Phenomenon Times - 2010 02

Magazine Overview

Title: The Phenomenon Times
Issue Date: February 2010
Publisher: The UFO & Paranormal Research Society of Australia (UFO-PRSA)
Focus: Reporting on recent news and studies outside mainstream scientific endeavor, in a quest for truth, with a focus on ufology and paranormal phenomena.

President's Report

Larraine Cilia, President of UFO-PRSA, welcomes members to the first meeting of 2010, marking the organization's tenth year. She notes the departure of co-founder Attila Kaldy to pursue his own projects and wishes him well. Cilia reflects on recent activities, including a member's night watch at Mt. Annan which observed various aerial phenomena but nothing unidentified. She also mentions a paranormal investigation conducted by PR2D (Paranormal Research, Second Division) at a half-abandoned hospital in the Picton area, which was filmed by producers for a feature film. A subsequent investigation at 'The Manor' is also mentioned, with full reports compiled by Kellie and Tiffany.

Investigator Profile: Tiffany Alicajic

This section introduces Tiffany Alicajic, an Editor and Investigator for UFO-PRSA. Her interest in the paranormal began in childhood due to personal encounters and poltergeist-like activity in her Sydney home. Her research led her to discover the property's history as a hospital in the late 1800s. Alicajic has studied Psychic Development and Tarot and now administers her skills in readings. She is described as inquisitive, eager to learn, and an 'adrenaline junkie' who enjoys the thrill of investigations. With a Masters degree in Creative Writing and English, she also has passions in creative fields and a desire to study Forensics. She is currently writing a memoir about her personal experiences.

Tiffany's journey with UFO-PRSA began with an audition for a TV series, leading to her becoming a 'Trainee' investigator. She bonded with the team and was officially invited into the group in January 2009. She believes in other dimensions and seeks scientific explanations for perceived realities.

Eerie Encounters

This section features two personal accounts:

Near Death Experience (Report by Larraine Cilia)

Terry, a 70-year-old man from the UK, recounts an experience from when he was 9 years old. He fell into a local canal and could not swim. During his near-drowning experience, he found himself sitting on the overhead bridge, observing the events unfold, including himself in the water and a barge passing. He saw a man from the Post Office queue jump in and rescue him. He recalls the man performing CPR and people gathering. Terry has always been psychic, experiencing premonition dreams, apparitions, and receiving messages, which he attributes to this near-death experience.

Out of Body Experience? (By Larraine Cilia)

In 1974, the author was a drummer in a band in Warren, NSW. While recording in Dubbo, she had a vivid dream of being in a huge, round, glass tower overlooking a hotel that was on fire. She saw a person run out of the burning doorway and the door fall on them. She woke up in a panic at 2:30 am and told her husband. Later that morning, they heard on the radio that a hotel in Dubbo had burned down between 2:00 am and 3:00 am, and the owner was badly burned while fleeing the fire. The author realized she had experienced an out-of-body experience.

Crop Circle News

Woodborough Hill UK 9th August

This section details a crop circle that appeared on Woodborough Hill in Wiltshire, UK, discovered on August 9th by a conference group in helicopters. The circle was in a wheat crop, measured 300 feet in diameter, and featured a pattern resembling owl eyes with a beak-like central area of standing crop, surrounded by linear patterns. The remains of an earlier crop circle were visible nearby. The intricacy of the design is noted.

Hospital Investigation (By Kellie Pataky)

This article details a paranormal investigation conducted in November 2009, involving UFO-PRSA members and two film producers, Nick and Aaron, who were making a feature film. The investigation was initially planned for a specific location but due to a key issue, the group proceeded to a previously investigated local establishment. During the investigation, digital thermometer readings and EMI readings were taken. Tiffany Alicajic reportedly received a positive EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) response, which was captured on digital recording devices and the producers' camera audio. The team then conducted vigils using a psychic board for the first time at this location. During the vigil, the spirit presence was felt, and the psychic board became active. Simultaneously, Aaron's camera battery, which had just been replaced, began to drain rapidly, and the light on the camera faded. This phenomenon repeated, with the spirit seemingly using the camera's battery power to manifest. The night concluded around 4 am, with the producers having gathered extensive footage and concluding that their film's script would need to be altered due to the unexpected nature of the investigations.

An editor's note mentions a small spike in one of the sound files, which was an "extraordinarily eerie and extremely impressive piece of EVP."

Investigator Profile: Tiffany Alicajic (Continued)

This section continues the profile of Tiffany Alicajic, detailing her early life and experiences. Her curiosity about the paranormal began at a young age due to encounters in her childhood home. She and her mother experienced poltergeist-like activity, peaking during her adolescence. Her research into this activity led her to discover the property's history as a hospital. Alicajic has always felt instinctually sensitive and has studied Psychic Development and Tarot. She now uses Rider-Waite and Mythic decks for readings. Her inquisitiveness drives her to gain new knowledge in paranormal and ufological investigations. She describes herself as an 'adrenaline junkie' and has a Masters degree in Creative Writing and English. Her other passions include writing, music, and acting, with a future desire to study Forensics. She is currently writing a memoir.

Other Content

Norwegian Spiralling Light

Photos are presented of the 'Norwegian Spiralling Light' event, which occurred at high altitude in Norway. The event coincided with discussions on the ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) and was near the time of President Barack Obama's Nobel Prize acceptance. The phenomenon was explained away as a spiralling, out-of-control Russian Test Missile with chemical fuel emission. However, the article suggests the spiral's symmetry and direction towards the HAARP facility indicate a different explanation, possibly projection from the ground up. The timing of the event, the day after the Very Large Particle Accelerator went live, is questioned as a coincidence.

Sighting Reports

Sighting reports continue to be received through the website, with many originating from the Blue Mountains region. Readers are encouraged to submit their own reports.

Upcoming Meeting and Guest Speaker

Keith Basterfield, a researcher from AURA (Australian UFO Research Australia) and author, will be speaking at the next meeting on Wednesday, March 10th. Basterfield has 35 years of research experience and has presented at national conferences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and paranormal activity, from a perspective that seeks evidence and explanations beyond mainstream science. There is a strong emphasis on personal experiences, investigations conducted by the society's members, and the sharing of these findings through the journal and website. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging members to contribute their experiences and feedback. The society is actively involved in practical investigations and aims to document and analyze these events rigorously, as evidenced by the detailed reports on the hospital investigation and the discussion of the Norwegian Spiralling Light.

This issue of RACE (Research of Australian Close Encounters) magazine, identified as issue 11, focuses on 'TOOLS OF THE TRADE' and features a detailed account of a paranormal investigation at Studley Park House, along with several UFO sighting reports from various Australian locations. The magazine also includes a glossary of terms and community advertising.

Dom's Corner: Tools of the Trade

This section, authored by Dom, introduces the concept of covering technical and hypothetical materials, with a focus on new equipment used by the group to study strange events. The first item discussed is the Tri-field meter, priced at approximately $135 US. It operates in three modes: Electromagnetic (EM), Electric Fields, and Radio. The EM mode has two scales (1-3 milli-Gauss and 1-100 milli-Gauss) and displays readings on an analogue moving meter coil. The meter is described as a useful sweep device for detecting reactions to unexpected events, though the more sensitive scale is less useful in a 'standby' mode. Its readings are reliable within a 15m vicinity but cannot determine the source, direction, or distance of the interference. Moving around the area ('sweeping') is necessary to locate the source.

The second tool discussed is the Generation I Night vision device, costing approximately $400 US. Powered by two AA cells, it is portable and lightweight, capable of seeing in starlight. These are commercial-grade devices with a small 'TV-style' tube that amplifies ambient light and infrared, projecting it onto a green phosphor screen. While the tube itself is described as practically unserviceable, the rest of the optics are standard. Magnification is generally not a feature, and most devices lack A/V outputs for recording as they are analogue. The author notes an intention to develop their own night vision devices.

Dom also announces the creation of an R & D labs section within the group to receive comments and ideas from members regarding development progress. The section concludes with a glossary defining 'Logarithmic' as a method of accruing sample or gain, and 'EM (Electromagnetic)' as the field created by electric or electronic activity, propagating outwards like waves from a pebble in water.

Studley Park House Investigation

Authored by Tiffany Alicajic, this article details a paranormal investigation at Studley Park House, described as one of Australia's most notoriously haunted houses. The investigation team included producer and director Aaron and Nick, who were filming for a feature film. The atmospheric conditions on the night were a stagnant, humid thirty-five degrees. The house's exterior showed boarded-up windows, suggesting security measures against intruders.

Upon arrival, the team was met by a staff member with the keys. Inside, they experienced a sudden blast of cool, bracing air, which Larraine considered a good sign. While Dom set up equipment, others explored. Laszlo, Tiffany, and a reluctant Nick ventured to the cellar, which was once a makeshift morgue, but found the entrance secured by a large padlock.

During the investigation, the EMI meter registered remarkably high readings in a room at the rear of the building. Tiffany described walking into a 'cobweb of static electricity' in this room, and Larraine confirmed that the group had experienced activity there on previous investigations. They also ascended to the tower, which was hot, but the EMI meter showed no response.

Around 10 am, after temperature and EMI readings were taken, the group returned to the room for EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recording. During the session, a raspy male whisper, not from any of the males present, was heard. Initially thought to be Dom's voice from a CB radio, it was later determined the CB was on the floor, and the voice came from a corner of the room. Laszlo and Nick confirmed hearing the voice. Listening back to the recording revealed a distinctive male voice, described as a three-syllable whisper, which baffled even Dom.

Subsequently, all cameras began shutting down sporadically for thirty minutes, much to Aaron and Nick's bewilderment. Then, unexpectedly, Aaron's camera turned itself on and began recording. After the cameras mysteriously recharged, the group moved to the corridor where EMI readings were highest. The needle on the EMI meter spiked, and Larraine confirmed there were no external electrical points causing interference. Laszlo's hearing aid also began to malfunction.

Perplexed by the interference with no CB or transmitters in use, Laszlo began conversing with a 'spirit', asking it to move the EMI meter needle. The needle responded, leading Laszlo to believe a 'spirit' was present. Nick placed a trigger object, a $2 shop toy that lit up with pressure, on a stairwell step, asking the spirit to touch it. When it didn't, Nick ordered it to move. Holding the EMI meter next to the toy, the needle jerked rapidly. When the toy did not move, a feather was used as an alternative object. After gentle encouragement from Larraine, the feather swept softly along the staircase, astonishing everyone. This event caused a sensory audio overload for Kellie, who was monitoring downstairs.

Kellie then conducted a series of questions, with three cameras filming. Taps and bangs were heard throughout the house, timed with the questions. Aaron hoped a door would slam shut as it had previously. Dom reported hearing incomprehensible noises from the tower, and disembodied children's laughter was heard from the balcony. Laszlo reported seeing 'orbs' coming towards him.

The investigation concluded around 2:30 am, with the group reluctantly agreeing to pack up. Aaron and Nick, the newcomers, were reportedly hooked by the experience. The report concludes by stating that Studley Park House remains one of the most haunted locations in the country.

Sighting Reports

This section compiles several UFO sighting reports from different locations in Australia:

• Larnook, NSW (2001): A pulsating white light was observed moving across the sky. It stopped, exploded into a giant ball of white light, shrunk to a pin prick, and emitted a column of light that disappeared into the ground. This scenario repeated with another light.
• Jenolan Caves, NSW (January 2010): A shiny, silver, dome-shaped flying object was seen in the sky. It was not identifiable as a balloon or toy and disappeared moving forward.
• Yerranderie, NSW (December 12, 2009): While observing the night sky, a dumbbell-shaped object with two lights of similar luminosity to a satellite was seen travelling beneath it. The object shifted underneath the satellite, and both then faded.
• Coffs Harbour, NSW (Approx. 2100 hrs): An object was observed blocking out stars, moving slowly at a low altitude with faint lights. It was silent and travelled at a speed that would stall a normal aircraft before heading towards the ocean and disappearing from sight.
• Gosford, NSW (September 28, 2009): A UFO, described as a star higher than planes, was seen moving across the freeway, stopping, moving back, and stopping again. This was observed on numerous occasions at around the same time, and was not considered a satellite due to its movement pattern.

Additionally, the report from Coffs Harbour mentions the witness's keen interest in the unknown and having other reports from the area, including old news clippings about 'light beings'.

Community Advertising

This section includes an advertisement for Lesley Fazzolaro J.P., a Civil Marriage Celebrant, offering personalized ceremonies. It also contains an invitation from the UFO-PRSA for businesses to advertise in their bi-monthly journal on a fee-for-service basis. Contact information for the Secretary is provided. The page also promotes connecting with 'UFO PRSA' on Facebook for updates and joining their Facebook group, 'UFO & Paranormal Research Society of Australia'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of paranormal phenomena and the reporting of UFO sightings. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of documenting and exploring these events, utilizing technical equipment for investigation and providing a platform for witness accounts. The 'Dom's Corner' section suggests an interest in the technological aspects of paranormal research, while the 'Sighting Reports' section focuses on empirical observations of unexplained aerial phenomena. The overall tone is one of curiosity and a commitment to exploring the unknown, particularly within the Australian context.