Project Red Book vol 6 no 9

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol 6 # 9
Publisher: YORKSHIRE UFO SOCIETY
Date: 2003
Price: £1:50

This issue of Project Red Book, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, delves into a range of topics within the UFO and fortean fields. The cover prominently features a drawing of a UFO above a large, hairy creature, with the headline "MONKEY BUSINESS: JON DOWNES ON BHM's!". The issue includes contributions from notable figures in the UFO community, such as Jenny Randles, Andy Roberts, Jon Downes, Bill Chalker, and Dave Clarke.

Contents and Key Articles

"THE VIEW FROM BRITAIN" by Jenny Randles Jenny Randles proposes a web-based data-base for UFO information and ideas, suggesting a project called "TESTING UFO". This initiative aims to create a collaborative platform where UFOlogists can share research, theories, and experimental proposals. The goal is to encourage a more scientific approach to UFO study and to make research more accessible and trackable. Randles envisions the site as a notice board for ongoing projects and a repository for ideas, potentially involving major UFO groups in its administration.

"THE BIG GREY MAN OF BEN MACDHUI & OTHER MOUNTAIN PANICS (PART 3)" by Andy Roberts Andy Roberts continues his exploration of the 'Big Grey Man' (BGM) phenomenon, focusing on accounts from the Scottish mountains. He examines the experience of Joan Grant in 1928, who described an encounter with a malign, four-legged, yet human-like entity that induced intense terror. Roberts notes that while Grant's account is often cited, it lacks concrete evidence and may be influenced by her historical fantasy writing. He also discusses other similar experiences, such as Wendy Wood's account of hearing an echoing voice near Ben Macdhui. Roberts critically analyzes the evidence for a physical creature, noting the lack of footprints, bones, or other tangible proof. He suggests that the core phenomenon might be 'mountain panics' – experiences of uncontrollable terror that are then overlaid with local folklore, rather than direct encounters with a physical entity. He also touches upon mysterious tracks found in Speyside and Canada, and the possibility of meteorological explanations.

"TOO MUCH MONKEY BUSINESS" by Jon Downes Jon Downes contributes an article focusing on 'Big Hairy Monsters', including Skunk-Apes and Chupacabras, suggesting a broader cryptozoological theme.

"UFOs: SUB ROSA" by Bill Chalker Bill Chalker presents an in-depth study of the Australian Military and Government's involvement with the UFO phenomenon. The article questions the truth behind a Fred Stone newspaper report concerning the RAAF confiscating UFO photographs.

"ASKIN' BOLLOXINSKI" This section features Tom Bolloxinski, described as "The USA's Most Maverick Paranormal and UFO Investigator™", answering questions on his favourite subject – himself.

"CLASSIC CASE NOW ON-LINE" This segment highlights the Lakenheath case of 1959, noting that its current in-depth investigation is now available online, with Dave Clarke providing the story.

"THE FOURTH ANNUAL WEIRD WEEKEND" An announcement for the fourth annual Weird Weekend event, scheduled for October at the Cowick Barton Inn in Exeter, Devon. The event features a lineup of speakers including Dr Karl Shuker, Colonel John Blashford-Snell, Reg Presley, Mark North, Chris Moiser, Andy Roberts, Adam Davies, Tim Matthews, Steve Jones, Jon Downes, and Richard Freeman, covering a range of fortean and paranormal topics.

Editorial and Publication Details

The magazine is published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, with Dave Baker serving as Editor, Chairman, and "He-Who-Speaketh-The-Most". Richard Moss is listed as Web-master, Group-secretary, and Chauffeur. Cover illustration is by Dave Baker, and Jacqui Baker is the Treasurer. Contributions are acknowledged from Dave Baker, Tom Bolloxinski, Bill Chalker, Dave Clarke, Jon Downes, Jenny Randles, and Andy Roberts. The publication states that all articles are copyrighted by their authors and must not be re-published without express permission. It also includes a disclaimer that the views expressed, particularly those of Tom Bolloxinski, do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or YUFOS members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a strong interest in UFO sightings, cryptozoology (particularly 'Big Hairy Monsters'), and unexplained phenomena, often with a focus on historical cases and witness accounts. There is an emphasis on research methodology, as seen in Jenny Randles' proposal for the "Testing UFO" project, advocating for a more scientific and collaborative approach. The editorial stance appears open to exploring various theories and experiences, while also maintaining a critical eye towards evidence, as exemplified in Andy Roberts' analysis of the BGM phenomenon. The inclusion of a Q&A with Tom Bolloxinski suggests a willingness to engage with more unconventional or provocative viewpoints within the field.

Title: PRB
Issue: Vol. 6, #9
Date: September 1997
Publisher: Project Red Book
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Too Much Monkey Business by Jonathan Downes (CFZ)

The article "Too Much Monkey Business" by Jonathan Downes explores the phenomenon of ape-like creatures, often referred to as 'skunk apes' in North America, and their potential connection to UFOs and other unexplained phenomena. The author begins by referencing Bernard Heuvelmans' assertion that 'terror is all the more powerful when it wears a human face,' setting the stage for discussions about hypothetical hominoids.

Sasquatch and Skunk-Apes in North America

Yeti-like creatures, known to Native Americans as 'Sasquatch,' have been reported in North America for centuries. It's suggested these animals may have crossed from Asia via a land bridge. Additionally, a second unknown primate, the 'skunk ape,' is reported in the southern U.S.A. U.S. cryptozoologist Loren Coleman proposes that skunk apes are evolved descendants of the extinct ape *Dryopithecus*. However, the author notes the lack of fossil evidence in areas where *Dryopithecus* fossils are found, suggesting a potential discrepancy.

The Nature of Skunk-Apes

The *Dryopithecinae* family existed in Africa, China, and Europe during the Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene periods, thriving in temperate and sub-tropical woodlands. Theodosius Dobzhansky noted that finding their fossils in Europe was not surprising given the warm climates of the Tertiary period. However, the article posits that skunk apes might not be biological animals but rather 'Zooform' in nature.

Encounters in Florida

In early 1998, the author and Graham Inglis, along with a Channel Four film crew, investigated phenomena in Florida. While ostensibly searching for the chupacabra, the author's prior research in Puerto Rico and Mexico convinced him that the phenomena encountered were distinct. Florida is described as a peculiar part of the United States, with a large Hispanic population and a land often associated with monsters. The article recounts an early morning radio appearance on "Footy and The Chicks at Six" from Fort Lauderdale, where a caller named Denise described an encounter with a chimpanzee-type creature making a hooting noise.

The Miami Herald reported in September 1997 on sightings of a creature lurking near a swamp, described by witnesses as a 'mysterious swamp' creature. Vince Doerr, chief of the Ochopee Fire Control District, reported seeing a 'brown-looking tall thing' run across the road, stating it wasn't a bear. Dow Rowland, a guide for Everglades Day Safari, described a six-foot-tall creature with long brown fur, loping like a big monkey or gorilla.

Callers to the radio station also described their experiences, linking the 'skunk ape' to supernatural elements and UFO reports. The article contrasts the chupacabra phenomenon in the Hispanic world with its commercial exploitation in America. A review of Imani Coppola's album 'Chupacabra' is included, noting its reference to the Big Foot-type monster.

The Chupacabra and Other Phenomena

The article touches upon the chupacabra phenomenon, noting its media presence and commercialization. It also discusses the author's personal experience with a cold and his recovery, leading into further investigations. The author mentions a sighting near the South Australian border in 1954, involving a 'flying saucer pilot' and a strange, humanoid figure.

The Eucla Incident and UFO Connections

The Eucla story, reported in the Daily Telegraph, describes three young men encountering a shiny object falling from the sky, finding jagged metal pieces, and observing a 'frog-like' and 'semi-human' figure. The figure was described as having a green cloak, devilish horns, and armor-plated feet and hands, wriggling and swaying. The photo taken was blurry and out of focus, adding to the confusion.

Uniontown, Pennsylvania Incident (1973)

A significant event occurred in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on October 25th, 1973, researched by psychiatrist Berthold Eric Schwarz. Witnesses observed a red light hovering above a field, which descended, revealing two ape-like creatures. These creatures were described as having long dark gray hair, arms reaching almost to the ground, and communicating with whining sounds. The UFO vanished, leaving a phosphorescent glow, and the animals retreated into the woods. Richard Freeman, a cryptozoologist, noted that these creatures did not resemble North American Black Bears or standard Sasquatch reports, suggesting a resemblance to a werewolf.

BHM Phenomena and UFOs

The article highlights the connection between 'Big Hairy Men' (BHM) phenomena and UFO sightings, citing evidence linking these zooform BHM phenomena with UFOs. Loren Coleman noted that BHM reports increased nationwide following reports of giant hominoids in the Pacific Northwest, extending to areas where such primates would not typically exist.

Venezuelan Encounters

Smaller ape-like creatures, similar to the skunk ape or hypothesized surviving *Dryopithecus*, have been reported in conjunction with UFO sightings in Caracas, Venezuela. In 1954, a 'bristling, hairy, dwarf-like creature' attacked two men investigating a large, glowing object.

Australian UFO Cover-Up (Part 6)

This section, authored by Bill Chalker, delves into the Australian military and government's role in the UFO controversy. It recounts a story from the Australian Saucer Record about an incident in 1954 where three men in a car were followed by a flying saucer, and they managed to take 92 photos. The men reported the incident to the police, leading to their detention and the confiscation of their cameras and film by Air Force officers.

Fred Stone, the editor, faced scrutiny, and two former coworkers, Colin McCarthy and Peter Thomas, attempted to gather more information. Flt. Lt. Jack Epsy, the alleged helicopter pilot, provided indirect confirmation by showing a contact the flight log with missing pages for the day in question. Peter Thomas was interviewed by RAAF officers, who stated that UFOs are not disregarded and that the Department of Civil Aviation is the central authority for analyzing them, contradicting other RAAF statements.

Eucla Helicopter Saga

Colin McCarthy investigated a witness from the Eucla incident, who claimed a helicopter was dispatched from Woomera to rendezvous with witnesses near Eucla. Uniformed officers and a plain-clothed person demanded cameras and film, returning them later with the film blurred and useless. The ASIO agent's visit and the witness's fear lent some authenticity to the story. McCarthy links this to a bizarre story in the Daily Telegraph about a 'flying saucer pilot' near Eucla.

Comparison of Ufologists

In the "Askin' Bolloxinski" section, Tom Bolloxinski discusses the differences between British and American ufologists. He characterizes British ufologists as largely skeptical, tending to explain sightings as meteorites or known aircraft. In contrast, American ufologists are portrayed as more precise, investigating details like portholes and alien subspecies, with Bolloxinski himself admitting to a focus on 'cattle ass-coring.' He contrasts the sales of a book on 'solved' UFO cases by British authors with his own book, 'The MidgeMan Predictions,' highlighting the perceived greater success of American authors in the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of cryptozoology (particularly ape-like creatures and the chupacabra) with UFO phenomena. There's a recurring theme of alleged government cover-ups and the difficulty in obtaining definitive proof. The editorial stance appears to favor the investigation of anomalous phenomena, even if they defy conventional scientific explanation, and highlights the perceived differences in approach and success between British and American researchers in the field of ufology.

This issue of PRB magazine, identified as Volume 6, Issue 9, focuses on a classic UFOlogy case and a speculative theory regarding the SARS virus. The cover headline announces 'CLASSIC CASE NOW ON-LINE,' referring to the RAF Lakenheath-Bentwaters 'radar visual' incident of 1956.

Letters and Author's Notes

The issue opens with a letter from a reader named Linda, who expresses enjoyment of the magazine's content and her own identity. This is followed by a note from the author (presumably Tom), discussing publishing issues with a book related to 'Elvis' and his publishers in the States facing a lawsuit from Lisa-Marie Presley. He also announces a new hardcover A-Z book titled 'Gruesome Grays: Naughty Nordics and Rotten Reptilians - An A-Z of Extraterrestrial Aliens from Beyond Space,' and mentions a forthcoming video/DVD compilation of his TV appearances, including segments from shows like 'World's Messiest Anal Probes Finally Revealed' and 'The USA's Funniest Animal Mutilations.'

Another reader, 'Spaceman,' questions the author about the number of books he writes. The author, in response, acknowledges his prolific writing style, comparing himself to Steven King of the 'real' paranormal. He mentions having six or seven books 'on the go' at any given time and lists several projects, including 'RODS!!!- Supersonic Alien Invaders or Just Plain Bugs?', 'MidgeMan Returns - the Predictions Continue,' and a children's book titled 'My Little Grey Buddy Binku.' He also contributes to various magazines, including 'UFO Fab!!!' (Finland), 'Project Red Book' (UK), and 'Wierd Shit Times' (US).

The SARS Virus Theory

A section addressed 'Dear Tom' poses the question, 'What do you make of the SARS virus then?' The author presents a speculative theory that the acronym SARS actually stands for 'Space Alien Revenge System.' He suggests this is an extraterrestrial virus unleashed by 'lil gray sumbitches' as revenge for events at Roswell, Rendlesham, or Shag Harbour, possibly due to being 'misrepresented in Taken.' He dismisses another researcher, Alfonso DeSheiss, who suggested SARS stands for 'Serious Attack by Rod Shit,' calling him 'daft.'

Classic Case Now On-Line: Lakenheath-Bentwaters Incident

The main article details the RAF Lakenheath-Bentwaters 'radar visual' incident of 1956, described as one of the classic cases in UFOlogy. This incident was classified as 'unexplained' by a 1969 Colorado University UFO study commissioned by the US Air Force. The article highlights that the true extent and complex nature of the events have never been fully revealed, and divining the truth has confounded researchers.

It announces the launch of a website dedicated to an in-depth investigation of this case, a project of the Lakenheath Collaboration, a team of British researchers including Martin Shough, David Clarke, Paul Fuller, Andy Roberts, and Jenny Randles. The website, developed over three years, aims to provide a comprehensive resource, with further documents to be added, including FOIA requests. Extensive fieldwork and new testimony have been gathered, building upon Shough's 1987 analysis.

The website's front page features a photograph from 1955/56 showing the control console at RAF Bentwaters with UFO graffiti. The article encourages readers to follow links to explore the Lakenheath/Bentwaters/Neatishead incident of 13/14 August 1956, where all available evidence, including new material related to the RAF's response, has been gathered. The re-investigation, which began in 1996, did not aim to debunk the case but to examine what might have happened, leading to surprising results that suggest a more complex and multi-layered mystery than previously understood.

The Lakenheath Collaboration's findings are presented as providing data that scientists claim has been lacking in the field of UFOlogy. The website contains over 270 text and image files, including original USAF intelligence reports, 22 new British Royal Air Force and Ministry of Defence documents, 36 new interview transcripts, 23 web-pages of commentary and analysis, meteorological data, radar and avionics specifications, and archived letters between investigators and witnesses.

The Collaboration invites comments, criticisms, and contributions to their evolving case file, aiming for an ongoing peer review process.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a pro-UFOlogy stance, focusing on unexplained phenomena and encouraging in-depth investigation rather than debunking. The editorial tone appears to be one of fascination with the paranormal and extraterrestrial, with a willingness to explore speculative theories, as seen in the SARS virus section. There's a clear emphasis on presenting new research and making it accessible to the public, particularly through online resources. The author's personal voice is strong, blending personal anecdotes with serious investigative reporting.