HEADLINES

Which headlines would you like to peruse?

Added 5/11/2010

Dreams "Can Help With Learning"

• BBC News Article about using dreams to assist with memory and learning.

Who knows what may be learned Beyond the Wall of Sleep...

Colossal Squid Is a Big Lazy Blob

• MSNBC's article about new ideas about the hunting habits of the colossal squid.

I don't know why everyone's shocked that colossal squids are lazy. After all, Cthulhu just bums around in R'lyeh dreaming...

Massive Meteor Lights Up the Skies over the United States

• MailOnline article about a huge meteor that flew over the midwestern U.S. and caused a massive sonic boom.

Brian says, "We escpaed global catastrophe by a margin of a few thousand pounds of iron." That might be so, but remember The Colour Out of Space. The meteor broke up, probably showering down over a wide area. Watch for crops of extraordinarily large vegetables in the months ahead...

Added 4/13/2010

Ancient Afterlife Door Unearthed in Egypt

• redOrbit article about a 3,500 year old stone gateway to the afterlife found in a tomb near Karnak.

Inspector K suggests, "Maybe it's a way to the Dreamlands?" Maybe so, Inspector K, but it could also lead to the black nighted tombs of Nephren-Ka, or to the very threshold of Nyarlathotep or Azathoth!

History Mystery in Ancient Lead Coffin

• FoxNews article about a mysterious lead coffin dating from about 1700 years ago.

Inspector K wonders, "A lead coffin? Some alien or undead trapped inside?" I fear we'll find out soon enough.

Mystery of the Giant Isopod

• NowPublic.com's article about a freaky sea creature accidentally hauled up from the ocean's depths.
• FoxNews article on the same.

The close correspondence of April Fool's Day with this article had me arching my eyebrow, but I've collected enough info from other sources that I must admit these beasties are apaprently real. Yeesh!

Violence in the Land of Sleep

• NYTimes.com article about sleep violence, a condition in which people will hurt those around them while asleep.

Beyond the wall of sleep indeed. Who knows what entities get into your head by that path.

The World's Only Immortal Animal

• Yahoo! Green article about a jellyfish that cycles back and forth through its aging process thereby becoming theoretically effectively immortal.

That which is not dead, eh? Good call, Chris.

NASA Finds Shrimp Dinner on Ice Beneath Antarctica

• Yahoo News article about life under the Antarctic ice sheet caught on camera by NASA.

Drew says, "Having just read At the Mountains of Madness again, it stuck in my mind." Well, if a shrimp can survive down there, why not an Elder Thing?

Added 3/10/2010

Earth Under Attack from "Death Star"

• A Sun article on the old idea of our sun's deadly twin.,,Nemesis.

Wow! I had almost forgotten Nemesis, the subject of a poem by HPL and a major plot point of the old Chaosium module Spawn of Azathoth. Nice to to see it back in...well, I hesitate to say the news...in the public eye.

Clever Octopus Mimics a Fish

• Livescience.com article about the Atlantic longarm octopus that impersonates a flounder.

These creatures are so intelligent and awesome...yet so Lovecraftian!

Clues to Antarctica Space Blast

• BBC News article about space debris in Antarctica.

It's a good month for weirdness from space, it seems!

DR Congo Ring May be Impact Crater

• BBC News article about what may be a huge impact crater in Africa.

Ahhh, but what landed?

Chilean Quake Likely Shifted Earth's Axis, NASA Scientist Says

• BusinessWeek article about the possible global ramifications of the recent Chilean earthquake.
• And a rebuttal from Germany via Bild.de.

Try to look past the debate and the human tragedy and think...what are the Cthonians up to?

Boy Develops Fish Scales at 14 Months Old

• Telegraph.co.uk article about an unfortunate boy with a rare skin condition.

I feel for this poor kid...but just try to read the article and not think "Deep Ones".

Added 2/8/2010

Tentacled Snake Uses Odd Appendages to Sense Prey

• National Geographic article about the odd "tentacled snake".

It's a snake...with tentacles. What's not to love?

Ancient Crocodile Relative Likely Food Source for Titanoboa

• Paleontology News article about the mighty Titanoboa and its possible diet.

Ah yes...the children of Yig. Mighty children indeed. But Titanoboa? Lame name for an awesome snake.

Giant Squids Invade California Waters

• NewsQuest's article about a rise in the number of Humboldt squids seen or caught near California.

I included this article not only because I love giant squid stories, but because I'm fascinated with the web site. It's so minimalistic! And those delightful misspellings! Fascinating!

Universe Is 30 Times More Run Down Than Thought, Astronomers Find

• ScienceDaily's article about the discovery that our universe contains 30x the level of entrpy than had been previously thought.

It seems this research is partly based on the number of black holes that are appearing. Azathoth and Its spawn are slowly drawing our universe into their unholy gullets...

Added 1/20/2010

Giant Spider Discovered

• Cryptomundo's article about a new species of giant spider found only in Israel.
• ScienceDaily's article on the same.

The children of Atlach-Nacha are showing up in the news a lot lately...

Surprising Sea-Slug Is Half-plant, Half-animal

• LiveScience.com article about a sea slug variety that exhibits traits common to both plants and animals.

A good week for Elder Things, which are described much the same by Professor Lake, just before they dissect him!

Is Antarctica Melting?

• NASA.gov article about the fact that Antarctica is losing mass.

Yeah, this is not good. We don't need the Elder Things to get thawed out down there. We have problems enough of our own.

Added 1/11/2010

Creepy Case: Tarantula Shoots Hairs into Owner's Eye

• LiveScience article about a man whose eye irritation turned out to be caused by his pet tarantula shooting hairs into his eyes!

The fact that I already knew tarantulas could do this did not stop me from having sympathetic eye pains while reading this. Atlach-Nacha's children strike again!

Previously Undiscovered Ancient City Found on Caribbean Sea Floor

• Herald de Paris article about a huge underwater city recrntly discovered by satellite.

Does anyone really need me to say why exploring unknown underwater cities is a bad idea? Fools! Will you waken that which should not be woken?

Divers Seeking Atlantis in Bahamas

• Miami Herald article about devotees of Edgar Cayce who're seeking Atlantis near the infamous Bimini Road.

Cayce claimed Atlantis would "rise" near Bimini in 1969. I think the use of the word rise is particularly ominous. Also, I was born in 1969. Coincidence? I think not!

Added 1/4/2010

At a Mine's Bottom, Hints of Dark Matter

• NYTimes.com article about mysterious traces of Dark Matter found at the bottom of an iron mine in Minnesota.

Huh. Who would imagine that we would find some of the universe's most mysterious stuff...in Minnesota. Go fig!

New Species Pictures: "Jumbo Dumbo," More

• National Geographic photos of many strange deep sea creatures found a mile or more down in the ocean.

Michael says, "Well, the people at National Geographic must be half-mad like the rest of us because such images should have surely driven them crazy. Some of the clearest pictures of that which man-was-not-meant-to-know. I'm only disappointed they couldn't have gotten a shot with R'lyeh in the background." I don't think disappointed covers it for me. Intensely relieved, maybe...

Italy's Most Haunted Island: Poveglia Island of Horror

• Qondio.com article about Poveglia, an island in the Venice lagoons with a terrible past.
• Wikipedia's article on the same.

This is a genuinely creepy story, complete with thousands of corpses, a sanitarium, a mad doctor, and a mist that kills. Pity the Wikipedia article debunks a lot of the fun.

Island of the Pit Vipers

• Forests.org article about Ilha de Queimada Grande, a forbidden island near Brazil that's swarming with fer-de-lance snakes!

Michael says, "The folks over at Forest.org seem to have located a prime spot for the Altar of Yig. The Brazilian Navy apparently has forbidden anyone to set foot on the island, too." Glad I'm forewarned about this place!

Giant Sea "Mucus" Blobs on the Rise

• National Geographic photo and article about big gross blobs in the ocean.

I...um...yeah. Ocean mucus is pretty nasty. Josh noted in his email to me, "Hope you start updating the site again." Well, Josh. Here ya go. :)

Carl Jung and the Holy Grail of the Unconscious

• NYTimes.com article about a publisher's plan to make Carl Jung's Dream Journal available to the public.
• An Amazon.com link to the published work.

Okay, the book is absurdly expensive...but I must admit that a peek into the illustrated dream journal of such a noted man would be fascinating. Perhaps he wandered through the doomed streets of Sarnath or paused to pet one of the cats of Ulthar.

The Artic Sea, Safe and Sound, Discovered by Russian Navy

• NYTimes.com article about a ship, The Arctic Sea, that vanished mysteriously for nearly a month.

This is a cool story. Everyone thinks that our society is one where everything and everyone is constantly in contact with everything else. Incidents like this make it seem all the more believable that the unknown can walk unseen among us.

New Life Form in Sewers?

• AboveTopSecret.com forum discussion about the creepy and gross thingie found in sewers.

BloopWatch Correspondent Steve "iyu" Domanski informs me that the official explanation is that somehow it's a big, messed-up worm colony. Okay, even assuming that's true, that's really freaky. The Worm that Walks beginning it's evolution? Not good.

Searchers Hunt Giant Worm

• AOL News article about researcher who seek a really big worm.

Yeah. You know, Cthonians look a lot like worms when they're young. Maybe these people should stop searching and start running.

Top Ten Strangest Things in the Universe

• The Discovery Channel's list of the weirdest stuff in the cosmos.

I love the quote, "The more we look among the stars and galaxies, the weirder things seem to get." I also love their illustration of a black hole. Azathoth...

New "Montauk Monster" Spotted in Panama

• Telegraph.co.uk article about a Panamanian creature that seems to resemble the Montauk Monsters that were washing up dead on the beaches in 2008.

The creature was allegedly beaten to death by teenagers. But what if it was trying to tell us something? Those kids are either heroes...or they've doomed us all!

Jumbo Squid Invade San Diego Shores, Spook Divers

• WBZtv.com article about enormous Humboldt squid that're appearing in great numbers in San Diego and attacking divers.
• Similar article from NBCMiami.com.

Christopher says, "Great Cthulhu grows hungry and sends his kids for take-out..." Disturbing thought, that.

Amateur Finds New Earth-Sized Blot on Jupiter

• New York Times article about the discovery that something large has hit Jupiter.

Brian says, "Something huge just plowed into Jupiter, and it was absolutely undetected until it was over." It's disturbing that we're so blind to the cosmos that something like this could happen.

Japanese Fishermen Brace for Giant Jellyfish

• CNN article about Nomura's Jellyfish in the Sea of Japan.

Brian says, "This speaks for itself," and indeed it does. Six foot in diameter is...um...yeah, that's big.

Huge Blob of Arctic Goo Floats Past Slope Communities

• Anchorage Daily News article about a creepy Arctic blob.
• FOXNews Article on the same.
• And another view from Phantoms & Monsters.

Inspector K says, "Sounds like shoggoths to me." It should sound like shoggoths to any right thinking person, Inspector. I have to say it makes me glad when no fewer than 7 Correspondents think an article worthy of inclusion. Great work! Keep your eyes peeled!

Added 5/18/2009

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

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

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

An Amnesic Patient with an Extraordinary Distorted Memory

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

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

The 2012 End Times Prophecy

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

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

Return of the Montauk Monster!

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

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

A Battle to Preserve a Visionary's Bold Failure

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

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

Giant Mystery Blob Discovered Near Dawn of Time

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

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

NASA Photos Show Giant "Cosmic Hand"

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

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

Tentacles as Art

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

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

The Dyatlov Pass Incident

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

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

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

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

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

Added 3/16/2009

"Vampire" Discovered in Mass Grave

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

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

Fish with Human Faces Spotted in South Korea

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

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

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

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

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

Fabled City of Atlantis Spotted on Google Earth?

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

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

Alien Life "May Exist Among Us"

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

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

Added 2/20/2009

Cosmologists "See" the Cosmic Dawn

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

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

Archaeologists Find Rare Intact Mummy

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

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

"Dark" Comets May Pose Threat to Earth

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

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

Texans Report Fireball in Sky, Sonic Booms

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

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

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

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

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

U-28 Creature

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

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

Tanzania's Albino Harvest

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

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

Added 2/15/2009

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

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

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

Artist Sells Casey Anthony Voodoo Dolls

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

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

Scientists Discover Immortal Jellyfish

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

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

Added 1/21/2009

"Horror Frog" Beaks Own Bones to Produce Claws

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

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

The Mother of All Beacons

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

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

Martian Methane Belch: From Rocks or Microbes?

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

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

"Yeah. So can astronauts.

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

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

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

A Note of Caution for Paranormal Investigators

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

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

Akkorokamui

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

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

Added 1/15/2009

The Grave Eaters

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

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

Psycho-Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

New Way to Be Buried: Underwater Cemetary

• Orlando Sentinel article about the phenomenon of underwater burials.

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

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

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

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

Mystery Roar from Faraway Space Detected

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

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

Stonehenge Beneath the Waters of Lake Michigan

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

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

Beast on the Beach

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

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

Strange and Mysterious Sounds from the Earth

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

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

Unknown Sea Creature Filmed Off Florida Coast

• A YouTube video of a very creepy undersea denizen.

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

Added 1/8/09

Huge Undersea "Wall" Discovered

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

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

Tentacle UFO Spotted Right Before Carnage

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

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

Black holes Spouted Galaxies, Not Vice Versa

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

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

Is the Superquake Coming?

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

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

Fear: Hobbyists Will Create New Life Forms

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

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

The Spider Sex Chronicles

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

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

Strange Experiments Create Body-Swapping Experiences

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

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

Dreams Imaged, Scientists Claim

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

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

Fungi Caught Having Sex in Humans

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

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

2008 Summary Report of Unusual White Animals

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

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

From November 1, 2006 to January 7, 2009

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

Monster Warning to Protect Oceans

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

Colossal squid. What more need I say, really?

Canada Man Beheaded on Bus

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

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

Mysterious, Doughy Blob Clogs Sewer

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

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

Meteorite Crash Causes 'Mystery Illness' in Peru

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

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

Whole Black Hole Meal Observed

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

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

Before Recorded History: The Civilizations Lose in Time

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

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

Star Trails at 19,000 Feet

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

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

Chewing Squid

• One creepy photo of a squid with teeth.

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

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

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

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

Scientists Study Earth's Missing Crust

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

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

Colossal Squid...Captured!

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

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

Celestial Object Falls in Latvia

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

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

Monster Glowing Squid Captured on Video

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

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

The Dogon

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

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

Cambodian Jungle Woman

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

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

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

• NYTimes.com article about dolphins dying mysteriously.

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

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

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

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

Houdini Exhumation to Test for Poison?

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

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

The Peruvian Church of Cthulhu

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

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

"Ghost Yacht" Found Off Australia

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

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

**UPDATED STORY**Pyramids in China

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

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

Bizarre Illness Terrifies Sudanese

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

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

Curious Creature Caught Off Keahole Point

• StarBulletin article about the curious "octosquid".

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

Gaping Hole Found in Universe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What in the World?

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

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

Pyramids in China

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

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

Eleven-Millenium-Old Building Found in Syria

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

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

Book Paints Escape-Artist Houdini as Spy

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

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

Invasion of the Giant Blobs

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

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

Best Wildlife Photos of 2006 Captures Lovecraftian Beast

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

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

Unusual Meteorite Found in Kansas

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

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

Octopus Caught Near Louisville

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

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

Added 10/11/06

Black Hole Belts Out Discordant Musical

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

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

Added 10/6/06

"Monster" Fossil Unearthed in Arctic

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

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

Mystery Surrounds Death of Coast Guard Divers

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

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

Kids' Kickabout Reveals Church Mystery Crypt

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

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

Marine Life Mysteriously Straying Far from Home

• DallasNews article about bizarre actions of marine mammals.

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

Added 9/17/06

Hotly Debated Solar System Object Gets a Name

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

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

Mystery Ocean Glow Confirmed in Satellite Photos

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

This is one of those delightfully bizarre pieces...

Added 9/13/06

Silicon-Based Lifeforms: Hortas in the Deeps

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

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

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

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

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

Green Aurora Over Lake Superior

• A beautiful photo from the folks at APOD.

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

"Pyramids" Discovered in Ukraine

• BBC article about more mysterious non-Egyptian pyramids.

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

"Snake God Curse" Creates MAss Hysteria in Nepal School

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

Yes, humans! Fear the Curse of Yig!

Added 9/11/06

Scientists: Cosmic Blob Biggest Thing in the Universe

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

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

Putin and Cthulhu - The Whole Story

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

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

Worm Infestation "Beats Asthma"

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

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

Mystery Object Found in Supernova's Heart

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

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

Killer Crater Found Under Ice

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

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

Observatory Tries to Catch a Gravitational Wave

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

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

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

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

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

Mysterious Red Cells Might Be Aliens

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

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

Human Skin Book Gives New Meaning to "Gross Anatomy"

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

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

Mobile DNA Part of Evolution's Toolbox

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

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

When Aliens Rained Over India

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

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

Furry "Lobster" Found in Pacific

• BBC's article about this baffling beastie.

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

Pre-Roman Tomb Found Beneath Roman Forum

• LiveScience's article about this startling archaeological find.

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

Giant Jellyfish Terroizing Japan

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

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

Library Books Bound with Human Skin

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

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

Crytozoology - the Giant Squid

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

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

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

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

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

Why This Brain Flies on Rat Cunning

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

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

Study: Lichen Don't Mind Space

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

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

The Dawn Chorus (electromagnetic)

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

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

Added 10/26/2005

New Twists on the Milky Way's Big Black Hole

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

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

Added 10/18/2005

Pyramid Probe May Find Mystery Chamber

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

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

Woman Torches House in Bid to Kill Spiders

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

Somewhere, Atlach-Nacha is snickering...

Groundbreaking Research Sheds Light On Easter Island's Ancient Mystery

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

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

Mystery Ocean Glow Confirmed in Satellite Photos

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

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

Mysterious Ring of Stars Guards Andromeda's Heart

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

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

New Trigonometry is a Sign of the Times

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

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

Planet-Dissolving Dust Cloud is Headed Toward Earth

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

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

The Blob Threatens Nova Scotia

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

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

Cruise Ship Passengers Disappear

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

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

Hooked Fish Gets Revenge, Lures Angler to Death

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

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

Special Update! Added 9/27/2005

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

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

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

Added 8/21/2005

Dundee-born Man Plans to Tame Killer Whirlpool

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

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

Added 8/17/2005

NASA's Spitzer Finds Hungry, Hidden Black Holes

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

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

10th Planet Discovered

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

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

Great Pyramid May Still Contain Khufu's Intact Pharaonic Tomb

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

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

Strange Fossil Defies Grouping

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

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

Victims May Have Died Before Crash

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

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

Study: Atlantis Sinking Has Scientific Basis

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

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

Gruesome Habits of the Giant Squid

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

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

Unidentified Sea Creature Found After Typhoon

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

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

The Saturnian Bloop!

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

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

NASA "Put" Life on Mars

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

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

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

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

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

Added 7/12/2005

Nightmare Vision of Underwater Britain

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

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

Titan Dark Spot May Be Large Lake

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

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

Boffins Create Zombie Dogs

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

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

Garden Gives Way Under Mine Shaft

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

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

New Species Found in Earth's "Refrigerator"

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

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

Added 5/24/2005

Eccentric Worlds: Strange Orbits Puzzle Astronomers

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

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

Early Earth Not So Hellish, New Study Suggests

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

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

Unspeakable Happens in Area Town

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

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

English Scientists Go in Search of the Mongolian Death Worm

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

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

Mysterious Chunks of Flesh Clog Water Lines in Carroll

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

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

'Homosexual' Fungus Is Able to Reproduce

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

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

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

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

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

Exploding Toads Baffle Scientists

• CNN's article about exploding toads in Germany.

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

Scientists Delve into Lake Erie Dead Zone

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

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

New Hibernation Technique Might Work on Humans

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

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

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

• LiveScience's article about some deep earth drilling.

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

Added 4/20/2005

Galactic Pancake Mystery Solved

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

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

Woman Says ME Took Her Brother's Brain

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

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

Mysterious Amphibious Human-like Creature Spotted in the Caspian Sea

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

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

Octopus "Walks" on Two Arms

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

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

Extra-Terrestrial Underwater Experiments Near Sumatra

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

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

Who's in the Attic?

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

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

Mystery of Large Squid Caught on Video

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

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

Illinois State Fossil

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

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

Russian Woman Gives Birth to Cyclops Child

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

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

Added 3/3/2005

City Is "Cursed" by Ancient Stone

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

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

3-Billion Year Old Manufactured Spheroids?

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

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

Space Burst Could Be New Object

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

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

India Finds More "Tsunami Gifts"

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

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

Manuscripts "Treated as Fossils"

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

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

Creatures Frozen for 32,000 Years Still Alive

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

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

Astronomers Find Star-Less Galaxy

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

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

Ancient Life Thrives in the Deep

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

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

Pluto Discovered 75 Years Ago, But What Is It?

• CNN's article about the mysteries of Pluto.

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

Poisonous Spider May Have Bitten Lincoln Boy

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

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

Added 2/10/2005

What Exactly Is Under the Sea?

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

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

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

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

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

The Blobs

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

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

El Pasoan Still Searching for Mystery Rocks' Origin

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

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

Added 2/5/2005

Milky Way's Supermassive Black Hole Is Snoozing

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

Azathoth fthagn? Hmmm...

Antarctic's Ice "Melting Faster"

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

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

Secret of Historic Code: It's Gibberish

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

Not surprising, but disappointing.

Jumbo Squid Wash Up on Southern California Beaches

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

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

Dead Sheep Found in Occult Star

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

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

Added 1/12/2005

Black Hole's Space-Time Wave

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

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

Voracious Black Hole Generates Most Powerful Explosion Known

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

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

Egypt Unveils 2,500-Year-Old-Tomb

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

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

New Maldives Island Rises from the Depths

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

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

Iapetus Moon Bulges at Equator

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

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

'Artificial Life' Comes Step Closer

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

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

Freak Storms Kill Six in France

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

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

Added 12/13/2004

Giant Squid Recovered in Conception Bay

• CBC's article about another giant squid.

They're coming out of the woodwork!

Giant Squid to Be 'Plastinated' for Posterity

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

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

Whale Sings a Lonely Song

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

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

Police Thwart India Snake Protest

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

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

**UPDATED STORY**: Physicists Probe Ancient Pyramid

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

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

Snakes Bite Back at Poison Toads

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

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

Gill Theory of Gland Development

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

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

Device to Probe Limits of Physics

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

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

Pyramid Robot Finds...Another Door

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

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

Does the Sun Have a "Companion"?

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

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

Added before December 13, 2004

Precocious Supermassive Black Holes Challenge Theories

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

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

UFO News: Latin America & Europe

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

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

How Often Is Atlantis Discovered?

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

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

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

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

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

Flannan Isles Mystery

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

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

Strong Quake Shakes Summit City

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

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

Leominster Woman Bitten by a Black Widow Spider

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

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

Peru Seizes Cocaine Hidden in Giant Squid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We call them shoggoths...

The Great Atlantis Hoax: Another Media Fiasco

• A collection from CCNet refuting the recent Atlantis stories.

I wouldn't be shocked...

Surprising Second Black Hole Found in Milky Way's Center

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

Oh, good. Azathoth has a twin.

Could Warming Lead to Squid Boom?

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

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

Permian Extraterrestrial Impact Caused Largest Mass Extinction on Earth

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

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

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

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

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

Giant Hail Killed More Than 200 in Himalayas

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

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

Stunning Find Deep in the Pacific Ocean

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

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

Awesome Power of Iceland Volcano

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

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

Supernova Produces Cosmic Rays

• BBC's article about cosmic rays.

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

The Shape of the Great Pyramid

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

Even if it were not for the fact that HPL ghost-wrote Houdini's "Imprisoned with the Pharoahs", one must recall the stock HPL seems to have hung on curious geometries, a la "Dreams in the Witch House".

Giant Squid "Taking Over World"

• News.com.au's article about the proliferation of the giant squid.

When you're running a website like this one, and a headline like that drops into your lap, you do not ignore it. ;) Interesting article as well!

**Updated Story** - "Hobbit" Joins Human Family Tree

• BBC's article about a diminuative human species whose remains were recently discovered in Indonesia.

Harald says, "Hobbits... yeah right... These people have never read Arthur Machen I suppose. Personally I think it was a good thing these little people and their small "pygmy elephants" died out. Who knows what unwholesome rites they participated in on that remote island. Worshipping Hastur no doubt." No doubt, Harald. Though with elephants around, one might also nervously ponder Chaugnar Faugn.

After I wrote this, Harald wrote back to me. "You know, I hadn't read in on Chaugnar Faughn, so when you suggested him as a possible link to the "hobbits" of Indonesia, I had to stretch for my Encyclopedia Cthulhiana. And what I discovered there gave me the shivers. Chaugnar Faughn isn't just the elephant headed god... he's the elephant headed god of the Tcho-Tcho's! And aren't the cannibalistic Tcho-Tcho's said to be diminutive in stature? The offspring of unholy mating between human cultists and the race of amphibious dwarves (pint sized deep ones?) called the Miri Nigiri? Tcho-Tcho's are said to have lived all over eastern Asia as well. I bet you anything those bones in the caves of Flores had teethmarks..." Most likely, Harald...

Pan's People

• Guardian Unlimited's article about Arthur Machen's legendary encounter with little people.

Given the influence of Machen on HPL, I just had to include this article.

Scientists Zero in on Why Time Flows in One Direction

• PhysOrg's article about the flow of time.

These guys are gonna be visited by the Hounds of Tindalos if they're not careful.

No. Bruns.'s Acquatic "Blob" a Mystery

• Sentinel's article about a mysterious blob organism appearing in a lake in North Brunswick.

Um...well...they think it's non-harmful. So they're leaving them alone. Yeah. Good call. Let the shoggoths multiply in peace.

Cthulhu at Brooklands Tram Station

• Haroeris Astrum's article about mysterious appearances of an octopus-headed apparition at a train station in the U.K. .

Well, when you see a headline like that, you can't ignore it! Can any of our British Correspondents shed any light on this?

Plato's Atlantis Map in Ireland?

• Para-Normal's article about a basin in Ireland that has a mysterious design on it.

• New Scientist's article about stars that don't move as they're supposed to.

Rhiannon simply comments that, "Maybe they aren't stars at all." Well, there you go.

Monster Washes Up Near Farewell Spit

• Stuff.co.nz's article about a monster sunfish that washed ashore in New Zealand.

Vaz's comment echoes my own: "Man, have you seen the face on this thing?" Yikes!

Angler Snags First Jumbo Flying Squid Found in British Columbia

• Fox12's article about the migrating Jumbo Flying Squid.

John didn't comment on the article, but, y'know...do we really need flying squid migrating all over the place? Oy.

Protest "Link" to Desecrated Grave

• BBC's article about grave-robbing in Staffordshire.

Rhiannon says, "This is a fairly sick one, and I've had to have a really good think. It's grave robbing in rural england, ok it's right up HPL's street desecrated graves and missing remains, but the destroying and removal of the remains of an eighty year old woman is still sick." I agree. I've had to walk the line here and there with the site with what I consider appropriate. My philosophy in general is to put the news out, let people read if they wish. A lot of HPL has some really dark and grim stuff in it. Are we supposed to sympathize with the protagonists of "The Hound"? Feh. I'm quite pleased when they get their comeuppance.

Drilling for Africa's Climate History

• BBC's article about a huge meteor crater in Africa.

Rhiannon says, "Hah! Meteor crater they claim; we know the arrival of one of the Old Ones when we see it. So who's (or what's) hiding in Ghana?" Keep an eye on this one for us, Rhi. Looks serious.

Snake Shuts Theater Showing 'Anacondas'

• The Associated Press's article about a huge snake running around a Houston theater.

Just kind of a fun, Yig-oriented story.

Scientific Method Man

• Wired's article about Gordon Rugg, who appears to have proved that the Voynich Manuscript is a hoax.

A hoax. Mmm hmm. And no one could prove this for 400 years? I don't buy it for one instant.

Giant Squid Heads for Natural History Museum in London

• MercoPress's article about a 200 KG squid caught off the Falklands.
• Newstimelive's article about the same.

Nice photo with it.

The Search for Atlantis "Ends at Ayia Napa"

• Telegraph's article about a possible place for Atlantis - just off Cyprus.

I can never feel easy when they find new underwater stonework and start poking at it in search of Atlantis. One never know what will surface...

Antarctic Craters Reveal Strike

• BBC's article about enormous craters that point to the strike of extraterrestrial materials.

Like this shocks any HPL fan. Hellooo...Elder Things? Shoggoths? Antarctica is just plain weird! Keep away!

Divers Find Traces of Ancient Americans

• MSNBC's article about anicnet bones found in underwater caves.

Rhiannon says, "Now they reckon it's just people that lived on land before the ice age, but I think a better bet is they are the remains of poor unsuspecting victims dragged beneath the waves..." Sounds as reasonable to me as not...wonder if those bones were gnawed...

Dream Centre of the Brain Found

• BBC's article about the part of the brain that causes dreams.

Rhiannon says, "Given HPL's thing about dreams and nightmares, I think this fits in well." And I agree.

Magic Roundabout

• SwindonWeb's article about a very bizarre rotary in England.

Scruffy asks, "You don't think it has something to do with SUMMONING AZATHOTH, do you? No? Well, it's still rather suspicious." Very true. And it does look odd...

Art of the Dead?

• The Guardian's article about an art display of real human cadavers.
• The Guardian's second article on the same.

TKP says, "A note of a modern Herbert West." And he includes the following appropriate quote: "They imply that I am either a madman or a murderer -- probably I am mad. But I might not be mad if those accursed tomblegions had not been so silent..."

Mystery Book

• ScienCentral's article about a 2000 year old book that might've changed history.

TKP says, "Wow, this book could be part of a large list of lost grimoires of ancient knowledge and forbidden secrets, so i think, what will happen if some impious scientist evokes the right combination of ancient symbols and..." We agree, of course. And it doesn't help that the book is a mathematics text, and that most of HPL's magic is just science we don't understand...

Near-death Experience Remains a Mystery

• EurekAlert's article about near-death phenomenon.

TKP says, "About the phenomenon of near-death experience - I think, well, what if this strange mental state is no other thing than a bridge to open or see thesholds that our spirits can rise to. And the question is, Is the Silver Key to open such gates nothing more than to be dead or nearly dead?"

Reptoids!

• A webpage regarding a reptillian alien race living on earth.

Zigra says, "Here's a link you're GOT to check out. Could these be the creatures that Robert E. Howard's serpent people of Valusia are based on (and which Lovecraft used in his stories)? Could be." Could be indeed!

Rare Giant Squid Caught Off Canary Islands

• NBC's article about a 30 ft long squid.

Lotta squid news of late...

Massive Black Hole Stumps Researchers

• MSNBC's article about a Black Hole 10 billion times the size of the sun.

The scientists can't figure out how it grew so big in the length of time we believe the Universe existed....hmmm...could it be...Azathoth?

Jumbo Squid Invade Uruguay

• MercoPress's article about an overabundance of huge squid in Chilean waters.

Another advance force. Cthulhu grows bold as the stars near rightness...

**Updated Story:** Sky "Fell In" on Everest

• The Telegraph's article about a day in 1996 when the stratosphere dipped to the level of Mt. Everest and killed eight climbers.
• Update: The Manila Times' article about ghosts that may be haunting Mt. Everest.

Creepy...just creepy. Ithaqua claims some victims, I would say. Or else, you could think back to "the Other gods" and Barzai being dragged off into the sky. And the new story, aboutthe ghosts...they appear as black shadows. Maybe those poor climbers are just "out of phase" with the rest of us...

Dark Energy Tied to Human Origins

• Space.com's article about the role dark energy may have played in our creation.

We were created by an energy we don't understand? Oy.

Missing Black Holes Found

• MSNBC's article about 30 supermassive black holes that have recently been located.

How do you misplace supermassive black holes? Come now.

Killer Toads March on City

• The Telegraph's article about cane toads invading Darwin, Australia.

Venomous batrachians. What else need I say, really?.

Rock-Throwing Kids Anger 120,000 Bees

• CNN's article about a couple of rock-throwing kids who got more than they bargained for.

Just says, "Were the bees attempting to sugar-coat an entire apartment complex for when Cthulhu arises to devour them all?" A disturbing possibility...and just a nice, creepy-crawly story.

New Ocean Species Uncovered

• BBC's article about a new survey of ocean life including, amongst others, a a bright red squid.

Rhiannon says, "I do find it slightly worrying in a report on unknown marine life and red squids,they describe the report as "an aqautic doomsday book". Um, our doomsday perhaps..." That term has always worried me...

Flatworms Are Oldest Living Ancestors

• EurekAlert's article about our wacky ancestor, the flatworm.

TKP says, "I send another note, this one about our wormious origins. Every one of us came from a flatworm ancestor. We are the children of the ancient ones, about 540 million years ago." Well said, TKP!

Iranian Woman Gives birth to Frog

• WorldNetDaily's article about...well...a woman who gave birth to a frog.

Rhiannon says, "I really have no idea what to say about this one." I'm with Rhi....deep ones? I...um...yeah.

Sky "Fell In" on Everest

• The Telegraph's article about a day in 1996 when the stratosphere dipped to the level of Mt. Everest and killed eight climbers.

Creepy...just creepy. Ithaqua claims some victims, I would say. Or else, you could think back to "the Other gods" and Barzai being dragged off into the sky.

Blind River's Ahead - By Ten Minutes

• The Sault Star's article about a Canadian town whose clocks keep advancing by ten minutes.

I'm not sure if I buy Jordan's comment that whatever's causing this will turn out to be "vast, cyclopean, and possibly unnameable.". Normally, I don't put a story here unless I can find a Lovecraftian bent on it...but this one is too weird not to be included! Check this weirdness out!

Hubble Sees the Faintest Galaxies

• BBCNews's article about distant galaxies that we can now see, thanks to the Hubble.

Rhiannon says, "the last few paragraphs mentions "oddball" galaxies, formed when the universe was a lot younger and more chaotic. I wonder..." I wonder too. What could be more oddball than this one?

Methane "Belch" Theory Gets Boost

• BBCNews's article about the theory that a release of Methane from the ocean floor helped jumpstart life on earth.

Rhiannon says, "Two theories: Juvenile theory: One too many pickles for Cthulhu, More adult theory: Was Cthulhu releasing gas to enable human development into a food species?" The kind of thing we don't like to think about...either way.

Satellite Images 'Show Atlantis'

• BBCNews's article about claims that satellite photos of southern spain reveal the location of Atlantis.

Rhiannon remained strangely quiet on this story. Perhaps it speaks for itself.

Primal Scream: The Infant Universe Speaks

• CNN.com's article regarding the universe's scream following the Big Bang.
• Space.com's article on the same, including many interesting links.

Rev. Earl wants to know what can make the Universe scream. I dunno, Rev. Earl...maybe it stubbed its toe? Seriously, this is a great article, and the sound file is neat...even if its not as cool as the Bloop. ;)

Giant Mushroom Baffles Experts in Congo

• Yahoo's article about a three-tier capped giant mushroom.

Rhiannon says, "Giant Fungi in Congo, are the Mi-go now getting set for colonisation of the earth, or proof that nature is far stranger than we can imagine?" For purposes of this site, I vote for the former. ;)

A Ruptured Cometary Globule

• Astronomy Picture of the Day's photo of a ruptured cometary globule, which are often the birthplace of stars.

Tim says, "Thanks for Astronomy Picture of the Day. I discovered Astronomy Picture of the day because of your site, which led to discoveries such as This, as well as other such neat Cthulhu related pictures. Thanks a heap! and I hope that poor defenseles galaxy about to be eaten by that cometary globual isn't anyone we know..." Me too, Tim. And you're welcome.

Naked Man Arrested in Cubero

• Cibola County Beacon Online's article about a naked man who was arrested while screaming "It's inside me!".

So what was inside him? Great Race of Yith? Insect from Shaggai? Colour Out of Space? The mind boggles...

Universe Given Mid-Life Booster

• BBCNews's article about the effect of dark energy on the developing universe.

Rhiannon says, "At last science acknowledges the power of the outer gods!" Oh, those wacky Outer Gods.

Box of Snakes 'Linked to Death'

• BBCNews's article about a curious death that has been mysteriously linked to a box of snakes found a half mile away.
• NBC4.com's article on the same.

Rhiannon says, "The children of Yig strike again! Presumably [the cops] wont comment [on why the death is linked to the snakes] because they have yet to figure out how to arrest the serpent God." Or else they just can't explain the whole thing...

Cosmos 'a Billion Years Older'

• BBCNews's article about new theories on the age of the cosmos.

Rhiannon says, "Apparently the universe is much older than scientists thought it was. We must ask, What dark creatures lived in that extra bit of unknown time? And do we really we need answer to that question?" I suspect we don't...but we'll look for it anyway. Because that's what we do.

Japanese Atlantis

• Foreign Correspondent's article about Japan's Sunken City.

Pretty straight-forward R'lyeh/Yha-nth'lei stuff.

The Squid Hunter

• The New Yorker's article about Steve O'Shea and his hunt for the giant squid.

More squid-oriented fun with Steve O'Shea.

Sea Gypsies of Asia Boast "Incredible" Underwater Vision

• National Geographic's article about the amazing underwater vision of the seminomadic Moken people.

It seems clear to me that these folks probably possess the fabled Innsmouth look...

Disaster May Have Killed ancients

• BBCNews's article about a chamber with the remains of 28 ancient humans in Spain.

Rhiannon says, "Hmm, a death chamber containing 350,000 year old skeletons that died an unknown death. What do you think about it?" I think it sounds extremely disturbing...

'Red Tide' of Algae Threatens China's Seas

• Independent.co.uk's article about a paralyzing tide of red algae.

Rhiannon says, "Is it just me or are the Oceans getting downright hostile these days?" It's not just you, Rhiannon.

Aging Octopus Finds Love at Last

• Cnn.com's article about J-1 and his smoochy-wookums, Aurora.

Shane says, "We are breeding cephalopods. That can't be good. What's worse is it almost seems like the keepers at the aquarium were being influenced somehow by the aging octopus." Eh...if all Cthulhu wanted was love, I think we'd be okay.

Boost to Asteroid Wipe-out Theory/Scientists Find Signs of Ancient Crater

• An article about the asteroid that caused The Great Dying.
• Yahoo!News's article on the same.
• The Australian's article on the same.
• New York Times article on the same.

Rhiannon says, "Several million years ago something smacked into the Pacific near Australia. Almost immediately afterwards 70-95% of all life on Earth vanished, and it completely altered the geography of this region. Now these people would have you believe it was an asteriod, but c'mon! Destroying most life on earth, coming from the stars, the Pacific, altering the geography, you can see where I'm going with this can't you? We have found the arrival of Lord Cthulhu! " Chilling thought, that. So, apparently, millions of year before the dinosaurs were wiped out, scientists think a massive meteor may have destroyed 90% of the existing species on earth. Perhaps this was the event which forced the Great Old Ones into quiesence? Or the reason we find no evidence of the Elder Things or the Great Race's cone-shaped bodies in our fossil record?

Unmanned Sub Missing Off Norway

• Seattle Times' article about an unmanned, automated sub that has gone missing off the coast of Norway.

Sunder says, "This one's gotten by under just about everybody's radar (sonar?). Is no one besides me disturbed that something called "B'pauv" (punctuation supplied) has decided it doesn't need humans anymore, and slipped the leash? Doesn't the fact that this renegade has the ability to destroy something as powerful as a modern, oceangoing mine bother the authorities, just a little bit? Evidently not. This story has been very thoroughly buried on a few back pages. Okay, let's calm down and think. Where in the oceans might everybody's favourite Great Old One have decided he wants the mines cleared out? And why? . . . . Too many possibilities. I call for unrestrained panic."

North Cascades Glacier Ice Worm Research

• Curious article about creepy ice worms that can only live off at extremely low temperatures.

Creatures of Ithaqua perhaps?

Swirling Dust Near Black Hole Too Thick for Theory

• Space.com's article about a strange torus of dust around a black hole.

This is one of many articles Rhiannon sent to me under the heading "When the Stars Are Right?"

Milky Way Spiral Gets an Extra Arm

• NewScientist's article about a newly discovered arm of the Milky Way.

This is one of many articles Rhiannon sent to me under the heading "When the Stars Are Right?"

New Fast, Hot Breed of Planets Found

• NewScientist's article about a pair of Jupiter-like planets who are on a death spiral with their sun.

This is one of many articles Rhiannon sent to me under the heading "When the Stars Are Right?"

Mysterious Black Water in Florida Bay

• Astronomy Picture of the Day's article about black water and disappearing fish.

This is really creepy, I have to say.

The Mysterious Voynich Manuscript

• Astronomy Picture of the Day's article about our old friend, the Voynich Manuscript.

Camena says, "The Mysterious Voynich Manuscript: written in no known language, probably in 15th century, and has numerous astrology illustrations - some of unknown constellations. Just how Lovecraftian is that?" Pretty darned Lovecraftian, in fact. ;)

The Eye of God

• About's article about the Hubble's photo of The Eye of God.

Camena says, "It's a composite of photos taken by Hubble Space telescope and looks just like an eye - thus they call it "the Eye of God", although we of course know better... "The Eye of Azathoth" (or some other Outer God...) might be more appropriate." I remember seeing this pic when it first appeared on the internet and feeling slightly nervous of it...

Ancient Arthropod Caught Moulting

• BBC's article about an interesting fossil.

Rhiannon says, "According to the Beeb, these things need to moult their exoskeleton to grow into a bigger form. Erm, how big would they grow after 505 million years." Pretty big, I would guess.

Deep-Sea Fish Croaks for Love

• Nature.com's article about more peculiar noises from the deep sea.

Jude says, "Here is a little article I found about more noises being picked up by the undersea mircorophones that picked up the infamous Bloop. They seem to be picking up small croaking noises, and, though they explain them as most likely made by small fish, with the consideration of other undersea noises I wonder. . ." Always best to remain skeptical of the official explanation.

**Updated Article**: Goodbye, Sunshine

• Guardian Unlimited's article about global dimming.
• The New York Times' article on the same.

Perhaps this is really what is meant by "when the stars are right"? Not stars, but one star - our sun! When the world is dark enough, perhaps the Great Old Ones will return.
After reading the second article, I have realized what this could mean. One of Nyarlathotep's guises is as the Haunter of the Dark, which cannot stand light...I think we're seeing a resurgence of the Messenger of the Outer Gods.

Underwater Civilizations

• Pravda's article about the possibility of existing underwater civilizations.

Some slightly spooky commentary here. I love Pravda. ;)

Giant Squid Leaves Sexcapades to Chance

• IOL's article about the fact that the giant squid does not discriminate in sex between male and female.

Hey, if you were as rare as our buddy Architeuthis, you'd take your sex where you could get it, too!

Giant Squid, Tall Tales and Truth

• The New York Times overview about our old friend, the giant squid.

A very good, basic overview of the facts and fictions of our pal.

Underground Maze Crammed with Mummies

• NewScientist.com's article about a new find in Egypt with over 500 mummies.
• CNN.com's article on the same.

Included because of the "Imprisoned with the Pharoahs" connection.

City-Sized Asteroid to Pass Earth This Fall

• Yahoo.com's article about a huge asteroid that will be passing awfully close to us this fall.

Rhiannon says, "On a lighter note, an asteroid may destroy earth in September. Of course this is no ordinary asteroid, according to the report it's of an unusual shape, moving in the 'wrong' way and has a totally unknown composition. I don't think it's an asteroid somehow. Could this be a new Great Old One, still roaming the solar system, coming for us?" It could.

The Heartbeat of the Dying Star

• Yahoo.com's article about the life and death of a pair of neutraon stars.

Rhiannon says, "The best way to describe this article is just to quote it's first paragraph... 'In a stellar version of the walking dead, one near-corpse of a star jumpstarts the heartbeat of its close companion as the two spiral toward an eventual embrace that will destroy them both.' You must admit, that's creepy." I have no problem admitting this.

Snake-Fanged Masks, Jade Give Clues to Early Maya

• Yahoo.com's article about new finds about the early Maya.

Rhiannon says, "Mayan civilisation has been around for much longer than was thought (but we knew that anyway right?), as this report on the discovery of two huge snake masks proves. The worshippers of Yig, go back much further you know." Oh, we know, Rhiannon. We know.

Ancient Map Captures Ocean Front

• BBC.com's article about an ancient map of the Atlantic.

Rhiannon says, "A 500 year old map of the Atlantic has been found to have very accurately predicted various weather conditions. The report says the only thing this cartographer got wrong was including a huge vareity of sea monsters. Do you want to tell them or shall I?" Eh...let's not spoil the surprise.

An Eye on the Southern Sky

• BBC.com's article about comet-watcher William Bradfield.

Rhiannon says, "There's nothing really lovecraftian, but he does describe comets as being the Ghosts of the solar system, which I think is a wonderful turn of phrase. Surely the idea of a haunted solar system is right up HPL's alley?" Moreso, HPL was quite a comet-watcher himself during his lifetime.

Alien Seaweed Threatens Sea Life

• BBC.com's article about Japweed, a Japanese seaweed which is strangling out the sea life in Scotland.

Rhiannon describes this as, "a report on a japanese seaweed invading Scottish coasts destroying indigenous habitat. Deep One plot anyone?" I think any story about alien life killing native life fits the HPL mode.

How the Serpent Shed Its Skin

• NewScientist.com's article about reptile expert Harry Greene.

Rhiannon says, "Is this man an apostle (acoylte?) of Yig? An interview with a man who has devoted his life to studying snakes and has a high regard for them." Sounds like a Yiggist to us.

Hubble Telescope Snares Space Bug

• BBC.com's article about photos of the Bug Nebula.

Rhiannon says, "The Hubble has located what looks suspiciously like a huge butterfly in space, they're calling it "the bug nebula". I still think it's an Old One...Anyone got a five light year size can of Raid?"

Synthetic Life

• Scientific American.com's article about scientists who are creating new life in the lab.

Seth says, "Heres a chilling one. Scientists have created synthetic life out of genetic material and the outer shells of viruses. As the article describes it, 'Think of it as life version 2.0'. These things breed and mutate over time. Too many possibilities....head hurts...." I suspect that you're feeling what some of the Elder Things felt when their colleagues came to them and said, "Hey, we've come up with this new thing called a shoggoth..."

Hunt for Atlantis Leads Researcher to Cyprus

• Yahoo's article about a new search for the sunken city.
• ABCNewsOnline's article on the same.
• Pakistan Daily's Times' article on the same.
• For some background, the Winkipedia entry for Atlantis.
• And for a laugh, a comment from SlashDot.

I mean, come on here, folks. If we do find underwater cities, we're not likely to like what we find.

Rare Coelacanth Thriving in SA Waters

• IOL's article about the living fossil.

Seth says, "As long as they've been around, I wonder what stories they could tell us about evolution on Earth, and would all the stories be pleasant?" We expect not.

"Black Holes" Devour People

• Pravda's article about mysterious mass disappearances.

This may be the single most Lovecraftian article I've ever run across. It actually kind of gave me shivers...until I considered the source. Read it and enjoy.

Reality of Ancient Nuclear Wars

• Para-Normal.com's article about wars between alien cultures being fought out in space in view of human astronomers.

Could the Spawn of Cthulhu be battling the Elder Things? Perhaps the Mi-Go are facing off against the Yithians? In any case, seems unlikely to bode well for mankind...

Frozen Lobsters Come Back to Life

• Portsmouth Herald's article about frozen lobsters returning to life.

Rhiannon sent this to me with the subject line, "In Portsmouth, these dead lobsters lie dreaming!" Rhi says, "Basically a news report on a company that's found that deep frozen lobsters can be revived. Not sure if it's relevant but it's a creepy story about weird sea-things, and any news report that can work in the phrase "undead lobsters" twice deserves some credit from someone." To me, of course, the connection with "Cool Air" seems obvious...

Hubble Sees Glowing Ring of Fire

• BBC.com's article about photos of a ring galaxy.

Rhiannon says, "Another BBC story about cosmic death and destruction. The picture in the report, I think, justifies it alone. That is one scary looking galaxy."

New Case for Oldest Life on Earth

• Space.com's article about primordial life.

Seth says, "A new take on primordial life, hmmm, the microbe looks like a teeny tiny baby shoggoth to me..." You're not the only one who thinks so, Seth...

Three New Killer Jellyfish Discovered

• News.com.au's article about the discovery of new species of killer jellyfish.

With all the Lovecraftian evil in the world today, do we really need any more species of killer jellyfish?

An Iridescent Cloud over France

• An "Astronomy Picture of the Day about a curious cloud photographed over France.

Seth says, "Strikingly similar to what I imagine the Colour out of Space would look like...too bad they give a scientific explanation to ruin my fun :("

Police Offer Grisly Details of Slaying near Findlay

• Toledoblade.com's article about a bizarre killing.

Jonah says, "Too much weirdness to summarize. But it starts with an unhealthy obsession with Aztec culture and ends with dismemberment, immolation and death." I am hard-pressed to put it any more clearly and succinctly.

Leopard Slug Aerial Mating

• A photo article about Leopard Slugs and their rather Lovecraftian mating practices.

Sunder says, "These images are just too disturbing to not have some connection to the Mythos. I attempted via introspection to discern precisely what the connection is, but desisted when I began hallucinating Cyclopean vistas (again). If you've been reading any forbidden books recently, don't click the link yourself; get a minion to do it. Make sure they don't have scissors first." I love getting emails from Sunder...

Glowing Red GM Fish to Sell in U.S.

• New Scientist's article about glowing red GM fish.

Sunder says, "Talk about blasphemous, unnatural hybrids! These scientists are practicing placing genetic material from pelagic organisms into innocuous freshwater aquarium fish. In particular, zebra fish are among those fish most commonly given to children as pets! And Taiwan is one of the closest international trading centers to R'lyeh. Coincidence? Oh, please." We would never suggest a coincidence, when the evidence is so clear...

Comets to Put On Morning Sky Show

• BBC.com's article about the appearance of three comets all visible to the naked eye.

Rhiannon says, "Remembering that comets are often historicaly viewed as ill omens, what is going to happen? Or it could just be those Mi-Go getting a little frisky." Either way, kind of a disturbing thought...

Comet Destroyed in Stellar Crash

• BBC.com's article about the destruction of a comet.

Rhiannon says, "More cosmic death and destruction from the BBC, this time about comets ram raiding stars."

Lens Effect Reveals Distant World

• BBC.com's article about the phenomenon of Gravitational Lensing.

Daniel says, "This one gives some insight into how certain distant stars can be made visible by other stars. Gravitational Lensing. Certainly the sort of thing you'd want to know about if you were planning an invasion that spanned Galactic distances. It also suggests some interesting things about Time. If you can bypass the normal time-constraints involved in viewing distant objects by utilizing the gravitational fields of other celestial bodies, you can cheat on knowing what happened at what time in a given place." Curious and frightening thought.

Reopening, Restoring Kalabsha Island Temples

• The Egyptian State Information Service's article about the restoration and reopening of ancient temples in Aswan, Egypt.

Daniel says, "It might be good for the enthusiasts to see what the world will be like when the Elder-Gods return." Very conscientious thinking,

'Bounce' Rock's Cosmic Portent

• United Press International's article about the possibility of Earth-Mars cross-seeding.

J.C. says, "Meteorites found by the rovers on Mars indicate that there may have been inter-mixing between potential Martian and Earth life in the distant past. Certainly this should come as no surprise to intrepid Mythos investigators. What will NASA do when a Shoggoth eats Spiritrover?" What indeed, J.C.?

Saturn Probe Spots Mystery Moons

• BBC.com's article about Saturn's two shepherd moons that prevent its F-ring from getting too close to or too far from the planet itself.

Rhiannon says, "I don't know, I just find the idea of these two moons controling the rings a little ominous." It does seem rather convenient...

Falling Ice Lumps Destroyed Playground

• Nettavissen's article about fist-sized lumps of ice that wiped-out a playground in Sweden.

Seth says, "Ithaqua strikes again." If only we understood why a Great old One would strike at a playground, we might understand much more about these entities...

Quake to hit L.A. 'by Sept 5'

• Sydney Morning Herald's article about a scientist who claims he can predict earthquakes.

Seth says, "'Professor Vladimir Keilis-Borok says he can foresee major quakes by tracking minor tremblors and historical patterns in seismic hot-spots that could indicate more violent shaking is on the way.' My ass! Someone is in cahoots with the Cthonians..." We are forced to wholeheartedly agree.

Mystery Noise Keeps Street Awake

• This Is Local London's article about a strange thudding noise that's keeping people awake at night.

Seth says, "I've been looking into these 'Mystery Hums' and have been giving it some thought. I cannot remember which race it was, perhaps the Mi-Go, who have large cubes for drilling holes into the earth using sonic tones. Maybe there is some drilling going on at stategic places for the enslavement of mankind?" It is, indeed, the Mi-Go. I was immediately put in mind of the Cthonians myself...

Minister Dies from Snake Bite During Service

• Local6.com's article about a church minister who was fallen bitten by a snake during Easter servies.

When will these people learn? Don't mess with the children of Yig.

Channel Skull Find Rekindles Discussion of Local Legend

• Juneau Empire's article about the death of George Tonsgard.

Death by giant squid? Doesn't get any more Bloopy than that.

Americans Pave Road to South Pole

• Wired's article about an ice highway in Antarctica.

The quote that drew me in was, "We are beginning to change Antarctica." The question is whether or not this will be a good thing, given what is down there...and can it be coincidental that they are making Antarctica more accessible after the "Hoax" of the city found there that we reported on earlier? Hmmmm...

Road Closed by Frisky Toads

• BBC.com's article about environmentalists who are helping toads to get to the other side as it were.

Rhiannon writes, "The children of Tsathoggua, the dread toad god, are wakening and we are encouraging them to breed. Ok, it's a group of environmentalists stopping traffic to let toads cross the road, but hey something must controlling them. I mean, I can understand it if it was something cute and furry, but toads? They're slimy and gross, no-one would help them unless they were forced to." Hmmm. I dunno. Some of the BloopWatch staff might best be characterized as gross and slimy...

Puzzle Over Three-Headed Frog

• BBC.com's article about, well, a three-headed frog.

Rhiannon submitted this article along with the Frisky Toad one above, saying, "And this article about a three-headed frog, because, well because it's a three-headed frog. That is so cool, in a warped sort of way." Truer words were never spoken!

Veil Lifted on the Birth of Stars

• BBC.com's article about violent creation of stars.

Rhiannon writes, "I found this article on the BBC site about a bunch of stars ripping to pieces a big region of cosmic clouds and dust. The report says this is one of the most violent region of star births in our galaxy. Since you seem to have a few reports on this sort of thing already, I wondered if you'd be interested?" Well, of course we are! This sort of cosmic violence is very Lovecraftian.

Lost City of Arabia

• Nova Online's article about Ubar a city remarkably like Lovecraft's Irem.

J.C. writes, "In some of his stories, Lovecraft mentions Irem, the City of Pillars, but Ubar (the Arabic name of the blasted city) was found. I'm almost shocked that bloopwatch hasn't reported this. :)" This, of course, is why we have our intrepid Correspondents. to fill in the blanks for us. J.C. went above and beyond the call of duty, presenting us with info about Irem, including the Winkipedia entry.

How Likely is Human Extinction?

• Another fun article, this one from the Mail & Guardian Online, about the probability of our upcoming extinction.

Just continuing with this cheerful little vein. Since in HPL, we learn that a race of beetles follows man, I guess he would believe our extinction was inevitable.

The Ends of the Earth

• Wired's cheery little article about 5 reasons why the end is near.

I wasn't going to include this originally, but then I realized how Lovecraftian in thought it was...

Radio Astronomers Lift 'Fog' On Milky Way's Dark Heart; Black Hole Fits Inside Earth's Orbit

• ScienceDaily's article about the Dark Heart at the center of our Milky Way.

Part of our continuing coverage of Azathoth=Black Hole stuff.

Python Tries to Eat Boston Owner

• Yahoo!'s article about a 7-foot Burmese Python that did it's best to consume its owner.

Yig's children continue their campaign against modern man.

Greenland Melt May Swamp L.A., Other Cities, Study Says

• National Geographic's article about world flooding due to global warming.

Sunder gets my award for most wacked out theory connecting a news story to a Lovecraftian theme. Here's his quote:

Where are the investigators?

You know, the stalwart heroes, learned men of means and erudition, who step forward to shield the world against the Great Old Ones return to power, or at least buy a little time against the day. Where are they now? Can you imagine a modern university professor taking the necessary stern and forthright steps to avert the summoning of an uncouth and unpronounceable horror? He'd more likely ask the ACLU to defend the cultists against religious discrimination!

So I have developed a theory. I think the brave investigators are still out there. It's just that, in these fashionably ironic times, they are taking a page from the enemy's book, and securing worldly positions of power for themselves--the better to defend us all. Instead of classrooms, they are found in boardrooms. No longer do crusaders against the horrors from outside have letters like "PhD" after their names, but rather, other letters, such as "CEO," before. The article [I'm submitting] supports my idea.

Don't see the connection? Think! What better way to guard against the possible rising of Rl'yeh? Man cannot prevent the stars wheeling in their courses, but if the city, when it is raised up to release Great Cthulhu and his minions, is to be raised to a certain height, may Man not thwart disaster by raising the oceans yet higher? How courageous are the captains of industry, tirelessly working to thwart pollution controls, securing the future of global warming and thus the future of the entire planet, or at least that part which remains above water! They endure the vilification of millions of tree-hugging liberal elites, revealing not a whisper of their noble purpose to the ingrates that they protect, consoled only by the pitiful compensation of their vast wealth. With what stalwart determination must they harden their hearts against the cries of many millions in developing countries, whose skies must be blackened with the smoke of inefficient factories that Earth may be saved!

I hope you'll find my link and theory worthy of inclusion on your site. If people can be brought to realize the truth about these unsung heroes, I believe they will the more patiently endure the unpleasant but necessary climatic changes, and will cease to envy the well-earned material compensations said heroes realize thereby.

How could I refute that? Frankly, I can't.

Stomach Worms Could Battle Bowel Disease, Study Says

• The Toronto Star's article about a seriously gross possible cure for bowel disease.

Proof positive that science can be just plain gross. Rhiannon says, "Scientists want us to swallow stomach worm eggs. That has got to be Lovecraftian by anyones standards; will we be consumed from within when it's revealed who those scientists are working for..?" A good question, Rhiannon. We at BloopWatch.org do not condone the ingestion of possible star spawn, unless prepared in a beer-based batter and lightly fried.

Sicily's Blazes Put Science to the Test

• DailyTimes.com.pk's article about mysterous fires in house in Sicily.
• Yahoo!'s article on the same.

Both Seth and Sacha jumped to the very clear conclusion that this is the work of Fire Vampires. Ia, Cthugha! Intriguingly, Earl points out the quote, "Someone wrote to us saying the solution was to sacrifice a black goat and collect its blood. At some point, that's going to start looking like a good idea." Does this mean that they are suggesting pitting Shub-Niggurath's power against Cthugha? Very curious...

Time Can Be Turned Back

• ParanormalNews.com's reprint of a Pravda article about a Time Gate found in Antarctica.

Seth asks, "Why is it not a shocker that they found the "Time Gate" in the Antactic???" Because you're one of us, Seth. ;)

Northern Sea Baffles Archaeologists

• Pravda's article about the remains of an ancient civilization that have been found in the North Sea.

Atlantis my butt! Those're Deep Ones ruins!

World Champion 'Snake Man' Killed by Cobra

• Yahoo's article about the death of Boonreung Buachan, who held the Guinnes Book record for most time penned up with snakes.

Yig punishes the arrogance of one of these late-coming mammals.

Mysterious Megaliths of Sulawesi

• The Star Online's article about the Easter Island-esque stone statues of Sulawesi, Indonesia.

I've mentioned my thoughts on Easter Island megaliths. Now there are more to be investigated. Hmmmm. The pics are neat, too!

Veil Lifts on Jungle Mystery of the Colonel Who Vanished

• The Guardian Unlimited's article about Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett, who vanished in the amazon jungle.

So, according to this article, Fawcett went back into the jungle to start a "Go native" cult, based on worship of his son, Jack, and following the lure of a "beguiling" female spirit guide. Ahem. Shub-Niggurath claims another?

Envisat Fishes up Facts Behind Chilean Giant Squid Invasion

• The Sydney Morning Herald's article about creatures from under the sea.

Although Jason found the article, it was Martin who submitted it to us. He wondered if these might be advance scouts?

What Lies Beneath

• The Sydney Morning Herald's article about creatures from under the sea.

Seth says, "The dumbo octopus looks too intelligent for its own good...and perhaps the "flaps" that help it swim are vestigal wings from when they travelled with Cthulhu and his brethren from the stars." Good point, Seth!

A World Ruled by Fungi

• ScienceDaily's article about ocean-going squid that are washing up on the shores of Chile.

Attack of Stalin's Monster Crabs

• Ananova's article about an invasion of Red King Crabs, a species that Stalin introduced to Europe.

Uhhhhhh...sheer weirdness factor of the headline got this one included. I like the image of this alien species wiping out a population that has no concept of how to deal with it.

Pet Spider Kills Its Owner

• The Online Sun's article about a man who was killed by his pet black widow spider, and then devoured by more of his creepy-crawly pets.

The Sun is a fairly rag-ish paper...but this story was too good to ignore. A child of Atlach-Nacha taking vengeance, perhaps?

News about Sedna

• My Wise Country's article regarding Sedna, the "tenth planet".
• NASA's official word is found here.
• The Australian's article on the same.

Could be a chunk of rock, our tenth planet, or, as Martin points out, "a Mi-Go mothership." Burn just grumbles at first, wishing they'd confirm that it's really the tenth planet, since there have been so many objects prior to this that have been given that title unofficially. He notes, however, that Sedna is an Inuit goddess who created Arctic sea creatures. Sounds good to us!

Black Holes: Fuzzy Tangles of Strings?

• CNN.com's article regarding new theories on the structure of black holes.

Hee. Azathoth is fuzzy!

Black Hole Seen Ripping Star Apart

• CNN.com's article about a hungry black hole.
• BBCNews.com's article on the same.

Oh man...those must be some excited scientists. Now we can do a whole Azathoth/Sinistar thing. "I hunger..."

They Solved the Mystery of the Blob, Is the giant squid next?

• The Oracle's article about where giant squid research is going.

Giant squid news is kinda meat and potatoes around here, y'know.

Storm Drops 2 Feet of Snow on Mideast

• KFWB News's article about a freak snowstorm in Jordan that dropped two feet of snow and killed at least one person..

Either he was summoned, or else Ithaqua just wasn't satisfied with keeping New England in an icy grip...

New Star Emerges from Dust Coccoon

• BBC.com's article about the birth of a new star.

Sacha comments, "Yet more evidence that the stars will soon be right."

Earth 'Shook Off' Global Warming

• BBC.com's article about the last time we had global warming.

Sacha comments, "Sudden release of methane from the seabad? Perhaps Great Cthulhu ate something that disagreed with him!" Personally, if something disagreed with me, I'd eat it. ;)

New Study Shows How Black Holes Get Their 'Kicks'

• Science Daily's article about Gravitational Radiation Recoil in black holes.

Just keeping up with the black hole news, due to the Black Holes are Azathoth concept.

Medieval Ruins Found Off Atami?

• Asahi.com's article about another undersea ruin, this one off the coast of Japan.
• Pravda's article on the same.

Japanese Deep Ones?

Nuclear Explosions of Ancient Times

• Para-Normal.com's article about layers of fused sand found in the geologic record much like those caused by nuclear explosions.

Nuclear explosions? Unlikely. But what about a seething nuclear chaos? Azathoth summoned to Earth seems far more likely to me...

Hubble Spies "Evil Eye" Galaxy

• Cnn.com's article about Messier 64, a galaxy called the Evil Eye Galaxy.
• BBC's article on the same.

It is kind of a creepy looking galaxy...

Secret World of the Suburban Cannibal

• The Age's article about a modern resurgance of interest in cannibalism.

2003 felt like the year of the squid. 2004 seems to be shaping up to be the year of the cannibal.

Starfish Invasion Reported in Volusia

• Local6.com's article about a tremendous number of starfish washing up on central Florida shores.

If you're like me, then...well, if you're really like me, you have your own HPL website, and you're combing mine for details to update with. But if you're like me, when you think of starfish, you think of Elder Things. So I thought this was worthy of inclusion.

Vampyrotheuthis Infernalis

• A Dal.ca entry about the vampire squid from Hell.

It's a vampire squid from Hell! As Manuel puts it, "How can you NOT link this little rascal to Cthulhu?"

Hubble Obtains Deepest Space View

• BBC.com's article about the Hubble Ultra Deep Field.

Sacha sent this to us under the subject of "Scary Telescope." Sacha says, "You know, sooner or later we're doing to find something looking back at us." I could not agree more.

Spain Continues Meteorite Search

• BBCNews.com's article regarding a large number of meteor falls in Spain.

Rev. Earl writes, "Oooooh, mysterious fireballs from the sky, this has to be good..."

Scientists Discover Luminous Squid

• Star-Telegram's article about the Hawaiian bobtail squid, a species that glows, thanks to luminous bacteria that live on it.
• CNN>com's article on the same. Thanks, Rev. Earl.

Glowing squid. Nothing more to be said, really...

New Giant Squid Predator Found

• BBCNews's article about the sleeper shark, a species that feeds on giant and colossal squid.

The squid has been in the news a lot since I started this site. I felt I ought to include this since it comes so close to our 1st anniversary.

Woman Thought Liquid Dripping from Ceiling was Rust, Not Blood

• WFTV's article about an interesting angle on that kooky story about the criminals who were caught when they freaked out upon finding a dead body in their hiding place.

This is a great story, but this is my favorite article on it. The HPL image from it, of course, is the blood dripping from above, a la "The Picture in the House".

The Story of the Nebra Sky Disk

• SciScoop's article about the Nebra Disk, a sort of portable Stonehenge.

Ancient Man sure was interested in the stars...or maybe they needed this info to be properly forewarned...

Live from Chapel Perilous

• Reason.com's article about Robert Anton Wilson.

Given that The Old Ones show up in the Illuminatus! trilogy, I wouldn't feel right about ignoring this article.

Updated Story: World's Largest Snake Goes on Show at Indonesian Zoo

• ChannelNewsAsia's article about a 49 foot long python.
• Yahoo!News has this article with a great photo!
• Awww...and then Snopes comes along and debunks it.

A most worthy child of Yig! Or not...

Goodbye, Sunshine

• Guardian Unlimited's article about global dimming.

Perhaps this is really what is meant by "when the stars are right"? Not stars, but one star - our sun! When the world is dark enough, perhaps the Great Old Ones will return.

Museum Plans to Reveal One of Houdini's Greatest Secrets

• WFTV.com's article about a a museum exhibit about Houdini that intends to reveal how his famous 'Metamorphosis' trick was performed.

Of course, HPL did some ghost-writing for Houdini, and, personally, I've had Houdini show up in various Call of Cthulhu scenarios. So this story seems worthy of inclusion here.

Updated Story: Ever Mysterious Voynich Manuscript - a Hoax?

• Para-Normal.com's article about the Voynich Manuscript, a medieval manuscript that has never been successfully translated.
• Nature.com's article that suggests it may all be an elegant hoax!

I can't believe that I'd never really pondered the Voynich Manuscript in Mythos terms. You know we're not going to like what it says when it finally is translated...those plants do NOT look right... Of course, now it may all be a hoax; that would be a shame.

Spooky Mystery at Bergen Museum

• Aftenposten Nettutgaven's article about Egyptian funerary figures that seem to move at night in their cases.

You know this does not end well. Just very creepy.

Spirit of Ballyhoo

• CoasttoCoastAM's article about creepy faces made of snow and ice.

Seth was reminded of Ithaqua by these images, and I certainly second the motion.

Man Jailed for Declaring Parents Dead 40 Times

• Reuters's article about a man who repeatedly falsely declared his parents dead to get charity money.

Ben writes, "Another tasty Charles Dexter Ward/Herbert West-esque headline. Imagine how effective this scam could be if the chap's parents had really died forty times, only to be resurrected in the mother of all zombietastic con tricks."

Humans "Could Survive Mars Visit"

• BBCNews.com's article about the possibility of manned missions to Mars.

Ben writes, "Apparently the freaky radiation on Mars won't cause any abnormalities, mutations or bouts of psychotic madness at all. Thank goodness for that. They actually call it 'galactic cosmic radiation', which is just too cool. Chances of manned Mars mission ending in indescribable horror = approx. 80%."

Circles for Space

• Scientific American's article about the oldest known observatory.

So it turns out that, even earlier than we had previously thought, man was watching and measuring the heavens. This is not surprising in the least, when you consider how prominently the stars figure into the Mythos. Were we watching from visitors from far-flung Yuggoth? Or maybe simply checking to see if the stars were right?

Galactic Impact Makes Black Holes

• BBCNews's article about a string of black holes that were created when two galaxies collided.
• Science Daily's article on the same.

Two galaxies collide, and the fabric of space-time rips open in their wake? I am so into this!

Nightmares for Many Are Very, Very Scary

• Post-Gazette.com's article about nightmares.

A special feature on something that afflicted HPL throughout his life and had a profound influence on his work.

Illinois Fisherman Catches Octopus at Lake Conway

• KATV.com's article about a saltwater octopus that was caught on a freshwater lake.

Cthulhu's spawn trying to spread influence to the midwest?

"Lost" Avebury Stones Discovered

• BBCNews.com's article about how computer technology is being used to locate buried megaliths that are part of the great stone circle at Avebury.

Mm...given what the stones at Dunwich were erected in worship of, would it really be a good idea to restore the circle?

Corpses Head Stolen from Tri-State Mausoleum

• DaytonDailyNews.com's article about a particularly bizarre graverobbing.

Oh, good heavens...given all the graverobbing in HPL, this could be anything! Ghouls? A Herbert West experiment? Perhaps the characters from the Tomb, needing a new piece for their macabre museum? In truth, though, it's a ghastly situation.

Neanderthal "Face" Found in Loire

• BBCNews.com's article regarding what might be a Neanderthal art piece.

Rev. Earl writes, "I'm not saying it doesn't look like a face. I'm saying it doesn't look like a HUMAN face."

Cannibalism: A Modern Taboo

• BBCNews.com's article about Cannibalism.

Ben writes, "More cannibal news, this time in a handy roundup of longpig consumption through the ages." Well said. Cannibalism is a frequent theme in HPL's early works, including "The Rats in the Walls" and "The Picture in the House".

"Gentleman" Cannibal Poses Legal Dilemma

• Reuter's article about the cannibal, Armin Meiwes.
• The telegraph's article on the same Warning...this second article is an update and is pretty ghoulish.

Ben writes, "Hoo boy. Cannibalism, insanity, and perplexed psychiatrists. All in a day's work for HPL."

Dusty Disc May Mean Other Earths

• BBCNews.com's article about research regarding a possible Earth-like system around the star Vega.

Ben writes, "It's just a question of which extraterrestrial Old One unwitting space observers find first. My money's on Hastur. (If I remember rightly, Vega is the star from which the alien transmissions come in the film 'Contact'.)" For my money, there's an even more Lovecraftian reason to add this article, although it's subtle. One of HPL's essential theorems was that man was a flyspeck in the universe, dwarfed by its implications. A lot of people on Earth feel otherwise because we are the only sentient creatures we know. If it is proved that other sentients exist, then our uniqueness will be diminished, and our place as "center of the universe" will be gone. HPL would approve.

Secret Energy Haunts Coral Castle

• Wired's article about the Coral Castle, a bizarre structure in Florida.

I especially like the idea that the place was built as a secret temple to Egyptian gods.

Secret Ingrediant in Stradivari May Be Heaven Sent

• USAToday.com's article about the possibility that the excellent tonal quality of the Stradivari violins may have been caused by a "mini-Ice Age".

You mention weirdness around violins, and I think Erich Zann. Plus it's just a very interesting article on research.

The Zero Files

• SFGate.com's article about the "the Zero Files", the FBI's filed of unexplainable happenings.

This one is way out there...but, after all, didn't HPL have the U.S. government staging a raid on Innsmouth?

Russia Says Odd Noise on Space Station Not a Crash

• Reuter's article about a mysterious crunching noise heard on the Russian space station.

Ben wrote, "This sounds like a scene from an eldritch-alien-eats-hapless-earthlings horror movie. CLANG! 'Yuri... is that you?... AAARGH!' Possible Cthulhoid culprits include out-of-control byakhee and mischevious Mi-Go kids beaning spaceships with baseballs.

Outrage in China over "Body-Processing" Factory

• News.com.au's article about a factory in China that processes human bodies for a German company that repackages them as art.

Once again, Pickman has been put to shame. Chilling stuff!

Antarctic Eclipse Wows Scientists

• CNN.com's article about the first ever recorded Antarctic total eclipse of the sun.

And who knows what transpired when darkness settled over the Mountains of Madness...what may have emerged from long slumber.

U.S. Fossil Spins Web of Intrigue

• BBCNews's article about an ancient fossil of a spider that may have lived 55 million years before the dinosaurs.

The children of Atlach-Nacha have been around a long, long time, it seems.

Cases of 'Living Dead' Growing in India

• Transparency International's article regarding a form of identity theft in which unscrupulous relatives are having their family members declared dead in order to steal their goods.

Rev. Earl writes, "The article is fairly mundane, but you can't beat the headline." But this article actually reminded me of Herbert West: Reanimator. What a logistical and legal nightmare it would be if relatives started coming back to life to claim their stuff.

Fasting Fakir Flummoxes Physicians

• BBCNews's article regarding an Indian fakir who claims to not have eaten food or drunk for ten years.

Rev. Earl writes, "I find even an assumed holy man living without food or water to be creepy...Just what kind of pact was made, and with what?" I agree with him. It mentions he's been living in caves since he was blessed by a 'goddess'...

Boy Sold to Restaurant as Dog Meat

• BBCNews's article about a mute homeless boy who was sold as a stray dog to a Vietnamese restaurant.

Ben wrote, "Looks like someone narrowly avoided ending up on the menu at the local Tcho-Tcho eatery." I have to say, I love the idea of a Tcho-Tcho take-out place.

What Caused the Biggest Kill of All?

• Discover's article about what may have caused the pre-dinosaur extinction.

Evan writes, "This one correlates well with the evidence given by the methane bubble article... and perhaps indicates some sort of rivalry between the asteroid-throwing/microbe-seeding Elders from out in space and those that took up residence here on this planet. Or maybe the early terra experiments were going the wrong way and the Great Ones had to wipe the slate clear? This was, after all, 'the biggest kill.'" In a later email, he asks, "Perhaps [this calamity] would be the 'Big Bloop'? The origin of life on this earth as we know it?"

Meteor Blamed for Second Mass Extinction

• The Globe and Mail's article about evidence found in Antarctica that a meteor may have wiped out 90% of all life on earth almost 200 million years before the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Burn sent this article my way and suggested that I "Think of the possibilities!" Well, let's see. The fact that the evidence was found in Antartica suggests the whole "At the Mountains of Madness" cycle, with a cycle of existence before that which we know. It also suggests a reason for Cthulhu and his ilk to be hidden and sleeping.

Scientists Find Mystery Particle

• BBC News.com's article about the discovery of the mystery meson.

Ben wrote, "Has a new, monstrously huge (subatomically speaking) particle given scientists a glimpse of the true terrible cosmic realities beyond our understanding of the universe? They might have to rewrite the whole 'Standard Model' of the universe, which has some very Lovecraftian everything-your-puny-human-mind-knows-is-wrong overtones."

Hanging Corpse Admired as Sculpture on Campus

• InSourced's article about a suicide victim who was mistaken for art. Ben originally sent us the Yahoo! NEws version of this story, but it has expired, so I've updated to this.

Pickman, eat your heart out. :)

Myths Over Miami

• The Miami New Times's article regarding local legends.

I like this article a lot...especially Bloody Mary.

Ancient Play to Be Shown After Text Found in Mummy

• BBCNews's article regarding the finding and staging of a lost play of Aeschylus that was found stuffed into a mummy. Adric sent me the Yahoo! News version of this article, but it has been removed, so I updated to this.

Adric writes, "Producing an ancient play that was found in mummified remains? Can anyone say "King in Yellow"?". Couldn't have put it better myself, Adric. :)

Synchronized Ganesha Worship through SMS

• NewIndPress.com's article about a SMS chain email which caused lamps to be lit for Ganesha.

This is actually kind of a whimsical article, but since we link Ganesha to Chaugnar Faugn, I thought I'd include it.

Milky Way's Supermassive Black Hole Is in a Spin

• Sidney Morning Herald's article about Sagitarrius A, the huge black hole at the center of the Milky Way.

Just another chapter in the ongoing "Black Hole=Azathoth" thing I've been promoting since Day One of this website.

Japanese Sea Quake Felt in Tokyo

• BBC.com's article about a powerful seaquake that was felt as far away as Tokyo.

Sacha wonders if this could be the work of Dagon-summoning cultists. Seems as likely an explanation as any other. ;)

Toddler Scarred all Over Body

• SkyNews's article regarding a bizarre biting attack on one toddler by a gang of others.
• SkyNews's update on this story.

Valarion is new here. He writes, "This article was posted on a forum I frequent. The strangeness is that at least according to the article, there was absolutely no reason for such an attack by those children. I find it absolutely creepy." I am completely in agreement with him.

Sotheby's to Sell Rare Occult book Collection

• Guardian Unlimited's article about an auction of occult books.

I mention this in particular because of the great Call of Cthulhu adventure, "The Auction", which I am, in fact, running some players through in my own Cthulhu campaign. Anyway, of course, numerous people will go to the auction looking for volumes of Mythos lore.

Giant Jellyfish Off Japanese Coast

• News.com.au's article about a rash of giant jellyfish off the coast of Japan.

Terence writes, "One wonders if they're running from something under the ocean that stirs seasonally, when stars are right..."

Rock Lost in Space for 66 Years

• BBC.com's article about Hermes, a disppearing near-Earth asteroid.

I had seen this piece. I was, however, uncertain of its Mythos connections, so I asked Sacha for an opinion. "Perhaps the 'asteroid' is actually a roving, insane lesser god of some description who randomly disppaears into other interstices of space and time before re-emerging into our understanding of those two concepts? Or maybe I'm playing WAY too much Call of Cthulhu at the moment."

Astronomers Find First 'Dark Galaxy'

• NewScientist.com's article about a newly-examined galaxy with no stars.

A very disturbing image...a completely dark section of space. Part of me hopes we never penetrate the darkness...

Ancient Carved 'Faces' Found

• BBC.com's article regarding what might be the oldest piece of human art known to us.

Ben felt this article was "too good to miss. Could this be art from a 'pre-human spcies'? Behold, the two-headed god of the cavemen!"

Lasers Uncover Stonehenge Secrets

• BBC.com's article about a study using lasers to scan Stonehenge and reveal hidden carvings.

So far, they've found hidden carvings of axe heads. But who knows what will be found if they keep going...

Smart Software Watches the Skies

• BBC.com's article about software that has been developed to track "sudden and violent" astonomical events, such as a supernova.

Sacha just noted that, "Clearly, the stars are right." For my part, I like the idea of Cthulhu cultists using high tech equipment to further their evil aims...

Fijians Say "Sorry" to Eaten Briton's Family

• BBC.com's article about the apology a British man's family got from the people of the Fiji Islands for having eaten him 136 years ago.

Ben wrote, "This struck me as the sort of thing that happens in dark Lovecraftian corners of the world all the time (the cannibalism that is, not the apologising afterwards)." For my part, I was reminded of "The Picture in the House".

Titan May Have Oily Oceans

• BBC.com's article about the possible oily oceans of Titan, Saturn's major moon.

Sacha's email asks, "Could the Mi-Go have established a listening post nearer to Earth? Huygens may get a very hostile reception in 2005. What did curiosity do again?" What indeed!

Squid Under Scrutiny

• NZCity's article about further research on the giant squid.

Wow...such a good year for giant squid news. And now we know they're cannibals! Hooray! Could they get any freakier?

Universe Is 'Shaped Like a Football'

• BBC.com's article about the possible finite nature of the universe itself.

Sacha notes, "Thought you may like the idea of a Universe with strange angles (for possible invasions of the Hounds of Tindalos perhaps?)" Like the idea? uhhhh.... ;)

Hubble Chases Exploding Stars

• BBC.com's article about the Hubble's photos and dark energy.

Ben sent this to me with the subject tag, "Dark Energy Will Destroy Us All." Per his email, "Apparently Hubble has just revealed that the universe is full of 'darkenergy'. Your average cultist of Yog-Sothoth probably knew that already. Speaking of which, the picture of a scientist on this BBC report looks exactly like one such cultist."

Traveling in Time Becomes Possible

• Para-Normal.com's article about Russian work on time travel.

If these guys keep this up, they're going to need to start watching the angles of the rooms they're working in...

The Search for Atlantis Ends at Ayia Napa

• Para-Normal.com's article about American explorer Robert Sarmast's work on finding Atlantis.

Given what we know of what lies under the sea, it might be better if "Atlantis" were never found...

Sagittarius Being Eaten by Milky Way

• Wired's article about out Milky Way galaxy and how it is devouring a nearby galaxy. Although Ben originally sent me a CNN article, it has expired, so I've switched to this one instead.

To quote Ben Counter, "Having proved that Azathoth lives in a black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, science now demonstrates that he is hungry and is in the process of eating an unfortunate nearby galaxy. Yummm."

Sex Trap for Giant Squid

• BBCNews's article about a trap being set for live squid using sex as the bait.

It's been such a great year for giant squid news!

Star Devours Planets

• BBCNews article about a expanding star that may be devouring planets in its own system.
• SpaceRef.com's article about the same

According to British Correspondent Ben Counter, this story is "good for the cosmic horror of ancient star gods swallowing disobedient worlds. Ghrond is hungry..."

Scientists Investigate Mysterious Squid Deaths

• EuroCBC.org's article about a pair of giant squid that washed up on the shores of Spain. As Correspondent Ben Counter remarked on the included photo, "It's not dead, you idiot!"

Forty feet of squid is a lot of squid. Ben Counter suggested that perhaps "something even bigger and more squamous is kicking their asses." Disturbing thought...

Man Kept Wife's Remains in Backyard Freezer

• CourtTV.com's article about an Arizona man who kept his wife's body in a freezer in the hopes she could be returned to life. Ben originally gave me a CNN.com story, but the story is no longer on their page, so I switched to this version.

Herbert West or Charles Dexter Ward...take your pick. Seriously, though, this is a rather sad and eerie story.

Undersea Stone Age Site Found

• BBC.com's article about the discovery of undersea stone age ruins off the coast of England.

Beyond the fascination of the real story, this has some great, creepy aspects...you could think of it as either a deep one ruin, or as a coastal settlement destroyed by the deep ones...

Triangle of Mystery: Disappearances Over Bass Strait

• Para-Normal's article about a Bermuda Triangle-like area near Australia.

Heheheh. The picture that accompanies this story is hilarious...

Reptiles Stolen in Burglary

• BBC.com's article about a robbery in which, amongst other things, nine pythons were stolen.

Nice to see that the Cult of Yig is alive and well in Great Britain.

Great Australian Mysteries

• ABC Hobart Online's article about a fellow who's interested in Australian Mysteries.

Perhaps some of these mysteries could be explained by the Great Race or the Flying Polyps...

Sea Creature's Remains End Up in Squid Fan's Fridge

• South Africa's Sunday Times's article about a dead squid and its odd final resting place.

So this dude's got most of a giant squid in his fridge? Um...odd.

Loveland Frog Creature Sighting

• Para-Normal.com's article about sightings of bipedal frog creatures.

Deep Ones in Ohio? Hmmm...what ARE they up to?

Sea Floor Survey Reveals Deep Hole

• Para-normal.com's article about a hole found in the ocean's depths.

The ocean just seems to be getting weirder and creepier of late.

Strange happenings on Pluto

• The BBC's article about thicker atmosphere on Pluto.

What *are* those fungi up to?

Updated Entry
Did SARS Come from Space?

• CNN.com's article about the possible extraterrestrial origins of SARS.
• The Guardian Unlimited article on the same subject.
• Wired's article on the same subject.
• The Sydney Morning Herald's article on the same subject.
• New rebuttal from the the Sunday Mail.

Very much shades of The Colour Out of Space. I have recently updated with a new rebuttal.

Updated Entry: Mysterious Sea Creature Beaches

• The Sydney Morning Herald's article about a huge, gelatinous creature that washed up in Chile.
• BBC's article on the globster.
• A followup withthe Sydney Morning Herald. Check out the photos!
• The Mirror's rather bizarre article.
• The Scientist's article on the same.
• ABC Online's article on The Blob.
• The Globe's article on the solving of this mystery.

Okay, now THAT'S just creepy.

A Close Look at Human's Underwater Vision

• The Washington Post's article about the human body's to adapt, specifically about underwater vision.

I was struck not only by the concept that this article could be about a human/deep one hybrid tribe but also by the phrase about the human body being able to "go beyond standard biological bounds and even physically remodel itself when novel needs arise." I'd always thought the human/deep one or human/ghoul transformations could be explained scientifically.

Deep-Sea Monster Caught on Tape

• MSNBC.com's article about a new species of deep-sea squid.

It's been an excellent year for squid news...

People Prone To Fantasy Remember More Dreams

• The Boston Channel.com's article about dream recall.

The article shows that the more creative people are, the more likely they are to have vivid dreams and remember them. Given the dreams that inspired HPL to write some of his stories, I wonder if he would've been glad to know this.

The Search for Life in the Universe

• The Astrobiology Magazine's article #1 about the scientific and culture implications of finding extra-terrstrial life.
• Article number 2 is here.

Does anyone think that we, as a species, are ready to have to deal with an intelligent species from another world? And what if it turns out to be something like any HPL creature? Sheesh.

Grotesque Glory of New Creatures from the Deep

• The Age's article about creepy new critters being found deep in the ocean.

Take a look at the photos in this article and tell me you're not creeped out a little...

UPDATED ENTRY: Sightings of Reptile-like biped humanoids

• Follow-up article about the L.A. Lizard Man situation
• Para-Normal's article about reptilian humanoids.

Well, even discounting the Deep Ones, the serpent-men would certainly seem to fall into this category...

Good News for Time Travelers

• Para-Normal's article about the dropping cost of time travel.

How put out do we think the Great Race would be if humanity joined them in time traveling?

Squid Secrets Revealed

• NZoom.com's article about the autopsy of the colossal squid.

Proof positive that this one's gonna keep going. There's video with it to. Woo!

UPDATED ENTRY
Ruins of Kadath Found in Antarctica?

• Para-normal.com's new article (5/20) about alleged ruins in Antarctica. This actually mentions and quotes from HPL.
• Para-normal.com's article about the U.S. government's attempts to block the airing of a video of 'Spectacular Ruins' in Antarctica.

Okay, so my jaw dropped when I spotted the headline. Then I noticed the source and backed up and took it with a grain of salt. It sounds like the writer of this article had just finished reading At the Mountains of Madness. It's old news, too, since the article is from November. It doesn't alter the fact that I immediately bookmarked Para-normal.com.

Spooky Venues to Aid Research

• This Is London's article about a large-scale study of the paranormal.

A tiny little article...I will keep my eyes peeled for more.

Did SARS Come from Space?

• The Guardian Unlimited article on the possibility of an extraterrestiral origin for SARS.
• Wired's article on the same subject.
• The Sydney Morning Herald's article on the same subject.

Very much shades of The Colour Out of Space.

Artificial Black Holes: On the Threshold of New Physics

• The Christian Science Monitor's article about attempts to create black holes in a lab.

So maybe its just because I have this whole Azathoth/Black Hole parallel in my head, but does this strike anyone else as a possibly bad idea?

Quantum Communication Between the Stars?

• Space.com's article about the broadcasting of signals to extraterrestrials.

I love the Astronomer Royal's description of our attempts to communicate with extraterrestrials as "shouting in the jungle". I mean, if HPL were right about the natures of otherworldly lifeforms, would we really want to communicate with them?

Is Pluto Truly a Planet?

• Pakistan's Daily Times's article about the planet that HPL fans knew was there before it was discovered...though we call it Yuggoth.

The world those pesky fungi are from is apparently having its status as a planet attacked by earthly scientists. I wonder if they would care?

The Buzz on Ancient Flies in Antarctica

• CNN.com's article about the implications of fossilized flies found in Antarctica.

This one is a bit more plausible than the last story about Antarctica, but quite interesting!

U.S. Denies 'Spectacular Ruins' in Antarctica Captured on Video

• Para-normal.com's article about the U.S. government's attempts to block the airing of a video of 'Spectacular Ruins' in Antarctica.

Okay, so my jaw dropped when I spotted the headline. Then I noticed the source and backed up and took it with a grain of salt. It sounds like the writer of this article had just finished reading At the Mountains of Madness. It's old news, too, since the article is from November. It doesn't alter the fact that I immediately bookmarked Para-normal.com.

Oceans Suggest Life Beyond

• USA Today's article about the likelihood of water on other worlds.

I think you only have to look at Cthulhu to believe that HPL would've agreed.

Co-Authors Catalog Region's Weirdness

• PressRepublican.com's article about a travel book to New England's odd places.

I wonder if any locales of Lovecraftian interest have made it into their book? Hmph. Probably don't even have a listing for Arkham.

Study to Solve Nightmares Mystery

• The BBC's article about a study into the causes of nightmares.

Dreams and nightmares are important elements in HPL's works. As he was a chronic nightmare sufferer, I'm sure this article would've interested him.

"Colossal Squid" Revives Legends of Sea Monsters

• National Geographic's article about the persistance of sea monster myths.

Our friend the Colossal Squid is still keeping his tentacles in the news.

Reptilian queens, UFOs, a cancer cure — strange circumstances surround murder case

• Court TV's article about Linda Henning's murder trial.

Yes, this sounds completely insane...but then the narrator's defense in The Thing on the Doorstep sounds pretty crazy, too...

A Mental Hospital's Breakdown

• Post-Gazette.com's article about an abandoned mental hospital.

So many HPL stories involve asylums in one way or another. This one sounds pretty creepy.

UK Explorers on Trail of Arctic Mystery

• The BBC's article about an expedition to the Arctic to investigate the ill-fated expedition led by Sir John Franklin in 1845.

I know its the wrong area, but I was definitely reminded of the fate of the expedition in At the Mountains of Madness.

Parallel Universes

• Scientific American's article about the parallel universe theory.

This one gets in for just sheer cosmic awesomeness.

Deep Sea Monster Squid Found

• The BBC's article: Super Squid Surfaces in Antarctic.
• The New Zealand Herald's article: Colossal Squid a Formidable Customer. I love the picture which tops this article.
• The Daily Mail's article: Colossus of the Deep. Great photos in this one. And it also has that delightfully Lovecraftian quote from Dr. O'Shea: 'If animals like this are turning up in waters that are 6,000ft deep, what is going on at 10,000ft?'

Whew! An embarrassment of riches on the colossal squid!

The Greatest Myths, Hoaxes, and Mysteries in Space Science

• Space.com's article about strange space wackiness.

Even with all we've learned, there's so much we don't know. I think HPL would've enjoyed this article.

Most Distant Galaxy Detected

• BBC News's article about what might be the farthest galaxy from Earth.

Mostly grabbed this one because of the sheer cosmic weight of it.

Bacteria Are Plotting Against Us

• Wired's article about the language of bacteria.

Talking bacteria is HPL. That's all there is to it.

Pulsating Star Cloud Puzzles Astronomers

• News in Science's article about a strange, pulsing star cloud.

The part where it mentions that the cloud is 'beating like a heart' made me think of stories where something seemingly inorganoic turns out to be alive, such as the fossils in At the Mountains of Madness or the meteors in The Colour Out of Space.

The Shadow Life of Twins

• Edinburgh News' article about identical twins.

Although Joseph Curwen and Charles Dexter Ward were not technically twins, I found myself recalling their story while reading this tale. And let's not forget the exceedingly unidentical Wilbur Whateley and his brother, the Dunwich Horror.

Revealing Ohio's Buried Treasure

• Wired' article about astronomical markers in Ohio.

Here in the northeast, we have Mystery Hill, aka America's Stonehenge, which I seem to recall HPL visited while he was in the area. Markers like these are reminiscent of the stones atop the hills around Dunwich.

'Lost City' Yielding Its Secrets

• The New York Times' article about new discoveries and theories about the Incan city of Machu Picchu.

Lost cities, often of a pre-human nature, are a key elements in many HPL stories, including "The Shadow Out of Time", "The Nameless City", and "At the Mountains of Madness." I would feel remiss about not including something here about a real 'lost city'.

Girl Hit by "Fish Odor Syndrome"

• BBCi's article about a girl with a constant and distinctive odor.

J.D. sent this article to me because it reminded him of the "Innsmouth taint". I certainly can't argue the point; the concept is strikingly similar.

Get Into Soundless Music

• Remember the article about Infrasonics? Well, maybe now you can get involved.

If your pineal gland pops out of your forehead, or you get eaten by a shadow that strides from world to world, don't come crying to us.

Aliens May Gain State Honors

• CNN.com's article about a proposed Extraterrestrial Culture Day.

Well, if the aliens are anything like HPL's creations, this could be a very bad idea...

Forget the Little Green Men

• Guardian Unlimited Books' essay about how extraterrestrial life is unlikely to look anything like us.

Judging by the various aliens from HPL's stories (especially the Elder Things from "At the Mountains of Madness"), I think he would agree.

In the Coils of the Naga

• The Fortean Times' article about a Thailand's mythical snake creature.

Certainly, these creatures, if they are real, would be favored children of Yig.

Map Reveals Strange Cosmos

• BBCi's article about the a map of Cosmic Microwaves which seems to indicate that the Universe may not be the same in all directions.

Beyond HPL's straightforward fascination with astronomy, he seemed to have a fascination with the vastness of the Universe. As time goes on, we are understanding more and more about what that vastness is truly like.

Phantom Menace Rips up Forecast for Future

• KRT Wire's article about the phenomenon of Phantom Energy.

So many of HPL's threats are world or Universe endangering. Here's something that may also endanger the Universe. Not that we're likely to be around to see things end.

Breaking Down Time

• Astronomy.com's article about attempts to apply Quantum Theory to Time.

This instantly made me think of the strange time effects from "Dreams in the Witch House" and "The Hounds of Tindalos", not to mention many other Mythos stories.

Fishy Tale of a Deep Sea Monster

• BBCi's article about a woman who caught a rare deep sea Oarfish in the U.K.
• Ananova's article on the same subject.
• The Age's article on the same subject, including a photo of what these critters look like.

Sea monsters always attract my attention. So many of Lovecraft's monsters came from the sea.

Soundless Concert Stirs the Emotions

• icLiverpool's article about an experiment on how Infrasound affects people.
• The San Francisco Chronicle's article on a similar subject.

Awakening sleeping senses? Perhaps Crawford Tillinghast wasn't too far off, hmm?

Glow in the Dark Bacteria Mystery

• NEWS.com.au's article about a Glowing Bacteria in Australia.

This story put me in mind of the Colour Out of Space.

Dark Energy in the Cosmic Abyss

• The New York Times article about the search for more information on Dark Energy.

Just an interesting astronomy article. They're learning a lot of interesting things...including how much we don't know.

Skeletal Remains of Unknown Creature Found at Lumut Beach

• Archived copy of Brudirect.com's article about a Mysterious skeleton found in Brunei.

Is this the opening section of a Lovecraft story, or what? ;)

Isle of the Dead Gives Up Clues

• BBCi's article about Rising Sea Levels as proved by carvings on the 'Isle of the Dead'.

Given the Bloop, is it any wonder the seas are rising? ;)

The Big and the Bizarre

• BBC News's article about The Black Hole Sagittarius A.

More Black Hole=Azathoth stuff, including a photo!

Is It Better Not to Know?

• The Denver Post's article about whether or not it would be good to have advance warning of Doomsday Asteroids.

I found this articles very thought-provoking. HPL's works certain have an overtone of the destruction of humanity. Would we really want to know that our species was doomed if there was nothing we could do about it? Maybe these are things that man really was "Not Meant to Know."

The Music of Black Holes

• Space.com's article about the music that black holes give off.

Colby wrote to me, "I was poking around BloopWatch, and when you said "amidst the muffled, maddening beating of vile drums and the thin, monotonous whine of accursed flutes" (in regards to the black hole at the center of the galaxy), it reminded me of this [article]." I couldn't agree more. Like our recent update on the Bloop, the coincidences involved are becoming eerie.

Mysterious Winds Tied to Granny Hackle

• KnoxNews.com's article about wise woman Granny Hackle.

This made me think about Wizard Whately and the whipporwills, albeit with a benign spin on it.

Amphibian Man Declares War

• Pravda's article about Amphibian Men. No, really!

Darn those wacky Deep One/Human hybrids...

Mystery of the Blue Hole

• The CourierPost Online's article about a Blue Hole in the Pine Barrens.

This story just sounds like the opening to an HPL story. Also, it helped that I grew up near a small pond that had virtually the same reputation as this place. I always mentally associated it with weirdness.

Columbia Shuttle vs UFOs?

• Baku Today's article in which a Azerbaijani Official claims that the Columbia Shuttle was destroyed by contact with a UFO.

You know, I was waiting for someone to say this, and I really didn't fully intend to include an article on BloopWatch about it when it did, but I wasn't expecting it to come from such an unusual source. And, the more I thought about it, the more that I realized that humans encountering inimical alien beings was, indeed, an HPL-related story. I deeply apologize if anyone is offended by the appearance of this story here.

The Day the Sky Fell In

• The Guardian Unlimited article about a Metallic Meteorite whose hit may have coincided with the fall of Rome.

This story reminded me of The Colour Out of Space with its meteor bringing destruction, as well as the worship of Magna Mater in ancient Rome, as mentioned in The Rats in the Walls.

Visitor from Space

• The Wired article about a Mysterious Visitor that seems to have visited us in 1993.

Certainly HPL stories such as The Colour Out of Space often feature extra-terrestrial visitors of a mysterious nature.

Ithaqua in Pakistan?

• The IOL feature about a Freak Hailstorm in Islamabad

This article simply made me think of August Derleth's "Wind-Walker" stories.

The New History of Black Holes

• The Space.com article about new theories in Black Hole Co-Evolution

Again, we know of HPL's fascination for Astronomy, but, even more so, this article continues my feelings that Azathoth and Black Holes make for good analogy.

Oldest Star Chart

• The BBC News Online article about the Ivory Star Chart

Astronomy was one of HPL's particular passions; during his life in Providence, he was a frequent visitor at nearby Ladd Observatory. A lot of his stories involve stars, with a prime example being that Cthulhu's worshippers are waiting for the stars to be right again for their god to rise. This story just seemed very evocative to me.

Easter Island Forgeries

• The Miami Herald article on the Rapa Nui forgeries

Easter Island is inextricably linked to Lovecraft in my mind. He mentions the moai-like faces of the Elder Gods in The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath, of course. And one of the first modules for Call of Cthulhu I ever read, Shadows of Yog-Sothoth, tied Easter Island to R'lyeh in some pretty creepy ways. For these reasons, I think this story touches on Lovecraft's fictions rather tightly.

The Black Hole at the Center of the Milky Way

• An archived copy of an article that originally appeared in the Orlando Sentinel about a Black Hole at the center of the Milky Way.

Giant Squid Attack!

• The sailing.org article on the Giant Squid that is alleged to have attacked the sailing ship Geronimo
• CNN.com's article on the same.

You guys don't really need me to tell you why a giant squid attack is listed on this site, do you? ;)