WELCOME TO THE CFZ BLOG NETWORK: COME AND JOIN THE FUN

Half a century ago, Belgian Zoologist Bernard Heuvelmans first codified cryptozoology in his book On the Track of Unknown Animals.

The Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ) are still on the track, and have been since 1992. But as if chasing unknown animals wasn't enough, we are involved in education, conservation, and good old-fashioned natural history! We already have three journals, the largest cryptozoological publishing house in the world, CFZtv, and the largest cryptozoological conference in the English-speaking world, but in January 2009 someone suggested that we started a daily online magazine! The CFZ bloggo is a collaborative effort by a coalition of members, friends, and supporters of the CFZ, and covers all the subjects with which we deal, with a smattering of music, high strangeness and surreal humour to make up the mix.

It is edited by CFZ Director Jon Downes, and subbed by the lovely Lizzy Bitakara'mire (formerly Clancy), scourge of improper syntax. The daily newsblog is edited by Corinna Downes, head administratrix of the CFZ, and the indexing is done by Lee Canty and Kathy Imbriani. There is regular news from the CFZ Mystery Cat study group, and regular fortean bird news from 'The Watcher of the Skies'. Regular bloggers include Dr Karl Shuker, Dale Drinnon, Richard Muirhead and Richard Freeman.The CFZ bloggo is updated daily, and there's nothing quite like it anywhere else. Come and join us...

Search This Blog

WATCH OUR WEEKLY WEBtv SHOW

SUPPORT OTT ON PATREON

SUPPORT OTT ON PATREON
Click on this logo to find out more about helping CFZtv and getting some smashing rewards...

SIGN UP FOR OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER



Unlike some of our competitors we are not going to try and blackmail you into donating by saying that we won't continue if you don't. That would just be vulgar, but our lives, and those of the animals which we look after, would be a damn sight easier if we receive more donations to our fighting fund. Donate via Paypal today...




Wednesday, January 30, 2019

FORTEAN BIRD NEWS FROM THE WATCHER OF THE SKIES

What has Corinna's column of Fortean bird news got to do with cryptozoology? 

Well, everything, actually! 

In an article for the first edition of Cryptozoology Bernard Heuvelmans wrote that cryptozoology is the study of 'unexpected animals' and following on from that perfectly reasonable assertion, it seems to us that whereas the study of out-of-place birds may not have the glamour of the hunt for bigfoot or lake monsters, it is still a perfectly valid area for the Fortean zoologist to be interested in.




  • Water bird numbers reveal long-term decline of Men...
  • Rare Bird Species Recorded During Wintering Waterb...


  • Rare birds spotted on Paddington Meadows








  • THE GONZO BLOG DOO-DAH MAN CARRIES ON CARRYING ON


    The Gonzo Daily: Wednesday
    https://gonzo-multimedia.blogspot.com/

    GEORGE HARRISON SAYS:

    Let me tell you how it will be
    There's one for you, nineteen for me
    'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman

    YER EDITOR SEZ:

    Ouch.

    And there is snow everywhere.

    Corinna is on holiday with the girls this week, and although I miss her a lot, she is in desperate need of time away. Carl is here for thne next five days to help me and Graham look after Mother as well as doing various other things that need to be done. Corinna's health is still not right; however she has been on some pretty heavy duty meds for about a month now, and although she is still in intermittent discomfort, the pain is now being pretty well managed. We go back to the hospital at the end of February and will play it by ear until then. We would both like to thank the people all around the world who have sent us their good wishes, and included her in your prayers.

    THE DIGITAL PRAYER FLAG

    A prayer flag (Lung ta) is a colourful rectangular cloth, often found strung along mountain ridges and peaks high in the Himalayas. They are used to bless the surrounding countryside and for other purposes. Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, which is a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all. By hanging flags in high places the Lung ta will carry the blessings depicted on the flags to all beings. As wind passes over the surface of the flags, which are sensitive to the slightest movement of the wind, the air is purified and sanctified by the mantras.

    I believe something similar happens with positive vibes transmitted electronically. And so, please forgive me when I write about Corinna's health problems every day, but I am convinced that these electronic Lung ta and the resulting torrent of good vibes that has been the major contributory factor to the aetiology of her illness so far.

    Blessed be.

    ALL TODAY'S GONZO NEWS WOT'S FIT TO PRINT:

    http://gonzo-multimedia.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-gonzo-track-of-day-inner-city-unit.html
    THE GONZO TRACK OF THE DAY:  Inner City Unit - Wat...
    http://gonzo-multimedia.blogspot.com/2019/01/steve-hillage-en-passant.html
    STEVE HILLAGE EN PASSANT
    http://gonzo-multimedia.blogspot.com/2019/01/fairport-convention-news.html
    FAIRPORT CONVENTION NEWS
    http://gonzo-multimedia.blogspot.com/2019/01/thom-world-poet-daily-poem_30.html
    THOM THE WORLD POET: The Daily Poem
    http://gonzo-multimedia.blogspot.com/2019/01/frank-zappa-news_28.html
    FRANK ZAPPA NEWS

    For those of you who are interested in such things, the Gonzo Privacy Policy is here:

    http://gonzo-multimedia.blogspot.com/p/privacy-policy-this-privacy-policy.html

    And the CFZ Privacy Policy is here:
    http://tinyurl.com/y7b9rlog
    And, yes,
    http://forteanzoology.blogspot.com/p/privacy-policy-this-privacy-policy.html

    CHECK OUT THE GONZO STORES:

    UK
    http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/
    US
    http://www.gonzomultimedia.com

    AND OTHER STUFF FEATURING VARIOUS GONZO CONTRIBUTORS:

    Our webTV show:
    https://www.facebook.com/OnTheTrack/posts/632561497117057

    And if you fancy supporting it on Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/CFZ

    And by the way chaps and chappesses, a trip to the Jon Downes megastore may seem to be in order:
    https://gonzotesting.blogspot.com/2018/07/a-notion-of-shopkeepers.html

    Meanwhile I continue to pretend that I am a popstar, because now I have sold eight whole copies of my new album Coldharbour. If I continue at this rate I will get a silver disc sometime at the beginning of the next millenium. Coldharbour, by the way, can be found here: https://jondownes1.bandcamp.com/releases

    I think it is really rather good, but then again I would say that wouldn't I?

    I do have good news to impart: Lars Thomas' book about the mystery land animals of Scandinavia and the Baltic States has been uploaded, and over at Gonzo the first volume of Kev Rowland's The Progressive Underground is also imminent. And at Fortean Fiction, my latest novel - 'Zen and Xenophobia' - vaguely a sequel to 2015's 'The Song of Panne' - is now available.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zen-Xenophobia-happened-after-Panne/dp/1909488569/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540992221&sr=8-1&keywords=zen+and+xenophobia

    ! would warn you that if you are of a nervous disposition, or easily offended, you will find parts of my novel both offensive and upsetting. There is sex, violence, drug abuse, occultism, pornography, firearms, politics, religion, and not a little sociology. But there is also love, kindness, faith, and redemption. And it's a cracking good yarn. Or I think so, at any rate. All I would say on the subject before bidding you farewell is Caveat Lector. And I'm not gonna explain what that means, because because if you don't know what that means then you probably shouldn't be reading the book in the first place.

    AND THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GONZO MAGAZINE:

    Gonzo Weekly #323/4
    THE WHAT HAVE WE GOT HERE? ISSUE
    http://www.gonzoweekly.com/

    In this unscheduled, but very welcome issue of yer favourite magazine, the legendary Irvine Welsh visits Todmorden as told
    by his landlady, Jon insults a radio show host, watches A Series of Unfortunate Events and remembers touring with Steve Harley, Graham brings us up to date with the world of Hawkwind, Alan introduces us to Skinny Living and Neil recounts the weirdest George Harrison conspiracy theory.

    Hail Eris!

    And there are radio shows from Mack Maloney, Friday Night Progressive, AND Canterbury Sans Frontieres BUT Strange Fruit is on jiatus due to technical issues AND there are columns from Kev Rowland, and C J Stone, Roy Weard and Mr Biffo BUT Neil Nixon, and the irrepressible Corinna are on hiatus.  There is also a collection of more news, reviews, views, interviews and rock wallabies who've blown a fuse (OK, nothing to do with the relatively small macropods who are having electrical problems, but I got carried away with things that rhymed with OOOOS) than you can shake a stick at. And the best part is IT's ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!

    This issue features:

    A Series of Unfortunate Events, Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), Stella McCartney, The Beatles, ABBA, In Continuum, Elton John, Jimmy Page, The Specials, Roger Waters, Steve Harley, Richard Freeman, Friday Night Progressive, Canterbury sans Frontieres, Mack Maloney's Mystery Hour, Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul, Tara Emily Simmons, Marcel Azzola, Maxine Brown, Ulises Butron, Edwards McKenna, Marcelo Yuka (stage Name Marcelo Sources), Windsor Davies, Reggie Grimes Young Jr, Teresa Ryan (aka Lorna Doom), Christopher John Wilson, Debi Martini, Oliver  "Tuku" Mtukudzi, The Fall, Tony Palmer, The Chad Mitchell Trio, The Deviants ixvi, Mick Farren, Alan Dearling, Irvine Welsh, Giggy, Waka, Phil Bayliss, Neil Nixon, Skinny Living, Tash Bird, Kev Rowland, Dreamfire, Dokken, Bullet, Caliban, Crematory, Blodwyn Pig, Corinna Downes, Mr Biffo, Roy Weard, CJ Stone, Hawkwind, Jon Downes, The Coldharbour Diaries, The Wild Colonial Boy, Martin Springett,Thom the World Poet

    And the last few issues are:

    Issue 323-24 (Irvine Welsh)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-323-4.html
    Issue 321-22 (Discordianism)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-321-2.html
    Issue 319-20 (Brix Smith)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-319-20.html
    Issue 317-18 (Christmas)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-317-18.html
    Issue 315-16 (Steve Miller)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-315-16.html
    Issue 313-14 (Hawkwind)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-313-14.html
    Issue 311-12 (Extinction Rebellion)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-310-11.html
    Issue 309-10 (Steve Hillage)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-309-10.html
    Issue 307-8 (Michael Moorcock)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-307-8.html
    Issue 305-6 (Maartin Allcock)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-305-6.html
    Issue 303-4 (kOZFEST)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-303-4.html
    Issue 301-2 (Ringo Starr)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-301-2.html
    Issue 299-300 (Aretha Franklin)
    https://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-299-30.html
    Issue 298 (Alan in Hungary)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo297.html
    Issue 297 (Shir Ordo)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo297.html
    Issue 295-6 (Robert Berry)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo295-6.html
    Issue 294 (Bow Wow Wow)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo294.html
    Issue 293 (Stonehenge)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo293.html
    Issue 292 (Rolling Stones)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo292.html
    Issue 291 (Alien Weaponry)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo291.html
    Issue 290 (Frank Zappa)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo290.html
    Issue 289 (Misty in Roots)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo289.html
    Issue 288 (Paula Frazer)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo288.html
    Issue 287 (Boss Goodman)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo287.html
    Issue 286 (Monty Python)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo286.html
    Issue 285 (ELP)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo285.html
    Issue 284 (Strangelove)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo284.html
    Issue 283 (Record Store Day)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo283.html
    Issue 282 (Neil Finn and Fleetwood Mac)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo282.html
    Issue 281 (Carl Palmer)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo281.html
    Issue 280 (Steve Andrews)

    All issues from #70 can be downloaded at www.gonzoweekly.com if you prefer. If you have problems downloading, just email me and I will add you to the Gonzo Weekly dropbox. The first 69 issues are archived there as well. Information is power chaps, we have to share it!

    You can download the magazine in pdf form HERE:
    http://www.gonzoweekly.com/pdf/

    SPECIAL NOTICE: If you, too, want to unleash the power of your inner rock journalist, and want to join a rapidly growing band of likewise minded weirdos please email me at jon@eclipse.co.uk The more the merrier really.


    * The Gonzo Daily is a two way process. If you have any news or want to write for us, please contact me at jon@eclipse.co.uk. If you are an artist and want to showcase your work, or even just say hello please write to me at gonzo@cfz.org.uk. Please copy, paste and spread the word about this magazine as widely as possible. We need people to read us in order to grow, and as soon as it is viable we shall be invading more traditional magaziney areas. Join in the fun, spread the word, and maybe if we all chant loud enough we CAN stop it raining. See you tomorrow...

    * The Gonzo Daily is - as the name implies - a daily online magazine (mostly) about artists connected to the Gonzo Multimedia group of companies. But it also has other stuff as and when the editor feels like it. The same team also do a weekly newsletter called - imaginatively - The Gonzo Weekly. Find out about it at this link: www.gonzo-multimedia.blogspot.co.uk

    * We should probably mention here, that some of our posts are links to things we have found on the internet that we think are of interest. We are not responsible for spelling or factual errors in other people's websites. Honest guv!

    * Jon Downes, the Editor of all these ventures (and several others) is an old hippy of 59 who - together with a Jack Russell called Archie, an infantile orange cat named after a song by Frank Zappa, and two half grown kittens, one totally coincidentally named after one of the Manson Family, purely because she squeaks, puts it all together from a converted potato shed in a tumbledown cottage deep in rural Devon which he shares with various fish. He is ably assisted by his lovely wife Corinna, his bulldog/boxer Prudence, his elderly mother-in-law, and a motley collection of social malcontents. Plus.. did we mention Archie and the Cats?


    NEWS FROM NOWHERE: Wednesday

    ON THIS DAY IN -  1649 - England's King Charles I was beheaded. 
    And now some more recent news from the CFZ Newsdesk


  • Japan to resume commercial whaling, but not in Ant...
  • More bears needed to sustain Pyrenees population: ...
  • Mon Repos trial aims to boost turtle hatchling sur...
  • Tiny salamanders could complicate Shasta Dam proje...

  • AND TO WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK... (Music that may have some relevance to items also on this page, or may just reflect my mood on the day)