Astonishing Legends

Background:On January 27, 1959, a group of outdoor enthusiasts, known as 'tourists' in Russia, consisting of seven men and two women, mostly students and graduates of the Ural Polytechnical Institute (which is now the Ural Federal University) left the village of Vizhay in the northern Ural Mountains on a two-week ski trek, through a region called Sverdlovsk Oblast, the "gateway to Siberia" in Russia. In Russia a 'tourist' is a serious outdoorsman. The goal was to reach Otorten Mountain at the end of their journey. Their planned route would rank as a "Category III," the most difficult classification for a hiking expedition in winter, which if successful, would qualify them as "Masters of Sport." On February 1st as they started to move through a mountain pass on their last leg of the trip, bad weather and decreasing visibility forced them off course, and the group decided to make camp on the eastern slope of a small mountain called Kholat Syakhl by the indigenous Mansi peoples, which translates to "Dead Mountain" due to the area's lack of wild game. Sometime during the night of February 2nd, the group suffered an unimaginably terrifying ordeal, sealing their fate. When they hadn't been heard from by February 20th, a search party was formed to look for the missing youths. On February 26th the search party reached their camp and what they found would bring more questions than answers. It appeared as though something had scared the hikers so badly, that they panicked and ripped a hole in the side of their tent in order to escape, shoeless, into - 20º F (-29º C) snowfall. It was determined by Soviet authorities that the group had met with a "compelling unknown force" causing them all to flee and ultimately die of exposure with some also suffering significant internal injuries such as broken ribs and fractured skulls. There have since been many theories put forth as to what this force actually was, but we may never know what was so horrific that it caused this group of experienced adventurers to take leave of their senses and take their chances in the deadly wilderness. Following the incident, the mountain pass was named "Dyatlov Pass" in honor of the group's leader, Igor Dyatlov.Tonight's Quote:"I wonder what awaits us in this hike? Will anything new happen?" - Zina Kolmogorova from her last diary entry.Show Links: (Links work best in iOS on iTunes or on our webpage at astonishinglegends.com)Archive of a very comprehensive website about the whole Dyatlov story Dyatlov Pass on Wiki Terrific archive of all the photos from the group, in English and Russian Russian website about Dyatlov Forum on the Dyatlov incident Donnie Eichar's "Authors at Google" interview about his book, "Dead Mountain" Book Review of "Dead Mountain" Song: Pixies "Wave of Mutilation" from the album, "Doolittle" YouTube vid about Dyatlov - text pulled from Wiki entry but has good photos Interesting story about a family living isolated for 40 years in Siberia Russian Yeti at Dyatlov? Part 1 of "Golden Symphony" Ellorsith on BandCampFor more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 023 - 'Dyatlov Pass (Part 1)' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess; Ryan McCullough Sound Design; Research Assistance by Tess Pfeifle. Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.

Background:While having lunch near the Los Alamos National Laboratory one day with the likes of Edward Teller, "father of the nuclear bomb" Nobel Prize winning physicist Enrico Fermi wondered out loud (after the topic of recent UFO sightings came up) "Where is everybody?" Basically what he meant was, if the universe is so seemingly infinite and old, and it's mathematically probable that other star systems have developed intelligent life like ours has, and it's also theoretically possible that an alien civilization with tens or even hundreds of thousands of years of technological advancement could have made it to our galaxy by now, even with sub-lightspeed travel, why haven't we seen any aliens yet? Tonight, in one of our more conversational shows, we take a broad look at the paradox that bears his name. By the way, supposed UFO sightings are commonly reported around atomic activities.Tonight's Quote:“It is surely unreasonable to credit that only one small star in the immensity of the universe is capable of developing and supporting intelligent life. But we shall not get to them and they will not come to us.”― P.D. James, The Children of MenShow Links:Jon Stewart Interviews Elizabeth Kolbert In a Nutshell – Kurzgesagt's YouTube video on "The Fermi Paradox" Enrico Fermi The Fermi Paradox Frank Drake The Drake Equation Arecibo Message Song: Frank Black - "Parry the Wind High, Low" (WARNING - F Bomb!) Jill Tarter The Hubble Deep Field Image The TED Blog: "Peering Into Space" The TED Radio Hour featuring Jill Tarter and Brian Greene Jill Tarter's full TED Talk regarding SETI Space Travel in Ancient Art (Site is in German so visit with a browser that does translation.) "Why Aren't The Aliens Here Already?" - an article by Adam Frank on NPR's 13.7 blog Former Lockheed "Skunkworks" director Ben Rich and some interesting confessions Tardigrades/Water Bears Above Black: Project Preserve Destiny The CARET Documents Ezekiel and the Wheel The Nuremburg UFO Battle The Basel Switzerland Incident Seth Shostak's Piece in the NY Times about Contacting Other CivilizationsFor more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 022 - 'The Fermi Paradox' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess; Ryan McCullough Sound Design. Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.

Legend:Pirate treasure? English, French or Spanish military plunder? The secret Rosicrucian works of Sir Francis Bacon and therefore also the possible original missing folios of Shakespeare? Or perhaps the greatest sacred antiquities lost to history, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail, the Spear of Longinus or the menorah from King Solomon's temple? Or maybe it's all just natural geological processes forming a sinkhole, plain and simple? These are just some of the theories of what could be down in the infamous and mysterious "Money Pit" on Oak Island, Nova Scotia -- thought by many to be one of the greatest archeological mysteries of North America, and possibly the world.Background:Now that you've heard Parts 1 through 3 (hopefully!) covering the entire history and timeline of the Oak Island Money Pit, Part 4 covers most all of the theories out there of who could've built it, what they put down there and why.Tonight's Quote:"...I’ll break my staff, Bury it certain fathoms in the earth, And deeper than did ever plummet sound I’ll drown my book." ~ Prospero, from William Shakespeare's (or Sir Francis Bacon's?) The Tempest; Act 5, Scene 1, Page 3 If you can't click on these links, visit our website. Apologies for this show being late, our computer died. In an effort to get it posted asap, we've published it even though we are still adding links to the show notes. Visit our webpage for this episode in a few hours for more links than you see listed below!For more information on this episode visit our website!Captain William Kidd The Knights Templar Pope Clement V The Kensington Runestone Nicolas Poussin The First Nations tribe of the Mi'kmaq of Canada's Atlantic Provinces A skeptical investigation of Oak Island by Joe Nickell Christian Rosenkreuz Rosicrucianism The pillars of Solomon's Temple, Boaz and Jachin Robert Fludd Lecture on Spiritual Alchemy and The Great Work Sir Francis BaconCredits:Episode 021 - 'Oak Island Money Pit Part 4' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design , Special Thanks Tess Pfeifle Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.

Legend:Pirate treasure? English, French or Spanish military plunder? The secret Rosicrucian works of Sir Francis Bacon and therefore also the possible original missing folios of Shakespeare? Or perhaps the greatest sacred antiquities lost to history, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail, the Spear of Longinus or the menorah from King Solomon's temple? Or maybe it's all just natural geological processes forming a sinkhole, plain and simple? These are just some of the theories of what could be down in the infamous and mysterious "Money Pit" on Oak Island, Nova Scotia -- thought by many to be one of the greatest archeological mysteries of North America, and possibly the world.Background:Part 3 of our series picks up from where we left off in Part 2, which covered the years between 1867 and 1965. Part 3 starts after the tragic accident that befell the Restall crew on August 17, 1965 and continues with the history of the Money Pit up until the present day. Now that you'll know the entire timeline of the events of the Money Pit's mysterious history, Part 4 will cover all of the major theories of what is or was, down there.Tonight's Quote:"This project, when we get through with it, may or may not make us rich. But at least we will have solved one of the world's greatest mysteries." ~ David Tobias, one of the founders of the Triton Alliance, Ltd. in 1969 along with Dan Blankenship.For more information on this episode visit our website!Nova Scotia Ashley Morgan's website that covers the main points of the Oak Island story Oak Island Treasure website Google Maps Location of Oak Island The Reader's Digest Article that Inspired the Current Treasure Hunters Ken Polsson's Chronology of the Oak Island Treasure Hunt In Search Of on Oak Island Is Oak Island A Hoax?Credits:Episode 020 - 'Oak Island Money Pit Part 3' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.

Legend:Pirate treasure? English, French or Spanish military plunder? The secret Rosicrucian works of Sir Francis Bacon and therefore also the possible original missing folios of Shakespeare? Or perhaps the greatest sacred antiquities lost to history, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail, the Spear of Longinus or the menorah from King Solomon's temple? Or maybe it's all just natural geological processes forming a sinkhole, plain and simple? These are just some of the theories of what could be down in the infamous and mysterious "Money Pit" on Oak Island, Nova Scotia -- thought by many to be one of the greatest archeological mysteries of North America, and possibly the world.Background:Part 2 of our series on the elusive Money Pit on Oak Island continues from where we left off in Part 1, which covered the initial discovery of the pit in 1795 up to 1867. Part 2 covers the dissolution of The Oak Island Eldorado Company (later known as the Halifax Company) in 1867 up until a fateful day in 1965, when the island would claim its next four victims in just a matter of minutes. Tragic as this was, this did not deter the line of treasure seekers from that moment until the present day, even though local legend claims the island will take one more life before it will give up its secrets.Our App on iOS at the App Store - HereAnd on Google/Play - HereFor more information on this episode visit our website!Nova Scotia Ashley Morgan's website that covers the main points of the Oak Island story Google Maps Location of Oak Island The Reader's Digest Article that Inspired the Current Treasure Hunters Ken Polsson's Chronology of the Oak Island Treasure Hunt In Search Of on Oak Island Is Oak Island A Hoax?Credits:Episode 018 - 'Oak Island Money Pit Part 2' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.

Legend:Pirate treasure? English, French or Spanish military plunder? The secret Rosicrucian works of Sir Francis Bacon and therefore also the possible original missing folios of Shakespeare? Or perhaps the greatest sacred antiquities lost to history, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail, the Spear of Longinus or the menorah from King Solomon's temple? Or maybe it's all just natural geological processes forming a sinkhole, plain and simple? These are just some of the theories of what could be down in the infamous and mysterious "Money Pit" on Oak Island, Nova Scotia -- thought by many to be one of the greatest archeological mysteries of North America, and possibly the world.Background:In 1795, a young Nova Scotia resident named Daniel McGinnis rows out to Oak Island, not far from the mainland to check out what he thinks are strange green lights floating amongst the non-native oak trees that cover the island. By most accounts, his attention is drawn to a sawed-off limb on a large tree in a clearing, from which a ship's block and tackle are hanging. Directly below the pulley he finds a 12 foot circular depression in the soil, and immediately thinks this must be a location for buried pirate treasure. Even though the boys related the details of their remarkable discovery to friends, neighbors and relatives, they could find no one to help them with their quest, because of local legends and superstitions.The hunt continues to this day, and many tantalizing clues have emerged from the multitude of holes in the ground as well as the island's surface. Theories abound as to what enlightened mind could devise such an ingenious feat of engineering, and what group of dedicated souls sworn to secrecy could carry it out. One thing is certain, some folks went to a lot of trouble to hide something pretty important.For more information on this episode visit our website!Nova Scotia Ashley Morgan's website that covers the main points of the Oak Island story Google Maps Location of Oak Island The Reader's Digest Article that Inspired the Current Treasure Hunters Ken Polsson's Chronology of the Oak Island Treasure Hunt In Search Of on Oak Island Is Oak Island A Hoax?

Have you ever collected anything? Have you ever been a fan of anything or anyone? If so, how serious were you about it, how far would you go to obtain a collectible and what would be your most treasured "gets?"Background:After our cold open on Charly Charlie, Scott sits down for a discussion with Astonishing Legends' own intrepid reporter in the field, "Master" Marc D'Andre (you'll find out who called him "Master" later in the episode) to find out about two of his passions: movies and the occasional autograph, letter or interaction from some of his favorite actors and personalities. Some of Marc's memorable encounters include: the great Robert DeNiro; a phone call from 80s & 90s heartthrob Kelly LeBrock (The Woman in Red, Weird Science); from Star Wars - Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing & Anthony Daniels, and a heartfelt and inspiring correspondence with character actor, Steve James (To Live and Die in L.A., the American Ninja series).Tonight's Quote:"I hope this doesn't sound pompous, but I don't think of myself as famous. Whatever fame I've got has come through what I've done and associations of things I've done."Peter CushingIf you can't click on these links, visit our website. Charly Charlie The Catholic Church's Position on Charly Charlie Vidiots Vidiots Saved 3 Days After Marc's FB Post (Pictured at our Website) Shishito Peppers Night of the Creeps Tom Atkins Kelly LeBrock Peter Cushing Steve James Steve's WebsiteFinal Observations: Fame and celebrity in our culture are curious things. On the one hand being famous can make an actor seem quite familiar to the average citizen, while at the same making a personal interaction with them a rare and exclusive occurrence for us mere mortals, especially in the days before the internet. However, much like the world of the paranormal, if you cast an inquiry out into the void, you just might get a response, whether it's Kelly LeBrock or Charlie Charlie.For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 017 - 'Collections and Connections' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.

Have you ever taken a camping trip by yourself? A trip to get away? Were you alone? Are you sure?Background:Tonight we interview retired Emergency Room Physician and now published author Dr. Richard J. Goldstein who took a simple little camping trip by himself a while back and found that he was not welcome at the campsite he chose.Tonight's Quote:“Ghosts could walk freely tonight, without fear of the disbelief of men; for this night was haunted, and it would be an insensitive man who did not know it.”~ John Steinbeck, Tortilla FlatIf you can't click on these links, visit our website. Haunted Places in New Mexico Jemez Mountains Holy Ghost Campground Chaco Canyon National Geographic's Goo Rain Video Gutenberg Project Link of The Elephant's Child by Kipling Maria's of Santa FeFinal Observations: Years ago, Richard J Goldstein encountered something that he cannot explain and that still haunts him to this day. Do you think that we know all that there is to know about life, death and what exists beyond the realm of our comprehension? If this story doesn't make you second guess whatever you already believe then you are way ahead of the rest of us.For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 016 - 'Are We Ever Alone?' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.

Legend:In 1837, someone or something leapt into history in nine foot bounds, assaulting women and men, breathing fire and tearing at their clothes. What exactly was Spring-Heeled Jack?Background:Tonight we're diving into the history of Spring-Heeled Jack. We're going to take a look at one of the most detailed research papers ever done on him and try to figure out just who or what he might have been. Join us as we unravel the various sightings and take a look at all the plausible explanations that have been put forth over the years and then you can decide for yourself if Spring-Heeled Jack was super natural or a cunning hoax followed by copycat hoaxing for over 150 years.Tonight's Quote:"He also has spring-heeled or india-rubber soled boots, for no man living could leap so lightly, and, I might say, fly across the ground in the manner he did last night.’ ~ GHR Davidson (Greater London Citizen, 1872)If you can't click on these links, visit our website. Mike Dash Mike's Definitive Paper on Spring-Heeled Jack Spring-Heeled Jack on Wikipedia Was Mass Hysteria Responsible for Jack? A Recent Case of Mass Hysteria You Might Remember from the News The Wikipedia Entry on Steampunk and it's Anachronism's as Mentioned by Forrest Spiritualism, an Influence on the Zeitgeist and Mindset of the Time The Industrial Revolution, Another Possible Influence on the Minds of Witnesses The Red Barn Murder The Incredible Mystery of the Coral Castle A Gutenberg Link to a 1903 Book Detailing A Spring-Heeled Jack Assault (scroll to page 27 as annotated in the right column)Final Observations: Even if some of these sightings can be explained as exaggerated or explainable by other means, what is at the root of what witnesses first saw all of those years ago that could jump over nine feet in the air? Perhaps that first sighting or the first few were the only real sightings and if so what was it? I lean towards a mechanical contraption of some kind, although I can't imagine it's design and Forrest leans in the direction of something super natural.For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 015 - 'Spring-Heeled Jack' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved. Photos: All images Public Domain. Various Spring-Heeled Jack Photos from Penny Dreadful Covers and Portrait of the Marquess of Waterford, a possible Suspect.

Legend:Technically an invasive species has to kill off a pre-existing species to meet the definition of being invasive. After you hear this episode, we'll be you'll agree there are some things though that should be classified as invasive no matter what.Background:Tonight we talk with two guests. One who may never spend the night in New York City with a window open again, and another who although his Texas doctor was ultimately shot to death by a jealous husband, has a story about a visit to his practice a few years earlier that eclipses that event.Tonight's Quote:"Two-legged creatures we are supposed to love as we love ourselves. The four-legged, also, can come to seem pretty important. But six legs are too many from the human standpoint. ~ Joseph W. Krutch (Author, Critic, Naturalist)If you can't click on these links, visit our website. It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's a Super Cockroach! The Emerald Cockroach Wasp The Ceti Eel of Star Trek Fame, or Khan's Best Friend Candiru The European Chafer Guinea Worm Disease (Not For the Faint of Heart) The Earwig Worm Removed from Woman's Brain after Eating a Pork Taco? That Thing We Seem to Never Get To Interesting FactsJerry Browning's father was Master Chief Petty Officer on the USS Forrestal (CV-59) for 3 years. The Forrestal was named for the first Secretary of Defense, James Forrestal. Mr. Forrestal was the gentleman who multiple witnesses claimed showed up on Saipan to either rescue Amelia Earhart and her navigator, or if determining they were dead, perpetrate a colossal cover-up. Listen to our two part special on Amelia Earhart if this intrigues you.Jerry's doctor, Dr. Kenneth Dooley was gunned down on July 4th, 1984 by Fort Worth District Fire Chief Joe Dinkins after he found out Dr. Dooley was having an affair with his wife Paula, whom he also shot and killed. Dinkins is set to get out of prison soon, and Dr. Dooley's widow just passed away in February of this year.For more information on this episode visit our website!CreditsEpisode 014 - 'What's Eating You?' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.Photos: Jerry Browning, copyright Astonishing Legends 2015 - All rights reserved, New York's Super Cockroach - AP, Candiru PD, Ceti Eel Courtesy Khan Noonien Singh, Earwig and European Chafer (June Bug) - PD, Article on Dr. Dooley's Murder (Newspaper Archives)

Legend:There are many different levels of torment that some ghosts seem to offer, but what could be worse than mocking?Background:When our guest was 12 years old and home alone in upstate New York he experienced an encounter with something heard but not seen. Was it real? What would you have done? Listen to his tale and try to decide if you could have handled it differently.StoriesIf you can't click on these links, visit our website. Woodstock, New York The Lenape Tribes of the Eastern US The Mahican Tribes The Magic Meadow An Article on The Magic Meadow A Blog Entry on the Magic Meadow (The Campfire) The Buddhist Monastery Neighboring the Magic Meadow Interesting Facts:There is a Buddhist Monastery neighboring the Magic Meadow. The woods surrounding the meadow are filled with Buddhist shrines were many offerings are routinely made. For well over 100 years, people have been making journeys to the meadow to make offerings of all different kinds.For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 013 - 'The Laughing Indian' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.

Legend:Time traveler stories have abounded throughout history, but one of the most enduring ones of the past hundred years is the legend of John Titor, a man from the year 2038 who's story of how time travel works proves to be plausible.Background:There are more than few recent stories of folks appearing out of town in old photos or even a Chaplin film and we will visit the most famous of them. Even the guy who found a wormhole while fixing his kitchen sink.If you can't click on these links, visit our website. The Blue Dress The 25 Best Time Travel Movies Stories of Time Travel - Including John Titor The Solway Firth Spaceman JohnTitor.com The Patent for Titor's Time Machine The Y2038 Problem Schrodinger's Cat Definition of Akimbo Is Everyone a Time Traveler When They're On a Plane? John Titor on Pinterest The C204 Time Displacement Machine Some Background on the 5100 More on the 5100 Current Day Info on IBM's Project Chameleon? More on ChameleonInteresting Facts:There are many UNIX embedded systems that do not keep track of time as it is not relevant to their operation. These machines are not threatened by the Y2038 problem.I was completely wrong about the pronunciation of IMGUR. I apologize to Forrest.Imgur (pronounced /ˈɪmədʒər/like image-er; imager[2] and stylized as imgur)For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 012 - 'John Titor and Other Time Travelers' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.

Legend:In the 1890's an illicit affair centered around a hotel in Norway ends badly. Are the departed lovers still hanging around the original section of the hotel's top floor?Background:Marc Brugnoni and Marisol McIlvain work for a large travel and entertainment company in their marketing department. This means they frequently are sent to exotic locations around the world to produce high-end filmed content to inspire people to come and visit. On this 2013 trip to the Geiranger Fjord in Norway, they both experience something unexplained in their rooms and their denial of the events drop away when it comes up just prior to the beginning of the next shooting day at breakfast, and that wasn't the end of it.Stories:For more information on this episode visit our website!The Geiranger Fjord Geiranger, Norway The Hotel Union Geiranger More on the Hotel The Hotel Union Oye The Munch Museum in Oslo The Maya Illusion The Radiolab Episode - Seeing in TonguesCredits:Episode 011 - 'The Flirting Ghosts of Norway' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.

Legend:A spirit visits two siblings multiple times a week for several months during their highschool years. Neither one of them knew it was happening to the other.Background:Comedy and Improv performers, writers and producers, Liz and Craig Cackowski were both visited by something almost nightly for over a year when they were in highschool. It visited them in nearly the identical way several nights a week. They never spoke of it to anyone until 10 years later when they were both out with friends telling ghost stories and Liz found out that her brother had been visited by the same spectral being that haunted her 8 years after him.Stories:For more information on this episode visit our website!Woodbridge, Virginia History of Woodbridge Welcome to the town of Occoquan Wikipedia on Occoquan The House on the Hill in Occoquan Liz Cackowski on Wikipedia Craig Cackowski on the Thrilling Adventure Hour Website Craig doing an interview at Comic Con Sleep Paralysis Hypnagogia Hypnopompic The Intruder from the Dream Dictionary A Stanford Professor's take on Intruders in DreamsCredits:Episode 010 - 'The Cackowski Intruder' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved. photos: The Cackowski Home Copyright Astonishing Legends 2015 All Rights Reserved, The Poltergeist Movie House, The Hallway Outside the Kid's Rooms, Copyright Astonishing Legends 2015 All Rights Reserved, The Cackowski Mirror Wall, Copyright Astonishing Legends 2015 All Rights Reserved, Liz Cackowski Photo by Joe Pugliesi for The Hollywood Reporter, Craig Cackowski photo from Box Angeles Podcast Episode #13, Featured Image - 'The Nightmare' by John Henry Fuseli; Public Domaiun

Legend:Bird flies at the window, death knocks at the door.According to legend, if a bird crashes into a window in your house and dies from the collision, it is a portent that someone close to you is going to die.Background:Can someone who's passed away send the living messages by manipulating our world and even other living things in it? That's what Eric Robinson says happened to him and his entire family and when you hear the details, you'll have a hard time drawing a different conclusion.Stories:If you can't click on this link, visit our website. Eric's story starts out with the passing of his mom in 2004 and the events that lead up to that and followed it as well.A Great List of Eerie Bird Superstitions Bird Flies at the Window, Death Knocks at the DoorMoses MaimonidesThe Wikipedia Page on MaimonidesHervey MedellinThe Crime The Arrest of the PerpetratorInteresting Fact: On the day that Lucille Ball's dad passed away from Typhoid Fever, a bird flew into her house becoming trapped and knocking down a picture. After that event, she had a fear of birds (ornithophobia) for the rest of her life. She didn't even like to see them flying outside and forbid the use of wallpaper with birds on it everywhere she went.For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 009 - 'The Birds, the Psychic and Ollie the Crime-Fighting Dog' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved. photos: Bird Smack by Scott Philbrook Copyright 2015 All Rights Reserved, Robinson Family photo (from Left, Eric's sister, Eric, and his mom about a month before she passed, Copyright Eric Robinson 2015 All Rights Reserved, Eric's Dad's Barbershop via Google Streetview, Moses Maimonides public domain, Ollie the dog, Copyright Eric Robinson 2015 All Rights Reserved, Hervey Medellin and the man who killed him.

Background:Have you ever encountered someone other-worldly? Someone who seemed to exude a dark charisma that frightened you with their ability to be so magnetic?Legend:Talented comedy writer, Paula Pell, joins us in this episode for a glimpse over her shoulder at an event from her past that while fleeting, was so poignant it stuck with her for the rest of her life. A chance crossing of paths with what on the surface seemed to be a man, but upon closer inspection felt like much, much more than that.Stories:If you can't click on this link, visit our website. This story is a personal one and it took place years ago so there are not many images to offer with this particular posting, but we are including at least a link Paula's IMDB page. The crux of this story is in the interview. We hope you enjoy! Happy New Year!Paula's IMDB page with her credits.For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 008 - 'The Devil in the Diner' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design, Scott Philbrook Editing. Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2015, All Rights Reserved.

All pictures from The Running of the Butt Mandle in Bertchesgaden, Germany, Dec 6th 2014. Photos property of Astonishing Legends/Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2014 - All Rights ReservedBackground:Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Krampus? Every part of the world has different traditions at the end of the year. Have you ever stopped to think about the origins of those traditions? Ever stop to think they might be Pagan in nature? Well we not only stopped to think about it, we dove into it and came back with some amazing information, bolstered with an iPhone movie taken only days ago in Germany at one of the strangest, but most interesting traditions of them all, The Krampus!Legend:Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring except for The Krampus on the front porch waiting for the bad kids so he could kidnap them in the basket on his back and take them away.Stories:If you can't click on these links, visit our website. We've got some good stuff for this one. Chuck Jones, born in the regions of Mr. F.M. Burgess. Perry Futard (yes I mispelled that on purpose to aggravate Forrest) A link to one of our inspirations, Jim Harold and Scott's favorite show of his, Campfire. Friends of the show, George and Ashley have agreed to share their video from The Running of the Butt Mandle, shot just days ago on December 6th, 2014, clicking this link will put it in your downloads folder, don't worry, it's only 20MB and about 1 minute long. Kindle version of Mary Beth Crain's book, 'Haunted Christmas'. The Venture Brothers - A Very Venture ChristmasFor more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 007 - 'A Krampus Christmas' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design, Scott Philbrook Editing. Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2014, All Rights Reserved. photo sources: All photos by Astonishing Legends, Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Background:Marc D'Andre our Correspondent at Large, is back with one of his special tours of the final resting place of not only Marilyn Monroe, but countless Hollywood icons of film and television. Put your headphones on and be transported to the park with Marc as he tells you a little bit about its residents who are probably all going to be glad to know you still care about them.Legend:A large collection of some of the most famous people in the world have been put to rest in this small, unassuming cemetery that is nearly impossible to find if you don't know exactly where it is.Stories:Links for this episode, compiled and curated by Marc D'Andre. If you can't click on these, visit our website.The Park on WikipediaOn Natalie WoodRebel Without a Cause Trailer w/Natalie Wood A recent article looking into Natalie's deathOn Bob CraneThe Private Passions of Bob Crane Bob's Official WebsiteOn Eddie AlbertThe Green Acres OpeningInteresting Fact:While we weren't looking for him, we also stumbled across Jay Sommers at Pierce Brothers. He is buried a short walk from the star of the show he created, based somewhat on an old radio show that he worked on 15 years prior, called "Granby's Green Acres".On Richard ConteGodfather WikiOn Roy OrbisonRoy performs 'Pretty Woman' not too many years before he passed away at a concert backed by music giantsOn Jim BackusJim's last TV appearance, as Mr. Howell, in an Orville Redenbacher commercial with 'Lovey' from Gilligan's Island Backus as Mr. MagooOn Frank ZappaFrank talks about drugsOn Dorothy StrattenDorothy on Carson from 1980 A people magazine article on Peter Bogdonavich and Dorothy (We linked to both of these in our first show as well)On Carl WilsonCarl performs 'God Only Knows' in a small setting.On Dominique DunneA People Magazine article on Dominique from 1983 A Vanity Fair article from 1984 about her dad and the caseOn James CoburnBruce Lee training at home with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Coburn. James Coburn on The Muppet ShowOn Peggy LeePeggy Lee, 'Is That All There Is?' Peggy Lee and the Benny Goodman Orchestra, 'Why Don't You Do Right' 1942 Peggy Lee on the Judy Garland show singing 'I Like Men' in a duet with JudyOn Janet Leigh1995 Article on Janet Leigh in the New York Times about Psycho The infamous 'Psycho' shower sceneOn Ray BradburyHis official website The Wikipedia page on him A short film on Mr. BradburyOn Carrie HamiltonThe Wikipedia page on her An anti-drug PSA she made when she was youngerOn Eric DouglasThe Wikipedia page on Eric An Interview with EricOn Karl MaldenAn Interview with Karl Malden Karl Malden's monologue from 'On The Waterfront'On Walter MatthauThe Trailer for 'The Bad News Bears' Walter's monologue for Jack Lemmon when Jack received the AFI lifetime achievement awardOn George C. ScottA HuffPo piece on Mr. Scott The movie trailer for 'Patton'On Merv GriffinThe Wikipedia page on Merv Buy 'The Merv Griffin Show' An LA Times article from the Wednesday before this posting (12.10.14) Don Rickles and Mr. T on the Merv Griffin ShowOn Farrah FawcettFarrah Fawcett: A Life in Pictures (Time Magazine) Vanity Fair on FarrahOn Rodney DangerfieldRodney on bio.com Some of Rodney's best jokes The movie trailer for 'Ladybugs'On Peter FalkA great article on Falk and Cassavettes Falk from 'The In-Laws"On Carroll O'ConnorThe 'Dean Martin Celebrity Roast' of Carroll O'Connor An article about the death of Carroll's sonOn Billy Wilder'The Paris Review' on Billy Wilder The end of 'Some Like It Hot', written and directed by WilderOn Jack LemmonRoger Ebert interviews Jack Lemmon What role Walter Matthau really wanted to play A great scene from 'Grumpy Old Men'On Sage StalloneAn article about Sage and Sly The Wikipedia page on SageOn Dean MartinMartin and Lewis, 'Singin' in the Rain' Dean Martin, Ted Knight & Tim ConwayOn Burt LancasterRoger Ebert interviews Burt Lancaster Movie trailer for 'Birdman of Alcatraz'On Marilyn MonroeVanity Fair on Marilyn Monroe Crime Library on her death Her Life Magazine covers from '52 to '62On Richard PoncherThe bid on the slot above Marilyn at Pierce Brothers Crypt remains unsoldOn Buddy RichBuddy's appearance on 'The Jerry Lewis Show' Buddy on 'The Muppet Show'On Christopher GeorgeA great review of 'Pieces' A scene with Christopher from 'Pieces'On Mel Torme´The Wikipedia page on Mel Mel's music streamingOn Swifty LazarA Hollywood Reporter piece on Swifty Cher and Swifty at the Oscars in 1986On John CassavettesThe New York Times on Cassavettes Roger Ebert on CassavettesOn Eva GaborSome great quotes by Eva Eva as Mystery Guest on 'What's My Line?' with Jim Backus as a bonus!On Armand HammerThe Straight Dope on Armand Hammer and Arm & Hammer The Wikipedia page on Armand HammerOn Don KnottsThe New York Times on Knotts bio.com on Knotts Don Knotts as The Nervous WeathermanOn Truman CapoteA Vanity Fair Article on Truman And another Capote and Groucho Marx on Dick CavettOn Heather O'Rourke Snopes.com report on the strange deaths

Legend:Did Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan live short lives as castaways, or were they lost at sea after running out of fuel and ditching their Lockheed Electra 10E? Maybe they were taken prisoner, interrogated and eventually executed by the Japanese in Saipan? If none of those are right, maybe Amelia changed her identity and lived her days out as a woman named Irene Bolam who settled down in New Jersey?This episode is part 2 of a special about aviation's most famous disappearance of all time, that of Amelia Earhart.Stories:Normally we break these down a little more, but it's Thanksgiving Day and I've got to get in the kitchen. All links as promised from this episode are below. If you can't click on these, visit our website.Triangulating Amelia's last radio signals, Youtube. TIGHAR's Smoking Gun, Artifact 2-2-v-1, The Aluminum Panel The 1991 LA Times Article by Paul Dean discounting 2-2-v-1 Earhart and Noonan's Take-off from Lae, Papua New Guinea. TIGHAR's Wire & Rope Movie Mike Campbell's Blog, Earhart Truth. TIGHAR's Debris Field Analysis TIGHAR on the Bevington Object Prepping the Electra for the trip. The In Search Of on Amelia Earhart The SS Norwich City The Consolidated PBY on Wikipedia TIGHAR's PBY Rebuttal, posted just days ago TIGHAR's page on the Norwich City shipwreck. TIGHAR on feasibility of Betty Klenck hearing Amelia. A diagram of Betty Klenck's shortwave radio antenna. Betty Klenck's notes from the day she thought she heard Amelia. SKIP on CB Radios. Documentary, Earhart's Electra. World of Mysteries Documentary supporting Elgen Long's hypothesis. The Chater Report. Flight Route Map Nauticos Mike Campbell's Book, The Truth at Last on Amazon. Richard Martini's Film, Earhart's Electra on Amazon. Earhart on Saipan, Martini and Mike Harris' website. For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 005 - 'Amelia Earhart Vanishes (Part 2)' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design, Scott Philbrook Editing. Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2014, All Rights Reserved.

Background:Amelia Earhart is one of the most famous aviators in the world and she flew into the history books in July of 1937 when she and her navigator, Fred Noonan, took off from Lae, Papua New Guinea for Howland Island. They never made it. Come with us on part 1 of this 2 part special while we take you back to what her life was really like in the years leading up to her vanishing.Legend:There are dozens of theories about Amelia's disappearance, most of which don't hold water, but there are three or four that any one of which proven true would make for one of the most fantastic tales ever told.This episode is about aviation's most famous disappearance of all time, Amelia Earhart.Stories(Links work best in iOS on iTunes or on our webpage at astonishinglegends.com)On Amelia Earhart:The Wikipedia Page on Amelia Her Official Website A great History Channel Page on Amelia The 99's Her Lockheed Electra 10E Special Her Lockheed Vega 5BInteresting Facts: Contrary to popular belief, Amelia was considered by many, including close friends, not to be a great pilot. Paul Mantz supposedly cited pilot error after their failed take-off in Hawaii (he later died of pilot error himself). Her lack of finesse was also apparent on various occasions when she would compete in air races and finish far in the field with a bouncy landing in front of all the spectators.No one on Earth ever doubted her courage however. On Fred Noonan:The Wikipedia Page on Fred A History Channel Page on FredInteresting Facts: Noonan had reportedly wanted to open a navigation school and saw his participation in the circumnavigation as a way to generate interest. Unfortunately he was lost at sea. On Paul Mantz:Wikipedia Page on Mantz Youtube Video showing Paul Mantz's final fatal accident.Interesting Facts: Paul Mantz became a movie stuntman and died filming 'Flight of the Phoenix'.For more information on this episode visit our website!Credits:Episode 004 - 'Amelia Earhart Vanishes (Part 1)' Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess, Ryan McCullough Sound Design, Scott Philbrook Editing. Copyright Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess 2014, All Rights Reserved.

Welcome to episode 3 of Astonishing Legends!This episode is about the most well documented ongoing physical haunting in the world at the legendary Greyfriars KirkyardLinks for folks who are interested!(Links not clickable in all podcast apps, visit our website if they aren't working for you.)The Kirkyard -The Wikipedia entry on Greyfriars Kirkyard.Greyfriars Bobby -The Wikipedia page on Bobby.The Disney Movie.Covenanter's Prison -On Covenanters.A memorial to the battle.Bloody George Mackenzie - The Wikipedia page on Bloody George.Interesting Fact about Mackzenzie:He had several male children, but every single one of them died before they could father a child. The Black Mausoleum -Pictures of the source of evil. The Battle of Bothwell Brig -Wikipedia page on the battle.St. Giles Kirk -The High Kirk of Scotland, where it all started. Plague Masks -Fun visit from the Doctor?City of the Dead Tours -WebsiteOutstanding Book if you're interested in this story -The Ghost that Haunted Itself, by Jan-Andrew Henderson AL003For more information on this episode visit our website!

Welcome to episode 2 of Astonishing Legends!This episode is about the floating hotel that the RMS Queen Mary has become and how she treats a couple of guests who've selected her for a romantic Valentine's Day getaway. Links for folks who are interested!(Links not clickable in all podcast apps, visit our website if they aren't working for you.)The RMS Queen Mary -The Wikipedia entry on the Queen Mary..The award for the fastest Atlantic crossing by a cruise ship, the Blue Riband.A timeline of her history from the Hotel website. Some amazing older photos of her.The Queen Mary during World War II from the Hotel Website.A great article on rogue waves, including the one that hit the Queen Mary.A brief page on hauntings aboard her. There are many hundreds of websites on this.Here's a page detailing WWII troop crossings, aboard her.More amazing photos of her history. John Pedder & Watertight Door 13 -A brief site discussing the death of John Pedder at watertight door #13. The Munich -The Munich and the story as it's understood about her sinking. The HMS Curacoa -Here's the wikipedia entry on the HMS Curacoa. Indrid Cold - A good page on Indrid Culd. The Poseidon Adventure (original 1972) -One of the best original disaster movies there is, inspired by the Queen Mary and her brush with capsizing. AL002For more information on this episode visit our website!

Welcome to the first episode of Astonishing Legends!This episode is about what The City of Angels gives back when you come here seeking fame and fortune and includes a death tour among the Hollywood Hills with a visit to a particularly macabre destination at the end. Links for folks who are interested!(Links work best in iOS only on iTunes or on our webpage at astonishinglegends.com)Full URL's shared at bottom of text if your podcast app doesn't show them as clickable.On Dorothy Stratten - A fan site dedicated to Dorothy. The Wikipedia entry on Dorothy.An interview with Peter Bogdanavich from People Magazine in 1989 about Dorothy.Dorothy on Johnny Carson in 1980.Pictures of Dorothy and Paul Snider, the loser pimp and her murderer. More on Dorothy and Paul and her Death.Interesting Fact: Sleazeball Paul Snider had to get Dorothy's mom to sign a waiver so he could have her professionally photographed nude when he 'discovered' her in Canada because she was underaged.Paul, strangely, was also friends with Max Baer (Jethro on The Beverly Hillbillies), and Max, at one point dated Sharon Tate. On the Manson-Tate Murder and 10050 Cielo Drive -10050 Cielo Drive, the infamous house.The Wikipedia entry on Sharon Tate.This day in History (History Channel) Sharon Tate.Find-a-death on Sharon Tate.Interesting Fact: Trent Reznor was the last resident of the house before it was torn down and the address was changed. He recorded 'The Downward Spiral' here in fact, in a studio he named 'Le Pig' as an homage(?) to the murder. He reportedly had not thought much of being in the house past it being a part of 'American Folklore', in his words, until he met Tate's sister by chance and she asked him point blank if he was trying to capitalize on her death. He ultimately moved out before the house was torn down, but he took the front door with him and uses it at the new version of his recording studio to this day.On Lana Turner and Johnny Stompanato -The Wikipedia entry on Lana Turner.The Wikipedia entry on Johnny Stompanato.The Wikipedia entry on Lana's daughter, Cheryl.Lana & Johnny - Crime Library LinkThe Daily Mirror Newspaper from that day. On Yvette Vickers - The Wikipedia entry on Yvette Vickers. A People Magazine Article on Yvette.HuffPo on Yvette's cause of death.A good blog entry on Yvette.Another article.An amazing intimate portrait with Yvette as told by someone who knew her personally.Interesting Fact: Paul Newman's wife, Joanne Woodward was none too pleased with Yvette's on set chemistry with Newman during the filming of HUD and saw to it that she was nearly cut out of the film entirely. This happened to Yvette more than once, who herself confessed to being flirty, but most certainly not a tramp and completely monogamous when she was with someone. Jealousy in Hollywood can be a true monster and it's fair to say that it contributed to the death of all of the starlets featured in this episode of our show. Connections: Max Baer was friends with and briefly dated Sharon Tate. Sharon Tate was murdered in the house that Cary Grant and Dyan Cannon lived in after they got married. Cary broke up with Yvette Vickers to marry Dyan. http://www.dorothystratten.com/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Stratten http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20119405,00.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SahoSvAAbH4 http://www.findadeath.com/Deceased/s/Dorothy%20Stratten/dorothy_stratten.htm http://www.franksreelreviews.com/shorttakes/stratton.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10050CieloDrive http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharon_Tate http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/actress-sharon-tate-found-murdered http://www.findadeath.com/Deceased/t/tate/tate_murders.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lana_Turner http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Stompanato http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheryl_Crane http://www.crimelibrary.com/notoriousmurders/famous/lanaturner/8.html http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedailymirror/2008/04/johnny-stompana.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yvette_Vickers http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20487308,00.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/13/yvette-vickers-cause-of-dn861762.html http://www.pitch.com/FastPitch/archives/2011/05/09/kansas-citys-yvette-vickers-from-playmate-to-mummy http://www.theweek.co.uk/people-news/5801/%E2%80%9850-foot-woman%E2%80%99-starlet-may-have-been-dead-year http://www.john-odowd.com/writings/remembering-my-friend-yvette-vickers-page-2/ AL001 For more information on this episode visit our website!