Journal of the Fortean Research Center - Vol 5 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of *Exploring Unexplained Phenomena*, Volume V, Number 3, published in September 1993 by The Fortean Research Center, focuses heavily on the theme of ghosts and hauntings, alongside other unexplained phenomena. The cover prominently features the word "GHOSTS" and an evocative illustration. The issue is priced at $3.95.

Director's Column: Worldly & Ghostly Comfort

Scott H. Colborn, the Director, opens the issue with a personal reflection on his childhood experience in 1964 watching a television program about ghosts in England. He recounts seeing what he perceived as the materialized image of a young woman, an experience that profoundly impacted his worldview and solidified his belief in the existence of ghosts. He contrasts his view with that of a psychology professor who attributes such phenomena to internal processes, arguing that continued research will reveal more mysteries rather than explain them away. Colborn suggests that ghosts may serve as an interface between the known and the unknowable, representing events that have transpired or potential future occurrences.

Contents

The issue features a diverse range of articles, including:

• From The Director: Worldly & Ghostly Comfort by Scott H. Colborn
• First Hand Hauntings (Coincidence by Dave Snyder, Wraith Of The Valley by James Miller, The Last Time I Saw Susan by John Wynhausen)
• An Investigator's Account by Dale Bacon
• Who Goes There? "Judy" (Interview)
• There's No Place Like Home by Tom Keith
• Ghosts: Menacing Apparitions Or Lost Souls? by Linda Keith
• Haunted Nebraska: Anecdotal Evidence by Warren H. Spencer
• A Critique of the "Linda" UFO Abduction Case by Joseph J. Stefula, Richard D. Butler, George P. Hansen
• Editor's notes on the controversy by Frank Dreier
• Book Reviews
• It's The News clippings

The cover art is noted as being from the 1900-1901 serialization of H.G. Wells' *The First Men In The Moon*.

First Hand Hauntings

This section presents several personal accounts of paranormal experiences:

Coincidence by Dave Snyder

Snyder recounts experiencing inexplicable footsteps and a feeling of dread in a specific room of his childhood home in Pittsburgh. He later discovered that his younger sister and his mother had shared the exact same experiences in the same room, suggesting a generational haunting or shared phenomenon.

Wraith Of The Valley by James Miller

Originally published in *NEBRASKAland* in 1976, this article describes an encounter with a ghastly, misty figure on a rural road in Valley County, Nebraska. The figure beckoned the author and his wife, and was later accompanied by spectral families watching them silently. The author interprets these figures as ghosts of people with faded dreams and shattered hopes.

The Last Time I Saw Susan by John Wynhausen

Wynhausen recounts hiring a receptionist named Susan G-. After she left his employ, he later saw her walking by his new office. To his shock, he learned from a colleague that Susan had died in a freak accident over the weekend, leading him to believe he had seen her ghost.

An Investigator's Account by Dale Bacon

Dale Bacon shares his 19-year experience investigating ghosts. He recounts an incident in 1973 with friends Jon Benda and Charles Fisher in an abandoned farmhouse in central Iowa. While conversing, they smelled cookies, and Bacon saw the apparition of an old woman with deformed hands in the kitchen, whom Benda identified as his deceased grandmother.

Who Goes There? "Judy"

This interview, reprinted from Vol. IV No. 2, details a series of paranormal events experienced by a family after moving into a house in Lincoln, Nebraska, in September 1979. The phenomena included a smoke-like cloud, unusual dog behavior, footsteps, a figure in the kitchen, and a ghostly presence in the upstairs hallway. The family eventually accepted the presence of a ghost, which seemed to enjoy scaring visitors. The haunting appears to have lessened after the first floor of the house was remodeled. The investigation notes that animals reacted to the presence, and a cold spot was detected at the top of the stairway.

There's No Place Like Home by Tom Keith

Tom Keith recounts his first actual ghost experience in August 1977 after moving into a modern apartment in Lincoln, Nebraska. He describes seeing a grayish, indistinct figure in the hallway, accompanied by a strong floral scent and a noticeable drop in temperature. He later learned that the house had a history of paranormal activity, and his wife Linda, being sensitive, attracted spirits. He mentions that spirits attached to houses can be left behind when people move, but spirits attracted to individuals may follow them.

Ghosts: Menacing Apparitions Or Lost Souls? by Linda Keith

This article, by Linda Keith, likely explores the nature of ghosts, questioning whether they are malevolent entities or simply residual energy or lost souls. It complements the personal accounts by offering a more theoretical perspective.

Haunted Nebraska: Anecdotal Evidence by Warren H. Spencer

This piece likely compiles various anecdotal accounts of hauntings and paranormal occurrences specifically within the state of Nebraska, adding regional context to the issue's themes.

A Critique of the "Linda" UFO Abduction Case by Joseph J. Stefula, Richard D. Butler, George P. Hansen

This article shifts focus from ghosts to UFOs, critically examining the well-known "Linda" UFO abduction case. The authors likely analyze the evidence, testimonies, and potential explanations for the reported event.

Editor's notes on the controversy by Frank Dreier

Frank Dreier provides editorial commentary on the controversy surrounding the "Linda" UFO abduction case, likely offering his perspective or summarizing the debate.

Book Reviews

The issue includes reviews of several books:

• *Crash At Corona* reviewed by Martin Caidin
• *The Haunted, One Family's Nightmare* reviewed by Dale Bacon
• *ESP For Kids* reviewed by Henry

It's The News clippings

This section likely presents a collection of recent news items or clippings related to unexplained phenomena.

Cover Description

The cover features a dark, sketchy illustration of a ghostly figure in a shroud, with the word GHOSTS prominently displayed above it. The illustration is noted as being from H.G. Wells' *The First Men In The Moon*.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ghosts, hauntings, and personal paranormal experiences, with a significant portion dedicated to ghost stories from various locations, including England and Nebraska. There is also a notable article on a UFO abduction case, indicating the magazine's broad scope within unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance, as suggested by the Director's column, appears to be open to the possibility of phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanation, encouraging further investigation and acknowledging the subjective nature of belief in such matters. The Fortean Research Center positions itself as a source of information on these topics, operating as a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the unexplained.

This issue of the Journal of the Fortean Research Center, Volume V, Number 3, dated November 1972, focuses on paranormal phenomena, particularly ghosts and UFO abductions. The cover features a dramatic illustration titled 'HAUNTED NEBRASKA' by Warren H. Spencer, depicting a headless figure and a haunted house, hinting at the issue's content.

Ghosts: Menacing Apparitions Or Lost Souls? by Linda Keith

Linda Keith explores the nature of ghostly phenomena, distinguishing between ghosts, apparitions, entities, demons, and poltergeists. She explains that ghosts are the energy of deceased individuals who can manifest, while entities are souls not actively manifesting. Demons are described as extremely evil, negative energy, and poltergeists are often linked to the psychic energy of young children rather than actual ghosts. Keith emphasizes that fear is a powerful energy that can attract spirits, as they relate to it. She suggests that spirits remain earthbound due to sudden death without realization or strong attachment to earthly objects. Keith also notes that some souls choose to work with humans, presenting themselves gently.

Haunted Nebraska: Anecdotal Evidence by Warren H. Spencer

This section presents several anecdotal accounts of hauntings and paranormal events in Nebraska. It begins by discussing how modern man's focus on facts leaves little room for contemplating the unknown, often dismissing ghost stories as childish tales. The article recounts the story of James Conway, an Irishman who died impaled on a wagon tongue in 1878. Reports of his ghost being seen near his home and his wife's ghost sitting under an oak tree are detailed. The author questions whether these were pranksters or genuine hauntings. Another account mentions a site near Stockville where blood was said to drip from rafters, and a bright light was seen over a grave. The story of Captain Bailey and his wife is also shared, involving a headless man and a ghost seen under an oak tree, with a door that seemed to move on its own.

From The Director...

The Director's note reflects on the nature of ghosts and the unknown, questioning 'why' people see ghosts. The author shares a personal experience in 1964 where a purported apparition was visible on television, changing his perspective. He posits that the idea of ghosts might offer comfort regarding the inevitability of death and the possibility of an afterlife. The author also shares an anecdote about Jim Donoho, a frame builder, who experienced a mysterious disappearance and reappearance of wooden frame pieces, leading the author to believe in ghosts based on this experience.

A Critique Of The "Linda" UFO Abduction Case by Joseph J. Stefula, Richard D. Butler, George P. Hansen

This lengthy article critically examines the 'Linda' UFO abduction case, which Budd Hopkins presented as the most important case for establishing the objective reality of UFO abductions. The case involves Linda Napolitano, allegedly abducted in November 1989 from her New York City apartment, with witnesses claiming to have seen her and aliens emerge from a window and ascend into a craft. The authors detail their investigation, including interviews with Linda and Hopkins, and highlight several significant problems with the case's credibility.

• Key issues raised include:
• Lack of Corroboration: The alleged corroborating witnesses, Richard and Dan, were never interviewed face-to-face by Hopkins, despite the case being public for over a year. Their existence is questioned, and their claims of being police officers were later revealed to be security officers for a VIP.
• Inconsistencies and Deception: Linda admitted to deliberately misleading Hansen about her husband's background. She also claimed to have an agreement with Hopkins to split profits from a book, which Hopkins denied, leading Linda to claim she planted disinformation.
• Failure to Verify Basic Details: Hopkins admitted he did not check the weather conditions on the night of the alleged abduction, a basic step in any investigation. He also did not attempt to verify Linda's claim that police routinely canvassed her apartment complex.
• Possible Literary Basis: The authors suggest the case's elements, such as government agents, the UN Secretary General as a witness, and national security concerns, bear striking resemblances to the science fiction novel 'Nighteyes' by Garfield Reeves-Stevens.
• Reaction of Ufology Leadership: The authors express concern over the reactions of prominent ufologists like Walter Andrus (MUFON International Director) and Jerome Clark, who urged others to cease investigating the case, which the authors view as unscientific and cult-like.
• Linda's Refusal to Contact Police: Despite claims of being kidnapped, nearly drowned, and harassed, Linda refused to contact the police, raising questions about her credibility and potential legal ramifications if her story were proven false.
• The 'Third Man': The identity of a 'third man' involved in the alleged kidnappings, later identified as Javier Perez de Cuellar, adds another layer of exotic claims.
• Nasal Implant: An X-ray showing a supposed nasal implant is presented as potential physical evidence, but the authors question its origin and the circumstances under which it was obtained.

The article concludes that due to these numerous problems and the lack of credible evidence, they place no credence in Hopkins' undisclosed 'evidence' and find the case highly questionable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the nature of consciousness beyond physical death, and the critical examination of paranormal claims. The journal appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, presenting anecdotal evidence and personal experiences while also applying rigorous scrutiny to investigate claims, particularly in the context of UFO abductions. The editorial stance seems to favor empirical investigation and transparency, as evidenced by the detailed critique of the 'Linda' case and the questioning of methodologies employed by prominent figures in ufology.

This issue of the JOURNAL of the FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER, Vol. V No. 3, published by the FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER, delves into the controversial Linda Napolitano UFO abduction case and its striking parallels with the science fiction novel 'Nighteyes'. The publication also features critical analyses of prominent figures in ufology and a review of a book on UFOs.

Similarities Between the Linda Napolitano Case and the Science Fiction Novel Nighteyes

The article meticulously compares the Linda Napolitano abduction case with events in the novel 'Nighteyes'. Key similarities highlighted include:

• Abduction Location: Both Linda Napolitano and Sarah (in 'Nighteyes') were abducted by a UFO hovering over their high-rise apartment buildings in New York City.
• Government Agents: In the Napolitano case, agents Dan and Richard were on a stakeout and involved in the abduction. Similarly, in 'Nighteyes', government agents (Derek, an FBI agent, and Merrill) were on a stakeout and involved in an abduction.
• Kidnapping and Transportation: Linda was kidnapped and thrown into a car by Dan and Richard, while Wendy was kidnapped and thrown into a van by Derek and Merrill.
• Surveillance: Linda claimed to be under surveillance by someone in a van, and vans were used for surveillance in 'Nighteyes'.
• Agent Roles and Trauma: Dan is described as a security and intelligence agent, and Derek as an FBI agent. Both agents experienced emotional trauma and hospitalization.
• Safe Houses: Both Linda and Wendy were taken to safe houses, with one safe house in each scenario located on the beach.
• Researcher Involvement: Linda contacted UFO abduction researcher Budd Hopkins before her abduction, and Wendy contacted Charles Edward Starr. Both Hopkins and Starr are described as prominent UFO abduction researchers living in New York City and authors.
• Simultaneous Abductions and Communication: Linda and Dan were abducted simultaneously and communicated with each other during their abductions. Wendy and Derek were also abducted at the same time and communicated.
• Prior Acquaintance: Linda thought she 'knew' Richard previously, and Wendy 'knew' Derek previously.
• Romantic Involvement: Dan expressed a romantic interest in Linda, and Derek became romantically involved with Wendy.
• Physical Sensations: Dan and Richard felt considerable vibration during their encounter, and during the UFO landing in 'Nighteyes', there was much vibration.
• Photographic Evidence: Photographs of Linda were taken on the beach and sent to Hopkins. Photographs taken on a beach played a central role in the book 'Nighteyes'.
• Warning: A letter from 'the third man' warned of ecological problems and potential harm to world peace if there was interference, while Wendy was racing a world disaster.

A Psycho-Social Perspective

The article posits a psycho-social perspective on the issues raised by the Napolitano case, suggesting that major figures in the UFO community aggressively sought to suppress evidence of a purported attempted murder. The authors suggest that the thinking and motivations of these leaders deserve attention, proposing that their actions might be better explained by concepts akin to 'fantasy role playing,' similar to the game Dungeons & Dragons (D & D®).

This perspective highlights how both ufology and D & D allow for immediate involvement with powerful 'other-world' beings and mythological motifs. The authors note that while most participants can detach from these experiences, for some, the 'game' can become obsessive. The archetypal images of powerful 'other-world' figures are seen as having great psychological power and being attractive or addictive. The article draws parallels between religious concepts of intermediaries between humans and gods (angels and devils) and the roles of agents like 'Dan' and 'Richard' and the government conspiracy in the Napolitano case, and the 'skeptical investigators' being seen as agents of a secular Satan by Hopkins.

The article contrasts D & D's structured rules with ufology's more unstructured nature, where the powers of 'other-world' figures are almost unbounded. It suggests that the 'rules' of ufological paradigms are accepted without question, similar to how the basic evidence in the Linda case is not to be questioned by its supporters. The authors note that challenging these 'rules' disrupts the 'game,' and 'dungeon masters' need to maintain order.

Discussion and Critique of Ufology Leaders

The authors express their misgivings about the Napolitano case, which they initially approached with caution to avoid discrediting UFO abduction research. They recount the aggressive attempts by figures like Walter Andrus and Jerome Clark to dissuade them from pursuing a federal investigation into alleged felonies, which they interpreted as a desire to suppress evidence.

They detail how, when asked if they believed Linda's story, Andrus, Clark, John Mack, and David Jacobs all affirmed their acceptance of her account, despite being privy to secret information. The authors were particularly troubled by Andrus and Clark's continued objections to a formal investigation.

The article criticizes the reaction to their work from leaders in the field, describing it as belligerently antiscientific. They note that Hopkins failed to obtain and verify basic information, and his coinvestigator approved of lying by the principal witness. The authors find it perplexing that these leaders have accepted and promoted the case despite its exotic features and lack of evidence.

They suggest that the leaders' actions are not indicative of delusion or intentional hoaxing but rather a form of 'fantasy role playing.' The authors also mention that they have been backed by respected figures like Harvard psychiatrist John Mack and David Jacobs.

The authors express support for high-quality UFO research, citing works by Ring and Rosing, Rodeghier, Goodpaster, and Blatterbauer, and acknowledge that the core abduction experience remains inadequately explained. They also commend Hufford's work on similar issues.

Criticism of Jacobs and Hopkins

The article points out that David Jacobs promoted the idea of ET aliens visiting Earth for sperm and eggs in the New York Times and the Journal of UFO Studies. Jacobs was critical of Ring and Rosing for ignoring cases of witnesses seeing others being abducted, but provided no citations. Hansen's request for citations from Jacobs went unanswered. The authors suspect that Jacobs' article was written with the Napolitano case in mind, given his praise for Hopkins' work.

They highlight Hopkins' statement that the Napolitano case is "virtually immeasurable, as it powerfully supports both the objective reality of UFO abductions and the accuracy of regressive hypnosis." The authors argue that if the argument for the "objective reality of UFO abductions" relies heavily on Hopkins' work, then their critique calls this entire theoretical perspective into question.

Hoaxing and Motivation

The authors acknowledge that conscious hoaxes in the abduction field are rare, with most claimants having intense personal experiences. However, they stress the ongoing problem of fraud and hoaxing, especially in high-visibility cases, and advise researchers to be open-minded to the potential for hoaxing without being blinded to genuine phenomena.

Regarding motives in the Napolitano case, the authors state it's impossible to obtain certain knowledge. They suggest possibilities including Linda wanting to vindicate others, financial motivation, or a combination of factors. They note that if it was a hoax, it likely involved collaborators, but emphasize they have no direct evidence implicating Hopkins in attempted deception.

Hopkins' Defense and Criticisms

The article details the controversy surrounding the Napolitano case, including correspondence between Hansen and Clark. It notes that Clark initially accepted Linda's claims about kidnapping and attempted murder but later changed his stance. Hansen is willing to provide a sworn statement about Clark's earlier acceptance.

The authors present a critique of Hopkins' response to their work, stating that his rebuttals contained factual errors, unsupported character attacks, and rhetorical techniques. They argue that Hopkins characterized their critique as a "house of cards" but failed to adequately address its arguments. Hopkins' own handling of his response is seen as forcing the critique to be taken seriously.

Specific points of contention include Hopkins' list of alleged errors, many of which Hansen and Stefula claim were not made in their report. The authors also address Hopkins' claims about Napolitano's son being abducted and her neglect to report it, and the agents suffering nervous breakdowns, noting discrepancies in Hopkins' statements.

Robert H. Coddington, in a letter to IUR, is quoted as saying that "ego-fueled controversies" in UFO publications can "muddle issues more than clarify them," and that when "facts and circumstances become subordinate to character disparagement and righteous indignation, objective research and scholarly erudition suffer."

The article also addresses the 'loading dock' argument, admitting a miscommunication in the critique but asserting that Hopkins failed to check potential witnesses. It notes that Hopkins mentions other corroborative witnesses and evidence but provides no details, making it impossible to evaluate.

Book Review: Crash At Corona

Martin Caidin reviews 'Crash At Corona' by Stanton T. Friedman and Don Berliner, expressing a "lesson in dichotomy." While respecting Berliner's reputation, Caidin finds the book to be a disappointment, with factual errors and opinions presented as fact, often resting on "a foundation of sand."

Caidin criticizes the book's handling of the MJ-12 report, suggesting that its numerous variations make a definitive position impossible. He also disputes the book's claims about "ghost rockets" in 1946, stating that German scientists were captured by the U.S., not the Soviets, and that Peenemunde was destroyed before the Russians could access it.

The description of alleged crash debris as "thin as the foil in a pack of cigarettes, just as light, and yet extremely strong" is compared to the material of Echo balloons and plastics, suggesting it's not unique. The mention of "Hangar 18" at Wright-Patterson is corrected to "Building 18," questioning the authors' basic fact-checking.

Caidin also disputes the book's timeline regarding the advent of "huge jet airliners," stating that the de Havilland Comet and Boeing 707 were in service much earlier than suggested. He points out an error in the date of Yuri Gagarin's space flight, listing it as 1962 instead of 1961.

Furthermore, Caidin questions the claim that UFO intercepts were never made public, citing the Mantell case as an example of a UFO pursuit that was publicized. He also critiques the discussion of Horten all-wing aircraft, suggesting the book implies they were the primary source for saucer reports, ignoring other similar aircraft.

Finally, Caidin notes that the Socorro landing incident, reported by Policeman Lonnie Zamora, is presented as a "permanent great sighting," despite Zamora having later admitted it was a "farce."

Editor's Notes on the Controversy

The editor addresses the controversy surrounding the preceding paper, noting that rebuttals and accusations appeared in ufological publications but were not published in full. The editor aims to provide readers with the authors' side of the allegations, acknowledging that the presentation might seem biased due to the critics having had their chance in print.

The editor states that the decision to publish was made before rebuttals, and that concerns about the authors' methods were addressed and found to be unsubstantiated or misleading. The editor finds it hard to avoid the impression that detractors have avoided dealing with the critique's points, resorting to character attacks and spin control.

The editor emphasizes that the critique is based on published information, conference presentations, and interviews, and points out contradictions between Napolitano's statements to Hopkins and her own accounts. The editor notes that Hopkins' response did not address these contradictions.

The editor concludes by stating that the journal presents information for consideration, not as definitive truth, and encourages responsible review of all sides of the issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO abduction cases, particularly the Linda Napolitano case, and the behavior of prominent figures within the ufology community. There is a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous, evidence-based research and a skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims or what is termed "fantasy role playing." The editorial stance appears to favor critical inquiry and transparency, encouraging researchers to be open-minded yet discerning, and to avoid allowing personal biases or ego-driven controversies to overshadow objective investigation. The journal positions itself as a platform for presenting diverse viewpoints and facilitating informed discussion, even when dealing with controversial topics and figures.

This issue of the JOURNAL of the FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER, Volume V, Number 3, dated September 1993, focuses on a diverse range of unexplained phenomena, from alleged demonic hauntings and religious miracles to archeological discoveries and cryptozoological sightings. The magazine presents itself as a non-profit corporation dedicated to the study of unexplained phenomena.

Book Reviews

The Haunted, One Family's Nightmare by Robert Curran

Reviewed by Dale Bacon, this book recounts the story of the Smurl family of West Pittston, Pennsylvania, who experienced escalating paranormal activity in their home. The phenomena began with a stain on the carpet and escalated to appliances malfunctioning, claw marks, and apparitions. The family, devout Catholics, eventually sought help from paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who confirmed the presence of a demon and three other ghosts. The review critiques the book's authors for making assumptions about the uniqueness of the Smurl's alleged encounter and for potentially sensationalizing the investigation. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer finds the book worthwhile for its information and first-person accounts, hoping for a second printing to correct any inaccuracies.

ESP For Kids: How To Develop Your Child's Psychic Ability by Dr. Tag Powell and Carol Howell Mills

Reviewed by Henry (channeled by J. Edward Smith), this book is presented as a guide to developing psychic abilities, covering topics such as dreams, clairvoyance, meditation, healing, psychometry, metal bending, astral travel, and reincarnation. The reviewer suggests it is accessible to all ages and levels, offering drills and exercises for practical application and enhancement of psychic skills. It is recommended as a teaching tool for both beginners and those seeking to deepen their understanding of metaphysical concepts.

It's The News

This section provides a collection of brief, disparate reports on unusual events:

• Great Pyramid Doorway: A German robotics engineer and film producer discovered a shaft ending in a door with copper fittings in the Great Pyramid, possibly leading to a chamber. While some speculate about Pharaoh Khufu's body or treasures, others suggest it may be a chamber of religious significance or simply an unusual stone.
• Caucasian found in Nebraska?: A skeleton found in January 1992 near Fort Sidney Road, Nebraska, was examined by a University of Wyoming professor who noted Caucasian traits, potentially supporting a theory of European ancestry for Native Americans.
• Oldest pottery in the Americas: An AP story details the discovery of red-brown pottery fragments in Brazil, dated at 7,000 to 8,000 years old, making it the oldest pottery found in South America and suggesting the presence of settled cultures thousands of years ago.
• Legendary creature cited in land claim: In British Columbia, scientists found evidence supporting the oral history of the Gitksan people, which described a supernatural giant causing a landslide that dammed a lake, aligning with geological findings.
• Footprints: Paleontologist Jerry MacDonald uncovered extensive fossil trackways in New Mexico dating from the Permian period, some appearing to be made by three-toed creatures or walking on hind legs, challenging conventional paleontological theories.

Religion

This section compiles reports on religious phenomena:

• Exodus explanations: Anthony Burgess shared his observations during the filming of the miniseries *Moses*, suggesting that biblical miracles might have involved natural phenomena, such as striking a porous rock to produce water or using drugged snakes presented as living ones.
• Weeping statues in Virginia: Since late 1991, statues at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Lake Ridge, Virginia, have been observed weeping, a phenomenon linked to Rev. James Bruse. The event drew significant media attention.
• Blood of St. Januarius: The clotted blood of St. Januarius, the patron saint of Naples, is said to turn liquid three times a year, an event that draws thousands and is considered an omen for the city. Scientific analysis suggests the liquefaction might be due to thixotropy, a property of certain gels.

Glowing Steeple Watched

This report from October 14, 1959, describes thousands of people flocking to Warsaw, Indiana, to see a luminous figure on the steeple of Augustine's Roman Catholic Church. While some believed it was a supernatural apparition, others suggested it was a reflection of lights on the oxidized copper.

Reflections on the Virgin

An article by Denver Post writer Virginia Culver describes an apparition of Mary seen as a 4-foot oval of light on an adobe-like fence in Julesburg, Colorado. Over 500 people witnessed the phenomenon, which the Ramirez family described as sometimes resembling a shrouded Mary. While Mr. Ramirez suggested it might be a reflection, the phenomenon's persistence baffled them.

Americana

This brief item from the December 1926 *American Mercury* reports on a pledge by members of the Christian Church in Junction City, Kentucky, to save nickels every time it rained for a new church, with daily rain since the inauguration of the plan.

Cryptozoology

Creature on the roof

An article by Dick Chase describes a sighting in DeWitt, New York, where Ruth Fox and her son heard loud 'boom, boom, boom' noises on their roof, followed by the silhouette of a large, upright, hairy creature with an ape-like head. While no footprints were found, muddy prints on a window were noted.

Iowa panthers

Reports from Iowa detail alleged sightings and attacks by cougars or black panthers, including a pregnant ewe's neck being broken and flesh eaten, and a calf being torn apart. A conservation officer suggested a pet cougar may have been dumped.

Creature sighting

Two women in Lincoln, Nebraska, reported sighting an unidentified, bipedal creature, four to five feet tall, which growled before fleeing on all fours. A piglike creature was also recalled from a similar incident involving an escaped tapir.

More on footprints

This section revisits paleontologist Jerry MacDonald's work in New Mexico, highlighting fossil trackways from the Permian period. The author notes that MacDonald's findings, including three-toed tracks and creatures walking on hind legs, challenge conventional theories about Permian fauna.

Miscellaneous

• Not a meteorite: A rock found at a flea market in Fort-Payne, Alabama, initially thought to be a meteorite, was determined by geologists not to contain typical meteorite materials, suggesting it was man-made.

• Starling fallout: Articles from Birmingham, England, report on the discovery of about 300 dead or dying starlings along a stretch of road. Post-mortem examinations revealed cooked-like livers, but the cause remained a mystery, with pesticides ruled out.

For More Information

This page lists various organizations and publications dedicated to the study of the unexplained, providing contact information for those seeking further resources. It includes services like Arcturus Book Service, Center for UFO Studies, Fate Magazine, and the International Fortean Organization, among many others, along with foreign contacts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores phenomena that fall outside mainstream scientific understanding, including UFO sightings, hauntings, religious miracles, and cryptozoological reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and investigations without necessarily endorsing them as definitive proof, but rather as subjects worthy of study and discussion within the Fortean tradition. There is an emphasis on providing detailed accounts and referencing sources, while also offering critical commentary on sensationalism or potential misinterpretations, as seen in the review of 'The Haunted, One Family's Nightmare'. The inclusion of a wide array of reports, from alleged demonic activity to ancient pottery, reflects a broad definition of 'unexplained phenomena'.