Men in Cryptozoology

Hobbits At Harvard

The discovery that Homo floresiensis survived until so very recently, in geological terms, makes it more likely that stories of other mythical, human-like creatures such as Yetis are founded on grains of truth….Now, cryptozoology, the study of such fabulous creatures, can come in from the cold.Henry Gee, editor of Nature, “Flores, God and Cryptozoology,” 2004 editorial. This Thursday, March 6, 2008, at 5:30 pm, an intriguing lecture will occur regarding Homo floresiensis. I was first alerted to this forthcoming talk by my son, Malcolm, who is enrolled in Dr. Javier Urcid’s “Human Origins” course at Brandeis University. I have written [...]

Mokele-Mbembe Deaths

As I mentioned in 2005, when several Mokele-mbembe researchers died in a temporal cluster, I’m not talking about a curse. I’m merely noticing that several African-linked researchers have passed away seemingly together. The sudden death of Scott Norman at 43 years of age merely goes to reinforce my memories of all of these losses. The Mokele-mbembe-involved individuals who have recently passed away, some who have died suddenly, are: Scott Norman, 43, who was a member of the CryptoSafari and the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club expedition to Africa in search of Mokele-Mbembe in 2001. Scott died suddenly in Fullerton, California, [...]

Hillary Yeti Expedition Member Dies

American ornithologist Melvin Alvah Traylor Jr., 92, has died. He was among the members of the 1960 World Book Encyclopedia Scientific Expedition to the Himalaya led by Sir Edmund Hillary. Melvin Traylor (December 16, 1915 – February 11, 2008) was the son of famed Chicago banker Melvin Alvah Traylor and Mrs. Dorothy Y. Traylor. Traylor was a Lieutenant with the US Marines and served on Guadalcanal during World War II in 1942 where he was awarded with the Silver Star medal. As a Marine Corp officer, Traylor was severely injured during the Battle of Tarawa in the Pacific theatre, where [...]

Scare Fest Appearance

It has just been announced that I will be a presenter at The Scare Fest, the biggest Horror and Paranormal Convention in the Southeast USA. The event is three horror-filled-days on September 12, 13, and 14, 2008. I am intrigued to learn that this gathering will take place in the heart of Fayette County, Kentucky! The Scare Fest will be held at the Lexington Convention Center in Lexington, Kentucky, one of the largest convention centers in the state. I’ll have to explore the twilight language significance of the Fayette Factor while I am there. Here’s some more info from the [...]

Cryptozoology for Beginners

B.T. Makishima has kindly published on Sunday, February 17, 2008, a new blog entitled “My recommendation for a book for beginners.” Makishima writes: My recommendation for beginners in the field of cryptozoology who want a book to read about is Cryptozoology A to Z. I know, I know, it sounds like a little kid’s book. But, if you don’t believe me, check out this info. First of all, it is 258 pages long, second, it alphabetizes the names and histories of the cryptids, and third, well, I think no little kid would understand ANY of it. (Read the rest here.) [...]