Cryptozoology - Just a Matter of Time Now?

I came across this article today on the BBC New Website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22263874

Very interesting article I thought, especially with the apparent increase in sightings of big cats spotted around the UK.  This has been going on for decades (the above article link is a prime example of that), but what are these big cat creatures?  I don't think a zoo would cover up the fact they had an escaped animal capable of killing people so I would personally rule out that theory.  Some say they are Puma's and other large cats that have previously been kept as exotic animals and either escaped or let loose into the wild.  I can see the logic in this as exotic animals and specimens of this nature were very fashionable and desirable in the Victorian era and long before that.  Without knowing how to care for these animals, it is possible that a few could have been let loose over time and somehow managed to reproduce, hence the sightings to the present day.  All you have to do is google this subject and you will be bombarded with a surprising number of reports, so its clear that something is out there in various parts of the country.  The UK used to have wolves, so why not dangerous cats such as pumas, lynx or something similar that has adapted to the climate and surroundings and has learnt to survive.

Cryptozoology always interests me, as with technology progressing in leaps and bounds year by year, the gadgets we own and carry with us on a daily basis can do what you would have need a film crew and a broadcasting station to do a few decades ago.  The increase of sightings has led to a huge increase in more compelling photo and video evidence of these creatures.  The only downside is that with this technology and computer software, it is also just as easy to fake.  Thankfully, our own intuition and methods of deduction allow to to seperate the majority of hoaxes, but there is always that tiny possibility that the evidence could have been faked, we just dont know.  That's why unless someone captures one of these creatures alive for all to see, I dont think we can ever be 100% convinced.  That said, there are some incredible pieces of footage that are very compelling.  Search on Youtube for recent Bigfoot sightings and there are one or two that I find fantastic.  There are a few other creature sightings that also unnerve as well as intrigue.  here are just a few that I find interesting, I'll let you decide for yourselves:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFL7Hp351lw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpGJ2h16myQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGil3aLKTjg

http://www.naturalplane.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/photo-unknown-entity-gas-plant-kennedy.html

http://www.naturalplane.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/connection-nightcrawler-vs-kenedy-texas.html

http://naturalplane.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/another-unknown-creature-in-pennsylvania.html

http://naturalplane.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/update-unknown-hominid-trail-cam-image.html


One thing I really am convinced of though, is that with this modern technology and evolved investigation and tracking methods, I really do think it is just a matter of time when one of these creatures will be proven to exist.

As always, this blog a personal viewpoint only and does not reflect the opinions and beliefs of other members of the BCPS team or the team as a whole.  If you would like more information on the BCPS and what we do, just visit our website at www.bcps.moonfruit.com

Ghostwatch

Last night a few of the BCPS team decided on the spur of the moment to watch the infamous "Ghostwatch" - the mock-reality/live show, that was broadcast on Halloween 1992 on BBC1.  Wow, watching it after all these years, and the impact of the show can still be felt.  I remember the immediate controversy the days and weeks after the show, the countless complaints to the BBC (the fake phone line received over 30,000 calls during the shows broadcast), the claims that the show caused trauma and stress to young children despite the show starting after the 9pm watershed and even an apparent link to a suicide. This all led to a decade long ban to repeat the programme on BBC television, but it has since been shown overseas and it has been available to buy on DVD (or rent via Lovefilm for all you subscribers to that service).

Watching the show last night, the format and idea for the show clearly shows how it has influenced paranormal-based entertainment since that time - apparently it was a heavy influence for the makers of "The Blair Witch Project" and the format of the show very closely matches that of the "Most Haunted Live" shows.  For a drama it was very well done in my eyes, despite some iffy acting from the two children involved at times, and the far-fetched last act.  Some elements were downright creepy, especially the opening CCTV footage from the girl's bedroom and how the suspense played out with some jumpy moments when you least expect it.  The more I have watched the show, the more I tend to pick up, things I missed before and very clever, subliminal stuff with the ghost character.

I must admit though, the plagiarism of the famous Enfield Poltergeist case has become extremely obvious, to the extent of even (what seems like) replicated photos taken from the case investigated by Guy Lyon Playfair (published in his book about the case "This House is Haunted").  I'm told that he won a legal case over the show and had his name in a credit on the re-released cut of the show as a consultant.  The way this was done did trouble me to an extent, as I can't believe they would go ahead and make the show without the consent of the original family involved in the Enfield case.  It was also a very bold move of the BBC to create the ghost character (one of two possibilities provided during the show) as a possible cross-dressing paedophile, and given the show's focus around the characters of the two young girls.  I'm amazed the BBC went ahead with a 9pm broadcast of the show on Halloween, especially when so many kids want to get in the spirit of things  and parents probably thinking that it was okay for kids to watch given the involvement of the popular children's TV presenter Sarah Greene as the on-location co-host of the show.

To be honest, it is a huge talking point that could be discussed for hours on end.  Now I fondly watch it for how unique it was, how it executed commonly witnessed paranormal phenomena effectively, and for some cool scares combined with a nostalgia factor.  You can read more about it online at various sites, including Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostwatch

Today I found out that a retrospective feature-length documentary has recently been released called "Ghostwatch: Behind the Curtains" and by jove am I going to get a copy!  The reviews have been great, it features interviews with the cast and looks to be very insightful indeed!  For more information on that (or to buy a copy), visit http://www.ghostwatchbtc.com/

As always, this blog a personal viewpoint only and does not reflect the opinions and beliefs of other members of the BCPS team or the team as a whole.  If you would like more information on the BCPS and what we do, just visit our website at www.bcps.moonfruit.com

Quick Update

Just a short blog this week ladies and gents, trolls and ghouls. As advertised on our Website contact page, we regularly read the 'Phantoms & Monsters' blog over at http://www.naturalplane.blogspot.co.uk/  Its a news-based site that collates all the latest reports of paranormal activity from around the world, mixing in some infamous cases here and there along with reader submissions.  Its a very honest blog that keeps a neutral point of view to allow the reader to enjoy the stories, view the evidence and make their own conclusions from there.  You can also register to receive notifications on new updates and it is a great way to spend a coffee break each day to get your daily paranormal fix!

Well thankfully we have now entered Spring, and putting those clocks forward an hour makes such a difference on an evening!  This is the exciting period as we look towards more pleasant weather in which to conduct investigations (outdoor ones in particular) and that is where we will be shifting our team focus.  As always, we are open to investigate your home or business premises if you believe something of a paranormal sense is going on.  Please do not feel embarrassed to approach us as we are open to listen and advise (on a case by case basis) on what is the best possible way to handle things in a calm and logical manner.  So don't worry, we wont be barging through your door as soon as your email lands in our inbox! 

For more information, visit our website www.bcps.moonfruit.com or email us at blackcountryparanormalsociety@hotmail.co.uk