Here's an example of a mainstream media source taking a more serious slant on UFO items. Of course, New Mexico is a state with more than the usual UFO history, but this article accesses a real UFO expert for its material. David Marler employs his National UFO Historical Records Center files of government documents and newspaper accounts to present four solid UFO cases, nicely illustrated and carefully argued, in a Curtis Segarra article that should be a standard for other such efforts to emulate. Preston Dennett goes worldwide with Ten Startling Cases of Humanoids and Aliens for our enjoyment. He certainly has a cornucopia of Weird Encounters, though most are rather anecdotal, and Preston is perhaps more understandably willing to pronounce what was encountered as "alien." And sometimes the anomalous data is decidedly more "firm" and lasting, as with the Strange Alien Statue Found in Mexico. Tim Binnall basically reports "Yup, the artifact represents an ET," but "Nope; it's a fake." So say "experts from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History." Killjoys! (WM)

Recently Jeremy Renner appeared on Jimmy Fallon and talked about the snow plow accident that nearly ended his life. The experience was life altering, both to his physical body (with many metal parts holding his frame together) and his mental/spiritual perspectives. Renner describes coming so close to death that taking his next breath became the only thing that mattered.  Speaking of which, Rethinking Death: Experiences of the Afterlife in the ‘Gray Zone’ of Death. This documentary examines both NDEs and Resuscitation science, focusing on that period where life has ceased but resuscitation and a return to full functionality is possible. The scientist behind the documentary describes the NDE as the brain accessing other parts of reality via a process of disinhibition. A link to the 45 minute documentary is included with this article. (CM)

Some Sightings Around the World include this example of Isaribi Kochu, which turns out to be a combination of human and natural phenomena. Just another example why understanding whatever UFOs are can help us illuminate such mysteries—aliens or not. We're not holding out for "ET" on this Odd UFO Seen Zipping Through Sky Over Scottish City, either. Tim Binnall says the Aberdeen object was seen by others than the cellphone videographer, but the motion seems like flapping wings of some sort were involved. And even those residing in the two states involved sometimes think at least the other one is International as Lainey and Ben ponder over a "UFO Surge" Over New York & California! Is It Aliens?. We admire Ben's enthusiasm as he analyzes these videos, some of which are quite beautiful or dramatic and have been passed around various internet sites, but... (WM)

We pause in honor of U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

For anyone living under a rock for the past century, corvids are smart. We're talking really, really, really, really, really smart. For example they utilize recursion in grammar. They also create and use tools, solve puzzles, comprehend zero, and do things for fun. Holy crap. Now it seems, writes Michelle Starr, crows can count aloud for the benefit of their human subordinates. But does this mean corvids are also capable of anthropomorphic deception? Chew on that as Henry Bauer considers Lying Numbers. Now it's not the numbers that lie, but how they're jiggered by humans, and computers, to forment propaganda rather than make a cogent point. Just stay frosty, as Henry throws shade on the math behind climate change and other scientific trends but it is something to consider and pursue individually. Turning back to birds and other flying beasts, Scott Travers wants you to Meet 2 'Lost' Species — A Flightless Bird And Gliding Mammal — Rediscovered 50+ Years Later. Of especial interest is how these critters were rediscovered after years of hide-and-seek, so take note cryptozoologists! (CS)

To say cats are weird is an understatement. Yet these beloved beasts have senses putting our human senses to shame. But do they extend beyond the veil? Amanda O'Brien knows the score and soon you will know too! Meanwhile in Peru there's some serious need for feline friends as a Security Guard Encounters Ghost Girl At Peruvian Market. Tim Binnall is on-the-scene in Ventanilla, yet one wonders if this is merely a security guard doing his acting school homework or actually talking with a spooky ghost. (CS)

As the saying goes, "fight fire with fire" and that's the crux of Naomi Oreskes's argument when challenging extraordinary claims. If you think something is bullshit, hire a bullshit artist to deconstruct that 'something' and show why. At the end of the day it is science and often what is revealed can be eye-opening. Yet bullshit does linger and we're not just talking about the stink. Henry Bauer has more than a few words to share on How Wrong Theories Can Persist And Do Harm. Many theories from The Scientific Revolution, The Enlightenment, and other epochs of discovery persist despite being soundly debunked illustrating how science advances one funeral at a time. Despite those funerals their ghosts linger as the ghosts pander, rather than challenge, the beliefs of the faithful and Henry makes an incisive point in favor of objectivity rather than supporting dogma with bullshit. (CS)

Some stars wink out because a civilization hide them in a dyson sphere. Others simply die. We're not talking about going nova, or supernova, but poignantly winking out. Such is the thesis of a new paper that crossed Jess Thomson's desk and she lays out the details. By the way, denizens of the northern hemisphere, keep your eyes on the sky but not for saucers. This T Coronae Borealis Nova Could Become A 'New Star' In The Sky Any Day Now and it'll be as bright as Polaris, notes Ezzy Pearson and Chris Lintott. Not to detract from the event but Polaris isn't that bright being a whisker under 2 magnitude. Venus, at opposition, is brilliant at -4.8 magnitude for comparison. Still this is a marvelous event and anomalists should make a point to get outside and see if they spy it. (CS)

Beneath the Giza plateau is a curious letter 'L', and egyptologists are excited since it's almost certainly not a natural phenomenon. Picking up the thread, Michelle Starr reflects upon the discovery and surrounding area as to what might have been intentionally buried in the shadow of the Great Pyramid. Half a world away, Tim Binnall has the scoop on a Mysterious Sculpture Foudn In Thai Jungle stumbled upon during a mushroom hunt. As for the mystery, well the style doesn't match the area and the time. (CS)

Typically our magnetotail, yes that's a perfectly cromulent word, is rife with storms. What's puzzling, notes Rahul Rao, is there's a storm signature but no storm. In a similar vein, and upon the face of our green Earth, Something Very Strange Is Happening To Tornadoes Across The US. And Scientists Are Baffled. As Tom Howarth sums it up, tornadoes are becoming more frequent and destructive even though this activity runs counter to conventional wisdom concerning El Niño. (CS)

One item that did somewhat survive last December's gutting of UFO-related provisions in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act is being implemented. Rich Johnson covers this, explains the misgivings journalist Ross Coulthart has with it, and that on Friday Congressman Tim Burchett introduced "The UAP Transparency Act" to go beyond the limitations of what's been enacted. Gizmodo staff writer Lucas Ropek has a rosier headline view of that enacted legislation, saying We May Know a Whole Lot More About UFOs Soon. But Ropek's actual article is much less rosy, concluding with "God knows the national security state knows how to keep a secret." A propos of UFOs and Government, Douglas Dean Johnson asks Who is Tonya P. Wilkerson, and What Does It Have to Do with UFOs? Johnson perceptively remarks on developments from the little-lamented Airborne Object Identification and Management Synchronization Group to the present; the current organizational structure within which Ms. Wilkerson, if confirmed, will operate; and remarks the impressive credentials but unknown past UFO/UAP connections of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security-designate. (WM)

Former head of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) Karl Nell's recent dialogue at the New York City SALT Conference is well-summarized by Christopher Sharp. Sharp notes the basic similarities with Nell's performance at the Sol Symposium at Stanford last November, with the difference being this one occurred at a financially-focused venue. The first 40 minutes of the attached Matt Ford "Good Troubles" episode previews and presents Nell's NYC appearance. Ford and two commentators are wowed by that interchange. Jason Colavito predictably thinks otherwise in his UFO News Roundup: Lue Elizondo's New Book and Karl Nell's SALT Talk. Jason also includes that short appearance and does score regarding Nell's "sources of evidence," though calling Nell a "UFO fanatic" in our opinion would be crossing a line. It's also unfortunate that Jason interprets an expected Pentagon response to a Steven Greenstreet question regarding Elizondo's upcoming book as AATIP being "a social club of UFO kooks." Speaking of dialogues, for your weekend you might consider some Recent Interviews Including a Discussion of Crash/Retrieval. Kevin Randle offers numerous possibilities, some of which we've here reviewed. It's good to see/hear Kevin (no "UFO kook"!) Randle "back in the saddle again"! (WM)

After a hiatus since 2019, the much awaited 5th International Cryptozoology Conference took place last month with keynote speakers discussing Bigfoot, Big Cats, and cryptids in general, reports Michelle Souliere. Speaking before more than 300 attendees, organizer Loren Coleman presented on the cryptids of Skinwalker Ranch and announced that the new location of the International Cryptozoology Museum in Bangor, Maine, will be the site of the next conference. And speaking of museums: Bigfoot, Aliens And Dinosaurs, Oh My! New Museum Opens in Mass. Town. The Education Earth Museum provides a space to learn about dinosaurs, New England wildlife, as well as aliens and cryptids like Bigfoot and Nessie. It's a place for the curious, promoting creatures that may—or may not—be real, with the intention of engaging young minds in both "imaginative possibilities" and real science. (CM)

In the mood to plan a little romantic getaway, just you, your significant other, and a disembodied stranger sharing your room? Then check out these hotels that feature everything from a polite and efficient ghostly hotel manager to creepy figures staring at you from the foot of the bed. It's all a matter of personal taste really. If haunted hotels aren't you're cup of tea, then check out this odd study on web searches for ghost-related terms: Study Determines Top States for Spooky Searches. West Virginia comes out on top, thanks no doubt to Mothman, which is not exactly a ghost... or is it? Also high up on the list of weird searches are Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Nevada. (CM)

For the first time, results from the largest international mediumship program ever conducted are reported. Sixty-seven experienced mediums were divided into six teams in the US, UK, and Europe and were awarded $390,000 by the Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies (BICS) to answer several existential questions on human spirituality during the nine-month program. This unique study is said to have pushed the mediums out of their comfort zones. The "unprecedented answers" from the “other side,” as revealed by 67 independent certified mediums, are reported by five teams of researchers: The BICS Challenge Research Reports. (PH)

"One of the most difficult and controversial parts of ufology is the contact cases." Thus Swedish ufologist Håkan Blomqvist begins the first of two articles on the difficult subject. And the remarkably weird tale he relates has him asking "How then is this complicated story to be judged?" The second piece concerns The Understanding Movement in Sweden. This was a Scandinavian effort at a local chapter of Contactee-claimant Daniel Fry's "Understanding" organization. Blomqvist makes the interesting observation that "Regardless of the veracity of Daniel Fry's contact ... the message presented is a form of time less humanism - well worth listening to." Karim Bianchi hopes he's worth a listen as the Chilean Senator Reveals Astounding Alien Abduction Experience. Tim Binnall has the details, which include an apparent teleportation that seems a popular feature in such South American accounts. There are also elements in Bianchi's story reminiscent of our first two installments here. (WM)

Greg Taylor saves those of us without the time to watch/listen to the nearly four-and-a-half hour sparring match between the lost civilization and the Establishment archaeological versions of prehistory. This seems an excellent account of the positions of the two antagonists on topics both large and specific in scope, the interjections and opinions of Joe Rogan himself, and moments of high tension, occasional humor, and even agreement. Jason Colavito has another instance of the larger traditional-versus-"fringe" debate as a Graham Hancock Associate Attacks Archaeology YouTuber in Rambling Rant. This piece unearths a rather intriguing sub-controversy and informs about basic human foibles as much as the archaeological arguments. And on one of those overarching archaeological battles, Philip Chrysopoulos asks about the Annunaki: Mythological Sumerian Gods or Space Aliens? Chrysopoulos gives us a "traditional" and a "Zecharia Sitchinesque" version of the answer, and then injects a tone of dark mystery about a possible three-part movie based upon Sitchin's books that never came to be. (WM)

Canada's lead UFO reporter Daniel Otis has a breakdown of Canadian governmental "interest" in UFOs for the last few years that is informative and full of references. It appears that not only does Canada want its southern neighbor to take the lead in UFO investigating, but that the Canadian governmental apparatus would just as soon not follow that lead. Intriguingly, Australian researcher Keith Basterfield has an article on The Canadian Government's Interest in UAP between 2021 and 2024. "[O]r lack of interest in the subject of UAP," says Keith, whose article is a good complement to that of Otis. It emphasizes the role that Canadian Member of Parliament Larry Maguire is championing in trying to increase transparency from, and indeed interest in UFOs within, the Government of Canada. As to Canadian citizens themselves, a Curious Cluster of UFOs Spotted Over Canadian City has at least one British Columbia family intrigued. Bobby Vandenhoorn's video snippets show why. (WM)

A tourist is claiming to have encountered a living Tasmanian tiger and has uploaded a series of photographs to the internet to prove it. Wildlife biologist Forrest Gallant is highly skeptical but admits the photos are very compelling. Speaking of being skeptical, Is Mountain Monsters Real? The Debate Explained. It seems the witty banter and general ease of the dialogue has some people's spidey senses tingling. And in spite of the show's hosts insisting it really is just an example of how sympatico the cast is with one another, some viewers aren't buying it. Their issue with the program is they “have never actually found any real evidence of a cryptid. However, the same could be said for any cryptozoology or ghost hunter TV show.” That's food for thought for all of us. (CM)

Andrew May reviews Gary Lachman's 2016 volume Beyond the Robot: The Life and Work of Colin Wilson, which he finds to be a "fascinating and information-packed read." Andrew is particularly interested in the book's "fortean point of view." As to Charles Fort himself, Jason Colavito calls him "America's greatest crank" in his review of Think to New Worlds: The Cultural History of Charles Fort and His Followers by Joshua Blu Buhs. Colavito describes this work as "a nuts-and-bolts account" of the Fortean Society between the 1930s and 1950s, but is disappointed at its "paucity of depth." (LP)