Thursday, June 21, 2007
Editorial: Has a "Swamp Ape" Finally Been Captured on Film?
A new videotape has recently come to light from a most unlikely source-controversial Bigfooter Tom Biscardi, who, along with M.K. Davis, has presented video of two creatures which appear to be "Swamp Apes." One creature appears to be in a tree and is shaking the trees and screaming. That in and of itself is a pretty good piece of evidence, but it is not the most shocking piece of footage; that is reserved for a clip of what appears to be a large apelike creature with long arms which gets up from a prone position and rises up on two legs, then proceeds to alternate between bipedal and quadropedal walking. It is quite a shocking piece of video, and fits into some researchers' theories of what we have in the South which is referred to as "Swamp Apes." The creature on the ground also barks almost like a dog but not quite, which spooked M.K.'s dog when he heard it. The footage is interesting, though to skeptics will still be considered inconclusive until a body is brought in. The best place to see a high-quality moving .gif of the ground-walker is at Tom Biscardi's website, www.searchingforbigfoot.com Now, I know some are going to question the authenticity of this footage, seeing as how Biscardi is involved, but if that footage is faked, it is absolutely stunning to me how it could have been faked, in the wild, with an extremely long-armed person in a gorilla suit? To me that possibility is highly unlikely, and Biscardi had no involvement with it until now. And, who would be foolish enough to climb a tree in a hot, heavy, cumbersome gorilla suit and shake it and scream? That does not make sense, so this is possibly the real deal, another film to add to the 40-year-old Patterson/Gimlin Movie. I cannot conceive of it being a hoax, especially since it was shot at night (the video was lightened by Davis for better viewing) where it would most likely go unnoticed. It seems that now there is another film to talk about besides the old chestnut of the P/G Movie.
Gimlin's Memory Intact
From Daniel Perez's Bigfoot Times Blog
Written by Daniel Perez
I am just off the telephone with Cheryl Schuchman, who I tracked down. She is the daughter of the late John Schuchman (see photo below in previous post). She tells me she met Roger Patterson ONE time, when he came to their 40 foot long trailer around 1964 with a Volkswagen bus with two horses in it. He was a "nice gentleman," "short" in size with a cowboy hat. Roger was there, by himself, to interview her dad about his sighting. Cheryl was "enamored" by the short horses.
She now has a copy of the Bigfoot Times, May 2007, with the story of
Roger and Bob stopping by after the film was shot. She told me "I had
to laugh," and that it is "pure fiction." "I was their only daughter
and I was always with them, so if this happened [Roger and Bob stopping
by for a shower after the film] I would have known about it." My only
regret here is that I became aware of Cheryl Schuchman after we went to
press.
She also stated that her dad "told it soooo many times [his sighting]"
that she could remember it "verbatim." With that she told me that if
Roger and Bob did stop by for a shower without her being present, that
her dad would have told her. "I would have known about it..." Her dad
was a Bigfoot "enthusiast" after his sighting.
The story supplied to the Australian Penthouse magazine by Tony Healy
is without merit. When I talked with Bob Gimlin, in person, September
2003 (Willow Creek, California) and May/June 2005 (Bellingham,
Washington) about this so-called shower, he told me, while shaking his
head back and forth, he doesn't remember a John Schuchman or ever
stopping by anyone's home so Roger could have a shower after they got
their famous movie. So another test of Bob Gimlin's memory demonstrates
his recollection of matters is very much intact.
It would be interesting indeed if the late Rene Dahinden or John Green
has an audio tape of John Schuchman, and I am told that one might still
exist.
Written by Daniel Perez
I am just off the telephone with Cheryl Schuchman, who I tracked down. She is the daughter of the late John Schuchman (see photo below in previous post). She tells me she met Roger Patterson ONE time, when he came to their 40 foot long trailer around 1964 with a Volkswagen bus with two horses in it. He was a "nice gentleman," "short" in size with a cowboy hat. Roger was there, by himself, to interview her dad about his sighting. Cheryl was "enamored" by the short horses.
She now has a copy of the Bigfoot Times, May 2007, with the story of
Roger and Bob stopping by after the film was shot. She told me "I had
to laugh," and that it is "pure fiction." "I was their only daughter
and I was always with them, so if this happened [Roger and Bob stopping
by for a shower after the film] I would have known about it." My only
regret here is that I became aware of Cheryl Schuchman after we went to
press.
She also stated that her dad "told it soooo many times [his sighting]"
that she could remember it "verbatim." With that she told me that if
Roger and Bob did stop by for a shower without her being present, that
her dad would have told her. "I would have known about it..." Her dad
was a Bigfoot "enthusiast" after his sighting.
The story supplied to the Australian Penthouse magazine by Tony Healy
is without merit. When I talked with Bob Gimlin, in person, September
2003 (Willow Creek, California) and May/June 2005 (Bellingham,
Washington) about this so-called shower, he told me, while shaking his
head back and forth, he doesn't remember a John Schuchman or ever
stopping by anyone's home so Roger could have a shower after they got
their famous movie. So another test of Bob Gimlin's memory demonstrates
his recollection of matters is very much intact.
It would be interesting indeed if the late Rene Dahinden or John Green
has an audio tape of John Schuchman, and I am told that one might still
exist.
Sasquatch Triangle Tonight...
Don will hopefully have Center for Bigfoot Studies founder Daniel Perez on the show tonight. The show starts at 9:00 EST/8:00 Central and can be found at the link to the right. Please tune in and support great research.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Eric Altman on Sirius Satelite Radio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Sorry for the selfish plug, but wanted to invite anyone who is
interested and if you have Sirius Sattelite radio, to tune in to the
program on Maxim radio channel 108, I will be a guest talking about the
Bigfoot/Sasquatch phenomenon. I will be on Tuesday July 10 at 9 pm
with host Devore and Diana. They called me today to ask me to be part
of the outdoors/cryptozool ogy/survival/ nature week. They wanted to
know about Bigfoot, Bigfoot on the east coast and about the
Pennsylvania Bigfoot Society. You can also listen online by visiting
www.sirius.com and finding channel 108 the Maxim channel and tuning in
on Tuesday July 10."
interested and if you have Sirius Sattelite radio, to tune in to the
program on Maxim radio channel 108, I will be a guest talking about the
Bigfoot/Sasquatch phenomenon. I will be on Tuesday July 10 at 9 pm
with host Devore and Diana. They called me today to ask me to be part
of the outdoors/cryptozool ogy/survival/ nature week. They wanted to
know about Bigfoot, Bigfoot on the east coast and about the
Pennsylvania Bigfoot Society. You can also listen online by visiting
www.sirius.com and finding channel 108 the Maxim channel and tuning in
on Tuesday July 10."
Updated, revised schedule for "The Sasquatch Experience"
June 24th-Ray Crowe
July 1st-Todd Neiss
July 8th-Stan Gordon
July 15th-Smokey Crabtree-(Awaiting Confirmation)
July 22nd-Peter Byrne-(Awaiting Confirmation)
July 29th-Dr. Jeff Meldrum and Dr. John Bindernagel (2 hours, Awaiting Confirmation)
August 5th-Loren Coleman-(Awaiting Confirmation)
August 12th-Melissa Hovey and Teresa Hall
August 19th-Billy Willard and Tom Lancaster
August 26th-Steve Kulls
September 2nd-Larry Lund
September 9th-Ron Schaffner
September 16th-Don Keating
September 23rd-Jason Valenti
September 30th-Scott Herriott
October 7th-Tim Cassidy
October 14th-Autumn Williams
October 20th-M.K. Davis and Chris Murphy (2 hours)
October 28th-Dr. Henner Fahrenbach
"Let's Talk Bigfoot" Tonight...
Melissa and Teresa will have independent researcher Rick Noll, at 10:00 EST/9:00 Central at http://www.letstalkbigfoot.com Please tune in and support great research.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Review: Squatch Detective Radio 6-18-07
This was a great show, with Farlan Huff of Oklahoma, who discussed vaqrious things with Steve and Billy, including me calling in and asking about the Oklahoma Casino Video, as well as giving my opinion on whether Sasquatch should be in a zoo or not. It was a great show and a lot of fun. Steve continues to do great shows, and will continue on in that grand tradition next Monday night, although he has not yet announced who his guest will be. Still, should be a good one. 9:00 EST/8:00 Central at the address to the right, and as always, please make sure to tune in and support great research.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Squatch Detective Radio Tonight...
Steve has not announced a guest for our sister show yet, but it should be a good one. It starts at 9:00 EST/8:00 Central at the link to the right. Please tune in and support great research.
New Conference available on VHS or DVD!!!!!!
Don Keating is now selling copies of his 2007 Eastern Ohio Bigfoot Conference on your choice of either VHS or DVD for the low cost of $20.00 plus $2.00 shipping and handling. Inquire at eobic@yahoo.com Speakers at the recent Conference were filmmaker Pat Holdbrook ("Bigfoot: An Encounter with Reality") Australian Yowie Researcher Tony Healy (The Yowie: In Search of Australia's Bigfoot") and BF witness Lorena C. Cryptozoologist Craig Heinselman was supposed to speak at the conference as well, but had to turn around at the last minute due to a family emergency. Being a longtime supporter of Don and his research, I strongly urge everyone to get their copies of this one before they're gone.
dbly's "Top-Ten" List
Stolen from David Letterman.. The Top Ten List on How to tell if the
Creature is a Real Bigfoot and not someone in a monkey suit.
10) - After being shot with a 44 mag handgun. It
Growls at you and takes your weapon while
attemping to shove it down your throat.
9) - You are 6.5 foot tall and the Creature is able
to reach the basketball hoop and then some
above your head and reach
8) - The Creature picks up your vehicle with you
. inside it and throws it in the river.
7) - The Creature stinks stronger than your 80
year old grandma's arm pits.
6)- The Creatures footprint size is bigger than
Both your feet heel to toe lengthwise inside
the footprint
5)- The Creature looks scary enough to instantly
cure your consitpation on the spot when you
see it
4)- Your trained killer dog attacks the Creature
and tastes like chicken to it
3)- You attempt to take a picture and can't keep it
In focus, as the Creature is way too fast for
you to keep up
2) - As the Creature snatchs and grabs you and
starts to squeeze the very life out of you..
Your Last living thoughts “ Gee there is no
zipper anywhere"
And the Number One Reason you can tell its the real
Bigfoot and not someone in a monkey suit..
1) - you get invited BACK to speak at a Bigfoot
conference, on a internet radio show and you
Get rich beyond all means. as what-ever-the-
hell- proof-stood-up-against-all-the-
critics. Including everyone on this list :-)
Review: The Sasquatch Experience 6-17-07
Our guest was Monica Rawlins, who discussed such things as the upcoming Texas Bigfoot Conference, the varied diet of the Sasquatch, the most credible report she has investigated, what her percentage of credible reports is, her thoughts on the dichotomy between West Coast and East Coast tracks and other subjects. It was a great and fun show, and I enjoyed it. Thanks, Monica. Our next guest will be International Bigfoot Society President Ray Crowe, next Sunday at 9:00 EST/8:00 Central and can be found at the link to the right. As always, please tune in and support great research.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Sasquatch Experience Tonight...
Our guest will be Texas Bigfoot Research Conservancy member Monica Rawlins. The show starts at 9:00 EST/8:00 Central and can be found at the link to the right. Please tune in and support great research.
Review: The Sasquatch Experience 6-16-07
This was a short, impromptu show with me interviewing Bill Green. We discussed such things as Sasquatch diet, what Bill thinks these creatures are, his sighting encounter, his opinion on the in-fighting and backbiting within this community, what his opinion is on stories of these creatures helping people in trouble in the woods and other subjects. It was a fun and informal show, and enjoyable and fun. Thanks, Bill. Our next program is tomorrow night at 9:00 EST/8:00 Central with Texas Bigfoot Research Conservancy member Monica Rawlins. The link can be found at the button to the right. Please tune in and support great research.
Impromptu "Sasquatch Experience" Today!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will be interviewing Bill Green on a short, 30-minute segment today at 6:30 EST/5:30 Central at the address on the right on Blog Talk Radio. Hope everyone can tune in and support great research.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Bigfoot in Cherokee County?
By Eddie Glenn, March 3, 2004
First of all, let's be very clear about one thing: This is the Tahlequah Daily Press, not the Weekly World News. So we're not going to tell you that Osama Bin Laden and Elvis are both alive and well, and living in the woods of Pumpkin Hollow, just a few miles outside our fair city of Tahlequah. Bigfoot, on the other hand, might be. Several weeks ago, a young Tahlequonian who shall remain anonymous for the time being gave a photo to a Daily Press editorial staff member. He said his mother had shot the photo in the Pumpkin Hollow area, and that it plainly showed what could only be identified as Bigfoot him/herself, right smack-dab in the middle of the picture. After some investigation, we have to admit that the aberration in the photograph - while not clearly identifiable as Bigfoot - isn't really identifiable as anything besides Bigfoot either. Of course, it could be a scratch on the lens of a camera, or a speck of dust on the film , or any number of other technical explanations. But we can't completely rule out the possibility that it just might, maybe - within the realm of all possibilities - really be a hairy, upright-walking creature that is commonly known as "Bigfoot." If it isn't Bigfoot in the picture, what the heck - no harm done. But if it is Bigfoot, or a variant thereof, it wouldn't be the first one sighted in these parts. According to the Aug. 3, 1990, edition of the Tahlequah Daily Press, a Bigfoot sighting on the east side of Eldon Hill was reported to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office on Aug. 1 of that year. "We kind of shook our heads when we got the call, but the lady sounded serious," Jack Goss, then an investigator with the CCSO, is reported as saying. "She said Bigfoot was in her back yard. We thought she might have seen a bear, but she was really sure that it wasn't. She said it was hairy and stank really bad." The story also cites then-and-now Cherokee County Undersheriff Dan Garber, who said several residents in the area had reported similar sightings, and that several calves and sheep had been reported missing in the area. "I've known other areas to get calls like this, but this is the first time we've heard anything like this in Cherokee County," Garber said in the 1990 story. On Monday this week, Garber said he remembered that incident fairly well. "It caused quite a commotion for about a week," he said. "The people from the national Bigfoot organization called up and said, 'If you hear of any other sightings, let us know.'" The national organization to which Garber referred is the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, and according to their Web site, the 1990 Eldon incident is a "Class A" sighting. According to that Web site: "Class A reports involve clear sightings, in circumstances where misinterpretation or misidentification of other animals can be ruled out with greater confidence. There are few footprint cases that are very well-documented. Those are considered Class A reports as well, because misidentification of common animals can be confidently ruled out, thus the potential for misinterpretation is very low." The Web site also states that Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy Joe Weavel investigated the sighting, and found foot impressions big enough to place both his feet in. It also states that two days after the initial report, an 8-year-old girl and her mother described a similar creature rummaging through a trash pile near their house. "Their dog chased it but returned with its tail between its legs. The creature was described as 8 feet tall with dark brown frizzy hair and similar to a bear, except that it was described as walking upright," states the BFRO report. Since 1990, there haven't been any other sightings - until now. Of course, if Bigfoot really does live in the woods of Cherokee County, it seems reasonable to assume that the person most likely to see him (or her) would be someone who spends a lot of time out in those woods. That someone would be Oklahoma Game Warden Brady May. May, however, has never seen Bigfoot. But he has seen a couple of bears. In fact, May said 1990 was during a several -year-long period in which bear sightings were common in Cherokee County. Most of the bears in Oklahoma are in the southeastern part of the state, but young males are often run out of normal mating areas by older, larger males. "It's not uncommon for our department to go to an area where there's a nuisance bear complaint, trap it, and release it," said May. "It wouldn't be uncommon for someone to see one around here." Still, the 1990 Eldon Bigfoot sighting is (at least in Bigfoot parlance) a "Class A" event, and according to the BFRO Web site, " Several reports near this area [have been made] since the early '70s, also possible reports near Peggs, Okla., northwest of Tahlequah, Okla." According to Garber, regardless of whether Bigfoot is a Cherokee County resident, the terrain is definitely conducive to such sightings."One thing that always seems to be consistent in these sightings," he said, "is they always seem to be in wooded areas where an animal could move around un-detected. You don't get many sightings in Ariz., or Enid [Okla.] for that matter; I mean, how many Bigfoot sightings do you hear of in Enid?"
Learn more; The official Web site of the Bigfoot Researchers Organization is www.bfro.net. The page explaining the 1990 Eldon Hill sightings is www.bfro.net/gdb/show_report.asp?id=2041.
First of all, let's be very clear about one thing: This is the Tahlequah Daily Press, not the Weekly World News. So we're not going to tell you that Osama Bin Laden and Elvis are both alive and well, and living in the woods of Pumpkin Hollow, just a few miles outside our fair city of Tahlequah. Bigfoot, on the other hand, might be. Several weeks ago, a young Tahlequonian who shall remain anonymous for the time being gave a photo to a Daily Press editorial staff member. He said his mother had shot the photo in the Pumpkin Hollow area, and that it plainly showed what could only be identified as Bigfoot him/herself, right smack-dab in the middle of the picture. After some investigation, we have to admit that the aberration in the photograph - while not clearly identifiable as Bigfoot - isn't really identifiable as anything besides Bigfoot either. Of course, it could be a scratch on the lens of a camera, or a speck of dust on the film , or any number of other technical explanations. But we can't completely rule out the possibility that it just might, maybe - within the realm of all possibilities - really be a hairy, upright-walking creature that is commonly known as "Bigfoot." If it isn't Bigfoot in the picture, what the heck - no harm done. But if it is Bigfoot, or a variant thereof, it wouldn't be the first one sighted in these parts. According to the Aug. 3, 1990, edition of the Tahlequah Daily Press, a Bigfoot sighting on the east side of Eldon Hill was reported to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office on Aug. 1 of that year. "We kind of shook our heads when we got the call, but the lady sounded serious," Jack Goss, then an investigator with the CCSO, is reported as saying. "She said Bigfoot was in her back yard. We thought she might have seen a bear, but she was really sure that it wasn't. She said it was hairy and stank really bad." The story also cites then-and-now Cherokee County Undersheriff Dan Garber, who said several residents in the area had reported similar sightings, and that several calves and sheep had been reported missing in the area. "I've known other areas to get calls like this, but this is the first time we've heard anything like this in Cherokee County," Garber said in the 1990 story. On Monday this week, Garber said he remembered that incident fairly well. "It caused quite a commotion for about a week," he said. "The people from the national Bigfoot organization called up and said, 'If you hear of any other sightings, let us know.'" The national organization to which Garber referred is the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, and according to their Web site, the 1990 Eldon incident is a "Class A" sighting. According to that Web site: "Class A reports involve clear sightings, in circumstances where misinterpretation or misidentification of other animals can be ruled out with greater confidence. There are few footprint cases that are very well-documented. Those are considered Class A reports as well, because misidentification of common animals can be confidently ruled out, thus the potential for misinterpretation is very low." The Web site also states that Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy Joe Weavel investigated the sighting, and found foot impressions big enough to place both his feet in. It also states that two days after the initial report, an 8-year-old girl and her mother described a similar creature rummaging through a trash pile near their house. "Their dog chased it but returned with its tail between its legs. The creature was described as 8 feet tall with dark brown frizzy hair and similar to a bear, except that it was described as walking upright," states the BFRO report. Since 1990, there haven't been any other sightings - until now. Of course, if Bigfoot really does live in the woods of Cherokee County, it seems reasonable to assume that the person most likely to see him (or her) would be someone who spends a lot of time out in those woods. That someone would be Oklahoma Game Warden Brady May. May, however, has never seen Bigfoot. But he has seen a couple of bears. In fact, May said 1990 was during a several -year-long period in which bear sightings were common in Cherokee County. Most of the bears in Oklahoma are in the southeastern part of the state, but young males are often run out of normal mating areas by older, larger males. "It's not uncommon for our department to go to an area where there's a nuisance bear complaint, trap it, and release it," said May. "It wouldn't be uncommon for someone to see one around here." Still, the 1990 Eldon Bigfoot sighting is (at least in Bigfoot parlance) a "Class A" event, and according to the BFRO Web site, " Several reports near this area [have been made] since the early '70s, also possible reports near Peggs, Okla., northwest of Tahlequah, Okla." According to Garber, regardless of whether Bigfoot is a Cherokee County resident, the terrain is definitely conducive to such sightings."One thing that always seems to be consistent in these sightings," he said, "is they always seem to be in wooded areas where an animal could move around un-detected. You don't get many sightings in Ariz., or Enid [Okla.] for that matter; I mean, how many Bigfoot sightings do you hear of in Enid?"
Learn more; The official Web site of the Bigfoot Researchers Organization is www.bfro.net. The page explaining the 1990 Eldon Hill sightings is www.bfro.net/gdb/show_report.asp?id=2041.
EDITORIAL
Todd Neiss, AmericanPrimate@aol.com
I personally was disappointed in the way Greg chose to present his case on Saturday at the IBS meeting. He immediately launched into a pathetic tirade aimed squarely at his critics. How dare they question his assertions?!! The adamantly defensive Mr. Long, sweating profusely throughout the two hour session, read from a prepared script (at least 15 pages in length) without allowing any questions from the audience until the end (some 45 minutes later). Even then it was difficult to get a word in edgewise. Yours truly was eventually told that I was asking too many questions. I must have hit a nerve or two. It was difficult to idly sit by while he let loose a string of assumptions and accusations, much of which was refutable if not circumstantial at best. Not only did Mr. Long viscously attack the late Roger Patterson (who could hardly defend himself), but he also attacked a number of prominent researchers (ie. Coleman, Byrne, Meldrum, Krantz, Keating, Green, Short, etc.). No one was spared, including the audience present, as he relegated the entire Bigfoot community to that of "a cult." He chided the field (meaning you and I), for not employing a more conventional scientific approach (I thought this was supposed to be specifically about the authenticity of the P/G film...guess not). He went so far as to cast dispersions on both Bob Gilmin and Patricia Patterson. Their crime? Refusing to give Mr. Long an interview (Ah ha...they must be hiding something)! When someone asked Greg if he were afraid of being sued for slander and defamation, Long smirked, "Bring it on! It will just sell more books!" The only researcher that seemed to escape Greg's acidic tongue was the late Rene Dahinden, whom he selectively quoted when it fit his agenda. In a "clever" bit of salesmanship, Mr. Long would start several threads which begged an answer (usually by presenting his argument it in the form of a question), only to leave everyone hang- ing only to insist that we would have to buy his book to get the answer (pass the snake oil). In all fairness, I applaud Greg's willingness to walk into the "lion's den" on Saturday (afterward I privat- ely told him as much). Even so, he came prep-ared to insult everyone in the room...and he did.
When asked, "Where is the alleged suit?" he admitted he doesn't know. When asked if he had ever been to the P/G film site, he admitted he had not. When I asked him, "If Patterson perpetua-ted a hoax, why didn't he admit to it on his death bed?" Greg merely quipped that Roger was a pathological liar to the very end (no "GOT-CHA?"). He had the audacity to declare that the onus was not his to prove any of his assertions, but rather up to all of us to prove him wrong. To prove that a something never took place over 36 years ago is akin to proving that Venus isn't made out of Swiss cheese. To wit, if you can't prove it isn't, then it must be so because I say so.
He also teased us with the possibility that there will be an attempt to recreate the P/G film staring none other than Bob Hieronimous as the immortal "Patty!" When he announced that he would be a technical advisor on the stunt, I pressed him to insure that the suit used would be true to the original. "Greg...since you said you are going to be an advisor on this recreation attempt, are you willing to openly announce, here and now, that you will insist that the costume they use is one based upon 1967 technology?" His hesitant reply was, "I'll try."
In the final analysis, Mr. Long's seemingly well researched witch hunt, seemed to take the easy road by joining the majority of skeptics who poo-poo even the notion that such a creature can even exist. Unfortunately, the foundation of his case is based on hearsay and his self-proclaimed superior skills of judging character. I hope, for Mr. Long's sake, that someone doesn't investigate his private background for skeletons. His attempt at character assassination makes himself a prime candidate for just such an inquisition. Since he openly admitted to being privy to all of the online discussion groups (lurking?), I will assume that he will read this letter as well. So to you I say, I hope your house is not made of glass my friend. Beast Regards,Todd Neiss AmericanPrimate@aol.com Independent Researcher/Investigator, Portland, Oregon
I personally was disappointed in the way Greg chose to present his case on Saturday at the IBS meeting. He immediately launched into a pathetic tirade aimed squarely at his critics. How dare they question his assertions?!! The adamantly defensive Mr. Long, sweating profusely throughout the two hour session, read from a prepared script (at least 15 pages in length) without allowing any questions from the audience until the end (some 45 minutes later). Even then it was difficult to get a word in edgewise. Yours truly was eventually told that I was asking too many questions. I must have hit a nerve or two. It was difficult to idly sit by while he let loose a string of assumptions and accusations, much of which was refutable if not circumstantial at best. Not only did Mr. Long viscously attack the late Roger Patterson (who could hardly defend himself), but he also attacked a number of prominent researchers (ie. Coleman, Byrne, Meldrum, Krantz, Keating, Green, Short, etc.). No one was spared, including the audience present, as he relegated the entire Bigfoot community to that of "a cult." He chided the field (meaning you and I), for not employing a more conventional scientific approach (I thought this was supposed to be specifically about the authenticity of the P/G film...guess not). He went so far as to cast dispersions on both Bob Gilmin and Patricia Patterson. Their crime? Refusing to give Mr. Long an interview (Ah ha...they must be hiding something)! When someone asked Greg if he were afraid of being sued for slander and defamation, Long smirked, "Bring it on! It will just sell more books!" The only researcher that seemed to escape Greg's acidic tongue was the late Rene Dahinden, whom he selectively quoted when it fit his agenda. In a "clever" bit of salesmanship, Mr. Long would start several threads which begged an answer (usually by presenting his argument it in the form of a question), only to leave everyone hang- ing only to insist that we would have to buy his book to get the answer (pass the snake oil). In all fairness, I applaud Greg's willingness to walk into the "lion's den" on Saturday (afterward I privat- ely told him as much). Even so, he came prep-ared to insult everyone in the room...and he did.
When asked, "Where is the alleged suit?" he admitted he doesn't know. When asked if he had ever been to the P/G film site, he admitted he had not. When I asked him, "If Patterson perpetua-ted a hoax, why didn't he admit to it on his death bed?" Greg merely quipped that Roger was a pathological liar to the very end (no "GOT-CHA?"). He had the audacity to declare that the onus was not his to prove any of his assertions, but rather up to all of us to prove him wrong. To prove that a something never took place over 36 years ago is akin to proving that Venus isn't made out of Swiss cheese. To wit, if you can't prove it isn't, then it must be so because I say so.
He also teased us with the possibility that there will be an attempt to recreate the P/G film staring none other than Bob Hieronimous as the immortal "Patty!" When he announced that he would be a technical advisor on the stunt, I pressed him to insure that the suit used would be true to the original. "Greg...since you said you are going to be an advisor on this recreation attempt, are you willing to openly announce, here and now, that you will insist that the costume they use is one based upon 1967 technology?" His hesitant reply was, "I'll try."
In the final analysis, Mr. Long's seemingly well researched witch hunt, seemed to take the easy road by joining the majority of skeptics who poo-poo even the notion that such a creature can even exist. Unfortunately, the foundation of his case is based on hearsay and his self-proclaimed superior skills of judging character. I hope, for Mr. Long's sake, that someone doesn't investigate his private background for skeletons. His attempt at character assassination makes himself a prime candidate for just such an inquisition. Since he openly admitted to being privy to all of the online discussion groups (lurking?), I will assume that he will read this letter as well. So to you I say, I hope your house is not made of glass my friend. Beast Regards,Todd Neiss AmericanPrimate@aol.com Independent Researcher/Investigator, Portland, Oregon
Track Record 83-Jan 1999
To finish off January, on the 30th, David Wasson of the Yakima Herald-Republic, (509) 577-7678, did an article on a man who has come forward to say he wore the suit in the Patterson film (number 64 Dahinden says).
Zillah attorney Barry M. Woodard, (509) 829-5600, “confirmed he’s representing a Yakima man who says he wore the elaborate monkey suit in the Patterson-Gimlin film, and that his client has passed a lie detector test to prove it.” The unnamed man (Bob, drives a truck for Pepsi), 58, wanted some help in negotiating a deal for rights to his tale. Supposedly, Sun tabloid bought his story, and it should be published before you read this (not by 16th). They usually pay about $2,000 for a story like that, true or not. Maybe that explains why a hoaxer would dress up in a big breasted female animal costume, and later admit he was a cross-dresser.
A retired Yakima police officer, Jim McCormick, did the lie-detector work. He is a certified polygraph examiner and did a 75 minute test on the unnamed man, and stated that he was telling the truth. In a personal phone interview 1/29, Wasson said that question #43 of the test was, “Is it true you were in the Bigfoot suit when Patterson shot that film in 1967?” To which the answer was “yes.”
Peter Byrne went to Yakima on 2/3 and had lunch with Wasson, and talked by phone to both Woodard and McCormick. Wasson said he’d been swamped with over 100 phone calls about the article...calls from England, Germany, and 12 calls from Eric Beckjord. He finally had to tell him not to call back again, to which Beckjord replies that he’ll sue them. Wasson gave him his editors number and hung up on him.
As Peter Byrne has, using several methods, determined that Patty was 7’3” tall, he was concerned with the size of the hoaxer. Attorney Woodward said his client was about 6’ tall, 200#. Said also that they would be having a press conference and releasing more information in a few days. Peter thought the attorney commented that the client was a truck driver. Woodward asked his client if a “suit” could be produced, and he answered, “I’ll try.”
McCormick when interviewed said that he thought the fellow was about 6’1”, and 200 pounds. Almost the same as Woodard’s reply, and both heights are far too short for the 7’3” Patty creature. Peter asked if the fellow had passed the lie detector test, and McCormick hesitated, saying, “well, I better not give you the answer to that.”
Wasson interviewed Mac McEntire, a retired Yakima salesman that recalls Patterson (Roger died in 1972). He said that at parties in the old days Patterson and others would laugh at the hoax, and at the anthropologists that had said the creature was authentic.
Also, Bob Swanson, former owner of the Chinook Press in Yakima in the mid 60’s, said he had printed 10,000 copies of the Patterson book on Bigfoot sightings in 1966, before the famous film. A large printing bill and sluggish book sales were reversed when the film became famous. At one time he indicated that Patterson had replied to a question after a Bigfoot sighting, that the suit “didn’t itch too bad.” By 1967 they had parted company.
In balance though, one of Roger Patterson’s better friends at the time was Jerry Merritt. “I was supposed to go with Roger and Bob but had to cancel at the last minute.” Seems his wife, a non-believer, wouldn’t let him go on the now famous, trip. He said Roger went to the grave convinced he’d seen Bigfoot, Ron Olson being at his side. Larry Lund knows Merritt well, and he had said that Roger was his friend, and would never lie to him. If there was a hoax, Roger would have told him, he said. Larry and I plan to do an extensive interview with Merritt soon, and also with Ralph Mason, former business manager for Roger. An earlier interview with Mason produced piles of old business records which he allowed us to borrow and duplicate.
Before I leave this editorial, would like to mention that there has been considerable discussion about the height of Bigfoot on the Internet relating to Grover Krantz’s earlier estimate of Patty’s height in his 1992 book, “Big Footprints.” Using a foot-to-height ratio from the 14.5 inch long foot (from track), he concluded the creature’s standing height was 6’6”.
Peter Byrne took a photo of Mike Hogdson, 6 foot, 160#, waist 32”, in the same spot, and with the careful use of a caliper on comparable slides (making sure stumps and such the same size), determined that Patty was 7’3.5” Using comparable methods, Jeff Glickman of NASI came to the same conclusion.
By chance, Chris Murphy, noted a limb that the creature stepped on in the original film, was in the possession of Rene Dahinden. Using this as a “ruler.” Chris determined that the creature was 7’3.3” in height. Krantz and Dr. Jeff Meldrum now apparently agree with the over 7’ height.
Byrne, using the waist size of Mike Hogsdon, determined that the 2.5 times larger Patty, had a waist size of about 80 inches.
Zillah attorney Barry M. Woodard, (509) 829-5600, “confirmed he’s representing a Yakima man who says he wore the elaborate monkey suit in the Patterson-Gimlin film, and that his client has passed a lie detector test to prove it.” The unnamed man (Bob, drives a truck for Pepsi), 58, wanted some help in negotiating a deal for rights to his tale. Supposedly, Sun tabloid bought his story, and it should be published before you read this (not by 16th). They usually pay about $2,000 for a story like that, true or not. Maybe that explains why a hoaxer would dress up in a big breasted female animal costume, and later admit he was a cross-dresser.
A retired Yakima police officer, Jim McCormick, did the lie-detector work. He is a certified polygraph examiner and did a 75 minute test on the unnamed man, and stated that he was telling the truth. In a personal phone interview 1/29, Wasson said that question #43 of the test was, “Is it true you were in the Bigfoot suit when Patterson shot that film in 1967?” To which the answer was “yes.”
Peter Byrne went to Yakima on 2/3 and had lunch with Wasson, and talked by phone to both Woodard and McCormick. Wasson said he’d been swamped with over 100 phone calls about the article...calls from England, Germany, and 12 calls from Eric Beckjord. He finally had to tell him not to call back again, to which Beckjord replies that he’ll sue them. Wasson gave him his editors number and hung up on him.
As Peter Byrne has, using several methods, determined that Patty was 7’3” tall, he was concerned with the size of the hoaxer. Attorney Woodward said his client was about 6’ tall, 200#. Said also that they would be having a press conference and releasing more information in a few days. Peter thought the attorney commented that the client was a truck driver. Woodward asked his client if a “suit” could be produced, and he answered, “I’ll try.”
McCormick when interviewed said that he thought the fellow was about 6’1”, and 200 pounds. Almost the same as Woodard’s reply, and both heights are far too short for the 7’3” Patty creature. Peter asked if the fellow had passed the lie detector test, and McCormick hesitated, saying, “well, I better not give you the answer to that.”
Wasson interviewed Mac McEntire, a retired Yakima salesman that recalls Patterson (Roger died in 1972). He said that at parties in the old days Patterson and others would laugh at the hoax, and at the anthropologists that had said the creature was authentic.
Also, Bob Swanson, former owner of the Chinook Press in Yakima in the mid 60’s, said he had printed 10,000 copies of the Patterson book on Bigfoot sightings in 1966, before the famous film. A large printing bill and sluggish book sales were reversed when the film became famous. At one time he indicated that Patterson had replied to a question after a Bigfoot sighting, that the suit “didn’t itch too bad.” By 1967 they had parted company.
In balance though, one of Roger Patterson’s better friends at the time was Jerry Merritt. “I was supposed to go with Roger and Bob but had to cancel at the last minute.” Seems his wife, a non-believer, wouldn’t let him go on the now famous, trip. He said Roger went to the grave convinced he’d seen Bigfoot, Ron Olson being at his side. Larry Lund knows Merritt well, and he had said that Roger was his friend, and would never lie to him. If there was a hoax, Roger would have told him, he said. Larry and I plan to do an extensive interview with Merritt soon, and also with Ralph Mason, former business manager for Roger. An earlier interview with Mason produced piles of old business records which he allowed us to borrow and duplicate.
Before I leave this editorial, would like to mention that there has been considerable discussion about the height of Bigfoot on the Internet relating to Grover Krantz’s earlier estimate of Patty’s height in his 1992 book, “Big Footprints.” Using a foot-to-height ratio from the 14.5 inch long foot (from track), he concluded the creature’s standing height was 6’6”.
Peter Byrne took a photo of Mike Hogdson, 6 foot, 160#, waist 32”, in the same spot, and with the careful use of a caliper on comparable slides (making sure stumps and such the same size), determined that Patty was 7’3.5” Using comparable methods, Jeff Glickman of NASI came to the same conclusion.
By chance, Chris Murphy, noted a limb that the creature stepped on in the original film, was in the possession of Rene Dahinden. Using this as a “ruler.” Chris determined that the creature was 7’3.3” in height. Krantz and Dr. Jeff Meldrum now apparently agree with the over 7’ height.
Byrne, using the waist size of Mike Hogsdon, determined that the 2.5 times larger Patty, had a waist size of about 80 inches.
MEETING STUFF, from the March 2004 Track Record
Well, this was an unusual meeting. Most of the people I talked with after the meeting were quite upset at speaker Greg Long. He seemed quite defensive, and very aggressive in his attitude towards the large gathering at Dad’s Club. Mostly, the crowd appeared to react to his attitude and not the information he imparted, though, many questions were answered with, “read the book.”
Mostly though, Long’s message was ignored by “true believers” in the ranks…many of which were not aware of some of the Patterson/Gimlin film “problems.” Those that were aware, were angry at having the problems thrown in their faces.
Many have been long aware of things like:How did the film, shot on Friday afternoon, make it to Yakima to be viewed on Sunday; or, how did the film get developed on a weekend when develop- ing studios were closed. What was millionaire Al DeAtley's, Patterson’s brother-in-law’s, part in the play, besides financing Patterson... and yes, Patterson was known as a bit of a cad.
Greg has developed a trail of suspicion; starting with the veracity of Patterson, who apparently purchased a gorilla suit on sale from costumer Phillip Morris (not related to cigarette brand). This was verified by Long's personal interview with Morris, who even sent Long a copy of the advertisement of the gorilla suit on sale. Then, Patterson supposedly hired Bob Hieronimus, to wear the suit for a promised, but not paid, $1000.
The suit had apparently been altered considerably by Patterson; football helmet added to head, football pads to shoulders, feet and hands attached to suit, breasts and such. Many of the alterations were from the hide of a red horse. Bob said his mother discovered the suit in the trunk of his car, and tried the head on, as did another relative. There was apparently much talk of the exploit at a local bar. And I still have not decided what the possible role of Mr. Gimlin...near neighbor of supposed hoaxer Bob Hieronimous, might have been. Bob said he mailed the film from Eureka, which implied that the film had been exposed earlier than said to be, to have made it to Yakima in the mails.
In all, I see a lot of smoke, though no fire yet...enough that I'll probably drop my Patty belief from 90% to 75%, giving Mr. Long the benefit of the doubt for the time being.
Mostly though, Long’s message was ignored by “true believers” in the ranks…many of which were not aware of some of the Patterson/Gimlin film “problems.” Those that were aware, were angry at having the problems thrown in their faces.
Many have been long aware of things like:How did the film, shot on Friday afternoon, make it to Yakima to be viewed on Sunday; or, how did the film get developed on a weekend when develop- ing studios were closed. What was millionaire Al DeAtley's, Patterson’s brother-in-law’s, part in the play, besides financing Patterson... and yes, Patterson was known as a bit of a cad.
Greg has developed a trail of suspicion; starting with the veracity of Patterson, who apparently purchased a gorilla suit on sale from costumer Phillip Morris (not related to cigarette brand). This was verified by Long's personal interview with Morris, who even sent Long a copy of the advertisement of the gorilla suit on sale. Then, Patterson supposedly hired Bob Hieronimus, to wear the suit for a promised, but not paid, $1000.
The suit had apparently been altered considerably by Patterson; football helmet added to head, football pads to shoulders, feet and hands attached to suit, breasts and such. Many of the alterations were from the hide of a red horse. Bob said his mother discovered the suit in the trunk of his car, and tried the head on, as did another relative. There was apparently much talk of the exploit at a local bar. And I still have not decided what the possible role of Mr. Gimlin...near neighbor of supposed hoaxer Bob Hieronimous, might have been. Bob said he mailed the film from Eureka, which implied that the film had been exposed earlier than said to be, to have made it to Yakima in the mails.
In all, I see a lot of smoke, though no fire yet...enough that I'll probably drop my Patty belief from 90% to 75%, giving Mr. Long the benefit of the doubt for the time being.
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