Bilk

Magazine Overview

This document is an issue of Bilk, a bi-monthly publication focusing on unexplained phenomena, published by Ulrich Magin from Bietigheim, Germany. This particular issue is # 67, dated September 1995. Subscriptions were available for DM 15 within Germany and Europe, and DM 20 for the USA.

Loch Ness Reports

The issue details several events concerning the Loch Ness Monster. In February 1994, scientists reportedly witnessed the surfacing of an unidentified gigantic creature. Between May 17-19, 1994, a large crowd observed a 'gigantic barbaric creature' from the shore, with a second observation on August 11, 1994. Between October 18-23, 1994, a film was taken, sparking debate about its authenticity. The magazine notes these events were taken from a book called 'Der Nostradamus Almanach 1994' by V J Hewitt, suggesting Hewitt used computer-aided methods to interpret Nostradamus' prophecies. In July 1995, sounds described as 'mysterious grunts', 'sighing and grunting' were recorded by the submarine 'Taurus' at a depth of 135m (or 150m according to 'Welt' newspaper), detected by sonar.

Cryptozoological Sightings and Discoveries

Several other cryptozoological reports are featured:

• Bibliography: New sightings of Nessie are mentioned in 'Nessletter'. A restaurant named 'Loch Ness' opened in Zaberfeld, Germany. The German magazine 'Geo' had an item on Scotland in its June 1995 issue. A lake monster called 'migo' from a small pond in the Bismarck Archipelago is mentioned, despite the pond's small size. Professor Cabrera, known for collecting Ica stones, reportedly found dinosaur fossils, giant dinosaur eggs, and human skulls on the Peruvian coast, which some interpret as genuine, while others see them as eroded stones.
• Escaped Pets: A 2m/7ft boa constrictor escaped in Stahnsdorf, Brandenburg, Germany, and was found within two days. A 4ft iguana was found on a window sill high above Rochester, Kent, England.
• Fortean Times: Issue 81 reportedly contains information on stuffed mermaids in British museums.
• Puerto Rico Creature: In August 1991, Ulises Péres discovered a 3-4 ft tall creature with gray skin and webbed hands and feet in an irrigation channel at Cuesta Blanca, Puerto Rico. The creature escaped into a lake, leading ufologist Jorge Martin to speculate about extraterrestrials having a submarine base there.
• Grotte Cosquer Marine Creature: A depiction of a marine creature in the Grotte Cosquer in France has been debated. Initially identified as a penguin, alternative theories suggest it could be a snow hen or one of Heuvelmans' long-necked sea serpents. The term 'penguin' might refer to the great auk, and a discussion in the magazine 'Focus' mentioned the animal as 'great auk' (Riesenalk).
• Bibliography: 'Strange 15' reportedly has a note on a dead baby sea serpent found in a whale's stomach in 1993 and an article on stranded sea serpents by Karl Shuker.
• Giant Squid: In Argentinia, a giant squid measuring 3.5m/12ft and weighing 100kg was found dead on the coast. Its size was significantly larger than previously recorded squids, suggesting they inhabit depths of 500-1000m.
• Florida Monster: The remains washed ashore in 1896, previously thought to be a 'giant octopus', have been identified as whale blubber. Further research in April 1995 confirmed the tissue was composed entirely of collagen, typical of mammalian animals, thus debunking the 'giant octopus' theory. The article criticizes both 'scientific' ufologists and cryptozoologists for their persistent pursuit of imaginary creatures.
• Jellyfish Invasions: Jellyfish invasions were reported at the Côte d'Azur and in Israel, with the latter being exported to Japan for consumption.

UFOs and Underwater Bases

• Puerto Rico: Reports suggest extraterrestrials maintain a secret underwater base off Puerto Rico, with locals observing UFOs emerging from the sea daily. The 'Isis' section of the magazine reportedly detailed an encounter with one of the pilots. The 'International UFO Reporter' (Jan/Feb 1995) also featured a report on sightings of submarines in Norwegian fjords.
• Argentina UFO Attack: In San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, a UFO reportedly 'attacked' a Boeing 727 piloted by Jorge Polanco on August 1 (date uncertain), possibly in connection with the local monster legend, Nahuelito.

Other Phenomena and Theories

• Yeti: Chinese researchers have returned from an expedition searching for the 'snowman', and claim to be convinced of its existence, though they found no direct evidence. Unidentified hairs were reportedly discovered.
• Alien Big Cats: Sightings of alien big cats have been reported on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, with sheep being killed. While officials suggest feral dogs, a leopard skull found on Bodmin Moor fueled the debate. Discussion ensued regarding whether the skull was a hoax, with the British Museum concluding it was.
• Bermuda Triangle: The article dismisses the Bermuda Triangle as a journalistic invention. It presents a theory by British scientists that large pockets of methane gas at the bottom of the Triangle rise to the surface, poisoning ship's crews. The author finds this theory more far-fetched than extraterrestrial explanations, stating there was never a mystery to begin with.

Conclusion

This issue of Bilk concludes by reminding readers that the next issue will be in November 1995 and encourages readers to submit their news and views, keeping their eyes open for Nessie.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Bilk are cryptozoology (Loch Ness Monster, Yeti, sea serpents, giant squid, alien big cats), ufology (UFOs, underwater alien bases), and other unexplained phenomena (Bermuda Triangle theories, strange creatures). The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, often with a critical eye towards sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the commentary on the 'Nostradamus Almanach' and the dismissal of the Bermuda Triangle mystery. There's a clear interest in presenting diverse reports from various sources, including other magazines and newspapers.