Annals of the Enquiring - 1995 No 23

Magazine Overview

Title: ANNALS
Issue: #23
Date: Jan/Mar 1995
Type: Quarterly Magazine
Price: £1.50

This issue of ANNALS magazine, dated January-March 1995, presents a diverse collection of articles focusing on UFOs, Fortena, Bizarerie, Paranormal, and Cryptozoology. The cover features a stylized title and a dark, intriguing illustration. The editor, Gerry Lovell, notes that this issue contains articles written solely by himself, exploring his interests in SF writers, illustrators, and the Victorian era's influence on alien representation.

Contents Overview

The magazine includes a wide array of topics, as detailed in the table of contents:

• First Word - Editorial: An introduction from the editor, thanking readers and discussing the issue's unique content.
• UFO brief: Short reports on UFO sightings from Shanghai, a 'UFO Phantom' in France, and a mysterious trench in Belgium.
• The Eliminator: An article discussing Albert Budden's theories on CE4 phenomena and 'nasal implants', linking them to electrical hypersensitivity.
• Mystery Airships: Explores historical accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena in Victorian England, often linked to fears of German invasion.
• UFOs Haunt Wiltshire Family: Details a family's ongoing experiences with UFO-like lights near their home.
• Crypto Corner: Features reports on a giant sea creature carcass in the Russian Arctic, sightings of a large cat in Somerset, exotic reptiles and insects found in the UK, a two-headed grass snake, and a newly discovered microscopic organism.
• Horse Ripping: Examines the epidemic of horse mutilations, particularly in Germany, and historical precedents.
• Snappy Tale: A brief mention of an alligator in New York sewers and a crocodile in Osaka.
• Shadowlands: Covers various ghost sightings and paranormal experiences, including a spectral bridesmaid, Sir Winston Churchill's ghost, and a poltergeist.
• Witch Report: Discusses a 'witchdoctor' saving a hand with snake flesh, a school for 'business witches' in Russia, a white witch at Leeds University, and a child hacked by a witch doctor.
• Priest Tackles Restless Smuggler: An account of a poltergeist at a chip shop in Cornwall and the intervention of a local priest.
• Lunar Life: Explores historical and speculative ideas about life on the moon, including early fictional accounts and astronomical observations of 'Lunar Transient Phenomena'.

Key Articles and Features

UFO Briefs: The issue compiles several brief UFO reports. One notable sighting occurred on November 3, 1994, in Shanghai, where a saucer-shaped object emitted light rays and split into two. Another report details a 'UFO Phantom' in St. Regis, France, which some residents believed was a witch on a broomstick, with explanations ranging from fluoride in the water to wine or swamp gas. A mysterious trench, initially 50 meters long and growing to 182 meters, appeared overnight in a potato field in Belgium, with scientists unable to explain its origin.

Albert Budden's Theories: 'The Eliminator' delves into Albert Budden's work, particularly his book 'Allergies and Aliens'. Budden proposes that features of CE4 (Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind) can be explained by the electrical hypersensitivity of abductees. He suggests that magnetic fields can disrupt particles in human sinus bones, leading to nosebleeds and trance-like states. The article also touches upon the controversial idea of 'nasal implants' as tracking devices.

Victorian Mystery Airships: This section revisits historical accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena in Britain during the early 20th century. Amidst political unrest and the nascent stages of manned flight, Britain's skies were reportedly frequented by unseen forces. Eyewitness reports detailed lights and sounds, often interpreted as German airships, fueling a sense of paranoia. Specific incidents include sightings of a mystery flying machine with a powerful searchlight over East Anglia in May 1909, and a flurry of nocturnal activity across England in February 1913, preceding World War One.

Cryptozoology and Strange Creatures: The 'Crypto Corner' section is rich with unusual reports. A giant, dinosaur-like sea creature carcass was allegedly washed ashore in the Russian Arctic. In Somerset, sightings of a large black cat, possibly a panther, were reported. The section also notes the increasing discovery of non-indigenous reptiles and insects in Britain, such as a Chinese three-banded box turtle and a Savannah Monitor lizard. A two-headed grass snake and a microscopic organism named Proales fleetensis found on the Dorset coast are also mentioned.

Horse Mutilations: The article 'Horse Ripping' examines the ongoing issue of horse mutilations, noting that German files on similar incidents have grown significantly, with over 100 cases recorded. Lower Saxony, Germany, has been particularly affected, with attacks leaving horses dead or injured. Historical records of similar events, dating back to the turn of the century, are also presented, including incidents in Celynen and the Walsall area.

Paranormal and Ghostly Encounters: The 'Shadowlands' section compiles various ghost sightings, including a driver running over a spectral bridesmaid, the ghost of Brown Jack the hurdler at Ascot, and Sir Winston Churchill appearing on a London Underground platform. A family in Portsmouth reported their son floating in the air, and a ghost allegedly teaching a baby to speak with a northern accent. The 'Witch Report' covers a variety of unusual practices, from a witchdoctor using snake flesh to heal a hand, to a school for 'business witches' in Russia, and the role of a white witch at Leeds University. A particularly disturbing account details a boy hacked to pieces by a witch doctor in Cape Town.

Lunar Life and Speculation: The 'Lunar Life' section explores the historical fascination with the moon and the idea of life beyond Earth. It references early fictional accounts, such as Lucian of Samosata's 'True History' and Bishop Francis Godwin's 'The Man in the Moon'. The article also touches upon astronomical observations, including Sir William Herschel's recording of bright white spots on the moon, interpreted as volcanoes, and Franz von Paula Gruithuisen's announcement of a 'lunar city'. A notable mention is made of Richard Locke's fraudulent 1835 report in 'The Sun' alleging that Sir John Herschel had observed goat-like creatures on the moon.

Editor's Notes and Submissions: The editor, Gerry Lovell, expresses gratitude to readers for their season's greetings. He also announces an unavoidable price increase for the magazine, with future issues costing £1.75. Submissions for articles, clippings, and photos are welcomed, with credit given where applicable. The opinions expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily endorsed by the editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ANNALS are the unexplained, the mysterious, and the fringe. The magazine consistently explores phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific understanding, including UFO sightings, paranormal events, cryptozoological discoveries, and historical anomalies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them, but rather encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations and possibilities. The inclusion of historical context, such as the 'Mystery Airships' and 'Horse Ripping' sections, suggests an interest in the long-standing nature of these phenomena and their place in human history and folklore. The editor's personal involvement in writing all articles for this issue indicates a deep personal interest in the subjects covered.

Title: Exchange Magazine Review
Issue: 20
Date: November 1994 (Nov/94)
Content Focus: This issue of the "Exchange Magazine Review" delves into a variety of anomalous and unexplained phenomena, with a significant portion dedicated to lunar observations and a critical examination of Darwin's theory of evolution. It also features reports on crop circles, mysterious appearances, and unusual geological findings.

Lunar Anomalies and Hoaxes

The issue begins by recounting early 19th-century lunar hoaxes, particularly those attributed to "Lock," who described "obelisk-shaped or very slender pyramids" on the moon's surface and even "hairy winged creatures" as lunar inhabitants. These reports, initially sensationalized by newspapers, were later exposed as hoaxes, though some, like the Sun newspaper, were willing partners in the deception.

Lunar observers like W.H. Pickering are mentioned for their work mapping "canals" on the moon's surface, which he described as intersecting mysterious dark spots, similar to Martian canals reported by Schiaparelli. Pickering claimed to have identified vegetation, "river-beds," and active volcanoes, and even witnessed the migratory passage of small insects or animals near the Eratosthenes crater between 1919-24.

The text also touches upon more recent lunar phenomena, including reports of "milky luminosity" on the crater Tycho by Walter H. Haas and "a puff of whitish vapour" observed by F.H. Thornton in 1949. Sixto Campo's theory of a past nuclear war on the moon is presented, along with observations of red and blue glows near lunar craters, particularly transient lunar phenomena (TLP) in the Alphonsus crater, where the Ranger probe 9 crash-landed in 1965. Aristarchus is highlighted as a source of TLP and gaseous emissions. The article notes that the lunar surface exhibits various hues, with the Sea of Conflicts and Sea of Peace appearing to radiate different colours, and the Sea of Humours reflecting a green effect near sunset and sunrise, suggesting H.G. Wells' novel "The First Men in the Moon" might hold prophetic truth.

Critiquing Darwin's Theory of Evolution

A substantial section of the magazine is dedicated to challenging Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The author expresses a belief in creationism, suggesting that abundant evidence casts doubt on Darwinian claims and that life on Earth is a recent phenomenon. The article questions the geological evidence for evolution, pointing to the recovery of man-made artifacts from solid rock and coal deposits, and the presence of vertically fossilized tree trunks, which are argued to indicate rapid deposition rather than millions of years of slow sedimentation.

Dr. Melvin Cook, a former professor of metallurgy, is cited as stating that facts do not support evolution. His application of radiocarbon (C14) tests is mentioned, placing the Earth's atmosphere's age between 10,000 and 15,000 years. In contrast, scientists at the Hawaiian Institute of Geophysics using Potassium-Argon dating for volcanic lavas yielded ages ranging from 160 million to 2,960 million years, despite the rocks being known to have been created in 1800.

The Potassium-Argon method itself is criticized as flawed, producing spurious results. Examples include a rock in Nigeria dated at 95 million years by P-A dating, adjusted to 750 million years by Uranium-Helium, and then to less than 30 million years by fission track dating.

The article also questions the origin of coal, oil, and gas, suggesting that American scientists propose chemical generation rather than ancient vegetation. Evidence from borehole investigations is cited, indicating oil formed chemically at a depth of 2,800 meters.

Archaeological findings are also presented as contradictory to evolutionary timelines. The discovery of a shin bone fragment at Boxgrove, West Sussex, dated to half a million years, is questioned due to the methods used. The Piltdown Man and Java Man are cited as examples of controversial evidence and hoaxes, with the latter being reconstructed from disparate ape-like skull caps and human upper leg bones.

The fossil of Archaeopteryx is discussed, with the article claiming that while it was presented as evidence of birds evolving from reptiles, discrepancies suggest it was a dinosaur to which forgers added feather imprints.

Finally, the section suggests that a worldwide cataclysmic disaster, such as Noah's Flood, could explain the laying down of geological strata, offering an alternative to the millions of years proposed by evolutionary theory. Dr. Niles Eldridge is quoted stating that the search for "missing links" is fruitless as distinct transitional forms never existed, and that geologists have found rock layers without transitional forms, implying the theory, not the fossil record, is incomplete.

An anecdote about orthodox Jews protesting Pepsi-Cola road signs in Tel Aviv, which depicted a man evolving from an ape, is included as an example of public opposition to evolutionary concepts.

Shortfort and Chipped China

Under the heading "SHORTFORT," the issue reports on mysterious appearances in the Killough district of Ireland during April 1908. Witnesses described a creature resembling a little man with dwarfish proportions, clad in red and wearing a peaked cap.

Under "CHIPPED CHINA," scientists are studying a remote area near Chengdu, China, that exhibits one-tenth the gravity of other areas on Earth. Experts have reported seeing floating rocks and individuals jumping 40 feet in the air, with no explanation for this phenomenon.

Ancient Relics and Arthur's Bones

The "ANCIENT RELICS" section discusses curious brass bowls and saucers owned by Jim Willis, which he believes are parts of Noah's Tea Set. The items, examined by the Oxford Archaeological Unit, were found to have faces and symbols visible under certain light conditions, which Jim Willis interprets as relating to the Deluge. However, an expert with OAU, David Miles, noted they appeared to be manufactured using a power lathe and were made of brass with an unusual composition patented in 1832. Miles theorized they might be insulated vessels produced in Birmingham in the 19th century, though Willis remains unconvinced.

The "ARTHUR'S BONES" section briefly mentions the theft of bones reputed to be those of King Arthur from a churchyard in South Wales, which had been unearthed two years prior and reburied under a concrete slab after experts failed to confirm their identity.

Media and Resources

The issue includes a "CD ROM: 2,000 Greater and Lesser Mysteries," described as a large library of occult, esoteric, and fringe information. It also reviews Mike Oldfield's "MUSIC CD: The Songs of Distant Earth," inspired by Arthur C. Clarke's novel.

New publications are highlighted: "VISION," a magazine covering unexplained phenomena, and "MIRACLES and the extraordinary," featuring documented cures of Aids and an examination of hypnosis dangers.

Exchange Magazine Review - Publications and Listings

The "Exchange Magazine Review" section provides brief reviews of various publications, including:

• UFO POTPOURRI: Focused on UFO reports from Canada's National Research Council files.
• INFO JOURNAL: A Fortean publication featuring international chronicles and correspondence.
• DELVE REPORT: A compilation of anomalous and unusual reports, mainly from Canadian newspapers.
• THE CROP WATCHER: Featuring Wiltshire crop circles from the 1920s and potential historical circle photos.
• NORTHERN UFO NEWS: A collection of UK UFO reports from 1994, with book and media reviews.
• PROMISES & DISAPPOINTMENTS: A new publication succeeding "The Wild Places" and "Alien Scripture."
• SPECTRALI: Covering ghosts, poltergeists, and hauntings, with an article on "Science and the Paranormal."
• 3rd STONE: Featuring leys and druid circles.
• DEAD OF NIGHT: Covering devil dogs, the Ark, UFOs, witches, and illustrations.

The Board - Information Digest

This section lists upcoming "CONFERENCES, CONVENTIONS AND MEETINGS," including events by the Wessex Research Group and BUFORA, covering topics like "Mysterious Images And Miracles," "Fairy-Faith," and UFOs. It also lists "BOOKS, VIDEOS, SERVICES AND LIBRARIES," such as "Allergies And Aliens Experience," "Spacelink Books," and "APRA Books." Information on libraries like the "FORTEAN Picture Library" and "BUFORA Picture Library" is provided, along with details on videos like "Messengers of Destiny / Masters of the Stars" and "Hoaglands Mars [Vol 2]." Contact information for "UFO Newsclipping Service" and "UFOCALL (UK)" is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unexplained phenomena, particularly lunar anomalies and UFO sightings, and a strong skeptical stance towards established scientific theories like Darwinian evolution. The editorial stance appears to favor alternative explanations and challenges conventional scientific consensus, presenting evidence and anecdotal accounts that question widely accepted scientific models. There is a clear emphasis on historical accounts, hoaxes, and fringe science, suggesting a publication that caters to an audience interested in mysteries and alternative perspectives.