Folklore Frontiers - No 054

Magazine Overview

Title: FOLKLORE FRONTIERS
Issue: No. 54
Date: November 2006
Publisher: Paul Screeton
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £6 for 3 issues

Folklore Frontiers is an independent magazine dedicated to exploring diverse aspects of folklore, contemporary legends, ancient and modern traditions, forteana, and modern culture. It is edited and published by Paul Screeton from Seaton Carew, Hartlepool.

Cover Highlights

The cover of this issue presents a provocative and eclectic list of topics, including "Lyme Regis conger-cuddling and London trout slapping, turbulent Van Gogh, Freddie Mercury's exotic parties, pirate Keith Richards, Cate the Great and stallion, Marianne Faithfull and Mars bar, drinking urine, dark satanic Heather Mills, Paul McCartney is 'dead', apology for Slough," and further extends to "swearing telephone toy, misheard lyrics, saints' relics sold on eBay, pretentious audience, superstitious enginemen, erectile dysfunction, mountain epiphanies, 'tramp stamps', suicidal canids, string theory." It also mentions "Plus books - Gnosticism, Philip K. Dick's mind, wells and springs, marathon boozing, St Augustine – and magazines reviewed."

Editorial and Publisher's Notes

Paul Screeton, the editor and publisher, notes that his latest book is selling well, exceeding his publisher's expectations. He mentions a review of his book that described it as a "magnum opus 'Crossing the Line - Trespassing on Railway Weirdness'." He also shares that his book was reviewed by the editors of Magonia and Northern Earth, and received a mention in The Northern Echo. Screeton also comments on the identity of "Park Bencher," who reviewed his book, as David Walsh, a Labour leader. He also mentions a story about a taxi conversation related to The Clash's song "Tommy Gun."

Book Reviews

"Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew" by Bart D. Ehrman

This review, written by Paul Screeton himself (as a professed Gnostic), discusses Bart D. Ehrman's book which explores the diverse beliefs and practices of Christians in the first three centuries CE. Screeton highlights the controversial nature of these "lost Christianities," many of which were later suppressed or marginalized. He recounts anecdotes from the book, including the story of the apostle John and the bedbugs, and discusses Gnostic sects like the Carpocratians and Phibionites, detailing their unique and often provocative practices. The review touches upon themes of reincarnation, wife-swapping, and ritualistic consumption. Screeton also discusses Ehrman's explanation for how proto-orthodox Christianity became dominant, suggesting the diversity within Gnosticism played a role. He notes the book's repetitive nature, possibly to cater to newcomers, and expresses a slight skepticism about Ehrman's personal faith, suspecting he is agnostic. Despite some criticisms, Screeton finds the book "blazingly illuminating" and a "true tour de force."

News and Short Items

Town Told to Drop the Dead Fish Contest

This article by Will Pavia reports on the cancellation of the annual conger cuddling contest in Lyme Regis, Dorset. The tradition, which involved participants balancing on wooden blocks and trying to knock each other off using a dead conger eel, was ended after an animal rights activist complained to the RNLI. The event raised approximately £3,000 for the RNLI. Local figures, including the Mayor Ken Whetlor and historian Richard Fox, expressed dismay at the cancellation. A postscript notes that the event may have gone ahead with a buoy replacement, and talks of a plastic eel for the future.

Ben Fillmore and eBay

In a related item, Ben Fillmore, 24, sold the chance to be slapped with a fish on eBay to raise money for the Stroke Association UK. Student Lucy Berry bid £210 and used two Scottish rainbow trout for the task.

Is It A Thylacine? Is It A Fox?

This item discusses a mystery surrounding fox road kills on the island of Tasmania. Scientists are puzzled by the possibility that these foxes may have been released in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. The decline of the Tasmanian devil and recent pest poison curbs are suggested as possible reasons for the increase in fox numbers. Public skepticism is noted, as Tasmanians are accustomed to reports of the extinct Tasmanian tiger.

Newslines

This section compiles various short news items:

• Medical Hypotheses: The Times' body&soul section featured this journal that encourages authors to explore unconventional ideas. Examples of theories include mountain epiphanies due to lack of oxygen, breast cancer from viruses, longevity fixed by the sun, and links between high intelligence and poor sight.
• Sale of Relics on eBay: A Roman Catholic group opposed the sale of relics on eBay, leading to a boycott of the website.
• Toy Phone Swearing: A toy phone bought in Middlesbrough taught a six-year-old girl to swear, prompting an investigation by trading standards.
• 'Tramp Stamps': The term "tramp stamps" is mentioned in relation to women's tattoos, with examples of a family tree tattoo and tattoos marking a golfer's first hole-in-one.
• David Jenkins Controversy: The former Bishop of Durham, David Jenkins, is still controversial in retirement, with his sermons described as "laced with anger and misplaced bad language."

Oldies

This section presents historical anecdotes:

• Suicidal Sculptors: A tale about sculptor Raffaelo Monti, who allegedly committed suicide after a blind beggar pointed out that a statue of the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry lacked a tongue.
• The Maiwand Lion: The myth of sculptor George Simonds taking his own life after realizing a mistake in the Maiwand Lion statue is debunked. Simonds died naturally, and the lion's legs were correctly arranged.
• Botched Penis Implant: An American man's compensation claim for a permanent erection due to a faulty implant was blocked by an appeal judge.

Did you miss?

This section provides brief summaries of various news items:

• Suicidal Canids: A TV program reported on dogs jumping off Overtoun Bridge in Scotland, with the expert concluding it was due to smelling mink, though the reviewer suspects a rat.
• Alien Wildlife: Global warming is blamed for the invasion of foreign fauna, including zebra mussels, Asian clams, and the 'pink peril' shrimp. The African redworm, found in Irish swimming pools, can cause digestive problems.
• Climate Change Can Wait: An article by Bjorn Lomborg from the Copenhagen Consensus suggested that proposals relating to climate change fared badly compared to other global priorities like HIV/AIDS and poverty.
• String Theory: Critics view string theory as a "cul de sac" or "emperor's new clothes," while Professor Michael Green defends it as the "only show in town."
• Dig This: Jeremy Clarkson's comment that archaeology is a tool for "very stupid people to get into university" is mentioned.
• Art & Science: A theory suggests that Vincent Van Gogh's paintings uncannily depict complex mathematics of atmospheric turbulence, possibly linked to his "storm within" bouts.
• Reincarnated?: Johnny Depp found inspiration for Captain Jack Sparrow in a portrait of Keith Richards, with similarities drawn between Richards' life and the pirate Captain John Morgan.
• Tittle Tattle: A survey on gossip indicates family and friends are the most common topics, followed by workplace intrigue. A past scandal involving the Duchess of Argyll is recalled.
• Generation Game: A piece by John Naish advises caution when researching family roots, citing an example of an ancestor sentenced for "unnatural acts with a cow."

Update

This section provides brief updates on various topics:

• Rude Awakening: A teenager fell asleep on a flight to Bulgaria and awoke back in Malta because the crew failed to notice she hadn't disembarked.
• Inbreeding: A study suggests that absent fathers may send chemical signals that inhibit their daughters' sexual maturity, potentially preventing inbreeding.
• Freddie Mercury: A synchronic event is noted where Freddie Mercury's husband, Roger Cooke, became aware of Mercury's illness after seeing a mark on his foot, and later heard him sing "Who Wants to Live Forever?" shortly after Mercury revealed his terminal diagnosis. The item also mentions Mercury's "exotic parties."
• Catherine the Great: A reviewer comments on the salacious rumors surrounding Catherine the Great, particularly the myth involving a stallion.
• Ley Misuses: Michael Eavis discusses the "Glastonbury spirit" and mentions people asking about ley lines. The article also touches on the theory that Rosslyn Chapel is built on a "north-south meridian."
• Misheard Lyrics: Billy Bragg discusses Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobbie McGee" and a frequently misheard lyric.
• Drinking Urine: Evangeline Lilly (from Lost) accidentally drank a male friend's urine, mistaking it for water.
• Dark Satanic Mills: The phrase "dark satanic mills," originally from William Blake, is discussed in relation to universities and L.S. Lowry's paintings. Heather Mills McCartney is humorously referred to as "Dark Satanic Heather Mills."
• Paul Is Dead: Paul McCartney's response to an offer of the Canadian Order of Merit is quoted, with speculation about whether it was the real McCartney or a doppleganger.

Evolution Debate

Scientists claim to have found a "missing link" between ape and man in Ethiopia, suggesting a six-million-year continuity. Another account discusses contradictory findings on orang-utan behavior in Sumatra, questioning the evolution of extreme intelligence in humans.

Meteor Strike and Dinosaurs

A massive Antarctic crater suggests a meteor strike may have led to the creation of archosaurs, the ancestors of dinosaurs.

Ancient Observatory

A Stonehenge-style grouping of granite blocks in Brazil may be the remains of a 2,000-year-old astronomical observatory, indicating sophisticated ancient cultures.

Early Human Art

Traces of mineral pigments in Zambia suggest early humans were painting their bodies as early as 300,000 years ago, indicating symbolic thought originated much earlier than previously thought.

Vic Reeves Quote

Comedian Vic Reeves states: "I'm too much of a Darwinist to believe in God. I believe that we're just exactly the same as a weed. We thrive and then disappear."

Local Outrage

An apology is offered to the town of Slough by the family of Sir John Betjeman, who famously invited "friendly bombs" to fall on the town.

James Hewitt and Chelsy Davy

Barbara Ellen discusses Chelsy Davy's 21st birthday party and Prince Harry, questioning who was really in charge.

Marianne Faithfull

This myth recounts Marianne Faithfull's diagnosis with breast cancer and a past incident where she was found naked, wrapped in a fur rug with a strategically placed Mars bar.

Global Warming

An article discusses conflicting predictions about solar activity and its impact on global temperatures. Another suggestion is that methane released by peat bogs caused global warming that ended the last ice age.

Satire Warning

A cautionary note is given about printed satire being taken at face value, with an example of Paris Hilton's request to meet "Mother Teresa's children."

Cat's Eyes

Percy Shaw's invention of cat's eyes is humorously recounted, with Stephen Fry commenting on how the direction of the cat would have determined the invention.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features a wide range of eclectic and often unusual topics, blending folklore, urban legends, historical curiosities, and fringe science. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting diverse viewpoints and anecdotal evidence without necessarily endorsing them. There is a clear interest in the paranormal, unexplained phenomena, and the stranger aspects of human history and culture. The "Did you miss?" and "Update" sections highlight the magazine's practice of drawing from a broad spectrum of news sources, often with a humorous or skeptical undertone. The inclusion of book reviews, particularly on subjects like Gnosticism, further indicates a focus on esoteric and historical subjects. The overall tone is conversational and engaging, inviting readers to explore the fringes of knowledge and belief.

Title: FORTean Times
Issue: 216
Issue Date: September 2006
Price: £3.80
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Fortean Times, dated September 2006, features a prominent 'Magazines' section and a recurring column titled 'Crossing the Line+'. The magazine delves into a wide array of fortean and mystery topics, including paranormal phenomena, historical curiosities, and book reviews.

Crossing the Line+

The 'Crossing the Line+' section, presented as an extension of the author's book of the same title, explores railway-related folklore and unusual occurrences. It begins by addressing a reader's query about a story published in 'The Sun' concerning late-night sex sessions on a train, suggesting the story might be apocryphal or based on outdated information. The column then touches upon 'toilet humour' with an anecdote about the railway figure Beeching. It also critiques travel writer Bill Bryson's comments on trainspotters. A discussion on the concept of 'rebuilding' railway locomotives is presented, referencing the iconic Flying Scotsman. The section also recounts the story of how the Southern Railway named its 'N15' 4-6-0 loco class after King Arthur legends, and includes an item of apocrypha regarding a union official's demand for driver recognition. The 'Monkey Business' segment reports on the Delhi Metro's use of a langur monkey to deter other monkeys from bothering passengers. Finally, the 'Railway Spine' topic is discussed in relation to the Morgellons epidemic, drawing parallels with historical psychosomatic epidemics.

Magazines Section

The 'Magazines' section provides reviews of various publications. Fortean Times itself is reviewed for its recent issues (No. 208-216), covering topics such as lake monsters, dragons, JFK's assassination, 9/11 conspiracies, UFOs, teleportation, and the Loch Ness Monster. The reviews highlight specific articles, including those on the 'missing link' claims, the Gospel of Judas, and the 'Mad Gasser of Mattoon' event. The section also notes the magazine's criticism from within its ranks regarding an article on Intelligent Design.

Other publications reviewed include Northern Earth (No. 106-107), discussing lunar standstill phenomena, Stonehenge, and aboriginal petroglyphs, and Magonia (No. 93 and Supplement No. 61-62), which examines imaginary friends, witches' familiars, exopolitics, and UFO sightings in relation to psychological triggers. Amskaya (No. 66-68), a newsletter from the STAR Fellowship, reports on UFO observations during solar eclipses and the Apollo 11 mission. Touchstone, a magazine of Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, covers ley lines and solar eclipse trips.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• I Am Alive and You Are Dead: A Journey Inside the Mind of Philip K Dick by Emmanuel Carrere: This biography is praised for its insightful exploration of Philip K. Dick's complex psyche, artistic vision, and unconventional life, though the literary analysis is noted as somewhat lacking.
• Cures and Curses: Ritual and Cult at Holy Wells by Janet Bord: The review highlights the book's exploration of votive offerings at wells, its historical context dating back to the Mesolithic period, and its comprehensive gazetteer of English and Welsh holy wells.
• Jesus: The Unauthorised Version edited by Mian Ridge: This book is described as a clear and accessible exploration of the unauthorized gospels, filling in the gaps in Jesus's life and emphasizing Gnostic beliefs about salvation through knowledge.
• The Longest Crawl by Ian Marchant: This book is reviewed as a pub crawl across Britain, focusing on the 'essential importance of (intoxicated) topography' and the connection between drunkenness and the landscape.
• Three Sheets to the Wind: One Man's Quest for the Meaning of Beer by Pete Brown: A sequel to 'Man Walks into Pub', this book details a 45,000-mile pub crawl across four continents, exploring global drinking cultures, beer history, and cultural differences related to alcohol consumption.
• The Beer Guru's Guide: Enlightenment for Those Who Thirst for Knowledge by Chris Street: This book is presented as a satire on New Age beliefs and pseudoscience, offering humorous insights into beer and spiritual development.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of mystery, the paranormal, folklore, and unexplained phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on critical examination of claims, often presenting skeptical viewpoints alongside more credulous ones, as seen in the reviews of UFO literature and conspiracy theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into a wide range of unusual subjects, encouraging readers to engage with diverse perspectives and historical accounts. The inclusion of book reviews and magazine summaries suggests a commitment to providing a comprehensive overview of current fortean discourse.