Annals of the Enquiring - 1994 No 20

Magazine Overview

Title: ANNALS
Issue: #20
Date: April / June 1994
Type: Quarterly Magazine
Price: £1.50
Cover Headline: UFOS FORTEANA BIZARRERIE PARANORMAL CRYPTOZOOLOGY

This issue of Annals magazine, a publication dedicated to UFOs, Fortean phenomena, Bizarreness, the Paranormal, and Cryptozoology, presents a diverse collection of articles and reports. The cover features a striking illustration of a classic car under a skull-shaped cloud, hinting at the mysterious and potentially unsettling content within.

Editorial and Contents

The editorial, titled 'First Word,' welcomes readers to another issue and highlights two 'remarkable stories.' One is an account of a Bristol truck driver's claimed abduction by aliens. The editor also touches upon the 'Bentwaters Case,' noting an unexplained silence from a key witness and presenting an alternative theory from an informant identified only as 'X.' This theory suggests the incident was of man-made origin, involving a special operations helicopter, rather than a UFO encounter. The informant claims to have been part of a US 'special forces' contingent testing base security, and that the aircraft involved was temporarily disabled.

The contents page lists a variety of articles, including 'UFO brief,' 'Aliens: good, the bad, the ugly,' 'Military Photo's Of Cyprus UFO,' 'Corn Crunching In Canada,' 'Allergies And Aliens,' 'In The Air - On The Air,' and 'Abduction: Signed, Sealed & Delivered.' Other topics covered are 'Discs On Disks,' 'The Fort Dimension,' 'Crypto Corner,' 'Miraculous Moggies,' 'Fishy Dog Stories,' 'Science Eye,' 'Stigmata - Blessing Or A Curse?', 'Debate On The Dinosaurs,' 'Grave Consequences,' 'Off The Chinese Wall,' 'Get Stuffed!,' 'More Bones To Chew On,' 'In Review,' and '8 min 41 secs - gasp!'

Key Articles and Reports

The 'Bentwaters Case' Reinterpreted

The editorial section provides an alternative perspective on the 'Bentwaters Case' from an informant named 'X,' who claims to have been part of a US 'special forces' unit. According to 'X,' the incident involved a disabled helicopter from the 21st Special Operations Squadron, not a UFO. The helicopter was reportedly disabled after encountering trees at the edge of RAF Woodbridge. This interpretation contrasts with the common belief of a UFO encounter.

UFO Hoaxes and Misinformation

The article 'Telling Tales' discusses the ongoing reports of hoax crashed flying saucers in the UK, citing examples from Appleton, Cheshire, and near Doncaster. It suggests these stories are designed to distract from illegal monitoring of police transmissions. The article also mentions a similar story line featured in the ITV series 'Harry,' warning readers to be skeptical of newspaper reports.

Organizational Strife

'1993 - A Year To Dismember' highlights internal conflicts within leading UFO and paranormal organizations. It details the resignation of John Haddington, Assistant Editor of 'The Cerealogist,' due to irreconcilable differences with the new editor, George Wingfield. Michael Glickman also resigned from Wingfield's publication, criticizing his stance on the Bythorn Mandala being a hoax. The article also notes Jenny Randles' resignation as Director of Investigations for BUFORA, describing it as a 'hurtful and traumatic separation.' Paul Fuller also resigned from BUFORA. In the US, the publication of James Pontolillo's 'Demons, Doctors and Aliens' led to the resignation of Raymond D Manners, President of The International Fortean Organization.

New UFO Groups and Insurance

New UFO groups are emerging, such as the Mendip UFO Association Network in Somerset, formed by Elizabeth Dearman. Incidents reported include a 'massive object covered in orange light' and 'silver-coloured cigars.' Additionally, a Sunday newspaper offered a free 'alien abduction insurance policy,' with payment to next-of-kin in case of a winner's demise. The article mentions Maria Ward, who claims to have been abducted and raped by aliens.

'Alternative 3' Debunked

An article titled 'Alternative 3' critiques Bill Knell's UFO Newsletter, which presented the television documentary 'Alternative 3' as factual. The author argues that the documentary was a spoof created by Anglia TV in 1977 and that there was no collusion between the US, Russia, and Britain regarding secret bases on the Moon or Mars. The article cites a 'Fortean Times' expose as evidence.

Project Blue Book Material

'Lost Records Retrieved' reports that 'Just Cause,' a newsletter from America's Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), acquired a significant amount of Project Blue Book material, including microfilm of USAF clipping services and documents related to the Condon Committee investigations. This material was reportedly being discarded by personnel at Wright-Patterson AFB.

Abduction Accounts

Several abduction accounts are detailed. Maria Ward claims she was abducted and raped by aliens, passing a lie-detector test on television. Graham Holland recounts being engulfed in a green mist and probed by beings from another dimension. Soldier John Walsh describes losing three hours of time during an alien encounter on Stisbury Plain. The most detailed account is of Bill W, a former truck driver, who believes he was abducted in 1968. He describes a vivid white light, losing consciousness, and being examined by small, brown-skinned, pug-nosed beings. He also experienced physical symptoms like boils and triangular marks.

UFO Sightings and Footage

Three anglers captured a bright yellow UFO on video near their Norfolk homes. BUFORA Investigator Philip Mantle is studying the footage, stating there is 'no suggestion of a hoax.'

Military UFO Photos

'Military Photo's Of Cyprus UFO Uncovered' discusses photographs of a bright unexplained light seen by 1,400 Royal Marines during manoeuvres in 1971. The Ministry of Defence collected over 100 rolls of film, and the RSM personally dispatched a film taken by a naval photographer. Bob Boyd of the Plymouth UFO Research Group prompted the ex-regimental sergeant major to come forward with the evidence. The article calls for the MoD to release all its UFO film and photos for scrutiny.

Crop Circles in Canada

'Corn Crunching in Canada' reports on crop circle phenomena in Canada, noting occurrences in Ontario, including a 'ragged affair' in 1992 and a more sophisticated configuration in 1993. These involved flattened corn stalks in clockwise and counter-clockwise swirls. The article also mentions historical reports of 'burn circles' and crop circles in Southern Ontario, with one instance involving a ton and a half of soil being inexplicably removed.

Allergies and Aliens

'Allergies And Aliens - The Visitation Experience: An Environmental Health Issue' presents a research report suggesting that visitation experiences (close encounters) are the mental and physiological products of environmental illnesses, broadly described as allergies or environmental sensitivities. The report proposes a novel approach to understanding these experiences and their link to pollution.

Media and UFOs

'In The Air - On The Air' reviews television programs related to UFOs and the supernatural, mentioning 'X-Files,' 'Sightings,' and a mini-series based on Budd Hopkins' book 'Intruders.' It also discusses a TV discussion show, 'The Time The Place,' which featured abduction experiences, including a man who claimed to have been cured of a fatal illness by aliens.

Stigmata Phenomenon

'Stigmata - Blessing Or A Curse?' explores the phenomenon of stigmata, where individuals develop wounds resembling those of Christ. The article notes that there are about 300 genuine cases recorded historically and currently around 20 worldwide. It discusses cases in Britain, including Heather Woods, a widow who experienced blisters and weeping wounds, and George Hamilton, who developed spontaneous wounds. The article also mentions Dr. Lechter's success in inducing stigmata-like wounds through hypnosis.

Cryptozoology

'Crypto Corner' features several cryptozoological stories. It debunks the famous 'surgeon's photo' of the Loch Ness Monster as a hoax, revealing it was a toy submarine. It also mentions ongoing efforts to find Nessie using a new mini-sub Taurus. Other stories include a 'mystery big cat' stalking sheep in the Welsh borders, a two-headed snapping turtle named 'Darrell and Darrell,' a rare four-legged emu born in Texas, an orange frog named Jaffa, and sightings of a young lioness in north London.

Other Anomalies

'Miraculous Moggies' shares stories of cats surviving extraordinary circumstances, such as being trapped in rubble for 41 days or surviving long journeys in containers. 'Fishy Dog Stories' includes an account of a carp reviving after being thawed and a dog that reappeared after being buried. 'Science Eye' reports on Russia's denial of developing biological weapons and an asteroid collision with Jupiter, with astronomer Patrick Moore dismissing concerns about Earth's safety. 'The Fort Dimension' column, dedicated to Charles Fort, presents a historical account from Venezuela of a family experiencing violent symptoms after a strange light and humming noise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, ranging from UFO sightings and alleged alien abductions to cryptozoological mysteries and paranormal events. There is a clear interest in presenting alternative theories and questioning official narratives, as seen in the reinterpretation of the 'Bentwaters Case' and the critique of 'Alternative 3.' The magazine also highlights internal conflicts within UFO organizations, suggesting a critical view of established groups. A recurring theme is the investigation of unusual events and the presentation of evidence, whether photographic, anecdotal, or from witness testimony. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unexplained, while also acknowledging and debunking hoaxes and misinformation. The inclusion of diverse topics like stigmata and unusual animal stories broadens the scope of 'paranormal' and 'bizarre' phenomena covered.

This issue, identified as number 35 and likely from the Winter 1993/4 period, features a prominent "DEBATE ON THE DINOSAURS" on its cover, alongside a collection of grim and unusual news stories under the heading "GRAVE CONSEQUENCES." The magazine appears to cover a range of topics from scientific debates to paranormal phenomena and bizarre human events.

Debate on the Dinosaurs

The lead article discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the extinction of dinosaurs. It highlights the lack of scientific consensus, with various theories proposed. One theory suggests a planetary catastrophe, such as a meteorite impact in Mexico, which could have thrown dust into the atmosphere, causing global cooling and a drop in oxygen levels, suffocating the large animals. Another possibility mentioned is a massive volcanic eruption that altered the weather. The article notes that scientists generally agree dinosaurs became extinct about 65 million years ago, a relatively short period in evolutionary terms.

However, the article contrasts this with the views of Professor John Morris and other science professors from the Museum of Creation and Earth History in Santee, California. They assert that the world is only 10,000 years old and that the biblical story of Creation is true, disputing evolutionary timelines and the idea that animals evolved from a single organism.

Grave Consequences

This section presents a series of short, often disturbing, news items from around the world:

• Italy: The Health Minister has ruled that deceased individuals are still responsible for a yearly health care charge, with family members expected to pay.
• Turkey: A watchman shot his wife dead after she changed the TV channel while he was watching the news.
• New Jersey, USA: A pensioner was found guilty of manslaughter for shooting her husband dead over a missing TV remote control.
• Kansas, USA: A drunken man videotaped himself shooting his ex-wife dead and then killing himself after his gun initially misfired.
• Greece: A woman hired an assassin to kill her husband, who was having an affair.
• Leeds, UK: A man, believed to be possessed by demons, murdered his wife and daughter with an axe.
• China: Police captured a teacher who attacked over 80 women with sulphuric acid since 1991, motivated by revenge for being denied a university place by a female teacher.
• China: A merchant is reportedly doing a booming trade in cat meat, a delicacy in some regions, at a pet exchange in Nanjing.
• China & Korea: A Chinese housewife cut off her husband's penis, believing he would grow another one, a condition referred to as 'Bobbit Syndrome,' which also affected a construction worker in Seoul, Korea.

Get stuffed!

This section reports on several unusual archaeological and biological discoveries:

• China: A dozen 2,000-year-old mummified corpses, some with tattoos and surgical cuts, were found in tombs in Xinjiang, dating back to 475 BC, believed to be from the lost kingdom of Cheshi.
• Yukon, Canada: The world's best-preserved example of a 26,000-year-old ice age horse, freeze-dried with its pelt intact, was discovered.
• Norway: Scientists are studying two mummified seals found in Antarctic ice, potentially over 100,000 years old, raising questions about their inland location.
• Hereford, UK: A mummified rat was found beneath a bar top during renovations at the Sun Inn, with local folklore suggesting farmers used to add rats to cider.

More Bones To Chew On

This section presents further findings related to early human history and ancient life:

• China: A human skull found in northeast China is estimated to be 200,000 years old, suggesting early humans may have co-existed with Homo Erectus.
• Siberia: Human fossils over three million years old have reportedly been found, challenging the belief that the human race originated in Africa.
• Dominican Republic: A 38-million-year-old lizard preserved in amber was traded for a pair of leather shoes.

Leftovers

This brief section includes a few miscellaneous items:

• Italy: An Italian faith healer claims a statue of the Virgin Mary in his garden cries tears of blood, attracting visitors.
• Forensic scientists from Verona are investigating whether the blood is human.

In Review

This section reviews several niche publications:

• ENIGMAS (Issue 35): Described as an entertaining read covering topics like a haunted council house, Scotland's UFO 'hotspot' at Bonnybridge, and 'Man-Apes of Australia.' It costs £2.00 per issue or £10 for a 5-issue subscription.
• Paranormal Research in Russia: The magazine notes extensive research into the paranormal in Russia, highlighting a demonstration where a man remained submerged underwater in a glass tank for 8 minutes and 41 seconds, wired to a heart monitor.
• THE CEREALOGIST (Winter 1993/4): The reviewer found the content diverse despite changes in editorship. The issue featured a Single Image Random Dot Stereogram (SIRDS) of a crop circle and a 'Cosmic Mandala.' The price has increased. It costs £2.80 per issue or £8.40 for a 3-issue subscription.
• GEM (Gloucestershire Earth Mysteries): This publication is praised for its content, including an editorial on 'shamanic panic criticism' and an article on 'Shamanic Gateways To The Otherworld?' It also covers Orgone93. It costs £2.25 for a sample or £5.75 for a 3-issue subscription.
• NEXUS (April/May issue): This Australian magazine is a favorite, noted for its diversity and openness to far-out ideas. Articles include 'free energy,' 'healing with magnets,' 'Mars mission cover-up,' and 'mystery rock carvings in Australia.' It costs £2.50 per issue or US$25 for a 6-issue subscription.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The magazine appears to have a broad interest in unexplained phenomena, historical anomalies, and fringe science, alongside a critical or skeptical approach to some established scientific narratives, particularly concerning evolution and the age of the Earth. The inclusion of creationist viewpoints alongside scientific debates suggests an editorial stance that is open to alternative perspectives. The "Grave Consequences" section indicates a fascination with the bizarre and often tragic aspects of human events, while "In Review" showcases a commitment to covering niche publications in the paranormal and esoteric fields. The overall tone seems to be one of curiosity and a willingness to explore unconventional topics.