The Great Big Yarn of Mel's Hole
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, two mysterious bottomless pits come under scrutiny: "Mel's Hole" and the "Basque Hole." According to Mel Waters, the nine-foot-diameter Mel's Hole has defied physics by never filling up despite years of use as a dump site, while objects dropped into it descend silently into depths measured at over 15 miles.
The story takes unexpected turns when Waters describes government intervention on his property, monthly lease payments, and relocation to Australia. The summary also covers experiments at the Basque Hole, including unusual thermal phenomena and a particularly strange incident involving a sheep that, when retrieved from the hole, contained what observers described as a seal-like creature with human eyes.
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1-Page Summary
Mysterious Properties of "Mel's Hole" and "Basque Hole"
Two mysterious pits, known as "Mel's Hole" and the "Basque Hole," have garnered attention for their inexplicable properties. Mel's Hole, a nine-foot-diameter pit lined with stone, reportedly defies normal physical laws. Despite being used as a dumpsite, the hole never fills up, and objects descend silently into its depths. Mel Waters, using heavy-duty fishing gear, measured the hole to be more than 15 miles deep without finding bottom. Witnesses report seeing a black beam of energy shooting skyward from the pit.
The "Basque Hole," discovered by Mel and his Basque partners, features a metal collar that exhibits unusual thermal properties. The collar remains cool to touch while somehow warming nearby objects. Experiments at the Basque Hole revealed more oddities, including ice that, when melted, displayed intense heat properties and eventually ignited.
Government's Takeover of Mel's Land
Mel reports being blocked from his property by military personnel claiming a plane crash, though he saw no evidence of one. Government agents threatened to plant evidence of a drug lab if he didn't cooperate. Subsequently, Mel received an anonymous offer to lease his land for $250,000 monthly, leading to his government-assisted relocation to Australia. Mel later discovered suspicious activities involving fiber optic cable deliveries from Lawrence Livermore Laboratory to a nearby warehouse, suggesting possible clandestine operations.
Strange Fetal Creature Found In Sheep
In a bizarre experiment, a sheep lowered 1,500 feet into the Basque hole was retrieved cooked from the inside out. Upon dissection, researchers discovered its organs had been replaced by a tumor containing a seal-like creature with human eyes. The creature appeared to attempt communication with the research team. Remarkably, following this encounter, Mel's terminal esophageal cancer reportedly disappeared.
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Counterarguments
- The depth of Mel's Hole being over 15 miles deep is highly improbable given the deepest known point on land, the Kola Superdeep Borehole, is only about 7.5 miles deep.
- The claim of a black beam of energy shooting skyward from Mel's Hole lacks credible evidence and verification from independent scientific sources.
- The thermal properties of the metal collar at the Basque Hole defy known physical laws and require empirical validation.
- The phenomenon of ice from the Basque Hole igniting after melting is not consistent with the properties of water ice and lacks a plausible explanation.
- The government's alleged takeover of Mel's land and the subsequent threats and lease offer are serious accusations that would typically require substantial evidence to be considered credible.
- The delivery of fiber optic cables from Lawrence Livermore Laboratory to a nearby warehouse may have a benign explanation and does not necessarily indicate clandestine operations.
- The account of a sheep being retrieved cooked from the inside out with a tumor containing a creature is extraordinary and would require rigorous scientific examination to be substantiated.
- The disappearance of Mel's terminal esophageal cancer following the encounter with the creature is a medical claim that would need to be documented and studied by medical professionals to establish a causal relationship.
Actionables
- You can explore local legends and mysteries by creating a digital map of your area's unexplained phenomena, using a free online mapping tool to mark locations and share stories. This activity encourages community engagement and can be a fun way to learn about the history and folklore of your region. For example, if there's a haunted house or an area where UFO sightings are common, add it to the map with a brief description and any personal experiences or local tales associated with it.
- Start a hobbyist geology club with friends or community members to investigate and discuss geological anomalies in your vicinity. You don't need to be an expert; just a curiosity about the earth's mysteries can be enough. As a group, you could visit sites with unusual rock formations or areas where magnetic anomalies have been reported, then share findings and theories in a casual setting, like a monthly coffee meet-up.
- Engage in creative writing by penning short stories inspired by the unexplained phenomena you've heard about, like Mel's Hole. Use the elements of mystery and the unknown to craft narratives that entertain and provoke thought. This can be a solitary activity or part of a writing group where you challenge each other to incorporate strange and mysterious elements into your work, providing a unique outlet for imagination and storytelling.
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Mysterious Properties of "Mel's Hole" and "Basque Hole"
Legend has expanded around two enigmatic pits known as "Mel's Hole" and the "Basque Hole," each displaying a bizarre array of properties and phenomena that captivate and mystify.
Mystical Pit Mel's Hole Exhibited Strange Traits
Mel's Hole is reported to be a nine-foot diameter, stone-lined pit with a history of confounding characteristics.
Hole: 9-Foot Diameter, Stone-Lined Top, Soil Top Layer, Rocky Bottom Extending Underground
A neighbor revealed to Mel that the hole's edge used to be circled by Stonehenge-like stones, sans the connecting lintel stones. The hole itself is about nine-feet across, with stone lining the top fifteen feet, transitioning to soil, and then bedrock underneath. Surrounding the opening is a three-and-a-half-foot wall designed to prevent accidental falls.
Silent Descent Into the Unfillable Void
Despite being a dumpsite for everything from livestock carcasses to appliances, the hole has never filled up. Objects cast into the chasm disappear silently, suggesting an abyssal depth. Mel Waters used heavy-duty fishing gear with a one-pound weight, initially dropping a roll of Lifesavers over 1,500 yards down, which returned intact, denying the presence of water. He paid out line over 80,000 feet—more than 15 miles—without encountering a bottom.
Black Beam of Light or Energy Shoots Skyward, Witnesses Report
Witness reports include sightings of a black beam of energy shooting skyward from the pit. This beam seemed to consume light, visible even during the night.
"Basque Hole" Discovered by Mel and Basque Contacts
Mel and his Basque partners discovered another pit, the "Basque Hole," which had attributes distinct from Mel's Hole.
Basque Hole Had 9-Foot Diameter and Metal Collar, Unlike Mel's Hole
The Basque Hole featured a metal collar, differing from the stone structure of Mel's Hole. This collar remained cool to the touch even when subjected to heat sources.
Basque Hole's Metal Lining Heated Nearby Objects Without Getting Hot
Local ...
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Mysterious Properties of "Mel's Hole" and "Basque Hole"
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Actionables
- You can explore the concept of infinite depth by dropping weighted lines into local bodies of water to measure their depths. While you won't find a bottomless pit, this activity can give you a hands-on understanding of depth measurement and the excitement of the unknown. For example, attach a small weight to a fishing line and see how much line it takes to reach the bottom of a pond or lake in your area.
- Experiment with the idea of energy beams by creating a simple light display in your backyard. Use a flashlight or laser pointer to simulate a beam shooting skyward during the night. This can be a fun way to engage with the concept of mysterious energy phenomena and can be a creative activity for an evening with friends or family.
- Investigate the properties of heat and cold by conducting at-home exp ...
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Government's Takeover of Mel's Land and Authority Encounters
Mel recounts an ordeal where he was barred from his property by government agents and eventually made a deal that led to his relocation to Australia.
Mel Blocked From Property by Alleged Plane Crash
Mel was blocked from entering his property by military personnel, who claimed that a plane crash had taken place. However, Mel was skeptical as there was no evidence of a crash such as noise or wreckage, leading him to believe none had actually occurred. Subsequently, the government took control of his land.
Agents Threatened to Plant Evidence to Implicate Mel if He Didn't Leave
During the encounter, a person in a suit—not in military uniform—confronted Mel with a warning that a drug lab could be found on his property, implying potential legal trouble for Mel if he didn't comply with their demands to leave.
Barred From His Land, Mel Received a Lucrative Anonymous Lease Offer
After the government acquired Mel's land, he received an anonymous offer from a real estate agent to lease his land indefinitely for $250,000 a month. Mel accepted this offer, which was exceptionally lucrative.
Mel Relocated To Australia With Government Assistance
Consequently, Mel relocated to Australia, where he was involved in successful medicinal herb growing. The government facilitated all the necessary paperwork for this move, and the Australian government cooperated with the relocation.
Mel Claimed the Government Took Over His Property for Secret Activities, Including Receiving Mysterious Shipments
Mel observed that images of his property were intentionally obscured on satellite images ...
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Government's Takeover of Mel's Land and Authority Encounters
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Counterarguments
- The military's presence and barring Mel from his property could have been due to legitimate safety concerns following a plane crash, even if Mel did not witness the crash himself.
- The government's acquisition of Mel's land could have been lawful and part of eminent domain procedures, which allow for the taking of private property for public use with fair compensation.
- The threat to plant evidence could be a misunderstanding or miscommunication rather than a genuine threat from the government agent.
- The anonymous lease offer, while lucrative, could be a standard confidential agreement for various legal and privacy reasons, not necessarily linked to clandestine activities.
- Mel's relocation to Australia and the government's assistance could be a coincidence or part of a standard relocation program for displaced individuals rather than a cover-up.
- The obscured images on satellite maps could be due to technical issues or standard privacy practices rather than ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your property's security by installing surveillance cameras and motion sensors to monitor any unusual activity. This proactive measure ensures you have a record of who comes and goes, which can be crucial if you ever face a situation where access to your property is questioned or restricted. For example, a wildlife camera with night vision can capture footage in remote areas without the need for Wi-Fi.
- Develop a contingency plan for unexpected financial offers by consulting with a financial advisor to establish clear criteria for when to accept or reject such proposals. This might involve setting thresholds for the amount you're willing to lease your property for, or identifying red flags that suggest an offer might be too good to be true. For instance, if you receive an offer well above market value, it could warrant additional scrutiny and professional advice before proceeding.
- Stay informed about your property righ ...
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Strange Fetal Creature Found In Sheep Lowered Into Basque Hole
A peculiar and eerie discovery is made when a sheep, reacting with fear, is lowered into a renowned Basque hole and retrieved with its body cooked from the inside out.
Sheep Lowered Into Basque Hole Cooked Inside Out
Sheep Dissection Uncovers Tumor Replacing Organs
Upon being lowered to a depth of 1500 feet into the Basque hole, a sheep that had displayed clear signs of distress was later retrieved, having met a grisly end. The sheep was deceased, and upon dissection, it was determined that it had been cooked from the inside out. What's more, the sheep's internal organs were not found; instead, a massive tumor had taken their place.
Researchers Find Fetal-Like Creature With Human Eyes In Tumor
"Researchers Witness Unusual Communication From 'Tumor Seal'"
During the dissection, when the tumor was further inspected, researchers encountered an unexpected sight: a fetal-like creature resembling a seal, but with human eyes, was nestled inside. This creature opened its eyes and surveyed the research team, detached itself from an umbilical ...
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Strange Fetal Creature Found In Sheep Lowered Into Basque Hole
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Counterarguments
- The phenomenon of a sheep being cooked from the inside out upon being lowered into a hole seems physically implausible and requires further scientific investigation to verify the claim and understand the mechanism behind such an occurrence.
- The replacement of a sheep's organs with a massive tumor is a serious medical condition, but the suggestion that it happened in the absence of any external signs is unusual and would typically be detectable prior to such an extreme event.
- The discovery of a fetal-like creature with human eyes inside a tumor is extraordinary and challenges current biological understanding, necessitating peer-reviewed scientific validation.
- The creature's attempt to communicate and its apparent detachment from an umbilical cord within the tumor raises questions abo ...
Actionables
- Explore the power of storytelling by writing a short science fiction tale that incorporates elements of mystery and healing. Use the podcast's themes as a springboard for creativity, imagining scenarios where the inexplicable occurs and leads to positive outcomes. For example, you could write about a character who discovers a strange artifact that cures ailments, using this as a metaphor for personal growth or overcoming challenges.
- Engage in a thought experiment where you visualize encountering an otherworldly being that communicates non-verbally. Reflect on what emotions and thoughts this experience brings up, and how it might change your perspective on communication and empathy. You could journal about this experience, focusing on the feelings of connection and understanding that transcend language.
- Create a piece of art, such as a painting or sculpture, inspi ...
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