Strange Days - number 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Strange Days
Issue: Number 2
Date: March/April 1994
Publisher: NUFORI Northern UFO Research & Investigation
Country: UK
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Strange Days" is the second edition of a journal dedicated to ufology and related mysteries. The cover features a striking illustration that blends ancient Mesoamerican iconography with a UFO, hinting at the magazine's focus on the intersection of ancient history and extraterrestrial phenomena. The main headline highlights NUFORI, the Northern UFO Research & Investigation organization behind the publication.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Editor D.A. Newton, welcomes readers to the second edition and expresses gratitude to those who contributed. Newton then launches into an "editorial rant" about dreams, their vividness, and how they blur with real memories. He discusses how the brain filters information and constructs a personal "reality tunnel," suggesting that our perception of truth is subjective and influenced by our existing knowledge and expectations. He posits that different interpretations of events are natural and that UFOlogists should recognize this subjectivity when investigating cases. Newton concludes by advocating for open-mindedness and collaboration to better understand different perspectives.

Contents

The magazine's table of contents reveals a diverse range of articles:

• Editorial: D.A. Newton's reflections on dreams and reality.
• News: A collection of recent UFO-related news items.
• North East cases by Gloria Dixon: Reports on local UFO incidents.
• Was Darwin only Half Correct? and Sumerian Cosmology by Roy Andersen: An exploration of ancient knowledge and its implications for human origins.
• Hoax! An article likely debunking or examining a hoax.
• The Roswell Alien Mystery and When UFOs are IFOs by Craig Jackson: A look at the famous Roswell incident and the identification of UFOs as Identified Flying Objects (IFOs).
• The Qabalah Decoded? by George Handleigh: An exploration of mystical traditions.
• Tunguska, 1908 by D.A. Newton: An examination of the mysterious Tunguska event.

News Section

The "News" section provides several brief updates:

• A man in West Yorkshire lost a bet that aliens would land by January 18th, 1994.
• Antonio Villas-Boas, known for his 1957 alien abduction experience, reportedly died in late 1992.
• A researcher has allegedly found a film showing the Roswell crash scene, with Steven Spielberg planning a movie titled "Project X" for release in 1997.
• A powerful thunderclap in Tyneside caused a brief panic, mistaken for a terrorist explosion.
• The People newspaper reported on an alleged alien rape.
• The latest SETI search has been cancelled after one year due to cutbacks, despite picking up promising signals.
• Jenny Randles has resigned as BUFORA's Director of Investigations, with Philip Mantle taking over.
• Philip Mantle is releasing a new book in August titled "Without Consent," focusing on missing time and abduction cases in the British Isles.
• A new book on the Rendlesham Forest incident by Peter Robbins and Larry Warren is also forthcoming.

N.E. CASE REPORTS

This section, by Gloria Dixon, details the first batch of North Eastern cases.

• Incident: A case involving a person identified as MB, who in 1978/79, while playing football, reported being hit, experiencing a bright light, restraint, and a sensation of penetration, leaving a scar. MB also had a history of paranormal experiences, including childhood visions and a traumatic upbringing.

Case Report: Cockburnspath Sighting

• Date: November 16, 1993
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Place: Cockburnspath, Berwickshire
• Investigator: Gloria Dixon

This sighting was reported by Philip Mantle of BUFORA. A fifteen-year-old student, TF, and her companions observed an oval object with red and green lights and a very bright white light, likened to a spotlight. The object was described as a "flying saucer" and was seen moving in a curving track at an estimated height of 500 meters. Another witness from Innerwick reported a similar object that evening. TF's drawing of the object was made possible by a bright full moon, though the editor and astronomer noted that November 13th, 1993, was a new moon, casting doubt on the visibility of the moon on the 16th. The investigator suggests the sighting might be a misinterpretation of an aircraft, such as a Tornado jet, or a helicopter operating from North Sea oil rigs.

The article includes a footnote emphasizing that approximately ninety-five percent of sky sightings are misinterpretations of normal objects, such as aircraft, stars, planets, meteors, satellites, weather balloons, and reflections. It promises more on IFOs (Identified Flying Objects) in the next issue.

Was Darwin only Half Correct? and Sumerian Cosmology

This section features two articles by Roy Andersen of Denmark, focusing on the work of archaeologist and biblical scholar Zecharia Sitchin.

• Ancient Knowledge: Andersen discusses Sitchin's research, which suggests that early civilizations, particularly the Sumerians around 6,000 years ago, possessed advanced scientific knowledge, including cosmology and astronomy, far beyond what is typically assumed for that era. This knowledge included understanding the precession of the equinoxes and the heliocentric model of the solar system, which were not widely accepted in Western science until much later.
• Sumerian Cosmology: Sitchin's work, based on Sumerian records, describes planets like Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, which were unknown to science until centuries later. He posits that the Sumerians gained this knowledge from a race of beings called the Anunnaki, who came from a planet named Nibiru approximately 445,000 years ago.
• Creation and Evolution: The Sumerian tale of creation aligns with Darwin's theory of evolution up to Homo erectus but then describes a genetic upgrading by the Anunnaki, leading to Homo sapiens. The Anunnaki are identified with the Nefilim in the Bible, and their influence is seen as imparting knowledge and spirit.
• Biblical Interpretation: Andersen highlights that the original Hebrew text of Genesis 1:26 uses the plural "Elohim" (Gods) and refers to "men" being created, contrasting with the singular "God" and "man" in later translations.
• Evidence: Sitchin's research is supported by NASA satellite photographs showing pyramids and a sphinx on Mars, suggesting ancient life on the planet. His books have sold millions of copies.
• Solar System: The articles touch upon modern astronomical discoveries, including evidence of water on various planets and the potential existence of a twelfth planet (Nibiru) in our solar system, which aligns with Sumerian cosmology.
• Medicine and DNA: The Sumerian knowledge of medicine is evidenced by their symbol of two snakes entwined, representing the double helix structure of DNA, for which Francis Crick received the Nobel Prize.
• Ancient Technology: The existence of a 3,500-year-old battery cell in a German museum is cited as evidence of ancient technological capabilities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Strange Days" consistently explores the intersection of ancient history, mythology, and unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. The editorial stance, as articulated by D.A. Newton, emphasizes critical thinking, the subjective nature of memory and perception, and the importance of open-minded investigation. There's a clear interest in ancient civilizations, such as the Sumerians, and their potential connection to extraterrestrial contact, as championed by Zecharia Sitchin. The magazine also features reports on contemporary UFO sightings and incidents, grounding the more speculative theories in current events. The overall tone suggests a belief in the reality of unexplained phenomena while advocating for rigorous, yet open-minded, analysis.

This issue of 'ARE WE ALONE? THE VIDEO' (Issue 11, dated 1993) is published by ANKI INTERNATIONAL and focuses on UFO phenomena, ancient mysteries, and alternative scientific theories. The cover prominently features the title and promotes the video film 'ARE WE ALONE'.

Zecharia Sitchin and Sumerian Cosmology

The issue begins with an article detailing Zecharia Sitchin's work on Sumerian cosmology. Sitchin's books and the video film 'ARE WE ALONE' present the writings of the Sumerians, who allegedly described their own story and the legacy of people from a planet NASA is actively seeking. The article highlights Sitchin's revelation of Sumerian cosmology, which includes their names for planets and their understanding of the solar system. Pluto was called US.MI ('He Who Shows The Way'), and it is suggested that Pluto guided someone entering our solar system from deep space, predating its discovery by 5,000 years. Earth was 'KI', the 'Seventh Planet', represented by seven balls and a crescent moon, counting inwards from Pluto. Neptune was 'EA' ('He whose House is Water'), and Saturn was 'ANSHAR' ('Foremost of the Heavens'). Jupiter was called 'KISHAR' ('Foremost of the Firmlands'), noted for its immense size. Sitchin is credited with proving that archaeology supports the reality of biblical writings, suggesting the Bible is an accurate historical account of mankind's development and its relation to 'THOSE WHO FROM HEAVEN CAME'. A diagram of the Sumerian Solar System is included, listing APSU (Sun), MUMMU (Mercury), LAHAMU (Venus), KI (Earth), DUGGAE (Moon), LAHMU (Mars), NIBIRU (Planet of the Crossing, with a 3,600-year orbit), KISHAR (Jupiter), ANSHAR (Saturn), GAGA (a satellite of Saturn that became the outermost planet, US.MI), ANU (Uranus), and E.A. (Neptune). The article encourages readers to learn more from Sitchin's film and books, 'The 12th Planet' and 'Genesis Revisited'.

Editors Notes

The 'Editors Notes' section addresses several points:

1. Numerical Trickery: It questions the significance of numbers like 195,955,200,000,000 in relation to the precession of equinoxes and the Great Pyramid's dimensions, suggesting such calculations can be used to prove almost anything.
2. Uranus and Neptune: It describes Uranus and Neptune as large planets with Earth-sized rocky cores and thick layers of water, ammonia, and methane. Neptune's blue color is attributed to methane/hydrocarbon atmosphere, not water.
3. Evolution: The note suggests evolution does not progress linearly but in 'sudden' leaps, with changes occurring over tens of thousands of years, and the driving mechanism is not fully understood, possibly involving aliens. It also notes the difficulty of fossilization.
4. Planetary Water: It states that Mercury is airless and hot with no surface water. Similarly, Venus, the Moon, Mars, and Pluto lack free water. Giant planets like Jupiter and Saturn have thick atmospheres, and while some moons may have liquid water, most is ice.
5. Planet X: Citing work by Myles Standish at JPL, the note states that 'Planet X' probably does not exist, and deviations in Uranus and Neptune's orbits were due to inaccurate mass calculations. Voyager 2's accurate data confirms their courses.
6. Baghdad Battery: The 'Baghdad Battery' is mentioned as an ancient electrical cell, but its low power output is noted, with a desire for more advanced technology like cold fusion cells.

UFO Incidents and Explanations

The Hopkinsville Goblins

This section recounts John W. Coates' investigation into the Hopkinsville Goblins case from August 1955. Coates interviewed ex-policeman R.N. Ferguson, who had investigated the case. Ferguson considered the witnesses 'not the most stable people' and found no substance to the story. A hole in a window screen, allegedly caused by gunfire, looked like it was cut with a razor blade. Ferguson also recalled a sci-fi film playing locally that week.

A related item, 'Hoax!', shows a photo of Stonehenge with a 'flying submarine' superimposed, suggesting it was hoaxed similarly to a previous 'Above Top Secret' photo.

The Roswell Alien Mystery

Craig C. Jackson discusses the Roswell incident, noting inconsistencies in descriptions of alien beings. These beings are typically described as small (3-4 feet tall) with varying skin colors and eye shapes, including large, pupil-less, slanted eyes and yellow skin. Jackson questions how these varied descriptions can apply to the same beings. He speculates that 'plastic' helmets might explain some features, and that black visors could be a form of protection for space travel. He also notes that the aliens' eyes might have been closed at the time of sighting.

Other Explanations for Roswell

Two alternative explanations for the Roswell incident are presented:

1. Military Operation: A staged military operation to distract from top-secret nuclear weapon testing, with the craft and alien beings being a ruse.
2. Fugo Balloons: Constructions made by the Japanese in World War II from a parchment-like substance, similar to material found at Roswell.

There are also rumors that Steven Spielberg is planning a major UFO film that may include genuine footage of the Roswell crash site, potentially ending years of speculation.

When UFOs are IFOs (Identified Flying Objects)

Craig Carl Jackson explores the idea that many early UFO sightings were actually new, revolutionary aircraft. The 'V'-shaped objects spotted in the early to mid-1980s were later admitted by the USA.F. to be the Lockheed F-117A Stealth fighter. Its Radar Absorbent Material (R.A.M.) makes it nearly invisible to radar. R.A.M. was also used on the Northrop B-2 Stealth bomber. These craft, with their 'sinister otherworldly look,' are suggested to be the source of many 'alien spaceship' sightings. The article mentions the Aurora 'spy-plane' as another example of a craft whose existence is denied by authorities. Jackson notes that sightings of these objects performing incredible maneuvers defy conventional flight patterns, raising questions about whether today's scientists have made breakthroughs or learned to operate alien craft. He concludes that whether these aircraft are man-made or extraterrestrial is open to question, but the area of UFO activity is astonishing.

The Tunguska Event (1908)

D.A. Newton details the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, a massive explosion over central Siberia that devastated over 770 square miles. Expeditions led by Leonid Kulik in the 1920s and 1930s, and later in 1957, found flattened trees pointing away from the explosion's center, but no crater. The explosion released an estimated 10-20 megatons of energy, far exceeding the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs. Evidence included flash burns, a brief fire, and a ballistic wave. The lack of meteoric material led to speculation, with parallels drawn to atomic explosions. Eyewitnesses reported a mushroom cloud, and the event caused bright nights for weeks. While a human-made nuclear explosion is considered unlikely, the possibility of an extraterrestrial source is explored. Dr. Zolotov suggested the explosion was deliberately caused by an advanced civilization. Other theories include a powerful laser beam from a distant civilization or a collision with a mini black hole. The explosion is noted to have left no trace of itself, with only burned trees and peculiar holes found.

The Revelstoke Event (1965)

Similar to Tunguska, an explosion of a large meteor occurred over Revelstoke, Canada, on March 31, 1965, releasing about 20 kilotons of energy. No meteorite fragments were found, but two patches of darkened snow contained less than a gram of powdered meteorite material, identified as a soft carbonaceous chondrite. This type of meteorite is fragile and likely exploded in the air, leaving microscopic fragments. The event was lucky not to cause major damage on the ground. The article suggests that such events occur yearly but often go unnoticed, and objects floating in space pose a potential threat.

Ancient Technology and Mysticism

The Qabalah Decoded?

This section, attributed to George Handleigh, discusses the Qabalah (Kabbalah) as a Jewish system of theosophy, philosophy, science, magick, and mysticism. It notes its reinterpretation in Christianity and its similarity to Gnosticism. The article focuses on the work of George Sassoon and Rodney Dale, who interpreted an obscure book called the Kabbalah as a description of a mechanical object, the 'Ancient of Days,' which allegedly produced manna for 40 years. They constructed a model based on these descriptions. The article recommends books like 'The Kabbalah Decoded' and 'The Manna Machine' by Dale and Sassoon. It also lists other books on related topics, such as 'Our Ancestors Came from Outer Space' by Maurice Chatelain and 'The Spaceships of Ezekiel' by J.F. Blumrich.

Book Recommendations

The issue includes lists of recommended books:

Editor's Choice: Top 10 Books on UFOs:

• Alien Liaison by Tim Good
• Earthlights by Paul Devereaux
• The Dark Gods by Roberts and Gilbertson
• Dimensions by Jacques Vallee
• Flying Saucers by Carl Gustav Jung
• The Flying Saucer Vision by John Michell
• Flying Saucers from Outer Space by Donald E. Keyhoe
• Strange Creatures from Time and Space by John Keel
• The UFO Handbook by Allan Hendry
• The Roswell Incident by Berlitz and Moore

Top 10 Books on weirdness:

• Cosmic Trigger by Robert Anton Wilson
• Focault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco
• Worlds in Collision by Immanuel Velikovsky
• Chariots of the Gods by Erich von Daniken
• The Spaceships of Ezekiel by Josef Blumrich
• The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail by Baigent, Leigh and Lincoln
• Supernature by Lyall Watson
• The Philadelphia Experiment by Berlitz and Moore
• The View over Atlantis by John Michell
• The Morning of the Magicians by Pauwels and Bergier

Top 5 Sceptical books on UFOs and weirdness:

• The New Apocrypha by John Sladek
• The Space Gods Revealed by Ronald Story
• Guardians of the Universe? by Ronald Story
• Some Trust in Chariots by Various
• Can You Speak Venusian? by Patrick Moore

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on human history and civilization, the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), and the reinterpretation of ancient texts and artifacts through a scientific or pseudoscientific lens. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional theories, particularly those presented by authors like Zecharia Sitchin, and encourages critical examination of evidence, while also acknowledging hoaxes and providing skeptical viewpoints through book recommendations. There is a strong emphasis on the idea that ancient civilizations possessed advanced knowledge and technology, and that UFO sightings may be linked to advanced aircraft or extraterrestrial visitors.