ANOMALY

Magazine Overview

Title: ANOMALY
Issue: II, No. 1, Issue #11
Date: April 1974
Publisher: Specialized Research
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of ANOMALY magazine, published by Specialized Research, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena and mysteries, with a strong focus on UFOs, paranormal events, and unusual occurrences.

Key Articles and Reports

UFOs Return: Trick or Treat?

The cover of the magazine prominently features the headline "UFOs Return" and the question "Trick or Treat?", accompanied by an illustration of monstrous figures. The issue explores the resurgence of UFO activity and related phenomena.

Newark Sewer Incident

A report details an incident in Newark, N.J., where Eugene Trowbridge was blown off his toilet by a high-pressure sewer-cleaning hose. The explosion was caused by a clogged vent, and Trowbridge expressed his intention to sue if adequate warning is not given for future operations.

Voices from Space and the Dead

This section discusses experiments by several individuals, including George Hunt Williamson and Philip Rodgers, who claimed to have contacted extraterrestrial intelligences or recorded voices of alleged space entities. Philip Rodgers, a blind musician, is highlighted for his discovery of recording unseen presences on an ordinary tape recorder. The article notes that this type of recording is now taken seriously by parapsychologists who believe they may be recording the voices of the dead. Rodgers died on October 8, 1973.

Cattle Mutilations and Phantom Helicopters

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "Cattle Mutilations" phenomenon, particularly the "Phantom Helicopters" wave that began in February 1973. These large, unmarked machines were seen hovering over cattle herds in the Midwest, coinciding with widespread cattle rustling. The article notes that local law officials, the FAA, and the FBI failed to pinpoint the origin of these choppers. The phenomenon is described as involving the surgical precision killing of cattle, sheep, and dogs, often without blood evidence and with specific mutilations like the removal of ears and sex organs. Researchers like Jerome Clark and Loren Coleman investigated these cases. A Kansas City Times report details similar baffling cattle deaths in north-central Kansas, with no clear explanation from authorities, who speculated about disease or predators but could not account for the knife wounds.

The Legend of 'Hitchhiking Jesus'

This article explores the "vanishing hitchhiker" urban legend, focusing on a story circulating in upstate New York about a man resembling Jesus who is picked up by motorists and then disappears from the car without a trace, often leaving the seatbelt buckled. Folklorist Lydia Fish has compiled reports on this phenomenon, noting that the story is typically told as a true event that happened to someone else.

Mass Hysteria and Mysterious Illnesses

Two separate incidents of mass illness are reported. One is a case in Berry, Ala., where a mysterious illness affecting over 80 pupils and teachers at an elementary school was diagnosed as "mass hysteria." Another report details a "mass illness in theater a mystery" in Gillespie, Ill., where over 80 people became ill during a movie showing, with authorities puzzled by the cause, considering possibilities like a foreign substance in the ventilation system.

Mortuary Fire and Policeman's UFO Photo

Brief reports cover an unusual mortuary fire in Hoquiam, Wash., where a woman's body in a coffin was burned, with the cause undetermined and police unable to determine if a crime occurred. Additionally, a story from Falkville, Ala., details how a policeman, Jeff Greenshaw, faced trouble after taking a photograph of a mysterious, silvery creature, leading to threatening calls, his car engine blowing up, and his trailer being destroyed by fire.

Loch Ness Monster Search

A report from November 1973 details the efforts of a Japanese investigation team searching for the Loch Ness Monster. Despite using expensive electronic equipment and sonar, they had made little progress and had abandoned plans to use a midget submarine. The article notes that the locals, initially fearful, now find the Japanese expedition amusing.

VLF Receiver Construction

An article provides instructions and specifications for building a "DO-IT-YOURSELF VLF RECEIVER." It explains that VLF (Very Low Frequency) reception can pick up mysterious signals, potentially from UFOs, as well as normal cosmic noises and government communications. The article emphasizes the need for a long antenna away from interference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, paranormal events, and mysteries, often presenting anecdotal evidence and witness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, providing a platform for reports on UFOs, alleged extraterrestrial contact, unexplained deaths, and urban legends. There is a clear interest in phenomena that defy conventional explanation, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond the ordinary.

This issue of ANOMALY #13, dated February 3, 1974, is a compilation of reports and discussions on various unexplained phenomena, including atmospheric events, electromagnetic concerns, unusual rituals, and archeological mysteries. It features contributions from pilots, scientists, reporters, and amateur researchers, aiming to document and analyze events that fall outside conventional understanding.

Noctilucent Cloud Report

The issue begins with a report on noctilucent clouds, described as an infrequent but unusual event. Captain Feldvary and W. J. Grote observed such a cloud, estimating its height at 50-60 miles above the earth and its duration at 35-40 minutes. The report explains that noctilucent clouds are visible at night, illuminated by sunlight, and can be classified by their shapes (veils, bands, billows, or whirls). The observed cloud was classified as a banded noctilucent. The article details the conditions necessary for viewing these clouds, emphasizing the need for darkness and specific solar angles. It also touches upon their composition, with some scientists proposing they are made of ice-coated dust particles of extraterrestrial origin. The study of noctilucent clouds is linked to understanding the ionosphere and cosmic dust influx.

Stratospheric Cloud Observations

Following the noctilucent cloud report, the newsletter highlights a request from Dr. John Stanford of the National Center for Atmospheric Research for observations of stratospheric clouds. Dr. Stanford is researching the amount of water vapor in the stratosphere and its potential impact on the ozone layer and ultra-violet radiation filtering. The article urges readers, particularly airline flight officers, to be alert for these clouds during twilight hours. A specific report from Russell Eberst in Edinburgh, Scotland, describes an extreme-altitude cloud observed on July 2-3, characterized by its brightness, fine detail, and unusual descriptions like 'like the sea shore when the tide is out.' These stratospheric clouds, often nacreous (mother-of-pearl) in appearance, occur at very high altitudes (17-31 km) and are rarely seen.

Electromagnetic Fog Seen Peril To Humans

This section, reported by Robert A. Jones for The Los Angeles Times, discusses the potential dangers of an "electromagnetic fog" contaminating the Earth's frequency spectrum. Dr. Heinz Schlicke, a chief electronics scientist, warns that this contamination could threaten human life and disrupt vital systems, including aircraft communications, computer systems, and medical equipment. The article notes that the spectrum is being blanketed by electromagnetic interference, possibly from errant signals from power lines or heavy use of frequency bands. The implications for automated production lines and weapons systems are also mentioned.

Voodoo in Central Park

Another report by Robert A. Jones details the discovery of ritual remains, primarily dead chickens, in New York's Central Park, attributed to voodoo practices. Maintenance man William Robeson recounts finding these remains, often accompanied by plates, candles, and offerings. Park officials acknowledge the presence of these rituals, particularly in areas with a concentrated Haitian population, but consider it a minor nuisance. The article explains that voodoo is a pantheistic religion widely practiced in Haiti and the Caribbean. It notes the caution of practitioners and the lack of arrests, despite violations of laws concerning littering and animal slaughter. The rituals are described as private and discrete.

'Skunk Ape' in the Everglades

This article, by Dick Bothwell from The National Observer, reports on the legend of the 'Skunk Ape,' a hairy giant said to inhabit the Everglades. H. C. "Buz" Osbon, president of the Peninsular Archeological Society, recounts an incident where his group encountered what appeared to be a large, man-like creature leaving huge footprints. The society is also investigating strange structures, including pyramids and walls, in the Big Cypress Swamp, speculating they might be relics of an ancient civilization or even Atlantis.

Rock Calendar Believed Found

An Associated Press report from Rochester, Michigan, describes Professor John B. Huner's discovery of a group of rocks that he believes may be a Stonehenge-like calendar built by prehistoric Indians. This find could indicate that ancient peoples possessed knowledge of astronomy and geometry. The location of the site is being kept secret to preserve its condition.

Old New England Stones Puzzle Experts

This United Press International report discusses mysterious stone formations in Western Massachusetts that puzzle archaeologists. James P. Whittall Jr., head archaeologist for the New England Antiquities Research Association, suggests these stones might be evidence of an ancient European culture in New England predating Columbus. The pattern and location of the stones, situated on a high mountain, are considered significant for their potential religious and astrological purposes, possibly related to observing celestial bodies.

Watergate Commentary

A commentary section addresses the impact of the Watergate scandal on public trust. It notes that a significant percentage of letter-writers now request anonymity due to fear of FBI investigation. The commentary states that the scandal has instilled a fear of government in Americans. It also presents a list of 18 "material witnesses" connected to the assassination of John F. Kennedy who have died under suspicious circumstances, with a high percentage attributed to unnatural causes (murder, accident, suicide).

The Death of 18 Material Witnesses in a Short Time

This section elaborates on the deaths of individuals connected to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. It lists 18 "material witnesses" who died, noting that 5 died of natural causes and 13 were victims of accident, suicide, or murder. The article highlights the statistical improbability of all 15 witnesses having died by February 1967, citing an actuary's calculation of astronomical odds against such an event.

Watergate - Funding Details

This part of the issue lists eight persons killed in connection with Watergate funding. It details individuals like Mrs. Dorothy Hunt, Rep. W. Mills, and others, linking their deaths to large sums of money and potential cooperation with plans related to the scandal. Some deaths are listed as accidents, while others are implied to be murder or suicide under duress.

Trivial Announcement & Subscription Problems

This section announces that ANOMALY #13 might be the final issue and hints at a new publication. It also includes a humorous and psychological interpretation of subscription problems, suggesting that issues might be lost due to subconscious self-punishment or an anal-retentive personality.

The Electromagnetic Radiation Spectrum

A graphic illustrates the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, ranging from AC motors to gamma rays. It highlights ranges affected by nuclear bombs and VLF waves, and notes that thermal radiation, visible UFO manifestations, and nuclear/cosmic radiation fall within specific parts of the spectrum. It also mentions documented UFO-related injuries caused by energy in the X-ray and gamma ray range.

The Last Word

John A. Keel's "The Last Word" column thanks readers for sending clippings and reports on local sightings, particularly those from the October wave. He notes that the UFO phenomenon seems to have shifted to South America and Scandinavia. The column mentions mystery submarines in Norwegian fjords, new 'holes in the ice' in Sweden, and the 'skunk ape' sighting in Florida. It also provides "Pungent Plugs" for various newsletters and publications, including "The Baum Bugle," "Conspiracy Newsletter," and "Inside, Straight," as well as upcoming journals and magazines like "Dimensions" and a UFO quarterly from SAGA magazine. Keel also teases a new book by Brad Steiger and a surprise from himself in 1975.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (noctilucent and stratospheric clouds, UFOs), the potential dangers of technological advancements (electromagnetic spectrum contamination), and the exploration of fringe topics such as voodoo rituals and ancient archeological mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to report unusual observations and presenting information that challenges conventional explanations. There is a clear interest in documenting anomalies and exploring their potential implications, as seen in the detailed reporting on the Watergate witness deaths and the 'Skunk Ape' legend.