ARGOSY February 1968 PGF ARTICLE; SQUATCHMASTER Tree-Break Hoax Update, plus more on the FIND-BIGFOOT-FACEBOOK Credibility Problem

BIGFOOT'S BLOG, Early February 2011 Edition

In honor of its 43rd anniversary month we present a slightly down-scaled historical research copy of the rare and important Ivan Sanderson article on the Patterson-Gimlin Film from the now long-defunct ARGOSY MAGAZINE, first published in February, 1968. This was the first major publication of the film images in color, and an fine initial presentation of the story and the early scientific reaction to the film and its controversial subject.

We hope this clears up certain conspiracy theories about where and when the film was shot. Some have suggested that the Yakima footage shot by Roger Patterson was actually filmed in Bluff Creek, trying to substantiate the tenuous and dubious notion that Bob Hieronimus, Jerry Merritt and other Washingtonians were present that day in October, 1967. Not having access to the original pictorial parts of this article, these "theorists" have stated that the article confirmed the presence of individuals from an earlier 1967 Yakima project were actually there in Bluff Creek in October. No, folks--that image on the cover showing Bob Gimlin in "Indian Tracker" garb was for a fictionalized docudrama filmed around the Yakima area before the non-fictional expedition the two (NOT three, not more) took down to Bluff Creek later that same year. The image on the magazine cover was only put there for popular appeal by the publishers. It is not from "Film Roll Two," or anything like that. Look at the setting... that is NOT Bluff Creek in extreme Northern California.
Again, we say, "for historical research purposes only"--this article is too important for it to languish only in tattered copies found on eBay, or in the entrance lobby to Cinnabar Sam's Restaurant in Willow Creek.

SEE BELOW for the article, and click images to enlarge and read.

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SQUATCHMASTER "TREE-BREAK VIDEO" HOAX UPDATE

One of the original hoax presentations on YouTube.

Last blog entry (See Details HERE) we talked about a hoax perpetrated by a certain YouTuber-hoaxer calling himself "The SqauatchMaster." Well, more information clarifying what is really in that sub-viral "tree break" video clip from Ohio's Salt Fork State Park has emerged. The film subject was one of the hoaxer's sons, wearing the same outfit seen in other of his dad's silly staged "evidence" of his own folly. He thought he could fool and mislead serious researchers such as TCSJR-Bigfoot, Tim Stover, and others. The images from the hoaxer's YouTube pages, and his comments from his true "Jeffery Patterson" Facebook identity, seen below, are courtesy of Nancy Snodgrass, who captured the screen shots and was the instrumental figure in exposing this hoax, later revealed in full on Stover's BlogTalk Radio show. A year ago, the "SquatMaster" was caught hoaxing, so it seems he was never sincere about his BF hunting activities. And now, add to the story... Yet ANOTHER monumental FAIL from FB/Find Bigfoot! Read onward...

Not Even Master of His Own Folly. We call him "SquatMaster."

Astonishingly, FIND BIGFOOT-FACEBOOK (http://www.facebook.com/FindBigfoot) are still clinging on to the idea that this video clip could actually be real. This after their stunningly blind claim that it was real, and the "6th Best All-Time" Bigfoot footage. The case was investigated by Stover, and no evidence of Bigfoot was found around the tiny 3-inch uprooted tree, and the case was dumped in its deserved trash bin. It would seem, however, that Bigfoot on Facebook hasn't gotten that memo. Now SquatMaster has let it go to his head, and is bragging (just like Tim Fasano) about the high "ranking" of his video. Way to go and ENABLE the hoaxers, FindBigfoot! Now BF-FB say they are "investigating" the video and its provenance, which is a wise semi-retraction, but they are buying the guy's latest story that the video was real, after all. This DESPITE the SquatMaster's clear and apparently totally honest confession video (now removed from YouTube by him), where he stated that he did not in fact believe that there were any Bigfoot in Salt Fork, and further, that Bigfoot was only a legend from the old Indian days. How many times have these statements changed? How many times has a new version of the video been posted? Which one do YOU think is a lie? Someone who prevaricates to this degree should just not be trusted. He has cried "squatch" and "not squatch" a few too many times for our taste.
Here is some of the evidence against this joker...

Blown up image clearly showing a human figure wearing
blue jeans. Click to Enlarge!

The hoaxer's son, in another video, wearing the same outfit.

Jeffery Patterson SquatchMaster admits he thinks Bigfoot is a legend,
and then gets undeservedly nasty towards TCJRS-Bigfoot, Tim Stover.

The SquatchMaster Facebook imprint from his now-removed "It's Just
Not There" full-on CONFESSION of hoaxing the tree-break video and
simply trying to make real Bigfoot researchers look bad.
Images above captured by and courtesy of Nancy Snodgrass.

Still have some lingering doubts? Just read...

"SquatchMaster" Jeffery Patterson's own CONFESSION: 

"Truth be told,the Bigfoot is is nothing but a legend. It is a mythical creature of old Indian legend. Anyone that believes in such a creature is only lying to themselves. Has Mr. Stover EVER had any proof shown that he has seen one? NO! Why? B...ecause he is aware that they are only legend. Furthermore this video only shows one thing,that I did have a plan in case this creature was real and I crossed paths with it. I just didn't drop to one knee and start filming has he stated he would. Mine was a plan of action. I could really care less what he or anyone else says because of his threats. Just remember this, he is the one that wears the 'noggin condom' and just where are condoms worn? Right on.. he is a dick head."  WE SAY: Look in the Mirror, SquatMaster.

Bigfoot on Facebook's latest vacillation:

BIGFOOT WEEPS at this foolishness.

"We are investigating the "squatchmaster" video from Salt Fork State Park Ohio. Speaking to all parties concerned, we finished an interview with Tim Stover tonight who was extremely professional and matter of fact. We have traded a score of emails and will speak to Jeff (squatchmaster) tomorrow regarding the circumstances around the video and all of the decision making subsequent to the video editorials. It should be said that Jeff, stands resolutely behind the video and does not want the video discarded as a hoax. Stover and others with extensive experience at Salt Fork also, need to be heard. Put the video into the "unrated" category until completion of and full report.fullinvestigation.investigation."

OK FBF-FB!!! Will do. It's done. We know the truth now. It's over. Sorry.
A fun COMMENTS thread may be read on the SquatchMaster controversy beneath the wall photo on their page HERE.

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More Goofiness at Find-Bigfoot-Facebook....
CAMOUFLAGING FBF-FB ERRORS?
Someone should really start trying to save initial copies of the videos these guys post, as they make some really goofy errors which are later edited out to avoid embarrassment. This last week featured a video on camouflage, claiming that Bigfoot was 100 times more effective at camouflaging itself than other animals, even after showing some really amazing video of how effectively the octopus can change color to blend in with the most challenging settings. Bigfoot is normally reported as brownish, and doesn't change color to, say, blend in with red leaves, blue in water, or whatever. Guys, please, how many degrees do you supposedly hold from accredited universities? Are they really in wildlife biology?

CREDULITY-in-ACTION! FB-FB Jumps the Squatch, Again!
Click Image to Enlarge and Read.

Anyway, the most impressive error they made this time was the use of a RAY-BAN sunglass ad, clearly unnatural and digitally processed, showing a chameleon changing colors to match the various shades of the new line of vari-colored shades. Hilarious! Before they took the video down and edited it we managed to view it, and present here for your viewing pleasure a screen-capture the image above of the chameleon they took to be real on their very own Facebook page.

The new FBF-FB camouflage video, edited to remove their fallacious and silly errors is HERE.

Here is the SNOPES.COM page totally debunking the "urban legend" of the CHAMELEON CHANGING COLORS, complete with the video of the sunglass ad embedded. If FindBigfoot believed this, ask yourself: WHAT OTHER STUPID ASSUMPTIONS ARE THEY MAKING? We leave the conclusions to you.

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Here are the contents of the ARGOSY MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY 1968 PGF article, for historical research purposes only, and to clear up a few conspiracy theories.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE AND READ.

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"Streuty, you're officially my p.r. man."

--James Bobo Fay

*

"At least this FB/FB page keeps us entertained Steven..."

---Tyler Wm Bounds 

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ANGRY BIGFOOT SPEAKS! 

(or rather, mutters and grunts)


HAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRR-
UUUUUUMMMMMMPPPPPHHHH!
Hu-man! Go away til you get better news. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...
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This blog is copyright and all that jazz, save for occasional small elements borrowed for "research" and information or satirical purposes only, 2011, Bigfoot Books and Steven Streufert. Borrowings for non-commercial purposes will be tolerated without the revenge of Angry Bigfoot, if notification, credit, citation and a kindly web-link are given, preferably after contacting us and saying, Hello, like a normal person would before taking a cup of salt. No serious rip-offs of our material for vulgar commercial gain will be tolerated without major BF stomping action coming down on you, hu-man.

ANATOMY OF A BIGFOOT HOAX: Biscardi Tells His Side of the Georgia Gorilla Debacle, Supports BIGFOOT DISCOVERY MUSEUM; The S. Kulls Report

We know, a lot of you out there are going to be saying, Jeez, the NERVE of that guy. After apparently tricking the world with the GEORGIA GORILLA or "Bigfoot Body Hoax," and doing huge damage to the world of serious bigfooting, here he comes trying to make a buck off of the aftermath. But hey, here's Tom Biscardi and his Searching for Bigfoot, Inc. crew, trying to have their say as to what REALLY happened. We, for one, are willing to listen, at least out of curiosity about the workings of the propaganda machine and PR tactics in the post-modern age.

We've blogged on Mr. Biscardi and his "Bigfoot Lives" DVD before--read it HERE and HERE. We're willing, for now, to suspend the majority of our criticism and let him have his say... especially as this DVD is, for the next three months, being sold to benefit a GOOD CAUSE. Yes, Biscardi is ever the social networker, and does appear to truly care about his friends and associates, at least judging by his friendly tone and myrad of shout-outs taking up a large portion of his BlogTalkRadio show, "Bigfoot Live." Now he is offering exclusive distribution rights to Michael Rugg to benefit his fabulous BIGFOOT DISCOVERY MUSEUM and BIGFOOT DISCOVERY PROJECT, found in Felton, CA, in the redwooded hills outside of Santa Cruz.

IMAGES: CLICK TO ENLARGE AND READ.

The BDP/BDM will receive ten bucks from every $29.95 DVD sold, so if you're curious about this subject buy now! Details can be found in the press release, below. Suffering under the recession and other factors (including the infamy and discredit brought upon Bigfoot by the Georgia hoax, perhaps?), the Museum needs your support. At least, if you're not buying the DVD, or have qualms about giving money to Biscardi, be sure to visit the Museum and leave at least ten bucks in their optional donation slot. OK? That's what we plan to do. However (if it isn't a cynical ploy to somehow gain control of the Museum), we'd like to sincerely COMMEND Mr. Biscardi for taking this gracious and philanthropic action. Kudos, and a big honk of the horn to you on this one, Tom!!! 

Michael Rugg is a very interesting, highly knowledgeable representative for bigfooting to the general public, and we feel that his Museum right along Highway 9 is of extreme importance to The Cause. Also, along with partner Paula Yarr, he hosts each year a fine mini-conference called BIGFOOT DISCOVERY DAYS, which in the past has fielded a large number of seriously important Bigfoot people, such as Bob Gimlin, Bill Munns, Kathy Moscowitz-Strain, Jeff Meldrum, David Paulides and more. SUPPORT THE MUSEUM!

Listen to the very cool interview with Mr. Rugg streaming online on BlogTalkRadio's CAMPFIRE SHADOWS using this LINK. You'll find Michael has a rich and fascinating viewpoint on the Sasquatch to share.

For us, it is particularly difficult to believe Searching for Bigfoot Inc.'s declaration that Tom and crew were naively duped by two good old boy hoaxers out of Georgia. We take this position, especially after reading the absolutely scathing indictments issued by Steve Kulls, a former SFBI associate to some degree who goes by the moniker, SquatchDetective. Visit his website, http://squatchdetective.com/. But be sure to check out his quasi-legal analyses of what REALLY HAPPENED (?) down there in the woods of GA, links following. Presenting not only inside information discovered in association with SFBI, Kulls' piece reveals the amazingly cynical leaked "Searching for Bigfoot Business Plan 2008." In this plan, among many other far out things, is the declaration that SFBI is a "entertainment company" basically seeking to generate evidence and hype surrounding the popular myth elements of Bigfoot in order to create a profit-generating business and investment opportunity. Note the emphasis on creating evidence, from the SFBI Business Plan: ""To educate and create exciting and interesting proprietary properties surrounding the mythology and capture of Bigfoot." Kulls goes so far as to accuse SFBI's valuation of fake evidence in ranges over millions of dollars a piece as being basic, naked attempts to defraud investors. We will withhold our personal judgment until after we manage to see Biscardi's new DVD.

For now, READ FOR YOURSELF. It is a fascinating story, whatever "side" one is on.

The Official Report of Steve Kulls regarding the Georgia Bigfoot Body Hoax of 2008

Read the report about this on Cryptomundo, Biscardi Blamed For Bigfoot Hoax.

See the whole Kulls Report, through these links:
Introduction
The Big Claim
The Deceit Begins
The Second Trip and the Media Blitz
The Pick Up and The Press Conference
The Hoax Exposed
Searching For Bigfoot, Incorporated (The Big Lie)

Be prepared--you are going to see cow eyeballs and sheep testicles, piles of guts, and other strange and disgusting things in the realm of human ethics. This is astonishing stuff, and if true, it should be the utter ending of Biscardi's reputation as a real Bigfoot Hunter, and call any and all of his future evidence and activities into question. Folks, we'd just like to add: Look, it is clear that no formal accusations of fraud, nor any legal action, were taken in this case due to the simple fact that the general public already feels that Bigfoot/Sasquatch is a JOKE. After escapades such as this one, how can we expect anyone to take the Creature, and the determined and honest activities and works of bigfooters trying to find it, seriously? This kind of crap has just got to end, and all the blobsquatches along with it!

THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Bigfoot Discovery Project sole distributor of a new DVD called “Anatomy of a Bigfoot Hoax” available for a limited time only.

"This video documents the true story of the “frozen bigfoot body” that was revealed to be a costume filled with the body parts of dead animals after two men from Georgia‑-at an international press conference arranged by Bigfoot Hunter Tom Biscardi--announced they had found a bigfoot corpse. The press event took place August 15, 2008 and came to be known as “Black Bigfoot Friday” due to all the Internet sites that crashed under the burden of millions of hits by people all over the world seeking details of the story. Information on obtaining the DVD can be found at http://www.bigfootdiscoveryproject.com/.

The Bigfoot Discovery Project (BDP) and Museum, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Central California, became involved when Biscardi heard that the Bigfoot Museum was struggling financially, and he volunteered to help out by offering the “Anatomy of a Bigfoot Hoax” DVD exclusively through the BDP for three months.

The video chronicles the entire episode via a combination of live narrations by Biscardi and his colleagues, combined with live action video of the two Georgia men from YouTube, their website, and the press conference in Palo Alto. Also shown is the actual transfer of possession of the freezer holding the "body" in Georgia.

Robert Barrows, PR man for Searching for Bigfoot, Inc. (SFBI) thinks the highlight of the video for most people will be the "dissection" of the macabre "bigfoot corpse," which took place in Indiana a day or two after SFBI took possession of the freezer. It’s disgusting what those Georgia men did to make the thing appear real.

Michael Rugg, curator of the BDP and the Bigfoot Discovery Museum in Felton, California said this about the arrangement: “I agreed to market this DVD because we are very much in need of additional funding due to the recession (Biscardi pledged 1/3 of sales receipts to the Bigfoot Museum). I also think the public needs to see how well-orchestrated the hoax was, and how guilty the men from Georgia were of perpetrating what I think should be considered a criminal act from the get-go. In light of the recent ‘Balloon Boy’ episode and the ensuing court judgment, I feel these two dudes should also be punished for the massive hoax perpetrated on the public, as well as the fraud they committed in taking $50,000 cash for the alleged ‘body.’"

The video makes it clear how the former correctional officer (Rick Dyer) and the Deputy Sheriff (Matt Whitton) were able to use their police affiliation and experiences to help make the whole thing believable to Tom and his team. It was all carefully orchestrated right up to the transfer of possession.

Rugg said, “I was at the press conference and spoke to Tom that day. Based on what he told me then I'm convinced he had no idea the body was a fake.” Through chronological video clips the DVD makes it obvious they were ALL fooled until some of the ice was melted and chipped away.

You’ll learn how Matt and Rick set up the sting when Biscardi met with them in Georgia, allowing only the parts of the fake body that incorporated genuine anatomical elements to be available for Tom to inspect. “When he went to see the body it was late in the evening, in a location with poor lighting and they greeted him with pointed guns to set the mood and keep him off guard. He took it hook, line and sinker,” Rugg explained. They then insisted Tom call the press conference that Friday because they knew the lies would be found out as soon as the SFBI team got to Indiana and started defrosting. So they culminated the deal and got their cash on August 14 in Georgia, while Tom was in the Bay Area preparing for the press and awaiting the final DNA results.

The Bigfoot Discovery Museum thinks this video shows the cleverness and culpability of the two Georgia men as hoaxers who are also guilty of fraud. Rugg hopes it will help to get a law passed against this sort of orchestrated prank, which does indeed cause harm to the public. For example, this has already lead to several recent hoaxes aimed at getting web hits for profit, book, movie or TV deals in a fashion similar to the Balloon Boy caper. Besides the $50,000 in cash, this fiasco also cost SFBI many more thousands for wasted payroll, plane fares, gasoline and so forth, while leaving the public with dashed hopes of a solution to the mystery.

Tom Biscardi is a controversial figure in the bigfoot research community largely because he is a natural born promoter, and his tactics with the media make other researchers uncomfortable. What’s more, he’s a “true believer” and has been taken in more than once by hoaxers and liars along the way. Consequently, he has some out-spoken detractors among his bigfoot peers and competitors, and as soon as the DVD release was announced, some of them immediately accused him of trying to profit from the hoax.

Rugg responded with this statement to Biscardi’s critics: “Yes, Tom has been fooled by a number of hoaxers and he apparently is not a good judge of bigfoot flesh, but he’s dedicated to the hunt, and has a full-time crew out in the field doing their best to obtain real evidence. Very few others have invested that kind of time and money in an attempt to get this done. I certainly don­'t blame him for trying to recoup some of his expenses by marketing a DVD that sets the record straight on this real life tragedy.”

For more information contact the Bigfoot Discovery Museum, Felton, CA 95018 at 831 335-4478"

Or visit http://www.bigfootdiscoveryproject.com/, or use this LINK to buy the DVD or learn more.

So, we will concede: maybe Michael Rugg is right, and Biscardi is just so enthusiastic about finding Bigfoot that he just can't help himself every time he finds a toenail or animal body part. We'll grant Tom that--he certainly has devoted much money and effort, and several decades, to the pursuit. For better, or worse? These things he finds could be of Bigfoot origin. Who knows?

But we, especially after the Happy Camp debacle a few years back (read our previous blog entry), find it difficult to accept. Certainly, for all of us, expectation and habit precondition experience; but one must ever be aware of the potential con or delusion that may present itself. Get this video, help out the Bigfoot Discovery Museum, and weigh it in the balance with what Kulls says. If one doesn't necessarily learn anything about Bigfoot/Sasquatch, well, at least we can learn a thing or two about human nature. If Biscardi can help save the Museum and Bigfoot Discovery Project, then all will not have been a big waste of our attention and CNN's airwaves, after all.

IMAGES: CLICK TO ENLARGE AND READ. Sources: Promotional images from respective web sites. Use the map above to find Felton, CA and the BIGFOOT DISCOVERY MUSEUM. You can't miss the building, right along Highway 9.

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ANGRY BIGFOOT SPEAKS!

Me think it such a joke, hu-man. You try find me? Can't! You start go crazy! Look everywhere, make up big doo-doo stuff. Take good food, animal part, and put them in costume suit you think look like me? Stu-pid hu-man! Why not just go trick or treat? Me not no alien you catch and do Bigfoot Autopsy. I kick your naked monkey ass! You hu-man pile gut on top of Bigfoot corpse, think you fool me? Ha. Me take Searching for Bigfoot, feed hu-man to my buddy fox and raccoon. Me pile hu-man bones outside my cave!

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Text contents of this blog, save for the press release, copyright 2009 Steven Streufert and Bigfoot Books Intergalactic. Please provide citation and link when quoting. Thanks!