Delve Report - No 9

Magazine Overview

DELVE, Issue No. 9, is a magazine focused on ufology, the paranormal, and unexplained phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline "The MORPHS are here" and "ALIENOTES," along with the question "WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON?" and "Tales From The Crypt?" The issue explores themes of shape-shifters, alien encounters, hauntings, and the psychological interpretation of these experiences.

The MORPHS' are here

This section, written by Arthur Christopher, discusses the concept of 'morphing' or 'shape-shifters.' It draws parallels to fictional characters like Odo from Star Trek and the Terminator, as well as Michael Jackson's "Black or White" video. The article suggests that aliens might possess the ability to change their shape to blend in with humans or disguise their craft. It also notes the use of the term 'morph' in a 1992 article and a coincidental mention of 'Gray-scales' in relation to morphing images.

Tangled Tales From The Crypt?

This lengthy article by Garry Abrams details the experiences of Jackie Hernandez, who claimed to be followed by two ghosts for three years. The investigation by parapsychologist Barry Taff is described, including the use of advanced equipment and the alleged physical attacks on investigators. Hernandez's story involves a ghost identified as Herman Hendrickson and another possibly linked to the bungalow's builder, John Damon. The article explores the psychological impact of these experiences and the difficulty of proving paranormal claims.

Space Spots

• This section provides brief news items related to space and science:
• An SR-71 Blackbird aircraft is being repurposed with an ultraviolet camera to study stars and comets.
• The potential threat of an asteroid collision with Earth is discussed, with a proposed $200 million telescope network for early detection.
• The discovery of 1992 QB-1, an object in the solar system, may support the theory of the Kuiper belt.
• A flaming object was sighted over Toronto, Canada, on February 2, 1993.
• Three spacecraft (Mars Observer, Galileo, Ulysses) will be used to search for gravitational waves.
• Development of tiny electronic microantennas could revolutionize infrared detection.
• The Strategic Defence Initiative supported research into detecting disease symptoms and heat loss.
• The moon's closest approach to Earth (Perigee) on March 7, 1993, is noted.
• Rumors suggest the Strategic Air Command (SAC) will be replaced by a "Unified Strategic Command" by 1995, with a new uniform design.
• A study suggests that K stars, similar to our sun, could also support life.
• The Ulysses solar explorer spacecraft experienced a mysterious glitch, shutting down its instruments.

What Is Really Going On?

Written by Carl Sagan, this article critically examines alien abduction claims. Sagan questions the validity of anecdotal evidence, comparing it to historical accounts of demons, incubi, and fairies, suggesting that cultural motifs shape these experiences. He highlights the lack of physical evidence, such as medical records or confirmed alien implants, and proposes that many claims may stem from vivid hallucinations, sleep paralysis, or psychological factors. Sagan concludes that while the topic is important for understanding human psychology and belief systems, the evidence for extraterrestrial invasion is weak.

Would You Believe This...

• This section presents two brief, intriguing news items:
• Sayeed Thebot's theory that high radiation levels in unopened tombs, rather than curses, caused the deaths of archaeologists, citing the case of Lord Carnarvon.
• A report suggesting that microscopic fungi, rather than pharaoh's curses, were responsible for the deaths of archaeologists, with spores feeding on ancient food within tombs.

Science Payoff

• This section highlights scientific advancements:
• California Institute of Technology researchers found tiny magnetic particles in human brains, similar to those in animals, which may aid in navigation.
• Scientists are developing high-quality, biodegradable plastic from genetically modified mustard plants, potentially creating a new cash crop for farmers.

Alienotes

• This section compiles various alien-related accounts and news clippings:
• Howie Kaye describes an encounter with three small gray aliens.
• Vanessa recounts an experience of being awakened by a 7-foot-tall being and meeting Zeta Reticulans and other entities.
• Toronto Sun writer Jim Slotek discusses the "face on Mars" and speculates about Martian presence.
• A Toronto Sun fashion writer comments on teenagers as an alien-like race.
• George Gamester of the Toronto Star shares an anecdote about an "Intergalactic Interference" excuse for being late to work.
• Jill Rigby of the Toronto Sun reports on visiting "vortices" in Sedona, Arizona, believed to be UFO landing spots.
• A Canadian Tax Trough Highlight mentions a booklet that includes "The Little Book on UFOs."
• A book review for "Unnatural History: True Manitoba Mysteries" by Chris Rutkowski is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DELVE are the nature of reality, the interpretation of unexplained phenomena, and the role of psychology and cultural influence in shaping our beliefs. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from detailed accounts of alleged paranormal events and alien encounters to critical analyses that question the evidence and propose alternative explanations, such as hallucinations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various claims and theories while also encouraging critical examination and skepticism, particularly in the "What Is Really Going On?" article by Carl Sagan.

This issue of "Forteana" magazine, identified as "Part Three" and published by "Fantastic Adventures" in February 1957, presents a collection of intriguing and often bizarre accounts, exploring the realm of the unexplained.

Strange Phenomena and Mysteries

The magazine opens with a series of short, peculiar news items. In Corona, California, a new housing development is being plagued by aggressive "killer weeds" that penetrate homes and swimming pools. Researchers in Sweden have observed carp that change their body shapes to avoid predators, though this adaptation comes at a cost to their reproductive capabilities. A powerful squall off the coast of Florida generated a freak wave that caused damage, baffling scientists who initially suspected a landslide. Meanwhile, a mysterious patch of dense fog at Denver International Airport disrupted holiday travel, attributed to a unique atmospheric condition.

Unidentified Animals and Ancient Artifacts

Scientists have discovered the remains of a long-horned mammal in Vietnam, a species unknown to science, possessing two dagger-like horns. In the U.S., an art conservator fell ill from muscle aches and fatigue while restoring a Peruvian tapestry, later found to be due to lead poisoning from a red pigment. Nevada boasts a "stone clock," a spiral carving on a mountain face believed to be an ancient astronomical device. Poultry experts are investigating a hen that has reportedly laid 16 banana-shaped eggs.

Natural Wonders and Bizarre Incidents

Springhill, Nova Scotia, Canada, is experiencing a phenomenon where underground mines are producing warm water, creating a year-round green marsh. A man in Brownville, Texas, became the first victim of Africanized "killer" bees in the U.S. In Boston, draft copies of the U.S. Constitution with notes by a signer were discovered. A Turkish farmer, after swallowing a fly, panicked and ingested insecticide. The Earth has over 500 active volcanoes. In Denver, gophers that threatened the Pope's visit were eradicated by the Bubonic plague.

Personal Accounts and Investigations

The Bottomless Pit of Tacoma

Jim Johnson of Tacoma, Washington, discovered a "bottomless pit" in his backyard, initially a small hole that grew significantly. After filling it with tires, the pit deepened further. Historical accounts suggest it might be part of a network of tunnels used to smuggle Chinese laborers in the 1800s. Johnson has since covered the hole and put his house up for sale.

The Midland Woman

Remains believed to be at least 11,600 years old, belonging to a "Midland woman," were found in Texas, with no artifacts to shed light on her society. This is contrasted with the oldest modern human skeletons estimated at 35,000 years old, found in Western Europe and the Middle East.

The Warrington Flying Saucer Incident

In Warrington, England, police staged a hoax about a flying saucer crash to catch radio transmission scanners. When individuals showed up asking about the saucer, they were arrested, and evidence was collected for a court case.

Frozen Sewage from the Sky

Leroy and Gerri Cinnamon's house in Seattle, Washington, was damaged when a basketball-sized chunk of frozen sewage fell through their roof, theorized to be from an airline toilet.

Sparrows and Automatic Doors

Sparrows in Hamilton, New Zealand, have learned to use automatic doors at the bus terminal by hovering near the sensors.

Giant Fossilized Egg

Children in Western Australia dug up a fossilized egg, measuring 29 inches in circumference, believed to be from the giant elephant bird of Madagascar.

Exploding Pig

A Romanian farmer was injured when a pig he had slaughtered for Christmas dinner exploded after he used butane gas to inflate it for cleaning.

Alaskan Paleoindians

An 11,700-year-old hunting camp discovered in Alaska suggests humans were in the Western Hemisphere much earlier than previously thought, indicating a distinct cultural group.

White Black Bears

A genetic quirk has resulted in a pack of entirely white black bears on an island off the coast of British Columbia, Canada.

The Titanic Prophecy

Morgan Robertson's 1898 novel, "Futility," described a shipwreck eerily similar to the Titanic disaster, including the ship's name, size, and collision with an iceberg.

Below the Surface: Cave Explorations

A Pittsburgh Cave

Bruce Walton shares his partial explorations of a cave near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The cave maintains a constant 50-degree temperature and features a mysterious, perfectly round bore descending into solid rock, which old-timers claim was explored by six survivors in 1915, reaching 18 miles in and five miles below sea level.

The Big Bend Canyon Mystery

Norman Finley recounts an unusual experience in the Big Bend country of Texas. While hunting, he and his companions tracked a wounded mountain lion to a cave, only to find no trace of the animal inside. The cave featured a perfectly round hole descending sharply, with no signs of mine workings.

The 'X' Files and UFO Investigations

Gray Barker and Dominick Lucchesi

Gray Barker recounts his interactions with Dominick C. Lucchesi (Dom), a gyroscope technician who, by night, becomes an investigator of flying saucers. Barker describes Dom's theories and his own experiences, including a visit to Bridgeport, Connecticut, related to the "Bender" case.

The Bender Case

Dom explains that Bender, an investigator for the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB), had reportedly found the answer to the saucer mystery. However, three men confiscated Bender's findings and warned him to stop investigating. Bender subsequently closed down the IFSB. Barker and Dom are determined to uncover what Bender discovered.

Project X

Bender had proposed "Project X" to colleagues in Australia and New Zealand, aiming to chart saucer sightings to pinpoint their origin. This project was halted before it could be fully implemented.

The 'X' Files TV Series

Scott Williams of the Associated Press is quoted on the FOX-TV series "The 'X' Files," describing its blend of mystery, suspense, and paranormal investigation, focusing on FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.

Leaving Earth: The Future of Humanity

Interstellar Migration

Wallace Tucker discusses the inevitable future where humanity must leave Earth as the Sun expands into a red giant. He outlines potential migration paths through the solar system, including colonies in space, journeys to Mars, and eventually to Saturn's moons. The article speculates on the evolution of life on these celestial bodies and the eventual need to leave the solar system entirely, possibly using advanced propulsion methods.

NASA's Space Hotel

Rockwell International has developed blueprints for a passenger module that could serve as a space hotel or transportation system, potentially carrying 74 passengers. The module, however, lacks toilets, and the cost of a seat is estimated to be prohibitive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Forteana" consistently explores the unexplained, the bizarre, and the potentially extraordinary aspects of the world. Recurring themes include unexplained animal discoveries, unusual natural phenomena, personal accounts of strange encounters, and investigations into UFOs and related mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting these accounts and theories for the reader's consideration without necessarily endorsing them as fact, but rather as subjects worthy of investigation and contemplation. The magazine encourages readers to engage with these mysteries, as evidenced by the inclusion of contact information for further correspondence and the discussion of ongoing investigations.