sound of my voice…

LOUIS ARMSTRONG
THE ROHAN THEATRE BAND
BLACK MAYONNAISE
HADIT
THE DEAD BROTHERS
ULTHAR
MERCYFUL FATE
GOATVARGR
BAUHAUS
MONDBLUT
SCHLOSS TEGAL
DARVULIA
THE HANDSOME FAMILY
THOSE POOR BASTARDS
SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES
HEID
AH CAMA-SOTZ

With background accompaniment from
GEOMATIC
A MURDER OF ANGELS
INNANA
BRIGHTER DEATH NOW

Thanks again for having a listen, my apologies for the lateness of the episode. The next one should come much faster, and I have a few stories saved up for the site as well.

Professor Gruntsplatter's Spookatorium 017

- Prof. Gruntsplatter

Crypto Happenings Follow Up

noreply@blogger.com (Prof. Gruntsplatter) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:33:20 PST

This is a follow up the the story posted below about the alleged Chupacabra in Cuervo, Texas. DNA tests have been conducted on the creature, using material from its head and have determined that it is a Texas Coyote. Livescience.com also recently ran an article called "How Monsters are Made" which explores this as well as a recent bigfoot sighting a bit closer.

Their premise is that frequently it is simply disease that give normal animals the appearance of something extraordinary. It's a theory that I have held in relation to the myths of "monsters" through history as well. How often were the horrible creatures of legend simply regular people afflicted with some sickness, mutation or deficiency that science was unaware of and the general populace had never witnessed? The examples I could give might seem insensitive now, but in times of limited knowledge and dubious science those things we empathize with now could certainly have been perceived as monstrous.

- Prof. Gruntsplatter