By Tim Binnall
Suggesting that the strange saga of the mystery monoliths is far from over, a third such object has now been found atop a mountain in California. The piece, which was reportedly discovered on Wednesday morning by hikers on Pine Mountain in the city of Atascadero, appears nearly identical to object in Utah which sparked what might best be called the 'monolith madness' that has unfolded over the last two weeks here in the United States and, oddly enough, Romania. As with the previous pair of found objects, the origin and purpose of the California piece are unknown.
Be that as it may, the discovery of a third monolith has, understandably, led to speculation that the objects are part of a some kind of marketing stunt. However, since the piece in Utah was apparently sitting in the desert for several years before being found, that theory is tenuous at best unless this entire affair is the work of an exceedingly patient individual or group. As such, setting aside the fantastic theory that the objects are connected to aliens, the most plausible explanation for the multiplying monoliths would seem to be that they are simply being created by copycats.
It remains to be seen whether or not the latest monolith will wind up disappearing as has happened to the two that appeared prior to it. Considering that creating such a piece requires relatively little in the way of resources or skills, this is probably not the last 'mystery object' that we'll see appear in some unexpected location. However, in a testament to the cynical nature of our modern era and a sign of diminishing returns, news of the California monolith's discovery has been met with far less wonder than the initial Utah object and, instead, a fair share of derision from people online who have likened the craze to a fad which has already run its course.