BILK

Magazine Overview

BILK 43, published in September 1991 by Ulrich Magin in Mutterstadt, Germany, is a 6-issue-per-year publication with a subscription cost of 15 German Marks. This issue delves into various unexplained phenomena, focusing on lake monsters, UFO sightings, and cryptozoological mysteries.

Lake Monsters

Lake Van, Turkey The "Mannheimer Morgen" reported on a monster sighting in Lake Van, Turkey, in July 1991. Local Turks and foreign media showed great interest, with witnesses claiming a monster reared its head out of the water. However, the semi-official news-agency Anatolia reportedly killed the story. A 14-year-old boy, Semih Aliriz, claimed to have solved the mystery, identifying the 'monster' as an air-filled mattress. The article concludes that the 1990 monster was also likely a mattress, humorously suggesting mattress producers could use this for advertising.

Lagarfljót/Lögurinn, Iceland This section discusses the Lagarfljót monster, referencing material collected by Baring Gould in the 19th century. An article from VID sem fljúgum Icelandair Inflight Magazine (1990) mentions that the Lagarfljót River is associated with rumors of a huge worm-shaped animal, but states there is no confirmation of it ever being seen, questioning the origin of the legends.

Loch Ness, Scotland A report by Klaus Kämpgen on "Project Urquhart," the latest attempt to find the Loch Ness monster, is mentioned. Neil Chalmers, Director of the Museum of Natural History, highlighted how little is known about the Loch, even if Nessie isn't found. The project, sponsored by the Royal Scottish Society for Geography, will last four years and includes mapping the lake bottom. Chalmers emphasized the need for scientific exploration to understand and protect the lake. Nick Witchell, BBC announcer and Nessie author, stressed the importance of serious investigation by scientists, not publicity seekers, noting that Project Urquhart does not believe in a monster but seeks explanations for observations. The article also references a report in the German tabloid "Neue Revue" and letters concerning a book by Jipp, which is described as a collection of 60 press clippings about the Loch from 1960-1990.

Cryptozoology and Other Phenomena

Venezuela The issue revisits the topic of dinosaurs on the Auyan Tepui in Venezuela. An expedition including biologist Armando Michelangeli and Uwe George found a small lizard-like creature, initially thought to be a young dinosaur, but later identified by Dr. Andreas Schlüter as a common South American lizard called Neusticurus. Terra X, a German TV serial, also sponsored an expedition to these table mountains, believed by some to be home to dinosaurs. The remoteness of the region is stressed, but tourist flights to view the mountains are common.

Nördlingen, Germany (UFO Sighting) A CENAP Report from July/August 1991 details a German UFO sighting in Nördlingen. In July 1984, several people saw a ball-like UFO hovering over a field of cereals. A focus-like object opened, revealing "two strange creatures which looked like fish," which walked erect and made jerky motions. The object then closed and vanished. CENAP identified it as a balloon, but the article suggests this may only explain the trigger, not the experience, noting the recurring theme of mermaid-like creatures piloting spaceships.

Kraken (Giant Octopus) The German feature film of a movie taken of a giant octopus, previously mentioned, was rescheduled for June 26 but was again not screened.

USO (Unidentified Submerged Object)

#### Barrier Islands, Florida, USA
In 1978, Ed Walters allegedly reported being abducted by a USO off Florida. He described his canoe scratching over a metallic object underwater, followed by bubbles and a chlorine smell from a mysterious green glow. He lost consciousness and awoke hours later, claiming abduction by an alien submarine. The article notes that Ed Walters is a notorious hoaxer, referencing his Gulf Breeze fame.

#### Saguenay River, Canada
A report in "Nature," reprinted in "Science Frontiers" and "The Ley !!nter," described earthquake lights along the Saguenay River in Canada. These lights, often resembling UFOs, were located along a river also famous for traditional and recent sea monster sightings. The article also mentions Loch-na-Sanais near Loch Ness, where a lady reported seeing ghost lights in the 19th century.

Books

The author mentions two recently published books: "Kontakte mit 'Außerirdischen' im deutschen Sprachraum" (Contacts with 'Extraterrestrials' in the German-speaking area) and "Von Ufos entführt" (Abducted by UFOs). The first book focuses on UFO creatures in Germany, and the second on American abductions. The author notes a limited supply and directs readers to publishers GEP and C H Beck for ordering.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

BILK consistently explores unexplained phenomena, often presenting multiple perspectives and sometimes debunking claims, as seen with the Lake Van monster. The magazine appears to maintain an open yet critical stance, encouraging scientific investigation while acknowledging the enduring public fascination with mysteries like lake monsters and UFOs. The recurring mention of specific books and reports suggests a focus on documenting and analyzing contemporary accounts within the fields of cryptozoology and ufology. The editorial stance leans towards presenting information and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also providing context and potential explanations, often referencing previous issues or related publications.