1998 05 00 73 Magazine - Editorial

Magazine Overview

Title: 73 Amateur Radio Today
Issue: #452
Date: May 1998
Type: International Edition
Price: $3.95 USA / $4.95 CANADA

This issue of 73 Amateur Radio Today, dated May 1998, includes a variety of articles touching on ham radio fun, technological mysteries, and geopolitical concerns. The cover features a photograph of oranges on a tree and lists several technical articles, including '2 El. Fox Hunter,' 'El Cheapo 20m Unbeam,' 'Rx Sensitivity Booster,' 'Weather Rx Interface,' 'What's this DDS Stuff?', and a review of the 'GMSK 57.6k Packet Modem.'

Never Say Die Column

The "Never Say Die" column, continued from page 83, explores technological origins and conspiracy theories. The author discusses the development of the transistor, suggesting it may have originated from recovered UFO technology, citing Colonel Corso's claims of receiving alien integrated circuits from a crashed UFO. The column questions the secrecy surrounding such advancements, positing it was to avoid public panic and to catch up with alien technology.

Are Alien Implants Rubbish?

This section questions the reality of alien implants, referencing a video by Dr. Roger Leir who removed tiny implants from abductees. The author recounts personal experiences, including a video disappearing, finding an unexplained lump on their hand, and a friend discovering implants after a black helicopter sighting. The article suggests these implants contain microcrystal circuits and are encased in a membrane resistant to surgical scalpels, with their substance being unknown to scientists.

A Challenger Conspiracy?

The author investigates the Challenger disaster, questioning NASA's continued withholding of information. Citing an interview with Ted Triedmeier, who installed the data switching systems at NASA launch sites, the article claims that the telemetry recording system was turned off before the launch. This action, it is suggested, could have masked a reprogramming of the bolt release sequence, leading to the catastrophe. The author implies that NASA was aware of this compromise but has never released details.

That Face

This segment addresses the famous 'face on Mars' image. The author expresses skepticism about NASA's claims that it is merely a natural formation, especially in light of reports that the satellite circling Mars would have its camera turned off over the Cydonia region. The author also touches upon Richard Hoagland's theories about cities on Mars and the Moon, which he finds to be extreme conspiracy theorizing.

Bombing Iraq

This article critiques the media's focus on Saddam Hussein's biological weapons, arguing that the threat from neighboring countries like Iran is more significant. It also brings up the controversial point that the US State Department pressured sales of anthrax and bubonic plague germs to Iraq years prior. The author questions the potential for other nations, including China, to possess similar weapons and notes that Russian bacterial warfare scientists, after the USSR's collapse, moved to countries offering employment, taking dangerous pathogens with them.

Korean Tunnels

Congressman Charlie Bass's visit to North Korea is detailed, describing the country as having extremely poor living conditions, with Pyongyang being a deserted city and electricity scarce. The article highlights the lack of communication technology and the severe food shortages. A significant concern raised is the secret digging of tunnels under the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) by North Korea, potentially in preparation for an invasion of South Korea. The author proposes using dowsing, as described in Chris Bird's book 'The Divining Hand,' to locate these tunnels.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of technological origins, government secrecy, and potential cover-ups, particularly concerning UFOs and advanced technologies. There's a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations for significant events and a willingness to entertain conspiracy theories. The editorial stance appears to favor questioning authority and investigating alternative explanations for phenomena, whether they be technological, historical, or geopolitical.