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Reflective Responses:
1. I learned that there is a lot of myths around the world that are very similar and tend to just be slight variations of one another almost as if people make up myths just to have something to create a mystery about. I also found that all the myths I researched can relate pretty much all the same as they fall under the unexplained Reason for Belief as well as patternicity, emotional connection, and observation/perception.

2. I love the idea that these myths are real or exist in some way. Even without proof or lack of it, I feel like most supernatural myths that have accounts of it being real are for the most part genuine with some outliers. I always had an interest in Bigfoot and used to do a lot of research and look at videos trying to convince or debunk the hairy beast.

3. I found looking up all the different types of myths and coming across different stories and creatures to be the most interesting as supernatural beings and theories always caught my attention.

4. I'm most likely to remember reviewing the different concepts and ideas disproving or proving the realness and possibility of all the myths covered. By researching and looking back on the notes and slides, I was able to come to my own conclusions and gather my thoughts on the subject at hand.

5. The pseudoscience belief I think is the most harmful is our observation/perception because if we are easily tricked by our own senses, who knows what harm could come about if we don't pay close attention or lack awareness of the situation. The least harmful belief is patternicity as it is just in our human nature to see the patterns and similarities in our surroundings.

6. If I could pass on my knowledge to a family member or friend, I would tell them to have an open mind and skeptic approach to things that are unknown to you or that you wonder about. Apply the Critical Thinking Process before you make a strong conclusion just based on a hunch or the word of others. When you consider the red flags and reasons for belief, a lot of theories particularly on the supernatural and paranormal become less likely and you can see their existence for what it really is.

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Description:
The video talks about multiple encounters with the Native American legendary bird called The Thunderbird. It shares the possibility that these giant birds may still exist today but the fact that we're so focused on what's on the ground at eye level that we don't notice these majestic creatures roaming the skies.

Connection:
The video connects to the Unexplained as it goes into the Native American myth of the mighty Thunderbird, a gigantic bird said to be capable of lifting a full grown man or woman. Who knows whether the enormous, prehistoric like birds, still exist or if they have ever existed. By applying the Critical Thinking Process and skepticism to the encounters and stories of The Thunderbird, one can determine if the bird might actually exist or if people are just being harassed by a huge mutated bird that is already known. By following the steps, one may ask the question if The Thunderbird can exist in this day and age, gather information by asking tribes and First Nations people about the history and accounts of the bird as well as asking victims of the stories, evaluate the evidence, recognize assumptions, emotions, and biases, review the evidence gathered and identify alternative solutions, and choose the best alternative (mutated bird species, exaggeration of bird size, giant bird, etc.). The Reason for Belief can be due to ideology, emotional connection, and observation/perception. People may believe in The Thunderbird because of stories passed down through generation to generation and therefore, affecting their mental state when encountered with a large bird or obscured vision of what looks like to be a giant bird when it can't be compared to anything for reference.

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Description:
The video is about the infamous Native American creature called The Wendigo. It describes the possible meaning behind the monster and what it could be interpreted as.

Connection:
The video connects to the Unexplained due to the origin and nature of The Wendigo being so close to home for it is part of Algonquin folklore. It is said to be a monstrous creature but other interpretations have said that it is a spirit capable of possession. The manifestation that a Wendigo takes depends on the beliefs of the person which it is targeting. The two main interpretations of this creature is of the modern look which is a creature with a stag's head and the other is of the more traditional ghoul-like appearance. The are said to be gluttonous creatures whose hunger can never be satisfied as the more they eat, the more they grow, which requires them to eat more to satisfy their growing bodies therefore being, the curse of The Wendigo. By applying the Critical Thinking Process and skepticism to the accounts and stories of The Wendigo, one can uncover whether if the existence of the cursed creature is real or fake and what is the deeper meaning behind its inception. Step by step, one may ask themselves if The Wendigo curse is to blame or is it man themselves for all the cannibalistic atrocities, gather information by asking those accused of being affected by The Wendigo, evaluate the evidence, recognize assumptions, emotions, and biases, look at the evidence gathered and identify alternative solutions, and choose the best alternative (caused by mental illness, insanity, sociopath, etc.). Considering the Critical Thinking Process breaks down all possibilities of what The Wendigo could be or the causes as a result of its belief. The Reasons for Belief that one may be effected by is patternicity, agenticity, ideology, emotional connection, and observation/perception. People may misinterpret an animal and connect it local folklore or stories to that animal creating a false sense of being attacked by a Wendigo. They may also think that Wendigos could be agents sent to judge them.

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Wendigo: The Cannibalistic Spirit of Native American Folklore

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Description:
The video does a deep dive into the the conspiracy theory myth of the eerie existence of the Men In Black, or MIB for short. It talks about the eye witness accounts and encounters with these unknown men as we are unsure what is the true meaning for their being.

Connection:
The video connects to the Unexplained as it goes into some of the oldest encounters with the Men In Black going as far back as 1942. No one knows their true origin or who they are but these men only come into contact with those regarding sensitive topics such as ufo sightings, aliens, etc. They are known to threaten the witnesses into keeping quiet and disappear without a trace.  By applying the Critical Thinking Process and taking a skeptic approach with all the encounters and instances with the Men In Black, one may be able to think logically behind who they may be or the reason for their existence. Going step by step, one can ask themselves what is the purpose or meaning behind the MIB, gather information by investigating accounts with the MIB, researching organizations which may be related to the description of these unknown men, or try to invoke the Men In Black by reporting a story to catch their attention, evaluate the results, recognize assumptions, emotions, and biases, synthesize the evidence gathered and identify alternative solutions, and consider alternative possibilities (such as government officials, undercover cops, hitmen, detectives, military, impostors, etc.). By taking a look and considering the Reasoning for Belief, one may be able to see that there is emotional connection and an obscured or skewered view due to observation/perception of men who approach a person for questioning. These beliefs may be based on hearing stories of Men In Black or seeing movies which match the stereotype that they encounter and immediately assume they are MIB and out to get them and hush them. Although it could be true, it may also just be coincidence of undercover detectives trying to get to the bottom of a case or authorities who just match the image and personalities of the MIB. The biggest Reason for Belief relating to these men is agenticity, as people tend to assign them with higher intelligence. They are also considered to be "invisible" or "ghost-like" beings as they appear and disappear as if they were never there, almost like a figment of our imaginations.

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The REAL Men in Black (Creepy Conspiracy Theories)

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Description:
The video goes into detail about the Egyptian God, Anubis. It goes on to talk about how Ancient Egyptians would depict the God of the dead and his origin and purpose.

Connection:
The video connects to Agenticity as it explains the origin and story behind Anubis. He was first seen as God of the dead but more so correlated with being a guardian of the dead and becoming part of the mummification process. It is mentioned that any priest that would tend to the dead would wear leopard skin, just as it is said that Anubis did. Though there may be believers still of the God Anubis, it can be taken that the Reasoning for Belief of his existence is more of an emotional connection to bond people when faced with death or the afterlife. In mummification, since he was the first to perform the act, people would use the same practice as ancient wisdom and combine death with mystical energy.

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Anubis:  God Of The Dead - (Egyptian Mythology Explained)

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Description:
The video describes the origin and first encounter with Abominable Snowman, also known as the Yeti. It takes place in the Himalayan mountains at the exact location where the first set of Yeti footprints were discovered.

Connection:
The video connects to the Unexplained as it briefly but descriptively goes into the story of how the Yeti was first sighted, though it was not seen physically but the sighting of its footprints is enough alone to be mysterious and intriguing. Applying the Critical Thinking Process and being a skeptic while viewing the topic, one may be able to look past the similarities it has to other myths such as Bigfoot so as not to be influenced by the research pertaining to Sasquatch. Ask yourself, what is the plausibility of the Yeti, gather information by exploring or reviewing research done by other explorers, evaluate the results, recognize assumptions, emotions, and biases, synthesize the evidence gathered and identify alternative solutions, and consider alternative possibilities (such as a hoax, bear, misinterpretation, etc.). The footprints of Dr. Michael Ward and his expedition team may have been nothing but a mere coincidence created by nature or an animal. This is a result of patternicity and observation/perception, seeing footprints in the snow produced by sunken snow itself or was made to look like they were footprints due to the angles and technology available used to capture them on photograph.

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Evidence of the Yeti | National Geographic

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Description:
The website is full of biographies, articles, and writings that detail over a variety of subjects. There is also a subsection called demystified which has information on myths, legends, and folklore.

Connection:
The article of the Loch Ness monster, also known as Nessie, connects to the Unexplained because it goes into the legend of marine creature's existence. Although, much of the evidence supporting the actuality of Nessie has been looked as inconclusive and is mainly discredited because there is no concrete proof of its being but people still choose to believe. By applying the Critical Thinking Process and taking a skeptic approach to all the sightings of the Loch Ness monster, one may be able to have a clearer picture of what the creature may actually be, whether real or fake. One can ask themselves what is the possibility of Nessie's existence, gather information by talking to locals or researching already executed attempts of finding the truth, evaluate the results, recognize assumptions, emotions, and biases, synthesize the evidence gathered and identify alternative solutions, and consider alternative possibilities (such as a hoax, folklore, floating logs, ducks, etc.). By looking into the Reasoning for Belief, it can be seen that patternicity and observation/perception are two of the main reasons at work. People may interpret floating debris or wildlife as humps in the water or ducks as the long neck and head of Nessie, giving the illusion of a sea serpent in the deep waters.

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Loch Ness monster, large marine creature believed by some people to inhabit Loch Ness, Scotland. However, much of the alleged evidence supporting its existence has been discredited, and it is widely thought that the monster is a myth.

Reports of a monster inhabiting Loch Ness date back to ancient times. Notably, local stone carvings by the Pict depict a mysterious beast with flippers. The first written account appears in a 7th-century biography of St. Columba. According to that work, in 565 ad the monster bit a swimmer and was prepared to attack another man when Columba intervened, ordering the beast to "go back." It obeyed, and over the centuries only occasional sightings were reported. Many of these alleged encounters seemed inspired by Scottish folklore, which abounds with mythical water creatures.

In 1933 the Loch Ness monster's legend began to grow. At the time, a road adjacent to Loch Ness was finished, offering an unobstructed view of the lake. In April a couple saw an enormous animal-which they compared to a "dragon or prehistoric monster"-and after it crossed their car's path, it disappeared into the water. The incident was reported in a Scottish newspaper, and numerous sightings followed. In December 1933 the commissioned Marmaduke Wetherell, a big-game hunter, to locate the sea serpent. Along the lake's shores, he found large footprints that he believed belonged to "a very powerful soft-footed animal about 20 feet [6 metres] long." However, upon closer inspection, zoologists at the Natural History Museum determined that the tracks were identical and made with an umbrella stand or ashtray that had a hippopotamus leg as a base; Wetherell's role in the hoax was unclear.

The news only seemed to spur efforts to prove the monster's existence. In 1934 English physician Robert Kenneth Wilson photographed the alleged creature. The iconic image-known as the "surgeon's photograph"-appeared to show the monster's small head and neck. The Daily Mail printed the photograph, sparking an international sensation. Many speculated that the creature was a plesiosaur, a marine reptile that went extinct some 65.5 million years ago.

The Loch Ness area attracted numerous monster hunters. Over the years, several sonar explorations (notably in 1987 and 2003) were undertaken to locate the creature, but none were successful. In addition, numerous photographs allegedly showed the beast, but most were discredited as fakes or as depicting other animals or objects. Notably, in 1994 it was revealed that Wilson's photograph was a hoax spearheaded by a revenge-seeking Wetherell; the "monster" was actually a plastic-and-wooden head attached to a toy submarine. In 2018 researchers conducted a DNA survey of Loch Ness to determine what organisms live in the waters. No signs of a plesiosaur or other such large animal were found, though the results indicated the presence of numerous eels. This finding left open the possibility that the monster is an oversized eel. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, the Loch Ness monster remained popular-and profitable. In the early 21st century it was thought that it contributed nearly $80 million annually to Scotland's economy.

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Loch Ness monster | History, Sightings, & Facts

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Loch Ness monster, large marine creature believed by some people to inhabit Loch Ness, Scotland. However, much of the alleged evidence supporting its existence has been discredited, and it is widely thought that the monster is a myth. Learn more about the Loch Ness monster.

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Description:
The video is of an interview with Skunk Ape's Research Headquarters lead researcher, Dave Shealy. The interviewer and Dave talk about and explore the Florida Everglades, which is supposedly home to their version of Bigfoot which is the Skunk Ape.

Connection:
The video connects to the Unexplained because of the scary idea that a Bigfoot like creature, known for its vile and strong smell, might be stalking the lands of the Florida Everglades. The main video evidence that is used to support the Skunk Ape myth does seem very questionable as many has speculated it being nothing more than a hoax. Being open minded and using the Critical Thinking Process and skepticism, one can very much see the flaws and similarities to the Bigfoot. By using the steps in the process, you can pretty much see that it seems like people wanted nothing more than something to attract a crowd to the Everglades for more tourism. The video proof does not seem very convincing as compared to the Patterson-Gimlin film, it seems as though someone is in a costume making forced strides across the tall grass. Though, my approach may be wrong and the video proof could be real evidence, it appears too much as though it is a hoax or a mistaken identity for an unknown creature that just seems to look fake. The Reasoning for Belief at work is strongly observation/perception due to the quality of the film and the shakiness of the video that Dave Shealy had recorded. Regardless of the video, people may take Dave Shealy's word as proof due to Appealing to Authority.

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Description:
The video is a short documentary about Point Pleasant's very own, Mothman. The narrator goes into detail about the origin and sightings of the creature, as well as the famous incident, the collapse of the Silver Bridge, that is said to have either been done by the Mothman himself or as others have speculated that he was there to warn them of the coming tragedy.

Connection:
The video connects to the Unexplained because it explores the supernatural event of Mothman and his connection to the town of Point Pleasant. Mothman is said to be a 7 foot creature with huge bat like wings and glowing red eyes. There was only a few days between the first couple of sightings of the Mothman and although the town was a tight knit community, the deputy that was dealing with the incidents believed they had no reason to lie and had no trouble before. By applying the Critical Thinking Process and skepticism to the observations and encounters with the alleged Mothman, one can discern whether if the stories of said creature is real or fake. Step by step, one can question the chances of its existence, gather information by asking townspeople or researching the Mothman museum, evaluate the evidence, recognize assumptions, emotions, and biases, look upon the evidence gathered and identify alternative solutions, and choose the best alternative (was it make believe, misinterpretation, hoax, etc.). Considering the Critical Thinking Process will allow a more reasonable approach to uncovering the truth behind the Mothman. People may form an emotional connection, as one of the first sightings of Mothman happened near a World War II ammunition manufacturing building and could associate the warehouse with experiments. One can also apply the patternicity and observation/perception reasons for belief of the Mothman as the creature is speculated to be just a large bird, such as a mutated Sandhill Crane, making it seem like it's something it is not.

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Description:
The video is of an interview with Robert Gimlin, one of the men behind the Patterson-Gimlin film, which is one of it not the most famous sighting and evidence supporting the existence of Bigfoot also known as Sasquatch. In the video, Gimlin goes into detail the whole encounter that he and Roger Patterson had faced with Bigfoot.

Connection:
The video connects to the Unexplained because it delves into the world of the supernatural as it is a being that could be or may all be a hoax. There's evidence supporting the existence of Bigfoot but also examples of how all the sightings may just be coincidence or fake. By applying the Critical Thinking Process and taking a skeptic approach to all the sightings and encounters with Bigfoot, one may be able to uncover the legitimacy or plausibility of the creature. Using the process, one can ask themselves what is the odds of its existence, gather information through practical methods or recommended ways of approaching and finding Bigfoot, evaluate the results, recognize assumptions, emotions, and biases, pool in the evidence gathered and identify alternative solutions, and consider alternative possibilities (such as a hoax, keeping the myth alive, coincidence, etc.). Taking a deeper look into the Critical Thinking Process, one may find reasons behind the existence of Bigfoot. By being in a certain environment like in a forest, camping, on a trail, on a mountain, or a secluded area in nature, people may be paranoid and unable to think critically and become overwhelmed by the emotional connection assigning their environment with Bigfoot. People may also be tricked by their observation/perception, their surroundings may trick them into thinking they see Sasquatch else because their mind is so focused on the thought, this idea also applies to patternicity.

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Patterson - Gimlin Bigfoot Footage | Finding Bigfoot

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Made by Nathaniel Vieira, working individually