Project Red Book vol 3 no 11

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol 3 #11
Date: May 2000
Publisher: YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society)
Price: £1:50

This issue marks the fourth birthday of the Yorkshire UFO Society (YUFOS) and its publication, Project Red Book. The magazine aims to maintain a focus on UFOs while acknowledging a broader interest in unusual phenomena. The editorial notes a general decline in public interest in UFOs, with fewer books being published on the subject and a shift towards topics like ancient earth mysteries and new-age spirituality. Despite this, YUFOS remains dedicated to its core subject.

Key Articles and Features

Editorial: "Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!"

The editorial, written by Dave Baker, reflects on YUFOS's four-year anniversary and its resilience in the face of declining UFO interest. It highlights the society's dedication and its decision to broaden its scope beyond strictly UFOs to include other unusual phenomena like ghosts, psychic powers, and cryptozoology, while still aiming to maintain a balance between believers and skeptics. The editor expresses concern about the lack of new UFO material, leading to repetition in meetings and challenges in filling the magazine's 20 A4 pages each month. The editorial also touches upon the perceived decline in UFO sightings and public interest, suggesting a potential feedback loop.

An Interview with Rory Lushman

This extensive interview with Rory Lushman, a cinema manager, UFO investigator, and researcher, forms a significant part of the issue. Lushman discusses his early interest in ufology, sparked at age seven. He details his involvement in forming the Pendle-Hyndburn UFO Network (PHUFON) and his current work on the 'Strategic Reserve Project.'

Lushman recounts several cases investigated during his PHUFON years, including sightings of triangular formations and orange spheres of light. He expresses skepticism about a 'black triangle' case involving Mark Lloyd, citing numerous contradictions in Lloyd's account.

He shares two personal unexplained experiences: a silver ball-like object seen during a football game and another observed with his wife and son on Carleton Moor. Lushman also discusses his first lecture for YUFOS, detailing a sighting of two bright orange lights on Carleton Moor in October 1997, which he believes were likely earthlights or flares, not aliens.

Regarding PHUFON's disbandment, Lushman explains it was due to a quiet UFO scene and his personal shift towards investigating the Strategic Reserve. He defines the Strategic Reserve as a store of equipment, food, and weapons for times of crisis, noting claims of hidden steam locomotives.

Lushman's investigations into the Strategic Reserve have focused on locations like Heapey, near Chorley, which was an old Royal Ordnance Factory. While locals reported steam trains, his investigation suggests they were likely lines of steam locomotives held for scrapping. He believes the Heapey site is still actively used by the Royal Ordnance Factory for storage, citing ongoing security measures.

He also discusses the 'secret' tunnel near Box Hill Tunnel, which he identifies as a former underground ammunition storage facility, not a UFO-related site. His future investigations into the Strategic Reserve include sites like Rhydymwyn, Shoeburyness, Hessay, Bicester MoD, and Kineton MoD.

Lushman believes underground bases exist for national security reasons and is not concerned about them. He remains open to investigating UFO cases but is bored by re-hashed investigations. He admires Jenny Randles for her grounded approach and for not charging excessive fees for lectures, and Andy Roberts for his ability to quickly assess people.

He expresses skepticism towards exotic explanations for UFOs, such as time travelers or inter-dimensional explorers, preferring simpler, logical answers. He also recounts an unusual ability to predict film breaks while working as a Chief Projectionist.

Lushman's publication, 'The Labyrinth,' covers UFO cases and unusual railway articles. He is considering writing a book about cinemas and another about unusual rail stories, including the Strategic Reserve.

He views 'Man Made UFOs' as a phenomenon used to cover up secret projects, and is skeptical of 'Alien Abductions' due to a lack of evidence. He believes in a government cover-up only if it pertains to man-made activities, not alien ones.

Giant Aircraft May Cause Sightings

This short piece by Jenny Randles (UFOIN) suggests that sightings of giant 'Antinov' Russian transport aircraft landing at Manchester Airport in early 2000 could be mistaken for UFOs. The aircraft's size, configuration, and low-level approach can create the impression of a UFO, and witnesses are advised to correlate sightings with aircraft activity at Ringway Airport.

Other Sections

• Next Meeting: Scheduled for Tuesday, 13 June 2000, at The Three Cranes, Queen Street, Sheffield City Centre.
• Editorials and Contributions: The magazine lists its editorial team, including Dave Baker (Editor), Richard Moss (Web-master, etc.), Ian Gregory and Jonathan Slater (Printers), and Jacqui Baker (Treasurer). Contributions are acknowledged from a range of individuals, including Andrew Ashmore, Adam Bradley, Dr. Dave Clarke, Aaron Justice, Bruce Maccabee, and Jenny Randles. Research credits are given to Ted Maul, Calatalie Sisters, Barbrah Wintergreen, Rosie May, Bernard O'hanraO'hanrahan, and Alan Partridge.
• Serial Killer of the Month: Chapman Baxter.
• Re-print Articles: Enquiries should be directed to Dave Baker.
• Disclaimer: The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor, YUFOS members, or Dr. Zoidberg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the challenges of maintaining interest in ufology amidst declining public engagement, the importance of evidence-based investigation, and the potential for misidentification of aerial phenomena. The editorial stance, as articulated by Dave Baker and Rory Lushman, emphasizes a balanced approach, encouraging critical thinking and skepticism while remaining open to genuine unexplained phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible evidence and unsubstantiated claims, particularly regarding alien visitation and conspiracy theories. The magazine also demonstrates a willingness to explore related topics, such as the Strategic Reserve and historical mysteries, to provide a broader context for its readership.

This issue of PRB, dated Vol. 3 #11, May 2000, features a cover story titled "KLASS SCORES COUP WITH SECRET GOVERNMENT UFO DOCUMENTS" by Patrick Huyghe. The magazine also includes articles on cryptozoology and an analysis of a specific UFO sighting.

KLASS SCORES COUP WITH SECRET GOVERNMENT UFO DOCUMENTS

This article details how UFO skeptic Philip Klass obtained 156 previously withheld UFO-related documents from the National Security Agency (NSA). For years, these documents were sought by UFO researchers but were heavily censored, with a 21-page affidavit presented to a court being particularly blacked out. Klass, writing to NSA Director Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minihan, argued that with the changing world political landscape, the NSA might reconsider declassifying some documents. He suggested that releasing this material, mostly COMINT (communications intelligence) reports from 1958 to 1979, would expose the "absurdity of claims that these documents prove a government UFO cover-up."

Upon delivery of the "gigantic package from NSA" in January 1997, Klass found the 156 documents and a declassified version of the court affidavit. The NSA's earlier refusal to release them was aimed at keeping secret its eavesdropping on Soviet air defense radar sites. While the identity and locations of these sites remain censored, the "UFO content" is available. The documents reveal that the Soviets launched interceptor aircraft to "attack" a UFO, but the results are unknown as the document is censored. Many of the NSA UFO documents report UFOs as "probably balloons," a result of NSA analysts translating Soviet radar reports of "Unidentifiable object" into "Unidentified Flying Object" and then adding "Probably a balloon" due to the Soviets using balloons with radar reflectors to check their air defense radars. Klass believes that after FOIA requests in the late 1970s, NSA analysts were instructed to stop using the term "UFO" for these targets.

The NSA documents indicate that the Soviets had deployed height-finder-type radars capable of tracking targets up to 80,000 ft. Klass admits there are about a dozen "true" UFO reports, which are summaries of visual sightings from Soviet facilities other than radar installations. Investigator reactions to the release were mixed. Peter Gersten, the attorney who filed the original UFO FOIA suit, stated the documents "relate exclusively to NSA operations" and neither confirm nor deny extraterrestrial presence. Stan Friedman expressed dissatisfaction, believing the NSA is still withholding information preceding 1980.

SURVIVORS OF THE PAST

By Aaron Justice, this article explores the possibility that dinosaurs did not become extinct and may still exist today. It references legends and fables from various civilizations that describe dinosaur-like creatures, often called dragons. The article presents several alleged sightings and descriptions:

• Kasai Rex: A large, reddish, 12-13 meter long lizard-like beast with a lion-like build, seen in the Kasai valley, Africa, attacking a rhinoceros.
• Emela-Ntouka: An African mystery creature described as rhinoceros-like but larger, with a single ivory horn, known to kill hippopotamuses and elephants.
• Incanyamba: A creature similar to Mokele-Mbembe, sighted at Howick Falls, South Africa, with a head and long neck emerging from water. A photograph and three eggs were reportedly obtained.
• Mokele-Mbembe: A monstrous crocodile, 50 feet long, living in the same area as Emela-Ntouka, potentially a deinosuchus.
• Long snake-like creatures: Measuring over 100 feet long.
• Kongamato: A flying reptile.
• Beast with "planks": Possibly a stegosaur.

The article also mentions alleged dinosaur sightings in the Americas, including Colonel Percy Fawcett's claim of diplodocus in the Amazon and sightings of thunderbirds, some described as reptilian with large wingspans, possibly pteranodons.

At Lake Erie, a creature resembling a small plesiosaur was found and taxidermied. The article references the Biblical description of the "behemoth" in the Book of Job, suggesting it could be a large sauropod dinosaur like a brachiosaurus or ultrasaurus, and posits that the unicorn might be a monoclonius.

In Ica, Peru, hundreds of legends of dinosaurs and humans living together are accompanied by over 20,000 stones carved with dinosaur depictions. The article notes historical accounts of dragons being used for transport or labor, and mentions Marco Polo's report of Chinese emperors having dragons pull chariots, and Viking accounts of killing sea dragons.

The article discusses potential reasons for dinosaur extinction, questioning why only dinosaurs were exterminated if a comet was the cause. It proposes an epidemic as a possibility and speculates on the Biblical account of Noah's flood, suggesting that large dinosaurs could have been taken on the ark, with Noah possibly using smaller, juvenile versions. The theory is presented that the flood waters could have buried creatures, forming fossils, and that subterranean water sources might have contributed to the flood.

Selected sources include "A Living Dinosaur?" by Dr. Roy P. Mackal and "Alien Animals" by Janet and Colin Bord.

BEING LED BY THE LEADERS

By Andy Ashmore (YUFOS), this article reflects on the nature of ufology and the individuals who lead investigations and disseminate information. The author discusses an article about ufologist Tony Dodd, whose claims of paranoia about his phone being tapped and mail tampered with are met with skepticism, with the author noting that chlorpromazine is used to treat such symptoms. Ashmore criticizes sensationalist writing in the field, suggesting that while it may sell books, it can lead followers down a path of deception. He acknowledges having been taken in by "incredible anecdotes" in his earlier days but has become more skeptical over time.

The author emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts and recognizing when a story sounds "too preposterous to be true." He cautions against being misled by certain individuals or sections of ufology associations and encourages an open mind and critical thinking, rather than blindly accepting what others want you to believe. He notes that not all authors are cranks and that there are excellent investigators with unbiased viewpoints.

PROSAIC EXPLANATIONS: THE FAILURE OF UFO SKEPTICISM (part 4)

By Bruce Maccabee, this article critically examines Philip Klass's proposed prosaic explanations for UFO sightings, focusing on a specific case from New Zealand. Klass's statement that he has "not studied a single sighting for which I could not find prosaic explanation" is paraphrased.

Case of the Flashing Triangle:

During the early morning of December 31, 1978, a TV news crew flying on a freighter aircraft over the east coast of New Zealand's South Island filmed strange lights. The experienced air crew described the lights as extraordinary. The flight was near Cape Campbell when the Wellington Air Route Traffic Control Center announced a large radar target about 20 miles ahead. The news reporter described seeing a flashing light that "suddenly dropped downward and started 'rolling and turning,'" with "orange and red among the lights."

Klass proposed that the flashing light filmed was actually the aircraft's own rotating red anti-collision beacon, reflected off a propeller blade. Maccabee refutes this explanation on two grounds:

1. Physical Impossibility: The cameraman, seated between the pilot and copilot, could not have filmed the propeller in the direction of the beacon without obstructing the copilot's view, an event neither recalled.
2. Optical Physics: Maccabee argues that the overexposed UFO images on the film show a bright, pale yellow center with no red annular region. In contrast, the images of the aircraft's beacon, when pointed at the camera, showed a yellow central circle surrounded by a red annular region. This difference indicates the UFO images were not caused by filming a red light, directly or indirectly reflected.

Maccabee further analyzes the film, noting that the "stationary frames" show circular or nearly circular images, while others are stretched due to camera motion. He identifies the UFO images as a triangular arrangement: a pale yellowish-orange light pulsating at about 1 Hz above two pulsating side-by-side red lights. The intensity of the upper light varied greatly, overexposing the film, while the red lights were dimmer. This arrangement did not match any known beacons in the area.

Klass's auxiliary hypothesis involving propeller reflection is deemed "very clever, but unconvincing." Maccabee concludes that the New Zealand sighting remains unexplained and is a "TRue UFO." He estimates the lights were about 50 feet apart horizontally and 90 feet vertically, with the upper light reaching over a million candlepower at its peak brightness.

The article concludes by stating that the failure of UFO skepticism lies in accepting unconvincing prosaic explanations. Scientific ufology requires skeptics capable of recognizing when a sighting cannot be prosaically explained.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of skepticism and belief in UFO phenomena, often critically examining claims and evidence. The article on Philip Klass highlights the tension between debunking and genuine investigation, suggesting that while Klass achieved a significant disclosure, the documents did not support the grand conspiracy theories. The cryptozoology section delves into the possibility of surviving ancient creatures, blending folklore with alleged sightings, reflecting a theme of exploring the unexplained and the potential for undiscovered life. The "Being Led by the Leaders" article critiques the sensationalism and potential for deception within the UFO community, advocating for critical thinking and reliance on verifiable evidence. The analysis of the New Zealand sighting directly challenges a prominent skeptic's explanation, reinforcing the magazine's stance that some UFO phenomena remain genuinely unexplained, thus supporting the idea of continued scientific inquiry into the topic.

This document is a review of a conference titled 'COUNTDOWN TO THE MILLENIUM (part 3)', presented by Adam Bradley for YUFOS. The issue is Volume 3, Number 11, dated May 2000. The review covers presentations on UFO sightings, military helicopters, and theories connecting ancient sites with religious texts.

Conference Review

Steve Mera's Presentation: The Stewart Case

Steve Mera, a UFO investigator from Manchester, reported on an interesting case involving mysterious black helicopters, which he believed to be H64 longbow and H64 standard American military helicopters. He speculated that these sightings might be related to the Y2K bug, as the events occurred towards the end of 1999. Mera claimed that the helicopters' lights and sound sometimes ceased, and that when the military was contacted, they denied the presence of their helicopters in the area, though Mera stated he had seen them himself.

The main focus of the investigation began on November 13th at 11:00 PM when investigators were contacted by a distressed man with a strong southern Irish accent. The man, later identified as Stewart, reported seeing a large bright object in the sky. The call was recorded, though it was difficult to understand due to the caller's distress. It was believed the call was made from a mobile phone.

In a subsequent conversation, Stewart explained that the object was spherical, approximately 40-50ft in size, and appeared over a farmhouse on Winter Hill. The object then moved over a field of cattle, which promptly took off. Stewart followed the object, found it hovering nearby, and ran away, making the original call. The investigators were concerned about how Stewart obtained their number.

Stewart later reported waking up with a red blush on his face and body. He was mystified by this reaction, as he was accustomed to farming chemicals. He returned to work to find two men in dark suits talking with the farm owner. These men claimed to be from MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), the government regulatory body for farm standards, and threatened the farm owner with closure if he reported the event or allowed Stewart to do so. They then approached Stewart, warning him to say nothing and mentioning his family in a way that he found threatening.

Stewart was questioned at length about his markings and asked to accompany them for further study. He mentioned reporting his experience to MAPIT, a UFO group to which Steve Mera belongs. MAPIT stated they would deal with the MAFF representatives later. Contact with Stewart was subsequently lost. The investigators attempted to find the farm, referred to as "Adam's Farm," but had difficulty due to its transfer through several hands.

Their search led them to local pubs, but landlords had little knowledge of the area. When they tried calling Stewart's mobile, they reached the farm owner, who was uncooperative and stated Stewart had left. The investigators then contacted the police about a possible missing person case. After filing a report at the largest local village, the police indicated they would not pursue the matter further without a family member reporting him missing.

Later, while searching for the farm, the investigators were followed by a land rover. Upon confronting the driver, they were warned to keep away. Eventually, they managed to find "Adam's Farm" and located the land rover that had followed them. They had not yet found Stewart but had identified a man in the local cattle market who claimed to know him. The researcher vowed to continue the investigation, believing there was potential for a good story.

Ralph Ellis's Presentation: Ancient Sites and the Bible

The reviewer noted that Steve Mera's presentation relied heavily on slides, making note-taking difficult. The next speaker was Ralph Ellis, described as a writer of 'Thoth', 'Architect of the Universe', and 'Jesus last of the pharaohs', as well as a pilot and Mensa member. Ellis presented on the mathematical similarities between Egyptian pyramids, Stonehenge, and other ancient sites. He discussed Pi, its presence in imperial measurement, and its mark in pyramid design and ancient site construction.

Ellis proposed a theory that the Bible metaphorically describes Christ as a Pharaoh descended from a shunned religious group that worshipped the stars, similar to the ancient Egyptians. He suggested that the Egyptians' worship of different astrological signs led to a war that forced Jesus's people to flee their homeland. He illustrated his points with maps and decoded hieroglyphs, presenting it as an intelligent and sincere effort.

Skeptical Presentation and Conference Conclusion

At the end of the presentations, Tim, the organizer, introduced two gentlemen who presented transparencies. One was described as having blazing red hair and ice blue eyes, and the other had a goatee. They began by skeptically explaining UFO sightings, such as a "second sun" phenomenon. They then proceeded to mock other cases, and due to time constraints, they leaped into a criticism of a reporter from 'UFO magazine'. The reviewer found this part genuinely scary.

Following this, the raffle winners were announced, and Jenny's books were auctioned. Tim concluded by expressing his desire to bring people from other races into the UFO and paranormal field and called for more skeptical study, stating that there were no aliens and that humanity needed to move beyond 'the age of stupidity'.

Overall, the reviewer described the day as varied, with moments of entertainment mixed with thought-provoking philosophy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on UFO phenomena, alleged government cover-ups, and alternative theories connecting historical sites and religious texts. The review highlights a case of potential military involvement and intimidation, as well as a speculative interpretation of biblical narratives. The editorial stance seems to encourage investigation into unexplained phenomena while also acknowledging the need for skepticism, as evidenced by the final presentation and Tim's closing remarks.