Monster Quest.

Bigfoot/Sasquatch by Just a Photographer and Artist in Cleveland Ohio

Do you love monsters, UFO’s, and all things unknown? If so, you’ve probably already seen the History channel’s show “MonsterQuest.” The show searches the globe for the newest evidence and latest sightings of Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Nessie, Swamp Thing, and many other seldom seen creatures of myth and legend.

From video and photo analysis to lab tests on hair and bone fragments, and interviews with eyewitnesses, evidence is examined for accuracy and truth. As you would imagine, much of it is blurry, fuzzy, and out-of-focus, but really folks, if YOU came across an eight-foot tall hairy man-beast, would YOU even remember you had a camera?

As a simple, ordinary person who has seen many experts put to shame when an extinct animal is suddenly seen again, or new archeological evidence rips holes in the latest evolutionary theory, I simply keep an open mind, and enjoy the tales of unusual encounters with unique creatures.

One of the most interesting bits about the show is even when they disprove a claim as not being proof of Bigfoot or a Chupacbra, experts cannot explain what it is they have found. Whether it’s a recording of a bizarre animal call, the carcass a giant squid, or a never-before-seen, and oddly-malformed deep sea fish, the results are still amazing.

I love the mystery of it all. Are there really mutated wolves devouring cows in rural areas? Why not – after all, we already know there is such a thing as a Liger (a tiger/lion mix), and man is that thing impressive! Is there really a dinosaur-like creature in the Loch Ness area of Scotland? Could be. In recent years, we’ve discovered such super-huge squid that those supposed tall-tales of horrible sea-monsters sailors told in the past are now suddenly seen in an entirely new light.

If you want to hear some one-of-a-kind stories and see some amazing creatures (past or present), tune in and check it out. If nothing else, you’ll find a new appreciation for the diversity of life on the planet. Perhaps you’ll reawaken your own curiosity and interest in the world you thought you knew. At the very least, you’re sure to hear a really great story.

7 Ways to Improve TV News:

Capture from TV tuner card by mrebert

The news is often depressing, sad, dreary and just plain unwatchable. Sure we may need a little bit of information about the state of the world, but it seems to me there might be a few places to they could improve the delivery. Here are few ideas of my own:

1. After every horrible, unhappy story, show pictures of cute, fuzzy baby animals.
2. No speculators please. Don’t guess or imagine what horrible possible scenarios may occur, or why an unspeakable atrocity was committed. Stick to the facts, or don’t do the story at all.
3. Put it on at 2 a.m., when hardly anyone is awake or watching TV.
4. Skip the pictures and descriptions of the brutal mutilation of some hapless victim. Whether in the morning, noon or 6 p.m., this is a definite appetite destroyer.
5. Have circus clowns as hosts to help take your mind off the negative reporting.
6. No more so-called experts please. Just ask the people on the street – they’re right just about as often, and are not nearly so smug about it.
7. Put on 2 positive stories for each negative one shown. (Yes they are out there, you simply have to look.)

Here are a few more freebies:

• Stop all those flashing headlines and tickers running across the screen. They are enormously distracting. Save that stuff for when something truly devastating occurs.
• Skip the celebrity updates. Unless one of them has cured cancer we don’t need to know. That’s what talk shows and Inside Edition are for.
• Don’t report about the same problem more than twice in one week unless you’ve suddenly come up with a solution of your own.
• Every hour flash a black screen with the message “Time for a news break. Please enjoy this musical collage of playful puppies.”

Heroes is back this fall. Why it is got-to-see TV.

Summer super smile by Marcus Vegas.

The hit TV show Heroes is back next Monday September 24^th. I was a huge fan last year, and am eagerly anticipating the new season. Being married to a life-long comic book collector may have something to do with it, but then again superpowers are always cool. So here are just a few reasons to watch.

1. Super villains. Will they be happy with mere world domination or are they set to exterminate the entire human race?
2. In case the characters start wearing spandex and capes.
3. For the chance to argue over whose powers are better. Self-healing or flying? Stopping time or invisibility?
4. To see what funny new faces Hiro will have this year. (Love that scrunched-up face of intense concentration).
5. Suspense. Who will replace Mr. Linderman? Who will turn to evil and who will become good?
6. Awesome special effects.
7. To see some serious samurai swordplay. (Hopefully)
8. More secret organizations, hidden conspiracies and other outrageous fun.
9. To hear this year’s new catchphrase.
10. Because it’s one of the coolest action shows on TV!

If you can’t wait for the show to start, here’s a link or two with up-to-date news, spoilers and more. Long live Heroes!