Dow Jones > Recent Status Updates

Jack and Xaden are the bad guys. Her childhood friend, Dain, takes care of her and makes sure she’s on his team but on the first day of classes, Xaden sees them together and calls them out publicly. Dragons give some magic powers and a special signet power that develops over time. Xaden’s is unknown but Dain’s is unique and secret to everyone; he can read recent memories by touching someone.

Catching up with the latest MuggleCast reread podcast. Actually listened to Fry’s narration these first 4 chapters, though my audio clips off before the very end. Great to be back in this world!

Let’s see what all the hype was about. It’s my first time seeing modern language in a fantasy setting so it’s a bit weird at first. The characters seem fine, similar to Hunger Games, and the preexisting rivalry between mother General and rebellion leader’s hot son Xaden seems like he and Violet will hook up. Poor Dylan already fell. Rhiannon blew V’s cover immediately. Now she’s crossing the parapet.

Good little autobiographical background on his involvement, Bobby Brooks (NOT “Brown”). Now the acknowledgements and it’s over. Mostly good stuff and an important (possibly final) addition to the Lake Worth Monster. Not enough substance to warrant more than this, I’d say. Whether real or not, I was entertained throughout thanks to Lyle’s voice.

So many great photos but I think they’d have been better served throughout the book to better visualize the locations. The interview w/ Sallie was worthwhile but it’s too bad she didn’t wanna appear in Southern Fried Bigfoot. Now into a bit of Bobby Brown’s memoir, the illustrator of her book who also had his own sighting.

Wow, Kindle version says like 48mins to read final chapter w/ 68% finished, yet pg115 starts the appendix so something’s off. Good ending with leaving the mystery open despite numerous people coming forward as their stories are all missing important pieces.

After exploring other “similar” cases, there’s the most plausible explanation being bigfoot for a majority of the encounters, but I still feel 2nd and 3rd hand accounts shouldn’t be noted as the here-say is padding.

About 48pgs of Lake Worth Monster and now it’s onto other goatman stories with very dubious origins.

I know the general facts of the initial famous “first” encounter, but I’m excited to dig deeper and learn what else happened in and around July 1969. Very glad this is on Kindle Unlimited since I couldn’t buy a physical copy as it’s out of print. Love Lyle’s writing!

Had no idea he went to TMCC and UNR like me. Cool! (Or at least had ties there)

road trip that started in all just about comes to an end near Lone Pine and their time in BC, Seattle, and California are over. I’m sure this is the end of the book so I’m really glad I could take away a lot from this book’s bts details his videos don’t show, but also recall what I had seen as well. The audiobook was also very good as I listened to maybe 4 chapters overall, maybe? International stories next?

Peter and his friend embark on their first road trip at 18 to travel west from Vermont.

The Hamptons locals being priced out and future generations without generational wealth will struggle if they stay. The Louisiana Bayou and the nutria rat. When described as gummy, I’m repulsed but intrigued about what it tastes like.

Chesapeake Bay story.

Finished up the Redwoods chapter and, being a tree nut, loved the discussion on logging, artistry, history, and growth of the majestic forest.

Loved the cotton picking and industry conversation about the rise and fall of the Delta. I’d love to try the meal Booker T’s family made and even the raccoon sounded delicious. Now onto the Redwoods!

Deep Appalachia was a great chapter I remember vividly from the video. I’m really enjoying the extra bits that aren’t shown on camera as people who respect cherish their privacy are still having their stories told through this book. Now I’m halfway through the Mississippi Delta. The Winterville Mounds sound really interesting and I also hadn’t considered the regions ancient history.

Good chapter from his trip to the Bering Sea in Alaska / Saint Lawrence Island. I could recall from that episode the people and setting quite well. I also just got the audiobook version and listened to 75% of the chapter while following my nightly routine. Very good narration as well, though I think there was one mistake unedited out. I like that the footnotes are read immediately as well in context w/ the narrative.

Great intro and the Amish section opens up how such a misunderstood community is very similar to something as polar opposite as Chicano culture. I’ve been waiting for this book since November and am happy to start it day one.

Ends w/ complaints against his teacher and belittles Destination Truth’s success. Some good anecdotes, but then more tree structure analysis. Then mocks scientists and academics, yet is “friends” w/ Cindy Dosen, Bindernagel, & praises Meldrum & Krantz. Too childish, generalizing, infantilizing, uncouth, immature, and holier than thou for general public consumption. Should’ve stayed in a journal on the shelf.

An actually informative section about BFRO investigations! And a generally interesting part about gestation periods, but I’m unsure of how to arrive to the final number and also its initial question arising from a lack of sightings during certain parts of the year and Blaine neglected to include that a lack of reports may most likely result from a lack of outdoor enthusiasts being active. Habituation part was okay.

First expedition as leader ends w/ more complaints and sus Sunday activity w/ Ron’s involvement. The next chapter about tips & tricks for attending seemed mostly beneficial for new attendees but I skimmed through as that info doesn’t pertain to me. The map and compass section was helpful though!

Cliff and Bobo join and team up to call blast. There’s potential whistling, movement of chasing rodents, and tent touching. One guy says he saw one but Derek Randles says he found no evidence of his tire tracks or brush movement to corroborate. Blaine feels jaded Matt changed spur road plans but it led to his potential nighttime tent-toucher zapping event so what’s to complain about if he was right?

More infantilizing statements towards newbies in the same sentence as BFRO protocols is pretty rude. Now Blaine is leading his own expedition on Vancouver Island after only attending 2. Definitely 2007 vibes. Not sure about the tree structures; good documentation but people also go there for veggie picking. Nearby exotic animal sanctuary. Wally’s there and supposedly more higher ups are coming too.

More holier than thou sentiments for shower use and McDonald’s breakfast. Potential nighttime sighting through night vision. Seems to me trips into town to eat and shop are more important than daytime scouting and encounter follow-ups.

A nightly visitor prompts Matt to set up a camera trap while Blaine is tasked with leading a group to their usual road caravanning. An actually sound plan was ended early at 9pm, but then there’s actual action near the pond w/ 2 possible creatures but no follow-up. Then in bed by midnight. What kind of expedition is this? A knock and scream near their tents also don’t prompt follow-up. Wtf.

A night “sighting” takes place on a hill above them. Possible hand/foot print. Respiration recording, w/ bad height rationale, was accidentally deleted. Again left tent knowingly at base camp, so why bitch about stiff muscles after choosing to sleep in the front seat? Random mid-paragraph insert too. Not awful writing completely, but I don’t think I could be in the woods w/ this guy.

I’m starting to get annoyed by Blaine’s “holier than thou, I’m smarter than you” mentality. Just pages before he whined about lack of direction. He also keeps going back to McDonald’s but calls it stupid demeaning names, while also complaining about his choice of IMPs or MREs (whatever Canada calls them) yet he was in the military so he must know better and have better training. Complains like a bitch.

Blaine and Fred confront Matt about lack of structure and things seem to improve. Lots of witness interviews and driving out to sites. The nighttime visitor around Sarah’s tent and then banging on Blaine’s truck were reminiscent of having something approach but being too scared to see what you’re out there looking for. Everyone’s on their own terms.

The first expedition is a bit rough and Blaine’s concerns about the lack of organization and feelings of fright and excitement at night are relatable. The constant driving into town to replenish supplies is a bit funny as no long-term prep seems to have been made, or just wants something directed to do.