Journal of the Fortean Research Center - Vol 6 No 2

Magazine Overview

This special issue of the Journal of the Fortean Research Center, dated May 1995, is dedicated to the phenomenon of Psi-Induced Spontaneous Combustion (SC). The issue features an in-depth study by Dr. Berthold Schwarz, a renowned researcher of the paranormal, focusing on the remarkable abilities of Joe A. Nuzum, a paragnost with extraordinary telekinetic powers.

Introduction to Psi-Induced Spontaneous Combustion

Dr. Schwarz introduces the concept of physical psi phenomena, contrasting them with more abstract mental phenomena like telepathy. He highlights spontaneous combustion as a tangible and observable expression of psi, noting its potential legal and insurance implications. He also briefly mentions other psi-related phenomena such as effects on electronic systems and psi-inscribed initials on objects.

Historical and Scientific Context

The article references early work on SC by Charles Fort, Nanador Fodor, Vincent Gaddis, Michael Harrison, John Heymer, and William Corliss. It also touches upon medical accounts of fire immunity and pyromania, suggesting that psychic and psychophysiological factors in SC have been minimally explored. The issue mentions commercial video tapes of Japanese Shinto priests igniting bundles of sticks and data from the SORRAT mini-lab, where SC inside a locked chamber was filmed.

Dr. Berthold Schwarz's Research and Joe A. Nuzum's Abilities

Dr. Schwarz details his 10-year study of Joe A. Nuzum, who possesses the unique talent to experimentally induce fire from a distance. Nuzum's abilities were first noted in his childhood when his practice paper charred. Since then, he has undergone extensive professional study and experimentation, resulting in over 2,000 pages of typed protocols documenting numerous instances of SC and related effects.

Documented Incidents of Psi-Induced Spontaneous Combustion

The journal meticulously lists and describes various incidents involving Joe A. Nuzum:

• January 5, 1990: A match moved and ignited a paper bag.
• March 5, 1990: Nuzum demonstrated feats including handling hot coals at a public event.
• March 14, 1990: Charring was discovered in a Kleenex box and a radio in Dr. Schwarz's office.
• April 14, 1990: A towel caught fire at a distance of 11 miles.
• September 30, 1990: Keys and a calling card were found charred.
• October 27, 1990: A promotional stamp was charred.
• December 22, 1990: A piece of paper ignited during a telepathic demonstration.
• December 30, 1990: A cigarette moved and charred.
• April 27, 1991: A birthday card showed a burnt hole.
• May 26, 1991: A Ziploc bag melted and pads blackened after Nuzum dreamed of SC.
• October 23, 1991: A burn barrel episode where papers ignited without matches, confirmed by Ray.
• December 21, 1991: A dish towel caught fire without a discernible cause.
• January 19, 1992: A mop caught fire and smoldered.
• February 17, 1992: Nuzum extinguished a candle flame telekinetically.
• February 22, 1992: A light bulb burned out telekinetically.
• March 26, 1992: A light bulb was manually unscrewed and then telekinetically caused to flash and not work.
• May 20, 1992: Nuzum ignited gas from a lighter telekinetically.
• June 25, 1992: Nuzum extinguished a candle flame telekinetically.
• April 14, 1993: A candle flame was extinguished telekinetically.
• December 13, 1993: A piece of paper charred and burned.
• January 1, 1994: A book of matches ignited telekinetically.
• January 2, 1994: Nuzum's wife's hair and blouse caught fire during a candle-lighting attempt.
• January 7, 1994: A roll of toilet paper ignited and burned.
• February 10, 1994: A lit candle floated and then dropped, extinguishing its flame.
• April 5, 1994: The hair on the top of Nuzum's head ignited briefly.
• April 6, 1994: Nuzum's index finger tingled after the hair ignition incident.
• September 21, 1993: A metal lid on a jar turned, the jar moved, smoked, and caught fire with blue and orange flames.
• September 29, 1993: Sparks appeared on a Tibetan dagger, and the dagger pivoted telekinetically.
• October 25, 1993: Yogurt in a bowl burst into flames.
• November 18, 1993: A candle flame moved rapidly and extinguished telekinetically.
• October 27, 1993: A bottle cap was found inside a bottle, and a Play Dough figure was charred.

Nuzum's Subjective Experience and Control

Nuzum describes transforming energy into his hands, making SC feel explosive and powerful. He also notes that water can help magnify the energy, making it easier and safer to induce fires. He emphasizes that when he wants SC to happen, it doesn't always, and he has had problems when trying to achieve it. He also mentions that he has never injured anyone in his experiments.

Symposium and Workshop Announcement

The journal announces a symposium on psychokinesis and a live demonstration of psychokinetic abilities by Joe A. Nuzum, to be held in Lincoln, Nebraska, on May 20 and 21, 1995. Dr. Schwarz will also give an in-depth lecture. A workshop is scheduled for Sunday morning, May 21.

Journal Changes and Future Plans

The Journal of the Fortean Research Center is increasing its publication frequency to six times a year. In the months between regular issues, the journal will feature speakers of note discussing Fortean topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for the scientific investigation of paranormal phenomena, particularly spontaneous combustion, presenting extensive case studies and experimental data. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into these unusual events, encouraging further research and discussion within the Fortean community. The focus on Joe A. Nuzum's abilities highlights the journal's commitment to documenting and exploring the limits of human potential and unexplained phenomena.

This issue of "The Unexplained" magazine, Volume 1, Number 2, dated May 1995, focuses on the extraordinary claims and documented experiments of Joe Nuzum (also referred to as JN), exploring his purported abilities in spontaneous combustion (SC) and psychokinesis (PK). The cover headline boldly proclaims "PSYCHIC FIRE: THE AMAZING STORY OF JOE NUZUM," setting the tone for the issue's deep dive into paranormal phenomena.

Part I: Joe Nuzum's Experiences

The magazine presents a series of JN's personal accounts and reported incidents, often in a question-and-answer format with an interviewer identified as BES. These accounts detail JN's experiences with self-ignition and telekinetic manipulation.

Early Incidents and Self-Ignition:

JN recounts an incident where the tip of his right index finger ignited with bluish flames for a few seconds, describing the sensation as "hot. Cool-hot" and leaving no mark. He also describes an event where a candle flame separated from the wick and burned out at eye level. Another incident involved a white bead with black char landing in front of him, which he had previously heated for self-defense weapons. JN's wife, Sandy, and friends witnessed an event where the shade of an "Angel Lamp" fell, and the bulb burned out with a flash of blue light.

Telekinetic Manipulation and Ignition:

JN details numerous instances of telekinetic control. He describes a plastic tape case flying off a stereo, a crow bursting into flames in mid-air, and his ability to cause a glass of ice to ignite. He also recounts igniting a glass of ice cubes, which consumed the water and cracked the glass, and causing granulated sugar to char and burst into flames, turning into black gook with a burned smell. He also reported igniting a block of wood, which burned and then turned into smoldering charcoal.

Specific Experiments and Demonstrations:

Several specific experiments are detailed, often involving videography. One involved JN placing tissue paper on a plate and causing it to burst into flames. Another described JN igniting a candle flame and moving it from one candle to another. He also reported causing a fluorescent tube to illuminate and then shatter, and a paper napkin to ignite and levitate.

The 'Jackie' Experiment:

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to an experiment involving a photograph of a young woman named Jackie Bair. JN requested the photograph for an experiment, which involved him 'zapping' envelopes containing names, including Jackie's. During this process, JN reportedly had imagery of Jackie and another woman named Lois. In a subsequent experiment, JN's wife displayed envelopes in a brass pot, and JN, while entranced, caused the pot to explode with flames, retrieving a charred calling card with Jackie's name. A fragment from the pot read 'MD' on one side and 'LOIS' on the reverse. JN explained his imagery of Lois as an attempt to help her, relating it to his sister's and mother's difficult situations.

Further Psi Phenomena:

JN also described other psi-related events, such as a towel catching fire telekinetically while he was experimenting, a clay statue moving, a shattered water glass, and a trash basket catching fire near his typewriter. He also recounted an incident where a towel glowed with an orange-blue flame and crumbled apart.

Part III: Monitored-Videographed Experiments by BES

This section details experiments conducted by BES with JN, often involving videography.

Bulb Ignition and Fire Incident:

On June 6, 1991, JN ignited a 67-watt General Electric bulb telekinetically, causing it to flash brightly and burn out. He collapsed afterward, feeling uncomfortable. On June 7, 1991, while at JN's trailer home, a smoke alarm sounded, and a roll of paper towels beside the kitchen sink caught fire. JN put the fire out with a fire extinguisher, blaming himself and relating it to a failed candle-lighting experiment. He also showed BES a cotton towel that had caught fire telekinetically and a clay statue that had moved.

Further Demonstrations:

JN demonstrated his ability to telekinetically bend a plastic fork and extinguish a candle. He also showed a shattered water glass and a trash basket that had caught fire. In another incident on August 26, 1991, JN attempted to snuff out hurricane candles telekinetically and later described an event where a towel caught fire.

The 'Dollar Bill' Experiment:

On September 12, 1992, JN took a dollar bill, crumpled it, and then lit a candle. He then 'flamed' his Tibetan ceremonial dagger and bathed his injured left hand in flame without apparent pain. BES discovered that the dollar bill's George Washington face was charred black with a linear slit.

Discussion

The discussion section emphasizes the rarity of SC effects and experiments, justifying the reporting of JN's anecdotal material alongside videographed data. It highlights that SC often occurs in conjunction with other psychic effects. The author stresses Joe Nuzum's honesty and trustworthiness, noting his severe dyslexia and financial hardships, which have not compromised his integrity. The section concludes by suggesting that Joe Nuzum possesses the ability to cause SC, and these events are not attributable to conventional causes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of spontaneous combustion, psychokinesis, and other psychic phenomena, primarily through the documented experiences of Joe Nuzum. The magazine presents these accounts as factual, emphasizing the videographic evidence and the observations of researchers like BES. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into anomalous psychic abilities, with a strong belief in the honesty and integrity of the subjects studied, particularly Joe Nuzum. The recurring theme is the exploration of human potential beyond conventional scientific understanding, focusing on JN's unique and often dramatic demonstrations of psi powers.

This issue of Fortean Times, Volume 75, dated June/July 1994, focuses on the theme of 'Fire in Their Bellies' and related paranormal phenomena, including psychokinesis and UFO experiences. The cover price was £2.50.

Joe Nuzum's Psychokinetic Abilities

The lead article delves into the extraordinary abilities of Joe Nuzum, a subject of study for Fortean researcher Larry Arnold and others. Nuzum is described as capable of exerting control over spontaneous combustion (SC) and other fire-related phenomena, which he relates to his ability to 'dowse' flames. His abilities are linked to vivid mental imagery and highly charged emotional factors, often resonating with past life experiences or unconscious complexes, as noted by Professor Tenhaeff.

Nuzum's 'planned' psi effects are described as self-programmed, germinating in his mind as he mentally prepares for the phenomena, and then released when he is entranced. The article distinguishes these genuine psi effects from those simulated by magicians, emphasizing that claims should only be considered if supported by rigorous experimental conditions.

The text discusses the challenges and dangers associated with studying Nuzum's abilities, stressing the need for appropriate safeguards and ethical considerations ('Primum non nocere'). It highlights the importance of researchers understanding their subject and adjusting experiments to accommodate subtle and taxing conditions, such as prolonged periods of wakefulness.

• Several intriguing incidents involving Nuzum are detailed, including:
• Apparent induction of heat.
• Explosive bursting into flames of paper tissues.
• Water igniting when following or 'psi released' from an anti-gravity position.
• Apple juice and yogurt episodes, potentially related to psi-induced molecular dissociation or electrolysis.

These phenomena are presented as more than superficial 'entertainment,' suggesting a complex interplay of mind, matter, and psi factors. The author encourages readers to speculate on the relationships demonstrated by Nuzum's cases, asserting that these reported incidents, regardless of how difficult they are to accept, should be accorded the status of facts.

Stella Lansing's UFO Encounters

The issue also features an account from Stella Lansing, an 'UFO experient,' who shared her experiences in a telephone interview on October 3, 1993. Her experiences include:

1. Incident 1: While caring for elderly people, a blue light entered her room. Upon waking, she found a triangular welt on her back, which her daughter filmed. Later, while driving, her car's tires sounded funny. She noticed an object (UFO?) and experienced an eerie feeling. A blue essence entered her car, producing a strange smell. When she turned on the map light, an ooze melted into a bag of tomatoes. The smell intensified. She stopped the car, opened the glove compartment, and flames erupted. This occurred after she had noticed a stalled car with steam. She recalled a bottle of water she had, used it, and felt it saved her. She got black ooze on her fingers, and the flashlight batteries burned out. She later filmed the car and her finger, and a ball of soft, white light emerged from her hand, traveled around the car, and returned to her finger.

2. Incident 2: While driving her Corvair to the top of Breckenridge Road, her car lights suddenly dimmed to nothing. The cigarette lighter jumped out of the dashboard, burning her leg and burning a hole in the car's seat. She saved the material. The object (UFO?) crossed the road, and the car lights suddenly became bright, like a burst of energy. Everything returned to normal after the sighting.

These incidents are presented alongside other accounts, such as Stella filming a white globe over BES' head, which Stella had foretold. The text notes that BES was unexpectedly rendering first aid to a motorcyclist at the time.

References and Notes

The article is supported by an extensive list of references and notes, citing works by Charles Fort, Nandor Fodor, Vincent H. Gaddis, Michael Harrison, Jenny Randles, Peter Hough, John Heymer, William Corlis, B. E. Schwarz, Ricky Jay, and Jonathan Sternfield, among others. These references cover topics such as poltergeists, spontaneous combustion, psychic phenomena, telekinesis, UFOs, and fire phenomena.

Notably, a computerized Medline search of over seven million references from international journals between 1966 and 1994 yielded no reports on spontaneous combustion (SC).

Figures and Illustrations

• The issue includes numerous figures illustrating various phenomena, such as:
• Figure 1: A fluorescent light fixture.
• Figure 2A: A Perrier bottle.
• Figure 2B: A charred Play-Dough figure.
• Figure 3A-3C: Joe Nuzum meditating with a paper tissue, which combusts.
• Figure 4A-4B: A paper tissue levitating and then bursting into flame.
• Figure 5A-5C: A goblet of water, an overturned goblet in anti-gravity position, and combustion of water.
• Figure 6A-6C: A book of matches before, during flaming, and with 'HELP' charred on the inside cover.
• Figure 7A-7B: Flaming matches in a metal clamp.
• Figure 8: Flaming matches in a metal clamp as JN 'Zaps'.
• Figure 9: An envelope with 'JACKIE' and a date.
• Figure 10A: An envelope with smoke pouring out.
• Figure 10B: A business card with 'Jackie Bair' and 'LOIS' written on it.
• Figure 11A: JN's hand inside a brass pot with flames.
• Figure 11B: Charred and burned business cards.
• Figure 12A-12C: Burned fragments of business cards.
• Figure 13A-C: A pen through a photograph of Jackie.
• Figure 14: Jackie photographs before experiments.
• Figure 15A-C: JN holding a lightbulb, the bulb lighting up, and JN collapsing.
• Figure 16: A charred dollar bill with slits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are psychokinesis, spontaneous combustion, and UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these often-dismissed subjects, emphasizing the need for empirical evidence and rigorous investigation, while acknowledging the profound implications of such phenomena for our understanding of reality. The publication aims to present documented cases and encourage further research and discussion within the Fortean community.

This document is a promotional piece for The Fortean Research Center, detailing its membership benefits, activities, and contact information. It also serves as a directory for other organizations involved in the study of unexplained phenomena. The content includes images that appear to be related to case files or investigations, featuring individuals and documents with timestamps and handwritten notes.

Membership Benefits

The Fortean Research Center offers several benefits to its members, aiming to connect individuals interested in exploring life's mysteries. These benefits include:

• Journal Subscription: Four issues of the "Journal of the Fortean Research Center," published approximately every four months. A sample issue costs $5.25.
• Newsletter: An occasional newsletter providing updates on case investigations and reports received by the Center, along with announcements of upcoming activities.
• Radio Program: Support for the weekly radio program "Exploring Unexplained Phenomena," heard in Lincoln, Nebraska, on KZUM 89.3 and Cable Channel 10 on Saturdays from 10-11:30 am. The program, hosted by Scott Colborn since October 1984, features interviews with experts in unexplained phenomena. Audio tapes of the show are available for purchase.
• Annual Conference: The "Exploring Unexplained Phenomena" conference takes place annually in Lincoln, Nebraska, during the spring, featuring prominent authors and researchers in Ufology, Parapsychology, Cryptozoology, and other Fortean interests. Members receive a discount on registration.
• Social Events: Invitations to regional potluck dinners and a monthly coffee gathering, usually held on the first Sunday of each month from 2-4 p.m. at The Way Home Music & Books in Lincoln.
• Library Access: Members have access to the Fortean Research Center's library, which houses a collection of books, magazines, journals, and audio/video tapes. Materials can be checked out free of charge during store hours.
• Bulletin Board: A 24-hour telephone bulletin board (402-488-2587) is available for members to stay informed about the Center's activities and access its extensive database of files.

How to Start Your Membership

To join, individuals need to print their name, address, city, zip code, and country, and optionally include their phone number. A check or money order for $20 for U.S. members or $25 for Canadian and overseas members should be enclosed. Members are also asked to specify which issue of the Journal they wish to start with.

Directory of Organizations

Page 6 provides an extensive list of other organizations involved in investigating and providing information on the unexplained. These organizations are located across the United States and internationally, covering a range of interests including UFOs, paranormal investigations, fortean phenomena, and legend research. Notable organizations listed include:

• CENTER FOR UFO STUDIES
• CRUX PUBLICATIONS
• FATE MAGAZINE
• GHOST RESEARCH SOCIETY
• INTERNATIONAL FORTEAN ORGANIZATION (INFO)
• LOUISIANA MOUNDS SOCIETY
• MICHIGAN MUFON
• MUTUAL UFO NETWORK
• NEW YORK FORTEAN SOCIETY
• OFFICE OF PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS (OPI)
• PARAPSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES INSTITUTE (PSI)
• PROJECT STIMGA/STIGMATA
• STRANGE & UNUSUAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
• UFO MAGAZINE
• HOUSTON UFO NETWORK
• ARCHIVES FOR UFO RESEARCH (Sweden)
• ITALIAN CENTER FOR UFO STUDIES (CISU)

Several businesses are also listed as carrying the Journal of the Fortean Research Center, including The Pegasus Book Store in Omaha and The Way Home Music and Books in Lincoln.

Featured Images and Case References

The document includes several figures that appear to be visual documentation of cases or investigations:

• Figure 13A, 13B, 13C: These images show a person, possibly identified as Jackie Bair, interacting with a pen and paper. Timestamps indicate 8:37 AM and 8:38 AM on 5/94.
• Figure 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D: These images also feature a person, likely Jackie Bair, with handwritten notes that read "JACKIE BAIR Sebarring Fi 1994."
• Figure 15A, 15B, 15C: These images depict a person holding a U.S. dollar bill, with timestamps PM 9:57.
• Figure 16: This image shows a damaged U.S. dollar bill.
• Page 1: Contains a partial address and name for "Arnold E. Schwarz, M.D." and handwritten notes "Jackie Bair" and "lois" with a number "1015."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this document is the promotion of The Fortean Research Center and its offerings to individuals interested in the unexplained. The editorial stance is welcoming and encouraging, inviting readers to ask questions and explore mysteries. The Center positions itself as a resource for information and community, supporting research in fields such as Ufology, Parapsychology, and Cryptozoology. The inclusion of a directory of other organizations reinforces its role as a hub for the fortean community. The images suggest a focus on documenting specific cases or phenomena, possibly involving personal accounts or physical evidence.