While the observations surrounding KIC 8462852 fooled puny humans into believing they spotted a Big Dumb Object, Now a second paper concerning Project Hephaistos claims to have detected signatures associated with dyson spheres and other megastructures. Follow along with Darren Orf as he breaks down the current data into readable chunks. Exactly how many? Harry Baker at LiveScience spoils the details in his lede, Alien 'Dyson Sphere' megastructures could surround at least 7 stars in our galaxy. Plus Harry helps fill in the blanks Darren missed the first time around. As keen readers will notice, these observations were made by humans. No language learning models or artificial intelligences, which is kinda funny since we haven't found any intelligence out there and (despite mainstream media) we've yet to develop intelligences here, have a digital stake in this game. This may be a good thing as Michael Garret relates This Wild, Believable Theory Suggests AI Is Blocking Us From Alien Contact. FYI, Michael is the author of the paper, peer-reviewed no less (except by the troubled Elsevier), suggesting artificial intelligence is the Great Filter. (CS)

Humans have no proof there is extraterrestrial life, yet humans persist in the search. Why? It's a matter of faith, working on a supposition there should be life somewhere out there in the universe. Despite the search there have been so many false positives, making Ethan Seigel wonder if faith alone is enough for such pursuits. How strong is humanity's faith? Isobel Whitcomb has 32 Strange Places Scientists Are Looking For Aliens. Whether close to home, in our solar system, or further afield around other stars some of the SETI targets are surprising. (CS)

It's finally happened. Big cat DNA has been found on a sheep carcass in the UK. So all those melanistic cat sightings that have been dismissed over the years are about to be given the time and attention they deserve. Maybe. Meanwhile, a Sea Monster Returns to Nantucket Island. In 1937 that sea monster touched off many sightings but it turned out to be full of hot air. The balloon creature was the prank and brainchild of artist Tony Sarg. And now, on May 24, the Nantucket Historical Association opens the "Tony Sarg: Genius at Play" exhibit. "Rumor has it that Morton (the name that Sarg gave to his sea monster) will visit Nantucket again this summer," reports the newspaper. (CM)

More of the fully-human sideshow to the UFO-human connection. Springboarding from a John Greenewald article we highlighted previously, Matt Ford presents dramatic Lou Elizondo statements about possible retribution for his actions. Ford also calls in Ross Coulthart for his analysis. The "Chapters" list is quite interesting and its flavor more than "unflattering." And Matt Ford leaves no doubt that Elizondo (and Ford himself) are painting the Pentagon and the Intelligence Community in the darkest terms. Lawyer-journalist Coulthart makes a strong if lengthy case regarding willful military/intelligence illegalities, joining Ford's call for Congress to take strong action to investigate this matter, which seems much larger than the ufological example. Unsurprisingly, the "Establishment Media" comes in for scorn. Jason Colavito seizes upon the most serious allegation from the Matt Ford/Ross Coulthart conversation, as Lue Elizondo Claims UFO Whistleblowers Like Him Are Under Assassination Threat. Not sure this is one of Jason's better-argued posts. (WM)

Host Michael Ryan has been digging through old Royal Canadian Mounted Police files and finding little-known UFO cases deserving much more attention. In this instance Ryan updates a previous podcast concerning a November 25, 1970, multiple-independent-witness sighting in Nova Scotia. Charles Smith's father, Lawrence, and Lawrence's brother Eugene had a close encounter that featured physiological (sense of pressure) and electromagnetic (vehicle and 8-track tape player malfunctions) Close Encounter II effects. Charles amplifies on the harrowing experience his father and uncle had and his dad's avoidance of the encounter spot for years thereafter. Charles also remembers when Lawrence and another brother Melvin returned from a search for whatever plunged into the waters off Shag Harbour, three years before. Some very interesting additional details to a case that did generate RCMP (which operates rather as a Canadian FBI as well as policing unit) interest. UFO Talker commentator Christine Scott reviews Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies co-founder Robert Powell's new book UFOs: A Scientist Explains What We Know (And Don't Know). Christine notes the readability and common-sense aspect to the book, several chapters that cover lesser-known and fascinating subjects, and accords the work 5 out of 5 discs. (WM)

Billy Cox eviscerates a Sean Kirkpatrick "misstep" in a recent interview with the New York Post's Steven Greenstreet. As we've previously noted, the now-rapidly-UFO-skeptical Greenstreet came away from that dialogue with "this is all very confusing and I don't know who to believe." We'll see whether the mainstream media even notices Brandon Fugal's photographic evidence that the former AARO head did attend the “Confidential Briefing/Skinwalker Ranch" for the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence,” though he says he doesn't recall the meeting. And then there is Kimberly Engels of the Society for UAP Studies Board of Advisors who has an unfortunate outcome from an April 18th interview to discuss in Meta, "Fact" Checking, and the Illusion of Objectivity. Whatever one makes of the abduction phenomenon, Dr. Engels' arguments and phenomenological approach makes sense to us. Again, the UFO-human connection is at least as much about the human component as it is about whatever UFOs are. (WM)

The existence of wild men or "savages" in China has long been accepted, in glaring contrast to the West where such reports are often ignored or result in shame and infamy. Encounters with these Bigfoot-like creatures have frequently resulted in specimens being shot and killed and their remains freely handed over to the Chinese government, unlike the West where if Bigfoot remains were recovered they would likely be immediately confiscated by the authorities.  Historically, reports of encounters in China with savages are numerous, and include such extravagant claims as inter-species sexual assault, and cooked wildman as a food option. This article is exceptionally long but if you look past the translation errors you'll find extraordinary contrast between the western Bigfoot culture and the Chinese acceptance of apelike creatures in the wild. (CM)

Occasionally it's worthwhile remembering that archaeological "anomalies" aren't always of the earth-shaking, paradigm-shifting kind. Catherine Shuttleworth relates a fascinating find that just may lead—perhaps more than figuratively—to what's been termed (well, by Zahi Hawass; not prone to minimization) "the most important discovery of the 21st century." From "dirt" archaeology (part of the tunnel's submerged in water) we go to "cutting edge" techniques as a "Bionic Eye" Discovers Plato's Final Resting Place. One of two high-tech initiatives to read Herculanean scrolls buried in 79CE has struck that paydirt of a sort. Kristin Houser explains both projects' methodologies and their potential paybacks in terms of knowledge about the Greek philosophical schools. And the Telegraph & Argus has more on a very strange seemingly out-of-place find as the LNER Wagon Mystery Prompts Train Ferries Memories. Some time ago we reviewed this discovery by archaeologists of an English railway wagon in Antwerp, Belgium. We get more insight into why what might be called today a "moving van" got to Belgium, but how it ended up exactly where it did is still unknown. (WM)

Kevin Randle gives kudos to veteran Pennsylvania ufologist/cryptozoologist Stan Gordon's website and presents his own "take" on a trio of reports from the "Keystone State." Tim Binnall has a video of a Peculiar Saucer-Shaped UFO Photographed Over Italian Town. An interesting shape and story, but we'll wait for the "Mediterranean UFO Centre" to pronounce upon this one. And for another European view—or overview in this instance—we go to UAP Check's Ufology in Ukraine: Interview with Igor Kalytyuk--Part 1. Part 1 gives Kalytyuk's own background and a sketch of the process he and others have developed to sift and analyze UFO reports. Part 2 deals more with Kalytyuk's opinions on the proper approach to research, individually and especially collegially. The Kalytyuk quotations beneath each part's heading are especially apt. (WM)

If you're looking for a spin on missing 411 cases that reads like a travelogue, you've come to the right place. This article is very strange insofar as it almost glosses over 400 unsolved missing persons cases connected to Mount Rainier. (Come for the wildlife. Stay...forever.) It then goes on to give some genuinely good advice about how to stay safe during mountain treks, but again misses the opportunity to discuss the high strangeness of the location. We think David Paulides, a former police officer and founder of the North American Bigfoot Search, would have much to say on this topic—mostly ominous. In 2011 Paulides launched a database tracking wildland disappearances that occurred under mysterious circumstances. Check out this old article for more information and then decide where you're going for that rugged outdoors experience: Why Hundreds of People Vanish Into the American Wilderness. (CM)

One of the most iconic UFO crash-cases is the 1965 Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, event, and there's no more iconic person to talk to about it than Stan Gordon. The Observer continues its delightful UFO Tourism series with Bernie O'Connor talking to Stan on his participation in the original crash event and since. Ron Struble, President and Chairman of the Festival, does an excellent job promoting the fun commemoration. Tim Binnall informs that South Carolina's Iconic 'UFO Welcome Center' Destroyed by Fire. A before-the-fire picture is available on Wikipedia. And we go far back in time to when In 1896, a Mysterious UFO Brought Northern California to a Mesmerized Halt. KQED [San Francisco] Staff Writer Rae Alexandra tells the story and sets it into its wider late-19th-century context. (WM)

The first two paragraphs in Christopher Sharp's article are surprising and one would have thought contradictory. Apparently a video-supported report about what's come to be regarded as a serious incursion hasn't gotten from the Federal Bureau of Investigation to the agency supposed to receive such reports expeditiously. Sharp's later points offer some background speculation as to why, but even more concerning information about USAF and USN reticence to deal with the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO). Sharp includes footage from witness/recorder Jonathan Butner, as well as a "Good Trouble Show with Matt Ford" and Butner discussion facilitated by Liberation Times. Gosh, considering the time lapse between the Langley incursions and AARO's continuing lack of information on the events, perhaps AARO folks might want to check The Anomalist from time to time! Another of our standard news sources reports on this lack of information flow from the DoD in New FOIA Release Highlights Redactions in Key AATIP Correspondence: What is the Pentagon Hiding? Such is John Greenewald's question, and if he doesn't know the answer, we'll bet it's important—and probably not Matt Ford's "Good Trouble"! John highlights the contradictions in versions of some key Luis Elizondo-related email exchanges. They also shed light on U.S. Government "UFO transparency" and perhaps even interest in same. (WM)

Dr. Beachcombing waxes a bit nostalgic about mermaids, reminiscing about one of his favorite articles, written by esteemed marine biologist  Karl Banse: Mermaids – Their Biology, Culture and Demise. The article describes three separate species of mermaid, and goes on to explain that a plague of jellyfish wiped out their numbers. It's a tongue in cheek article, written in the most serious of styles, and absolutely worth taking the time to read. Dr. Beachcombing has also invited any marine biologists who are up for some fun to contact him to share eyewitness accounts. And more fun can be found in Merbeings: The True Story of Mermaids, Mermen, and Lizardfolk by Mark A. Hall, Loren Coleman, and David Goudsward, published by Anomalist Books. "I’d propose that the mermaid—more than the Sasquatch, Nessie, or even Mothman—embodies the ultimate litmus test for cryptozoologists," says Justin Mullis of AIPT Comics. (CM)

Sometimes UFO News strikes home, personally and bitterly. It appears that Dr. Bruce Maccabee has passed. Kevin Randle sketches the ufological accomplishments of this man, who as Kevin notes, "was well respected in the UFO community." Indeed, the tenor of the "lions" in the field we've read—other than sadness and sense of loss—is that, while not always agreeing with Bruce's views, they greatly respected him. It's especially difficult for this reviewer as Bruce played an integral role in the highly-successful 1997 MUFON International Symposium in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he performed an original piano composition made for the occasion. Kevin includes a May 2019 interview with Bruce that summarized Bruce's academic/technical and UFO publications to that date. In Disclosure First, then Dr. Bruce Maccabee we learn more about Bruce's "day job," which included "Star Wars" (Strategic Defense Initiative) work. We also hear details surrounding Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting that for many marks the beginning of the "modern UFO era." Bruce's website can be found at brumac.mysite.com. Requiescat in pace. (WM)

An event that many were unaware of could have had gravely serious consequences, according to these more than 160 pages released by Space Command, much of them "covered" in black-out. The declassification redactors must have used up a lot of ink on this one. John Greenewald sketches the events as they happened, the findings of the post-event review, and possible reasons the material was so heavily—if perhaps overzealously—censored. Speaking of attempts to "loosen" government secrecy, try George Knapp's What is Kona Blue? The Proposed Las Vegas UFO Technology Program Unveiled. AARO's "surprise release" of a declassified Homeland Security document occasions George Knapp's reiteration of and expansion upon that ill-fated program. If anything, the article and accompanying interview seem to bolster David Grusch's public testimony about crashed materials being studied. Related to this, but with a more northerly focus, Chrissy Newton presents UAPs in Canada: A Conversation with MP Larry Maguire on Disclosure, Transparency, and Government Action. "The Great White North's" version of Tim Burchett rather tersely answers Newton's questions, conveying perhaps a sense of frustration at the lack of official Canadian governmental (and possibly public) interest in UFOs and their possible defense and other implications. (WM)

In 1924 an amateur archeologist put forth his theory that leys represented ancient trade routes within England. This theory is most clearly demonstrated in the British Isles where it seems key landmarks are arranged with a precision indicative of Ley Lines being followed. Their association with invisible energy lines linking sacred sites around the world arose in the 1960s as part of the "Earth Mysteries" movement. In a similar vein, it’s been proposed that Buried Monuments in Ancient Ireland Could Be a Path Into The Afterlife. Between 4000 and 2400 BC, extremely deep and narrow trenches (referred to as cursus) were dug to apparently transport the dead to their final resting place. Clusters of monuments have been discovered in these trenches, indicative of cemetery sites that were often not visible until the end of the cursus was reached. However, more research is required to determine conclusively if this was the only purpose of the cursus trenches. (CM)

In February we reviewed an excellent UFO Talker interview about the enigmatic T. Townsend Brown. In this conversation Gene Steinberg and co-host Tim Swartz preface that Brown story with a much longer discussion of another "obscure 20th century scientist." Philo T. Farnsworth was an Idaho farmboy who, well, basically invented television. If that doesn't grab your attention, try Farnsworth's later pivot to controlled nuclear fusion. Along the way, Farnsworth encountered numerous impediments to his work. And an "apocryphal moment" of foresight may have led him to end his visionary quest. T. Townsend Brown spent half his life doing covert government work, and the other 50% covering it up. A fast digression on the "Back to the Future" movies somewhat stuns us in its relevance. This all leads to Paul Schatzkin's bombshell summation of just how deeply these two men may have penetrated into the fundamental formulas of the Universe. Schatzkin is a master story-teller and what we now know makes us hopeful someday to read his The Boy Who Mastered Television: A Story of Inspiration, Persistence and Quiet Passion, about Philo T. Farnsworth, and his T. Townsend Brown bio The Man Who Mastered Gravity: A Twisted Tale of Space, Time and the Mysteries in Between. (WM)