1996 01 00 73 Magazine

Magazine Overview

Title: 73 Amateur Radio Today
Issue: #424, January 1996, International Edition
Publisher: 73 Amateur Radio Today
Country: USA
Price: $3.95 (USA), $4.95 (Canada)

This issue of 73 Amateur Radio Today is designated as a "SPECIAL WORKBENCH ISSUE." The cover prominently features the headline "Smithsonian Shafts Tesla Switching Power Supply Project," indicating a focus on technological and historical scientific endeavors. The magazine also touches upon broader themes including the nature of life, evolution, alchemy, and unexplained phenomena like UFOs.

Articles and Content

The Nature of Life, Evolution, and DNA

The issue begins with a discussion on the nature of life and its potential influence on evolution. The author posits that a powerful life force might influence matter, affecting phenomena like luck and psychokinesis, and could even guide evolution towards specific goals. This perspective is presented as a potential explanation for evolutionary anomalies and the sudden appearance of new species without clear transitional forms, offering a possible bridge to Creationist beliefs. The idea of DNA originating from space, as proposed by Hoyle, is also mentioned as a way to explain widespread diseases and new species appearing simultaneously in different regions.

Vanity Callsigns and FCC Regulations

A section titled "Vanity Calls" details the FCC's gradual implementation of vanity callsigns. These licenses will cost $30 for a 10-year period. Initially, applications will be accepted for the reissuance of past callsigns or those of deceased relatives. Future phases will open these options to Extra Class and then Advanced Class licensees, eventually allowing any licensee to obtain a desired callsign. The author shares personal experiences with callsigns, including W4NSD, W8NSD, and WRIAAB, and his long wait to obtain a specific callsign due to FCC regulations and personal moves.

Alchemy and Transmutation Today

The article "Alchemy Today" challenges the conventional understanding that lead cannot be turned into gold. It suggests that alchemists may have been transmuting mercury into gold using phosphorous as the "philosopher's stone." The author highlights recent research by Japanese scientists and cites Michio Kushi's book, "The Philosopher's Stone," which argues that heavier elements on Earth could be biologically formed from carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, contradicting the supernova origin theory. Supporting evidence is drawn from the research of Louis Kervran, who documented biological transmutation of elements like magnesium and potassium in human subjects. The book is available from One Peaceful World Press for $10 plus shipping.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Encounters

Under the heading "Those Pesky ETs," the magazine discusses UFO sightings and related phenomena. The editor mentions receiving a letter from Frank Thomas W4QDM, who interviewed two credible individuals from Sylvania, Georgia, about a landed UFO. One witness was a retired meteorologist from the Department of Commerce, and the other was the owner of radio station WSYL. The article acknowledges the vast number of UFO reports and books, noting that many well-researched accounts exist. It also references a tape by David Jacobs discussing the purpose behind alien abductions. The piece touches upon the scientific establishment's tendency to dismiss new ideas, citing examples like the initial dismissal of cold fusion and the denial of H. pylori as a cause of ulcers. With the Big Bang theory being questioned, the possibility of alien visitors and time travel is presented as more plausible.

Personal Reflections and Reader Engagement

The editor emphasizes the magazine's role as a monthly contact for readers, encouraging communication rather than just lectures. He invites readers to share books they believe he should read. The author also reflects on the difficulty of accepting new concepts, comparing it to the historical resistance to heliocentric models and the current understanding of the universe's vastness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 73 Amateur Radio Today adopts an open-minded and inquisitive editorial stance, encouraging readers to question established beliefs and consider unconventional ideas. Themes explored include the intersection of science and spirituality (life force, evolution, alchemy), technological innovation (Tesla, power supplies), and the exploration of unexplained phenomena (UFOs). The magazine positions itself as a platform for discussion and the sharing of diverse perspectives, challenging scientific dogma and promoting critical thinking about topics that extend beyond traditional amateur radio.