This page will contain blogs about chupacabra, as they become available.ChupacabraThe Chupacabra or Chupacabras is a creature said to inhabit parts of the Americas. It is associated particularly with Puerto Rico, where it was first reported, Mexico, and the United States, especially in the latter's Latin American communities. The name, which translates literally from Spanish as "goat-sucker", comes from its reported habit of attacking and drinking the blood of livestock. Physical descriptions of the creature vary. Sightings began in Puerto Rico in the early 1990s, and have since been reported as far north as the Carolinas and as far south as Chile. Though some argue that the chupacabra may be a real creature, mainstream scientists and experts generally contend that the chupacabra is a legendary creature, or a type of urban legend. HistoryThe legend of los Chupacabras began in about 1992, when Puerto Rican newspapers El Vocero and El Nuevo Dia began reporting the killings of many different types of animals, such as birds, horses, and as its name implies, goats. At the time it was known as El Vampiro de Moca since some of the first killings occurred in the small town of Moca. While at first it was suspected that the killings were done randomly by some members of a satanic cult, eventually these killings spread around the island, and many farms reported loss of animal life. The killings had one pattern in common: each of the animals found dead had two punctured holes around their necks. The term "chupacabra" was supposedly coined by Puerto Rican television personality Silverio Pérez, who intended the name to be a joke, although the word had already been used in Michael Crichton's 1990 novel Jurassic Park, so it seems likely that there is an earlier origin. Soon after the animal deaths in Puerto Rico, other animal deaths were reported in other countries, such as the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Panama, Peru, Brazil, the United States and, most notably, Mexico. Both in Puerto Rico and Mexico, El Chupacabra gained urban legend status. Chupacabras stories began to be released several times in American and Hispanic newscasts across the United States, and chupacabras merchandise, such as t-shirts and baseball hats, was sold. The chupacabra is generally treated as a product of mass hysteria, though the animal mutilations are sometimes real. Like many cases of such mutilations, however, it's been argued that they are often not as mysterious as they might first appear. SightingsDrawing of a ChupacabraCertain South American rain forest natives believe in the "mosquito-man", a mythical creature of their folklore that pre-dates modern chupacabras sightings. The mosquito-man sucks the blood from animals through his long nose, like a big mosquito. Some say mosquito-man and chupacabras are one and the same. Notable sightings in the United States include one reported by multiple eye-witnesses in Calaveras County, California, and at a recent birthday celebration of a Development Team member of a local charity in Houston, Texas. According to these reports, the creature was sighted for the first time in the early to mid 1990s, harming animals of different species - although it is now thought that people did this themselves. In July of 2004, a rancher near San Antonio, Texas, killed a hairless, dog-like creature (the Elmendorf Creature) that was attacking his livestock. It was later determined to be a canine (most likely a coyote) of some sort with demodectic mange. In October of 2004, two animals which closely resemble the Elmendorf creature were observed in the same area. The first was dead, and the second was noticed by a local zoologist who was called to identify the animal while she was travelling to the location where the first was found. Specimens were studied by biologists in Texas; the creatures are thought to have been canines of undetermined species with skin problems and facial deformities. El Chupacabra has often been spotted in Michigan, a recent sighting occurring in Grand Haven. A forty-two year old man said he saw it suck the blood out of a cat. A famous appearance in the city of Varginha, Brazil, (see Varginha incident) is sometimes attributed to the chupacabras, the phenomenon is more frequently associate with extraterrestrials. In 1997, was an explosion of Chupacabra cases in Brazil, were reported in Brazilian newspapers, one report coming from police officer, who claimed to get a nauseous feeling when he saw a dog-like chupacabra in a tree. Supposed appearanceUsually, Chupacabras are said to appear in three specific forms:
Some reports claim the chupacabra's red eyes have the ability to hypnotize and paralyze their prey—the prey animal is mentally stunned, allowing the chupacabras to suck the animal's blood at its leisure. The effect is similar to the bite of the vampire bat or certain snakes or spiders that stun their prey with venom. Unlike conventional predators, the chupacabras sucks all the animal's blood (and sometimes organs) through a single hole or two holes. In fiction
Naming conventionThe creature is known as both "chupacabras" and "chupacabra" throughout the Americas, with the former probably being the original word, and the latter a better regularization of it. The name can be preceded by the masculine definite article ("el chupacabras"), which means "the goat-sucker" in Spanish. This page about chupacabra includes information from a Wikipedia article. Additional articles about chupacabra News stories about chupacabra External links for chupacabra Videos for chupacabra Wikis about chupacabra Discussion Groups about chupacabra Blogs about chupacabra Images of chupacabra |
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The name can be preceded by the masculine definite article ("el chupacabras"), which means "the goat-sucker" in Spanish. http://pyroreview.com/ http://www.pyrouniverse.com/forum/ http://pyrofreedom.kicks-ass.net/. The creature is known as both "chupacabras" and "chupacabra" throughout the Americas, with the former probably being the original word, and the latter a better regularization of it. Yet, many events are populated with the use of fireworks around the world. Unlike conventional predators, the chupacabras sucks all the animal's blood (and sometimes organs) through a single hole or two holes. Because fireworks produces smoke that have heavy metal compounds and other toxic chemicals, some countries are against the use of fireworks, arguing that they cause major pollution. The effect is similar to the bite of the vampire bat or certain snakes or spiders that stun their prey with venom. Since commercial-grade fireworks are so much larger and more powerful, setup and firing crews are always under great pressure to ensure they safely set up, fire and clean up after a show. Some reports claim the chupacabra's red eyes have the ability to hypnotize and paralyze their prey—the prey animal is mentally stunned, allowing the chupacabras to suck the animal's blood at its leisure. If the setup is wired electrically, the electrical matches are usually plugged into a "firing rail" or "breakout box" which runs back to the main firing board; from there, the Firing Board is simply hooked up to a car battery, and can proceed with firing the show when ready. Usually, Chupacabras are said to appear in three specific forms:. Wiring the shells is a pain-staking process; whether the shells are being fired manually or electronically, any "chain fusing" or wiring of electrical ignitors, care must be taken to prevent the fuse (an electrical match, often incorrectly called a squib) from igniting. In 1997, was an explosion of Chupacabra cases in Brazil, were reported in Brazilian newspapers, one report coming from police officer, who claimed to get a nauseous feeling when he saw a dog-like chupacabra in a tree. Loading of shells is a delicate process, and must be done with caution, and a loader must ensure not only the mortar is clean, but also make sure that no part of their body is directly over the mortar in case of a premature fire. A famous appearance in the city of Varginha, Brazil, (see Varginha incident) is sometimes attributed to the chupacabras, the phenomenon is more frequently associate with extraterrestrials. Setup of mortars in Canada require that a minimum angle of 10 to 15 degrees down-range with a safety distance of at least 200 meters down-range and 100 meters surrounding the mortars. A forty-two year old man said he saw it suck the blood out of a cat. The mortars are generally made of FRE (Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy) or HDPE (High-Density Polyethelene), some older mortars are made of Sheet Steel, but have been banned by most countries due to the problem of shrapnel produced during a misfire. El Chupacabra has often been spotted in Michigan, a recent sighting occurring in Grand Haven. Setup of these fireworks involves the placement and securing of mortars on wooden or wire racks; loading of the shells; and if electronically firing, wiring and testing. Specimens were studied by biologists in Texas; the creatures are thought to have been canines of undetermined species with skin problems and facial deformities. As well, since commercial-grade fireworks are a shell which is loaded into separate a mortar by hand, great care must be taken, during all stages of setup. The first was dead, and the second was noticed by a local zoologist who was called to identify the animal while she was travelling to the location where the first was found. Unlike their consumer counterpart, commercial-grade fireworks function differently, and come in a wide range of sizes from 2 inches up to 12 or more inches in diameter. In October of 2004, two animals which closely resemble the Elmendorf creature were observed in the same area. The use, storage and sale of commercial-grade fireworks in Canada is licensed by Natural Resources Canada's Explosive Regulatory Division (ERD). It was later determined to be a canine (most likely a coyote) of some sort with demodectic mange. Fireworks safety is considered to be extremely important in countries such as Canada. In July of 2004, a rancher near San Antonio, Texas, killed a hairless, dog-like creature (the Elmendorf Creature) that was attacking his livestock. Each year, there are many raids on individuals suspected of having "illegal" fireworks. According to these reports, the creature was sighted for the first time in the early to mid 1990s, harming animals of different species - although it is now thought that people did this themselves. Many states in the United States have laws on further restrict access to and use of consumer fireworks, and some of these states vigorously enforce them. Notable sightings in the United States include one reported by multiple eye-witnesses in Calaveras County, California, and at a recent birthday celebration of a Development Team member of a local charity in Houston, Texas. Together with US Customs and BATFE, they are very proactive in enforcing these rules, intercepting imported fireworks that don't comply and issuing recalls on unacceptable consumer fireworks that are found to have "slipped through". Some say mosquito-man and chupacabras are one and the same. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has established strict guidelines regarding the construction and composition of consumer fireworks. The mosquito-man sucks the blood from animals through his long nose, like a big mosquito. Safety advocates urge people to "Leave it to the professionals": in the US, you are more likely to be injured driving in your car to or from a professional fireworks show than you are to be injured by using consumer fireworks in your backyard. Certain South American rain forest natives believe in the "mosquito-man", a mythical creature of their folklore that pre-dates modern chupacabras sightings. A careful reading of the literature reveals that nearly all fatalities from consumer fireworks are due to the users not following the directions printed on the label. Like many cases of such mutilations, however, it's been argued that they are often not as mysterious as they might first appear. Meanwhile, those who support more liberal fireworks laws look at the same statistics as the critics and conclude that, when used properly, consumer fireworks are a safer form of recreation than riding bicycles or playing soccer. The chupacabra is generally treated as a product of mass hysteria, though the animal mutilations are sometimes real. There are numerous incidents of consumer fireworks being used in a manner that is extremely disrespectful of the communities and neighborhoods where the users live. Chupacabras stories began to be released several times in American and Hispanic newscasts across the United States, and chupacabras merchandise, such as t-shirts and baseball hats, was sold. Complaints about excessive noise created by fireworks and the large amounts of debris and fallout left over after shooting are also used to support this position. Both in Puerto Rico and Mexico, El Chupacabra gained urban legend status. Critics and safety advocates point to the numerous injuries and accidental fires that are attributed to fireworks as justification for banning or at least severely restricting access to fireworks. Soon after the animal deaths in Puerto Rico, other animal deaths were reported in other countries, such as the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Panama, Peru, Brazil, the United States and, most notably, Mexico. Availability and use of consumer fireworks are hotly debated topics. The term "chupacabra" was supposedly coined by Puerto Rican television personality Silverio Pérez, who intended the name to be a joke, although the word had already been used in Michael Crichton's 1990 novel Jurassic Park, so it seems likely that there is an earlier origin. It has become part of the culture and tradition for the Hong Kong Chinese to go to the promenades along the two sides of the harbour to see the fireworks, or to watch the broadcast on television. The killings had one pattern in common: each of the animals found dead had two punctured holes around their necks. Fireworks are displayed annually on the second day of the first moon in the Chinese calendar since 1982 in the Victoria Harbour. While at first it was suspected that the killings were done randomly by some members of a satanic cult, eventually these killings spread around the island, and many farms reported loss of animal life. Deepavali brings the spirit of goodwill and brotherhood and is celebrated across all religions in India. At the time it was known as El Vampiro de Moca since some of the first killings occurred in the small town of Moca. In smaller towns, the large temples of the town typically have public fireworks displays. The legend of los Chupacabras began in about 1992, when Puerto Rican newspapers El Vocero and El Nuevo Dia began reporting the killings of many different types of animals, such as birds, horses, and as its name implies, goats. People have access to a variety of fireworks and most of them in urban areas set it off on the public roads running in front of their houses. . Unlike Western nations, retail of fireworks is largely unrestricted in India. Though some argue that the chupacabra may be a real creature, mainstream scientists and experts generally contend that the chupacabra is a legendary creature, or a type of urban legend. During the night the houses are adorned with small lit oil lamps and colorful lights and then the entire family participates in the display of fireworks. Sightings began in Puerto Rico in the early 1990s, and have since been reported as far north as the Carolinas and as far south as Chile. Customary traditions include offering prayers to the Gods in the morning and exchanging sweets with friends and neighbors. Physical descriptions of the creature vary. Deepavali (or Diwali) is the most popular festival of India, which broadly celebrates the triumph of good over evil primarily symbolized in the mythological epic of Ramayana in which the Hindu God Rama defeats his demonic adversary Ravana. The name, which translates literally from Spanish as "goat-sucker", comes from its reported habit of attacking and drinking the blood of livestock. This leads to some illegal trafficking of fireworks from Belgium to the Netherlands. It is associated particularly with Puerto Rico, where it was first reported, Mexico, and the United States, especially in the latter's Latin American communities. Also the fireworks sold in Belgium contain more gunpowder than is allowed in the Netherlands. The Chupacabra or Chupacabras is a creature said to inhabit parts of the Americas. In the Netherlands for example the sale of fireworks is restricted to a few days before New-Year's eve, but in Belgium the sale of fireworks is legal throughout the year. Canadian punk-pop bank Chixdiggit recorded a song by the name of "Chupacabra". The retail of fireworks in Western Europe is also restricted, but the limitations differ from country to country. Also, if the Chupacabra bit you, or scratched you, you would become a Chupacabra also. In Western Europe the use of fireworks by the general public is usually restricted to a few hours after midnight on New Year's eve. In the show, the Chupacabra only came out a night and attacked the live-stock in its area. As a consequence the most popular fireworks are still those that go off with a big bang or with a bright flash. An episode of Jackie Chan Adventures also had the Chupacabra in the episode. Although it is now just a custom to fire off fireworks on New-Year's eve, in the past the idea was to scare 'bad forces' so they would not enter the new year. Throughout the episode, Dexter could not remember the creature's purpose until the end, when he realizes that he created Charlie to scare Dee Dee. Major cities around the world host spectacular firework display on New Year's eve. An episode of Dexter's Laboratory had the Chupacabra as one of Dexter's experiments (which he named Charlie) that escaped to South America. Legality Note: Current federal law states that (without appropriate BATF license) the ownership and/or sale of any firecrackers or salutes containing in excess of 50-milligrams of explosive powder is a violation of federal statutes, including the 1966 Child Protection Act. In November of 2005 the Sci-Fi Channel aired a movie called Chupacabra, about a beast killing on a cruise ship. Banned Fireworks. The episode El Mundo Gira of the TV series X-Files is about a man believed to be El Chupacabra. Legal Fireworks. It should be noted that there are very striking morphological differences between different breeds of dogs (which wild dogs are generally descended from) that easily account for the strange characteristics of such an animal. The types fireworks sold at retail stands and stores include, but are not limited to:. Pathologists at the University found that it was just an unusual-looking dog. The type of fireworks sold at retail outlets vary widely, from "bootlegged fireworks" which are banned nationwide, to "Safe & Sane" varieties for personal use. The alleged corpse of the animal was found in Tolapa, Nicaragua, and forensically analyzed at UNAN-Leon. Some Native American tribes on reservation lands show similar behavior, often selling fireworks that are not legal for sale outside of the reservation. The account during the year 2001 in Nicaragua of a chupacabras corpse being found supports the conclusion that it is simply a strange breed of wild dog. Differences in legislation among states have led many fireworks dealers to set up shop along state borders in order to attract customers from neighboring states where fireworks are restricted. This animal is said to be the result of interbreeding between several populations of wild dogs, though enthusiasts claim that it might be an example of a dog-like reptile. For example, fireworks stands in South Carolina sell more potent varieties ("firecrackers") and are generally open year-round. The third form is simply that of a strange breed of wild dog that is mostly hairless, has a pronounced spinal ridge, unusually pronounced eye sockets, teeth, and claws, but is otherwise a typical canine. On the other hand, some states such as South Carolina are more lenient. The head is similar to a dog's, and its mouth has large teeth. Citing concerns over fireworks safety, some states, such as Nevada, have enacted legislation restricting fireworks usage. The second variety also stands and hops as a kangaroo, and it has coarse fur with greyish facial hair. Popular types of legal fireworks include Roman candle "snakes" and Saturn missile batteries. This variety is said to have a dog or panther-like nose and face, a forked tongue protruding from it, large fangs, and is said to hiss and screech when alarmed, as well as to leave a sulfuric stench behind. Each year before the American Independence Day, the Fourth of July, retailers across the nation experience a surge in fireworks sales. In at least one sighting, the creature hopped 20 feet (6 m). Along the same lines, in Canada, during Halloween, many fireworks displays are seen throughout. It stands approximately 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 m) high, and stands and hops in a similar fashion as a kangaroo. Fireworks cannot be sold to people under the age of 18 and setting them off between 11pm and 7am is only allowed at specific times of the year, including New Year and Bonfire night. The first and most common: a lizard-like being, appearing to have leathery or scaly greenish-gray skin and sharp spines or quills running down its back. Licensing for firework introduced in the United Kingdom. Examples of recent figures are: the Pope, Margaret Thatcher and George Bush. Local groups, 'bonfire societies' conduct torch-lit marches around the town, vying with each other for the best fancy-dress outfits and topical celebrity figures that are later burnt. The town of Bonfire Night [1]. That night is now celebrated as bonfire night by filling the sky with exploding fireworks, and by burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire. On 5 November, Fawkes was arrested and Parliament was saved. In 1605 Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators attempted to blow up the British Parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder in the cellars of Westminster Hall. Today, the world's most prominent industry competition for fireworks manufacturers is L’International des Feux Loto-Québec in Montreal. (Walt Disney Company, 2004). The advantages of compressed air launch are a reduction in fumes, and much greater accuracy in height and timing. The display shell is detonated in the air using an electronic timer. In 2004, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, started using aerial fireworks launched with compressed air rather than black powder, the first time that such a launch system was used commercially. This early fascination with their noise and color continues today. In 1789, George Washington's inauguration was also accompanied by a fireworks display. The very first celebrations of Independence Day were in 1777, six years before Americans knew whether the new nation would survive the war; fireworks were a part of those festivities. Fireworks and black powder were used to celebrate important events long before the American Revolutionary War. America's earliest settlers brought their enthusiasm for fireworks to the United States. Musick for the Royal Fireworks was composed by George Frideric Handel in 1749 to celebrate the peace of Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, which had been declared the previous year. Since then, any event—a birth, death, wedding, coronation, or New Year's Eve celebration—has become a fitting occasion for noisemakers. Some scholars believe fireworks were developed in the Sui and Tang Dynasties (581–907), but others believe there were no fireworks until the Northern Song Dynasty (10th century). The discovery of gunpowder and the invention of the first true fireworks are traditionally credited to the Chinese, although India is also a likely source. In the Northern and Southern Dynasties (AD 420–581) the firecrackers were used not only to dispel evil but also to pray for happiness and prosperity. In the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 220) firecrackers were made by roasting bamboo to produce the loud sound (known as "bian pao") that was intended to frighten evil spirits. . Fireworks competitions are also regularly held at a number of places. A fireworks event (also called a fireworks display or fireworks show) is a spectacular display of the effects produced by firework devices on various occasions. Display Fireworks Manual (March 2002 Edition). Natural Resources Canada, Explosive Regulatory Division. Press Release. Disney debuts new safer, quieter and more environmentally-friendly fireworks technology. Walt Disney Company (June 28, 2004). mortars (loaded with greater than 1.75-inch shells). cakes containing over 500 grams of powder. M-1000 salutes. M-100 salutes. M-80 salutes. Torpedoes. Silver salutes. Cherry bombs. Firecracker packs (see this link for various brand/label images). 100 to 500-gram cakes (multi-shot aerial devices). flares & fountains. spinners. sykrockets. Bottle rockets. single shot & reloadable aerial shot mortars up to 1.75-inch shells. |