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It's another amazing day today and the sooner we get out there to frolic, the better, I say. I hope you all had a lovely week, it sure seemed to fly by for me and here we are again at the crossroads of the weekend.
Big shout out this week to two folks, first my moms, Mary Lou, who is celebrating a birthday this weekend. Happy Birthday, momma.
Second big shout out goes to BoA's Lesley, who will mark her first year of writing for binnallofamerica.com with this Tuesday's Grey Matters. Thanks for all your help and support, Lesley. You've become both a great writer and a great friend, and it's been awesome to have you aboard the good ship BoA. Much of what we do @ BoA couldn't be done without the help of our staff and Lesley is a key member of the organization. Her hard work, dedication, and insight has helped me on more than one occasion. So I raise a glass and toast Lesley on one year of Grey Matters and hopefully many more future adventures. Huzzah !
We've got a full dose of binnall report goodness this week, with a look back at a fugly Week That Was. A look ahead at a slightly more promising Week That Is. BoA : Audio preview for this weekend's Richard Dolan (Part 1 of 2). This Week in C2C History, binnall report mailbag, and Noory Day Care in Hot Newz. Plus, we've got info on a cool Ghost Photo Contest being run by Lesley's blog in conjunction with the Sci Fi Channel, where you can win some seriously swank prizes.
Before the sun sets on another day at planet binnall, let's do it ...
The Week That Was
I tried to warn you last week. What ? You thought I was joking ? Think again, this past week was fugly. No doubt about it.
We kicked it off Friday into Saturday night Open Lines, highlighted by Steve Alten and Jerome Corsi showing up as pop-ins. Alten had an update on the Loch Ness Monster and Corsi had an update on Iran. The show was also "highlighted" by more hijinks from Dr. Morgus.
Saturday's Ian featured the Dr. Len Horowitz talking about evolution and vibration. I skipped out on this one, sorry, Ian.
Then came a highly questionable move, as Art Bell, ailing from something he caught while flying from the Philippines, bowed out from the weekend's shows. In his place was a 10.18.2003 replay of Brendan Cook and Barbara McBeath, the Ghost Investigators Society. Yes, they were also the guests the previous Saturday for a first-run episode. I have no clue who thought this was a good idea, but I was pretty annoyed. C2C has a vast library of classic episodes, yet they chose to re-air an episode that featured the same guests they had on the previous week and the GIS, at that ! Ugh.
Sunday, in place of Bell, we had The Noor, with Jeff Long, talking about Near Death Experiences. Apparently, Sean David Morton showed up to talk about something ridiculous, I'm sure. I didn't catch this episode, but I'm afraid I didn't miss much.
Monday, The Noor had Dr. Bruce Goldberg on to talk about Out of Body Experiences. At first I thought this episode was pure garbage, but then I went back and re-listened to the middle hour of the interview and was duly impressed enough to recommend just that part, if anything. That portion consisted of time traveler stories and they were killer. The rest was a grab bag of esoteric stuff, dealing with astral projection, future selves, hypnosis and other nebulous stuff. I can't say that I hate Goldberg, but his personality is rather ... snooty and his sense of humour is not my taste at all.
For those of you keeping score at home, Noory mentioned Dexter Monterey in the introduction of Goldberg and some say he also mentioned it in the first hour before Goldberg even came on. Thankfully, Noory didn't oversell it, almost laughing at it as much as we were.
Simeon Hein was the guest on Tuesday, talking about crop circles and remote viewing. This episode also seemed to suffer from the same problems as Monday's episode, in that it covered too diverse a topic and ended up being scattershot at best. In particular, the discussion on crop circles was scant, while talk of remote viewing was heavy and that didn't help matters. Hein was decent, but I wasn't digging the subject matter.
Worth noting for Tuesday was the first hour of the show, featuring the Birthday Tribute to Richard C. Hoagland. I'm biting my tongue here, as I could say so much. I will say that it was sappy beyond the pale and full of so much "I love you, man" stuff that I thought, for a moment, that everyone was stinking drunk.
Interesting footnote is that this episode featured the on-air reunion of Hoagland and Art Bell, who hadn't been on together in almost 2 years. Much has been speculated on regarding the Hoagland / Bell on-air estrangement. Something sure seems a tad amiss when Hoagland racks up a stunning 58 appearances in '05 and not one of them is with Bell. Whether or not Tuesday's reunion led to a thawing of the cold war or not, we may never know, but the upcoming episodes are an indication that it just might have.
Wednesday easily had the best episode of the week with Robert Kriviat, the producer of those FOX paranormal specials, in particular, the infamous Alien Autopsy one. This was a wealth of insider information on the making of the AA film and the man behind it, Ray Santilli, in particular. If you are a fan of esoteric urban legends, this was a classic episode. It also gave great insight into the journey of esoterica to network TV. High recommendation from me, here.
Continuing the afterparty from Hoagland's Tribute the night before, Noory had Art Bell as a guest for the first hour of Wednesday's show, which was a truly astounding moment. I recall Art often saying he didn't like that sort of thing, being a guest or co-hosting, but he must have changed his mind for this rare pop-in, where he updated the listeners on his impending move to the Philippines. Noory wasn't as sappy as the night before, but was appropriately reverential for the man who bequeathed the host's chair to him. It was interesting hearing Art answering Noory's questions, instead of hearing him ask the questions.
Thursday was the final dog of the week, this time featuring Peter Novak, talking about the binary soul. I think even Noory threw in the towel on the week with this episode, as they went to Open Lines with the guest at the 3rd hour, instead of the normal 4th hour of the show. So it was Peter Novak for an hour, then Novak fielding calls for the next two. Lots of them dealing with folks telling stories. I listened, but only half heartedly and nothing really stood out as worthy of note.
Like I said, I tried to warn you last week. This past week didn't have much to offer and, with the exception of Wednesday's episode, was wholly forgettable. Hey, you can't win them all, folks. I'm sure C2C will come back with some strong stuff soon and I'll be raving in this paragraph about it all. Stay tuned.
The Week That Is
C2C's kicking it old school with tonight's Friday into Saturday Open Lines episode, as Linda Moulton Howe as the pop-in. She'll be talking about EBE sighting and, I'm sure, freaking everyone out. Good times. Hopefully, she'll stay another hour or two and help stave off the Open Lines.
Saturday's Ian features Linda Godfrey, talking about werewolves. Good stuff. This sounds like perfect IP material and it should be strong. The over/under on when Ian plays Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" is at the beginning of the 2nd hour when he sets up to bring Godfrey on. I'd like to see Ian play it twice, just to be radical, but that being radical doesn't sound like Ian's nature. Should be a good episode.
Saturday Night Bell is a replay from 12.26.2003. No, it's not the GIS again, it's the RCH, baby. Unlike during the week that was, I will now wail to the heavens in praise of C2C for replaying one of my all time favorite C2C episodes. I've always wanted it on MP3 and I shall get it soon, thank goodness. In the pantheon of C2C episodes I have heard, this episode ranks up there in the small handful that I would count as the very best.
Let me set the stage for you. It was just about the time when the "Martian Armada" of Beagle 2 and the Mars Rovers were about to hit the Martian surface and Richard C. Hoagland was all abuzz about the possibilities. For weeks, he'd been hyping that Beagle 2 would be landing on 12.26 and that he'd be on live with Art to cover it. It was also the day after Christmas, obviously, so everyone and their brother was around to catch the episode and was still feeling festive, albeit a tad hungover from the yuletide season. For me, personally, it was right about where Hoagland reached his prime as a "character", before he got totally burned out by over-appearing on Coast and having far too many ludicrious moments.
So, suffice it to say, this episode was a big one at the time. Of course, Beagle 2 never made it and that started the hilarity that was this episode. RCH was all about conspiracies and Bell was not having it. The result was a veritable debate between Art and Richard that was, simply put, amazing. It also included the hilarious line from Art to Richard, "There isn't a cabal of janitors, Richard !" A line I still use today. I'll try and get the exact wording after hearing the episode again this weekend.
BoA' s Lesley tells me that the infamous Richard C. Hoagland versus Old Navy episode is even better and I really hope they run that one soon, as it sounds like an all time classic. But, I can assure you, this coming weekend's replay is of nearly equal value for Richard C. fans and foes alike.
Sunday is an odd duck, as the guest is TBA and the host is computer hacker extraordinaire Kevin Mitnick. I think Mitnick has his own radio show, so it won't be total amateur hour. I do find it odd that he is doing the guest hosting, especially after George Knapp guest hosted a few weeks back. Did C2C lose Hilly Rose's number ? I hope not. C'mon, Coast, do right by the Hillman and bring him back as guest host. Free Hilly ! Free Hilly ! Free Hilly !
The Noor returns on Monday to welcome the bearded one John Hogue, to talk about prophecy. I'm not a huge Hogue fan, if anything I'd be called a "detractor", but I'll give him a shot on Monday and see what he brings to the table. If it sucks, I'll be sure to rip on him next week.
Tuesday, it's yet another alternative science episode with Robert Zubrin, talking about space and energy. Zubrin is solid if you like alt. science. I'm not a huge fan and am a tad burned out after this past week, but much like Hogue, I'll give him a shot and see what he's got.
Wednesday, the guest is TBA. I'll throw my lot behind Jordan Maxwell appearing as the surprise guest, because dammit I've been asking for it for months. It will probably turn out to be Steve Quayle, though. Which wouldn't be bad, mind you.
Thursday, the guest is the highly regarded Dean Radin, talking about testing psychic phenomena. Despite it being another alternative science episode, this could turn out to be the best of the bunch of them, as Dean Radin is a pretty hardcore esoteric name. Hopefully, he won't disappoint.
It doesn't look like much on paper for the upcoming week, but there are still some open slots to be filled and the guests that are announced are big enough names that they should deliver something of quality.
Ghost Hunters - Ghost Photo Contest
BoA's Lesley is running this contest @ her blog The Debris Field, in conjunction with the Sci Fi Channel and the TV show Ghost Hunters. Here's the info ::
Have you ever captured what may be a unearthly spirit on a photo?
The Debris Field, Sci Fi Channel, and Ghost Hunters, bring you the Ghost Photo contest. To enter you must have a photo of a ghost (or what could be a ghost) and reside in the US. This contest will run from April 28th, 2006 through May 28th, 2006. At the end of contest everyone will be allowed to vote on their 3 favorite photos to decide the winners. Voting will be from May 29th, 2006 through June 6th, 2006. Photos will be posted at http://thedebrisfield.blogspot.com and http://ghostphotocontest.blogspot.com/.
To enter email your photo to decogrl@yahoo.com, photos accepted only by email.
Prizes are as follows -
1st place - A Ghost Hunters season 1 DVD collection and Ghost Hunters keyring
2nd place - A Scifi Channel t-shirt and Ghost Hunters keyring
3rd place - A Scifi Channel t-shirt
BoA : Audio, Season One
The wild ride that is BoA : Audio continues this week, with the first half of the highly anticipated Richard Dolan interview. I read Dolan's legendary book "UFOs and the National Security State" a few weeks before the interview, so this interview is packed with obscure questions and overarching big picture discussion. Be sure to check out our archive of BoA : Audio shows, which now features a stunning 26 previous episodes.
This Week : Richard Dolan (Part 1 of 2), "UFOs and the National Security State". The first half of a massive interview with Richard Dolan on his acclaimed book. We discuss the making of the book, along with the early days of Ufology and some of the key researchers like Keyhoe, Hillenkoeter, Ruppelt, and Hynek. We talk about NICAP, APRO, and MUFON and the role of UFO groups in the history of Ufology. Lots of historical Ufological discussion about the evolution of the UFO cover-up.
His website is : www.keyholepublishing.com
Next Week : Richard Dolan (Part 2 of 2) . More historical Ufology discussion. Plus a preview of the next edition of UFOs and the National Security State", which covers the last thirty years of Ufology. We also talk about disclosure, Serpo, and even Charlie Sheen.
His website is : www.keyholepublishing.com
binnall report mailbag
Letter #1 :
Why do you call George Noory, "The Noor" ?
Claire in Baltimore, MD
Another classic "tbr" letter that I get every so often. I suppose it would be a "frequently asked question" here at our offices. The origins of the title "The Noor" really come from the lengthy missives that are the binnall report. There's only so many times you can call Noory by his name and, thus, The Noor, became his de facto nickname here in our pages.
Some misinterpret the name "The Noor" as a slight against the good George Noory by us. Do not be mistaken by this false idea. The Noor is a title of affection, not critique.
Letter #2 :
Tim,
Any big plans for the Summer ?
Joan in Providence, RI
Actually, Joan, I have some personal plans for the Summer, but not any big professional plans just yet. I can't get into my personal plans, but they are big and, in the long run, will be to the benefit of all the great folks who enjoy the work of the BoA franchise.
My professional plans are more tenuous. They will mostly consist of writing a few articles for various publications, continuing to expand and evolve the BoA machine, and planning and producing the first half of BoA : Audio, Season Two that will premiere in the Fall of '06. Yes, the revolution will continue unabated.
Questions ? Comments ? Send them to tbinnall@hotmail.com
This Week in C2C History
4.28.2004 : Mary Ann the Ghostbuster was the guest, enchanting The Noor with tales of her ghostly interractions : "Mary Ann said she is invited to attend around 15 funerals per month, in order to use her skills in communicating with the deceased, and relay any last messages they might have to their loved ones. She is particularly known for helping spirits crossover into the light, and said that a new spirit generally has between 72-80 hours after their funeral to enter the white light. After this time the light fades out, and they can become earthbound. " (c2c.com)
4.28.2003 : John Ronner was the guest, talking about angels. He gave the low down on various methods of angel intervention, "Ronner categorized a number of different angelic visitations. One type he termed the "mysterious stranger," where the angel takes the form of an ordinary human being. This stranger might for example, know your name and details about your life." (c2c.com)
4.28.1999 : The venerable Hilly Rose was the guest host, welcoming Don Schmitt and Tom Carey to talk about Roswell, including an exciting new development that never seemed to go anywhere, "Don recaps the 'smokin gun' at the top of the fourth hour. This refers to the photograph of General Ramey kneeling before a weather balloon with a telex in his hand. Words can now be deciphered on the telex." (artbell.com)
4.28.1998 : Duck and cover ! Y2K is on the way ! "A federal Reserve estimate says the cost to US businesses to upgrade computers with the year 2000 fix will be about 50 billion dollars." (artbell.com cd rom)
End Notes
And we wrap up another edition of the binnall report. April showers bring May flowers and promises of more esoteric tomfoolery from the BoA crew. I hope you decide to join us in the fun.
Plugs : Tomorrow @ binnallofamerica.com, BoA : Audio with Richard Dolan (Part 1 of 2). Early Ufology with one of the master researchers of the field. It's gonna be wild. Sunday, smoker dave and Lesley's C2C Rewind @ The Debris Field. Monday, Hoags to Hoags AM finally gets updated and the April Coastie Contenders are unveiled. Tuesday, celebrate one year of Grey Matters with Lesley. Wednesday, BoA's ironman Khyron checks in with The K-Files, which has been burning up the net the last few weeks with some stellar special reports. Thursday, Noory starts his book tour with an appearance on Oprah, only in Hot Newz. Friday, the binnall report hits you, baby, one more time.
binnallofamerica.com ... we want you to want us.
Until I take to the internet to rant and rave once more about our favorite esoteric radio show, this is binnall wishing you a wonderful weekend, a stress free week, and signing off.