Strange Days - number 3

Magazine Overview

Title: Strange Days
Issue: Number 3
Date: Sept/Oct 1994
Type: A Journal of Ufology

This issue of "Strange Days" presents a collection of articles and reviews focused on UFO phenomena, with a particular emphasis on cases from the North East of England and analyses of recent UFO literature. The cover features an image of the US Capitol building, with a caption attributing UFOs over Washington to light reflections, and includes the magazine's logo and issue details.

Editorial

Dave Newton, the Editor, introduces issue number 3 as a "review special," highlighting the abundance of interesting new books and magazines on UFOs produced recently. He encourages readers to consult the review section before purchasing. The editorial also mentions a review of a lecture given by Charles Halt in Leeds concerning the Rendlesham Forest case. Newton notes the impact of the "I was raped by aliens" story in The People newspaper, suggesting it has brought unusual tales to light. He thanks various contributors, including Gloria, Graig, Ken, Roy Andersen, George, Paul Cabby, and Phil Waterhouse, and urges readers to submit news, snippets, comments, and articles.

Contents

The table of contents lists the following sections:

• Editorial (Page 3)
• News (Page 4)
• From the modem (Page 5)
• Hoax? Gulf Breeze (Page 6)
• North East Case Report: "Steve Robbins" (Page 8)
• UFO Code Words (Page 11)
• Reviews: The Colonel Halt lecture (Page 12), "I was raped by aliens" (Page 14), Without Consent (Page 15), Allergies and Aliens (Page 16), Magazines and other reviews (Page 20)
• Letters: Roy Andersen replies to Strange Days No 2 (Page 23)
• Competition (Page 28)

News and Meetings

Next NUFORI Meeting: A provisional date of Saturday, January 28th, has been set for the next NUFORI meeting. Interested individuals are asked to contact Gloria Dixon. The frequency of large meetings will be reduced due to a lack of constructive discussion, with attendees primarily discussing UFOs and coffee. "Strange Days" will continue to provide updates on the activities of active investigators.

Subscriptions: To receive future issues, send money to the editor (D.A. Newton) to cover copying and postage costs. The cost is £1.00 per issue, with refunds for any excess. No money means no newsletter.

Christmas Party: An inquiry is made about interest in a NUFORI Christmas party. Those interested should contact Craig Jackson by mid-October to help set a date and arrangements.

Local Cases

This section highlights recent cases, including the "Steve Robbins" story, which involves a UFO sighting, abduction experiences, and electrical interference. It is considered potentially more significant than the Mik Burley case, recently published in Phil Mantle's book "Without Consent." The Evening Chronicle reported a UFO sighting by Peter Nelson in Bellingham, with five photographs taken, though only one print has been successfully produced so far.

The launch of two new UFOlogical magazines is noted: "UFO Magazine" (Quest International), described as E.T. oriented, and "The New Ufologist," a serious journal of British ufology not affiliated with any organization. Both are reviewed later in the issue.

Television and Books

New television programs related to UFOs are mentioned, including "The X-Files," "Strange but True," an animated version of Budd Hopkins' abduction stories, and a "Network First" program on "the UFO cover up."

Dave Newton is compiling a list of books available for borrowing by NUFORI members for research purposes. Readers are invited to contribute titles to this list.

From the Modem

This section discusses the use of computer bulletin boards for information exchange, noting that many boards cover UFO-related topics. Articles available from "Strange Towers" include:

• "The Cultural Background of UFO Abduction Reports" by Martin S. Kottmeyer.
• A lecture on crashed saucers and government cover-up by Milton Cooper.
• "The Anomalous Events of STS-48" by Vince Johnson, concerning objects spotted by astronauts on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1991.

An article by Art Sobel, "Your Co-Worker Could Be A Space Alien," is highlighted, listing 12 signs to identify potential aliens, such as odd clothing, strange diets, bizarre humor, frequent sick days, and constant questioning.

Hoax? Ed Walters & The Gulf Breeze Sightings

This article critically examines the Gulf Breeze UFO case from November 1987. It details the initial claims of multiple sightings, UFOs on film, blue beams, and an alleged abduction and implant. However, it reveals that Ed Walters, the primary witness, had a criminal record, including forgery. Evidence suggests a model UFO was used to replicate photographs, and an eyewitness claimed to have seen Walters staging some of the pictures. The article cites sources like "UFO Magazine," John Spencer, and Jacques Vallee's "The Gulf Breeze Fiasco," concluding that the case should be treated with extreme suspicion, as most evidence points to it being man-made. Leading researchers have condemned the case as a hoax.

North East Case Report: "Steve Robbins"

This report, forwarded by Philip Mantle, details a series of strange incidents experienced by Steve Robbins, beginning in June 1981. The events were triggered by his sighting of a huge, cigar-shaped object at a petroleum plant. Robbins described the object as dull bluish steel with a pulsating white light, flying low and on a downward trajectory without sound. The sighting was corroborated by an independent security guard. Robbins also reported that his electrical appliances began to fail sporadically over several years, a phenomenon that colleagues joked was linked to his presence. He later experienced what he describes as "precognitive dreams," including visions of the Chernobyl and Lockerbie disasters, which have profoundly affected his personality and environmental concerns. He also reports an increased ability to know intimate details about people upon first meeting them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Strange Days" demonstrates a critical approach to UFO phenomena, particularly evident in the analysis of the Gulf Breeze case, which is presented as a likely hoax. The magazine also showcases local UFO investigations and personal experiences, such as the "Steve Robbins" case, which includes elements of sightings, alleged alien contact, and precognitive experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of diverse perspectives, while also maintaining a discerning eye for potential hoaxes and misinterpretations. The focus on "reviews" suggests an effort to guide readers through the growing body of UFO literature and media. The magazine serves as a platform for the NUFORI group and the broader ufology community in the North East of England.

This issue of UFO DATA, identified as issue 11, focuses on the complex and often controversial subject of UFOs, code words, and alleged encounters. The content spans various aspects of ufology, from military secrecy and technological speculation to personal testimonies and scientific theories.

UFO Code Words: Area 51, S-4, and MJ-12

The article "UFO CODE WORDS" by Craig Carl Jackson investigates the use of specific terms within UFO literature. It confirms the existence of Area 51, a highly secure military testing area in the Nevada desert near Nellis Air Force Base and Las Vegas, used for testing Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) and Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs) that resemble flying saucers. The article casts doubt on the authenticity of the 'MJ-12' document, a supposed piece of evidence for a government cover-up of a crashed saucer, stating it is "99% certain that it is bogus" due to inconsistencies in its classification codes, typeface, and letterhead.

Another code word, 'S-4', is discussed as allegedly being located 15 miles from Area 51 in Emigrant Valley. The author notes it's supposed to be an underground facility, possibly related to 'Project Gallieo', but found no evidence for this, questioning if it's a disinformation tactic. The article also lists other code names encountered in UFO literature, clarifying their origins: 'Project Moondust' refers to crash retrievals of man-made space objects, not alien ones; 'Project Snowbird' was a test flight of a man-made flying platform; 'Dreamland' is a genuine testing area for US military aircraft; 'Have Blue' relates to Stealth technology used on the F-117A stealth fighter; 'Grey Ghost', 'Spectre', and 'Harvey' are code words for the F-117A; and 'Aurora' is the name for a strategic reconnaissance aircraft, possibly the SR-75.

The author mentions researching 'Projects Sigma' and 'Red Light' and requests information from readers.

Steve's Experiences and Electrical Malfunctions

The issue begins with an account of 'Steve', who reported other sightings around the same time as those in the Hartlepool Mail, involving strange craft appearing and disappearing into Teesmouth. One report from the A-19 Service Station described a different shaped object observed the previous year in July 1980.

Steve also experienced malfunctions with most of his electrical appliances. Two engineers consulted stated that a power surge was an unlikely cause, especially as no one else in the neighborhood had problems. They suggested an oddball characteristic of the house's location on a different grid system might be a remote possibility, but the malfunctions occurring over three days made this improbable. The second engineer, Rob Burnett, emphasized the chances of this being due to a power surge were "zero per cent."

Steve's precognitive dreams and feelings about people have been emotionally traumatic since his experiences, altering his view of life. He has not reached a definitive conclusion about what happened.

The author opines that Steve described strange and compelling events during 1981/2, and while it's impossible to assess if they were interlinked, the coincidence of these events after his sighting at a petroleum plant, leading to bewildering and traumatic experiences, is puzzling.

The HALT LECTURE: A Personal Review

Craig Carl Jackson reviews a lecture by Colonel Charles Halt, the prime witness of the RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge case. The lecture, organized by Quest International, was held in Leeds on July 31, 1994. Colonel Halt, described as looking every inch an ex-military man, gave a history of his life and described the Bentwaters air base.

He recounted the UFO incident from December 1980: a craft, described as oval and red with a black centre, moved about 10 to 15 feet off the ground through the trees, dripping what looked like molten steel. It then shot upwards and split into five white objects that flew in different directions. Halt seemed genuinely mystified by the object and its behavior. He produced a plaster cast of a landing pad with pine needles. He also read a letter from UFOlogist Jacques Vallee, apologizing for an explanation in his book 'Revelations' that suggested the Bentwaters case was psychological testing, which Halt strongly refuted. Halt also denounced claims by Larry Warren about alien beings at the landing site, calling them untrue.

A question and answer session followed, where Halt confirmed awareness of an earlier UFO case at Bentwaters in 1956, finding it interesting that the 1980 incident was not the only one in the area.

Tony Dodd, Head of Investigations at Quest International, continued the afternoon's program, providing updates on current investigations. These included Iceland incidents with US and Russian navies chasing USOs (Unidentified Submarine Objects), British cattle mutilations (with a videotaped unusual object prior to one), and an abduction report of two women. Dodd also revealed news of an artefact found at an archaeological dig that produced moving holograms of Earth's history, including an image of a 'grey'.

"I WAS RAPED BY ALIENS!" - The People Newspaper Review

Ken Stephenson reviews an article from The People newspaper titled "I WAS RAPED BY ALIENS!" published on February 20, 1994. He agrees with the editor that a blank page might be a suitable response, but chooses to review it to address the popular press's treatment of ufology. He describes the article as "Excellent, all in all" as commercial, tabloid journalism, noting the effective headline and layout designed to sell copies and create interest. However, as investigative journalism, he felt it "notably lacked evidence."

The main story concerned Maria Ward, who claimed abduction and rape by aliens, supported by a medical report. Stephenson could not dispute her claims but expected The People to provide more substantiation, such as comments from medical staff or confirmation of the report's authenticity. He also doubted the validity of another story about Ros Reynolds, who claimed half her reproductive system was removed by aliens. Stephenson questions why such a story wasn't a lead item in global news, suspecting that the journalists may have found information that would have killed their story, and that the publication's approach was to present it as "popular tabloid journalism."

Reviews: 'WITHOUT CONSENT' by Carl Nagaitis & Philip Mantle

This review discusses the book 'WITHOUT CONSENT', described as exclusively devoted to abduction and missing time phenomena in Britain. It presents twenty-five cases of unusual and inexplicable events experienced by rational and credible people over a period of forty-five years or more, predating the term 'flying saucer'. The book explains the abduction phenomenon, its possible links to ancient mythology and folklore, and includes verbatim transcripts from hypnosis sessions. It also features photographs of unexplained UFOs and an 'entity' photograph from Ilkley Moor. The reviewer finds the book a "powerful hook" that will interest both serious researchers and ordinary people.

Other Reviews: Magazines

The Excluded Middle, No 3

This review describes 'The Excluded Middle' as an "absorbing, weird magazine from the United States." It is noted for its excellent artwork and desktop publishing style. Topics covered include near-death experiences, Robert Kennedy's saucer connections, George Hunt Williamson, Sun Ra, and Robert Anton Wilson on false memories. It includes a "Phil Klass is a Fink" car sticker. A year's subscription (four magazines) costs US$16.

Steamshovel Press, No 10

'Steamshovel Press' is another high-quality, small circulation magazine from the U.S. with a new glossy cover. It concentrates on conspiracy angles, featuring articles on the CIA, FBI, and the Bilderburgers, with a regular 'saucer section' that makes for interesting reading. Overseas subscriptions cost US$26 for four issues.

'ALLERGIES & ALIENS: The Visitation Experience: An Environmental Health Issue' by Albert Budden

This review examines Albert Budden's book, which attempts to provide a scientific explanation for the close encounter experience. Budden's theory posits that alien encounters are a mental phenomenon caused by the human body reacting to electromagnetic pollution from sources like power cables and transmitters. He suggests that people who are electrically hypersensitive may develop allergies and that their subconscious mind urges them to adopt a toxin-free lifestyle, manifesting as encounters with benevolent figures or aliens. This is presented as a self-defense mechanism against environmental stress.

The reviewer finds the theory persuasive due to its simplicity but raises several points of contention. The theory is challenged by the existence of close encounters reported before electricity was discovered. Budden counters this by referencing 'earth energies' at geological fault lines. The reviewer also questions whether electromagnetic signals are strong enough for non-electrically hypersensitive people to perceive and notes that ghosts might not be electromagnetic recordings. The concept of 'earth energies' is also questioned as potentially going beyond simple electromagnetism.

The review discusses Professor Michael Persinger's work on the brain's sensitivity to electromagnetism and the potential effects of powerful radio transmitters like the Soviet 'Woodpecker'. It questions the physiology of individuals who can pick up these signals and whether there's a difference in their brain structure.

The reviewer tests Budden's theory for falsifiability, suggesting that finding individuals who have had alien encounters but are not electrically hypersensitive and do not live near sources of electromagnetic pollution might be difficult. The article notes that phenomena like mysteriously moving objects and electrical devices switching on/off are often associated with contactees.

The reviewer disagrees with Budden's assertion that stray electric fields, magnetic fields, or electromagnetic waves can cause poltergeist-like activity such as moving objects or turning door handles, stating that the required field strengths would be too large. The reviewer also notes that lightning, a powerful natural electrical force, was not included in Budden's list of triggers.

Case of Steve Robbins

The issue mentions the case of Steve Robbins, who experienced a period of approximately three days where numerous household electrical devices malfunctioned only when he was in the vicinity. These malfunctions stopped abruptly. Electrical devices at his workplace also malfunctioned when he was present for over three years. Investigations by the electricity board found no power surges or unusual fields, and no other houses were affected. It is suggested that these problems were caused by Robbins himself, who became an "electric person," rather than external pollution. Unlike typical contactees, Robbins did not show physical symptoms of electrical hypersensitivity and had a happy childhood.

Budden's theory is mentioned in relation to Robbins, suggesting a personal field emitted from the body as part of an allergic reaction. The review suggests further research into how chemical changes during allergic reactions could produce electromagnetic fields. It also references Colin Wilson's theory that poltergeists may obtain energy from people with a "psychical substance" called "mana."

The reviewer concludes that Budden's theory tries too hard to explain too many things at once and suggests it could be more convincing if it focused on explaining one aspect of the visitation experience in detail first.

Notes and Further Reading

The issue includes notes referencing Paul Devereux's "Places of Power," a request for information about the "Woodpecker" signal, and articles on "Alien Encounters or Sophisticated Mind Control Experiments?" and "Psychic Warfare and Non-Lethality." It also recommends "What is this thing called Science?" by A.F. Chalmers and Colin Wilson's "Poltergeist!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO DATA consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena with scientific inquiry, military secrecy, and the sensationalism of popular media. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, seeking evidence and logical explanations while acknowledging the profound impact these experiences have on individuals. There's a clear skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those found in tabloid journalism, yet an open-mindedness towards genuine research and witness testimony. The magazine encourages reader participation and highlights the ongoing nature of UFO research, suggesting that many aspects remain complex puzzles requiring further investigation. Themes of electromagnetic phenomena, psychological effects of encounters, and potential government cover-ups are recurrent throughout the articles and reviews.

Nexus, Vol 2 No 19, is a high-quality alternative magazine, described as a combined Australian/U.S. effort with multinational contributions. It covers a wide range of fringe subjects, including ancient astronauts, alternative medicine, and conspiracy theories, often with a conspiracy slant. A one-year subscription costs US$40 for six issues.

Nexus Content

This particular issue of Nexus covers mystery rock carvings in Australia, a conspiracy history of the 20th Century by Jim Keith, and the Mars mission 'cover up,' arguing that the Mars Observer spacecraft was 'hijacked' to prevent it from beaming back pictures of the 'Face on Mars' and other alleged artificial features. It also touches upon the unproven link between HIV and AIDS, stimulating plant growth with electricity and sound, healing with magnets, and Free Energy.

Availability

The magazines reviewed are sometimes available in the U.K. from "Counter Productions" at PO Box 556, London, SES ORL, who offer a free catalogue of their books and magazines.

Reviews of Other Publications

The New UFO Magazine

Described as a revamped and revamped publication from Quest International, "The New UFO Magazine" is characterized as bright, glossy, and easy to read, with a strong E.T. orientation. The July/August issue (Vol 13 No 2) covers introductory UFO matters, including a history of UFOs, abductions, Project Blue Book, and the Aurora spy plane. The September/October issue features a double abduction case in Birmingham, more on the Aurora spy plane, an interview with Bob Oechsler, the Kecksburg UFO crash retrieval case (identified as Soviet satellite Cosmos 96), the X-Files TV series, and an examination of the McMinville and Gulf Breeze UFO photographs. However, the reviewer finds some articles too shallow, citing the continued touting of the Gulf Breeze photos as genuine without acknowledging controversy, and the inclusion of the 'hoaxed' UFO photograph from Tim Good's "Above Top Secret". The magazine costs £1.75.

The New Ufologist

This is a new quarterly journal, presented as the opposite of UFO Magazine, aiming to be a serious, Ufological Scientific American, not affiliated with any particular UFO group and not strictly based on the extraterrestrial hypothesis, though E.T. theories are not excluded. The first issue features articles by Paul Devereux, Albert Budden on ball lightning and cattle mutilations, Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles on Crop Circles, and a Jenny Randles investigation into a window area contact case. The reviewer expresses hope that this journal will succeed in providing the kind of serious British UFOlogy that is needed. The New Ufologist costs £8.00 for four issues.

Fortean Times (Numbers 75 and 76)

The June/July issue of Fortean Times covers a mix of weirdness, including penis severing and spontaneous human combustion. UFOlogically, it includes a review of Jim Schnabel's book "Dark White" by Hilary Evans and the first part of Peter Brookesmith's investigation into the "Grudge 13" affair. Brookesmith is praised as a top UFO writer. This piece investigates claims related to William English and the non-existent U.S. government Project Grudge Report Number 13, which supposedly details human and cattle mutilations, UFO types, alien autopsies, and an interview with a captured alien. English claimed to have examined a crashed B-52 bomber forced down in Laos by a UFO during the Vietnam War. The August/September issue continues Brookesmith's investigation, effectively demolishing English's claims. Hilary Evans investigates four cases of psychic contact with Martians from the 1890s, and Bob Rickard and Mike Dash look into satanic abuse scares and US court cases involving implanted false memories. The letters page is noted as a highlight. Fortean Times costs £2.00 per issue.

Video: "UFOS - The Evidence"

A 90-minute video featuring figures like Erich von Daniken, Johannes von Buttlar, Bob Lazar, and Tony Dodd. It uncritically presents classic flying saucer tales, including the Roswell crash, the George Adamski affair, and the Majestic 12 papers. The video suggests the Roswell crash might have been a secret military balloon for detecting Soviet nuclear weapons tests. It accepts most saucer stories, presenting conflicting alien types (tall, blond Nordics vs. small Greys) and links crop circles with stone circles and the Nasca lines. The reviewer finds it entertaining but lacking in real value.

Letters: A Reply from Denmark

This section features a letter from Roy Andersen responding to seven notes made by the editor in a previous issue concerning Andersen's articles on Zecharia Sitchin's work. Andersen defends his use of numbers and discusses Sitchin's theories about the Great Pyramid, suggesting it was built by 'gods' as a landing marker for spacecraft. He presents a diagram of a potential Anunnaki flight path after the flood, linking colossal monuments like those at Heliopolis/Baalbek to a specific landing grid.

Andersen also discusses the significance of the number 12,960,000 in Sumerian mathematics, relating it to the precession of the Zodiac houses. He addresses the editor's comments on Uranus and Neptune, referencing their Sumerian descriptions and the discovery of their characteristics. He critiques the interpretation of the creation story in the Bible, suggesting it was based on the Babylonian "Enuma Elish" and misinterpreted the planet Marduk as the god Marduk.

Regarding evolution, Andersen argues that the current understanding of DNA and mutation does not fully explain the rapid evolution seen in some species, particularly the jump from Neanderthal to modern humans. He also mentions the possibility of life spores being seeded on Earth by an extraterrestrial life force, as proposed by Francis Crick.

Finally, he discusses the video "ARE WE ALONE," noting NASA pictures showing water in the solar system and suggesting Venus may have once had oceans.

Editor's Response

The editor replies to points raised by Andersen, particularly regarding "pyramidology" and "pyramidiocy," cautioning against numerical trickery and asserting that while some mathematical truths might be found in pyramid dimensions, proving specific theories requires more than numerical coincidences. The editor questions the source of Andersen's 49,000 figure and challenges the assertion that ancient structures were built as a landing grid for spaceships, questioning the evidence for a 10th planet affecting planetary orbits 4 billion years ago.

The editor also discusses the nature of Uranus and Neptune, stating their reducing atmospheres and uniform temperatures are not conducive to life. Regarding Mars, the editor notes evidence of past liquid water but current cold conditions. For Venus, the editor attributes its high temperature to a runaway greenhouse effect and notes the presence of sulphuric acid droplets. The editor maintains that the driving mechanism behind evolution is still being investigated and that while DNA mutations can lead to beneficial changes, they usually result in less adapted organisms or death.

Competition

A competition is announced based on a headline from the Newcastle Herald & Post: "17,000 jobless are 'missing'." Readers are invited to submit the most amusing or surreal explanation for this phenomenon to win a mystery Ufological prize.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Nexus strongly leans towards alternative explanations for historical events, ancient civilizations, and unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in conspiracy theories, particularly concerning space missions and government cover-ups. The magazine promotes the idea of ancient astronauts and advanced ancient technologies, often referencing the work of Zecharia Sitchin. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting different viewpoints (as seen in the debate between the editor and Roy Andersen) while generally favoring unconventional interpretations of science, history, and ufology. There's a recurring theme of questioning established scientific and historical narratives, suggesting hidden truths and extraterrestrial influences.