HEADLINES

Which headlines would you like to peruse?

Added 5/18/2009

2060: Humvee-Sized, Bulletproof Meat-Eating Spiders Attack!

• The Register's article about the possible real threat of global warming: a plague of giant spiders!
• A slightly less alarming National Geographic article on the same.
• Another spidery article on a somewhat related note.

Ah, yes. The spawn of Atlach-Nacha will do well in the warming years to come...

An Amnesic Patient with an Extraordinary Distorted Memory

• ScienceDaily's article about a strange distortion of the memories of patients recovering from amnesia.

Well, this could be chalked up to the fact that they are clearly possessed by entities from Yith! Do not trust them!

The 2012 End Times Prophecy

• Paranormal News Examiners article about the infamous 2012 End of the World belief.

So, I've known for years that the Mayan calendar expires on December 21, 2012. I swear that the fact that I will mark my 7th wedding anniversary on that day is utterly unrelated.

Return of the Montauk Monster!

• An article from Newsday about a second mysterious corpse washed up on a beach in Southold.

Okay, I'm sure it's got an explanation and such, but...creeeeepy.

A Battle to Preserve a Visionary's Bold Failure

• NYTimes article about a fight to preserve Wardenclyffe, Nikola Tesla's New Jersey lab.

Brian says, "Organizations with shadowy motives are fighting over ownership of Nikola Tesla's long abandoned laboratory on Long Island, and the network of tunnels the inventor is alleged to have built beneath it." Yeah...given that Tesla's name has been linked to the Tunguska explosion, I don't think this is so good...

Giant Mystery Blob Discovered Near Dawn of Time

• FOXNews article about "Himiko", a mysterious "primordial blob" discovered so far away, that the light is just reaching us 12.9 billion years later.

Himiko, eh? I think we all know what its true name is...Azathoth!

NASA Photos Show Giant "Cosmic Hand"

• A CNN article about NASA photos that seem to show a vast blue hand reaching for a sparkling red light.

Clay says, "Humans seeing what they want (Or don't) want to see or someone reaching out to Lord Azathoth?" Maybe it's Nyarlathotep giving Azathoth a high five?

Tentacles as Art

• An article from HipHopSideProject about the inflatable tentacle art of filthyluker.

Chris says, "Old news, but good news. :D" Indeed! We love our Lovecraftian art installations!

The Dyatlov Pass Incident

• An article from Wikipedia about the deaths of nine Russian ski-hikers under extremely mysterious circumstances.

Adam says, "In 1959 nine campers at the Ural Mountains in Russia were found dead. Apparently they had torn out of their tent in terror and left so quickly that most of them werent even fully dressed. 6 died of hypothermia and 3 died of unexplained wounds, skull damage and chest fractures, that were compared to the force of a car crash and one was missing her tongue. Their clothes also contained high levels of radiation. It reminds me of Lovecrafts the Unnamable and the end of the Terrible Old Man. It also has cold which is in alot of Lovecrafts stories like At the Mountains of Madness and has a mstery in the woods like the Whisperer in Darkness.: For me, the hypothermia and the wounds "like a car crash" make me think of Ithaqua...frozen to death and/or dropped from a great height. Either way, this is pretty messed up stuff.

Archaeologists Uncover Stunning Mayan Carvings of Cosmic Monsters, Hidden in the Jungle for 2,000 Years

• An article from the Daily Mail about the ruins of El Mirador, the largest ancient Mayan city in the world, and the strange carvings found there.

Rasec says, "It just seems to fit, if you ask me." Good Lord, Rasec! The title alone, with no article, would fit! Thank you both for this delightful gem.

Added 3/16/2009

"Vampire" Discovered in Mass Grave

• New Scientist article about the corpse of a suspected vampire found in a mass grave in Venice.

I debated hard on whether to include this or not. HPL never wrote a vampire story, at least that I can think of. But the idea of burying someone with a brick in their mouth to prevent them from chewing shrouds...well...that was the tipping point for me. I decided to go with it. Thanks, Callie!

Fish with Human Faces Spotted in South Korea

• The Telegraph's's article about some creepy koi.

I remember hearing about these fish a while back and thinking they were creepy. Madame X wonders if they might be humans with fish bodies. Never know, Madame X. Never know.

NASA's Fermi Telescope Sees Most Extreme Gamma-ray Blast Yet

• NASA.gov's article about an awesome cosmic explosion caught with their new high-resolution telescope.

Madame Xandu wonders if this explosion could've been some sort of "Old One Indigestion". Whatever it was, Madame X, you can be sure it's not good news for us.

Fabled City of Atlantis Spotted on Google Earth?

• NYTimes.com article about a strange grid pattern on the ocean floor visible on Google Earth.
• The Telegraph's article on the same.
• CNet's article on the same.

We'd better hope it's something as innocent as Atlantis. Thankfully, the grid is fairly Euclidean in nature...

Alien Life "May Exist Among Us"

• BBC Article about the possibility of alien life-forms already present on Earth.

May? It may exist around us? I have news for these scientists. It's not a matter of "Could 'shadow life' be lurking in the deep ocean?" It's more like, "It's there, and we need to be ready to defend ourselves should it wake up. Oh, and watch out for Mi-Go with wax faces, too." I do rather like the phrase "Shadow biosphere", however.

Added 2/20/2009

Cosmologists "See" the Cosmic Dawn

• ScienceDaily's article about scientists creating computer simulations of the Cosmic Dawn, formation of the Universe's first big galaxies.

Yeah, I know...I'm a pessimist. Somehow, looking back into the Eye of God, as it were, just doesn't seem too wise to me. Fleeing into the comfort of a new Dark Age. That's me.

Archaeologists Find Rare Intact Mummy

• MSNBC's article about the discovery of an entirely intact mummy in Saqqara, Egypt.

We've discussed the Egypt/HPL links before. In all honesty, this is an amazing find.

"Dark" Comets May Pose Threat to Earth

• NewScientist's article about the threat of comets we can't see hitting the Earth.

*sigh* If it's not one thing it's another, you know? Even if the one that hits doesn't destroy the earth, it'll probably have some colour out of space or another aboard.

Texans Report Fireball in Sky, Sonic Booms

• CNN.com article about sonic booms and fireballs reported in the sky over Texas.

Brian says, "'Officially', it's related to the collision of two artificial satellites." Well, "officially", the raid on Innsmouth was related to boot-legging...

Guy Ben-Ary: The Scientist Voted Most Likely to Build RoboCop

• ifightrobots.com's article about scientist Guy Ben-Ary.

At first I wasn't sure if I could find a Lovecraftian angle for this article...and then I thought of Crawford Tilinghast and Herbet West. Maverick scientists definitely belong in the family.

U-28 Creature

• Unknown Explorers article about a giant crocodile, encountered by a U-boat crew in 1915.
• And for reference, here's the Wiki article on the U-28 which also mentions the sighting.

Madame Xandu says, "This story colud be the inspiration behind (HPL's) 'The Temple' story, or only a concidence. Judge for yourself." We don't believe in coincidence around here, Madame X. If we did, there wouldn't be much point to this site. ;)

Tanzania's Albino Harvest

• Western Voices World News has a distressing article about the brisk trade in Tanzania for albino body parts.

When I read this article, I had a nice little creepy jaw dropping moment. Like...this *is* a Lovecraft story that we've never heard before, about a cult killing albinos for their body parts. Very scary stuff. Someone keep an eye on ol' Lavinny Whateley. She might be next.

Added 2/15/2009

Titanoboa Cerreionensis: 2,500-Pound Snake Could Eat a Cow

• The Huffington Post's article about a fossilized snake species found in Columbia.
• NatureNews' article on the same.

Michael says, "Titanoboa cerrejonensis, they say? 'Yig' fits better on a license plate...of the car this thing could eat. It preyed on crocodiles. Yikes. Tell me this thing won't haunt your dreams." I would never tell you that, Michael.

Artist Sells Casey Anthony Voodoo Dolls

• The Orlando Sentinel's article about voodoo dolls made in the likeness of alleged murderer, Casey Anthony.

Brian and I sometimes discuss what's too morbid to be linked on BloopWatch. This one edges along morbidity...but there's a sort of cosmic justice angle to it I like. If anything, the only reason I almost declined was because I don't generally think of voodoo as being related to the Mythos or Lovecraft in any way. But there was an excellent article in the New Orleans sourcebook for Call of Cthulhu linking the various loa to entities of the Mythos. That plus the fact that the cult in The Call of Cthulhu was mistaken for a voodoo cult...sure, we'll squeak it in, because it's kind of cool and creepy.

Scientists Discover Immortal Jellyfish

• The Australian's article about a jellyfish that it practically immortal.
• The Metro's article on the same.
• And then a particularly disturbing twist on the story in the Telegraph.

Kadir says, "Here is nice little development in Shoggothe, oops, jellyfish research. Practically immortal. Personally I'm not surprised." I agree. Anything that can be referred to as a polyp is not to be trusted. Especially as Insect Dream points out in the Telegraph article, where it casually mentions a "silent invasion". Not good...

Added 1/21/2009

"Horror Frog" Beaks Own Bones to Produce Claws

• New Scientist article about a frog which some very creepy ways to mate and defend itself.

I have nothing witty or amusing to say about this. I'm seriously too creeped out by this beastie.

The Mother of All Beacons

• Space.com article. Could alien life-forms use the stars to signal us?

Michael says, "People are suggesting that aliens could use the stars themselves to send messages to life throughout the galaxy. I don't know what the Elder Things are calling about, but we should probably let the machine get this one."

Martian Methane Belch: From Rocks or Microbes?

• RecordPub.com article about the recent discovery of methane on Mars which may be a sign of life.

Michael says, "My favorite quote from the article is 'That's because methane is not only a waste product of life, it can be a food for other life...'

"Yeah. So can astronauts.

"If NASA sends a manned mission to Mars, it's going to be the most expensive take-out dinner of all time."

• New Scientist article about the odd possibility that our reality may be a holographic reflection of a universe-sized black hole.

This is...um...sure! Why not?

A Note of Caution for Paranormal Investigators

• A blog posting from the Paranormal Pastor about the possible mental toll paranormal investigation may bring.

The good pastor is concerned for those who may find themselves unprepared to deal with supernatural forces as they investigate them. So many Lovecraft stories are about just that...people for whom the strain of investigation leads to some kind of break with reality, that I wanted to include this article.

Akkorokamui

• Cryptomundo's article about a 110 meter long octopus said to live near Japan.

Both the indigieous Ainu people and European travelers have claimed to see this creature. We're not surprised, of course.

Added 1/15/2009

The Grave Eaters

• The Paranormal Pastor's tale of a missionary's encounter with the Aswang, an evil spirit that eats the corpses of men.

The description of the slobbering sound made me think of a Lovecraftian ghoul...well...that and the eating corpses. Pickman, table for one.

Psycho-Analysis

• BeyondtheBlog's article about the lurking madness lying beneath the veneer of human sanity.

A really fascinating read. Given how much mandess was lurking in HPL's family and stories, I felt I would be remiss in not including this.

**UPDATED STORY** Pyramid Found - in the Heart of Bosnia!

• Unjournaled's article about what might be the first ever discovered pyramid in Europe.
• The update at MSNBC: Critics Blast Bosnian "Pyramid" Find
• The Guardian Unlimited's update on how the alleged pyramids are affecting the local economy.
• An update 3 years later in 2009 from BoingBoing of all places.

I have a whole pyramid/Lovecraft link, simply because of "Imprisoned with the Pharoahs", but I also think that the idea of a similar design or geometic shape showing up over and over again in various locations is a Lovecraftian idea. Such as the Inuit statue matching the Cajun Stature in the original "The Call of Cthulhu". Perhaps these pyramids are all to honor something little less Euclidian? When he sent the update, Burn said, "This is interesting. And just think of what it could mean, pyramids bigger than the ones in Egypt, so big they've been mistaken as mountains, dating back to an age that there's no way the "locals" could have built it. Hmmm." I say Boo! to the critics who blast our good researcher! We at BloopWatch salute him!

New Way to Be Buried: Underwater Cemetary

• Orlando Sentinel article about the phenomenon of underwater burials.

Brian says, "Some Miamians are choosing to return to Dagon in the end." Don't they all? Everyone finds religion in the winter of their lives, don't they?

**Updated Story!** Tentacle UFO Spotted Right Before Carnage

• Louth Leader article about a light with tentacles coming out of it, seen in the sky over a Conisholme wind farm.
• Update! Rob also found a new article with more information. Is Russian somehow connected with the mysterious tentacle lights?

Rob linked the article to the Haunter of the Dark. Hey, anything with tentacles gets my attention. Mysterious sky lights? Sure...those always have tentacles, right? Yikes!

Mystery Roar from Faraway Space Detected

• Space.com article about a strange cosmic noise that's far louder than anything we expected to find.

Rob says, "It would seem Azathoth might be getting restless." Oh, great. Just what I need.

Stonehenge Beneath the Waters of Lake Michigan

• A blog article about a strange stone circle with carvings found underwater in Lake Michigan.

Rob says, "And a genuine dark corner of the Earth in my own backyard, figuratively speaking. Mysterious stone circles under benighted waters, Deep Ones at the altar of Dagon perhaps ?" It certainly seems like it. Apologies, Rob. Ohio seems so safe from Deep One attacks, and then this...

Beast on the Beach

• Article from The Sun about a mysterious animal corpse washed up on a beach in Britain.

Rob submitting this, admitting he can't link it to a story. I really can't either...but it's such a great, creepy story...complete with a twist! The beast's skull has been stolen!

Strange and Mysterious Sounds from the Earth

• NoiseAddicts.com article about unexplained noises, including a section on the Bloop!

Madame Xandu says, "Congratulations to be back on the road again. I send one actualization about the sounds from the earth...there are more...many more. Are they the secret conversations between the deep ones....?" Most likely, Madame, if not something even worse... Actually, I like that this article mentions that some people link the Bloop with Cthulhu. We don't know anyone like that, now do we? ;)

Unknown Sea Creature Filmed Off Florida Coast

• A YouTube video of a very creepy undersea denizen.

James says, "Anything marine and abnormal may be some kind of foul star-spawn, let's be honest!" Too right. That thing gives me the heebie-jeebies! It's positively shoggothian.

Added 1/8/09

Huge Undersea "Wall" Discovered

• BBC article about a...dare I say...cyclopean basalt wall discovered underwater near Taiwan.

Rob says, "Huge undersea wall discovered. Did I mention it was basalt ? Shadows of R'lyeh..." I love that the article suggests it's a natural formation. Watch the video with the article; those are distinctly blocks. If that's a natural formation, I'm a four-winged elder thing.

Tentacle UFO Spotted Right Before Carnage

• Louth Leader article about a light with tentacles coming out of it, seen in the sky over a Conisholme wind farm.

Rob linked the article to the Haunter of the Dark. Hey, anything with tentacles gets my attention. Mysterious sky lights? Sure...those always have tentacles, right? Yikes!

Black holes Spouted Galaxies, Not Vice Versa

• LA Times article about a new finding in the relationship between black holes and galaxies.

I love black hole stories. They're so creepy and weird. And this one's just a riddle, to say the least.

Is the Superquake Coming?

• TIME.com's article about continuing seismic activity in Yellowstone that may be the lead up to an explosion 1,000 times the power of the Mt. St. Helens explosion of 1980.
• U.S. News's article on the same.

Now, I was around for the Mt. St. Helens explosion...not literally. I mean...I wasn't in the area, or anything. I mean I was alive and aware of the news story. It was scary stuff. Could this be the Cthonians finally sick of our crap and meaning to have an end to us? Could be, I expect...

Fear: Hobbyists Will Create New Life Forms

• LiveScience.com's article about BioHacking, the field of amateur biology and the trouble it may pose.

Is it any shock to anyone that DIYbio (Do It Yourself Biology), one of the groups mentioned in the artcle, is right in my backyard in Cambridge, MA? I'm sure the Elder Things could tell these people why this is not a good idea. Shoggoths on the horizon, anyone?

The Spider Sex Chronicles

• LiveScience.com's article about the bizarre sex rituals of spiders.

The children of Atlach-Nacha are a peculiar bunch, I'll admit...and as a bonus, here's a gallery of creepy spiders!

Strange Experiments Create Body-Swapping Experiences

• LiveScience.com's article about a series of experiements in which the subjects' perceptions are manipulated to make them believe they have swapped consciousness into another body.

Um. Yeah. Go science? I'm sure Joseph Curwen and Ephraim Waite would be proud.

Dreams Imaged, Scientists Claim

• LiveScience.com article about scientists who claim that they've captured dreams and thoughts on a computer screen.

As stated many times before, HPL had a lot of dream-oriented stories and thoughts. "Dreams in the Witch-House" and "Beyond the Wall of Sleep" leap to mind immediately when thinking of his works, to say nothing of the Dreamlands stories. Imagine if dreams could be viewed on a computer...what would that mean for some of HPL's stories if they occurred today? On a related note, check out this article submitted by regular contributer Rob Zura.

Fungi Caught Having Sex in Humans

• LiveScience.com's article about fungi that are reproducing sexually in human cels.

I didn't want to go back too far, but this headline from October, 2008, was so Lovecraftian that I had to go with it. Yuggoth will find a way. Maybe this is punishment for claiming it's no longer a planet...

2008 Summary Report of Unusual White Animals

• ufophysical.com's article about many odd white bear or ape like creatures seen in an area "code named" Marley Woods.

I was perusing various odd articles for Lovecraftian links when I spotted this. Arthur Jermyn immediately leaped to mind, so I snapped it up. I also found a January 3 update.

From November 1, 2006 to January 7, 2009

While I wasn't updating, you folks kept sending me great articles. This section is for the articles I saved from that period.

Monster Warning to Protect Oceans

• BBC's article about the colossal squid that was caught by New Zealand fishermen in 2007.

Colossal squid. What more need I say, really?

Canada Man Beheaded on Bus

• BBC's article about a man who robotically decapitated and disemboweled a man on a bus in Canada.

I remember thinking how disturbing this news was when I first heard about it. It definitely has the feeling of an interrupted HPL story to it. Who knows what strange gods the killer heard in his mind as he committed these acts.

Mysterious, Doughy Blob Clogs Sewer

• SunJournal.com article about an unidentified blob blocking sewers in Lewiston, Maine.

Rob was concerned it might be a shoggoth. Since there are no following stories about sewer-workers being devoured and no reference in the article to thin piping sounds singing tekeli-li! tekeli-li!, I think we can put that fear to rest.

Meteorite Crash Causes 'Mystery Illness' in Peru

• FOXNews.com article about a meteorite crash in Peru which is being linked to headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems.
• Tailrank.com's article about the same.

So, here's why I feel bad about my "job" as the editor of this site, sometimes. I saw these headlines from Brian and M and got all excited. "Oh, man!" I said to the BloopSquad, "This is BloopGold!" Then I felt terrible about all the people who got sick. But still, if you don't see the corollary to HPL's "The Colour Out of Space" in this article, then...well...you probably haven't read it. It's that good a link.

Whole Black Hole Meal Observed

• Space.com's article about a black hole devouring a star...and htis time, we got to watch!

Big Bird says, "Now, anything star devouring that lies dormant for thousands of years before suddenly gorging itself on unsuspecting suns is Mythos. That's my firmest belief." I'm with ya, BB.

Before Recorded History: The Civilizations Lose in Time

• ThothWeb.com article about civilizations that are no more. Are we next?

Rob says, "We've been reading about things like this for decades and it's only now being discussed ?" Well, most people don't have the scope to look at the truth.

Star Trails at 19,000 Feet

• Astronomy Picture of the Day's photo of time lapse star trail photos over Antarctica.

Gerard says, "'At the Mountains of Madness' comes immediately to mind!" I couldn't agree more.

Chewing Squid

• One creepy photo of a squid with teeth.

Creepy...just...I don't know if it's real or not, but it's sure creepy.

Video Captures Giant Octopus Attack on Sub in B.C.

• A CBCNews article about footage of an attack by an octopus against a remote-control submarine.

Very intriguing article. The video footage is cool, too.

Scientists Study Earth's Missing Crust

• An article from the Associated Press about an area of the sea floor where the earth's crust is missing and has been replaced with dark green stone from deep within the planet.

This files nicely into the annals of the bizarre, no? Scientists describe it like an "open wound". Very weird.

Colossal Squid...Captured!

• An article from ABC about Dr.Steve O'Shea's capture of a colossal squid.
• BBC's take on the same.
• Some great photos of a C.S.

Steve O'Shea is a name we've seen before. This guy must be running around with a can of colossal squid bait. This story got me more links from folks. Good to know you were all on your toes in reporting this. Sorry I wasn't so on the ball on adding it to the site. :)

Celestial Object Falls in Latvia

• An article from NOL: the UFO Journal of Poland about an object that fell to earth in Latvia amidst UFO sightings.

Really cool photos. Very "Colour Out of Space".

Monster Glowing Squid Captured on Video

• An article from a National Geographic Kids about a squid with glowing arms that uses them to blind and stun prey.
• A 9News article on the same

Rickey sent me a different link, but I liked this one, with the photos. It's been a good couple of years for weird squid stories.

The Dogon

• An article from Crystalinks.com about the Dogon people of Mali, West Africa.

Great photos and very interesting. I was almost going to pass this article up when I noticed mention of the Dogon worship of their ancestors...hermaphroditic amphibious fish-like creatures who arrived from the sky in a vessel "accompanied by fire and thunder". Um...yeah. That earned it a spot in the headlines almost immediately. I need to know more about these people. Actually, the site's whole section on Amphibious Gods is worth checking out.

Cambodian Jungle Woman

• An article from FOXNews.com about a girl who may or may not have been found naked in a Cambodian jungle and who may or may not be a missing child from the family who claims her.

This is one of those stories that just seems...wrong. Changeling? Possessed? Replaced by Fungi from Yuggoth? There's no telling, but something is seriously weird here.

Frolicsome L.I. Dolphin Visit Turns Fatal (for the dolphins, that is.)

• NYTimes.com article about dolphins dying mysteriously.

Vlad says, "Sounds like there's something keeping these dolphins in the shallows- a horror worse than starving to death in the cove. Hmm... not too far from Innsmouth..." Good point, Vlad. Dang deep ones and their dolphin-hating ways!

Moment 600 Years Ago When Terror Came to Mummies of the Amazon

• ThisIsLondon article about a mummy found in a pose of sheer terror

That is a wonderfully creepy photo. Russ says, "I send a very disturbing image of terror. What could she have seen before she died?" I truly hope we never know.

Houdini Exhumation to Test for Poison?

• NY Daily News article about a push to exhume Harry Houdini and test the corpse for posion.

Rob says, "I, for one, wouldn't be surprised if they find an empty grave." It would really make one hell of a story, wouldn't it? I think my opinion is best summed up by William Kalush, one of the authors of The Secret Life of Houdini. "I think Houdini would've been delighted with all this attention."

The Peruvian Church of Cthulhu

• Wired.com Cthulhu Cthursday article about a splinter faction of Catholicism in Peru that is protesting extreme Catholicism by embracing the doctrine of "who will be eaten first".
• Spanish language homepage of the church in question.

Chris says, "Found this gem and thought of Bloop Watch." And good on you for doing so!

"Ghost Yacht" Found Off Australia

• BBC article about a yacht found with no one aboard drifting off the coast of Australia.

Bob says, "I saw this today and my heart dropped to my toes! For a minute, reality and phantasy swirled in cacophaneous pandemonium as darker eldritch --oops, sorry. Seriously, I my jaw dropped. If Cthulhu ever called, He is calling now! I was strangely relieved to read that the name of this yacht is Kaz II, not Vigilant.....if only GPS does not allow the piecing together of certain shreds of information..." This plot does sound familiar, doesn't it...

**UPDATED STORY**Pyramids in China

• Special article on how Google-Earth is helping locate anomalous pyramids in China.
• Update! Now with photos! First Pic and Second Pic.

I fear what happens when people start noticing what's at the Bloop coordinates...thanks for the pics, James!

Bizarre Illness Terrifies Sudanese

• CBS News article about the bizarre phenomenon of nodding syndrome.

The quote that Callie pulled out for my attention is the victim's description of the disease's attacks. "When it comes, it looks like a black cloud but in the shape of a human...That's all I know. At the end, I find myself on the floor." Gah! Creepy! Some sort of manifestation of Abhoth or Nyralathotep, perhaps?

Curious Creature Caught Off Keahole Point

• StarBulletin article about the curious "octosquid".

Oh, great. Two great tastes that dominate the world together...it's like the pizzly bear to Stephen Colbert. I mean, do we really need a species like this to exist? Sheesh.

Gaping Hole Found in Universe

• Reuters article about a spot discovered in space devoid of pretty much everything.
• You know you want to see images illustrating what we're talking about here.

It's fun to see how two different Correspondents will react to the same article. Paul simply says, "Couldn't let this pass by." and "Thought you might find this interesting."

In ever so slight contrast, Sunder says, "Read the article again, slowly, letting the full impact sink in, for you will never again experience the feeling of your mind being altered by such relentless, reality-smashing knowledge. Indeed, the amount of time that your mind has left to experience anything at all is, obviously, limited.

There. Is. A. Hole. In. The. Universe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Then, about the photos, Sunder says, "You will notice that the valiant astronomers, futilely trying to stave off the inevitable, have disguised the horror in pretty, Photoshop-like colors. It will therefore require a great deal of contemplating, possibly accompanied by the ingestion of appropriate, exotic Oriental substances and technopunk, to delete one's sanity via these images. You will also notice the way the reporters desperately avoid using the most appropriate terms for the phenomenon, such as "insane void," "inexplicable rent," "abyss in violation of all known laws of space-time," etc.--as if we wouldn't notice!"

One thing I love about our Correspondents...their calm, unbiased reporting. ;) Seriously, though...a hole in the universe is a pretty frightening concept.

Later in the same email, Sunder calms a little and admits, "I realize of course there is an infinitesimal possibility that the astronomers are simply misinterpreting some relatively well-known (to "insiders") phenomenon that is merely being viewed from a peculiar direction, such as for example the exhaust from a decelerating Major Mi-Go/Shaggai Hermaphrodite Intergalactic Cargo Brig seen from an obtuse angle. Just in case of such a remote possibility, I would like to accept your kind offer of a BloopWatch Pin."

I especially appreciate that Sunder will only accept the pin if the universe doesn't have a giant hole in it. Sunder, I'll send you one...if I can find what I did with them...hmmm...maybe they fell into the Gaping Hole!

What in the World?

• Aftenposten article about a mysterious gelatinous ball photographed underwater in a Norwegian fjord.

The diver describes it as a little bit science-fiction. I think that's putting it mildly. Great photo.

Pyramids in China

• Special article on how Google-Earth is helping locate anomalous pyramids in China.

I fear what happens when people start noticing what's at the Bloop coordinates...

Eleven-Millenium-Old Building Found in Syria

• China View's article on an ancient building that appears to belong to an ancient ox-worshipping civilization.

I'm not even remotely surprised that the first buildings involve the worship of bizarre non-human deities.

Book Paints Escape-Artist Houdini as Spy

• A new biography of Harry Houdini is being published, and it has a very different take on this unusual man.

Houdini is, of course, directly linked to HPL. I think that what the authors of this book interpret as the activities of a spy were, in fact, the activities of one of the greatest Mythos-fighting investigators of the day. Let's not forget that Houdini's last words to his brother Theo were, "I'm so tired of fighting."

Invasion of the Giant Blobs

• The New Zealand Herald's article about an invasion of purple lion's mane jellyfish washing up on the shore. And these things are huge!

Draconis says, "Though not giant squid, I consider it an ill portent if anything of abnormal size washes up on the shores. I love the picture accompanying the article. Jellyfish exude that strangeness that all Lovecraftian critters draw upon." I absolutely agree. They're oceanic, shoggothy, and they sting you. Boo to them!

Best Wildlife Photos of 2006 Captures Lovecraftian Beast

• A rather disturbing looking entity from the National Geographic Best Wildlife Photos of 2006

SINsApple says, "Imagine my surprise when I opened it to see an underwater image of one of the most otherworldly looking creatures ever (nevermind it's just a walrus in a cloud of dust, I defy you to tell me that doesn't look Lovecraftian!)" No defiance necessary, SINsApple. Definitely a fantastic image.

Unusual Meteorite Found in Kansas

• CNN.com article about a rare meteorite found in a wheat field.

Brian says, "15,000 lbs of rock from the Big Black...complete with unusual crystals." Yeah, it could only have been better if they found it in the well near ol' Nahum's prize tomatoes...

Octopus Caught Near Louisville

• WBIR.com article about an octopus that was caught in the Ohio River.

Makes you wonder where the little buggers are going to start showing up next...

Added 10/11/06

Black Hole Belts Out Discordant Musical

• Space.com article about a cacophony of sound coming from a black hole.

Perhaps this is the piping of an insane flautist we've been hearing about?

Added 10/6/06

"Monster" Fossil Unearthed in Arctic

• ABC News Online's article about a veritable graveyard of marine dinosaurs located in the Arctic.

James wonders if something was stocking a larder. I figure it's either that, or maybe evidence that Ithaqua is responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Mystery Surrounds Death of Coast Guard Divers

• AOL.com's article about two mysterious and tragic deaths.

Darkangel says, "No one seems to know what happened to them. Or, at least, no one is saying anything. So my question is, is this a very lost shoggoth, or did the Elder Things have a summer home up north?" Either way, it's a problem for folks in the area.

Kids' Kickabout Reveals Church Mystery Crypt

• Bostontoday's article about a mysterious chamber under a churchyard that was discovered by a bunch of playing kids.

Definitely a cool mystery, and very HPL, with hints of "The Rats in the Walls" and "The Outsider".

Marine Life Mysteriously Straying Far from Home

• DallasNews article about bizarre actions of marine mammals.

It seems like marine mammals are fleeing the seas, beaching themselves, and appearing in weird locations. Something very curious is going on in the ocean.

Added 9/17/06

Hotly Debated Solar System Object Gets a Name

• NASA's article about Eris, our new dwarf planet.

They should've called it Yuggoth, or Shaggai. HPL fans everywhere would've flipped out.

Mystery Ocean Glow Confirmed in Satellite Photos

• LiveScience article about a bizarre glow coming from the ocean - possibly due to bioluminecent bacteria.

This is one of those delightfully bizarre pieces...

Added 9/13/06

Silicon-Based Lifeforms: Hortas in the Deeps

• Technovelgy.com article about the possibility of silicon-based lifeforms.

This isn't strictly Lovecraftian (the article references Star Trek liberaly), but doesn't this make you think of the Cthonians?

**UPDATED STORY** Scientist Digs up a Rare Palouse Earthworm

• A Seattle Times article about a near extinct breed of earthworm that was recently re-discovered.
• Boston.com article about the same.

James brings us another "Mystery of the Worm". A yard long, hm? Smells like a lilly, hmm? Maybe it's really an immature cthonian...oh, no...I'm sorry. The real cthonians are the ten foot long ones in Australia. Yeesh!

Green Aurora Over Lake Superior

• A beautiful photo from the folks at APOD.

This is the kind of image that fills me with cosmic wonder. Not strictly news, but so very eerie and otherworldly.

"Pyramids" Discovered in Ukraine

• BBC article about more mysterious non-Egyptian pyramids.

I've already stated my thougths on pyramids in Bosnia below. Now they're popping up everywhere!

"Snake God Curse" Creates MAss Hysteria in Nepal School

• NewKerala.com article about a dead snake receiving royal treatment.

Yes, humans! Fear the Curse of Yig!

Added 9/11/06

Scientists: Cosmic Blob Biggest Thing in the Universe

• CNN's article about the discovery of the largest known object in the universe.

J. simply sent this to me saying, "Look, they found Azathoth!" I don't think there's even any need to add to that.

Putin and Cthulhu - The Whole Story

• An article on Shoggoth.net explaining the whole background as to why Vladimir Putin is being asked about Cthulhu.

Alexey, you definitely win for submitting one of the articles that made me laugh out loud. Ah, Internet. How I love thee.

Worm Infestation "Beats Asthma"

• The BBC's article about how Hookworms might make you healthier.

Manuel says, "Yes...host the worms...feed the worms...the worms will make you strong...powerful...you love the worms...protect us...obey us...you will never be sick again...submit to our will..." Ahem. Yes, Manuel. A BloopWatch Neutralization Team will be right over. Heheh. Seriously, though, I heard about this one a ways back and thought it was a fascinating concept. Perhaps this is what Prinn had in mind when he wrote De Vermiis Mysteriius?

Mystery Object Found in Supernova's Heart

• A USA Today article about something strange that's been found at the heart of a supernova!

Michael says, "There's something nesting in there...Perhaps we should look away lest we wake up that-which-man-was-not-meant-to-know. And all that hyphenated goodness." Hyphens are indeed important, Michael. And, yes, I know I often propound a sort of "Ignorance is Bliss" philosophy, but if we didn't poke a pointed stick at the cosmic mysteries of the Universe, it wouldn't make for very good news, now would it? ;)

Killer Crater Found Under Ice

• Ohio State Research News' article about one heck of a meteor crater - one that is older and bigger than the one theorized to have wiped out the dinosaurs!
• The BBC's article on the same.

Forke says, "So, they found an impact crater that led to the extinction of 90% of life on Earth. Impact? More likely a visit from outer space. Azathoth was here..." Well, if he was, he left a heck of a footprint. I'd add that perhaps this is the metaphorical "Striding from world to world" of Mr. Lovecraft's star-spawned monstrosities. And it's in Antarctica. Nope, that's not significant at all. Nope. And by the way, Forke is our newest German Correspondent. Excellent! Our plans for global dissemination of info are working nicely!

Observatory Tries to Catch a Gravitational Wave

• LATimes.com's article about the folks who're studying gravitational waves thrown off by stars.

Brian says, "Soon we recoil into the new Dark Age." It always seems like we're on the verge, Brian. Perhaps the sound these waves make is the cosmic answer to the earthly Bloop...

The Monster of the Marianas Trench: Experiment in the Pacific Attracted Unknown Animal

• An OOPARTS article about something big that popped up at an experiment in the deepest known part of the ocean.

Walrus thought we'd like this, because of our affectionate attachment to the Bloop. The fact that Bloop is also reported on the same page does, indeed, give me a warm, fuzzy feeling deep down...unless this is some new, insidious attack of the Old Ones. Must remember to pick up some more powder of Ibn-Ghazi to sprinkle through my air conditioning... Anyway, love the article. Perhaps Father Dagon came by to see what the humans were up to.

Mysterious Red Cells Might Be Aliens

• CNN's article about possible extra-terrestrial origins of microbes found in red rain.

Okay, if this doesn't creep you out, you're made of sterner stuff than I. Red rain is already disturbing. And now it's *alien* red rain? Hello? Colour Out of Space, anyone. Yikes!

Human Skin Book Gives New Meaning to "Gross Anatomy"

• FOXNews' article about a...well, just that, really. A book covered in human skin.
• BBC's article on the same.

Well, we all love creepy tomes, right? This one's up there, especially as the article suggests that it's an anatomy book. Well, that's better than a cookbook, I suppose.

Mobile DNA Part of Evolution's Toolbox

• ScienceDaily's article about how little DNA changes through evolution.

So...yeah. We share critical DNA with deep sea fishes. Does this shock anyone? How else would Deep Ones be able to interbreed with us?

When Aliens Rained Over India

• NewScientistSpace's article about weird things raining over India.
• Guardian Unlimited's article about the good ol' Red Rain.
• Another article on the same.

So Red Rain is creepy, right? Right. As Lilewyn says, "I'm not sure why this hasn't gotten more attention in the media than it has."

Furry "Lobster" Found in Pacific

• BBC's article about this baffling beastie.

Russ indicates that this thingie, dubbed the Yeti Crab, reminds him of the furry thing in the Witch House. To me, it's just another example of how little we know about what's lurking down there.

Pre-Roman Tomb Found Beneath Roman Forum

• LiveScience's article about this startling archaeological find.

John says, "Wait until they discover the bodies of 'Jackal-headed Mummys'...and answers to things Man Was Not Meant To Know." Indeed! I started thinking about Magna Mater and Exham Priory, myself. :)

Giant Jellyfish Terroizing Japan

• TimesOnline's article about giant jellyfish off the shores of Japan.

Harald says, "Now, I know Giant Jellyfish doesn't exactly seem like canon. But on the other hand, isn't a big mindless blubbering thing that's poisonous to touch more or less a shoggoth? The old ones are rising. Now I just wait for the waves of deep ones to scourge Japanese fishing villages." Seems inevitable, I'll agree.

Library Books Bound with Human Skin

• Boston.com's article on rare books bound in human skin in libraries all over the world.
• LiveScience's article on the same.

Rob says, "Check it out, an article from Providence, RI. Coincidence?" Highly doubtful, Rob. Also, John says, "Funny, they don't mention the King in Yellow anywhere..." We know all too well what a blind spot mainstream media has for the Mythos, John. That's why we're here, Blooping away for over 3 years now.

Crytozoology - the Giant Squid

• TrueAuthority's retrospective on the good ol' Giant Squid.

Not much to be said, really. It pulls all the GS info together nicely.

So, I was just telling my parents about my Octopus/Intelligent Design theory...

• An excerpt from the LiveJournal of one Xiphias, detailing his intriguing theory.

James says, "It explains the link between Intelligent Design, Global Warming, and Cthulhu scarily well." And I agree. Well thought out.

Why This Brain Flies on Rat Cunning

• The Age's article about a brain grown from rat cells that's been taught to fly in a flight simulator.

Peter says, "I, for one, look forward to a self imposed brain case. Oh, that thing behind me? It's my pet mi-go." Exactly. How creepy is this? Disembodied brains in a chemical solution that can fly fighter jets. Ooooookay.

Study: Lichen Don't Mind Space

• Discovery Channel's article about lichen that were exposed to raw space with no problems, thus fueling further speculation that life can travel between the stars.

Bob says, "These were ordinary lichens, not crablike creatures with rudimentary wings and a writhing mass of feelers where a head would be expected, but the significance here to the researchers at Miskatonic U. is profound. Note that the 2nd paragraph specifically affirms that: "the findings bolstered the possibility that life was transferred between planets." Well, we've always known that, haven't we? And it made its own way right to these very Vermont hills, glowering down with antedeluvian malignancy--oops, had a slight reality shift there, sorry." Not to worry, Bob. We know how you feel. Rob says, "I don't think we were ever told the story on the origins of those fun guys from Yuggoth. Seems pretty likely to me." I'm with you on that, Rob. Now we know.

The Dawn Chorus (electromagnetic)

• A WikiPedia article about the phenomenon of the Dawn Chorus, a strange audible sound.

This was submitted by Marcus, another German Correspondent. Sadly, the sounds used to be online to listen to, but I can't find a working link any more. What is being hidden? Perhaps they've been translated?

Added 10/26/2005

New Twists on the Milky Way's Big Black Hole

• Space.com's article about interesting new facts about the Black Hole at the center of the Milky Way.

So, Azathoth is bigger than we thought, rotating faster than we thought. Our doom seems that much more certain...

Added 10/18/2005

Pyramid Probe May Find Mystery Chamber

• 7News's article about a robotic probe that coould locate some interesting things in the Great Pyramid.

I wonder what it will find. Maybe...its Doom? Seriously, do we want to know what might be in there?

Woman Torches House in Bid to Kill Spiders

• ABCNewsOnline's article about a German woman with a spider problem.

Somewhere, Atlach-Nacha is snickering...

Groundbreaking Research Sheds Light On Easter Island's Ancient Mystery

• Science Daily's article about a math equasion that could explain the island's societal collapse.

But will this equation take elder gods and shoggoths into consideration? Science is so limiting...

Mystery Ocean Glow Confirmed in Satellite Photos

• LiveScience.com's article about a weird glow spotted in the deep oceans.

This is kind of creepy...the glowing area is about the size of Connecticut!

Mysterious Ring of Stars Guards Andromeda's Heart

• NewScientistSpace.com's article about a ring of blue dwarf stars around a black hole.

Todd says, "While this is a bizarre and amazing thing, It begs a person to ask the question of "Why doesn't this black hole suck in the blue dwarf suns?" "Is there a possibility its intelligent or some other forces are at work controlling the actions of the black hole?" "Does this have anything to do with Azathoth ?" Only time will tell......" Good point, Todd.

New Trigonometry is a Sign of the Times

• PhysOrg.com's article about a new math system.

Rob summed it up in two ways. First, his subject line was "Dreams in the Witch House." And, indeed, who could miss the connection there? Secondly, he comments, "You do the math." Nicely done, Rob.

Planet-Dissolving Dust Cloud is Headed Toward Earth

• Yahoo.com's article about a chaos cloud en route to Earth.

Rob summed it up in two ways. First, his subject line was "Dreams in the Witch House." And, indeed, who could miss the connection there? Secondly, he comments, "You do the math." Nicely done, Rob.

The Blob Threatens Nova Scotia

• The Globe and Mail's article about a colony of sea squirts nicknamed the Blob.

Rob didn't really have any comment. I like the phrases "slimy creature" and "slithering north". Very HPL.

Cruise Ship Passengers Disappear

• MSNBC's article about a mysterious disappearance at sea.

Rob didn't really have any comment, but really, does this need one? This one lies somewhere in between "The Call of Cthulhu" and "The Thing on the Doorstep".

Hooked Fish Gets Revenge, Lures Angler to Death

• MSNBC.com's article about a strange death.

NeferSutek says, "This tragic fish story kinda reminds me of H.P. Lovecraft's "The Horror at Martin's Beach"." I completely agree. Very sad.

Special Update! Added 9/27/2005

Holy Squid! Photos Offer First Glimpse of Live Deep-Sea Giant

• National Geographic article with the First Ever Photos of a live giant squid!!!
• CNN's article about the squid.

Jude says, "It seems the event we're all been waiting for, proof that the Deep Ones have in fact awoken." Actually, even more important is what the proof actually is!

Added 8/21/2005

Dundee-born Man Plans to Tame Killer Whirlpool

• The Courier.com's article about a man who plans to swim in a whirlpool.

Rhiannon says, "Ok, the bloopy Lovecraftian bit about this story is at the bottom. I mean, a ferocious whirlpool stirred up by a giant basalt pyramid at the bottom of the ocean? I wonder if this guy has any lasting effects of that swim.." There's a good point there.

Added 8/17/2005

NASA's Spitzer Finds Hungry, Hidden Black Holes

• NASA's article about a way to view Quasars.
• Space.com's article on the same.

Like we need more cosmic matter-munching entities in our view...

10th Planet Discovered

• NASA's article about the discovery of our solar system's Tenth Planet, a.k.a. Planet X or 2003 UB313.
• Space.com's article on the same
• The Observer Guardian's article on the same.
• And the BBC weighs in on it too.

They're some nicknaming of this new planet/object as Xena. We call it Yuggoth...or maybe Shaggai...

Great Pyramid May Still Contain Khufu's Intact Pharaonic Tomb

• Daily Star's article about the possibility that the Great Pyramid at Giza may not have been totally explored.

Well, this is obvious to anyone who's read "Imprisoned with the Pharoahs". After all, they never found the chambers Houdini describes...

Strange Fossil Defies Grouping

• BBC.com's article about an odd fossil that does not fit neatly into the categories of species-typing that we understand.

Ahem...elder things don't fit into our groupings, either. Just mentioning...

Victims May Have Died Before Crash

• CNN.com's article about the strange circumstances surrounding the crash of Helios Airways 522.

Erich says, "I know that the 'official; explaination of this is going to be some kind of failure of the AC and the oxygen system, but this story of the crashed jet in Greece is chilling nonetheless." Chilling. Ouch. But seriously, Erich, we all know that Ithaqua reached out his icy hand to remind us that he is hardly confined to the frozen north...

Study: Atlantis Sinking Has Scientific Basis

• Yes, thanks to this Discovery Channel article, Atlantis is back in the news.

Rhiannon says, "Science says Atlantis could've existed; HPL says we'd better not find it!" That's right. Everyone say it with me. "We do not want to find Atlantis! Please stop looking!"

Gruesome Habits of the Giant Squid

• New Scientist's article about the new data being collected on the giant squid.

Rhiannon says, "Giant cannibal squid! What could be more Lovecraft-esque!!" Very little, actually, but I think the accepted adjective is Lovecraftian.

Unidentified Sea Creature Found After Typhoon

• China.org.cn's article about the huge corpse of an unknown sea thingie that was found after a typhoon.

Raul says, "For some people, they are monsters. To me, they are only lost children of the deeps." Raul, no offense, but you're sounding a tad bit on the Cthulhu cultist side. We at BloopWatch are thoroughly on the side of humanity against the squidies and their ilk...except when we're not. Oh, well. Keep the info coming!

The Saturnian Bloop!

• NASA's notes on the eerie sounds of Saturn's radio emmissions.
• Oh you know you want to hear it!
• Some more data on this.

Thomas is an old friend and roommate of mine. When he started IMing me about strange noises from Saturn, I asked him to send them my way. And thankfully, he did. Very nice and creepy stuff. Drew also pointed us to this information, suggesting "Tsathoggua is being called awake by his Uncle Hziulquoigmnzhah. Lucky for us the Sleeper of N'kai is such a sound sleeper." Lucky indeed!

NASA "Put" Life on Mars

• News.com.au's article about the possibility that the bacteria found on Mars actually originated on Earth and was carried there by our probes.

Peter says, "The rovers might be carrying bacteria from earth as found out when they returned from their mission. They think it's skin cells and such from the scientists. So not only are we disturbing whatever might already live on Mars, we are giving them breeding stock." Hmmm...yes. Probably not smart, huh?

Centralia Pennsylvania: A Pennsylvania Community Consumed by an Underground Mine Fire

• Offroaders.com's article about Centralia, PA, which seems to keep exploding...

Peter says, "An underground mine system caught fire in the 1960's and has been burning ever since. There aren't many people living there anymore. Most of the roads are closed too. But they keep one road open for tourists and shipping. It's freaky driving there at night, smoke sporadically seeps out of the ground, highlighted by the small glowing holes throughout the countryside." Peter, I don't know if this is your neck of the woods, but it sounds like you've been there. Any photos? ;)

Added 7/12/2005

Nightmare Vision of Underwater Britain

• News.scotsman.com's article about a computer map of what Great Britain would look like if global warming keeps melting the ice sheets.

Why are we making this map available? Can't anyone see that this will just tempt the Deep Ones?

Titan Dark Spot May Be Large Lake

• BBC's article about a lake on Saturn's largest moon.

Rhiannon says, "A mysterious lake on a Saturnian moon...Lets not probe too deeply there I think." I think you're probably right.

Boffins Create Zombie Dogs

• News.com.au's article about dogs that have been revived after several hours.

NeferSutek says, "I know that the Safar Centre for Resuscitation Research has previously done successful experiments on mice. They have even published articles in medical journals on, get this, Reanimatology. However, Dr. Peter Safar, the "father of CPR" apparently died in August 2003. Or did he?" Hmmmm...good point, that.

Garden Gives Way Under Mine Shaft

• BBC's article about a collapsing mine-shaft.

Rhiannon says, "Apparently the authorities' cover story is the region is littered with old mines and this happens all the time. Hah, they just don't want to admit that Wales is under attack from ancient evils from beyond the dawn of time! (although why the Cthonians would choose Wales is anyone's guess)." Their motives are alien and unfathomable.

New Species Found in Earth's "Refrigerator"

• MSNBC's article about a new species of Goby Fish discovered in Alaska.

Raul says, "Frozen new species in the Arctic? I hope they did not find the other ones." I'm with you, Raul.

Added 5/24/2005

Eccentric Worlds: Strange Orbits Puzzle Astronomers

• Space.com's article about the strange orbits of extra-solar planets.

We have seen how much HPL loved cosmic knowledge. Surely he would have delighted in seeing how much we have learned and how what we have learned defies what we have always believed.

Early Earth Not So Hellish, New Study Suggests

• LiveScience's article about a new study that suggests that conditions on early Earth may not have been as bad as we thought.

Rob says simply, "Shadows Out of Time". This would make it easier to understand why other races came to Earth in its earlier days.

Unspeakable Happens in Area Town

• The Onion's article about a mysterious event in Idaho.

Sunder says, "It's finally happened. A verifiable, documented account in a mainstream (okay, practically mainstream) media source. We'll see some changes around this planet now that the public is finally aware!" We can only hope, Sunder.

English Scientists Go in Search of the Mongolian Death Worm

• Cryptoworld's article about a trip into the Gobi Desert to find a cryptid.
• Another Cryptoworld article on the same.

Jeremy says, "If they are lucky they will not find anything because it is best not to disturb the guardians of the Gobi." So many people go in search of that which should not be found; why should these folks be any different?

Mysterious Chunks of Flesh Clog Water Lines in Carroll

• DesMoinesRegister.com's article about some nasty business in Iowa.

Sunder says, "Everyone knows that horrors from beyond space and time prefer certain areas of our benighted globe for their cavorting and plotting: New England, the South Pacific, the deserts of the Middle East, etc. Well, heads up, people--they know that we know. They are shifting their stalking grounds to the most wholesome places imaginable--would you believe Iowa? Whichever monstrosities are infesting the place, they've already infiltrated local government; notice the authorities' assertion that the water from which the unidentifiable flesh fragments were taken '...is safe to drink.' Ri-ight." I'd say that sums it up nicely.

'Homosexual' Fungus Is Able to Reproduce

• Washington Times's article about a bizarre fungus that can kill!

Sunder says, "If this doesn't wake those "mainstream" scientific clods up to the imminent peril of assorted spawn from the stars, other dimensions, etc, then nothing will. Nothing of this Earth reproduces in such a fashion! I contacted various government agencies charged with the public health, scientific inquiry, etc., about it, & do you know what they said? "It's only a fungus." When I pointed out that a Mi-Go is "only a fungus," every one of them pretended not to know the word. Idiots! We'll have to turn to the private sector (cf my short essay of April, 2004 on this site about the true cause of global warming). Of course, we may have to drop a Mi-Go on their heads first, but that's starting to sound like a not bad idea." It's never sounded like a bad idea to me.

Spider Ladder Provided with Means for Attachment to an Item of Sanitary Ware

• The European Patent Office's article about an unusual device with Mythos overtones.

Sunder says, "I have discovered a clue to a heretofore unsuspected vulnerability of the Insects of Shaggai! I found the clue in, of all places, the European Patent office. You will see that it is a patent description for a "Spider ladder provided with means for attachment to an item of sanitary ware." Don't see the connection? Don't feel bad; I, myself, had to read it three times before I caught the stupendous significance. Nothing human would actually create a ladder for helping household spiders climb out of bathtubs. But an Insect of Shaggai (aka "Shan") could also use such a ladder. The obvious next questions are, "Why would said Shan need a ladder when it can fly?" and, "What would it be doing in a bathtub anyway?" The second question provides the answer to the first. Only a weakened, flightless, and host-less Shan would need the aid of a "spider" ladder to climb out of a bathtub. Obviously, there is some circumstance that the Shan's hosts occasionally encounter in bathtubs, which damages the Shan so severely they must flee their hosts' bodies, and leaves them too feeble to fly or even climb out without aid. What is this "circumstance"--a fragrance, bubble bath, bath salt, or shower scrub? We must discover what it is! The Shan wouldn't have arranged to get this device patented unless they planned to manufacture the ladders in quantity, using human-run factories. A patent is necessary only if they anticipate needing thousands of the things, so the lethal lather that so incapacitates them must be a new and growing threat to their dominion. I am now applying for a grant in order to research the matter. Until it is approved and I can begin laboratory studies, all readers are encouraged to immediately report the appearance of any large, feebly struggling insect in the tub during their bath or shower, especially when such appearance is accompanied by sudden feelings of restored self-control, inability to comprehend one's recent actions, and a hole in the head. Be sure to note the names, manufacturers, and scents of all bath products in use at the time." I have no further comment on this. Sunder knows how to say it all.

Exploding Toads Baffle Scientists

• CNN's article about exploding toads in Germany.

Although Rob didn't comment to it, one does wonder whether this is some strike from Tsathoggua's children, or against them!

Scientists Delve into Lake Erie Dead Zone

• Detroit Free Press's article about the Lake Erie dead zone.

The Harlequin says, "The intelligence of delving into *anything* called a "deadzone" aside, do we really want to go diving around to see what's taking all the oxygen out of the water? I mean, what if we find out it's just because something down there is taking a deep breath?" Well...that would be bad, then.

New Hibernation Technique Might Work on Humans

• LiveScience's article about a new technique for deep hibernation that may be useable on humans.

The Harlequin says, "And we don't even have to have our brains put into funny little coffee cans!" Well, that would be a bonus, at least. Now someone send this article to the Mi-Go.

Hole Drilled to Bottom of Earth's Crust, Breakthrough to Mantle Looms

• LiveScience's article about some deep earth drilling.

The Harlequin says, "Have we learned nothing from sci-fi? Drilling Into The Earth Is A STUPID Idea!" We never seem to learn from sci-fi.

Added 4/20/2005

Galactic Pancake Mystery Solved

• BBC.com's article about some flattened galaxies.

Sacha says, "Azathoth stretches his pseudopodia and flattens nearby galaxies." Makes sense to me.

Woman Says ME Took Her Brother's Brain

• Yahoo!News's article about a woman's claim that the King County Medical Examiner stole her brother's brain.

Rob says simply, "The Mi-Go are among us." As if there was any doubt...

Mysterious Amphibious Human-like Creature Spotted in the Caspian Sea

• KeralaNext.com's article about a strange aquatic humanoid.

Earl says, "Deep ones in the Caspian sea! Apparently, Mother Hydra is upset at Caspian Oil drilling or something." Truly something to keep an eye on.

Octopus "Walks" on Two Arms

• Yahoo!News' article about the new discovery of octopi that pull themselves along on two legs.
• Reuters' article on the the same.

My favorite comment on this was, "They have learned to walk that were meant to crawl..."

Extra-Terrestrial Underwater Experiments Near Sumatra

• Indiadaily's article about the real cause of the Tsunami

Jophiel wonders why extra-terrestrial beings might be helping us. "But why? To be nice to us? or to preserve a well-stocked foodsource..." Good point, that. Also, I just want to say that Jophiel is from Denmark. Hello to Denmark, Jophiel!

Who's in the Attic?

• Coast to Coast's article about a disturbing image caught in an attic window.

Rob says, "It reminds me of that story with the face that was frozen in the window in the attic."

Mystery of Large Squid Caught on Video

• LiveScience's article about a new deep-sea squid.

James says, "What else are we going to end up seeing with tools like this? SAN checks anyone?"

Illinois State Fossil

• Illinois' State Museum's information about the Tully Monster.

Drhoz! says, "The Illinois state fossil - a freakish creature of unknown affinities. Personally I consider it evidence that the Carboniferous Period saw an invasion of Earth by Wenelian pirates (see the Dreamlands CoC books)."

Russian Woman Gives Birth to Cyclops Child

• Pravda's article about a strange birth...

Peter says, "I'm not sure what cross-breeding of species occured, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't human. Possibly a proto-shoggoth."

Added 3/3/2005

City Is "Cursed" by Ancient Stone

• BBC's article about cursed stone that has been blamed for numerous problems in Carlisle, in the U.K.

Made me think of Robert E. Howard's black stone, which was linked, I recall, to Tsathoggua.

3-Billion Year Old Manufactured Spheroids?

• Community-2's article about apparently manufactured spheres of a nickel-steel alloy that does not occur in nature that have been dated at 3 billion years old.

Fascinating. I wonder who made them. Elder Things? Old Ones? Great Race? Could be anyone.

Space Burst Could Be New Object

• CNN's article about a powerful burst of radio waves from near the center of our galaxy.

Steve says, "Azathoth has been sated." Must've been a good meal.

India Finds More "Tsunami Gifts"

• BBC article about relics unearthed by the Tsunami
• The Independant's article about apparently man-made structures that have been revealed off the coast of India.
• BBC's article about the same.

Rhiannon says, "Is it just me or are we finding a lot of lost cities right now? Are the stars almost right?" Or maybe the storms were almost right? Adam says, "It's not strictly Cthulhu related, since it was in the Indian Ocean, but great sunken cities are par for the course, right?" They sure are, Adam. Thanks for writing in! Leo didn't comment on this article. Suffice to say, this falls into the "are you sure you want to go diving into those unknown ruins?" category.

Manuscripts "Treated as Fossils"

• BBC's article about the ways in which ancient manuscripts are preserved.

NeferSutek says, "I wonder how likely it was that [the manuscript] would be eaten by an extradimensional being that was accidentally summoned by reading it." I think it would be useful if they could figure out, before reading it, how likely it was that you would go mad while reading it and try to summon the extradimensional being...

Creatures Frozen for 32,000 Years Still Alive

• BBC's article about frozen bacteria that returned to life in the lab.
• MSNBC's article about the same.

Rhiannon says, "I'd appreciate if they stopped digging before they find something bigger than microbes." Peter says, "I know our bodies have built up immunities to older bacteria, but I don't think we can handle shoggoth flu." Let's just hope that they don't try this with anything bigger...say a barrel-shaped organism with a starfish-like head.

Astronomers Find Star-Less Galaxy

• The BBC's article about the first dark galaxy we've discovered.

Rhiannon says, "A galaxy made up entirely of "dark matter" emitting no light and containing no stars...were the stars right for the inhabitants of it...?" Rob says, "A galaxy quite unlike anything we've ever seen before ? Something OUTSIDE the norm...hhhmmmm..." Something tells me that HPL would be cackling and rubbing his hands together...

Ancient Life Thrives in the Deep

• BBC's article about bacteria thriving at the ocean's bottom.

Rhiannon says, "Ah if only they knew how ancient..." Thank goodness they don't know where to look properly...

Pluto Discovered 75 Years Ago, But What Is It?

• CNN's article about the mysteries of Pluto.

Rob says, "Nighted Yuggoth, still sinister and foreboding. What must the Mi-Go think of us." I don't think they do think of us, really. Isn't that the point of cosmic horror? ;)

Poisonous Spider May Have Bitten Lincoln Boy

• JournalStar's article about a boy's death by spider bite.

Rhiannon says, "Well, it's war; the children of Atlach-Nacha strike back. The son of a local insect exterminator has been killed (allegedly) by a spider bite." Now, in an HPL story, the exterminator would have come into contact with minions of Atlach-Nacha during his work and would've made a sacrifice of his child to the spider-god. I really hope we don't find out that this is something less HPL and more just real world evil. :/

Added 2/10/2005

What Exactly Is Under the Sea?

• Wired's article about our laughable ignorance of the ocean's floor.

Well, what with at least one island/continent submerged and still uncharted out there, why are we surprised that we know nothing?

Snopes Expose of Deep Sea Creature Photos of Beasts that Were Allegedly Washed up by the Tsunami.

• You didn't really think that these pics were of creepy deep sea creatures washed up by the Tsunami, did you?

Amazing what lives so far below the surface isn't it?" Weird and freakish (but as far as I'm concerned, very cute) and also not tsunami related - the photos are from a benthic fauna survey in 2003. To quote the paleontolgist who forwarded it to me, 'A tsunami does bugger all to abyssal creatures.' Which is probably just as well really - you wouldn't want an annoyed Star Spawn stomping around the beachs of Phuket wondering what the hell just happened." How very true.

The Blobs

• The Guardian Unlimited's article about the phenomenon of star jelly.

Rob had no comment, and the story almost needs none. I love that the medieval scientists are all over it, linking it to meteors, and later scientists are like, "Oh, no way is this from meteors...but we have no idea what it is." Good science, guys. Good science.

El Pasoan Still Searching for Mystery Rocks' Origin

• El Paso Times's article about 2 rather mysterious stones.

Rob says, "Colour Out of Space anyone?" Absolutely! This sounds very much like something from that story.

Added 2/5/2005

Milky Way's Supermassive Black Hole Is Snoozing

• New Scientist's article about the our black hole and it's quiet nature.

Azathoth fthagn? Hmmm...

Antarctic's Ice "Melting Faster"

• BBC's article about the faster melting rate of the Antarctic.

The earth being submerged, or the horrors that will be revealed when the ice is gone. What do you think will be worse?

Secret of Historic Code: It's Gibberish

• The Observer's article about the solving of the Voynich Manuscript.

Not surprising, but disappointing.

Jumbo Squid Wash Up on Southern California Beaches

• CNN's article about a mass suicide of squid.
• BBC's article about the same.

Steve, a previous inhabitant of California, says, "I love that they have to warn people not to eat the squid. I mean..who would?"

Dead Sheep Found in Occult Star

• BBC.com's article about dead sheep found arranged in a strange pattern.

Sacha comments, "Lovecraft often made references to strange and ancient rites practiced by weird country folk in out of the way places. Perhaps these guys were trying to summon Shub Niggurath and thought that sheep would suffice in the absence of goats?" Seems a reasonable thought...

Added 1/12/2005

Black Hole's Space-Time Wave

• Space.com's article about the peculiarities of space-time around black holes.

Oh good...an Azathoth that can control time. Hooray.

Voracious Black Hole Generates Most Powerful Explosion Known

• Scientific American's article about a super-massive black hole that gave off an explosion that has endured for more than 100 million years.
• MSNBC's article on the same.
• Science Daily has an article too.
• Cleveland.com's article describes the explosion as a belch.

Well, this big ol' Azathoth seems pretty hungry. So what was the explosion? A belch? Yikes!

Egypt Unveils 2,500-Year-Old-Tomb

• MSNBC's article about a new tomb in the Valley of the Golden Mummies dating from Roman times.

I have a strong HPL/Egypt connection in my head, due to "Nyalathotep" and "Imprisoned with the Pharaohs". This is a nifty bit of news.

New Maldives Island Rises from the Depths

• Rense.com's article about a new island named Hulhumale being made in the Maldives.

Not so exciting a story, but I pretty much did a spit-take when I read the headline, which is why I decided to include it.

Iapetus Moon Bulges at Equator

• BBC.com's article about a bizarre ridge around the middle of Saturn's moon.

Sacha comments, "What is going on here? Are there some really massive Dholes burrowing around up there?" Given all the earthquake news of late, I'm surprised there haven't been more dhole theories coming in. But, yeah, these would have to be biggies.

'Artificial Life' Comes Step Closer

• BBC's article about the creation of synthetic genes.

Rhiannon says, "They call them Vesicle Bioreactors. I think that we call them shoggoths." Yeah, I'm always a little nervous about this stuff myself.

Freak Storms Kill Six in France

• BBC's article about a freak hurricane-force wind and the havoc it wreaked in France.

Rhiannon says, "I wonder what business Ithaqua had in France then?" Hard to say, Rhi. Hard to say. I'm sure it had it's reasons, unfathomable to the human mind.

Added 12/13/2004

Giant Squid Recovered in Conception Bay

• CBC's article about another giant squid.

They're coming out of the woodwork!

Giant Squid to Be 'Plastinated' for Posterity

• New Scientist's article about final fate of O'Shea's colossal squid.

A very fitting end, that ties together the giant squid story with the macabre human art exhibit story, since the plastination is being done by the German anatomist Von Hagens.

Whale Sings a Lonely Song

• CNN's story of a single whale, with a song different than any other.

Tim says, "Perhaps this cephalopod knows something his brethren do not." Alwats a possibility. I imagine whales as being in a really bad position when things start happening in R'lyeh.

Police Thwart India Snake Protest

• BBC's article about a foiled plot to release snakes into India's state assembly.

Rhiannon says, "Yes, the acolytes of Yig strike back." Hmmm...snakes in politics. Not too redundant.

**UPDATED STORY**: Physicists Probe Ancient Pyramid

• BBC's article about a group of physicists who are building a giant particle detector in a pyramid in Teotihuacan.
• Updated article about the massive amounts of human remains that have been found on site.

Rhiannon says, "A team of scientists are planning to build a HUGE particle detector inside a a Mexican pyramid to see if it can detect hidden chambers. Given the pyramid is in Teotihuacan, which means "The City of the Gods", it may be best if they don't find anything really." This is so often the case. In the update, Rhiannon suggests, "Maybe they should stop now before they find what these people were sacrificed to. Please?"

Snakes Bite Back at Poison Toads

• BBC's article about evolutionary changes in Australian snakes that protect them from being poisoned by toads.

Rhiannon says, "The children of Yig strike back against those evil toads." I'll go you one better...it's a war between the spawn of Yig and the children of Tsathoggua! ;)

Gill Theory of Gland Development

• BBC's article about a theory that the human thyroid glands evolved from gills.

Rhiannon says, "Erm, Innsmouth Look, anyone?" No thanks. We already have one. ;)

Device to Probe Limits of Physics

• BBC.com's article about a machine that could create mini-black holes.

Sacha comments, "The deeper we delve into the mysteries of the universe, the more scared and excited I get, in roughly equal measure. Is anyone else perturbed by the idea of mini black holes?" Oh...just a tad.

Pyramid Robot Finds...Another Door

• New Scientist's article about the robotic probe of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Raul says, "What will happen if the seal is broken?" He also quoted from HPL's "Imprisoned with the Pharoahs". I also harbor nervousness for what might come out when they open that door.

Does the Sun Have a "Companion"?

• Space.com's article about the Nemesis theory.

Harald says, "I just couldn't help noticing this. Mainly since Nemesis is my favorite poem by HPL, but also anything cosmic that 'dances' and occasionally lobs random mass extinction our way is worth keeping a Mythos-trained eye on." Words to live by, Harald.

Added before December 13, 2004

Precocious Supermassive Black Holes Challenge Theories

• SpaceDaily's article about some big ol' black holes!

Oh, those wacky Black Holes...spawn or avatar of Azathoth. So precocious!

UFO News: Latin America & Europe

• A piece about UFO sightings in Mexico. Scroll down to the November 13 entry!

Ahem. I don't normally go in for UFO stories, but the phrase "an organic being with several tentacles" is not something I can ignore!

How Often Is Atlantis Discovered?

• A rather amusing article from MSN about the lost city that's always being found.

With Atlantis so big in the media these days, this article helps put things in perspective.

The Biggest Fishing Trip of All Time: $1 Billion Survey Unravels Mysteries of the Deep

• Guardian Unlimited's article about a billion dollar survey of the world's oceans.
• Buzzle.com's article about the same, with a specific eye towards the Arctic Ocean aspect of it.
• BBC's article on the same.

Jeffrey says, "Are we opening up a bad can of worms here? I'd hate to find something a little less than friendly down there." Perhaps a bad can of tentacles. Rhiannon agrees, stating, "There are a few marine life forms I know we all hope they don't discover." And...what if they did? Just ponder on that a moment.

Flannan Isles Mystery

• The Northern Lighthouse Board's article about the mysterious disappearances of three lighthouse keepers from Flannan Isle on December 15, 1900.
• Another article on the same.
• BBC Beyond the Broadcast's article on the same.
• A link to a poem about the event.

Rhiannon says, "It's one of Scotland's weirdest mysteries. I dare anyone to say this wasn't a Deep One atack!" Regarding the poem, Rhiannon comments, "Just because the poet doesn't realize it was Mythos doesn't mean it wasn't." Well said.

Strong Quake Shakes Summit City

• BBC's article about an earthquake in Costa Rica during the Ibero-American summit!

Rhiannon says, "We can only surmise it is an attack by Cthonians determined to undermine world peace." Oh, those foul minions of Shudde M'ell! How dare they disrupt our peace summits! We'll give them war! ;)

Leominster Woman Bitten by a Black Widow Spider

• Sentinel & Enterprise Online's article about a black widow spider in Leominster, Massachusetts. Egads! That's not far from BloopWatch headquarters!

Rhiannon says, "The foot soldiers of Atlach-Nacha are upon us all!" Indeed! We shall remain vigilant with our seedless grapes.

Peru Seizes Cocaine Hidden in Giant Squid

• MSNBC's article about cocaine sumgglers who hid their stash in a giant squid.

Rhiannon says, "Cthulhu the drug runner. Well, we know who the Mr. Big behind this one has to be." Indeed! I wonder if the drug runners were influenced by their dreams...

**Updated Story** - Lost City of Atlantis Found?

• CNN's article about a possible location of Atlantis.
• Reuter's article on the same.
• BBC's article on the same.
• And from Rhiannon, ic Wales' article on the same.

How many times must I warn these foolish scientists? We do not *want* to find Atlantis...because we *know* who will have taken up residence by now.

Does Life Exist in Antarctic Lake Buried Under Miles of Ice?

• NationalGeographic.com's article about microbial life forms living under ice in Lake Vostok.

We call them shoggoths...

The Great Atlantis Hoax: Another Media Fiasco

• A collection from CCNet refuting the recent Atlantis stories.

I wouldn't be shocked...

Surprising Second Black Hole Found in Milky Way's Center

• Space.com's article about the discovery of a second black hole in the center of the Milky Way.
• ABCNews's article on the same.

Oh, good. Azathoth has a twin.

Could Warming Lead to Squid Boom?

• ABCNews's article about the connection between global warming and the rise of the squid.

So...the earth is slowly dying from global warming...and the squid continues to thrive? So, we're seeing the rise of the spawn of Cthulhu as we are simply edged out by environmental concerns. Hmmm...

Permian Extraterrestrial Impact Caused Largest Mass Extinction on Earth

• EurekAlert's article about end of the Permian Period.

TKP had a great quote from "At the Mountains of Madness" to go with this article, and it does resonate nicely. "They seem to have become peculiarly intractable toward the middle of the Permian Age, perhaps one hundred and fifty million years ago, when a veritable war of resubjugation was waged upon them by the marine Old Ones. Pictures of this war, and of the headless, slime-coated fashion in which the Shoggoths typically left their slain victims, held a marvelously fearsome quality despite the intervening abyss of untold ages. The Old Ones had used curious weapons of molecular and atomic disturbances against the rebel entities, and in the end had achieved a complete victory."

Mystery Event In Australian Outback: Nuclear Blast, Earthquake Or Meteorite?

• EurekAlert's article about a mysterious seismic event that occured in Australia in 1993.

TKP quotes from "The Colour Out of Space" for this one, because of the possibility of an atomic detonation or meteor strike being the cause of this event. "For the terror had not faded with the silhouette, and in a fearsome instant of deeper darkness the watchers saw wriggling at that tree top height a thousand tiny points of faint and unhallowed radiance, tipping each bough like the fire of St. Elmo or the flames that come down on the apostles' heads at Pentecost. It was a monstrous constellation of unnatural light..."

Giant Hail Killed More Than 200 in Himalayas

• Telegraph.co.uk's article about the death of over 200 people due to killer hail.

I'm sure the winters in the Himalayas are often severe, but killer hail? Ithaqua strikes again.

Stunning Find Deep in the Pacific Ocean

• CNN's article about extra terrestrial dust found in the Pacific Ocean.

Ahem. So let's see...star dust is found in the Pacific Ocean. Cthulhu and R'lyeh are in the Pacific Ocean. And scientists think this may be a key to human origins. I...am not going any further with this one...

Awesome Power of Iceland Volcano

• BBC's article about a volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Rhiannon says, "Iceland volcano? Are those Cthonians up to no good again?" I can only say they're not up to it again; they're still up to it.

Supernova Produces Cosmic Rays

• BBC's article about cosmic rays.

Rhiannon asks, "Is it a coincidence that the picture shows a big, scary eye?" Well, I don't know about that. For me, cosmic rays mean two things: 1. The Fantastic Four's origin story. 2. "Attention all Earthlings, this is Sonny Eclipse." But the big scary eye is cool, notwithstanding.

The Shape of the Great Pyramid

• RedNova's article about a new book that studies the geometry of the Great Pyramid of Cheops.

Even if it were not for the fact that HPL ghost-wrote Houdini's "Imprisoned with the Pharoahs", one must recall the