10.7.7 : binnall report

We're a little behind schedule this week, as I've been pretty much enthralled by the baseball playoffs and when the Red Sox games are on, all work must stop. Hopefully this will be a trend that will continue throughout October. Sorry to see the Cubs get eliminated yesterday, they were my pick from the National League.

Anyway, we've got a few interesting items in this week's report. There's some more info on the upcoming premiere of BoA : Audio, Season III, a fairly in-depth preview next weekend's esoteric double-bill that is the Mass UFO Show / Monster Mash, some brief Coast Notes, and the usual Pop Culture Thoughts coupled with End Notes.

BoA : Audio, Season III ... 10.20.7

Less than weeks from today, 10.20.7, the underground esoteric sensation, BoA : Audio, returns for our landmark third season. I'm happy to report that in about one week's time, we ought to have all of the next six weeks worth of programs locked in and ready to roll out throughout October and November. December will most likely be the month which sees the return of many favorites from season's past, culminating in our annual Christmas Special, with you-know-who.

As noted in this space a few weeks back, our Season Premiere will "air" on 10.20.7 with the venerable and legendary Jim Marrs, discussing the re-release of his book "Psi Spies" plus his thoughts on the last year in Ufology and 911 research.

Once again, I'm going to hold off on naming names just yet, but will say that amongst the episodes to be aired will be an in-depth discussion on an infamous and long-running esoteric mystery, along with the first ever interview from a newcomer to the field of Ufology who's new book serves as a refreshing look at the UFO field from a reputable outsider. We'll also be featuring our first "theme" episode of the new season as well as an interview covering an often overlooked, but critical, era in UFO history.

The audio preview for the new season will serve notice that BoA : Audio is coming back in a big way. We expect to have it up and running around the end of next week as we wind down the days until we storm the internet airwaves again.

Stay tuned ...

Mass UFO Show / Monster Mash preview

I am now 100% confirmed to be in attendance at next weekend's esoteric double-bill that is the Mass UFO Show / Monster Mash in nearby Watertown, Massachusetts, next weekend (October 12th & 13th). Having spoken with conference organizer, John Horrigan, I've been assured that BoA will be allowed nearly unfettered access to the event, allowing your humble correspondent some really cool behind the scenes insight into the festivities.

This second annual event is New England's largest paranormal conference. It's the perfect opportunity for the many esoteric enthusiasts in the area to convene, discuss the paranormal, and have some fun. Last year's version was a pretty big success and generated a ton of buzz, so I expect that this year's installment will be more of the same. From what I understand, tickets are still available, but are going fast, which is always a good sign.

Without any further superfluous discussion, let's take a look at some of the esoteric happenings scheduled for this jam packed weekend ...

Friday night's Mass UFO Show kicks off @ 7 PM and features an interesting crew of UFO researchers. For starters, former BoA : Audio guest Chris Styles will be discussing the famous Shag Harbour UFO case. Don Ledger will be talking about the "black triangle" phenomenon. Carl Feindt will be there to talk about the USO (Unidentified Submarine Objects) enigma, one of the UFO field's less discussed peripheral mysteries. Nancy Talbott will be covering the Crop Circle phenomenon. And, the event's host John Horrigan will be revealing, for the first time ever, his footage from the Roswell 50th anniversary, including what has been dubbed the "controversial press conference". The night will be co-hosted by Matt Moniz, who has been involved in a number of key UFO cases over the years.

I'm looking forward to meeting Chris Styles after talking to him, at length, on a number of occassions last Spring. All of the presentations sound interesting, but Carl Feindt's session on USOs piques my interest the most, since that phenomenon remains on the edge of most UFO discussion. It should be an enlightening evening all around.

Saturday night, beginning begin @ 6 PM, is the Mass Monster Mash, which is devoted to a mix of cryptozoology and ghostly type stuffs. The big draw is, of course, esoteric superstar Loren Coleman, who has done a ton of research on the various mysteries in New England and will be talking about the Dover Demon in what is billed as a "rare Boston appearance". Other presenters include Jeff Belanger, discussing poltergeists, Don Keating covering the Ohio Bigfoot, and Karen Mossey talking about EVPs.

Additionally, Tom D'Agostino, author of "Haunted Rhode Island", Kristyn Gartland, a member of the TAPS franchise from "Ghost Hunters" infamy, and Chris Pittman, Bridgewater Triangle expert, are also scheduled for appearances in roles billed as "Special Guests" for the Mass Monster Mash.

Another special guest will be my friend Christopher Balzano, of Massachusetts Paranormal Crossroads, who has three new books that are set to roll out starting in early 2008. He's also been waiting patiently for me to get him a copy of that After Dark article I wrote about our trip to the Bridgewater Triangle last April, so I can finally cross that off my "to do" list.

On top of all that, the esoteric radio show "Spooky Southcoast" will be broadcasting from the event throughout the weekend. I've heard a lot of good things about SS over the past few months, so it should be cool to hear their show and see them doing it in person. Along with the speakers and special guests, there will also be "a trivia contest, souvenirs, concessions, exhibits, a slideshow, and a Q&A session" scheduled for both nights of the conference. Sounds like a killer weekend of esoterica and entertainment.

As long-time BoA readers may recall from my previous writings, the real thrill of an event like this is seeing the people in attendance. Despite how pervasive BoA has been on the national stage, I'm not a big socializer in the Massachusetts pararnormal scene. So there is a pretty rich community here in the Bay State that I have yet to explore and I'm really looking forward to meeting some of the regional talent that has done a great job of investigating our local mysteries. Hopefully, some of these meetings will bring about some new avenues for BoA to explore in 2008 and beyond.

Ticket Information :: Prior to this past week, the Mass UFO Show / Mass Monster Mash made tickets available only via pre-order on the web, but now their site is saying that "a limited number of tickets will be sold at the door". Be forwarned that only 200 tickets, total, are available, so if you are planning on attending, you better act quick before there is no more room available. Tickets are a mere $25 per night, which makes this event emminently affordable for people want to attend, especially since most other conferences take place on the West coast and require a plethora of expenses.

All information on tickets & directions can be found @ the appropriate websites : Mass UFO Show / Monster Mash

Should you decide to make it to the big event and you see me, feel free to say hello. I'll be lurking somewhere in the building.

Coast Notes

Not much to report here, other than we'll be getting a full dose of Richard C. Hoagland on Tuesday (10.9) evening. Sir Hoags will be joined by Mike Barra and they will be talking about their forthcoming new book "Dark Mission : The Secret History of NASA". Despite all my misgivings about RCH, I'm looking forward to both this interview and his new book. When Hoagland is talking about Mars or NASA conspiracies, he is pure gold. It's when he gets into the yawn-inducing hyperdimensional theories or jumping on the bandwagon whatever esoterica's mystery du jour is, that's when I have a problem with him. Hoagland's been beating the NASA conpsiracy drum for a long time, so I expect some really solid material to be on the horizon and, thus, the Tuesday episode should be killer.

The other big note for the upcoming week is that Jim Sparks will be back on C2C on Thursday (10.11), after setting the esoteric world afire with his two previous appearances on Coast that straddled the beginning of 2007. Of course, those interviews were with Art Bell, not The Noor, so I'm not sure what to expect here. Sparks is a polarizing figure in contemporary Ufology and it will be interesting to see if this interview will cover new ground or end up as a rehash of the previous two strong showings from Sparks.

Pop Culture Thoughts / End Notes

My attention to the new Fall TV season was diverted this week, as baseball playoffs began. When there is a triple-header of big games on back-to-back days, I find it hard to get excited about the latest offerings of scripted programming and bad reality TV. That said, I'm nearly through with all the shows that I decided to sample so far this season. Next week, I expect to have a pretty thorough look at what I liked and what sucked.

Speaking of which, I assume that next week's binnall report will arrive sometime around Sunday (10.14) evening, since I will be very busy @ the Mass UFO Show / Monster Mash on Friday and Saturday night.

That about does it for this week's installment. Have an excellent week, my friends. I'll catch you on the flip side next weekend.

- TB

9.29.7 : binnall report

Rounding out the month of September, this is the binnall report. Kind of short one this week, hitting on BoA : Audio, Season III, Art Bell's one off guest host spot on Friday night, a mini-preview of the Mass Monster Mash / UFO Show coming up in a couple of weeks, and some Pop Culture Thoughts as well.

BoA : Audio, Season III ... 10.20.7

Not all that much to report on the BoA : Audio front as of now. We've taped another interview this past week ,one more will be taped this coming Monday, and hopefully we'll get three or four others down on tape before the Season III premiere on 10.20.7 with our special guest Jim Marrs. I'll refrain from naming names just yet, until we figure out the schedule for the first few weeks.

This is kind of a "hump week" while we are in the midst of production, so I don't have much tangible news to share with you. Things are percolating at a fairly decent clip. That said, I've gotten a lot of interesting guest suggestions and returning guest suggestions so far, so feel free to keep them coming.

Bell Returns Again

C2C founder and all around demigod, Art Bell, returned from his quasi-retirement for a guest hosting shot on Coast this past Friday night (9.29). As expected, it was quite a lot of fun. Right from the beginning, things had that familiar feel to them. Art has a way of melding his introduction with the C2C theme music and dragging that mix out for so long that it just becomes awesome. For that brief moment, all is right with the world.

Bell started things off with perhaps the C2C line of the year as he said he wanted to answer the question that everyone was asking. Then he announced that he missed radio and was coming back to host five time a week. A beat skipped. And then he laughed, because ... it was a joke. The sad part of it is that the humor was derived from how many C2C listeners and die hard Bell heads surely lost their shit when they heard him say that, only to be disappointed that he was jesting.

It was on that sly note that the night began. The first hour was really good. Bell went through the usual hoops, updating us on his new kid and wife, giving his take on the news and fielding calls from the fandom. It felt like old times again and was a night of sheer bliss for lovers of nostalgia, especially as those old bumper music gems were busted out.

The highlight of the hour had to be the call from "JC". He was ranting and raving about Senator Craig, which should tell how long it has been since JC has graced C2C. JC hilariously included Noory in some kind of homosexual mafia that was framing Sen. Craig. It was outstanding. He also brought up "food porn" again and went after Rachel Ray, of all people. Gotta love the Rachel Ray reference. Art ended up hanging up on him when he endorsed Lima beans. Seriously. It was wackiness done right.

The guest was Graham Hancock, who was decent, albeit a tad dry. I listened half-heartedly while in a chat with some friends. Some of Graham's stuff was pretty wild and he is still endorsing ayuahasca and talking about that realm of esoterica. There was some nice historical stuff at the beginning of the interview, as well, when they re-hashed "Fingerprints of the Gods". Bell was, obviously, excellent throughout the interview, interjecting at the right points and keeping a loose reign on the evening which allowed for some nice flow.

While Hancock was pretty entertaining and some interesting insights, the true star of the evening was Bell. Along the lines of how I waxed nostalgic last week, a full unfettered Open Lines would have been excellent. I suppose we'll have to wait until Halloween for that, though.

Mass UFO Show / Monster Mash ... 10.12 & 10.13

At this point, I am about 75% sure that I will be attending this esoteric double bill in a couple of weeks in nearby Watertown, MA, which is a stone's throw from BoA headquarters. The UFO show, obviously, features UFO related speakers and discussion while the Mass Monster Mash focuses on cryptozoology, which has a surprisingly rich heritage in Massachusetts. Both nights look to be pretty well put together and should be a lot of fun. Info on it all can be found either at @ Mass UFO Show or @ Mass Monster Mash.

I'll probably do a proper preview next week as we get closer to the festivities. Suffice it to say that the two day affair ought to be a nice mix of a few strong names from the national scene alongside a plethora of regional esoteric talent. Having only really met a few of the local New England folks who delve into the esoteric arts, like the ultra cool Chris Balzano, I'm looking forward to seeing what the people in attendance will be like.

I expect to tape a few soundbites and short cuts over the weekend for use in a future BoA : Audio episode. And, much like last year's CRC IV special, I'm sure that there will be connections made for future BoA interviews down the line later in Season III.

So if you are from the New England area, this is one of, if not the only, big esoteric weekend of the year and you ought to try and check it out. As noted, I'll have a more in-depth preview next week, once my attendance is assured.

End Notes and Pop Culture Thoughts

Despite my claims last week, no Fall TV thoughts just yet. I've only watched a few of the new shows and don't have enough to say about them just yet. I've still got to see the Tivo'd pilots of "Chuck", "Reaper", and "Journeyman". Plus, "Cavemen" and "Pushing Daisies" haven't premiered yet either. So, we're kind of in the hump week of the Fall TV season as well. I've already given up on one show : "Kid Nation", but I'll say more about that next week.

A slight follow up on the BoA : Audio, Baseball Special predictions. Attentive listeners may recall that my preseason pick was, aside from the obvious Red Sox, the Chicago Cubs, who made the playoffs alongside the Sox this past Friday. I can't recall exactly who Greg Bishop and Adam Gorightly picked, but I do recall that Paul Kimball picked the Detroit Tigers, who did not make the playoffs. Sorry, Paul. I'll go back and dig into the episode again and find out who the other guys picked and try and update that next week as well.

That's about it, so we'll call it a night here. Have a nice week, my friends.
- TB

9.23.7 : binnall report

Ah, yes, I have already abandoned "binnall thoughts" in favor of returning to the classic name "binnall report". We just have too large an archive of "tbr" to switch over to a whole new name for essentially the same column.

A little of this and a little of that in this week's column. I'll start rolling out some serious info on BoA : Audio : Season III, we'll talk about Jaques Vallee finally showing up on C2C, Art Bell returning to guest host Coast, and my various Pop Culture thoughts for the week just past.

BoA : Audio, Season III is coming

To be more precise, BoA : Audio, Season III will be premiering on 10.20.7, a little less than a month from today. I'm happy to report that our season premiere guest will be, as always, the venerable Jim Marrs. Of course, I'll have a full preview of the interview as we get closer to the premiere, but the gist of it a lengthy discussion on the re-issue of Jim's book "Psi Spies", which details the US Army's remote viewing program. Along with that, we'll find out Jim's thoughts on the past year in Ufology and 911 research and where both fields seem to be heading.

I've already taped another interview and have several waiting to be scheduled. We're hopeful to have the bulk of 2007's interviews taped before the premiere episode, which should make it easier to produce the show this season. Also, the official logo for Season III will be unveiled sometime around the beginning of October.

Along the lines of guests, I am pulling out a call to any hardcore BoA : Audio listeners to chime in now with your request for returning BoA : Audio guests. We've featured around 50 different esoteric minds on the show, ranging from up-and-comers to bonafide legends. But the question is, who do you to see back on BoA : Audio ? Drop me a line and let me know, as we fine tune the guest list for Season III.

So ... 10.20.2007 ... BoA : Audio, Season III begins with Jim Marrs talking about Psi Spies.

I Want My Jaques Vallee

There was enormous buzz all last week over the re-emergence of Jaques Valle on the esoteric scene with his appearance on Coast to Coast on Monday night. Many websites, that normally gloss over C2C's fare, made a special point of posting news of this big interview. Kudos to C2C for, finally getting some positive buzz out of the hardcore esoteric community. After a Summer that included a disappointing Roswell episode, the infamous Ouija Board debacle, Art Bell "retiring", and six Jerome Corsi appearances, this was a welcome change of pace.

Of course, it wouldn't be C2C without them putting their unique "spin" on the evening, as Vallee was only the solo guest for the first hour of the interview and then was joined by Paul Smith for the rest of the night. The bulk of the discussion with both guests centered around Remote Viewing, so the much anticipated "Vallee on Ufology" topic was tragically cut short. I can't blame Coast for this one, though, as I suspect that Smith probably played a hand in getting Vallee on the show and it does appear that Vallee is more interested in RV than UFOs nowadays.

Regardless of that, the night was so good that my only real quibble lies in the fact that Vallee sounded so much like Dr. Louis Turi that it was distracting. Obviously, we must blame Louis Turi for this. Somewhere in the last 10 years, during Vallee's self imposed Ufological exile, Turi swooped into the "plucky Frenchman" gimmick in esoterica. It's disgraceful and I demand that Turi drop the French accent if Vallee plans on staying in esoterica and doing interviews again.

That first hour was radio majic and Noory did a fine job during the interview, to the point that I can't think of any Noory blunders to poke fun at him about. The rest of the night was also quite good. Vallee had a unique air about him, in that everything he said carried a lot of weight. C2C media whores Richard C. Hoagland and Jerome Corsi could learn a thing or two from the near hysteria that Vallee's appearance caused.

I'm not sure what came out of the interview, regarding Vallee's retirement situation (i.e if it is coming to an end or not). Let's hope that he decides to stick around for a while. The esoteric media has changed and there are many places that would like to have a good chin wag with the esoteric icon.

Bell Returns ... Again

Okay ... who had "99 days" as their pick in the Art Bell Un-Retiring Pool ?

That's right, the mysterious and reassuring creator of C2C, Art Bell will be back from his self-imposed exile on Friday night (9.28) as he guest hosts for The Noor and interviews Graham Hancock. I'm not sure what caused this impromptu guest host appearance for Bell, though the 4th Friday of every month is Ian Punnett's "Mr. Belvedere Fan Club" meeting. Anything that bumps out Noory-hosted Friday night Open Lines is alright by me.

Hopefully this news of Bell's guest hosting spot will help to settle down some of the fervor that his surprising re-re-re-retirement caused in early July. I'm just wondering how many of the guests that Coast trotted out for the "Art Bell Tribute" feel just a wee bit silly, since he will manage to host yet another episode less than 100 days since the tribute. I know I'd be pissed if I worked at Premiere and chipped in $5 for a "Thanks for the Memories" ice cream cake.

Don't get all excited that Bell will be hosting C2C on any kind of regular basis, though. For starters, George Knapp just announced last weekend that he'd be hosting Coast every 3rd Sunday of the month and I wouldn't be surprised if Rollye James is penciled in for some kind of similar deal. With the folding of "Ian" and the creation of "Time Fishing with Art Bell" (or whatever they are calling that archive show), it's highly doubtful that C2C would undergo the logistical nightmare of Bell coming back to do weekends as he did for the past few years. I suspect the earliest we'll see him after Friday will be in late October for Ghost to Ghost.

Be that as it may, mark down the return of Bell as yet another step forward by the critically challenged C2C. First they manage to convince Vallee to appear and then they bring Bell back for a one night shot. Could we be seeing a turnaround @ C2C ? Stay tuned.

End Notes & Pop Culture Thoughts

Next week, I'll preview the Mass Monster Mash, which I hope to be attending in early October. I'll also talk a bit about what I like so far during this new Fall TV season, including the return of Heroes and the debut of Kid Nation. Plus, we'll discuss Art Bell's C2C return. And, of course, other esoteric hijinks.

A look @ my scorecard from last week's Emmy picks ... 2 out of 13. Ouch. I really should get credit for two more, since I wanted to pick Katherine Heigel, but instead picked "don't care". Also, Lost's Terry O'Quinn winning was really close to my pick of Lost's Michael Emerson. So let's call it 4 out of 13, with an asterik.

One prediction that I did make that panned out was the victory by Evel Dick on Big Brother 8. My favorite characters always get eliminated between 5th and 3rd on these shows, so finally seeing my favorite win was entertaining as hell. Congrats to Evel Dick for winning and putting on a hell of a show all Summer.

Quickly now, my pick for Survivor : China is the gay flight attendant or the NYC waitress (if she can get her act together). There, we have it on the record.

Till next week.
TB

7.20.7 : binnall report preview

This week's binnall report will be posted tomorrow. I'm about 75% done with it, but want to be sure to give a good once over in the afternoon on Saturday before we put it up.

Here's a little preview of what we'll be talking about tomorrow ...

C2C's Art Bell Tribute Review :: The strong parts and negative parts of the festivus celebrating the creator of C2C. Which two guests "got it", which guest provided the most cringe worthy moment, the episodes unequivocal lowlight, thoughts on the "special topic line", the pacing of the three hours, and overall thoughts on where the episode sits in the pantheon of this year's shows.

C2C's Atomic Ouija Episode Preview :: A preview of the upcoming Coast to Coast AM "Ouija Board Experiment". The guest lineup, my confusion over what will be happening during the episode, two potential ways the show could play out, the esoteric backlash against the Ouija experiment episode and why we shouldn't just laugh at it, and the potential problems as a result of the episode.

Other C2C Stuffs :: A look @ the past week's shows (that I missed), a preview of next week's shows, and a look at the new C2C nostalgia spin off "Art Bell : Somewhere in Time".

End Notes :: Plugs for upcoming BoA material, maybe a preview for next week, and other stuff.

7.16.7 : Larry King's UFO Special

The Larry King portion of this week's binnall report ...

If you missed it, Larry King had his once-every-three-years UFO special on Friday night. LK featured a bevy of esoteric talking heads, including Stan Friedman, Jesse Marcel Jr., James Fox, Michael Shermer, Buzz Aldrin, Fife Symington, and, drumroll please, George "The Noor" Noory. You can find a transcript of the festivus HERE. Be forewarned that the transcript is awful and riddled with quotes being attributed to "Unidentified Male", which is actually indicative of the episode, itself, as it was a total clusterfuck, full of crosstalk, especially after esoterica's resident douche bag Michael Shermer showed up.

Running through stuff I saw that stood out to me ... Friedman, Marcel Jr., and Julie Shuster, on location in Roswell, kicked off the show to talk about Roswell. I want to hope and believe that Shuster's placement was a decision on the part of the program, and not her, as she was seated in front of a prop alien being lit by a strobe light (seriously). Wow. Way to denigrate Walter Haut's deathbed confession. Whoever thought that alien prop was a good idea for a background piece ought to be swiftly kicked in the grundel.

Also, Larry couldn't seem to get his act together with the cameramen, as he'd hold up a picture or a newspaper headline for the camera and it would take a good 3 minutes or so for the shot to change. It was cable access bad.

I actually changed the channel for a while and when I came back, James Fox and Michael Shermer were on with Friedman and Marcel. Shermer brought some toy aliens to, ostensibly, shit all over Ufology. He and Friedman were really going at it a few times during the show, which served as the lone highlights of the evening. Shermer would ramble on and talk out of his ass and make bold proclamations and then when Friedman would try and rebut his nonsense, he'd talk all over Friedman's response. He also kept dropping the term "probe", as an additional little dig at the UFO folks (what a clown shoe).

I missed Noory's grand entrance, but it looks like he and Larry only really exchanged pleasantries and spoke for probably less than two minutes. Larry did ask the hilarious and pertinent question of "what percentage [of C2C callers] are Kookyville ?" Noory estimated it to be ten percent. I'd say it is more like 33 to 40 percent, though I'm also including outright morons in that equation. (And let's not even start discussing potential Kookyville residents amongst the guests, the "science advisor", and Dr. Morgus.) I was fortunate enough to watch the show with a friend of mine, who is not a harcore esoteric cretin like me. His reaction to Noory was, "Is he wearing a wig ?" I had to explain The Noor's unfortunate reliance on a strange combination of "Just for Men" and shoe polish for his hair coloring needs.

We flipped back over to the show for the final 15 minutes and it just resembled a disaster scene. For starters, they mashed Larry King, Buzz Aldrin, Marcel Jr., Friedman, Shermer, Fox, Symington, and Noory around one table. Poor Stanton was so squeezed out, it looked like he was seated in the coat room. Everything ground to a halt as Buzz Aldrin rambled on endlessly, complete with a cheesy model, to tell some story that never really went anywhere. No one seemed to have a clue what he was talking about, including the folks who put up the graphics, and it ate up the bulk of the time I was watching at the end.

At the close, the final verdict was that Buzz and Shermer were anti-UFO, Friedman and the rest were pro-UFO. James Fox also embarrassingly just pimped his movie non-stop throughout the show and was the picture perfect cliche of the UFO guy with something to sell. (I will give him subversive kudos for managing to get on both this show and Nightline in the past week to schill his movie.)

All in all, it was an interesting hour, more so for the interpersonal dynamics of the show than the actual content. Way too many guests were featured and they could have done without Marcel, Shuster, Fox, and Noory and made for a much better showcase of views. Hell, a straight up Friedman v. Shermer episode would have been boffo. The lack of focus really became a hindrance as they tried to cover Roswell, Phoenix Lights, UFOs in general, and Buzz Aldrin into a 40 minute show replete with 8 or so guests and their requisite intros, outros, and ass kissing.

For all the people who appreciate any mainstream publicity for Ufology that they can get, I suppose it was a good thing. But I've a feeling this was yet another lateral step and that in two or three years, half of these faces and some new ones will return to Larry King and rehash the same conversation once again. The UFO topic should be a monthly one on King (and other programs), but will, sadly, instead be relegated to mothballs until the next flap or anniversary of note.

7.6.7 : C2C to shut down Coastriders forum

I received this e-mail today ...

Dear Coast Riders Member,

We're happy to announce a new daily Coast to Coast email newsletter, which will provide handy recaps, show info, and special audio links, to keep you updated on the show while you're on the go. In order to redirect our resources for this soon-to-launch project, we're closing the Coast Riders Message Board effective Thursday July 12th, 2007. This advance notice is being provided in order for you to save posts and information, and if you like migrate them to another system. Thank you for your participation in the board, which over the years has produced much spirited conversation. We look forward to communicating with you via our exciting new e-newsletter.

Sincerely,
Lex Lonehood
on behalf of CoasttoCoastam.com & Premiere Interactive Services

I'm stunned and saddened. The animated picture above pretty much sums up my point of view, with me (and the rest of the Coastriders) being the midget.

I had plans for this week's binnall report, but they've gone flying out the window (also much like the midget above).

You see, back in October of 2004, I started writing "the binnall report" on the Streamlink message board (back before it became "The Coastriders". From there, BoA was developed and grew up out of my work covering C2C. Eventually, BoA became it's own entity, but I always thought of the Streamlink forum like the old coffee hangout I used to have in high school. And now it's closing down.

I've started writing my reaction to this sad news, but I want to sleep on it, for now, as I'm going throught the five stages of grief over this and it's best to stop and catch my breath a bit. Things are much too crazy as this story just broke hours ago and I've been following the fallout on about 4 different message boards. Plus I wanted to talk about Art Bell retiring and Ian Punnett's show being folded and there won't be time for that @ 2 AM.

So ... binnall report to be posted tomorrow with an in-depth reaction to the C2C Coastrider message board being terminated, plus other stuff, of course.

God speed, Coastrider board. You were the birthplace of BoA and you will be missed.

5.13.7 : a message from binnall

I've been very quiet the last few days and wanted to pass along some word on what is going on here @ BoA HQ.

I'll spare you the heartbreaking details, but the gist of it is that my father is very, very sick (which is an understatement). He has been in the ICU since last Friday (5.4). Longtime BoA readers will recall his health struggles from a couple of years ago. Someday, when this is all said and done, I will probably write more about my father's illness, but I'm just not in a place to do that right now. Suffice it to say, my attention is almost 100% focused on my dad at this time, as the situation is rather dire.

When things settle down a little bit, this evening, I'll finish getting the audio together and have it uploaded. After that ? Who knows. The BoA staff will still be contributing material, but it may be another week or two before the binnall report and BoA : Audio will be back. I'm sure you can all understand that those two "wings" of BoA require far too more work and attention than I can possibly put into them right now. Don't worry, though, we'll be back in time, this is just a temporary pause.

As is the case in struggles like this, I'll keep taking it day-by-day until this is resolved. I've been living in the moment since we brought my dad to the hospital last Friday. It's been emotionally, spiritually, and physically exhausting.

For now, I ask that you keep my father and my family in your thoughts and prayers.

1.26.7 : BoA : Audio update.

(Excerpted from this week's binnall report)

I've been saying for the past couple of weeks that I've had the feeling that we were about a week behind where we wanted to be for the return of BoA : Audio. And, as our planned return got closer and closer, that feeling never quite went away.

So ... I've decided to call a last minute audible and reset the return date for BoA : Audio to 2.3.7 (i.e. next Saturday).

Luckily for us, we aren't beholden to a hard and fast deadline and can pretty much make the rules up as we go along. BoA : Audio is committed to providing quality stuff and would rather take our time, catch up to where we should be, and produce strong esoteric radio instead of being forced to half ass it in order to make a deadline which we set up in the first place.

As such, the schedule now looks like this ...

1.29.7 (Monday) :: BoA : Audio second half teaser, featuring a sampling of some of our upcoming guests.

1.31.7 (Wednesday) :: Full schedule for February unveiled @ binnallofamerica.com.

2.3.7 (Next Saturday) :: John Greenewald (Part 1 of 2)

The creator of blackvault.com and Ufology's great young hope, John Greenewald comes to BoA : Audio for an extended conversation. In our first half installment, we'll be discussing blackvault.com, it's massive document archive, the ins and outs of the FOIA, the government's reaction to John's work, and tons more regarding the esoteric institution known as blackvault.com.

His website is, of course, blackvault.com

So be sure to join us next week when we kick off the second half of underground esoteric radio known to those in the know as BoA : Audio.

1.21.7 : I get letters.

(Excerpted from this week's binnall report)

I read your 2 cents worth on your little message board. And you are entitled to your opinion.

I almost feel like having the 4068 people who emailed us and was amazed by Dr. Hairfield's insight to post their opinion on your board.

But I wouldn't give you that much attention.

How many times have you been a guest on C2C? Oh, none? So you sit around and comment on those who are. Interesting life you have.

Keep up the amazing work.

Chad

My first ever "hate mail" regarding something written here in the binnall report from someone associated with the actual guest. I knew if I kept ranting and raving, eventually someone's feelings would get hurt. I just figured it would be Hoagland, that's all. Anyway, what follows is my response to Chad ...

Chad ::

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't mean to offend. It's just my opinion, as you say.

For what it's worth, I enjoyed Steven's original appearance on C2C, "Tuesday's episode was fantastic. Steven Hairfield brought the goods big time, talking about 2012. I can't quite put my finger on it, but Hairfield had a terrifying scenario and a zen peacefulness that made it a wild ride. His pontifications on the world were weighty with wisdom. Best episode of the week, by far. For what it's worth, Hairfield says that 2012 may actually be 2006, so start building your bunkers ... now." http://www.binnallofamerica.com/tbr2.17.6.html

I just didn't dig this recent appearance. Whether is was my own foul mood, as alluded to in the actual paragraph you reference or @ the beginning of the review, "So forgive me if the reviews are vague or more biting than usual, it's just how things were this week." I'm not sure.

I do know that I would have liked Hairfield to tackle his mis-step re: 2012 / 2006 head-on. He was so adamant about it in his last appearance (to a delightful degree), that to not even mention it, here still on the cusp of 2007, didn't sit right with me. Had he cleared that up right @ the beginning of the interview, I think I would have gone into it with a better point of view. Just my 2 cents.

I'm sure lots of people disagree with me re: the Hairfield episode. It wouldn't be the first time I deviated from public opinion re: a guest. I'm sure it won't be the last time either.

Re : C2C appearances and lack thereof ... Webster Tarpley, Mac Tonnies, Jerry E. Smith, Adam Gorightly, John Velez, Lisa Shiel, Stuart Miller, Joseph Farrell, James Carrion, Walt Andrus, Joe Fex, Alfred Lehmberg, and John DeCamp deserve to be on C2C, but they haven't been. That doesn't make their work any less important.

Better luck next appearance. I'll try and be in a better mood.

All the best,

Tim Binnall

After that, Chad wrote back and it appears we have worked out our differences of opinion (until he sees that I have printed his e-mail this week, of course).

Noory / binnall Summit

(Excerpted from this week's binnall report)

Yes, kids, it happened.

So, I was in San Diego from 12.14 to 12.28 and, during my visit, none other than George "The Noor" Noory was also in town for a "Worker in the Light" book signing.

Keeping the details to a minimum, suffice it to say, there was a decent sized audience of creepy to not-quite-so creepy Coast fans in attendance to meet and greet with The Noor. After a brief Q & A period, featuring such gems as "Where did you come from ?" and "Thank you for the bumper music." (That's not even a question, sir), Noory got around to signing books. During the Q & A, I wanted to stand up and ask Noory an actually relevant question, but I was afraid of being bludgeoned to death by a horde of angry Nooryheads.

Following a lengthy and surreal wait in line, which saw me meeting someone who is apparently a BoA : Audio listener and taking a pic with him. (Yes, I'm a quasi-celebrity now. I can die in peace.) I finally met The Noor.

Think of Ralphie from a Christmas Story after he finally gets up there to meet Santa. What does one say to a Nighthawk ? Well, first I told him my name. Then, he just about jumped out his chair and yelped, "Tim Binnall !" in his trademark Noory "excited" style. Apparently, he knows of binnall. That exchange ranks up there with some of the strangest experiences of my life. I wasn't quite sure what to say after that, but we gabbed for a brief moment while the Nooryheads behind me in line cursed my name for taking so long. And then I was whisked off, away from the rarefied air that surrounded the leather jacket clad Noor.

I wouldn't be surprised to see our talks continue with a follow up Noory / binnall summit sometime in 2007.