BF COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU

A new movie about a tv documentary series trying to capture Bigfoot on Film is coming out This Friday. Heres a a critic from Variety written way back in June 2007.

by Alex Billington
Get this, they're making a comedy about bigfoot! Or for that matter, it's already made (and already got an R rating). Sounds a bit like that trippy scene in Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny, but full length. The film is titled Strange Wilderness, produced by Adam Sandler's Happy Madison, and stars Steve Zahn, Allen Covert, Jonah Hill, Justin Long, Jeff Garlin and Broken Lizard's Kevin Heffernan. Haven't heard of it before? That's because it just changed hands in Hollywood, from the bad guys at Fox to the good guys at Paramount.

Paramount just acquired the distribution rights to the film, which was originally at Fox where it received an R rating for "non-stop language, drug use, crude and sexual humor". Now it's slated to hit on February 1st, 2008, right at the tip of the bad movie season early in the year.

The story follows the hosts (Zahn and Covert) of fictional wildlife TV show "Strange Wilderness," which is headed toward extinction because of bad ratings; they hatch a scheme to find the one animal that can save the show — Bigfoot. The film is directed and co-written by Fred Wolf, who wrote Black Sheep, Dirty Work, and Joe Dirt, but this is his first time directing.

Sounds kind of fun, but they're going to be dumping it in January, which shows hardly any confidence, especially considering another studio already dumped it entirely. Who knows, it could be a January 2008 sleeper hit, or a flop, only time will tell!

Sushiland - BFRLC Lunch #2 a great success

Today, lunch was at Sushiland, 135 NW 10th Ave. After a few minute wait, members of the BFRLC were seated around the main sushi bar, where a conveyor belt of all types of sushi goes round and round. Sushi rollers are in the middle of this bar whipping up roll after roll – eel, salmon, tuna, avocado and numerous other fresh looking edibles are artistically created into delectable sushi. One member had a couple house rolls with egg, tuna, and imitation crab. Also eaten were salmon rolls, tuna rolls, edamame, inari and miso soup. The miso had nice chunks of tofu as well as a pleasant tasting seaweed. The rice for the rolls was warm, fresh and sweet – the perfect sweetness to match the tastes of wasabi and ginger. Water refill rates were good – the servers made sure that all the BF Researchers were well hydrated. Lastly, the price was perfect. We salute you, Sushiland.

FEDS FUND BIGFOOT TRAP

Located in the Applegate Ranger District along the Collings Mountain Trail a half mile west of Applegate Lake, the Bigfoot trap is believed to be the only one of its kind in the nation, perhaps on the planet. And it was fortified and funded by the Federal Government-- well actually volunteers of the USDA Forest Service "Passport in Time" program.

Although most projects in the program involve historic or archaeological sites, the Bigfoot trap, which draws hundreds of curious humans each year, was unusual enough to be included, observes Jeff LaLande, archaeologist for the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Measuring 10-feet-by-10-feet, it's a wooden box built of 12-inch wide and 2-inch thick planks. A heavy expanded metal grate served as the trap door, triggered by the big fellow reaching a hairy hand for the bait — a deer or rabbit carcass — hanging at the rear of the structure.

Heavy metal bands binding the planks and telephone poles anchoring it to the ground were meant to keep the burly beast from breaking out. Citing safety concerns, the Forest Service bolted the trap door open in 1980. Uncle Sam didn’t want tourists trapped, bigfooted or not.

The trap was originally constructed, according to forest service records, when a short-lived group dubbed the North American Wildlife Research (NAWR) firm applied for a special use permit in the early 1970s.

Ron Olson, a surviving member of the NAWR shared his feelings with Medford, Oregon's Mail Tribune

“I wouldn’t ever want to see Bigfoot held in captivity,” stresses Ron Olson. “The idea was to learn about him. We wanted to put a transmitter on him. We wanted to find out how they evade people and where they migrate to.”
“We weren’t going to kill it — we had a tranquilizer gun,” he explains. “We had a sled built to put him on. We even had big manacles ready if we got one and the tranquilizer started to wear out. We had it pretty well organized.”

Olson ought to know about the massive trap: He, along with his late father and a friend, built it in 1974.

If you are close to the Oregon/California border near Jacksonville, take Highway 238 onto Upper Applegate Road towards the Applegate Dam. A pull-off along the right side of the side the road is used for parking. There you will find the trailhead of Collings Mountain Trail, hike just over a half mile to an abandoned miner's claim and follow a dirt trail to the 1974 structure.

IS BIGFOOT MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?

DISCLAIMER: Although I do not subscribe to this belief, I believe it is noteworthy as Bigfoot Lore.
There is several pieces of Mormon literature claiming that Bigfoot is a modern incarnation of Cain, the brother and murderer of Abel, from the Bible story of Genesis.
Here's a Cain/Abel refresher in case you haven't been attending Sunday school.
The first children of Adam and Eve, born after the Fall of Man. Once, when they were grown men, both Cain and Abel offered sacrifices to God. When Cain saw that Abel's pleased God whereas his did not, Cain murdered his brother out of jealousy. For his crime, Cain was exiled by God to a life of wandering in a distant land.

Most recently the BF/Cain connection was a research paper written by Matt Bowman and published in Journal of Mormon History. The paper is based on several sources including David Patten’s story of encountering Cain, a letter published in Lycurgus Wilson’s biography of Patten, Spencer Kimball's Miracle of Forgiveness, a poem referencing the event by Eliza R. Snow, and meeting records of Quorum of the 12. The biggest contribution to the lore Mr. Bowman provides is evidence the story was widely circulated in the 19th century.

The paper goes on and cites Church Archives I finding similar stories; such as a page marked “from the papers of E. Wesley Smith,” mission president in Hawaii in the 1920s and brother of Joseph Fielding Smith, describing Wesley’s meeting with Cain, and explaining that his brother told him of David Patten’s encounter.

Here is a direct quote from Lycurgus Wilson’s biography of Patten:

"As I was riding along the road on my mule I suddenly noticed a very strange personage walking beside me.... His head was about even with my shoulders as I sat in my saddle. He wore no clothing, but was covered with hair. His skin was very dark.
I asked him where he dwelt and he replied that he had no home, that he was a wanderer in the earth and traveled to and fro. He said he was a very miserable creature, that he had earnestly sought death during his sojourn upon the earth, but that he could not die, and his mission was to destroy the souls of men.
About the time he expressed himself thus, I rebuked him in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, and commanded him to go hence, and he immediately departed out of my sight...."(Lycurgus A. Wilson, Life of David W. Patten [Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1900], p. 50., as quoted by Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness [Salt Lake City, Bookcraft, Inc.]18th printing 1991 p.p. 127-128.)

Another recent publishing of this connection is a fictional book that uses the Folklore as a jumping point. The book is title Clan of Cain by Shane Lester. It uses the same David W. Patten experience and then continues as a fictional adventure. Here is his book as described by him

Clan of Cain: The Genesis of Bigfoot is a newly published book that offers a different dimension to the Bigfoot mystery. A recently uncovered document reveals a possible connection between the origins of the Mormon Church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) and Bigfoot. Searching through the archives of historical church documents the author; Shane Lester uncovered an extraordinary story that becomes the foundation of a new theory about the origins of Bigfoot.

There are a few more sensational press Bigfoot has recieved lately, which I will be posting in the next few days. Then I will get back to more serious stuff. Stay tuned for Bigfoot Endorses Clinton, and NASA:BIGFOOT IS A MARTIAN!

BIGFOOT'S CASTLE

Now first let me say as co-founder, I do not endorse all opinions shared here at The BFRLC's Blog, but I am passionate about the big guy, and I am fascinated by BF's impact on us, especially here in the states. This blog is meant to be the biggest Bigfoot magnet ever made, with more drawing power than any film, book, or blog.

As a child, my family camped every other weekend. The routes to our favorite destinations often included long eastbound stretches of I-90 at night.

I-90 follows a path carved by ancient glaciers long gone, defining Oregon's northern border. It slices through miles of old-growth forest, nested between the Columbia River on one side and sky scraping cliffs on the other. like a classic Hanna-Barbara cartoon I-90's scenery seems to loop continuously without change until it bends near Corbett at exit 22 An outcropping of cliffs overlooking the Columbia Gorge named Crown Point. The jewel of this crown, set prominently like a precious stone, is the Vista House.

Despite my curious nature, I never bothered to ask about the Vista House. For one, I wasn't sure if anybody else could see it. Besides, as a resourceful six year old, it was perfectly obvious to me. A building made of stone? Without any apparent roads to or from? Perched in the upon a cliff deep inside the forest? Simple. Bigfoot's castle.

While siblings, family and friends guessed at cloud formations, looked for the big dipper or gazed at the moon, my eyes stayed fixed on the surrounding forest. After all, now I had Bigfoot's address, I was sure to spot him in his neighborhood.

After 10-plus years, traveling past Crown Point literally hundreds of times, I never gave up, and I never did see him. Oddly I was never disappointed, each uneventful search only confirmed the rarity of this mysterious creature.

I knew that Bigfoot was significant. At a single glance BF's upright posture reveals how he shares more with us humans than any other creature alive today. Once discovered we would learn as much about ourselves as we would of it. Eventually my interest in BF would lead me to human origins, anthropology, primatology, bio-mechanics and a sea of multiple personal accounts and sightings with as many different theories and counter-theories.

As no two snowflakes or fingerprints are identical; the same could be said be said when it comes to any two Bigfoot theories. I am fascinated by them all, every single one, no matter how polished or rough. So stay tuned. Tomorrow I post a theory, of biblical proportions, aptly titled: Is Bigfoot My Brother's Keeper?

BFRLC EVENTS

Keep up with BFRLC Events! Future lunches, expeditions, or check out what you've missed by checking out what we have done in the past. The calendar link to right under the header of BFRLC Events will take you our calendar every time.

SAVE THE DATE - LUNCH #002-080125

Good Day BFRL Clubbers! One week until the next Bigfoot Researchers Lunch Club Lunch (01/25/08) . Will in be Mexican or American Fare? Vegetarian Chinese or Sushi? Of course, if there is an Indian Buffet in the downtown Portland area, I am all ears. Can't wait to see you all there!

BACK ATCHA STUMPTOWNINFO.COM

We salute you too Stumptowninfo.com. The Bigfoot Researchers Lunch Club has been recognized by one of Portland's own networks for everything Portland. Cheers to stumptowninfo.com for putting their finger on the pulse of Oregon.

And if You haven't learned it yet, get your 8x11 copy of the not-so-secret BFRLC Handshake here!

LUNCH # 001-080111

On heels of the solemn passing of New Zealand's native son; Sir Edmond Hillary, his gnawing spirit for uncharted knowledge continues to thrive. With hungry hearts and hungrier appetites a group of seekers, dreamers, and above all researchers, reflect on the a unique singular passion that allows these law-abiding bill-payers to still have an excuse to wonder, dream and perhaps someday even discover.
Meet the Members of The Bigfoot Researchers Lunch Club, BFRLC for short. They meet twice a month and two weeks a year, in the pursuit of discovery.
This week they find a great Mediterranean place called Pasha, located near the corner of NW 5th and Burnside, Persian cuisine and culture are the highlights at this restaurant which offers lunch buffets, live music and dancing, hookah and catering. Minted potatoes and stuffed grape leaves were particularly popular among BFRLC members.
The fine persian detail on the furniture and eclectic middle-eastern decor underlined the undeniable sense that somehow, unknown to us, an unfamiliar course had been plotted--and better yet we were all stowaways.
The mix of anxiousness and apprehension was expressed in every word and gesture communicated and shared among BFRLC members. The unanimous vote of the official not-so-secret handshake, field research site suggestions, theories to pursue, and tons of confirming rocking "yeah!" moments were tossed and juggled like chines acrobats simultaneously tumbling over and under each other without collision or misstep. Before we realized it, the hour had slipped away, and lunch was almost over, the conversation had turned to reflect on Sir Edmond Hillary. Although there was plenty of opportunity, at this point during the lunch, to focus on things ending I think I can speak for us all when I there was really a sense of "what have we begun?"
Till next time -- feed your bliss

BTW, you can check out the location of every BFRLC location on this Google map.

SIR EDMOND HILLARY DIES

Sir Edmund Percival Hillary, KG, ONZ, KBE (20 July 1919 - 11 January 2008) was a New Zealand mountaineer and explorer. On 29 May 1953 he and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. They were part of the ninth British expedition to Everest, led by John Hunt.

In 1960, Sir Edmund Hillary mounted an expedition to collect and analyse physical evidence of the Yeti. He sent a Yeti "scalp" from the Khumjung monastery to the West for testing, whose results indicated the scalp to be manufactured from the skin of the serow, a goat-like Himalayan antelope. But some disagreed with this analysis. Myra Shackley said that the "hairs from the scalp look distinctly monkey-like, and that it contains parasitic mites of a species different from that recovered from the serow."

His death was announced on 11 January 2008 NZ Time after his death at 9am

WTF! WIBF on BFRLC?

If you BFRL Clubbers haven't visited Squatch, Inc.'s fantastic new site you are in for a treat. With just the right amount of content variety; this BF site dares to cast a huge net with a broad appeal. A BF researcher of any level will hit paydirt with this site-- from the casual hobbiest to the 24/7 "I even smell like Bigfoot" professional researcher.

I found http://www.wisconsinbigfoot.com/ maintained by Squatch, Inc.'s via YouTube. The only quality vid of Grover Krantz available wast posted by Squatch Inc. (By the way the video now playing on BFTV is the vid I am speaking of.)

"So," Says I, "Lets check out the site http://www.wisconsinbigfoot.com/ ." What a great surprise. This guy not only knows his stuff, but obviously has enough passion and respect to provide BF Content with only the most discerning level of quality. (Audio, Video, and Pics)

I could go on and on, but I would only be preventing you from enjoying the site sooner. I will sign off with these last thoughts. http://www.wisconsinbigfoot.com/ was built and maintained with you in mind. It may not be as comprehensive as http://www.bfro.net/ but it is far friendlier. You will find your place of BF heaven on the site mine is here on this page.

I'm serious what are you still doing here? GO CHECK IT OUT! Heres the link again!

BFRLC Inaugural Lunch Set for 1/11/2008

This Friday will be the first of the BFRLC lunches. I am already hungry with just over 48 hours to go. I think about BF at times like this and how it must be scary at times to not know where your next meal will come from. It is a cold and rainy season, I hope the big guy is getting all he needs to keep going.

How does Chinese sound? Unless anyone knows of an Indian buffet in the area?

GOOGLE BF SEARCH TRENDS

Interesting search volume results for Yeti, Bigfoot, and Sasquatch. Although Yeti seems to be the more popular search word, it is Bigfoot that makes the news. Yeti seems to be the more universal term worldwide. Now I know you BFRLC members realize that officially Yeti and Bigfoot are not the same thing and, in fact, two distinct cryptids. Yeti, derived from the Tibetan yeh-ti, meaning rock-bear and Bigfoot getting its name from the first castings made in Oregon. I assume most layman and the general public still use the names as if they are interchangeable.

BF SIGHTINGS & ORCHARDS LINKED?

Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Ohio. These states have a high level of Bigfoot sightings as well as all sorts of orchards dotting their landscapes. From the apples and cherries of Michigan and Washington to the pears of Oregon and the paw paw of Ohio, these areas are ripe for the possible glimpse of Bigfoot.

Has this road been gone down before? Perhaps, but not with the extensive network Charles Porter brings to the table. See, Chuck, an avid outdoorsman lives in Parkdale, Oregon; located within Hood County. Pear and apple orchards line both sides of Highway 35 as it winds up and over Mt. Hood. The Cascades of both Washington and Oregon have been the locale of many past sightings.

Chuck Porter is a man without fear. He is not afraid to make new friends, talk to the old timers, and explore areas that other folks may not have the courage to explore. He can be our part time eyes and ears for an area that many other BF Researchers can only dream of going.

The word is out in Parkdale, Oregon and the Hood River area that Bigfoot may one day wander through a pear orchard for a snack. When Bigfoot does grab a bite, our man in the field will be the first to know.

Did I mention that Chuck is a beer brewer also? A darn fine one at that. His new line of beers will be out soon and on the market. We will be the first to report that as well.

As this is the BFRLC, and food is part of our club, and every living creature needs to eat to live, please look for future postings on Bigfoot and subsistence – I believe some of the theories that the BFRLC puts forth will amaze you. Here’s a tasty treat….Bigfoot and the Indiana Banana – the paw paw. But let’s save that until our appetites are ready for it. Until next time…