The Researcher - No 13 - Winter 2005-6

Magazine Overview

Title: The Researcher
Issue: 13
Date: Winter 2005/6
Publisher: Merseyside Anomalies Research Association (MARA)

This issue of The Researcher, a publication of the Merseyside Anomalies Research Association (MARA), delves into various paranormal phenomena and intriguing topics. The cover prominently features 'Mysterious lights over Halewood,' with accompanying text indicating sightings in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and the headline 'They are Back!!' The issue also includes articles on 'Alien Big Cats,' 'Legend of the Werewolf,' 'Can Teleportation be a Reality?', 'Ghost Walks in the Isle of Man,' and 'Normality Vs Paranormality.' The price is listed as £2, and the tagline 'Interpretation is free, experience is sacred' is present.

Editorial and Contributors

The editorial, titled 'The Voice,' is written by Mark Rosney, who announces his departure as editor with this issue. He expresses delight in passing the editorial baton to Eileen Shaw. The issue acknowledges contributions from a range of individuals, including Eileen Shaw, Neil Jenkins, Bill Bimson, John Hall, Colin Veacock, and Blair Wilkins, who authored various articles. Research Consultants Dr. Steven Verner Weaver and Dr. Carl Williams are also listed. The magazine is copyrighted by MARA 2005/6.

Featured Articles and Content

Living with the Animals (Eileen Shaw)

Eileen Shaw recounts her personal experiences with a rescue dog named Bo, and uses this as a springboard to discuss sightings of big cats in the UK. She describes an encounter with a black, cat-like animal in Wales in November 2002. The article notes that authorities often refuse to believe these sightings. Shaw mentions reports of black leopards, pumas, and lynx breeding in the UK, with numbers estimated in the hundreds. She cites a report from the Runcorn Weekly News about a black panther sighting in Halton and mentions other alleged sightings in Runcorn and Widnes. The article discusses the possibility of these cats being escaped zoo animals or descendants of exotic pets, and Ian Wickison, a researcher, suggests they could be black leopards or jaguars. The article concludes with the author's personal belief that the animal she saw was a real, terrestrial black leopard and calls for government protection.

Can Teleportation be a Reality? (Neil Jenkins)

Neil Jenkins explores the concept of teleportation, drawing inspiration from science fiction like Star Trek. He discusses the theoretical challenges, including the immense amount of data required to scan and reconstruct a person atom by atom, and the ethical dilemma of creating a copy while the original still exists. The article references Roger Penrose's book 'The Emperor's New Mind' and discusses two potential methods: transmitting data or transmitting atoms. Jenkins highlights the vast technological hurdles, such as the time required to transmit the data and the complexities of quantum physics, including the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and entanglement. He notes that current 'quantum teleportation' experiments, while successful with photons and atoms, involve transferring quantum states rather than physical matter and destroy the original state.

The Halewood Lights (Bill Bimson)

This article, referenced in the editorial, details Bill Bimson's investigation into the 'Halewood lights,' a phenomenon occurring annually in South Liverpool. The editorial states that the answer to whether they are birds or planes is a resounding 'NO!' and that Bimson has spent years collating information and analyzing video footage.

Peel Ghost Walk - An interview with Alan Shaw (John Hall)

John Hall continues his exploration of Isle of Man legends, focusing on the 'Moddhey Dhoo,' the phantom black dog of Peel Castle.

Normality v Paranormality (Eileen Shaw)

This article by Eileen Shaw likely explores the boundaries and definitions of normality in relation to paranormal experiences.

The Legend of the Werewolf (Colin John Veacock)

Colin Veacock examines the myth and reality surrounding the legend of the werewolf.

Lights in the Sky (Blair Wilkins)

Blair Wilkins recounts a strange encounter in the skies over South Liverpool, suggesting that official explanations leave more questions than answers.

Other Content

The magazine also includes a section on 'MARA News' and 'About MARA,' providing updates and information about the organization. A 'Psi Man' column by Colin Veacock is also featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, including aerial sightings (UFOs), cryptids (big cats, werewolves), and paranormal legends (ghosts, phantom dogs). There is a clear interest in scientific inquiry, as evidenced by the detailed discussion on teleportation and quantum physics, juxtaposed with anecdotal accounts and folklore. The editorial stance, as suggested by the tagline 'Interpretation is free, experience is sacred,' encourages open-mindedness and personal experience while acknowledging the need for investigation and analysis. The magazine aims to explore the 'World of the Paranormal' by presenting a diverse range of topics, from eyewitness accounts to theoretical scientific discussions.

This issue of "Researcher" (Issue 13) focuses on an in-depth investigation into the "Halewood Lights" (LITS), a recurring phenomenon of mysterious balls of light observed in the skies over Halewood, Merseyside, between 2002 and 2005. The report is authored by MARA investigator Bill Bimson, who meticulously details the evidence gathered and the analytical process undertaken.

The Halewood Lights Investigation

The article begins by establishing that Lights In The Sky (LITS) are the most common type of UFO reported in the Merseyside area. However, the Halewood LITS case is highlighted for its exceptional amount of video evidence, alongside an excellent photograph and numerous UFO report forms filled in by the public. Despite this wealth of evidence, the investigation has been unable to definitively conclude what the LITS are, though all possible known causes have been eliminated, leaving them as unidentified.

Sighting Locations and Timeframe

Most of the sightings occurred in the Halewood area of south Liverpool, primarily during October and November of 2002, and December of 2003 to January 2004. The area is noted as being geographically close to Widnes and Runcorn, which are known as 'window areas' for UFOs.

Potential Mundane Causes and Elimination

The article lists potential mundane causes for LITS, including aircraft, birds, laser shows, satellites, aluminised balloons, earth lights, and ball lightning. Reasons are provided within the article to show why none of these phenomena are considered the cause of the Halewood LITS. The LITS are described by witnesses in various ways, including as orange, golden, copper, or bronze coloured spheres, fiery circles with red shields, hazy inverted light bulb type objects, and fairground carousel type objects. The proximity of the sightings to John Lennon Airport is noted, with the absence of pilot reports being a point of interest, possibly due to a policy of public information management.

Witness Accounts and Early Evidence

The first report in 2002 came from a railway man at Hunts Cross railway station, who provided a diagram and was interviewed. He described copper/bronze coloured spheres moving north to south and gaining altitude. Another witness from the Mackets Lane area described fiery red circles with a red shield, which moved, stopped, and then moved off together. The article includes diagrams from these witnesses.

Photographic and Video Evidence

Shortly after initial reports, digital photographic evidence was received. Analysis confirmed a genuine photograph, with a zoomed-in section revealing the LITS. The photograph suggests the LITS are not part of a single craft, as clear sky is visible between them. The camera used was a Minolta DIMAGE F100 with a 4-second exposure time, which could account for a slightly elongated shape due to slow movement.

The first video evidence was recorded on November 8, 2002, at Halewood train station. This footage, captured by a security camera, was initially presented in January 2003. The video shows the LITS low on the horizon and was recorded until they faded out. The recording was made on a security video recorder that captures one frame every 3 seconds, resulting in playback at approximately 9 times normal speed on a VHS recorder. The railway man who provided the footage was interviewed and gave a credible account.

Technical Analysis of Video Footage

To address claims that the LITS were birds, the article delves into a detailed analysis of the video footage. It explains the British TV system's Phase Alternating Line (PAL) system, which produces video frames in two halves (odd and even lines) to reduce flicker. The author discovered a video fault related to synchronization problems between odd and even numbered lines, which causes a change in the apparent shape of the objects over consecutive frames. This anomaly was misinterpreted by some as the flapping of bird wings. The analysis also demonstrates that the LITS are too bright to be simply reflecting street lights, indicating they possess their own illumination.

Expert Consultations and Further Investigations

Efforts were made to seek academic help, with a report sent to Filer's Files, an American UFO e-zine, leading to contact with John Kasher at the University of Omaha, though no further information was received from him. Help was also sought from geologists, considering the possibility of earth lights due to slight seismic activity in the Manchester area. However, the British Geological Survey (BGS) expressed doubt that the lights were related to earthquakes, and a seismic expert from the University of Liverpool stated that tectonic strain changes would be minimal. The BGS also noted that 'earth light' phenomena are difficult to explain and may be purely atmospheric.

Further assistance was sought from the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO). Peter Van Doorn at TORRO was helpful and impressed by the video footage, though the director, Terence Meaden, initially dismissed it as birds. Despite evidence presented, Meaden did not change his judgment.

Collaboration was established with Patrick Ferryn of the Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux (SOBEPS) for image analysis. An expert in Paris, Dr. Louange, was to analyze the video footage, but due to the war in Iraq and Louange's workload, the analysis was delayed. The original video tape was eventually returned after about 9 months.

A member of the public, a graphic designer and amateur photographer, provided an analysis of the digital photograph, noting the presence of clouds and a halo effect around the lights, suggesting they were not manipulated. This analysis agreed with findings from Paul Rogers of MARA.

The Next Winter: Continued Sightings

LITS reports ceased after the winter of 2002/2003 but resumed in October 2003. Several reports described 5 LITS moving south, noted as being different from aircraft. In December 2003, there was a significant increase in reports, with sightings on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th December. On December 2nd, 12 lights were reported in 4 groups. On December 3rd, 8-10 LITS were seen moving in formation. The 4th December saw numerous reports, including from the Hunts Cross Asda car park. One witness provided DVD footage of sightings on December 2nd and 4th.

The author personally visited Halewood on December 5th but observed only conventional aircraft. Reports of LITS continued on December 29th, with video footage obtained from two independent witnesses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the persistent mystery of the Halewood Lights. The editorial stance is one of rigorous investigation and objective analysis, attempting to debunk potential explanations through scientific and technical means. While the evidence is substantial, the conclusion remains that the LITS are unidentified phenomena. The article highlights the challenges of UFO research, including the misinterpretation of evidence, the difficulty in obtaining expert analysis, and the need for careful examination of technical data, such as video synchronization issues. The author expresses a personal preference for conventional travel, like the Channel Tunnel, over the theoretical concept of teleportation discussed in the introductory section.

This issue of Researcher magazine, dated 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 and identified as Volume 13, Issue 13, published by Researcher, focuses on two distinct yet intriguing topics: Unidentified Lights in the Sky (LITS) and local paranormal folklore, specifically ghostwalks and legends from the Isle of Man. The magazine features articles, witness accounts, and photographic evidence related to these subjects.

Unidentified Lights in the Sky (LITS)

The magazine presents detailed accounts of LITS sightings, primarily from Halewood, UK, on December 29, 2003. The first witness provided camcorder footage, lasting a couple of minutes, which showed the LITS. The second witness's footage, lasting about 20 minutes, is highlighted as crucial because it clearly demonstrates the LITS moving relative to each other, proving they possess their own propulsion and are not simply carried by the wind. Snapshots from this footage are included (Fig 11), showing the lights in both daylight and Nightshot modes. The second witness described an incident where a special light contracted in size to match the others, and that three initial lights were joined by four more orange lights, followed by a larger sausage-shaped light.

Another report from February 29, 2004, details a sighting in Childwall, UK, involving orange lights flying in formation, described as silent, able to stop and start, and appearing as ice cream cone shapes through binoculars.

The article discusses the characteristics of these LITS, concluding they are too bright and slow to be birds, not astronomical objects due to their movement, not aircraft due to the absence of normal anti-collision lighting, and not meteorological phenomena because of their independent propulsion and ability to change speed and direction. They are also not considered earth lights due to their high altitude in some sightings. Despite their strangeness, the article states there is no evidence to indicate they are of extraterrestrial origin, as no witness has seen aliens or structured craft.

The magazine appeals for public help in identifying the phenomenon, encouraging further sightings and the submission of video and photographic evidence. It suggests learning how to use camcorders at night and using manual focus and tripods to improve footage quality. MARA is seeking professional help from academic institutions to analyze the evidence.

A connection to Fleetwood on the Fylde coast is also mentioned, where similar LITS have been reported, including a photograph (Fig 15) showing a street light with a ring of LITS above it. The authenticity of this photograph is questioned, but it is noted as potentially being the first photograph of a carousel-type light.

The Peel Ghostwalk and Local Legends

The magazine dedicates significant space to the Isle of Man, focusing on its ghostwalks and folklore. John L Hall interviews Alan Shaw, a ghostwalk guide in Peel.

The Peel Ghostwalk

Alan Shaw explains that ghostwalks are a popular feature in many towns, and the Isle of Man, with its folklore, is a prime location. He started the Peel Ghostwalk as a one-off event on October 31, 2001, and it has since grown into regular tours. Shaw, originally from Morecombe, Lancashire, moved to Peel ten years ago and works as a taxi driver. He researched stories by visiting York's ghostwalk and gathering local tales, particularly from books about Peel.

The ghostwalk has evolved from a 35-minute tour to up to one and a half hours or two hours, depending on the stories gathered. Shaw is also planning to write a book about the ghostwalk stories and has a website planned for www.ghostwalks.com.

Ghostly Encounters on the Walk

• Several specific ghostly experiences are recounted:
• Castle Street Footsteps: People have heard footsteps resembling clogs or horseshoes walking down the hill in Castle Street, Peel, often at around 8:05 p.m., though some books suggest 11 p.m. This is described as a regular occurrence.
• The Gaiety Theatre Staff Incident (Christmas 2003): A group of 20 staff members heard footsteps approaching but saw no one. One person described the sound as 'clogs'. Similar experiences were reported by staff from Ramsey High School.
• Ragland House/Arcade: The story of Kate Corrin, who died of injuries after an accident involving a horse and cart while trying to elope, is detailed. Her ghost is said to be felt in the room where she died, and the building's alarms are frequently triggered by unexplained activity, particularly by a motion detector.

The Moddhey Dhoo: Peel's Phantom Black Dog

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the legend of the Moddhey Dhoo, Peel Castle's phantom black dog. This legend is a prominent feature of the island's tourism. The story originates from the guardroom of Peel Castle during Charles II's reign (1660-1685). The Moddhey Dhoo is described as a large, ghostly black spaniel that would appear nightly, lay by the fire, and disappear by daybreak. It was a passive entity, not challenging the guards.

An incident is recounted where a drunken guardsman challenged the dog, took the keys down the passage alone, and was found dead days later, with the Moddhey Dhoo never seen again. A dog's skeleton, believed to be a sacrificial burial to protect the causeway, was found in the church near the guardroom in 1871, possibly related to the 'church grim' or 'kirk o grim' tradition.

The article explores theories about the origin of black dog legends, including potential links to Norsemen, Danes, and Vikings, as well as older Celtic folklore. It notes that black dog legends are worldwide, citing the legend of Robert Johnson making a pact with the devil.

Other Black Dog Legends

Black dogs are described as large, with yellow or red glowing eyes, roaming the countryside, and seeing them is said to portend death. Some are described as headless or invisible, acting as guides to departed souls. The article lists various names for black dog legends across the UK, such as 'Old Shuck' in Suffolk, 'Gurt Dog' in Somerset, and 'Pookha' in Ireland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, whether in the skies or in local folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting witness accounts and evidence for phenomena that defy conventional explanation, while also acknowledging the need for further research and professional analysis. There is a clear interest in local legends and their potential connection to historical events or paranormal activity. The magazine encourages public participation in reporting sightings and contributing to the investigation of these mysteries. The publication also highlights the importance of preserving and sharing local folklore and ghost stories.

Title: Researcher
Issue: 13
Date: April 2005-06-11
Publisher: Fortean Times
Country: UK

This issue of Researcher magazine delves into various aspects of the paranormal, with a strong focus on folklore, unexplained phenomena, and investigative approaches. It features articles on the legend of the Moddhey Dhoo (black dog) on the Isle of Man, the historical and biological aspects of werewolf legends, and a critical examination of how paranormal experiences are often explained away by official sources. Additionally, it includes a report on a paranormal investigation event for charity and a detailed survey of black dog sightings from literature concerning the Isle of Man.

The Moddhey Dhoo and Isle of Man Folklore

The issue begins by exploring the association of dogs with the dead in Ancient Egypt and Greece, mentioning Anubis and Cerberus. It then focuses on the 'Moddhey Dhoo' legend from the Isle of Man, describing it as a phantom black dog. A recent Fortean Times guide to black dogs in the British Isles is mentioned, highlighting how locations associated with these legends have become haunts for phantom black cats. The Moddhey Dhoo legend is said to have significant 'Peel appeal' on the Isle of Man. A table provides a 'Black Dog Survey from Literature on Folklore of the Isle of Man,' compiled by John L. Hall in May 2005, detailing numerous locations, haunts, descriptions, witness information, other details, and dates of reported sightings of black dogs and other spectral canine entities across the island.

Werewolf Legends and Explanations

Colin John Veacock's article, 'The Legend of the Werewolf,' examines the myth from various angles. It touches upon the popular belief that a man can transform into a wolf under the full moon, referencing the 'Transylvania Effect' and the etymology of 'lunatic' from Luna (moon). While acknowledging the lack of documented evidence for physical transformation, the article discusses lycanthropy, a delusionary state where individuals believe they are changing. It traces the origins of lycanthropy in Greek mythology with Lykaon and details historical werewolf panics in France during the Middle Ages, where thousands were accused and executed. The article also explores potential scientific explanations, including a genetic disorder referred to as the 'werewolf disorder' and ergot poisoning, a fungus that can cause severe hallucinations. It notes that Slavic tribes may have suffered from similar hallucinogenic effects from ergot. The piece also recounts specific historical cases in France and Canada involving confessions of werewolf activities and cannibalism. The article concludes by mentioning modern interpretations such as 'Therianthropy,' where individuals believe they can shape-shift at will, and other reported sightings of wolf-like creatures in the USA, such as the Beast of Bray Road.

Normality vs. Paranormality

Eileen Shaw's article, 'Some thoughts on Normality v Paranormality: UFOs, ADES, OOBES, WMDs - and Lighthouses!' questions the tendency of officialdom to dismiss paranormal experiences. Shaw argues that while many sightings have natural explanations, some cannot be easily dismissed. She challenges the idea that interest in the paranormal indicates naivety or gullibility, drawing parallels with everyday beliefs in fictional characters. The article highlights the Rendlesham Forest incident and the official explanation of crash-test dummies for UFOs, contrasting it with the sheer volume of witness accounts. Shaw posits that if even one UFO sighting or abduction is extraterrestrial, it would fundamentally change humanity's perception of its place in the universe. She concludes by expressing a suspicion of lighthouses, humorously referencing the official explanation for the Rendlesham Forest lights.

Paranormal Investigation Event

Mark Rosney reports on the 'Williamson Tunnel Spooky Sleepover,' a sponsored event for Childline North West. MARA (an organization involved in paranormal investigations) assisted with the event, which was postponed due to a cellar fire and relocated to the Williamson Tunnels in Liverpool. The MARA team presented the scientific aspects of paranormal investigations, sharing findings from their nearly 10 years of research. Presentations included the history of the allegedly haunted Chingle Hall, with photographic evidence and sound recordings. The event also featured invited psychics and a 'show and tell' session by MARA members. Despite a technical issue with a wireless camera, the event was considered a success, raising over £6000 for Childline.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of belief, the interpretation of unexplained phenomena, and the methodologies used to investigate them. There is a consistent thread of questioning official explanations and encouraging an open mind towards paranormal possibilities, even when faced with skepticism. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific paradigms and the subjective nature of paranormal experiences. The issue champions the exploration of folklore, historical accounts, and contemporary sightings as valid areas of study, encouraging readers to consider that 'paranormal' might, in some contexts, become the 'normal'.

Title: Researcher
Issue: 13
Volume: 41
Date: January 1985

This issue of Researcher magazine, published by MARA (Merseyside Anomalies Research Association), delves into a variety of topics ranging from the disturbing realities of serial killers to detailed accounts of paranormal investigations and UFO sightings. The magazine serves as a voice for MARA members, welcoming articles, letters, and advertisements from both members and non-members.

Disturbing Human Nature: Serial Killers and Werewolf Hysteria

The issue opens with a stark exploration of extreme human behavior, examining the dark legends of werewolves and linking them to ignorance, superstition, and the emergence of 'vicious killing machines' who are ordinary people slipping into insanity. The article highlights several notorious figures:

• Richard Trentin Chase, the Vampire of Sacramento: Allegedly ate victims' organs to prevent his body from disintegrating.
• Albert Fish, the Bogey Man: Responsible for the terror of fifteen children in the 1920s, admitting to taking nine days to consume one child's entire body.
• Karl Denke of Silesia, Germany: Reportedly dined on sausages made from his victims' flesh.
• Andrei Chikatilo, the Soviet Hannibal Lecter: Admitted to eating the testicles and nipples of his victims, describing himself as a 'mistake of nature, a mad beast'.
• Jeffrey Dalmer: Ate his victims to feel them inside him.
• Nathaniel Bar-Jonah: A Montana-born paedophile who allegedly served the remains of children he slaughtered to friends and neighbours in burger form.

The text suggests that in simpler times, wild animal attacks were rare, but the emergence of psychopaths led people to seek explanations, merging fact and fantasy to create legends like the werewolf.

Merseyside Anomalies Research Association (MARA) Activities

The magazine extensively covers the activities of MARA, a non-profit organization founded in February 1996, dedicated to unbiased investigation and research into UFO and paranormal phenomena. MARA aims to collect and disseminate evidence and data, and cooperates with similar research groups nationwide.

Ongoing Investigations

MARA members are currently engaged in three long-term investigations of premises in Liverpool, including a pub, a community centre, and a location above a business premises, all with histories of reported paranormal activity.

• Business Premises Investigation: MARA member Maureen Kidd captured a 'weird light anomaly' in a deserted storeroom, which was not visible to the naked eye and is currently undergoing analysis.

Skywatches

• Halewood Skywatch: A MARA team, including Rob Bethell, Peter Tiernan, and Mark Rosney, attempted to observe the LITS phenomena but were forced to abandon their vigil after rain began to fall. They reported one UFO sighting, though the accompanying photo shows a raindrop.
• Thurstaston Hill Skywatch: On October 15th, 2005, a MARA team conducted a skywatch at Thurstaston Hill. Despite initial ideal conditions, a low-lying mist hampered viewing. They observed Mars and the moon but saw no UFOs. Several aircraft passed overhead.

Talks and Presentations

• Conspiracy talk at Widnes Library: MARA member Mike Jaega, with Janette Fleming, gave a talk on conspiracy theories, covering topics like the murder of Marilyn Monroe, Area 51, and the moon landing, encouraging audience participation.
• 'Life After Death?' talk: Mark Rosney delivered a talk at Halton Libraries on the evidence for and against life after death, discussing mediumship, reincarnation, past life regressions, ghosts, out-of-body experiences, and near-death experiences.

Broadcasts

• Tennantspin broadcast: MARA members John Hall, Rob Bethell, and Mark Rosney participated in a paranormal discussion show for The FACT funded Tennantspin project, broadcast via TV and the internet, covering a range of phenomena.

The Liverpool 'Lights in the Sky' Event (January 31st, 1985)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed account of an event that occurred over Liverpool on January 31st, 1985. The author, Blair Wilkins, recounts witnessing an 'incredible visitation' with his friend Neil Bancroft.

• Description of the Phenomenon: The event involved an 'exotic' arrival above the city in a 'welter of multicoloured light'. A magnesium-white, inverted cone or fan-shaped light-form extended upwards, and a 'vast wheel of rotating polychromatic radiance' was observed in the western sky. Light-rays emanated from an elliptical void within the clouds, described as 'spokes' of a wheel. The entire assembly revolved slowly clockwise.
• Sensory Experience: The author describes an 'awareness of sentience' and the 'presence of a communicative and somehow very friendly intelligence', experiencing 'Holy Terror' due to the exotic nature of the encounter.
• Witness Accounts and Official Response: The event was witnessed by thousands and reported on local radio stations, causing an uproar. However, a subsequent newscast was 'negatively contrasted', with people sounding 'upset and afraid', suggesting intimidation to downplay the event. The authorities attributed the phenomena to 'vandals' who had placed a beer-barrel, bedstead, and mattress on railway lines near Saint Michael's station. An electrical engineer consulted by the author dismissed this explanation as impossible for the observed effects.
• Investigation and Cover-up: The author and his friend Nick conducted their own reconnaissance, noting discarded railway track near where the light-form seemed to emanate. They found that a train driver had stopped his train and evacuated passengers, indicating a significant event that was not a simple short-circuit. Attempts to gain information from Saint Michael's station staff and local radio stations were met with suspicion and hostility, suggesting a deliberate cover-up by 'Department X' personnel.

Other Features

• Merseyside Youth Theatre & Actors' Centre: Advertisements for drama workshops and speech qualifications, highlighting the importance of communication skills for modern life and business.
• Debut Album Release: Information on Sarah Nelson's debut album 'Unpeeled' on WOMB Records, featuring 'Animal Hop', which was included in the John Peel Festive Fifty 2004.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unexplained, paranormal phenomena, and the potential for cover-ups by authorities. There is a strong emphasis on investigative journalism, with MARA members actively researching and reporting on their findings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging critical thinking and the examination of evidence, while also acknowledging the psychological impact of unusual experiences. The magazine also touches upon the importance of communication skills and personal development, as seen in the advertisements for the Merseyside Youth Theatre and Actors' Centre. The overall tone is one of serious investigation into subjects often relegated to the fringes of mainstream discourse.

Title: PSIMAN SAYS
Issue: 1
Volume: 1
Date: November 9, 2002
Publisher: Veacock
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of 'PSIMAN SAYS' presents a satirical comic strip that critiques paranormal investigation television shows. The cover story, "TODAY PSIMAN CO-HOSTS MOST HAUNTED WITH LIBBY MEADOWS...", sets the tone for the issue's humorous and critical examination of the genre.

Comic Strip: 'PSIMAN SAYS' - Most Haunted

The comic strip follows a fictional paranormal investigation show, seemingly a parody of programs like 'Most Haunted'. The narrative begins with PSIMAN and co-host Libby Meadows introducing the show, which is broadcast live from a supposedly haunted location. The participants, including David Wells, David Bull, Derek, Keiron O'Keefe, and Richard, are depicted in various stages of staged 'haunting' experiences.

David Wells is shown finishing his hair, and David Bull is preparing to put on his fake tan, suggesting the artificiality of the production. The comic humorously notes that the crew will "secretly laugh at Derek for over acting" and attempt to "get Keiron O'Keefe to smile," highlighting the performative aspect of the show.

The investigation takes a turn when the crew goes live to the cellar, where investigators Kenneth Williams and Richard Felix are interacting with a "broken central heating boiler," treating it as a paranormal entity. The dialogue suggests a pre-determined script, with one character asking, "IS ANYONE THERE?" and another responding, "ITS ANSWERING BACK, OH MY GOD, GHOSTS EXIST/ TELL YOU, GHOSTS EXIST..."

During the investigation, one participant exclaims, "DID YOU JUST TOUCH ME?" and another expresses discomfort, "I DON'T LIKE THIS. I LIKE ORBS, I DO!" This line directly references the common visual phenomenon of orbs often captured in paranormal investigations, and the speaker's preference for them over other potential phenomena.

The comic concludes by returning to the studio, where the audience is invited to "BOO AND THROW THINGS" at "DR MATHEW SMITH FOR DARING NOT TO BELIEVE." This highlights the show's bias towards sensationalism and its dismissal of skepticism.

The narrative explicitly compares the investigation to "A REAL SERIOUS INVESTIGATION INTO THE PARANORMAL OR A CRUDELY CONCOCTED MISH-MASH OF SCOOBY DOO, GHOSTWATCH AND THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT..?", underscoring the satirical intent.

Visual Evidence: Moving Cam Footage

Page two of the magazine displays photographic evidence, presented as stills from a "MOVING CAM" dated "09. NOV. 02". These images show a night sky over a residential area, with multiple bright orbs visible. The timestamp "00:40:11" and "00:39:06" are associated with these images, suggesting a real-time recording of an event on that date.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the critique of sensationalist paranormal television programming. Through satire, 'PSIMAN SAYS' questions the authenticity and methodology of such shows, contrasting them with genuine investigation and skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of amusement and critical observation, suggesting that many paranormal shows are more about entertainment and manufactured drama than factual reporting. The inclusion of the 'MOVING CAM' footage of orbs, juxtaposed with the comic's satire, might imply an acknowledgment of unexplained phenomena while still maintaining a critical eye on how they are presented in popular media. The issue champions critical thinking and questions the uncritical acceptance of paranormal claims presented on television.