Project Red Book vol 4 no 7

Magazine Overview

This issue of Project Red Book, Volume 4, Number 7, published in January 2001 by the YUFOS Yorkshire UFO Society, presents a diverse collection of UFO sightings, investigative reports, and related folklore. The cover features a striking illustration of an alien riding a pelican, with a headline "PROJECT RED BOOK" and a subtitle "(Vol.4 #7, January 2001)". It promises content including "THEY SAID WHAT?", "UFO CENTRAL", and reports "FROM AROUND THE WORLD...". The price is listed as £1:50.

Editorial

The editorial, dated January 2001, welcomes the new year and expresses gratitude to numerous individuals and groups who contributed to the continuation of YUFOS and Project Red Book. Special thanks are extended to writers and researchers who provided interviews, including Bill Chalker, Rory Lushman, Omar Fowler, Paul Fuller, Loren Coleman, Dr. David Clarke, Graham Birdsall, and Gloria Dixon, who offered their insights without payment, receiving only a copy of the magazine in return. The editor acknowledges the busy lives of these contributors, who, regardless of their stance on UFOs (skeptics or believers), have always been courteous and helpful. The editorial also thanks YUFOS members for their support, Jenny Randles for her publicity and reviews in Northern UFO News, Dr. David Clarke and Andy Roberts for their advice and articles, Ian Gregory for printing the magazine since April 1999 and for his cover designs, Jonathan Slater for his role in assembling the magazine and assisting with meetings, Sarah Crabtree for publicity, and Richard Moss for maintaining the YUFOS website and providing equipment. Jon Gillot is thanked for building the YUFOS computer, and Bill Booker for his series "The Key Turning Point" and donations to the YUFOS library. The editor also acknowledges contributions from Paul Fuller, Bruce Maccabee, Eileen Fletcher, Jon Slater, Mark Martin, Andy Ashmore, and Adam Bradley. A special thanks is given to the editor's wife, Jacqui, for her work as treasurer and for her patience with unusual phone calls. Finally, the editor humorously thanks his almost-3-year-old son, Matthew, for his playful interruptions, and anyone else whose contributions might have been forgotten due to alcohol. The editorial concludes with a "Happy New Year!"

UFO CENTRAL

This section, authored by Jonathan Slater, compiles UFO sightings received after an advertisement was placed on the 'Knowhere' Internet boards. The advert sought reports of mysterious lights or strange objects from non-profit scientific research groups.

Aberdeenshire Sighting

In January 2001, around 10:00 pm, a witness driving near Aberdeen encountered three bright white lights in the sky. These lights were initially in a triangle formation, constantly changing position. They moved with incredible speed and grace, at times darting across the sky in seconds. The witness reported feeling frightened and experiencing a significant loss of car power when trying to accelerate away, with the car unable to exceed 40 mph despite being on a flat road. The objects then vanished to the left with immense speed. The witness provided a diagram of the object's formations and swore to the truth of the account.

Edinburgh Sighting

An account from Iain McKellar describes an event from 1978 when he and four school friends saw 5/6 balls of light moving from right to left above their homes in Corby, Northants. One light jumped ahead, and then they all moved away in a different direction. The event was reported in the local news the next day. The witness notes that two of the friends still live in the same area, and the school organized a UFO hunt the following day, though only they believed what they saw.

Nottinghamshire Sightings

This section details two occurrences. The first, from around March of the previous year (likely 2000), involved the witness driving from Nottingham to Newark on the A46. Several lights were observed above Farndon, initially stationary, then forming a triangle with a large white circle at the front and two smaller white lights behind, plus a flashing red and green light. The lights moved towards Nottingham. The witness turned around and observed them again, stationary. As the lights passed, they displayed two bright red rectangles at the rear and moved off at an angle towards the A52/Bingham way. The witness contacted local police, who confirmed no police helicopter was in the area.

The second incident occurred on Thursday, 30th November, around 12:07 am. The witness again saw lights in the same location. This time, the lights moved steadily in the same direction, ascending and increasing in speed, disappearing from sight by 12:17 am.

UFONAUT OR KING'S DAUGHTER?

This article, sourced from Skeptical Inquirer and translated by Eileen Fletcher, explores a historical case from Japan. Researcher Kazuo Tanaka investigated a CE3 incident from around Spring 1803, possibly near Tokyo. Two sources are cited: "Toen Shousetsu" (1825) and "Ume No Chiri" (1844). According to "Toen Shousetsu", a craft approximately 5.5 meters in diameter with grill-framed windows and an iron-plated underside was found. Inside, a woman with strange features, long red hair, red eyebrows, and a rosy complexion was discovered with a box and food. "Ume No Chin" describes a similar incident on March 24th, likening the craft to a cooking pot. The woman was described as being in her '20s, 50 meters tall, with a white complexion. The article notes that the place names mentioned do not exist in modern Japan and the incident is not found in official documents. Tanaka suggests a connection to Japanese folklore involving a fisherman finding a Chinese king's daughter. However, the article concludes that the stories are likely fiction based on folklore, especially since the place names are unverified.

UFOS- THE KEY TURNING POINT (PART 7)

Authored by W.H. Booker (YUFOS), this installment continues his personal account of UFO sightings.

1947 Sighting

In 1947, at age 17, while a member of the Air Training Corps, the author was informed of a cancelled trip. Later that morning, walking home, he saw a bright red/orange ball of light moving slowly and getting larger, appearing red hot with a heat-haze. It seemed to hover, silent, at about 45 degrees. An old man, terrified, asked if it was a doodlebug. The object then moved to the right, disappearing behind houses. The sighting lasted about four or five minutes and marked the beginning of the author's UFO studies. The event was reported in the local paper as a reflection of the rising sun, which the author disputes. He speculates if the object was related to the high RF waves used at the Union Carbide factory in the Wadsley Bridge area, where he previously worked.

1968 Sighting

In 1968, while driving back from Huddersfield at dusk, the author pulled over on a steep hill. He saw a small bright light moving slowly eastward. It was too bright and moved too much to be a star. He considered it might be a high-flying aeroplane or an orbiting satellite. Another very bright light approached from the west, moved close to the first, then became much brighter and shot off across the sky at an incredible speed, disappearing in seconds. The author believes this craft was not from this world due to its silent, rapid movement and disappearance.

1969 Sighting

On April 25th, 1969, at 9:30 pm, the author and passengers saw a bright green light moving in and out of low clouds in the Sheffield area. The object appeared as a large orb, changing from bright green to blue/green, moving east to west on a straight and level course at an estimated 1000-1500 feet. The object was about the size of the moon and took about 2 minutes to disappear near the horizon. The local newspaper reported it as a satellite burning up, but the author theorizes it was moving too fast and on a constant course to be a satellite. He suggests that scientists should collate information and conduct extensive tests on various phenomena, including light, sound, magnetic fields, and gravity, to advance knowledge.

Other Sections

TERRIFIED REDIDENTS DEMAND EXCORCISM OF POLTERGEIST by Bill Brotherton & Tony Belshaw, and THEY SAID WHAT? A look back on interview classics, are listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

LINCOLNSHIRE Sighting: On October 5th, 2000, Mrs. Sandra Gregory and her daughter Sarah observed a bright light, like a disco ball, hovering above Tritton Road, Lincoln, which then disappeared. The object was estimated to be at rooftop level and within ¼ miles. The witness stated its brightness and hovering ability were unusual. A reporter from Lincolnshire Echo, Sarah Winstanley, confirmed no reports of strange lights were received by the newspaper. Jonathan Slater contacted Bill Booth of the Lincoln Astronomical Society, who stated no astronomical events were predicted. Booth suggested it could be the International Space Station or a "Fireball" (burning meteor remnant), but emphasized that visual records are essential for analysis and that an "Unidentified Flying Object" doesn't necessarily mean it lacks an explanation.

LINCOLNSHIRE Sighting (RAF Waddington Inquiry): Jonathan Slater also inquired with RAF Waddington about any unidentified objects seen on October 5th, 2000. The CRO (Community Relations Office) was unaware of any such reports and suggested writing to them for an official statement. Slater is awaiting a reply.

EDINBURGH Sighting: Donald Mackenzie reported an incident on December 12th, 2000, in Edinburgh. He observed an object reflecting sunlight, described as a "squashed egg" and later as a "flattened egg". It moved very fast, without contrails unlike planes, and changed color to dark with a purple shade. It appeared to be flying in a straight line but seemed to be struggling. The object was not a plane, helicopter, or balloon and looked completely different. It was very fast, moving 4-5 times faster than planes, and disappeared into clouds within seconds. Both the witness and his girlfriend agreed it was a very unusual object.

Coming Next Month: The Isle of Man sighting, The USA sighting, and The Darfield Sighting are previewed.

YUFOS states that they cannot guarantee the truth of all articles but will investigate some sightings later.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, the investigation of these phenomena, and the exploration of potential connections to folklore and historical accounts. The editorial stance, as expressed in the editorial, is one of gratitude towards contributors and a commitment to publishing UFO-related information, regardless of the source's perspective on the nature of the phenomena. The magazine aims to document and share these accounts, encouraging further scientific inquiry while acknowledging the speculative nature of some of the content.

Title: PRB
Issue: Vol. 4, #7
Date: January 2001

This issue of PRB magazine, compiled by Dave Baker, covers a wide range of topics related to UFOs, conspiracies, and paranormal events.

'Curse of the Mummy' Unwrapped: It's an English Invention

David Keys reports on the research of Dominic Montserrat, an Egyptologist at London's Open University. Montserrat has traced the origins of the 'curse of Tutankhamen' legend not to ancient Egypt, but to 19th-century England. The legend began with a theatrical 'striptease' show in London in 1821, where Egyptian mummies were unwrapped for the public. This inspired Jane Loudon Webb's 1822 science-fiction novel, 'The Mummy.' Later, in 1869, Louisa May Alcott wrote 'Lost in a Pyramid; or, The Mummy's Curse.' By the time Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922, the idea of a mummy's curse was well-established, fueled by the death of the fifth Earl of Carnarvon shortly after the discovery. Montserrat's research indicates that the literary idea of a vengeful mummy evolved into the 'mummy's curse' concept about 40 years after the initial literary inspirations, and predates the Tutankhamen discovery by 100 years. The article notes that in ancient times, tomb robbers faced civil courts, not supernatural curses, and that the mythical curse has helped ensure Tutankhamen's name lives on.

Sci-Fi Author Clarke's DNA Set for Space Odyssey

Arthur C. Clarke, author of '2001 - A Space Odyssey,' is participating in a project by Houston-based Encounter 2001 LLC to send a message and a DNA sample from his hair into deep space in 2003. The spacecraft, scheduled for launch by an Ariane V rocket, will unfurl a giant 'solar sail' for a 13.5-year journey. Clarke's message reads, "Fare well my clone!" The project aims to create a cosmic message in a bottle, an archive of humanity, and is estimated to cost $25 million.

We're Going to Need a Bigger Net

A Swedish search team, the Global Underwater Search Team led by Jan Sundberg, plans to use a net to capture the legendary Loch Ness Monster. The operation, 'Clean Sweep,' is set to begin on March 20. The team will use a funnel-shaped net and two new types of sonar, including a 3D imaging system and an underwater camera. Scientists from an unnamed UK university will be on hand to take DNA samples if a creature is found. The Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has agreed to the conditions, emphasizing that any captured creature must be released immediately and that the net must be sterile. SNH representative Jonathan Stacey expressed confidence in an informal network for communication regarding such projects.

When Animals Attack!

This section reports on several incidents:

1. Sacrificial Sheep Shoves Man to His Death: In Alexandria, Egypt, a sheep destined for slaughter pushed its owner, Waheeb Hamoudah, off a three-story building, resulting in his death.
2. Elephant Tramples Man and Keeps the Corpse: In Guwahati, India, a wild elephant pulled a man from a tree, trampled him to death, and has kept his body for two weeks.
3. Cougar Carnage: In Banff National Park, Canada, a 30-year-old woman was killed by a cougar while cross-country skiing. This was the first fatal cougar attack recorded in the park. Wardens tracked and shot the animal. The victim's body was found near Lake Minnewanka. The incident led to the evacuation of the Lake Minnewanka Road and Cascade Fire Trail. Park wardens advised residents to walk in groups and be cautious.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Mir

The Russian space station Mir is expected to become a bright object in the night sky over Britain, potentially being mistaken for a UFO. Mir has experienced numerous setbacks, including computer glitches, breakdowns, a fire, and a near-disastrous collision. The craft is currently unmanned, having been abandoned in August 1999. Launched in 1986, it was once a symbol of Soviet achievement but became a financial burden after the collapse of communism. A plan is in place to crash Mir into the Pacific east of Australia.

Mysterious Monolith Appears in Seattle Park

A mysterious black monolith, measuring nine feet by four feet by one foot, appeared in Seattle's Magnuson Park. Its dimensions match those of the monolith in Stanley Kubrick's film '2001: A Space Odyssey.' The origin of the monolith is unknown, though the presence of plastic bottle-cap rings suggests terrestrial pranksters. It is speculated to be the work of artists or a publicity stunt, possibly related to a group called 'Support the Monolith.' Local resident Denny Sargent was moved to hum the theme song of '2001' upon seeing it.

Mysterious Incident in Finland

An unidentified, enormous body fell from the sky into a lake near Bennayes town in Finland, creating a large funnel in the ice. Eyewitnesses reported a loud whistle followed by an impact sound. Scientists are considering the possibility of a large meteorite, but further investigation of the lakebed is required.

They Said What?

This section compiles sound-bytes from interviews with prominent UFO and paranormal researchers. It includes:

• Kenneth Arnold and the 'Pelican' Theory: Andy Roberts dismisses Arnold's sighting as not being of flying saucers, suggesting it was a myth or misidentification. Jerry Clark refutes the pelican theory as illogical. John Schuessler notes that new theories often arise years after witnesses have died. Graham Birdsall humorously questions the ability to distinguish a flying pelican from a pelican crossing.
• Roswell: Jerome Clark describes Rendlesham and Socorro as puzzling, while Roswell remains a 'hopeless case' due to the passage of time and the death of witnesses, despite the Mogul explanation. He notes the strong emotions and lack of tolerance for differing opinions surrounding the case.
• Is There a Military/Government UFO Cover Up?: Jenny Randles believes the cover-up is one of ignorance, with the MoD hiding research. Rory Lushman believes in man-made cover-ups but needs more evidence for alien involvement. Graham Birdsall doubts a collective cover-up involving multiple nations but is certain the US and UK are collaborating. Omar Fowler shares personal experiences of government secrecy, including a reported UFO sighting over Adelaide in the 1970s.
• ETH (Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis): Jerome Clark considers it the only logical explanation for advanced, non-human technology. Jenny Randles, initially believing in alien spaceships, now sees UFOs as distinct physical phenomena (UAP) and events occurring during altered states of consciousness, with a current interest in UFOs as time machines. John Schuessler views ETH as a valid hypothesis, emphasizing that 'hypothesis' is the last letter. Omar Fowler recounts receiving reports of alien visitations and mentions the 'Mr. Burtoo' case and his meeting with Professor John E. Mack.

UFO Photographs

Dave Baker questions the reliability of UFO photos and footage. Jenny Randles notes the money people can make from such images. Jerome Clark considers the McMinville photograph, if authentic, to have cosmic significance.

Gulf Breeze

Andy Roberts dismisses the Gulf Breeze sightings as hoaxes, calling believers 'suckers.' He criticizes Bruce Maccabee's support for the case, implying it damages the credibility of other cases he supports. Graham Birdsall believes Ed Walters may have seen and photographed some UFO activity but resorted to dubious means to create more images, though he acknowledges that many other residents reported seeing the same object.

Crop Circles

Jenny Randles describes crop circles as wonderful hoaxes. Omar Fowler distinguishes between 'natural' (atmospherically formed) and 'intelligent' crop circles. The investigations in 1991 revealed crop stems with 'burn' and 'crease' marks, suggesting a High Frequency wave pattern. A detector developed by Paul Foster detected a H/F blanket of radiation over a crop circle site. While the theory of spiralling H/F energy is proposed, the article suggests that most modern circles are fakes, though based on a rare meteorological phenomenon. It is noted that many skilled individuals can create large crop formations at night, and most original crop circle researchers have dropped out of the subject.

Still-Unexplained Cases

Gloria Dixon mentions the Windwhistle Hill case, involving a sighting of an unusual orange light, mysterious experiences, and figures observed on a grass verge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, and paranormal events, often presenting skeptical viewpoints alongside believers' accounts. There's a recurring theme of questioning official narratives and investigating potential government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, while also critically examining evidence and distinguishing between genuine mysteries and hoaxes or misidentifications.

PRB is a magazine focused on UFO phenomena, with this issue, Volume 4, Number 7, dated January 2001, exploring the relationship between UFOs and folklore, the controversial Psychosocial Hypothesis (PSH), and alien abductions.

Articles and Discussions

UFO Incidents and Folklore

The issue begins with an account of a puzzling incident where a car stopped on a road, and the occupants heard no explanation for their experience, despite the area being known for folklore, highwaymen, buried treasure, and tales of witches. The area is noted for having radio masts and pylons. Investigators from BUFORA have been unable to explain these events, though the possibility of electromagnetic fields is considered.

David Clarke shares his experience investigating UFO reports, stating that while working for a newspaper, he handled numerous calls monthly and has investigated "hundreds" of reports. He notes that about ten percent of the approximately three hundred cases he has directly dealt with remain unexplained due to insufficient evidence. He also mentions a significant investigation effort in 1987-88, resulting in over 110 reports published in a three-volume special by the IUN.

The Psychosocial Hypothesis (PSH)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a discussion about the Psychosocial Hypothesis (PSH), with contributions from Jerome Clark and others. Clark is highly critical of the PSH, describing it as "not science" but rather "literary criticism" devoid of empirical justification. He argues that it fails to address the core aspects of the UFO phenomenon that suggest a physical or technological dimension, and he criticizes the conflation of cases like George Adamski and Betty Hill.

Clark refers readers to his UFO Encyclopedia for a more detailed discussion of the PSH, stating that it is essentially a waste of time and an attempt to domesticate the UFO phenomenon. He playfully acknowledges contradicting himself by praising Hilary Evans, one of the PSH's inventors, for his good humor, intelligence, and willingness to listen to abductees.

Alien Abductions

The topic of alien abductions is also addressed, with several individuals offering their perspectives.

Rory Lushman expresses skepticism about alien abductions, stating that his initial belief has waned as he found no supporting evidence.

Jenny Randles admires Budd Hopkins and John Mack but disagrees with much of their work on abductions. Her primary concern is the potential for abuse of regression hypnosis, fearing that witnesses could be implanted with false memories of traumatic alien abductions, leading to legal repercussions for ufology.

Jerome Clark defends Travis Walton, calling him a victim of the UFO age and asserting that no evidence backs up Phil Klass's hoax charges. He praises Budd Hopkins as a decent, smart, and funny man who possesses immense courage and prioritizes listening to abductees over dictating their experiences. Clark believes Hopkins has opened up a significant dimension of human experience.

John Schuessler describes alien abductions as a curious part of the mystery, noting that while many researchers focus on understanding and intervening in these events, there is a lack of qualified researchers and financial support.

Skepticism and Debate

The issue highlights the contrasting viewpoints of skeptics and believers within ufology. Phil Klass is presented as an "arch-skeptic," characterized by Jenny Randles as having a wicked sense of humor and an obsession with finding explanations, sometimes to the point of rejecting common sense and making charges against witnesses. Jerome Clark is described as a "debunking equivalent of a true believer" and a "self-righteous bore" by some, though he is also seen as a valuable voice for those who believe ufology might be linked to Communism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the complex relationship between UFO sightings and folklore, the critical examination of the Psychosocial Hypothesis, and the controversial nature of alien abduction claims, particularly concerning the methodology of regression hypnosis. The magazine appears to present a platform for diverse viewpoints within ufology, from skeptical analysis to the defense of specific cases and researchers, while also questioning the scientific rigor of certain theoretical frameworks like the PSH.