Back in 1999 I got an email from a man in Traverse City, Michigan who wanted to know if I had heard about the police chasing a UFO. I hadn’t heard anything so I told him I’d try and find out. To make a long story short, I’ll tell you over dinner sometime, I gained possession of the dispatch recording from that night and sure enough someone was seeing something. Listen to the police officer’s amazement at the object, listen to the other police officers and dispatchers make jokes like “We come in Peace” and “Someone call Art Bell”. The entire recording spans about 45 minutes in length so I’ve clipped out all of the dead air and the recording is now about 12 minutes long. You’ll sigh with relief at the end of the recording when the Captain shows up at the scene of the sighting and tells everybody “It was just Venus”…even though earlier the officer who saw the object says “It’s no planet”. Whew. Traverse City Police & The UFO
Since everyone is jumping on The Beatles bandwagon lately, so will I. On August 23rd, 1974 John Lennon was on the balcony of his apartment in New York. He witnessed and later described a “Flying Saucer” hovering near his building, not a helicopter, and not a balloon.
In the clip provided below you can listen to John explain, in his own words, what he saw.
Life magazine looks at 31 conspiracy theories. Although it seems like they were running about of ideas when you realize they separate the JFK assassination, Ruby’s death and Lee Harvey Oswald’s death, which I usually incorporate into the same conspiracy. Click here to see the article At least they didn’t use this as a chance to just say, “fake”.
Music lovers had nothing to be outraged about lately so wasn’t it fantastic when Kayne West jumped to the stage during MTV’s music awards on Sunday night. The hip-hop star interrupted country singer Taylor Swift’s acceptance of her award for Best Female Video. Shock, at Mr. West’s actions, were felt around the gossip-sphere. Music fans asked “How could he do that?” “Will he apologize?” Luckily Kayne West was scheduled for an interview on the premier episode of Jay Leno’s new show the following day.
I know it’s not an “aliens run the planet” conspiracy but was it all hoaxed? If only there was a connection between the parties involved. Oh wait a minute.
Big Machine Records is an American independent record label specializing in country music artists. Big Machine joined with Universal Republic in June 2009 to found a new label, Republic Records Nashville. It’s recording stars include the American country popstar Taylor Swift.
Roc-A-Fella Records is an American vanity record label founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Damon Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke. A subsidiary of Universal Music Group. It’s recording stars include the award winner Kayne West
The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an American television network and is currently part of the media company NBC Universal.
A very interesting aspect, at least to me, is Kayne’s apology on Jay Leno. It seemed that the entire segment was contrived to not actually mention what had happened and who it involved. Approaching it in this way would make people who didn’t know transpired want to find out. Kayne only says “Taylor” once during the interview and it’s 2 minutes and 30 seconds into an interview that is only 2 minutes and 50 seconds long. And, again. he never even says what happened that he is apologizing for. The “What would your mother say to you” question by Leno is so over dramatic it’s like watching a soap opera.
So Kayne will sell more records, since he will retain his “rebel” status. Taylor Swift will sell more records and become America’s darling because she was “shamed” on national TV, and people will watch Jay Leno’s show to see Kayne apologize. The question remains, “Who lost anything in this?” The answer, “No one”. America you’ve just been conned.
Here is the new artwork for the upcoming “Doomsday” lecture. The date and venue are still not locked down but stay tuned for more info. If there are any doomsday scenarios or end of the world conspiracy theories you would like me to speak on at this upcoming event please email me with your ideas John@weirdlectures.com. Remember these lectures/discussions are not only supposed to be factual and thought-provoking but also fun and entertaining! Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
I am in negotiation with 2 venues to do a large-scale lecture sometime before Halloween. Some of the details I can give you are as follows:
- The lecture will be based around Doomsday scenarios and End-of-the-world conspiracies
-The 3rd Alternative Orchestra will be performing
Hopefully I’ll find out which venue will be hosting the event within the next 2 weeks!
There is the potential for a big announcement coming within the next few weeks. I will keep you posted on what it is as soon as I have specific information, sorry to be so cryptic about it.
The Final Curtain: When is the “End of the world”? Millions of people worldwide believe that we live during Earth’s final days. What are the beliefs and motivations that drive the desire to witness the destruction of humankind? What, where and why have these stories continued and spread through every culture and society? Most importantly…when will the world end? A lecture not for the faint-hearted.
Thanks to everyone that made the lectures, seminars, classes, etc. so fun and fascinating this year. As of right now no lectures are scheduled for 2009 but I’m sure that will change. If you are interested in booking a lecture visit the contact page and drop me a line. Also, in 2009, look for the first in my series of “weird” kids books.
Paranormal Investigation: A Primer Saturday, October 25, 2008 – Royal Oak Library – 4-5:30pm
Have you ever wondered if your house was haunted? Well now you can learn the tips and tricks to investigating paranormal phenomena. This lecture/discussion will cover all topics concerning the research of paranatural phenomena. Do you really need special expensive equipment to “detect” ghosts? Find out by attending this FREE lecture. A visual and audio presentation will also be a part of this event which is recommended for ages 13 to adult. The Royal Oak Public Library 222 East 11 Mile Road Click here for a map