Fakta - 1973 No 4

Magazine Overview

FAKTA? is a Danish magazine focused on philosophy, physical and psychic phenomena, and unusual events. This issue, numbered 4/5 and dated 1973, is a double issue due to delays in production. The cover prominently features Edgar Cayce, referred to as "The Sleeping Prophet," with a bold headline about his predictions of significant geographical changes by 1982. The magazine's subtitle indicates its scope: 'Tidsskrift for filosofi, fysiske og psykiske fenomen og uvanlige hendelser' (Journal for philosophy, physical and psychic phenomena and unusual events).

Editorial Note (Fra Red.)

The editorial section explains the delay in publication, attributing it to the extensive work required to finalize the issue titled 'Strange Phenomena Around Us.' Due to this delay, FAKTA? is being issued as a double number (4/5/73). The editors mention significant changes made earlier in the year to improve the magazine's quality and outlook. However, they state that FAKTA? will cease publication for the time being due to economic reasons and the challenge of sourcing material, as much of the content is adapted from other magazines. The future of FAKTA? remains uncertain, but any future publication would likely involve a different editorial approach.

Table of Contents (Innhold)

• The table of contents lists a variety of articles, including:
• Fra Red. (Editorial)
• Menneske-liknende sjøuhyre (Human-like sea monster)
• Livskunst - balansekunst (Art of living - art of balance)
• Ny legering med god "hukommelse" (New alloy with good "memory")
• Brevintervju med prof. IAN STEVENSON (Interview with Prof. Ian Stevenson)
• Gjennom nåløyet (Through the eye of a needle)
• Er hukommelsen basert på molekyler i hjernen? (Is memory based on molecules in the brain?)
• Kom fønikerne først? (Did the Phoenicians come first?)
• En UFO-observasjon fra 1959 (A UFO observation from 1959)
• Jeg ble bortført av en flyvende diskos (I was abducted by a flying saucer)
• Tilbakela 81 km på "null" tid! (Traveled 81 km in "zero" time!)
• Tallerkenernes filosofi (The philosophy of saucers)
• Hvem er Wilbert B. Smith? (Who is Wilbert B. Smith?)
• Edgar Cayce
• Verdens opprør (The world's rebellion)
• Vil man kunne forutsi jordskjelv? (Will earthquakes be predictable?)
• Presse klipp (Press clippings)

Menneske-liknende sjøuhyre (Human-like sea monster)

This section reprints two newspaper articles from September 5, 1967. The first, from Trønderavisa, reports that a fisherman named Kåre Olufsen in Garna encountered a human-like sea monster with large claws that grabbed his boat's rope, causing the boat to take on water. The creature's mask tore, and Olufsen escaped. The article notes that such a creature had reportedly been observed once before in the Gulf of Mexico. The second article, from Nordlandsposten, questions whether the creature was a squid. While the fisherman dismisses this theory, stating it had only two "arms," the Director of the Institute of Marine Research in Bergen, Gunnar Rollefsen, leans towards the possibility of it being a large squid, noting that while it could be frightening, it resembles the common depiction of an "evil" figure. The fisherman's account describes a green creature with a face unlike a squid's and something hair-like on its shoulder blades.

Livskunst - Balansekunst (Art of living - Art of balance)

This article, by Inger Schiøtt, explores the concept of balance in life, particularly concerning tolerance and love. It argues that while tolerance and acceptance are good, they should not be taken to extremes that erode critical judgment. The author quotes Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi to illustrate the idea of discerning between good and bad actions or words without necessarily condemning the person. The article suggests that excessive self-tolerance can lead to a loss of critical sense and self-deception, while excessive tolerance towards others can make individuals unbearable. Similarly, parental love can become overprotective, hindering a child's development. The author advocates for the "golden mean" as the only way to move forward, emphasizing that life is full of contradictions that are resolved in the midpoint, leading to a higher unity.

Ny legering med god "hukommelse" (New alloy with good "memory")

This piece reports on a remarkable discovery by metallurgists William J. Buehler and Frederick C. Wang at the US Naval Ordance laboratory in Maryland. They were searching for a new alloy for tools but found a material called Nitinol, an alloy of nickel and titanium, which possesses a "memory" property. When a 25 cm tall, 5 cm diameter wire cylinder made of Nitinol was crushed, it reformed itself to its original shape without any trace of damage. This material has potential applications in complex structures like antennas and satellites, and for underwater research. It can be easily transported by being crumpled and then returning to its original form. The alloy's "memory" allows structures to return to their original shape, much like a water plant blooming.

Brevintervju med prof. IAN STEVENSON (Interview with Prof. Ian Stevenson)

This is an interview with Professor Ian Stevenson, a researcher in reincarnation. He states that since 1966, many more cases of reincarnation have been discovered, bringing his total collection to nearly 1200. He plans a large comparative study of cases from different cultures. Stevenson is working on new books, with the first expected in 1973. He notes that criticism of reincarnation cases often suggests they are a result of ESP or a child's fantasy to compensate for a past life. However, he argues that this theory doesn't explain why children with high ESP in a past-life context don't exhibit more ESP in other situations. Stevenson believes that most "past life" memories evoked through hypnosis are fantasies, often influenced by the hypnotist's suggestions. He cites examples where alleged past-life details are anachronistic, like a person claiming to be a government courier in France during the Crusades, unaware that Versailles only became the seat of the French government in the 1600s. Despite dismissing 95% of cases as worthless, Stevenson finds a few rare cases that are genuinely interesting. He highlights two cases that have survived critical study: one involving a person named Jensen, detailed in Nils-Olof Jacobson's book 'Life After Death?', and another that he plans to publish in detail. Regarding progress in research on life after death, Stevenson feels that the field is under-resourced, with few scientists dedicating themselves to it. He is perhaps the only parapsychologist working full-time on this issue. He notes that there is more attention and sympathetic discussion about life after death now than 10 years ago. He is cautiously optimistic about the evidence for life after death, which he sees as a collection of indications rather than definitive proof, including mediumistic communications, out-of-body experiences, and reincarnation cases. He mentions a combination lock test where individuals set a lock combination and leave it to be opened after their death, with three of the volunteers being parapsychologists.

Gjennom nåløyet (Through the eye of a needle)

This short piece describes a tiny silicon disc, produced by Mullard Ltd. using Kodak's reduction system. This disc, small enough to fit through the eye of a needle, contains 120 electronic components and can function as an amplifier for radios or record players. While previously used in computers and rocket systems, it is expected to find widespread application in ordinary radios and telecommunications equipment. The image shows the disc, with what appears to be thread being used for its placement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics on the fringes of conventional science and philosophy, including paranormal phenomena, psychic abilities, UFOs, and alternative theories of life and consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various phenomena and research findings without necessarily endorsing them as absolute truth, but rather as subjects worthy of investigation. The emphasis on balance and critical thinking, as seen in the 'Livskunst' article, suggests a nuanced approach to these often controversial subjects. The cessation of publication indicates financial or logistical challenges in maintaining this niche publication.

This issue of UNIVERSUM, dated July 1973, explores a diverse range of topics, from the scientific underpinnings of memory to ancient historical mysteries and modern-day UFO encounters. The magazine features articles on neuroscience, ancient civilizations, and personal accounts of unexplained phenomena.

Memory and the Brain: The Molecular Hypothesis

The lead article, "ER HUKOMMELSEN BASERT PÅ MOLEKYLER I HJERNEN?" (Is Memory Based on Molecules in the Brain?), delves into the scientific quest to understand the biological basis of memory. It highlights research, particularly by Swedish scientists, that has identified a protein (eggehvitestoff) which appears in the brain when new learning occurs. The article explains that early attempts to understand the brain focused on physical models and simple stimulus-response reactions. However, it has become increasingly clear that while nerve impulses are electrical, the information stored in memory might be linked to specific "experience molecules."

Experiments with animals, primarily rats, are crucial as direct human brain experimentation is impossible. These studies suggest that many behavioral patterns, such as sucking and breathing, are innate and learned even in the fetal stage. The research aims to clarify the memory mechanism by studying learning processes in animals.

Swedish researchers, led by Dr. Lange, have analyzed brain cells from trained and untrained rats. They discovered a variant of RNA that was previously thought to be involved in learning. However, after the rats completed their training, the dominant RNA variant found was associated with normal functional increases.

A significant discovery highlighted is a specific protein, designated S100, found in brain regions of rats that had undergone a learning process. Further experiments involved creating an anti-serum to inhibit S100 production. Rats whose S100 production was inhibited learned significantly worse than others, indicating S100's importance for memory. The article notes that S100 has a connection with calcium ions in cells and plays a role in the brain's electrical functions. The overall understanding of the biochemical basis of learning and memory is still in its early stages.

The Phoenicians: Ancient Voyagers

The article "Kom fönikerne först?" (Did the Phoenicians Come First?) by Poul Larsen investigates the possibility of ancient Phoenician voyages to the Americas long before Christopher Columbus. The article cites Professor Cyrus H. Gordon, who claims that Phoenicians had anchored off Brazil at least two thousand years before Columbus's voyages. This claim is supported by the discovery of ancient coins and inscriptions.

While Vikings are known to have reached North America centuries before Columbus, the article suggests even earlier contact. Gordon's argument is bolstered by the discovery of Phoenician coins on the Azores, dating back to the 4th century BC, and a disputed inscription found in Brazil. The inscription, allegedly from Sidon, describes a trading voyage that circumnavigated Africa and landed in Paraiba. Gordon points to similarities between ancient Phoenician architecture and technology (like stepped pyramids and irrigation systems) and those found in Mayan and Inka civilizations as evidence of cultural transfer. However, the authenticity of the Brazilian inscription is questioned by many scholars.

The article also touches upon the Phoenicians' reputation as renowned seafarers, traders, and founders of cities, with their trade center at Tyre. They established colonies in areas rich in raw materials like copper, silver, and tin, and traded goods such as glass, ceramics, and textiles. Their maritime reach extended around Africa and possibly to Britain.

A 1959 UFO Sighting

"EN UFO-OBSERVASJON FRA 1959" (A UFO Sighting from 1959) recounts a personal experience of a power outage in Mariannelund, Sweden, on a late October evening. The narrator, an electrical supervisor, witnessed an unusual white light above a building. His son pointed out the light, describing it as a falling object. The object, which made no sound, descended and hovered near the narrator's home.

It was described as a compact, white light emanating from a large, glass-like window. Inside, two unusual beings were observed. They had high foreheads, large eyes, narrow noses, and small mouths. They wore white, uniform-like clothing with belts. One of the beings engaged in some work below the craft, possibly with instruments. The object then moved silently and rapidly away, disappearing in an instant, leaving only a rush of air.

A Strange Journey: The "Amapa" Incident

Another account, "Tilbake på „null” tid!“ (Back in "Zero" Time!), details an extraordinary experience of two men, Atilio Brunelli and Severino Porchietto, in Argentina in July 1972. While driving from Balnearia to Cordoba, a distance of 185 km, they encountered unusual lights and experienced a journey that seemed to take only minutes, despite the normal travel time being two hours.

During the drive, they observed strange, rectangular lights on the ground, which they initially mistook for a train. However, the nature of the lights and their position relative to the road and railway line made them question this assumption. They also noted a sudden, intense white light that illuminated the landscape. Upon arriving in Cordoba, they found that the car had used only 12.5 liters of fuel, far less than the usual 25 liters for the trip. Both men felt unusually alert and not tired after the experience.

UFO Encounter Aboard the "Amapa"

The article "Jeg ble bortført av en flyvende diskos» (I was abducted by a flying saucer) presents the testimony of Mario Monteiro da Silva, a sailor aboard the tanker "Amapa." He claims to have been abducted by a flying saucer for approximately 50 hours. He describes being pulled up by a light beam and taken aboard a craft where he encountered alien beings.

He observed what he believed to be a star map showing 12 planets in our solar system, contrary to the then-accepted nine. He also saw meteorites and observed the moon's surface, which he was told was scarred by a collision between the sun and a planet. The beings communicated telepathically, asking him about his well-being. After two days, he expressed a desire to return home, and he was subsequently returned to his ship in the same manner he was taken. The article notes that the captain of the "Amapa" was a witness to the event and had advised Silva to remain silent about it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UNIVERSUM consistently explores the intersection of science, history, and the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to favor presenting documented accounts and scientific inquiries, while acknowledging the speculative nature of some topics, particularly UFO phenomena and ancient mysteries. The magazine encourages a critical yet open-minded approach, as evidenced by the caution advised when reading extraordinary accounts and the emphasis on Scandinavian sightings in the UFO section. The recurring themes include the human brain's capacity for memory and learning, the potential for ancient civilizations to have achieved feats beyond current understanding, and the ongoing investigation into unidentified aerial phenomena.

This issue of FAKTA?, dated January 1974, presents a collection of articles exploring paranormal phenomena, philosophical concepts, and the extraordinary abilities of individuals.

UFO Sighting in Argentina

The issue details a compelling UFO sighting that occurred in Argentina. Two witnesses, Porchietto and another man, reported seeing a strange object with a row of windows hovering just above the road. The object's presence had a peculiar effect: the road surface, normally uneven, became remarkably smooth and even. The witnesses noted no interference with their radio or car's engine, nor any unusual smells or fog. Following the encounter, Porchietto experienced a localized pain in his hip region that lasted for four days. Despite the strangeness of the event, the witnesses initially felt no particular curiosity or urge to investigate the object further. The article includes a map illustrating the route taken by the witnesses, passing through several towns including Cordoba, Rio Primero, Santiago del Estero, and others, covering a distance of 81 km.

Three other similar "train" observations were reported in Argentina, two in July 1972, shortly before the main incident, and one in July 1968. The source for this report is cited as "Flying Saucer Review," translated by Mrs. Eva Erichsen.

The Philosophy of the Flying Saucers

An article titled "TALLERKENERNES FILOSOFI" (The Philosophy of the Flying Saucers) by Wilbert B. Smith explores the potential motivations and nature of the beings piloting UFOs. Smith posits that if these beings possess such advanced technology and power, their lack of overt intervention or communication with humanity suggests they may view humans as insignificant, akin to the planet's flora and fauna, or that our civilization is too primitive to engage with.

He suggests that the beings might be robots or a form of life entirely unknown to us. Smith also touches upon the idea that these beings might be imparting knowledge to humanity, but that societal control structures prevent this information from being widely accepted or understood. He notes that while the knowledge is available through various channels, people are resistant to accepting it, comparing it to leading a horse to water but being unable to make it drink.

Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping Prophet

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Edgar Cayce, an American clairvoyant referred to as the "sleeping prophet." The article introduces Cayce, highlighting his remarkable abilities in diagnosing illnesses, predicting future events, and providing guidance on life paths, often while in a trance state.

His son, Hugh Lynn Cayce, is mentioned as planning a lecture tour in Scandinavia. The article references Jess Stearns' book "Den sovende profet" (The Sleeping Prophet).

One of Cayce's "readings" is recounted, where he addresses the case of Mary Gilsmore, who suffered from severe back pain. Cayce attributed her condition to past life experiences, specifically a life lived 3,000 years prior on an island near Malta, where she was a man captured by invaders and branded with a message.

The article emphasizes that Cayce's abilities were not a result of hypnosis but a natural state of sleep. It details his extensive work, with over 26,000 recorded "readings" covering a wide range of topics, particularly medical diagnoses. His medical insights were remarkably advanced for his time; for example, he proposed a cancer treatment using rabbit blood serum derived from cancer cells, a method that was only developed decades later.

Cayce's background is described: born in Kentucky in 1877, he showed early signs of unusual abilities. He was a devout Christian who studied the Bible extensively, and he believed his psychic abilities were divinely given and not contrary to his faith. Despite his extraordinary gifts, Cayce did not pursue wealth, charging only enough to cover his expenses. His work gained significant attention, with articles in The New York Times and a philosophical dissertation from the University of Chicago.

The article also touches upon Cayce's predictions, including the eventual destruction of major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York within the current century, though he noted these events would occur in the "next generation." He also foresaw major global conflicts and economic shifts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unexplained, the paranormal, and alternative explanations for reality. There is a clear interest in UFO phenomena, psychic abilities, and philosophical inquiries into the nature of existence, consciousness, and the universe. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, presenting these topics with a degree of seriousness and encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional scientific understanding. The articles suggest a belief in underlying cosmic laws and the potential for humanity to achieve a "golden age" through understanding and acceptance of these principles.

This issue of the magazine, titled 'UFO-Litteratur Fortidsforskning Okkultisme m.m.' (UFO Literature, Ancient Research, Occultism, etc.), published by Valby Antikvariat & Bogimport in Denmark, is dated June 1973. The cover prominently features the headline 'VERDENS OPPRØR' (World Uproar), indicating a focus on global upheaval and change.

Edgar Cayce's Prophecies

The magazine delves into the prophecies of Edgar Cayce, a renowned psychic. It highlights his predictions about the future development of cities like Norfolk-Newport, his foresight regarding the Wall Street crash, and his detailed descriptions of Atlantis. Cayce's sons manage the ARE-Institusjonen, which makes his extensive documented material accessible. The article notes that Cayce's pronouncements, such as parts of Atlantis rising again and the sinking of Japan, are often met with skepticism but are based on detailed readings.

Cayce's predictions extended to global geophysical events, including the potential submersion of Northern Europe and the emergence of sunken continents. His diagnostic abilities for the sick were also highlighted as remarkably accurate.

Geophysical Changes and Earthquake Prediction

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to geophysical changes and the possibility of predicting earthquakes. It discusses how Edgar Cayce foresaw major geographical upheavals starting in 1958 and developing over two decades, leading to a drastically altered world map. The article references a 1968 report in the International Herald Tribune about seismic activity in San Francisco, linking it to the San Andreas Fault.

Scientific research into earthquake prediction is presented, focusing on studies conducted in the Soviet Union (Tadzjikistan) and the USA. These studies investigate changes in the earth's crust, such as electrical resistance and radon gas concentration, as precursors to earthquakes. The work of US professor Lynn R. Sykes and his team at the Lamont Doherty Observatory is mentioned, aiming to replicate Soviet findings in the USA.

Detailed scientific explanations are provided, illustrating how the formation and filling of small cracks with pore water in rocks affect seismic wave propagation. A graph shows the relationship between seismic compression and shear speed, correlating with crack formation, pore water filling, and the eventual occurrence of an earthquake.

Mysterious Signals and Ancient Civilizations

The issue also touches upon mysterious signals from space. Soviet scientists have reportedly detected signals that are not from known satellites or spacecraft, leading to speculation about their origin from an advanced extraterrestrial civilization. The article mentions astronomer Samuil Kaplan's involvement in this investigation.

Furthermore, the magazine explores ancient civilizations, referencing Edgar Cayce's descriptions of a high culture in Peru predating the Incas, located east of the current Pacific coast. It also mentions the discovery of underwater pillars off the coast of Peru, potentially linked to ancient structures.

Other Topics

Briefly mentioned are other intriguing topics: a strange sea creature found off the coast of Peru, described as a four-meter-long, toothless sea monster; and the advanced astronomical and geometrical knowledge attributed to North American indigenous peoples.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The magazine appears to adopt a stance that bridges paranormal phenomena, ancient mysteries, and scientific inquiry. The 'World Uproar' theme suggests a belief in significant global transformations, both geophysical and societal, aligning with prophetic and esoteric interpretations. The inclusion of a book catalog at the end indicates a focus on promoting literature related to UFOs, ancient research, occultism, and related subjects, reinforcing the magazine's niche.

The recurring themes are prophecy (particularly Edgar Cayce's), geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, continental shifts), the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence (UFOs and mysterious signals), and ancient civilizations (Atlantis, pre-Inca cultures).

Notable Quotes

"Livet ville være lettere for oss, hvis far aldri hadde nevnt ATLANTIS", har de ofte sagt til hverandre.

"Deler av det sunkne Atlantis vil atter heve seg i vår tid utenfor Floridas kyster".

"Japan vil synke i havet og Nordeuropa forsvinne i løpet av et eneste øyeblikk".

"Det er her nevnt katastrofer ved utålmodighet og mangel på kunnskap."

"Vær aldri redd for en fiasko - i den ligger allerede spiren til en ny seier."

FAQ

• What did Edgar Cayce predict about Atlantis? Edgar Cayce mentioned the land of Atlantis in over 700 cases, often as a place where the questioner had been incarnated, and predicted that parts of the sunken continent would rise again off the coast of Florida.

• How can earthquakes be predicted? Research suggests that changes in the earth's crust, such as the formation of small cracks and the filling of these cracks with pore water, can precede earthquakes, allowing for a short-term warning.

• Are there any reports of signals from other civilizations? Soviet scientists have detected signals that are not from known satellites or spacecraft, and they are investigating whether these signals could originate from a highly advanced civilization on another planet.

• What is the significance of the 'World Uproar' theme? The 'World Uproar' theme suggests that the world and its systems are undergoing a major transition, involving not only geophysical disturbances but also societal changes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of prophecy, ancient mysteries, and unexplained phenomena, often linking them to scientific research or speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unconventional ideas, presenting both psychic predictions and scientific findings that touch upon the extraordinary. The emphasis on 'World Uproar' suggests a belief in impending significant global changes, encompassing both natural disasters and societal transformations, viewed through a lens that integrates esoteric knowledge with emerging scientific understanding.