[meteorite-list] NPA 10-13-1943: Mystery Blasts May Be Meteors

[VeIocity at aol.com]

In reviewing the reports of skyfalls and bolides and what-have-you, I'm always intrigued with the official explanation having to do with "practical jokers" using high explosives to get their jollies.  I've seen this preposterous explanation used in other mystery blast stories----my favorite was in Tennessee in the 1960s, I believe, when local authorities blamed "practical jokers placing bombs in the treetops."

Maybe there's a secret society of suicidal practical jokers out there, who live their lives in pursuit of the incomparable thrill of waking people up and rattling windows at 4:45 a.m. (?)


In a message dated 9/13/2004 9:20:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time, "MARK BOSTICK" <thebigcollector at msn.com> writes:

>Paper: Nevada State Journal
>City: Reno, Nevada
>Date: Wednesday, October 13, 1943
>Page: 1
>
>Mystery Blasts May Be Meteors
>
>  ......On the other hand if they were caused by practical jokers with a supply 
>of power or dynamite, Five Chief Karl Evans warned yesterday that the joke 
>has gone far enough.  He said the blasts are heavy enough to do considerable 
>damage and are a potential danger.....