The Researcher - No 11 - Winter 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: The Researcher
Issue: 11
Date: Winter 2003
Publisher: Merseyside Anomalies Research Association (MARA)
Price: £2

This issue of 'The Researcher' marks a significant transition with Mark Rosney taking over as editor, aiming to continue the work of his predecessors, Bill Bimson and Tony Eccles, in illuminating paranormal mysteries. The magazine has undergone a visual refresh and aims to provide factual information based on MARA's research and investigations.

Features

Turning UFOs into IFOs: Fireballs in the Sky (Part 1: Natural Fireballs)

This article by MARA investigator Mark Rosney examines cases where fireball meteors have been mistaken for UFOs. It details the 1969 Amlwch fireball sighting, where thousands witnessed a bright blue/green object with a flaming tail. Initially perplexing, with descriptions ranging from 'green fireball with a yellow tail' to 'shining flying saucer', the event was later explained by astronomers as a fireball meteor, possibly from the Lyrid shower. However, some witnesses, like UFOlogist Gavin Gibbons, questioned the meteorite explanation due to the object's parallel movement with the horizon. The article discusses the characteristics of meteors, including their size, duration, colors (white, red, yellow, green, blue), and the trails they leave. It also touches upon 'nebulous meteors' and 'dark meteors' which present unique observational challenges. The piece emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between natural phenomena and genuinely unidentified aerial phenomena.

Parapsychology: Does it convince the sceptics?

MARA investigator Fiona Campbell explores the field of parapsychology, questioning whether its research is taken seriously by sceptics. The article notes that while some parapsychological events may have partial explanations, others remain mysterious. It highlights the challenges in proving phenomena conclusively to objective investigators and suggests that shifts in scientific paradigms can be influenced by powerful interest groups. The piece references surveys indicating a significant public belief in phenomena like ghosts and UFOs, and delves into the history of poltergeist outbreaks, dating back to AD1, with early reports of noises, fires, and demonic persecution. The Sauchie poltergeist case is cited as an early example that attracted parapsychologists' attention. Parapsychologist William G. Roll's work in identifying laws governing anomalous situations is also mentioned.

On the Trail of Jack the Ripper (Part 2)

Researcher Colin Veacock continues his investigation into the Jack the Ripper murders, focusing on the suspects and their possible motives. This installment promises to shed light on the identity of the infamous serial killer.

The Croxteth Ball of Light

MARA investigator Bill Bimson reports on and analyzes video footage of a suspected UFO, described as a 'ball of light,' sighted over Croxteth, Merseyside. The article suggests that investigators had a rare opportunity to examine such evidence.

Haunted Roads on the Isle of Man (Part 6)

John Hall continues his exploration of the myths and legends of the Isle of Man, covering topics such as fairies, water monsters, witches, and luminosities.

My UFO sightings - & other paranormal experiences

MARA newcomer Sue Landor shares her personal experiences with UFOs, ghosts, and poltergeists.

Ground Zero: What Really Happened?

One year after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York, researcher Colin Veacock investigates the events, suggesting that not everything is as it seems.

Regulars

The Voice (Editorial)

Mark Rosney's first editorial as editor expresses his honor in taking up the position and his commitment to continuing the journal's legacy. He highlights the magazine's evolution and promises to deliver factual paranormal information. Rosney notes the issue's focus on UFOs, including the Croxteth sighting and the fireball meteor article, as well as parapsychology and the 'Ground Zero' piece.

The Paranormal News

This section provides a round-up of paranormal news.

About MARA

This section likely provides information about the Merseyside Anomalies Research Association.

An Urban Myth: 'Gunning' for trouble

This article explores an urban myth related to 'Gunning'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFOs, meteorology, historical mysteries (Jack the Ripper), paranormal research (parapsychology, hauntings, poltergeists), and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance, as articulated by Mark Rosney, is to present factual information derived from MARA's research and investigations, aiming to illuminate paranormal mysteries while maintaining a commitment to rigorous inquiry. The magazine encourages readers to share their own experiences, suggesting that these might hold keys to understanding the unknown.

This issue of FATE Magazine, dated July 1997, features a prominent article on "On the trail of Jack the Ripper Part 2: The Suspects" by Colin John Veacock, alongside extensive coverage of poltergeist phenomena and related theories.

Poltergeist Phenomena and Psychokinesis

The magazine explores the nature of poltergeist events, with Roll theorizing psychokinesis (PK) as a plausible explanation, statistically derived from studies at Duke University. He aimed to refute life-after-death hypotheses by attributing these phenomena to the living. Michael Persinger suggested that environmental geomagnetic fields could influence temporal lobe functioning, potentially causing perceptions of anomalous phenomena, and proposed a link between this and UFO activity, especially in correlation with earthquake activity. This theory is presented as an acceptable explanation for skeptics due to its potentially natural, though unprovable, basis.

Harper and Roth's work on phobic anxiety depersonalization syndrome is also mentioned, noting perceptual disorders and 'deja vu' experiences. The issue posits that psychological phenomena, possibly linked to our environment and brains, warrant further investigation and may be more acceptable to skeptics.

Roll's investigations are highlighted, with his conviction that field studies offered insights into psychical phenomena, and his belief that fraudulent cases could often be identified. He considered ESP and PK ability similar to complex physical interactions. The distinction between 'Micro PK' (potentially chance-driven) and 'Macro PK' (like furniture moving unaided, suggesting non-chance events) is made. Poltergeist performances are differentiated from hauntings by their shorter duration and tendency to cluster around an individual, often female and of puberty age, experiencing emotional problems. Roll's theory posits these are bursts of PK from individuals unable to express conflict openly.

An incident in Germany is noted, where an 18% belief in spirits rose to 28% after the Rosenheim poltergeist case in 1967. This case involved a law firm experiencing exploding light bulbs and phantom phone calls, which continued even after electrical faults were rectified. Professor Hans Bender investigated this case, focusing on a 19-year-old female employee, and recorded phenomena like swinging lamps and picture rotation. Investigations, including by a physicist, ruled out natural possibilities and fraud, attributing the events to "Non-periodic, short duration forces."

Roll's investigation in Miami in 1967 involved a magician witnessing objects moving, who could not explain the events naturally. Roll found that a young employee, the 'focus,' was not always present during events and had not tampered with them, suggesting the phenomena might relieve inner stress. Roll also proposed a 'psi field' surrounding us, comparing poltergeist activity to an exponential decay curve, suggesting a testable energy field hypothesis that might appeal to skeptics.

The Enfield poltergeist investigation in London, led by Maurice Grosse and Guy Lyon Playfair, is presented as the most famous British case. While acknowledging potential fraud, hysteria, or investigator bias, Playfair's notes suggest anomalous phenomena. The case involved a child and her mother, who had epilepsy. Phenomena included the movement of a heavy iron grill, which investigators deemed impossible for children to move, and events occurring in the presence of investigators, including a physicist. Grosse believed in an outside entity, while Playfair suggested PK might fit the facts but not explain them.

In Liverpool, March 1996, Anthony Eccles led an investigation for the Merseyside Anomalies Research Association into a private residence. Reported phenomena included dogs reacting fearfully, a crying child, cold spots, object movement, knocking, smells, and apparitions. Despite using professional equipment to record temperature, magnetic, and acoustic occurrences, the team could not find conventional explanations. The report suggested the female witness might have RSPK ability, and the children also could have had it. The events ceased after the investigation, possibly due to the investigators' presence.

Eccles noted it as a "rare case with regards to unusual, [unexplainable] occurrences." The article concludes by emphasizing the difficulty of persuading those with established belief systems, whether skeptical or believer, and the importance of objective investigation.

Jack the Ripper Suspects

Part 2 of "On the trail of Jack the Ripper" by Colin John Veacock examines numerous suspects. The article dismisses many as ridiculous, including Oscar Wilde, Lewis Carroll, Virginia Woolf, and Arthur Conan Doyle, due to slight and tenuous evidence.

John Pizer (Leather Apron): A Jewish boot finisher with a criminal record, who had attacked a man with a knife and threatened prostitutes. Dismissed as not the Ripper.

Thomas Cutbush: Named by Sir Melville Macnaghten, but no information explains why. Macnaghten exonerated him, and he was found insane and jailed. Dismissed.

Montague J. Druitt: A barrister and school teacher, thought to have committed suicide in November 1888. His family believed he was the Ripper. Implicated.

Aaron Kozminski: Identified by an FBI profiler. A Polish Jew with strong homicidal tendencies. Implicated in the murder of Elizabeth Stride by Israel Schwartz, who later retracted his testimony. Followed by police and committed to an asylum. Implicated.

Michael Ostrog: An insane Russian conman, thought by most to be too old. Dismissed.

George Chapman: Poisoned his three wives. Inspector Abberline thought he was the Ripper. Dismissed.

Aleister Crowley: Named Madame Blavatsky as the murderer, suggesting a black magic ritual. The article dismisses this.

Sir William Gull: Royal Physician. Implicated by a Victorian medium, R. Lees. Suffered a stroke a year before the murders, raising questions about his physical fitness. Implicated more than once.

J.K. Stephen: Friend of the Duke of Clarence. Suffered a head injury from a riding accident, leading to madness. A verse in his book hints he knew more about the Ripper. Played some part.

Nicolas Vassili: Russian junior surgeon wanted for murder in Paris and Petrograd. Possibly used an alias. Arrested in Petrograd. Dismissed.

Madame Petrovna Blavatsky: Known as a psychic medium. Aleister Crowley named her as the Ripper. Dismissed as not serious.

Doctor Thomas Neil Cream: A morphine and cocaine addict. Sentenced to hang for murder, he may have tried to admit to the Whitechapel murders, but was likely in Joliet prison, Illinois, during the murders. Dismissed.

Dr Morgan Davies: A physician who imitated the Ripper for other doctors. Dismissed.

Doctor Stanley: A Harley Street surgeon who sought revenge on prostitutes after his son met Mary Jeanette Kelly. Fled to Argentina. His confession is dubious. Doubtful.

Edward, Duke of Clarence: Son of Edward VII. Almost certainly homosexual, with J.K. Stephens as a partner. Also implicated in the Cleveland Street Scandal. Certainly had something to do with it.

Joseph Barnett: Labourer and porter, lived with Mary Kelly. A tenuous link based on a missing key and the killer locking the door from the outside. Died in 1926. Dismissed.

Dr Merchant: Had a Liverpool connection. Born in India, came to London in 1886. Died of tuberculosis weeks after Mary Kelly's murder. Dismissed.

Olga Tchkersoff: Her sister Vera became a prostitute and died of sepsis. Olga swore revenge. Dismissed.

Dr Francis Tumblety: An American quack, homosexual, and Fenian. Arrested for gross indecency shortly before Mary Kelly's murder. Fled to America. Thought to be the Ripper by American journalists, but too closely followed by detectives.

James Maybrick: Liverpool cotton merchant. His wife Florence was tried for his murder. James was an arsenic addict. A diary surfaced in 1991, signed 'Jack the Ripper,' but its authenticity is questioned. Dismissed.

G.W.B.: A tenuous link from Blackpool. Dismissed.

Frederick Bayley Deeming: Murdered his family. Sang a rhyme upon his execution suggesting Jack the Ripper was gone. Dismissed.

William Sickert: Victorian painter and friend of the Duke of Clarence. Dismissed.

Dr Roslyn D'Onston: Writer who supposedly confessed to being Jack the Ripper and gave blood-encrusted neckties to Aleister Crowley. Wrote a letter accusing Dr Morgan Davies. Dismissed.

Paranormal Poetry and Editorial Stance

The issue includes a poem titled "Paranormal" by Tony Chestnut Brown, exploring themes of perception, ESP, and paranormal frequencies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into anomalous phenomena, encouraging objective investigation while acknowledging the difficulty of overcoming ingrained beliefs. The magazine advocates for parapsychology to continue its investigation with support from other scientific fields to address fundamental questions about reality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of Jack the Ripper and the complex, often unexplained, nature of poltergeist phenomena. The magazine adopts an investigative and open-minded stance, presenting various theories and case studies from parapsychology and criminology. It encourages readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations while maintaining a critical approach to evidence and potential fraud. The editorial tone suggests a belief in the importance of exploring the unknown and the potential for future scientific understanding of phenomena currently considered anomalous.

This issue of the magazine, identified by issue number 21 and volume 21, features a cover story titled "The Croxteth Ball of Light" by Bill Bimson, focusing on a UFO sighting in Liverpool. The issue also delves into various potential suspects and theories surrounding the Jack the Ripper murders.

Jack the Ripper Suspects and Theories

The magazine presents several individuals who have been named as potential Jack the Ripper suspects, along with brief biographical details and the reasons for their inclusion.

• David Cohen: Described as having a violent fit shortly after Mary Kelly's murder, he was certified insane and died in Colney Hatch Asylum. He is deemed not to be the Ripper.
• Frank Miles: An artist and friend of Oscar Wilde, he lived in Chelsea and died in a Bristol asylum in 1891. He is also deemed not to be the Ripper.
• Claude Raignier Conder: A friend of Sir Charles Warren and an expert in stealth, he is considered a promising suspect. It is theorized that the disemboweling in the Ripper murders reflected Zulu warrior rituals for releasing evil spirits.
• William Henry Bury: Hanged in 1889 for murdering his wife, his wounds were noted as being identical to those on Martha Tabram. He is considered not to be the Ripper.
• Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (Lewis Carroll): Named as a suspect by Richard Wallace, who suggested he and Thomas Vere Bayne were responsible. He is deemed not to be the Ripper.
• James Kelly: Died in 1929 after thirty years in Broadmoor Asylum, suspected due to the way he murdered his wife. He is deemed not to be the Ripper.
• Francis Thompson: A poet and opium addict, suspected due to a short story detailing a gory sacrifice on a pagan altar. He is deemed not to be the Ripper.
• George Hutchinson: A witness at the Mary Kelly inquest, suspicion fell on him due to his proximity and potential to mislead the police, as suggested by Bob Hinton in his comic book "From Hell."
• Pastor Jack Gibson: His departure from London coincided with the cessation of the Whitechapel murders. Similar murders occurred in New Jersey and San Francisco where he was present. He is considered doubtful.
• Joseph Sickert: Son of painter William Sickert, he proposed that the Duke of Clarence (Prince Albert Victor) was the Ripper, having married Annie Elizabeth Crook and fathered a daughter, Alice Margaret, who was raised by Mary Kelly. This theory suggests a cover-up by Freemasons and the Royal family to protect the Duke from scandal.

The article "Jack the Ripper - The Truth" posits that the victims were not randomly chosen but stalked. It links the Ripper's methods (throat cutting, torso ripping, organ removal) to ancient Masonic texts describing King Solomon's ritual sacrifice. The author suggests the term "Jack the Rippers" (plural) and describes the killer as a wealthy, foreign-looking man, implying a group of Freemasons protecting a secret. The article highlights the inscription on Goulston Street, "The Juwes are the men who will not be blamed for nothing," and its connection to Masonic texts, suggesting Sir Charles Warren, a Freemason, ordered its erasure to cover up the Masonic involvement. The police's ineffectiveness is attributed to the Commissioner and Prime Minister (Lord Salisbury, also a Mason) misleading the investigation.

Further discussion points to the Cleveland Street scandal, a homosexual brothel frequented by notable Victorian figures, including Prince Albert Victor. The article suggests that many Ripper suspects were named due to being Freemasons or homosexuals, and that the murders were an abomination spawned by London's homosexual community and covered up by Masons.

The Croxteth Ball of Light UFO Sighting

The cover story, "The Croxteth Ball of Light: Report & Analysis" by Bill Bimson, details a UFO incident on July 31, 2001, in Croxteth Park, Liverpool. Three witnesses observed and recorded a "ball of light" (BOL) UFO.

Description of the Incident:

The object was observed between 10:31 pm and 10:35 pm. It was described as a silvery-orange ball of light, low on the horizon, rapidly changing brightness and appearing to rotate quickly. It also exhibited rapid color and shape changes. The object moved slowly downwards and laterally. The witnesses estimated its size to be about 10% of the diameter of the moon. It made no sound and had no unusual smells. The distance was estimated to be at least 400 yards.

Investigation and Analysis:

Bill Bimson initiated the investigation after a call for help on the MARA website concerning black helicopters and AWACS aircraft. The local newspaper, "The Liverpool Echo," reported on AWACS aircraft using Liverpool Airport for training. The principal witness had previously reported UFO sightings and provided video footage.

An interview with the three witnesses and a site visit were conducted. The video footage was analyzed, and frame captures were made. The object did not appear to be of military aircraft origin. The MoD's reluctance to cooperate was noted.

Eliminating Explanations:

• Astronomical Objects: Initially thought to be Mars, further analysis showed the object's bearing (096 degrees) was inconsistent with Mars's position (190-200 degrees). The object also set in the East, which is impossible for astronomical objects without changing Earth's rotation.
• Aircraft: Approaching aircraft with landing lights were considered, but the distance and angle of approach made it unlikely to produce the observed brightness without strobe lights being visible.
• Ball Lightning: Ruled out as it typically occurs during stormy conditions, and the weather report indicated no unusual conditions.
• Land-based Industrial Lights: Chimneys from factories or glass works were considered but ruled out because the light consistently lowered towards the horizon, which chimneys cannot do.
• Extra-Terrestrial Spacecraft: Considered controversial, but the lack of real structure and the object's high visibility made it seem unlikely for covert study or contact.
• Ley Line Phenomena: The witnesses noted a marker stone at the sighting location, suggesting a possible connection to ley lines. The article references a website for a description of ley lines.
• Earth Lights: This is considered the most likely cause. Earth lights are poorly understood and often ignored by the scientific community. The article mentions that they might be produced by piezoelectric effects in the ground creating electric fields and plasma.

Conclusions:

Bimson concludes that the object was not an astronomical object or an aircraft. While ball lightning and industrial lights were ruled out, the possibility of Earth Lights is presented as the most likely explanation for the Croxteth Ball of Light sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and historical mysteries like the Jack the Ripper case. There is a strong undercurrent of conspiracy theories, suggesting cover-ups by powerful organizations such as Freemasons and potentially the Royal family. The editorial stance seems to favor exploring unconventional explanations and questioning official narratives, as seen in the detailed analysis of the Ripper case and the Croxteth UFO sighting. The magazine encourages critical thinking and research into these subjects.

This issue of 'The Paranormal News' (Issue 31) features a diverse range of articles exploring unexplained phenomena, folklore, and personal experiences. The cover story, "Haunted Roads on the Isle of Man" by John Hall, delves into the island's rich tapestry of myths and legends, including fairies, water monsters, witches, and spectral encounters. The issue also includes a piece on "Earth Lights" by Paul Devereux, examining the possibility of ground-based piezoelectric effects causing atmospheric glows, and personal accounts of UFO sightings and other paranormal experiences by Sue Landor.

Earth Lights and Piezo-electricity

The article on Earth Lights discusses the theory that these phenomena might be caused by ground-based piezoelectric effects, particularly in areas with tectonic strain and quartz-rich geology. The author references Paul Devereux's work and lists several reasons to believe an Earth Light was the cause of a specific event, including its brightness, color, motion, size, flickering appearance, and changes in shape, all within Earth Light boundaries. The proximity to fault lines and the presence of sandstone and pebble beds with high quartz content are highlighted as contributing factors. The article also notes that seismicity, while not always present during an event, is often associated with areas prone to Earth Lights, and points to similarities between witness accounts and documented cases.

Haunted Roads on the Isle of Man

John Hall's extensive piece explores various haunted locations and folklore on the Isle of Man, focusing on the A2 road and surrounding areas. The article details legends associated with Baldrine, including earthworks, tumuli, stone circles, and a maze believed to be a spirit trap. It recounts a traveler's strange experience of encountering an invisible throng and figures in the darkness, possibly fairies or spirits. The narrative also touches upon the 'Guillyen Vegg'y' (fairy folk) and Bob Curran's interpretation of an abduction and rescue scenario. The construction of the Manx Electric Railway is mentioned as a potential disruptor of fairy paths and paranormal activity. The article further discusses the 'Cloven Stones,' an ancient monument with folklore linking it to King Orry's sword and pagan dedications. It highlights the 'Hollow of the disturbances' on the B12 road and a well dedication to St. Patrick, possibly to appease a water monster. Tales of witchcraft at Ballaquine, a chapel with a burial ground, and the 'Wheel of Fire' are also presented. The Nikksen, a water sprite or demon, is described as a creature that lures victims, often taking the form of a horse or a handsome man. The article connects these legends to broader Celtic traditions of water horses and spirits.

UFO Sightings and Paranormal Experiences

Sue Landor shares her personal experiences, beginning with her interest in UFOs in 1994. She recounts several sightings, including a silver two-tiered dome saucer, eight elongated rectangles or cylinder-type craft, and a silver grey saucer shape. She also describes sightings with friends, including white discs, a star-like light, and four orange balls moving at high speed. Other experiences include a stationary object with an orangey tint that suddenly moved, and a greyish-white 'spade shape' object that darted and circled rapidly. Landor also details other paranormal experiences, such as a suspected poltergeist in her flat between 1997 and 1998, characterized by frantic knocking. She also recounts an encounter with a young man who appeared and disappeared mysteriously at Speke Hall, possibly a ghost from the 1960s.

Paranormal News Round-Up

This section compiles several shorter news items:

• Computing power aids alien hunters: Dr. Seth Shostak of the Seti Institute discusses how advancements in computer technology are enhancing the search for extraterrestrial intelligence by improving the ability to analyze radio signals from space. The development of the Allen Telescope Array is mentioned, with an expected online date of 2005.
• Cellphones spook British ghosts: Tony Cornell, an expert on the occult, suggests that the rise of mobile phones has led to a decline in reported ghost sightings, potentially due to electronic interference.
• 'Meteorite' hits girl: A teenager in North Yorkshire, Siobhan Cowton, may have been hit by a meteorite, a rare event with extremely low odds. The stone is being sent for analysis.
• Ghost capital's tourist hopes: York has been named Europe's most haunted city by parapsychologist Jason Karl, who notes the city's high number of reported ghostly phenomena. York is set to host the Ghost Research Foundation International's 10th-anniversary celebrations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of folklore, unexplained phenomena, and personal experiences. There's a recurring interest in local legends, particularly those from the Isle of Man, and a scientific approach to phenomena like Earth Lights and UFOs, while also acknowledging the subjective nature of paranormal experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and accounts without definitive judgment, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities. The inclusion of news snippets broadens the scope to current events in the paranormal field, from SETI research to ghost sightings and rare physical events like meteorite impacts.

This issue of 'Ground Zero.' (Volume 42, Issue 42, dated September 11th 2001) delves into the controversial and alternative theories surrounding the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon. Written by Colin John Veacock, the article challenges the accepted media narrative and probes into potential conspiracies and cover-ups.

The Accepted Version and Emerging Doubts

The article begins by describing New York City and the iconic World Trade Centre, symbolizing American dominance. It then recounts the events of September 11th, 2001, when the 'American dream literally came tumbling down.' The immediate media focus on Osama Bin Laden and the subsequent demonization of him are noted. The author raises the question of Bin Laden's actual role and suggests the possibility of a vast conspiracy that could topple global leaders.

Historical Context: Previous Attacks

It is highlighted that the World Trade Centre had been targeted before. On February 26th, 1993, a bombing orchestrated by Mohammed Salameh, who was later convicted, killed seven people. The article also mentions subsequent bombings of American Embassies in Nairobi and Dar-Es-Salaam, and the suicide bombing of the USS Cole, which killed seventeen US servicemen.

The Events of September 11th, 2001

The narrative details the sequence of events on that fateful day. At 6:32 am, the city began to stir, with the presence of approximately fifty terrorists. The article tracks four flights:

• Flight 175 (Boeing 767): Piloted by Captain Victor Saracini, it departed Boston for Los Angeles at 7:58 am. It altered course towards Washington D.C.
• Flight 11: Departed Boston, also bound for Los Angeles. It turned south at 8:28 am, heading directly for New York City.
• Flight 93 (United Airlines): Took off from Newark International Airport at 8:01 am, destined for San Francisco, piloted by Captain Jason Dahl. It deviated from its flight plan over Cleveland, Ohio, and headed for Washington D.C.
• Flight 77 (American Airlines): Took off from Dulles Airport with 64 passengers, heading for Washington D.C.

The article notes that Flight 11 slammed into the north tower of the World Trade Centre at 8:45 am. It raises questions about the delay in scrambling F-16 fighter jets, especially if Captain Oganowski was indeed pressing the 'press-to-talk' button to warn authorities. A terrorist's warning, 'We have more planes, we have other planes,' is also mentioned.

Flight 175 then crashed into the south tower. The article describes the dawning realization of an attack on the American people. President Bush was informed while reading to schoolchildren in Florida, leading to the closure of all airports, subways, and bridges.

At 9:48 am, Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon in Washington D.C., causing a significant collapse. The article includes a curious anecdote about passenger Barbara Olsen asking her husband what to tell the pilot, questioning her intent.

At 9:50 am, the south tower collapsed. A passenger on United Airlines Flight 93 reported being hijacked. The plane eventually crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at 10:37 am.

Questioning the Official Narrative

The article immediately pivots to questioning the official explanation for the towers' collapse. The official account states that the fireproofing was blown off the steel girders, causing them to weaken and the towers to fall. However, the article presents alternative views.

David Rostcheck, commenting on a web page, suggested that the 'L' supports holding up the floors had sheared off, and the inner core buckled, causing the towers to fall inwards. Van Romero, Vice President for research at the New Mexico Institute for Mining and Technology, agreed, stating that the collapse resembled a 'controlled implosion used in planned demolition.'

The author questions whether explosives were planted and suggests that the planes alone could not have caused the collapse. Video footage is cited as showing explosions as the buildings imploded. Eyewitness accounts from Dana West and firemen describe hearing timed explosions. A man in a video is quoted screaming about explosions as he flees the city.

Conspiracy Theories and Accusations

The article explores various conspiracy theories:

• Staged Event: It questions if the event was staged and if the world was duped, asking 'by who and why?'
• Thierry Meysson: His book 'L'Effroyable Imposture' claims America staged the attacks to legitimize war in Central Asia and the Middle East. Meysson also runs a website challenging people to find remnants of Flight 77 at the Pentagon crash site.
• Missile Theory: Some theorize the Pentagon damage was caused by a missile from an F-16 fighter jet.
• Pakistani Theories: In Pakistan, theories circulated that 4,000 New York Jews were absent, actors played emergency personnel, and US television knew in advance.

Allegations of Israeli Involvement

Jean-Charles Brissard, who reported on Bin Laden's finances for French Intelligence, claims that the US State Department and an oil lobby blocked attempts to prove Bin Laden's guilt in the 1993 bombing. He expressed concerns to John O'Neill, head of security at the World Trade Centre, who later perished. Brissard was denied access to state department evidence linking Bin Laden to the USS Cole attack, raising questions about secrecy, especially after Senator Orwin Hatch suggested high-level FBI information implicating Bin Laden.

Bin Laden's Role and the 'Fit-up'

The article suggests that Bin Laden may have been framed, questioning why the US praised the Taliban (Bin Laden's protectors) in 1996 and then negotiated with Afghanistan officials for oil reserves. It notes that Afghanistan became America's number one sponsor of terrorism, not Iraq. David Shaylor, an ex-MI5 agent, stated Bin Laden supported a fundamentalist group involved in a botched assassination attempt on Colonel Gadafy. The author argues that Bin Laden's words may have provoked action but don't conclusively prove his role in planning the September attacks.

The Passport and the 'Convenient' Evidence

On September 15th, a passport belonging to Muhammed Atta was found in the debris. This led the FBI to a car in Boston Airport containing a suicide note, the Koran, a video on flying jets, and a fuel calculator. Atta had purchased tickets with a credit card linked to a hotel where three Arabs were arrested. The article questions the timing of the passport discovery and the subsequent arrests.

It also highlights inconsistencies in the FBI's suspect list, with several men still alive, some not on the planes, and one already deceased.

Video Evidence and Propaganda

A video showing the accused men in the Boston Airport departure lounge was released, which the public accepted. However, the article then mentions the appearance of Bin Laden video tapes. The first tape, released by the CIA, is claimed to be not of Bin Laden, showcasing the CIA's incompetence. A second tape, purportedly showing Bin Laden speaking to supporters in Qandahar, is of poor quality, and its subtitles are questioned as being deliberately provocative.

Bin Laden's quote about calculating casualties and the potential collapse of floors is presented. The article also references an interview where Bin Laden singled out America and called for Muslims to kill Americans, declaring a holy war. However, it reiterates that this does not prove his direct involvement in the September attacks.

Further Conspiracy Angles

• Mossad Involvement: Some theorists dismiss Bin Laden's involvement and point to Mossad, suggesting the attacks were a false flag exercise to draw America into war with Arab nations. Victor Ostrovsky, a Mossad defector, and retired Pakistani General Hameed Gul support this view.
• Chandra Levy Case: The article connects the disappearance and decomposition of Chandra Levy to these theories. It suggests Levy was working for Mossad, befriended Karl Rove and Gary Condit, and may have uncovered information about the WTC attacks, leading to her elimination.
• Israeli Presence: It notes that 60 Israelis on tourist visas were detained in New York after the attacks, some seen celebrating and others videoing the events. Names of alleged Israeli militants are listed, and their company, Universal Art, reportedly closed and its officers disappeared.
• Government Foreknowledge: The article cites a report that President Bush was told about planned terrorist attacks using passenger planes as missiles at least five weeks prior, yet did nothing. Military planners had even held an exercise simulating such attacks.

'Gunning' for Trouble: An Urban Myth?

A separate article, 'An Urban Myth: 'Gunning' for trouble' by Mark Rosney, discusses an incident involving two North Berwick traffic patrol officers and a Tornado jet fighter. The officers' radar gun registered a speed of over 300 mph, seizing up. It is suggested that the gun inadvertently locked onto a NATO Tornado aircraft over the North Sea. The RAF revealed that the aircraft's tactical computer detected and jammed the radar source, and a missile was armed. The pilot managed to override the system just in time. Rosney debunks this story as an urban myth, citing the weakness and limited range of police radar guns, the programming of fighter aircraft systems to recognize threats, and the unlikelihood of a police radar signal registering on an aircraft's systems. He also argues that modern fighter aircraft systems require human intervention to arm and fire weapons.

About MARA

The publication also includes information about the Merseyside Anomalies Research Association (MARA), founded in February 1996. MARA is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging, promoting, and conducting unbiased investigation and research into UFO/paranormal phenomena. It aims to collect and disseminate evidence and data, and cooperates with similar organizations. Membership is free and open to interested individuals. MARA is affiliated with several other research organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards official narratives, the exploration of conspiracy theories, and the questioning of government and intelligence agency actions. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical thinking and investigation into unexplained phenomena and alleged cover-ups, particularly concerning major events like 9/11. The article implicitly suggests that the public is being misled and deserves to know the 'truth'.