The Galactic Federation Transmission

September 14, 2025

The Galactic Federation Transmission refers to a famous signal intrusion on November 26, 1977, where the audio of a Southern Television broadcast in southern England was interrupted for nearly six minutes by a distorted voice claiming to be “Vrillon,” a representative of the “Ashtar Galactic Command,” also sometimes called the Galactic Federation.

At about 5:10 p.m. local time, viewers heard their TV audio overpowered by a buzzing noise, then an altered voice delivering a message that warned of humanity’s impending fate and urged people to “abandon weapons” and strive for peace in order to avoid disaster and reach a “higher state of evolution.”

The purported speaker, Vrillon (or sometimes called Gillon, Asteron, or versions thereof in various reports), claimed to speak on behalf of the extraterrestrial Ashtar Galactic Command.

The video feed wasn’t affected, and the event caused a flurry of calls and panic among viewers. Southern Television apologized, and it was quickly determined that the broadcast had been hijacked by using a nearby unauthorized transmitter.

The core message warned that Earth was entering a “New Age of Aquarius” and needed to disarm to avoid catastrophe.

Viewers were told to “learn to live together in peace and goodwill” and to be on guard against “false prophets and guides” who would exploit them.

The speaker urged spiritual evolution and warned that only those who embrace peace would “pass to the higher realms of spiritual evolution.”

The incident became a legendary unsolved case of broadcast hijacking, referenced widely in ufology and popular culture.

Investigations attributed it to a technically savvy hoax using transmitter relaying vulnerabilities, but some, believe it or not, still speculate about its origin.

Full Transcript of the Transmission

Based on contemporary reports and audio analyses (e.g., from Fortean Times and archived recordings), here’s the complete message delivered by the voice. It urged humanity to abandon destructive technologies and prepare for spiritual evolution, themes common in Ashtar-related channelings:

“This is the voice of Vrillon, a representative of the Ashtar Galactic Command, speaking to you. For many years you have seen us as lights in the skies. We speak to you now in peace and wisdom as we have done to your forefathers. Do not ignore this message, but attend to it. All your weapons of evil must be removed. The time for conflict is now past and the race of which you are a part may proceed to the higher stages of its evolution if you show yourselves worthy by responding to this message from the cosmos. We have been watching you for many years. Your leaders have been warned. The time is now for all to listen. All who attempt to deny the truth will fail. All who attempt to deny the value of this message will be removed from the planet. The weapons of evil must be destroyed. The time for conflict is now past. We are leaving the planes of your existence. May you be blessed by the supreme love and truth of the cosmos.”

The transmission ended abruptly, and normal programming resumed with a Merrie Melodies cartoon (The Goofy Gophers).

This event, the Galactic Federation Transmission, is commonly called the “Southern Television broadcast interruption” and is noted as a significant unexplained broadcast mystery of the 20th century.

Media Reaction

Newspapers and news bulletins the following day described the event as a bizarre electronic intrusion and noted that hundreds of viewers called in, worried or curious about the incident.

Initial media reports cited differing names for the speaker (Vrillon, Gillon, or Asteron), reflecting the poor audio quality and public uncertainty. The message and its potential connection to UFO cults (like the Ashtar Command) were discussed in investigative reporting and radio features.

British and American newspapers published contradictory accounts, including differences regarding the name of the supposed alien and the exact wording of the message.

Some outlets and later retrospectives noted the coincidence of the anti-war message with the contemporary news segment about the Rhodesia conflict, reinforcing public intrigue and debate.

Contemporary news and official coverage reflected the confusion and technological novelty of the Galactic Federation Transmission event, which became a major topic in the media and remains a compelling unsolved broadcast mystery to this day.

I find it somewhat odd that this sort of thing would happen shortly after season 15 of Doctor Who had started in September.

Coincidence? Maybe … maybe not. You decide.

Fort Benton landmark Keelboat restored

Alan

September 13, 2025

Fort Benton — often called the “Birthplace of Montana” — is a historic city known for its role as the head of navigation on the Missouri River during the 19th-century fur trade and steamboat era. The city itself is home to the Fort Benton Historic District, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, which includes the waterfront, levee, and remnants of the original Old Fort Benton trading post established in 1846. Several landmarks within this district have undergone restorations over the years, but a recent and notable project highlights ongoing efforts to preserve this frontier heritage.

The Keelboat Mandan

On September 13, a longtime riverfront landmark in Fort Benton was announced as fully restored. The keelboat Mandan, a 70-year-old replica vessel, has been meticulously refurbished after four years of volunteer-led work. This restoration beautifies the Missouri River waterfront and preserves a key piece of Montana’s maritime history.

The Mandan was originally constructed in 1950 as a movie prop for the Howard Hawks film The Big Sky, a Western adventure starring Kirk Douglas and set along the Missouri River. It arrived in Fort Benton around 1964, where it served as a static display and symbol of the city’s steamboat and keelboat past. Keelboats like this predated steamboats and were essential for early river navigation and trade in the 1800s. Due to its age and exposure to the elements, it qualified for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Restoration

A dedicated team of volunteers undertook the project, repairing and reconstructing the vessel to resemble an authentic keelboat from the frontier era. The work focused on structural integrity, historical accuracy, and aesthetic appeal, transforming it from a weathered relic into a vibrant centerpiece. The restoration was completed without major funding disruptions, emphasizing community involvement.

Now resembling a true historical keelboat, the Mandan enhances Fort Benton’s riverfront park along the steamboat levee — a key part of the National Historic Landmark district. It serves as an educational and visual attraction, drawing visitors to explore the area’s role in the Lewis and Clark expedition, fur trade, and westward expansion. The levee itself is a preserved green space with interpretive signs, walking paths, and views of the Upper Missouri River Breaks.

This project aligns with broader preservation efforts in Fort Benton.

For instance, the original Northeast Bastion (or Blockhouse) of Old Fort Benton, the oldest surviving structure in Montana (built around 1856), was restored in the mid-20th century and remains open to the public seasonally. Other nearby sites, like the reconstructed Bourgeois House and the 1882 Grand Union Hotel (Montana’s oldest operating hotel), have also been restored to highlight the city’s “steamboat days” character.

If you’re planning a trip to Fort Benton, the keelboat Mandan is accessible year-round along Fort Benton’s riverfront and the waterfront is open daily; guided tours of related sites like Old Fort Benton are available from Memorial Day through late September (10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. weekdays, noon–4 p.m. Sundays).

You can also explore the Museum of the Upper Missouri, the Museum of the Northern Great Plains, or the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center — all part of the Fort Benton Museums and Heritage Complex.

Fort Benton is just up the road (about 40 miles northeast) from us here in Great Falls on highway US-87. The area is perfect for history buffs, with walking tours and events celebrating its Blackfeet heritage and pioneer stories.

The restoration of the Keelboat Mandan not only revives a beloved local icon but also underscores Fort Benton’s commitment to maintaining its status as a living museum of the American West.

For more details, you can plan your visit by contacting the Fort Benton Montana Museums and Heritage Complex or by calling 406-622-5316.

Gran’s Apple Cake

Alan

September 7, 2025

Here’s a simple, cozy recipe for Gran’s Apple Cake, perfect for a comforting dessert with minimal fuss. This version is based on classic, easy-to-follow recipes that deliver a moist, flavorful cake.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or 1/2 cup vegetable oil for extra moistness)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and chopped (about 2–3 cups)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk

Directions:

- Set to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- If using oil, mix with sugar until well combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Mix until just combined.
- Gently stir in chopped apples and nuts (if using).
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips:

- Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor, or mix with sweeter varieties like Fuji.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Variations: Add a streusel topping (mix 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp butter, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon) before baking for extra crunch.

This Apple Cake recipe is forgiving and can be tweaked to taste — perfect for a beginner or a busy home cook.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake

Alan

September 7, 2025

This indulgent dessert combines a rich chocolate cake base with a creamy peanut butter cream cheese swirl, melty chocolate chips, and chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

The “earthquake” effect comes from the way the layers bubble, crack, and sink during baking, creating a gooey, messy masterpiece that’s perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.

It’s easy to make using a boxed cake mix and serves about 12-15 people.

Best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients:

- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (Devil’s Food or Dark Chocolate Fudge recommended)
- 1 cup of miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups of powdered sugar

Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions.
- Pour the batter into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, melted butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter.
- Swirl gently using a knife or spatula to create marbled patterns.
- Sprinkle chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
- The center should be just set, and the top should have a cracked, earthquake-like appearance.
- Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- This helps the layers set and makes cutting cleaner.

Tips:

- Gooier Version: Double the peanut butter filling recipe for an ultra-decadent, spoonable cake.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore gooeyness.
- Variations: Add Reese’s Pieces or chopped peanuts for crunch. For a keto version, use almond flour-based mixes and sugar-free alternatives.
- Common Issues: If the center seems underbaked, bake 5 more minutes—the cream cheese filling sets as it cools. Ensure ingredients like cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing.

This recipe draws from popular versions that emphasize this combo and easy assembly.

FWP: seeking submissions for Big Game Crossing artwork contest

Alan

September 7, 2025

Montana’s big game species — elk, mule deer, moose, pronghorn, and more — depend on the ability to move freely across the landscape to survive.

Seasonal migration is essential for accessing food, water and habitat, but highways can pose serious barriers to that movement.

That’s why Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and conservation partners are launching the Montana Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings License Plate Artwork Contest — and we’re inviting artists to help bring this story to life.

The new specialty license plate will raise awareness and funding for the Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account which will help build infrastructure that helps animals cross highways and safely maintain their natural migration routes.

FWP is looking for original artwork that highlights the importance of wildlife movement, features a highway crossing structure and captures the beauty of Montana’s landscapes. The selected artist will receive a $1,000 prize and a commemorative sample plate.

Submissions will be taken from Aug. 15 through Oct. 17. This is a unique opportunity to support conservation through creativity and help protect the future of Montana’s migratory wildlife.

Find full contest details and submission guidelines by visiting https://www.trcp.org/2025/07/23/help-tell-the-story-of-montanas-big-game-migration-through-art/.