BILK

Magazine Overview

This issue of BILK, numbers 11 and 12, published in September 1986, marks the end of the second year of the publication. The magazine covers a diverse range of topics related to unexplained phenomena, cryptozoology, and fringe science. The publisher, Ulrich Magin, notes that Volume Three will begin in March 1987 and provides subscription details.

Behemoth: Paluxy River, Texas, USA

The issue reports on new developments concerning the famous Paluxy River footprints, which have been featured in creationist and Däniken books. Computer programmer Glen J. Kuban has presented evidence suggesting that these alleged 'human tracks' are, in fact, dinosaur tracks. He points to shallow grooves at the front and widening at the front of the tracks, which are typical of dinosaurs, not humans. Further study revealed similar tracks with distinct toe prints. John D. Morris, a geologist, has withdrawn his book "Tracking Those Incredible Dinosaurs" after reviewing this new evidence, which challenges romantic ideas about surviving dinosaurs and supposed evidence of their coexistence with humans.

Lake Champlain, USA

Gary Mangiacopra reported a sighting of 'Champ' on July 7, 1986, near Willsboro. Joe Zarzynski is also mentioned as having a new book forthcoming titled "Monster Wrecks of Loch Ness and Lake Champlain," which will explore various aspects of these locations, including shipwrecks, megalithic sites, and strange creatures.

Manchester, England, UK

A report details an angler, Joe Singleton, catching a nine-foot python in a reservoir. The snake, nicknamed Nessie, was captured and is now being kept by animal expert Bob Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe believes the python was battered and dumped in the water. He estimates the snake could grow up to 20 feet long.

Loch Ness, Scotland, UK

Several reports related to Loch Ness are included. Alan Greig thought he had captured a lifetime photo of Nessie, but it turned out to be a dummy moved by divers as part of a Greenpeace demonstration against acid rain. The German magazine "Kosmos" published a photograph of Nessie, which it later admitted was a fake intended as a joke. Steuart Campbell, a Nessie-skeptic, protested the appearance of a model-Nessie at the Commonwealth Games, arguing there is no evidence of unknown aquatic species in Loch Ness.

ISIS: Arabia

A report from the Saudi Gazette mentions a survey by the "Dugong Replenishment Project" to determine the number and habitats of dugongs in the Gulf of the United Arab Emirates. While the expected number was low, recent sightings have given scientists hope, though dugongs are still considered an endangered species.

Leviathan

Several reports about sea monsters are mentioned from German media. The magazine "Kosmos" featured an article on 'seatsnakes' and referenced historical accounts of sea monsters. A German TV program by Heinz Sielmann discussed 'dragons and giant serpents,' but Sielmann concluded that all such monster stories are frauds. A German radio station also broadcast a report about various water monsters.

Kraken: Bermudas

Reports suggest a similar animal to the 'Octopus Giganteus of the Bahamas' may live around Bermuda. John P. Ingham, on his ship "Trilogy," experienced strange events, including lost crab traps, which he attributes to octopus activity. He observed a pyramid-shaped object approximately 50 feet high. Cryptozoologists are considering the possibility of giant octopuses, and these incidents are linked to a 1896 stranding of an enormous organic mass in Florida, which experts debate was either a whale or a giant octopus. Expeditions to Bermuda are planned.

Whales

Approximately 100 whales stranded near Augusta, West Australia, were towed back to sea, but some returned ashore.

Scottish Puma

An ancient story from the "London Literary Gazette" of March 1824 describes a pagan ritual in Mull involving the roasting of cats as a sacrifice. During this ritual, a 'gigantic cat' of enormous size appeared, called 'Big Ears,' and left claw marks on a stone.

Missing Shipping

An Italian yacht, the Berluchi Champenois D'Italia, sank in a storm northwest of the Azores. The yacht, which departed from Plymouth for New York, was found partially submerged, but no trace of the two people on board has been found. The Japanese vessel Helios also went missing after a severe storm near Kyushu in June.

UFOs and Water

A wave of UFO reports from Austria in mid-June included sightings of glowing objects over lakes. Later, astronomers identified these objects as Jupiter and Mars. Psychologist A. Keul suggested that the anxiety following Chernobyl and Wackersdorf might have led to hopes fulfilled by alleged UFOs.

Other Stuff

An expedition was launched to hunt the Great Auk on Papa Westray, Orkneys. A short bibliography on recent Titanic investigations is provided. Two old naval cannons were discovered by divers in the Caledonian Canal. Traditional 'Dragon Boat Races' were held in Taiwan, featuring large canoe-like vessels with dragon heads. A correction is made regarding a previous mention of 'Chessie' instead of 'Champ' for Lake Champlain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of BILK continues its focus on the unexplained, presenting a variety of reports on cryptozoological phenomena, UFO sightings, and historical mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different perspectives and evidence, while also critically examining claims, as seen in the debunking of the Paluxy footprints and the Loch Ness photograph. The magazine seems to encourage reader participation through subscription renewals and notes on corrections. The overall tone is informative and investigative, aiming to bring attention to unusual events and ongoing research in these fields.