Information

Darklore Volume 2 Released!!

Greg — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:42:03 +0000

I'm very pleased to announce that Darklore Volume 2 is now officially available for sale! As with Volume 1, there are two versions to choose from - the limited edition hardcover, or the cheaper paperback. Due to an unbelievable amount of requests (and some abuse to boot), the limited edition run has been increased to 333 copies this time around - but, considering the number of email requests I've had about it, I doubt even that number will last too long. Here's the purchasing information for Amazon US and UK, and a purty picture of the cover of Darklore Volume 2 as well:

Limited Edition Hardcover (United States)
Limited Edition Hardcover (United Kingdom)
Paperback (United States)
Paperback (United Kingdom)

In Volume 2 we've got another stellar line-up of writers and researchers in the topics of hidden history, the paranormal, the occult and strange science. Professor Stephen Braude writes about the 'Fear of Psi', Theo Paijmans shares some of his groundbreaking new research into UFO/ET reports from the 19th century, Nick Redfern discusses the mysteries of Loch Ness (besides that well-known beastie), Jon Downes looks at the history of Japanese soldiers who fought on after the official end of World War II, Paul Devereux teaches some little known history about European witchcraft and psychedelics, Mike Jay provides some startling new insights into the beginnings of Illuminati lore, and I write about the occult underpinnings of modern rock music. *Gasp for air* Also: Michael Tymn tells the fascinating story of an early 'near death experience', Mac Tonnies ponders on whether UFOs are the vanguards of a post-biological intelligence, Neil Arnold reveals the chilling history of the 'Bennington Triangle', Michael Prescott recounts the mysterious afterlife case involving the R-101 airship accident, Filip Coppens has the inside story of the discovery of the crystal skull, Regan Lee discusses Mothman, Blair MacKenzie Blake shares his thoughts on the possible role of DMT in magick, and The Emperor points out the links between paranormal events and strange fogs and mists.

As I've previously pointed out, Darklore is a unique publication in that it funnels the profits from each sale directly back to contributors - those who deserve it most. As such, it strengthens the research community, and allows those researchers to continue providing information online and in other formats. On behalf of them all, I thank you for your support of Darklore, and know you'll absolutely love the latest release.

I'll try and post a few sample articles before the end of the week on the Darklore website, for those wanting an appetiser before the main meal. Remember that Volume 1 is of course still available too - three sample articles from Vol. 1, and purchasing information, are available at the website link above.

OcTOOLber Prize Winners

Greg — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:24:14 +0000

Winners of the Daily Grail October prize draw have been picked out of the proverbial hat, and are as follows:

Main prize winner: Deborah Eagle, who picks up the autographed artwork by Maynard James Keenan of Tool.

Consolation prize winners: Mike Heffernan and John Harvey, who pick up paperback copies of the latest issue of Darklore (Volume 2).

Thanks to all of the voluntary subscribers to TDG who were in the draw - I'm glad to be able to offer something in return to at least some of you. Remember that more prizes will be drawn at the end of each month, so it's not a bad deal to chip a few dollars in to become a voluntary subscriber: you'll not only help improve the website, support work on new features, and keep it independent - but you also get monthly chances to win some really cool stuff. For those interested in becoming a defender of the Grail, details are below.

Good luck to all voluntary subscribers for this month's draw!

----------------

Voluntary subscriptions can be donated via the PayPal button underneath (**accepts credit card details** as well as PayPal account transfers):

For cheques/money orders via the post (only for amounts over $50 please, due to the expenses involved), or just plain old crispy dollar bills of any amount:

Greg Taylor
P.O. Box 28
Petrie, QLD, 4502
AUSTRALIA

Sincere thanks to all those who have supported the site thus far, and good luck to you in the next draw! Winners will be announced in early December.

Darklore Volume 2 Imminent

Greg — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:22:08 +0000

Volume 2 of our 'paranormal journal' Darklore is about to go on sale, so if you want one of the limited edition hardcovers then be ready. Due to overwhelming demand (I still get emails asking whether there are any hardcover copies of Volume 1 available), I have raised the number of the limited edition this time to 333. Considering we've sold over 1000 copies of Volume 1, I'd say that will go very quickly as well. Here's the cover for Volume 2:

Contributors to the latest release include ufologist Nick Redfern, respected paranormal investigator Stephen E. Braude, 'sacred history' researcher Paul Devereux, Fortean pundit Mike Jay, occult expert Blair MacKenzie Blake and many more. Full details will be announced when the book is available for sale.

Good Books for Xmas

Greg — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:38:03 +0000

If you're looking for some good book, music or movie purchases for Xmas, why not check out the Daily Grail Amazon Store (aStore). In there you'll find all the books published so far by Daily Grail Publishing (which, obviously, help to keep the site running through their royalties), as well as other picks which we recommend. The aStore is still a work in progress, but it should be a good browse even at this stage.

And, by the way, Darklore Volume 2 is just around the corner. Really, this time it is...

Navigating the Grail

Greg — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:00:14 +0000

Just a couple of quick notes which may help readers navigate the Daily Grail a little better. Firstly, when we post regularly, stories tend to slip off the front page fairly quickly (within a few days). To continue reading those older posts, just click on the number '2', or the 'Next' button, at the bottom of the page. Then '3'. Then '4'. And I'll see you next year.

Also, if a particular story interests you, you can read all other stories in the same 'category' by clicking on the topic immediately beneath the headline. So, in the review of SPOOK just posted, if you click on 'Spirit World', it will list all the most recent stories under that category. For quick reference, in case you want to bookmark any, here are some of the more popular topics:

Alien Nation (UFOs, space stuff)
Conspiranoia (conspiracies, secret societies)
Hidden History (challenging history)
Mind Mysteries (consciousness, parapsychology)
Spirit World (afterlife, ghosts)
Cynics and Skeptics (the anti-woo)
News Briefs

I'm currently working on a redesign of the site which will add these to the basic navigation, but until then the above will do.

Final Call for OcToolber Prize Draw

Greg — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:30:56 +0000

There's only a week left in October, so if you want to be in the draw for a limited edition, personally-signed artwork by the lead singer of Tool, Maynard James Keenan, now is the time to ante up a voluntary subscription for the Daily Grail (that's right, the inner Gollum busting out of you right now can do some good at the same time as coveting this particular 'precious'!). Even if you're not lucky enough to win, I'm throwing in a few books as consolation prizes - that's how gawdamn nice I am.

If you want to be in the running for this month's prizes, you have to have become a 'voluntary subscriber' to TDG before the prize draw on October 31 - see below on how to do so. Remember that higher donation amounts give you more chances to win: subscriptions up to $19 get 1 entry, $20 to $49 gets 2 entries, and $50 and up gets 3.

All voluntary subscriptions not only get you in the draw, but also help to improve the site and keep it independent, so it's win-win for everyone.

----------------

Voluntary subscriptions can be donated via the PayPal button underneath (**accepts credit card details** as well as PayPal account transfers):

For cheques/money orders via the post (only for amounts over $50 please, due to the expenses involved), or just plain old crispy dollar bills of any amount:

Greg Taylor
P.O. Box 28
Petrie, QLD, 4502
AUSTRALIA

Sincere thanks to all those who have supported the site thus far, and good luck to you in the draw! Winners will be announced in early November.

October Prize Draw - Mmmm, Toolicious!

Greg — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:55:00 +0000

I mentioned last month that there would be prizes on offer for those who supported Daily Grail with a 'voluntary subscription'. Well, this month we begin to honour that promise (I'll draw some new prizes each month), with the first of our prizes being very sexy indeed: a limited edition artwork by the lead singer of Tool, Maynard James Keenan, personally signed and with certificate (and seal) of authenticity, direct from the inner sanctum of the Tool Temple (thanks Blair!). It certainly would look kick-ass in a frame up on my wall, but I'm sacrificing for the good of TDG and putting it up for one of you lucky folk to win (click the image for a larger view):

Also, I'll throw in a couple of books as runner-up prizes, just so y'all have a good chance of picking something up. If you want to be in the running for this month's prizes, you have to have become a 'voluntary subscriber' to TDG before the prize draw on October 31 - see below on how to do so. Remember that higher donation amounts give you more chances to win: subscriptions up to $19 get 1 entry, $20 to $49 gets 2 entries, and $50 and up gets 3.

All voluntary subscriptions not only get you in the draw, but also allow me to improve the site, so it's win-win for everyone. Note too that I'm currently working on a site redesign, which will have more functions and improvements, some of which may be only available to voluntary subscribers. So plonk down a few dollars on a worthwhile investment.

----------------

Voluntary subscriptions can be donated via the PayPal button underneath (**accepts credit card details** as well as PayPal account transfers):

For cheques/money orders via the post (only for amounts over $50 please, due to the expenses involved), or just plain old crispy dollar bills of any amount:

Greg Taylor
P.O. Box 28
Petrie, QLD, 4502
AUSTRALIA

I'll announce the winners of the October Prize Draw in early November.

Rocket Man enters History Books

red pill junkie — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:09:10 +0000

Swiss adventurer —and Icarus impersonator— Yves Rossi has accomplished his goal of crossing the English channel, using his strapped-on jet wing that he designed and fabricated.

According to CNN, He began the Friday flight just before 1207 GMT; by 12:15 GMT, Rossy was above British soil and looped over onlookers before opening his parachute, with his wings still strapped to his back.

"It was perfect. Blue sky, sunny, no clouds, perfect conditions," Rossy said. "We prepared everything and it was great."

The travesy was not without incidents, however. Yves' jet wing ran out of fuel just before the end, and he had to use a parachute to safely reach ground.

You can watch the video of this amazing feat here.

Also, National Geographic will run a special program called "Flight of the Jet Man" that will start at 8 pm ET/PT. Just in case you were not planning on watching certain debate that may *or* may not air at the same hour ;-)

Happy Birthday to Us!

Greg — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:47:10 +0000

Hey, this website is 10 years old. That's pretty damn good going for an almost-updated-daily website with no operating budget and a complete lack of editorial qualifications. I guess we must do something right. Most of the credit for that "right" has to go to the amazing admins that we've had over the years, who've worked their butts off collecting news, in order to help out the community - big props to all of them*, a big thanks from me on behalf of both myself, and all TDG readers (I'd list their names, but I'm doped up to the eyeballs and I'd forget someone and be eternally ashamed of myself).

Thanks also to all you readers out there that hang out, discuss the topics, spread the word, send thanks, news tips, comments, advice, and offer me membership in the Illuminati (yes, I still get about ten a year). The site has always been about community, and all you guys are therefore an intrinsic part of the Grail gestalt.

I'd say more, but I'm not very well. Maybe I'll celebrate when my eyeballs stop hurting. But anyway, happy birthday to us!

(* Hey, did anyone else notice that our very own Cernig now has a gig on one of the biggest political blogs on the planet, Crooks and Liars...and yes, I'll claim him now that he's famous)

Last Call!

Greg — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:40:07 +0000

**This story stickied for the next few days - regular updates continue beneath**

This coming Monday is the Daily Grail's 10th birthday*! As mentioned previously, we're 'celebrating' this feat by asking for voluntary subscriptions to the site, in order to help the site grow and continue on for years to come. With more than 10,000 readers per day, that should be a simple matter of asking everyone to chip in just a dollar or two (not bad value you'd have to say, for 10 years of TDG). Unfortunately, the apathy monster generally has a pretty firm grip on everyone out there - but *you* might just be that free-spirited exception, willing to support independent news and commentary! So, one more time, this is how you can help out:

You can donate using Paypal, credit card, or via selected debit cards, using the PayPal donation button beneath:

Alternately, for cheques/money orders via the post (only for amounts over $50 please, due to the expenses involved), or simply great wads of cash bundled in envelopes (really, really big envelopes):

Greg Taylor
P.O. Box 28
Petrie, QLD, 4502
AUSTRALIA

As mentioned previously, there will be prizes distributed to lucky 'subscribers' - so throw in a few dollars and give yourself a chance. Trust me, you'll be kicking yourself when your neighbour proudly shows off his newly won special TDG merchandise...

For those number-crunchers out there - of the 232 voluntary subscribers so far, European and UK readers are currently the majority contributors over the USA (barely), with Scandinavian countries in particular making up a huge proportion, given the percent of readers we have from there versus the US. We definitely need to post more Viking stories here on TDG...

Sincere thanks to all those who have contributed thus far - hopefully you'll enjoy watching TDG evolve and grow over the coming years, on the back of your wonderful support.

* For those expecting fireworks and celebrations for our birthday, please note that currently I'm barely able to stay upright due to a severe dose of flu. Sorry!