CdU Suplemento Internacional - 2001

Magazine Overview

This issue of AMAZING STORIES, dated September 2001, is a supplement titled "CdU Suplemento Internacional" from Fundación Anomalía. It features a cover price of 25 Cents and an ISSN of 1136-2995. The cover art depicts two figures looking up at a city skyline with a rocket-like object in the sky, accompanied by the main title "AMAZING STORIES" and featured articles like "THE MOON PIRATES" by Neil R. Jones, "THROUGH THE ANDES" by A. Hyatt Verrill, and "MASTER MINDS OF VENUS" by W. K. Sonnemann. The issue is printed in Canada on Canadian paper.

Editorial Content

The 1909 Airship Scare Over England

The lead article, "NAVES AMEDRENTADORAS SOBRE INGLATERRA: LA OLEADA DE LA 'NAVE AÉREA' EN 1909" by Dr. David Clarke (from FORTEAN TIMES Nº 6), delves into the panic surrounding phantom airships in Britain in 1909. Lord Northcliffe, owner of the Daily Mail, telegraphed an editorial from Berlin criticizing those who incited panic, arguing it harmed Anglo-German relations and distracted from Germany's naval expansion. He expressed concern that England was becoming a home for 'nervous degenerates.' Leo Maxse supported this view, stating the public was falling into 'considerable ridicule.' The German Imperial government, through Friedrich Dernberg, acknowledged the 'invasion panic' and stories of spies and phantom airships, but emphasized more serious underlying issues that could lead to 'fatal decisions' in an international context. Sociologists Bartholomew and Howard interpreted these sightings as a symbol of xenophobic sentiments and fears of dramatic changes in England, linking them to technological advancements and the rapid spread of rumors via newspapers and word-of-mouth.

Several hundred people across the British Isles reported seeing inexplicable lights and objects in the sky during the spring of 1909. The prevailing theory was that these were hostile German dirigibles on reconnaissance missions. Witnesses described the craft as black, cigar or torpedo-shaped, at least 30 meters long, capable of easy maneuvering and superior speed. Many reports mentioned a bright spotlight and a humming sound. The article notes that while some phenomena might be explained by natural causes like comets or planets, the media-driven hysteria, self-deception, and 'war nerves' played a significant role in transforming ordinary occurrences into phantom dirigibles. These events are compared to modern UFO waves, noting similarities such as nighttime sightings, bright lights, and concentrated cases.

Definitive Proof of Lunar Transitory Phenomena (TLPs)

Barry Greenwood, in "PRUEBA DEFINITIVA SOBRE LA EXISTENCIA DE LOS LLAMADOS FENOMENOS LUNARES TRANSITORIOS (TLPS)" from U.F.O. Historical Revue nº 6 (March 2000), discusses unusual light flashes observed on the Moon's surface, known as TLPs. These reports, dating back to the 18th century, led some to believe the Moon was not as dead as previously thought. TLPs included physical changes, color shifts, and the disappearance of surface details, suggesting atmospheric activity or even volcanism. While most astronomers attributed TLPs to natural causes or observer imagination, a minority considered them evidence of intelligent activity, proposing theories like alien mining operations or secret bases. The article highlights a 1999 event during the Leonid meteor shower where independent video recordings captured multiple flashes on the lunar surface, confirming the existence of TLPs. The cause is identified as meteor impacts. The article credits observers who documented these events as pioneers in astronomical observation, rather than mere cranks.

Dr. David Dunham of the International Occultation Timing Association reported that Brian Cudnik observed a bright flash on the Moon's unlit surface. Dunham was filming at the time and corroborated the event. Cudnik's observation was later confirmed by other observers, including Pedro Valdés Sada and David Palmer, with multiple flashes being recorded. The article notes that while this confirms meteor impacts as a cause for some TLPs, it doesn't explain all reports. The author criticizes a SKY AND TELESCOPE article that dismissed TLP interest as a lack of critical thinking, arguing that the magazine's authors failed to consider meteor impacts as a potential cause.

The Swedish Mystery Rockets

"LOS MISTERIOSOS COHETES SUECOS" by Sven Rosen (FORTEAN TIMES nº 130, January 2000) recounts an incident on July 23, 1999, where a silver, rocket-shaped object, about 3 meters long, reportedly fell into Lake Backsjön in Sweden, creating a large water jet. Witnesses described it as having small wings and emitting a rocket-like sound that turned into a hum before impact. Military divers searched the lake but found no trace of the object. The article notes that similar reports of cylindrical objects with short wings crashing into lakes in Sweden, Norway, and Finland have occurred since 1946, leading to the term 'spökraket' (ghost rocket). One notable case from July 19, 1946, involved an object falling into Lake Kölmjärv.

The article details numerous other incidents of alleged UFO crashes into lakes in Sweden and Norway from 1959 to 1991. These include objects seen crashing into lakes, leaving large holes in the ice (as in Lake Upprämen in 1968), and reports of mysterious noises and water disturbances. The author suggests that while some of these might be explained by natural phenomena like explosions or meteorites, the consistent pattern of lake impacts points to something more.

The Great Falls UFO Film Manipulation

In "SOBRE LA MANIPULACION DE LOS NEGATIVOS DE LA PELICULA DE GREAT FALLS (1950)" (EXTRACTO from U.F.O. Historical Revue nº 7, September 2000), the case of a filmed UFO sighting in Great Falls, Montana, on August 15, 1950, is examined. Witnesses Nicholas Mariana and Virginia Rauning observed two peculiar, rapidly moving, disk-shaped objects. Mariana filmed the objects with a 16mm camera. The film reportedly showed two spinning disks, approximately 50 feet in diameter, separated by about 50 yards. Shortly after the sighting, two Air Force F-94 jets arrived at the scene. Mariana's film was sent to the Air Force for analysis and returned later, but he was surprised to find that a significant portion, about 35 frames, showing the objects with a distinct outer band and rotational movement, was missing. Several witnesses, including Mariana, his lawyer John Wuertner, and local newspaper editor E.P. Furlong, stated that the film had been cut. The article cites an investigation by Roy Craig for the Condon Committee, which found evidence that the film was indeed shortened. The investigator, Dr. William Hartmann, concluded that the case remained unexplained, finding the images difficult to reconcile with known aircraft, though he did not entirely rule out an aeronautical explanation. The article concludes that despite Air Force denials, evidence suggests the film was deliberately altered.

The Flatwoods Monster of West Virginia

"EL MONSTRUO DEL OVNI DE FLATWOODS" by Joe Nickell (Skeptical Inquirer, November/December 2000) investigates the famous 1952 incident. On September 12, 1952, in Flatwoods, West Virginia, a group of young people and adults reported seeing a fiery object crash on a nearby hill. They investigated and encountered a large, dark figure with a red, round face and glowing eyes, emitting a foul odor and a hissing sound. The creature reportedly moved towards the group, causing them to flee in terror. Initial investigations by local authorities and the Air Force found no evidence of a crash or unusual material. Some witnesses later suggested the object was a meteor, and the 'monster' was a misidentification.

Nickell critically examines the witness accounts. He notes that the description of the creature's size and shape, particularly its 'hooded' appearance and lack of visible lower body, is consistent with a large owl perched on a branch. The 'glowing eyes' could be reflections, and the 'hissing sound' could be an owl's call. The foul odor is also attributed to natural sources, possibly a type of plant. The article suggests that the intense fear and panic of the witnesses, combined with the unusual circumstances, led to the misinterpretation of a natural phenomenon, possibly a meteor followed by an owl, as an extraterrestrial encounter. The article dismisses theories of a deliberate hoax or an alien entity, leaning towards a natural explanation amplified by psychological factors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Amazing Stories consistently explores unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and alleged encounters with the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, presenting various theories and evidence while often leaning towards more conventional or natural explanations, particularly in the case of the Flatwoods Monster. However, the magazine also highlights cases where conventional explanations are lacking or where evidence of manipulation (as in the Great Falls film) suggests a deliberate cover-up or a genuine mystery. The recurring theme is the human fascination with the unexplained, the role of media and public perception in shaping narratives, and the ongoing quest for definitive answers in the study of UFOs and related phenomena. The inclusion of articles from various publications like Fortean Times and Skeptical Inquirer indicates a broad approach to the subject matter, encompassing both skeptical analysis and the presentation of intriguing, albeit sometimes controversial, case studies.

Title: Fortean Times
Issue: 131
Date: February 2000
Publisher: Fortean Times
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Fortean Times explores a range of paranormal and unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFO sightings, alien abductions, and crop circles. The articles delve into scientific investigations, personal testimonies, and speculative theories, offering a comprehensive look at the fringes of belief and research.

Articles

The 'Monster' That Wasn't: A Barn Owl's Tale

The issue opens with an explanation of a 'monster' sighting, suggesting that the creature was likely a common barn owl. The author argues that perceptual errors and the witnesses' expectations of seeing something alien led to the misidentification. The creature's aggressive behavior was attributed to being startled, and its appearance was distorted by the dark and the witnesses' fear.

"Cattle Abduction" Solved?

Jenny Randles presents a fascinating potential solution to a famous English case from 1978. Four poachers reported seeing aliens placing bars around a cow, resembling a cage. Roy Sandbach discovered an old veterinary tool that fits this description – a portable cage with sliding bars used to immobilize cows for treatment. The author suggests the sighting was likely veterinarians, not aliens, using portable cages and headlamps at night.

Magnetic Particles Found in a Missouri Crop Circle

JoAnne Scarpellini and Gary P. Hart report on a crop circle discovered in Missouri. The circle, approximately 9 feet in diameter, was protected from cattle and largely unaffected by rain. Samples taken later revealed magnetic particles in the soil, decreasing in concentration away from the circle. The particles were unusually large, some reaching 2 millimeters. This is a common finding in crop circles, but the size was notable.

Dark Ages: Abductions and the Reptilian Conspiracy

Kevin McClure's article delves into the darker aspects of belief systems, questioning why people are increasingly turning to 'dark gods' and abdicating personal control. He critiques societies that waste resources on grand constructions for deities, contrasting it with the courage of those who practice faith in private. McClure then discusses the controversial 'Reptilian' conspiracy theory, popularized by David Icke, which posits that reptilian beings from the Draco constellation control humanity. He cites alleged victims like Cathy O'Brien and Arizona Wilder, who claim to have witnessed ritualistic human sacrifices and transformations into reptilian forms, even implicating the British Royal Family.

The Alien Love-Bite: Abductions and AIDS

This section critically examines the pseudoscientific claims linking alien implants to AIDS. It discusses the work of Derrel Sims, Roger Leir, and Eve Frances Lorgen, who promote the idea that alien implants cause various ailments, including AIDS. The article highlights the questionable methods and lack of verifiable evidence used by these researchers, particularly in their attempts to persuade vulnerable women. It also touches upon the controversial theory that the HIV virus may have an extraterrestrial origin, possibly designed and spread through abductees.

The Last Knot of the Rope: The 1998 Abduction Survey

Peter Brookesmith analyzes the results of two Roper surveys on 'Unusual Personal Experiences' conducted in 1991 and 1998. The surveys asked about experiences such as lost time, seeing lights, finding scars, encountering strange figures, and feeling of flying. While the 1991 survey suggested a significant number of potential abductees, the 1998 survey showed a dramatic decrease in reported experiences. Brookesmith questions the methodology and the logical leap made by abduction researchers like Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs in interpreting these results as definitive proof of abductions.

Abductions: A Target to Pursue

Jenny Randles discusses the ongoing debate surrounding abductions, particularly the controversial claim by Dr. Kevin Randle that most abductees are homosexual. Randles notes that her own research has not supported this, and suggests that artistic or creative tendencies might be misinterpreted. She emphasizes the need for more data beyond anecdotal evidence and discusses the ethical considerations of investigating abduction claims, proposing an initiative called AIM (Abduction Investigation Monitor) to standardize research and protect witnesses.

Alien Abductions, Sleep Paralysis, and the Temporal Lobe

Susan Blackmore reviews a study investigating the link between alien abductions, sleep paralysis, and temporal lobe instability. The study found that abductees reported sleep paralysis more frequently than control groups, but no significant difference in temporal lobe instability was found. Blackmore discusses alternative explanations for abduction experiences, including psychological factors, vivid dreams, and the influence of cultural narratives.

The Hierophant

This section features a brief commentary on the perceived decline of certain paranormal phenomena, noting the involvement of comedian Roseanne Barr in discussing extraterrestrial encounters. It also includes a peculiar warning from John Locke about avoiding 'Reptiloids' by consuming processed foods and avoiding sugary drinks, suggesting they prefer 'impure' humans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently questions sensationalist claims and seeks rational explanations for paranormal phenomena, while also exploring more speculative theories. There is a critical stance towards pseudoscientific research and a call for more rigorous investigation. The magazine appears to be open to exploring a wide range of unexplained events, from misidentified animals to complex conspiracy theories, but encourages critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. The recurring theme is the human tendency to interpret the unknown through pre-existing beliefs and expectations, leading to the creation of 'monsters' and elaborate narratives.

This issue of "Cuadernos de Ufología" (Ufology Notebooks), Volume 24, Number 6, dated November/December 2000, is published by Fundación Anomalía and focuses on a critical examination of the theories presented by Richard C. Hoagland, particularly concerning the "Face on Mars" and his other controversial claims. The magazine adopts a skeptical stance, presenting evidence and testimonies that challenge Hoagland's interpretations and affiliations.

The Face Behind the "Martian Face"

The main article, "The Face Behind the 'Martian Face'" by Gary P. Posner, delves into the controversy surrounding the "Face on Mars" discovered in images taken by NASA's Viking 1 spacecraft in the Cydonia region in July 1976. Hoagland and his associates interpreted this natural formation as an artificial monument, possibly part of an ancient Martian city. The article scrutinizes Hoagland's claims, including his assertion that the city could be 500,000 years old.

It details Hoagland's invitation to speak at NASA, which he presented as a result of NASA's internal investigation validating his work. However, Americo F. Forestieri, Director of Internal Affairs at NASA's Lewis center, clarified that Hoagland was invited as a guest speaker based on an employee's recommendation and that no NASA scientist shared his theories. Joyce E. Bergstrom explained that the "ALERT" designation was merely an acronym for "Alert Lewis Employees on Relevant Topics."

Hoagland's claims about his role in the Pioneer 10 plaque's message are also challenged. He asserted that he and Eric Burgess conceived the message, but Carl Sagan and Frank Drake stated that Hoagland and Burgess merely suggested adding a message, while they were responsible for its design and approval.

The article further discusses Hoagland's involvement in promoting a stamp collection from Sierra Leone, which he claimed would significantly increase in value due to the "Face on Mars" discovery. However, the stamps were reportedly rejected by an international philatelic organization due to ethical violations.

Hoagland's promotion of a "Machine N," a perpetual motion device, is also mentioned. He claimed it could open a door to the fourth dimension and generate electrical energy. The article notes that despite claims of its operation, no confirmation has been found.

Skepticism and Scientific Rebuttals

Journalists and scientists express strong skepticism towards Hoagland's work. David Morrison, Head of the Space Science Division at NASA Ames Research Center, stated that no one in the scientific community attributed credibility to Hoagland or his theories. Michael Laurence, in response to Hoagland's claims about the stamp collection, suggested that those who believed in such speculative investments would likely suffer financial loss.

Later images from the Mars Global Surveyor in 1998 and 1999 confirmed that the "Face on Mars" and the supposed "City" were natural geological formations, consistent with NASA's initial assessment.

Robert Bigelow: A Ufology Patron

The issue also features an article on Robert Bigelow, a wealthy businessman with a deep interest in UFO phenomena. Bigelow's passion for UFOs began with his grandparents' sightings in 1947 and 1950. He has invested millions in urological projects, funded the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), and established the Bigelow Chair for Consciousness Studies at the University of Nevada.

Bigelow's ventures have included briefly financing Bob Lazar and supporting research into alleged alien implants. Despite some controversial stances, his current focus is on commercializing space travel through Bigelow Aerospace, aiming to build a lunar hotel.

Fundación Anomalía

The magazine includes information about Fundación Anomalía, a non-profit organization founded in 1997. Its activities include archiving UFOlogical information, promoting scientific analysis, managing grants, and publishing materials such as the "Cuadernos de Ufología" yearbook and the magazine "@nomalía."
The foundation seeks support from donors through various contribution levels, offering benefits like receiving publications and discounts on edited works. It also provides certificates for tax deductions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of controversial UFO claims, particularly those of Richard Hoagland, and the presentation of scientific and journalistic skepticism. The editorial stance is clearly against the unverified and speculative theories presented by Hoagland, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based research and the official findings of scientific institutions like NASA. The magazine aims to debunk popular myths and provide a more grounded perspective on UFO phenomena, while also highlighting individuals and organizations dedicated to the study of such topics.