Project Red Book vol 5 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol 5, # 2
Date: August 2001
Publisher: YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society)

This issue of 'Project Red Book' presents a diverse range of articles focusing on cryptozoology, UFO phenomena, and historical mysteries. The cover features a distinctive illustration and highlights key articles, including an interview with Jon Downes, an investigation into the Berwyn Mountains 'UFO crash', and the search for Noah's Ark.

AN INTERVIEW WITH JON DOWNES (PART ONE)

The magazine features the first part of an interview with Jon Downes, founder of the Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ). Downes, born in 1959, developed a passion for exotic zoology and the paranormal from his childhood in Hong Kong. He founded the CFZ in 1992 to coordinate research into mystery animals and aberrant animal behaviour. His fieldwork has included searches for lake monsters, sea serpents, big cats, and the Chupacabra in various locations, including Loch Ness, Cornwall, and Latin America. Downes categorizes mystery animals into three groups: cryptids, quasi-cryptids, and phenomena that may not be animals at all. He discusses his early interest sparked by the book "Myth or Monster" and his eventual decision to found the CFZ, initially considering the name 'Anarchozoology' to reflect a discipline of self-made rules. Downes recounts his experience at the first Fortean Times Unconvention, where he sold his magazine 'Animals & Men', and a subsequent interview with The Guardian that led to him being dubbed 'Britain's best known Cryptozoologist'. The interview also touches upon his appearance on a Channel 4 show investigating the Chupacabra in Puerto Rico.

THE CHUPACABRA INVESTIGATION

The article details investigations into the Chupacabra phenomenon, particularly its impact on Puerto Rico in the mid-1990s, where animal mutilations were blamed on the creature. Descriptions of the Chupacabra vary, with some likening it to a hybrid of a giant dog and a lizard, capable of flight. The investigation involved a post-mortem on a chicken allegedly killed by the creature, revealing two large puncture wounds. Further investigation in Mexico led to an interview with a vet who described a shocking case of a sheep completely drained of blood, with a large hole in its chest. The author expresses difficulty in finding a biological explanation for such events. The article also explores the possibility of the Chupacabra being an introduced predator, an escaped exotic pet, a genetic experiment, or a mutated creature, but finds no evidence for these theories. It notes the socio-political climate of Puerto Rico and its status as a testing ground for US biological experiments. The author concludes that the Chupacabra attacks are not the work of a natural zoopredator and suggests a link to socio-political unrest. The article also discusses similar reports from Mexico and the mainland USA, attributing some to Florida Panthers or 'skunk-apes', while questioning the authenticity of the 'Sonic the Hedgehog on Acid' archetype. A significant conclusion points to a link between these attacks and UFO activity, though the author dismisses the facile hypothesis of creatures from flying saucers. A footprint found in Miami, described as a cross between a dog and an ape, is also discussed, with a similar print found in Rendlesham Forest linked to UFO activity and the 'Shug Monkey'. The author suggests an intangible link between chupacabra attacks and political/social unrest, citing examples from Puerto Rico, Miami, and historical events in Ireland.

GRIMSBY IS MYSTERY BEAST HOTSPOT

This short piece, referencing The Yorkshire Post, suggests that Grimsby is a hotspot for mystery beasts.

THE BERWYN MOUNTAINS UFO CRASH: A BRITISH ROSWELL? (Part One)

Andy Roberts begins an evaluation of the infamous 'fire on the mountain' case in the Berwyn Mountains.

IS THIS REALLY NOAH'S ICE TOMB?

Nick Redfern investigates claims that the CIA has classified files on the location of Noah's Ark.

FROM AROUND THE WORLD

This section includes brief reports on various phenomena: the Lough Ree Monster, evidence for life after death, and a Chupacabras movie.

THE GAMBIAN SEA MONSTER AND NINKI-NANKA

The magazine details investigations into a mysterious sea monster found in the Gambia, initially discovered by a British schoolboy, Owen Burnham, in 1983. The creature, described as a 15-foot long carcass resembling a pliosaur with crocodile-like jaws and four flippers, was buried above the tide line. The Centre for Fortean Zoology has made return expeditions to the Gambia, seeking funds to excavate and examine the remains. The article also explores the local Gambian folklore of the 'Ninki-Nanka', a dragon-like creature believed to inhabit the mangrove marshes and rivers. Accounts from locals and historical records describe the Ninki-Nanka, with some suggesting it might be a large monitor lizard or a related species. The investigation into the Ninki-Nanka also touches upon potential links to crocodile worship in the region.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'Project Red Book' are cryptozoology, unexplained phenomena, and the investigation of anomalous events. The editorial stance, as expressed in the 'Message of the month' and the disclaimer, is one of open inquiry, encouraging contributions and acknowledging that the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the society. There is a clear emphasis on field research, witness accounts, and the exploration of both modern and historical mysteries.

This issue of PRB, dated August 2001 (Volume 5, Issue 2), presents a collection of articles covering UFO incidents, mystery creatures, and conspiracy theories. The magazine's title, 'PRB', appears consistently throughout. The issue features a prominent article on the Berwyn Mountain UFO Crash, described as a 'British Roswell?', and also includes reports on mystery beasts, cryptozoology, and alleged government cover-ups.

The Berwyn Mountain UFO Crash - A British Roswell? (Part one)

This extensive article by Andy Roberts investigates the incident that occurred on January 23rd, 1974, in the Berwyn Mountains of North Wales. The author notes that the area has a history of paranormal phenomena and is popular for tourism but can be dangerous. The incident began with explosions and rumbling, followed by sightings of a mysterious white glow and beams of light. Villagers reported the events, and emergency services were called. A nurse described seeing a large glowing sphere on the mountainside that pulsated with changing colors. Police and military quickly cordoned off the area, and a significant military presence was noted in the following days, with roads closed and farmers restricted from their stock. Scientists also visited the area. The article suggests that the incident has been described as 'the best example of a UFO retrieval in Britain' and likens it to the Roswell and Rendlesham events. The author explores various explanations, including 'flying triangles' (secret military test craft), failed missile tests, or hoaxes. The article also touches upon the 'phantom helicopter' phenomenon reported in the north of England prior to the Berwyn Incident, suggesting it might have been misidentified aerial phenomena rather than actual helicopters. The author references witness accounts, including a farmer who described seeing an object the size of a bus. The article also mentions the possibility of bolide meteors as a rational explanation for some sightings, citing astronomical records. The primary incident, the explosion at 8:38 pm, is linked to the Bala Fault geological rift. The article notes that the 'crashed UFO' story emerged years after the event.

Further details emerge regarding the aftermath, including media coverage and speculation. The article mentions the 'Aerial Phenomena Enquiry Network' (APEN), which claimed an extraterrestrial craft had crashed and was retrieved. APEN also suggested a key witness for hypnotic regression. The Berwyn Incident remained largely dormant in the 1970s and 80s but gained renewed interest in the 1990s. Researchers like Jenny Randles and Nick Redfern have investigated the case. Paul Devereux's book 'Places of Power' attributes the lights to geophysical stresses ('Earthlights'). The article also discusses the anomalous radiation count at a Bronze Age archaeological site near Cader Berwyn. In 1996, the Berwyn Incident was featured in books and television programs. Tony Dodd recounts an informant's story about military units transporting 'two large, oblong boxes' containing dead 'alien beings' to Porton Down. The author, Nick Redfern, re-investigated the case in 1998, seeking official documentation. Redfern suggests that the 'phantom helicopter' sightings might be a red herring, with witnesses actually describing unknown lights. The article concludes by stating that the 'crashed UFO' story only came out years after the event and that confusion reigned initially regarding the cause of the impact. The investigation is continued in the next issue.

Grimsby Is Mystery Beast Hotspot

This section reports on numerous sightings of unusual animals in and around Grimsby. Sightings include panthers, jackals, a leopard, a kangaroo, and most recently, a hyena. Police are investigating a report of a large black, cat-type creature seen in the Cartergate area. The article highlights North East Lincolnshire as a hotspot for such sightings. It recounts the 'Beast of Holton-le-Clay' incident in July 1995, where a woman and her daughter reported seeing a large animal resembling a panther. In September 1995, residents in Marshchapel reported night-time howls and saw a beast running across the road. Three years prior, there were sightings of a jet black animal with a long tail. The article also mentions the case of 'Willerby the Wallaby', an escaped marsupial that annoyed local residents.

Next Meeting

This section announces a meeting for the Sheffield City Centre branch, scheduled for Tuesday, September 11th, 2001, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm at The Three Cranes, Queen Street.

Is This Really Noah's Ice Tomb?

This article by Nick Redfern discusses conspiracy theories surrounding the possible remains of Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat, Turkey. It mentions that the CIA has allegedly declassified documents concerning an 'Ararat Anomaly', a boatlike structure in an icy tomb on the mountain. Rumors suggest the CIA has been aware of this since the late 1940s, with U.S. military pilots first noticing it in 1949. The article draws parallels to the Roswell Incident and the assassination of JFK, suggesting a pattern of cover-up. Retired CIA operative Dino Brugioni is quoted as stating that photographs of what appeared to be 'three large curved wooden beams' on Mount Ararat do exist. The article questions whether the CIA's released file is definitive proof or adds to the confusion. It references biblical descriptions of the Ark's dimensions and its alleged resting place on Mount Ararat. The article also mentions 'Men in Black'-type characters warning people to remain silent. It details a letter from Charles P. Aaron of the 'Tsirah Corporation' to the CIA in 1992, requesting assistance in searching for the Ark, mentioning a 'restricted-access satellite surveillance system' capable of looking through ice. The CIA's Office of Imagery Analysis stated they had no knowledge of such technology and could not confirm the Ark's existence. However, a 'Secret' CIA memo from January 1993 references a 'request to declassify imagery of Noah's Ark for a TV production' that was 'turned down' by the CIA, raising questions about the agency's denial. The article concludes that while the existence of imagery is unconfirmed, extensive CIA footage of the Mount Ararat region is not in dispute, and conspiracy theories surrounding Noah's Ark are likely to persist.

From Around The World... And Beyond!!!

This section compiles various paranormal and UFO-related events. One report details three men searching for the 'Lough Ree Monster' in Ireland, using technology to track movements of a large, unrecognised animal in the water. They detected movements near Killinure Point, similar to sightings in Norway. The creature is described as capable of swimming at speed and having a head with eyes, a long nose, and ears. The expedition team consisted of Jan Sundberg (Sweden), Nick Sucik (Hawaii), and Espen Samuelsen (Norway), who had previously searched for the Loch Ness Monster. They used hydrophones and detected a sound resembling a large body propelled by flippers, suggesting a plesiosaur. The article also mentions a retired man, Mr James Gray, who took photos of the monster.

El Chupacabra Lives!

This article announces that the legend of the blood-sucking beast, the chupacabra, is coming to the big screen, with Joe Roth's Revolution Studios producing a film titled 'Bloodlust: Legend of the Chupacabra'. The chupacabra, meaning 'goat sucker', is known for draining the blood of animals, with unexplained neck wounds found on animal corpses for over thirty years. Reports of similar attacks have been documented in Puerto Rico, Latin America, and the Southwestern U.S. The creature is described as having a reptilian body, oval head, bulging red eyes, fanged teeth, and a long, darting tongue. Some believe it's a result of genetic experiments, while others consider it extraterrestrial. Cryptozoologist Loren Coleman calls the chupacabra 'the single most notable cryptozoological phenomenon of the past decade'. The article humorously compares the phenomenon to Jennifer Lopez and suggests a potential trend of films featuring other undiscovered creatures like the yeti and sasquatch.

Scientists Discover ET?

This brief report states that scientists believe they have found living extraterrestrial microbes on the edge of the atmosphere. If confirmed, this would be the first unequivocal proof of life beyond Earth. The microbes, found in clumps, resemble Earth bacteria but their altitude and distribution suggest they fell from space. Researchers estimate that about a third of a tonne of these 'space bugs' fall to Earth daily. Professor Chandra Wickramasinghe from Cardiff University is cited as a leading member of the scientific team, stating there is now 'unambiguous evidence' for the presence of living cells in air samples from as high as 41 kilometers.

Sheffield Show!!

This is an advertisement for The Yorkshire UFO Society's display at the 'Sheffield on Offer' Marquee at Greaves Park, Sheffield, on Sunday, August 26th, and Bank Holiday Monday, August 27th. Visitors are invited to ask questions, report experiences, and learn more about UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, alleged crashed alien craft, and mysterious creatures. There is a strong undercurrent of conspiracy, with frequent references to government cover-ups, secret agencies like the CIA, and the suppression of information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting witness accounts and researcher theories, while also acknowledging skepticism and seeking rational explanations where possible (e.g., meteors for the Berwyn Incident). The inclusion of cryptozoological reports and the 'Noah's Ark' theory further broadens the scope of the unexplained and the potentially hidden aspects of history and science.

This issue of PRB, Volume 5, Issue #2, dated August 2001, features a cover story on scientific research into consciousness after death and a report on a UFO sighting in Scotland.

Mind Continues After Brain Dies, Scientist Says

This article, reported by Sarah Tippit for Reuters on June 28, 2001, details the findings of Dr. Sam Parnia, a British scientist studying near-death experiences (NDEs).

Parnia and his colleagues conducted an initial year-long study, published in the journal *Resuscitation*, involving 63 heart attack patients who were clinically dead but later revived. Of these, 56 reported no recollection of their unconscious period, while seven reported memories. Four of these were classified as NDEs, with lucid memories of thinking, reasoning, moving, and communicating even when their brains were not functioning.

Patients in the study reported feelings of peace, joy, and harmony, with experiences of time speeding up, heightened senses, and a loss of awareness of their bodies. Some reported seeing a bright light, entering another realm, and communicating with deceased relatives. One individual described an encounter with a mystical being.

A key aspect of Parnia's research is that none of the patients studied showed signs of low oxygen levels, a common skeptical explanation for NDE phenomena. Parnia contrasts this with typical responses to oxygen deprivation, which usually result in confusion and no memory recall. He highlights the paradox of severe brain insult leading to perfect memory in NDE patients.

Skeptics also suggest NDE memories occur during the transition into or out of consciousness. However, Parnia argues that severe brain trauma, like a seizure or car wreck, typically leads to memory lapses, not coherent recall of the event itself. He posits that consciousness might operate independently of the brain, using it as a mechanism for manifestation, similar to how a television translates broadcast waves into images and sound.

Since the initial study, Parnia and his team have gathered data from over 3,500 people with lucid memories from times they were thought to be clinically dead.

The article also includes anecdotes, such as a 2-1/2-year-old child who, after a seizure and heart stoppage, drew a picture of himself out of his body connected to a cord, describing seeing a bright light upon death. This drawing persisted six months after his discharge.

Parnia suggests that the brain, as a biological organ, may not be capable of producing subjective thought. He believes further research could reveal the existence of a soul.

Patients often describe an out-of-body experience, seeing their own bodies and medical staff trying to revive them, and feeling a sense of peace and comfort, not wanting to return.

Japanese TV Crew Films 'UFOs Hovering Over Hotel'

This section reports on a Japanese television crew who claim to have proof of alien activity in Scotland. They placed a camera on the roof of the Templar Lodge Hotel in Gullane for a year, capturing footage of strange balls of light in the sky.

The footage is intended for a UFO documentary, and the Japanese group also filmed objects in the US and Mexico.

Ron Halliday, chair of the Scottish Earth Mysteries organisation, stated that the film is significant and may silence critics, potentially proving that aliens are targeting Scotland. He also mentioned receiving reports of sightings from the 'Bermuda Triangle' area between Edinburgh, Stirling, and East Kilbride.

Stephen Prior, manager of the Templar Lodge, expressed skepticism but acknowledged the potential significance of the footage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on unexplained phenomena, including the nature of consciousness, the possibility of an afterlife, and UFO sightings. The editorial stance seems to be open to exploring these topics, presenting scientific research alongside anecdotal evidence and reports of unusual events, with a leaning towards the more extraordinary interpretations, as seen in the positive reception of the UFO report by the Scottish Earth Mysteries organisation.