2012 Year in Review.. It's been a bad year for Bigfoot.

Well, we are at the end of the great year of 2012, and it’s time for my end of the year wrap up. Saying good bye to another year is always interesting. It gives us a moment in time to reflect on the year.

Whether we want to or not.

I believe this is the longest blog I have written yet!! So, grab a glass of eggnog and some cookies.

First of all, let’s take some time to remember those close to us we lost. I know one person holds a special place in my heart and I will never – ever – forget him. I was impressed and frankly my heart warmed by the determined actions of members of this community when my friend Monica Rawlins lost her son – and at first it appeared the woman responsible for his tragic death, may in fact get away with what she did.

This is still an ongoing situation, but I want to personally thank all those who got involved and took a very determined stand to make sure this woman was brought to justice.

Riley was a fantastic kid – and I miss him.

All kinds of new “Videos” came out this year.

Most of these videos made their debut on YouTube and quickly debunked. Stacy Brown has released a, “Thermal Image” of an alleged Bigfoot. Many questions surround this footage – and because it is so recent, only time will tell. I have a sneaking suspicion it will go the way of so many others…

Justin Smeja. The guy who says he shot two Bigfoot in California’s Sierra Nevada’s. This situation is still ongoing. But, Justin has turned over samples of an alleged piece of one of the animals found during a return trip to the site. This piece of flesh may or may not be from the body of a dead Bigfoot, but he has at least turned it over for testing and only time will tell.

What do I think of the Justin Smeja situation? Who knows? Science will decide what he did or did not shoot. Who am I to say? I don’t do DNA work. So, I will wait for the results to come in and see what the experts have to say.

Melba Ketchum, and her paper. Oh, God – the paper!! This is a very touchy subject these days within this community and there doesn't appear to be an end to this in sight.

As most of you know recently, Igor Burtsev, leaked information to the “ Bigfoot community” discussing various aspects of Melba’s paper – and all HELL broke loose. Not surprising to be honest. So, Melba came out with a statement, a press release to be precise, and all hell broke loose again – but no real clarification about the information released by, Igor Burtsev.

Many think this “leak” by, Burtsev, was a well-orchestrated event between Melba and Igor. It is curious and Melba’s apparent “no big deal” attitude (about the leak) makes it even that much more curious. Melba states the paper is still in the process of peer review here in the U.S.A, while Igor Burtsev says the paper is in peer review in Russia. Is it both?

Which country will be the first to lay claim to a peer reviewed paper to be published in a scientific journal on the topic of Bigfoot?

It’s the cold war all over again.

So – what’s the final result of all this? Your guess is as good as mine.

People ask me all the time what I think is going on. Honest answer is – I don’t care. I just want her to publish the paper. The leaks that look more like approved, information dumps, are getting frustrating and yanking the chains of many in this community.

Oh and this business of;

“Constitutional Rights for Bigfoot.”

Let me simply say this. Leave the legislating to the legislators.

I will wish those involved with this good luck – but I know the reality of this will be – it ain't gonna happen – ever. So, enough said about that.

I wish Melba all the best, but I wish she would just do what she said in a recent interview, “Let the science speak for itself.” Now, there is a leaked website. It just keeps coming.

In other Bigfoot DNA news, Dr. Bryan Sykes, professor of human genetics at Oxford University;

Dr. Sykes has announced he is taking up a parallel DNA study. The work of Dr. Sykes just started a couple months ago, so I really have nothing to say about this but I wish him the best and I hope he can get some results.

Check back in 5 years if he hasn't released anything. I might have more to say then.

Holy out of the box thinking Batman; 

The Falcon Project  

What is the Falcon Project? Well it’s a very ambitious undertaking by William Barnes, Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum, Ian Redmond, Jim Halfpenny, John Bindernagel, John Mionczynski, Bill Munns, Pete Aniello, and Jason Valenti. We always talk about “doing something different.” Well, I’m not sure how much more “different” you could get from what is typically done in this field of research. 

This type of “out of the box thinking” I am sure is very expensive – so if you’re looking for something to donate to for the year 2013 and you’re looking for something different to help out in this field – I would recommend this project. 

Good job guys !! 

Track ways or not, 

First we had the London Track way, and then soon to follow was the Elbe Track way. 

Well, as we all know, the Elbe Track way was a bust. Most likely planted by Skeptics who thought those invited to investigate were too stupid to figure it out. 

Wrong… Kudos, to the team of researchers, on a job well done. 

The London Track way. This is a story about a set of track discovered, which started out as 3, and then it grew to 118 then 122. I love tracks as much as the next bigfooter. But, I find myself highly suspicious of tracks. Why? 

They are very easy to fake, and unless there is something that distinguishes it, say for instance a hair sample or dermal ridge evidence, well no one will think it’s legit anyway. I still cast – but I rarely release castings or photos online. In fact, I don’t think, I ever have. But, I give all the guys who worked this track way props and I hope something comes from the work they have done. 

For me personally this has been a very interesting year, to say the least. 

I know many are wondering about the photo that I released. Is there any new information? 

I sat back for a few months because not even I could keep up with all the rumors and flat out lies being told from the websites to all the blogs out there. So I decided to simply sit back and just say nothing. I figured I would wait until my “end of the year blog” to set the record straight – as straight as it can be within this community.

Regardless of what you may have read – and there are a lot of rumors flying around – I do not have any other photos from this witness in my possession. I have not seen other photos. One particular blogger stated there are 4-5 other photos, in the collection, that have been seen by other researchers. 

I bet this would be news to the witness.

This situation had been going on for years before this witness sent me the now infamous photo – so odds of their only being 5 – not good. I am betting there are far more than just a measly 5. 

I was contacted by a fellow researcher who thought he may have had the location. But, this turned out to be a complete bust.

So, we are still looking for anyone who may have information about this photo. There are other bloggers putting their own “spin” on this photo but what I find interesting is they have not come to me or anyone directly involved with the photo to ask questions or anything that qualifies as factual information. They continue to publish these articles and make definitive statements, even though; they are less than definitive or even close. 

Makes me wonder if their simply not upset that they can’t solve the mystery of this photo either. 

Until we can answer the question of “how” this photo was created – this is still an ongoing issue. I want answers, personally. “Maybes” are not something any of us should settle for. The witness vehemently denies this is a hoax and, until proven otherwise, I will not treat him as a hoaxer.

Certain bloggers throw around the name of Bill Munns, as if no one (including myself) asked him for his opinion. If you look on my blog for an article titled, “Opinions”you will find very well written opinions by Bill Munns himself, Dave Conover and Rick Noll. This article was published February 23, 2012. When was the photo posted? Oh yeah, February 23, 2012. 

In fact Rick Noll and Bill Munns were the first to view this photo. Years before it was released. But I guess it’s more important that these “bloggers” look like they were the first to have the idea. 

Yes, I am still in contact with the witness and I will continue to protect his identity and this photo. Wow, that really bothered many out there. But you know what? That’s okay. This is my responsibility to the witness and no one else’s. 

I will keep my promise where this is concerned. So far all we know is the subject of this photo is NOT the Clawed suit nor is it the Abominable suit. Both creators and companies have completely denied any involvement – but both have said if it is a suit – it’s a very good one. 

I know many are saying I have formed an opinion about what is in this photo. I have not. Those who are saying that I think this is real, or I think this is a hoax, have never spoken to me so really they have no clue what they are talking about. There are a lot of people “speaking for me” yet they have never spoken "to me." 

If you believe the gossip and rumors that’s your business but I prefer to keep it real.

Neither I, nor this witness, have made a penny off this photo regardless of what may be said out there. What I find interesting about that is, those who would make this allegation, are themselves selling coffee mugs, t-shirts etc. One group even started up a “Paid Bigfoot Expedition” service. Yeah, all while trying to convince all of you that I am the one trying to make money.

I wonder how many of you went on their “paid expedition” and got the $50.00 map? Hey, I have no problem, and never have, with people making money for hard work. But, you shouldn't be pointing your finger at one person (when they are not doing what you are accusing them of) all while you ARE doing the very thing yourself. 

The witness has requested nothing. His sole intention was to put this photo out there so other witnesses would have some verification that they were not going crazy AND to let researchers know they were not doing this without good reason. And, for that he has been called a hoaxer – with no proof that he is.

For all the use of the word "hoax" there is no proof at all that this photo was hoaxed. Not yet. If anyone has information or evidence of this photo being hoaxed, by all means contact me. I want an answer either way and I do not care where the evidence leads. 

Which has lead me to speculate, is this photo a hoax, or is it so good people are willing to call it a hoax because their name is not attached?

Those who call themselves, “Cryptozoologists,” have behaved as less than such. Are people really interested in an answer? That is a question I have been asking myself a lot lately while I have sat back and just simply not commented on all of this over last few months. 

Look at the names of the articles, sites and blogs who claim to be “informing you.” How many times did you see direct questions to me, being answered by me – from these people?

People in this community fell for it. Took it all hook line and sinker. They used this photo to make a name for themselves by trashing me and the photo, and people fell for it. Think about it. There are some pretty well known names now - who I bet the large majority of this community never heard of before - and they came in crashing when this photo was released. Coincidence? I think not.

Do some research people. Seriously. All the information about who, when and why - is out there. Stop believing everything you read - look into the "internet antics" of some of these people. I think you might be amazed and shocked all at the same time.  

Personally, I am done trying to keep people in this community educated on the game players in this. Who is really in this because they want this animal documented? Who is really in this because they want to build a name for themselves - and most likely think this is all a big joke anyway. Do you think this is a new idea for these people? Think again. Start looking into these people yourself - or just accept the mud on your face when it comes out - because it always comes out in the end. Always.  

I would be pretty upset if someone fed me bad information hoping I would be stupid enough to repeat it.

I tell you all this, with a warning attached; if you don’t think this won’t happen to you or your witnesses, think again. It will and I guarantee it. 

I did not put forth this photo saying, “This is the best picture of a Bigfoot ever!!” But that is the way many reacted. I and those who viewed this photo prior to its release all agree – this photo could go either way. 

But, we were getting nowhere with it, privately. We released it for any information that someone might have. 

I think people missed that part in the statement. 

But, nonetheless, I continue to hear from witnesses and their comments for and against this photo being of a "real Bigfoot  are interesting. Why? If these people are lying about an encounter with a Bigfoot - they are nailing themselves to a definitive description. They make comparisons and either confirm or reject. None have simply dismissed the subject of this photo out of hand. They say things like, "The hair color is right, but the hair I seen was thicker." I do find it interesting that these people are finding me to discuss the similarities and differences of what they seen to this picture. 

My own field work.

Since the latter part of this year, I have been involved in an ongoing investigation of a property here in Ohio. 

This property has me scratching my head and wondering just what is going on. I have been at this now for 7 years – and have never experienced the kind of things we are experiencing here. The vocals recorded have been decent (thank you H2 Zoom) but do not do the vocals justice. In the link I am providing (below) you can hear just some of the vocals we have been hearing on this property.

The audio starts out with two unknown vocals – then Wayne Larsen responds. There is a back and forth that goes on for some time between the two. What you don’t get to see – is the distance traveled between these responses. That is what I still can’t explain. Also, this actually starts before you hear it on the audio file. I’m not sure if Karlie and Sue knew I overheard their conversation, but I did hear them ask each other, if they had heard a vocal coming from the opposite side of the property. Then a few minutes passed, and I heard the first of two. Which was in the same direction Karlie and Sue were pointing toward – but closer to the property we were on.

By the time this ended – whatever this was – had traversed one ridge line, crossed over to the property we were on, went back up another ridge line – then traveled to the back of the property. If this was a human – it was a fast human who was begging for oxygen by the time this was over.

These ridge lines are high, and walking up them is almost a full straight up incline. Stopping half way up – is a must. 

I don’t know how this was done, but if this was a person, kudos for the energy and ability to move in a very rocky and downright dangerous area to move in during the day – and especially at night.

It should also be noted a landowner who owns the adjoining 60 acres was with us on this property the night of the vocal exchange. He was a die-hard skeptic and told us he had never heard or seen anything. After the exchange ended – he was curious but not a “believer” (I hate that word).

He climbed on his 4-wheeler to follow the property owner and a fellow researcher to the back part of the property – which would take him home. They got on the back trail by the swamp, stopped their 4-wheelers, as the researcher wanted to do a yell – but something approximately 100 yards from their location let out a scream – that scared the other property owner so bad, he jumped on the highway to finish his drive home. 

His wife even called him and asked him to come home because she heard it, and it scared her.

What do you say to someone when that happens? You’re lying? I don’t think so.

I don’t normally discuss things I experience in the field, but I have to say, this property and the activity has me scratching my head. I have only been able to say that about 2 properties I have been on ever.

This one and another in Virginia.

Am I saying this audio represents conclusive evidence of Bigfoot? No, I am not. But, neither I, nor anyone else on the property that night can explain what we heard.

 Vocal Exchange 

 My wish for 2013: 

Less drama. This community has been nothing but drama over this last year. Why so much drama? Everywhere I go the drama is always a topic of conversation. Everyone keeps asking, "Why so much drama?" 

Well, first of all, we have new people who promised to show us all what the, “old timers,” are doing wrong and get that evidence that has eluded us all…

There is really nothing new about that we get new people all the time who say that. Yet, they have provided nothing but vicious attacks against existing researchers or anyone who puts out something they didn't or couldn't – meaning – unless it came from them, it’s an obvious hoax.

Is this the attitude that will lead us to the ultimate discovery?

I highly doubt if I jump on any Bigfoot site or Facebook pages (read by children by the way) and drop a few F-bombs, all while telling people what they are doing wrong and calling them filthy names – that will lead me to the ultimate proof of Bigfoot. 

This seems to be the new accepted behavior… Why?

Have we really sunk that low as a community? Over the last year I have heard more about drama than I have about actual field work. I do hear about some "projects" but even these promising items are drowned out by the constant drama. That is actually pretty sad. I hope it changes.

With the success of various Bigfoot shows, we have a whole influx of people who are unaware of the past. We should be more responsible and not simply be posting blogs, articles or YouTube videos simply because the hype makes us popular.

My hope is that 2013 brings about more self-control and responsibility to this field of research. We don’t have to get along, we don’t even have to like each other, but we could at least behave like adults and expect better behavior from those we think are legitimate researchers. 

If you wouldn't let your kids read a specific Bigfoot related site, due to the graphic nature of the conversation, why in the world would you even associate yourself with it?

We used to care about this. We used to pride ourselves on keeping the conversation so clean that any parent could allow their child to read our various sites without fear that their kid might see something inappropriate. 

Not so much anymore.

I think this is the worst year for drama within this community that I have seen since I became involved. I really hope it changes. I’m not going to sit here and say I am perfect. I am not. I have very strong opinions and voice them on a regular basis. BUT – I do not lie about researchers. I do not call women wh*res, or c*nts and I most definitely do not call people hoaxers simply because I know how to spell the word. If you find this acceptable behavior, that’s your problem. But as a community, it makes us look petty, childish and irresponsible. 

If that’s your goal – we are well on our way – so congrats.

But, that’s just my opinion. I have heard the opinions of just about everyone else over this last year. Most of which had nothing to do with this field work; 

 So; now you know mine.