Anomaly 05 1970 Oct

Magazine Overview

Title: ANOMALY
Issue: No. 5
Date: October 1970
Editor: John A. Keel

ANOMALY is an unscheduled newsletter, not copyrighted except where stated. Clippings are reproduced with permission or by special agreement and may not be reprinted. It is not sold by subscription; readers are asked to send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to receive the next issue. The cover features a sketch of Ivan T. Sanderson, director of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, and is dated October 1970. The artwork is by Hal Crawford.

Articles and Content

UFOLOGY by Ivan T. Sanderson

Reprinted from PURSUIT, this article presents Ivan T. Sanderson's perspective after 40 years of involvement in ufology. He challenges the common post-World War II notions that UFOs are solely extraterrestrial machines without occupants. Sanderson argues that these ideas were largely unknown in the Old World and Latin America, where concepts of non-corporeal beings and multiple universes were more prevalent. He criticizes the ignorance of 'ufologists' regarding broader philosophical and scientific concepts, particularly their denial of anything not pragmatically proven. Sanderson suggests that mystics have come closest to understanding the phenomenon, despite their interpretations being 'all wet,' due to their lack of pragmatic science as a tool. He highlights breakthroughs in understanding such phenomena, citing "Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain" and John A. Keel's "UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse" as key works.

MEDICAL ASPECTS OF NON-EVENTS

This section discusses the medical and psychological effects experienced by UFO contactees, often referred to as 'non-events.'

#### Pseudo-Epilepsy

One of the most common symptoms is involuntary, unconscious convulsive seizures, muscular soreness, and migraines, sometimes lasting for weeks. Victims of hallucinosis can suffer repeated attacks. These seizures and effects are linked to specific areas of the brain, possibly induced by electro-magnetic waves from an exterior source.

#### Case Study: Forest Hills, N.Y.

A 12-year-old girl experienced hallucinosis, mental blackouts, and symptoms similar to Jacksonian seizures. Doctors found she blacked out in the presence of fluorescent lighting, suggesting her brain was 'tuned' to the same wavelength, interfering with her mental processes. She saw apparitions resembling Indians. Her mother also saw diminutive apparitions. The family moved, believing the home was haunted. The girl's seizures diminished when she avoided fluorescent lighting.

#### Cherry Hill, N.J. Incident

The pseudo-epileptic effect was also noted during an investigation into events in Cherry Hill, N.J., in 1966. A healthy Karate instructor collapsed and, while returning from the hospital, witnessed a gigantic object hovering above an RCA factory with three others. Many similar cases have been dealt with since.

#### General Observations

Witnesses to low-level UFO activity often report muscular soreness and a feeling of being transfixed or paralyzed, with a subsequent mental blackout. This can result in a time-lapse effect and cryptomnesia.

#### Medical Literature and UFOs

The Flying Saucer Review discussed similar medical effects in Finland. The article notes that while numerous cases have been superficially discussed in UFO literature, thorough medical examinations and investigations are rare. Comparisons with available medical literature are suggested as potentially fruitful.

#### Pineal Gland and Psychic Manifestations

Parapsychologists have studied the pineal gland's relationship to hallucinosis and psychic manifestations. It is suggested that the same electro-magnetic influence generating psychic apparitions may also produce UFO contactee experiences. Sections of the brain controlling visual and audio perception are implicated. An overcharge of EM waves could cause cellular breakdown, potentially explaining deaths like that of British contactee Arthur Bryant.

#### Traditional and Modern Interpretations

Percipients in religious miracles and visions traditionally suffer similar pseudo-epileptic effects. The article links these to 'mystical illumination' and 'Cosmic Consciousness,' while more destructive variations are seen in demonopathy and schizophrenia.

ANOMALIES

This section discusses various unusual phenomena and reports.

#### UFO Occupant Names and Mythology

UFO occupants are observed to use variations of nouns from ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Names like 'Kronin' are linked to Kronos, son of Uranus and Gaea. Other names, such as 'skow' (used by contactee Truman Bethurum for a vehicle), are traced to old demonological terms, with Sir Walter Scott's "Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft" identifying 'Skow' or 'Biergen-Trold' as spirits of the woods and mountains.

#### Historical Accounts of Elemental Manifestations

Learned men historically studied fairy and elemental manifestations. Sax Rohmer, creator of Fu Manchu, was also a demonologist, and his book "The Romance of Sorcery" quotes from an 1801 publication describing elemental manifestations and what are now regarded as UFO occupants.

#### The Ultimate Frontier by Eklal Kueshana

This book is described as a biography of a young man with experiences involving elemental types, presenting the myth of the planet "Klarian." Researchers in contactee studies may recognize similarities. These 'elementals' posed as a "powerful, ultra-secret brotherhood," also referred to as "The Black Mentalists" or "Mind Patrol."

#### The "Wednesday Phenomenon"

Pilot studies in 1966 and a more recent study of 929 UFO reports from 1968 indicated that the highest percentage of sightings occurred on Wednesdays. This suggests Wednesday is the best day to look for UFOs.

#### Monster Reports vs. UFOs

Loren Coleman's preliminary study of monster reports suggests Friday is the busiest day for monsters, with a different pattern than UFO sightings. Both paranormal events are noted to follow mysterious time cycles.

#### Orland Parker's Ordeal

A case is mentioned where Orland Parker was attacked by a giant snake in 1946. The snake, described as having a flat head and a diamond shape on its back, struck the horse and then bit Parker's heel, leading to severe illness and long-term crippling. Other people in the community had seen similar snakes.

#### Lebanon, Pa. Monster Wave Myth

A reported monster wave incident in Lebanon, Pa., in 1946, was investigated and found to be a misattribution; the incident actually took place in Lebanon, Indiana.

#### Disappearance of the French Dirigible "Dixmude"

An article in the INFO JOURNAL summarized the disappearance of the French dirigible "Dixmude" in 1923. The captain's body was found off Sicily, but no trace of the other 51 passengers was ever discovered.

#### Charles Fort's "Fishline"

On August 2, 1970, a silver "fishline" dropped from the sky over Caldwell, N.J., dangling for several days. A piece was obtained and found to be similar to nylon. The string later fell into the yard and was collected by police.

VFON Satellite Re-Entry Newsletter

This section presents statistics from the "Volunteer Flight Officer Network" project, compiled on August 10, 1970. It includes data on participating airlines, countries, flight crew members, air route miles, and total reports received. The reports are broken down into categories such as bright fireball sightings, satellite re-entries, infrasonic sightings, unidentified sightings, and reports that were initially unknown but later identified.

#### Unusual Sighting: Bahamas

An unusual event was observed in June from the Bahamas: a bright moving point of light with a dome-shaped, smoky cloud. Investigations revealed this was caused by a Poseidon rocket launch from Cape Kennedy. The reflection of the Sun on the rocket and the expansion of its exhaust gases in space created the spectacle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ANOMALY include the re-examination of established UFO theories, the exploration of the psychological and physiological effects of alleged contact experiences, the connection between paranormal phenomena and historical/mythological accounts, and the reporting of various unexplained events and anomalies. The editorial stance, as indicated by John A. Keel's editorship and the content selection, appears to be one of open-minded investigation into phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and societal understanding, encouraging readers to contribute data and research. The magazine emphasizes accuracy and acknowledges its own potential for mistakes, reflecting a commitment to rigorous, albeit unconventional, inquiry.

This issue of the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, dated Friday, November 28, 1969, features a prominent article titled 'A Young Man Examines the Strange World We Live In,' focusing on author Brad Steiger. The publication also includes reports on lightning incidents and an index of articles from FATE magazine.

A Young Man Examines the Strange World We Live In

The main article profiles Brad Steiger, a 33-year-old author with a background in teaching literature, journalism, and creative writing. Steiger, who has written extensively on psychic phenomena and UFOs, shares his lifelong interest in the paranormal, stemming from childhood experiences in a reportedly haunted house. Despite not possessing psychic abilities himself, he approaches the subject dispassionately in his writings, aiming to let readers form their own conclusions. He notes that the climate for accepting the paranormal is improving.

Steiger is against drug use, viewing it as a means of creating artificial experiences. He frequently appears on radio and television, co-hosting 'Threshold,' a series of radio interviews with unusual people. He also co-hosted the Canadian radio series 'Strange Fate.' Steiger was in Los Angeles to speak at a seminar on 'Prophets, Clairvoyants and Other Peculiar People.' He lives in Highland Park, Illinois, with his wife and four children, and maintains a disciplined writing schedule, followed by gymnasium workouts.

The article also touches upon criticism Steiger faces from some flying saucer organizations who insinuate that his teaching of 'Creative Writing' implies irresponsible reporting. However, the publication defends Steiger, highlighting his impressive background and contributions to UFO research.

Lightning Struck Church, Fire Hall

A brief report from the Catskill Mountain News (N.Y.) on September 3, 1970, details a lightning strike on the Margaretville Methodist church, causing damage to the steeple and roof. Lightning also affected a timer motor at the fire hall.

Vision in Baltimore!

A press release from Hiram Whittle describes an incident on August 19, 1966, during a Jehovah's Witnesses assembly in Baltimore, Maryland. Between 7 and 8 p.m., a dark cloud appeared over Memorial Stadium, which then reversed direction. Two pillows of clouds opened to reveal the image of a woman on a cloud, appearing to be giving birth to a baby. This event reportedly lasted between 30 and 40 seconds.

Commentary by Charles Bowen

Charles Bowen, editor of FLYING SAUCER REVIEW, comments on John Keel, noting that Keel's work often stirs strong reactions, with some critics labeling him a madman or charlatan. Bowen suggests that Keel's open-minded approach, which studies every aspect of the subject, including 'contactees' and psychic phenomena, is what provokes such responses. Keel's investigations have led him to believe that UFOs are closely related to psychic phenomena, and that contactee experiences often correlate with psychic experiences.

The Lightning Season

This section discusses the dangers of lightning, noting that over eight hundred people are killed annually by lightning in the US, along with livestock. The summer of 1970 saw an unusual number of lightning deaths. Specific incidents include:

• August 23, 1970: Fred S. Sheppard and Gary F. Jolly killed by lightning on the Duke golf course in Durham, N.C.
• August 19, 1970: Thomas H. Underwood critically injured by lightning in Durham, N.C.
• August 23, 1970: Lightning damaged an electrical panel box at a residence in Durham, N.C.

An odd footnote mentions that Dwight David Eisenhower was struck by lightning at age 17 and was unharmed.

More Lightning Stories

• New York Post, September 9, 1970: Two high school football players killed by lightning in Cleveland, Ohio.
• New York Post, September 10, 1970: Four high school pupils killed by lightning in Manila, Philippines.
• Walton, N.Y. Reporter, September 3, 1970: Six cows belonging to Gary Tweedie and a workhorse were killed by lightning in MacGibbon Hollow. Richard LaTourette also lost four cows.

Probe Shows MU Guard Not Beaten

This article from the Decatur Daily Review (September 1, 1970) reports that State's Attorney Basil G. Greanias stated an investigation revealed that a Millikin University security guard, William J. Mathias, who claimed to have been beaten, was not. The investigation found no evidence of significant injuries, and Mathias' physician suggested he had suffered a seizure. Mathias denies being informed of this by his doctors.

Guard Insists He Was Beaten At Millikin

This article from the Decatur Daily Review (September 1, 1970) presents William J. Mathias' side of the story, where he insists he was beaten. He disputes the state's attorney's findings and claims he was not told about a seizure. Mathias also alleges that Greanias threatened a press conference that would make him 'look very bad' if he didn't drop his complaint. The article notes that the two men Mathias identified as attackers passed lie detector tests, while Mathias refused to take one. Evidence also suggests Mathias did not punch a time clock at scheduled times on the day of the alleged beating.

Parking Tickets a Mysterious Plague

A Kansas City Star report from September 15, 1969, details a case where Charles Masur of Kansas City received three parking tickets in Carthage, Missouri, despite not having been in the city for 10 years. The citations noted his correct license plate number, but Carthage records indicated the offending vehicle was a Ford, while Masur drives a Chevrolet.

'Visitors' weren't escapees

An article from the Southern Illinoisan (February 25, 1970) discusses a case of mistaken identity at a school in Herrin, where a cook reported seeing two men who were thought to be prison escapees. However, since the escapees were captured elsewhere, their identity remains a mystery.

Nog Thefts Investigated

A report from Salem indicates that the Marion county sheriff's office is investigating a series of 'hognapings' where approximately 24 hogs have been stolen in recent weeks.

Bears Roam in Anchorage, Irking Biggest Alaskan City

An Associated Press report from Anchorage, Alaska, notes that the city is being bothered by bears, with nearly 40 complaints received in six weeks about black bears wandering in and around the city.

FATE Index 1968

This section provides an index of articles from FATE magazine published in 1968, focusing on UFOs and Forteana. It lists major UFO articles, book reviews, UFO politics, historical sightings, UFO and spirit photography, UFO locales, and general UFO topics. It also includes indexes for Astral Projection, Astronomy and General Science, Demonopathy, Dowsing, Unusual Entities, Sea Creatures, Sky Falls, Unusual Animals, Unusual Deaths, and Vampirism.

Notable entries include articles by Brad Steiger, John Keel, Aimé Michel, and Coral Lorenzen. The index also references specific cases like the 'Appaloosa from Alamosa' (Snippy the horse incident) and various sightings and phenomena.

ANOMALY SUPPLEMENT #2

This supplement to ANOMALY lists items from FATE magazine, Vol. 21, Nos. 1-12, issues No. 214-225. It categorizes major UFO articles with authors and publication dates.

Flying Saucer Review Special Issue No. 3

A promotion for FSR's Special Issue No. 3, featuring Aimé Michel's study of a UFO encounter's effects on a doctor and his baby son, with photographic evidence. The issue is described as a follow-up to 'The Humanoids' and 'Beyond Condon,' and includes contributions from Dr. Berthold E. Schwarz, Nigel Rimes, H. S. W. Chibbett, Dr. Leo Sprinkle, and Gordon Creighton.

Parapsychology and Psychic Phenomena

This section of the FATE index correlates articles on parapsychology and psychic phenomena with UFO reports. It lists articles on telepathy, possession, poltergeist activity, and other related topics, with authors such as John Keel, John E. Berke, Hereward Carrington, Anita Gregory, and Brad Steiger.

Last Minute Additions

• Lightning Kills 21 Dairy Cows: In Towanda, Pennsylvania, 21 cows were killed by lightning on June 12, 1970.
• UFO Incidents in Towanda: Towanda, Pennsylvania, has been the site of several peculiar UFO incidents.
• St. Petersburg Tragedy Follow-up: A lightning bolt in St. Petersburg, Florida, injured 22 people, killing two.
• Nationwide UFO Flap: A massive UFO flap is reported to have started in late August and is continuing, with spectacular sightings in Prescott, Arizona, and a surge in New York state. An investigation into a case involving thousands of witnesses in New York's Central Park is ongoing, where a UFO hovered above a concert and projected a beam of light.
• Phantom Cat and Monster Wave in Illinois: Illinois experienced a 'phantom cat' variety of monster wave, with cattle and swine reported missing.
• Seven-Foot Tall Creature in Wisconsin: A seven-foot tall, ape-like creature was reported near Benton, Wisconsin.
• Dead Birds in Chilliwack, B.C.: Over 120 dead birds were found pointing in a southerly direction, with autopsies suggesting death from massive internal hemorrhage, possibly caused by poisonous mustard nitrate gas.
• Highly Recommended: A 50-page transcript of the 1969 National Amateur Astronomers Convention in Denver, titled 'Science and the UFO,' is recommended, featuring participants like Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. James E. McDonald.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, with a significant focus on UFOs and psychic phenomena, as exemplified by the profile of Brad Steiger and the FATE magazine index. The publication also highlights the dangers and prevalence of lightning strikes, presenting them as a natural but often deadly phenomenon. There's an underlying editorial stance that encourages an open-minded approach to investigating unusual occurrences, as seen in the defense of John Keel and the detailed reporting of various incidents, while also maintaining a journalistic approach to factual reporting, as in the case of the Millikin University guard.