Bilk

Magazine Overview

Title: Bilk
Issue: # 64
Date: March 1995
Publisher: Ulrich Magin
Country: Germany
Price: DM 15 (Germany), DM 20 (Europe), DM 25 (Rest of World)

This issue of Bilk, a publication appearing six times a year, delves into various intriguing topics within the realm of cryptozoology and unexplained phenomena.

Behemoth: Loch Ness and Other Mysteries

The section "Behemoth" opens with an update on Loch Ness, referencing "Nessletter 120." It discusses the sighting of a seal in the Loch during the summer of 1994, which led some to reconsider earlier Nessie sightings from 1933 as potentially misinterpretations of seal behavior or boat wakes. New research by Adrian Shine suggests that sonar detections of large masses of fish in river mouths might be due to gas bubbles escaping from the ground, implying the Loch may be nutrient-poor for a large creature. A possible new sighting of a head and neck off Dores on June 17, 1993, is also mentioned.

Andreas Trottmann, a dedicated Nessie hunter, is planning to publish a press review on Loch Ness, compiling clips on recent events and older clippings. This project, funded by a subscription of 8 Pounds, aims to provide cryptozoollogical and sociological information. The issue also notes discussions about proposed plans to turn Borlum Farm near Urquhart Castle into a holiday resort, potentially transforming the area into a "Disneyland." A romantic comedy movie about a Loch Ness researcher is also in production.

ISIS: Hoaxes and Scientific Speculation

Under the "ISIS" heading, the magazine briefly mentions a report from "Frankfurter Rundschau" about "Noticias del Mundo," a Spanish publication similar to the "Weekly World News." Hoaxes cited include a "computerised confessional chair" and a "Siren in a bathtub."

Frans de Waal's book "Wilde Diplomaten" is discussed, particularly his examination of the water-ape theory of Hardy and Morgan. While de Waal rejects the idea of bipedalism evolving in the ocean, he suggests that the semi-aquatic habitat of Bonobos might have contributed to their bipedalism.

A historical report from the "Inverness Couriers" (reprinted from October 14, 1819) details a mermaid sighting in Connemara, Ireland, describing the creature as "half female and half fish."

Leviathan: Sea Serpents and Marine Mysteries

The "Leviathan" section addresses a potential sea serpent stranding near Cape Nemetski, Russia, reported in "Le Martin." The carcass, initially described as a long-necked dinosaur, was later identified as a beaked whale. Similar misidentifications of whale carcasses as sea serpents have occurred previously, such as one in Santa Cruz, California, in 1925.

Cryptozoology: Extinct and Elusive Creatures

This section covers several cryptozoological reports:

• Tasman Wolf: An observation of a Tasman wolf, believed extinct for almost 60 years, was reported in north-east Tasmania.
• Yeti: A new Chinese hunt for the yeti is underway following sightings by farmers.
• Wolf in France: Sightings and a videotape of a marauding wolf were reported in the Vosges mountains, France.
• Mammoths: Russian scientists report the discovery of 3730-year-old mammouth remains on the Wrangel Island in Siberia. These mammouths were half the size of usual ones, and their age suggests they survived much longer than the previously estimated 10,000 years ago.

USO: Unidentified Submerged Objects

This section focuses on the Swedish Navy's activities. It clarifies that the noises registered during submarine hunts were admitted by the Swedish Armed Forces to be caused by air bubbles from swimming mink, not submarines. The Swedish government plans to cut funding for submarine hunts due to this revelation. The author draws a parallel to the Loch Ness situation, where natural phenomena are identified according to local myths.

Conclusion and Future Topics

The editor expresses hope that readers enjoyed the issue and plans to cover recent archaeological finds from under the sea and notes on mysterious lakes in the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on aquatic mysteries like Loch Ness, mermaids, and sea serpents. There is an emphasis on distinguishing between genuine sightings, misinterpretations, and hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and research while also critically examining the evidence and potential explanations, often drawing parallels between different cultural interpretations of unexplained events.