Strange Daze - number 16

Magazine Overview

Title: STRANGE DAZE
Issue: 16
Date: June 1998
Publisher: NUFORI (Northern UFO Research and Investigation)
Price: £1.50

This issue of Strange Daze, a publication focused on UFOlogy and related phenomena, presents a diverse range of articles and news items. The cover prominently features an illustration of an alien head and headlines such as "Heart of Darkness Part III: UFO Nation," "An alternative to SETI," and "Let's get ready to RUMBLE! Albert Budden Challenges MAGONIA." The magazine also highlights "The EM Pollution Approach: A Showing of Evidence."

Editorial

In the editorial titled "SOMETHING FISHY," the editor, Dave Newton, reflects on his recent experience as editor of BUFORA's magazine, UFO Times. He describes the difficulties and internal politics within large UFO organizations, noting that the UFO Times job lasted only about nine months due to financial issues and a lack of member engagement with the BUFORA Bulletin. Newton expresses frustration with the persistent bickering and personality clashes within UFOlogy, suggesting that after 50 years, the subject still struggles with fundamental questions and organization. He calls for a re-evaluation of what UFOlogy aims to discover, the questions being asked, and how the study and its results should be organized and presented, lamenting that "awful (and I mean awful) lot wrong with the subject we call 'UFOlogy'."

Newton also addresses "A LITTLE BIT OF POLITICS," discussing the criticism leveled against BUFORA by a vocal minority, including Andy Roberts and Mike Wootten. He criticizes their approach of sniping from the sidelines rather than engaging in organizational processes like the AGM. While acknowledging BUFORA's need for improvement, he hopes the council will take constructive criticism seriously. Newton expresses concern that BUFORA might be "past the point of no return" as a driving force in UFOlogy, especially as interest in the paranormal may be waning with the decline of shows like "The X-Files."

He then turns his attention to Andy Roberts and his publication, "The Armchair Ufologist" (TAU). Newton recounts a past dispute involving Philip Mantle and the IUN (Independent UFO Network), where he claims Andy Roberts was responsible for sabotaging the printing of UFO Times by tipping off the designer about BUFORA's financial difficulties. Newton suggests Roberts' criticism of Strange Daze is a personal attack rather than objective analysis.

Jenny Randles' Offer

A section titled "AN OFFER FROM JENNY RANDLES" presents a letter from Jenny Randles dated December 3, 1997. She addresses a previous note by Dave Newton regarding missing money and copies of "Northern UFO News" (NUN). Randles explains a joint subscription deal between NUN and UFO Brigantia/IUN that aimed to offer subscribers a reduced price. She clarifies that NUN and IUN were separate entities, and she sent IUN subscriber details and payments to them. Randles details administrative problems caused by an IUN officer who allegedly failed to register joint subscribers, leading to complaints from NUN readers about not receiving Brigantia. She states she provided free subscriptions to those affected at her own expense. Randles notes that Brigantia folded, and the IUN collapsed shortly after Philip Mantle resigned. She expresses disappointment that the beneficial joint system failed and asks former IUN members, including Andy Roberts and Philip Mantle, to explain what went wrong. She offers a free one-year NUN subscription to anyone who paid the IUN for a joint subscription and did not receive their issues.

News Items

WELSH FAMILY ENCOUNTERS A CLOAKED UFO: On April 24, 1998, a woman and her two sons in Port Talbot, Wales, reported seeing unusual spiral shapes moving in a circular motion, describing it as an invisible spaceship with visible energy. The phenomenon hovered over an abandoned gas works before flying away.

STRANGE CRATER FOUND IN NORTHERN IRELAND: Ufologists are investigating a mysterious circular crater found on a farm near Belleek, County Fermanagh, in January 1998. The crater, initially filled with water, was later found to contain a 1.5 millimeter bead of glass, possibly from a meteor. This event coincided with reports of a "bright flash" in the area on the night a meteor struck Greenland.

A PRIMORDIAL PLANET IN TAURUS?: Scientists using the Hubble Space Telescope have potentially discovered a planet outside our solar system. Observations of the star TMR-1 in Taurus revealed a filament with a light source at its tip, suggesting a giant protoplanet with a mass of 2 or 3 Jupiters.

DUTCH UFOLOGISTS DISPUTE STORY OF NORTH SEA CHASE: Reports in British newspapers claimed a large triangular UFO was chased over the North Sea by RAF and Dutch F-16 jets. However, Dutch ufologists, including Andy Denne of A.U.R.A., have investigated and concluded that Dutch air force and radar stations detected no such object, suggesting the British reports were inaccurate.

Martian Face Update

MARTIAN FACE UPDATE: Scientists with NASA's Mars Global Surveyor program have concluded that the famous "Face on Mars" in the Cydonia region is an illusory formation. New, high-resolution images reveal a complex, hilly structure eroded by natural Martian processes, not an artificial monument.

MEANWHILE... HOAGLAND PRESSES NASA FOR MORE CYDONIA PHOTOS: Despite NASA's findings, Richard Hoagland, author of "THE MONUMENTS OF MARS," continues to advocate for an artificial origin of the Cydonia formations. He claims NASA possesses photographs that would shock Earth if released and accuses the agency of withholding data. Some scientists privately believe Hoagland is using the controversy to promote his work. Ardent Albee, project scientist at Caltech, explains the features as natural geological formations. However, astronomers like Tom Van Flandern suggest the patterns are so unusual that they are unlikely to be natural, though he doesn't subscribe to government cover-ups or alien builders.

The EM Pollution Approach: A Showing of Evidence

ALBERT BUDDEN presents his "EM Pollution Approach," which posits that UFO experiencers (CE4) exhibit a recurring syndrome of characteristics. He argues that the strength of any approach lies in its ability to predict occurrences. Budden outlines four primary parameters observed in experiencers:

1. Electromagnetic Hotspot: The experiencer lives in an area with significantly raised magnetic and/or radio-frequency fields, measurable by conventional instrumentation.
2. History of Psychic Experiences: Experiencers often report childhood psychic phenomena, such as seeing figures, ESP, apparitions, and out-of-body experiences.
3. Major Electrical Event (MEE): Experiencers have undergone significant electrical events like lightning strikes or ball lightning.
4. Electrical Equipment Malfunction: Experiencers cause electrical equipment to malfunction, with light bulbs burning out quickly and devices behaving erratically.

Budden mentions other parameters and objective tests, such as the Magnetic Response Test (MRT), developed to distinguish authentic experiencers from hoaxers, referencing the Christy Dennis case as an example of a fabricated abduction story.

CE4 Experiencers Investigated

Budden details investigations into two individuals:

1. ROSALIND REYNOLDS: A self-reported 'abductee' who appeared in media. Her house was found to be a "Hot Spot" near an electrical substation. She has a history of psychic experiences, including contact with an "inter-dimensional entity" and a bizarre UFO encounter at age 16 involving a ball of white light and electrical streamers. She also experienced ball lightning at age thirteen, constituting a Major Electrical Event (MEE). Electrical equipment malfunctions are common around her.

2. 'ALLY PALLY LADY': This CE4 experiencer's home is located within the critical distance of major radio-frequency transmitters, resulting in elevated EM fields. She reported "visitation" experiences at thirteen, involving communication with an entity, and a dramatic MEE. She also recalled seeing a lady named Bernardette appear beside her bed as a child. Her visionary episodes began shortly after an MEE, and she had a rambling account of meeting a young soldier who had died.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Strange Daze continues its focus on UFO phenomena, personal accounts of encounters, and critical analysis of the UFOlogy community. The magazine appears to champion independent investigation and evidence-based approaches, as seen in Albert Budden's article on EM pollution. There is a clear critique of internal politics and perceived lack of objectivity within established UFO organizations like BUFORA. The editorial stance emphasizes a desire for serious debate and a more organized approach to the study of UFOs, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by personality-driven dynamics and potential waning public interest. The magazine also covers news from around the world, including scientific discoveries related to exoplanets and updates on the Mars face controversy, demonstrating a broad interest in anomalous phenomena and scientific exploration.

Title: STRANGE DAZE
Issue: 16
Date: March 1984

This issue of Strange Daze focuses on the intersection of unusual phenomena, particularly Electrical Hypersensitivity (EH), and UFO experiences. It presents detailed case studies and explores broader themes related to consciousness, intelligence, and societal influences on ufology.

Case Studies of Electrical Hypersensitivity and UFO Encounters

Case 1: Unnamed Experiencer

The issue details several individuals who have experienced significant electrical events and related phenomena. One experiencer, aged thirteen, was near when a professional footballer, John White, was struck and killed by lightning. She heard a 'low crack,' felt a vibration, and experienced pain in her arm and neck. Her hair stood on end due to static, and she subsequently became highly sensitive to various substances and stimuli. This sensitivity is linked to a recognized clinical syndrome called Electrical Hypersensitivity (EH).

During an interview recording, loud electronic 'boing' noises were detected, a phenomenon found to occur with many experiencers. This is attributed to EH, where the subject emits fields. At Breakspar Hospital in Hertfordshire, EH is treated, and a diagnostic test involves placing tape recorders on patients' laps to detect static or related sounds. This experiencer also reported that a microwave oven affected her oddly, producing burn-like blisters on her skin, and she generally avoided electrical equipment.

Case 2: 'The Wheelchair Girl'

This experiencer, aged 14, had a CE4 (Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind) experience involving 'missing time,' which emerged via regressive hypnosis. While such cases are generally excluded from primary data due to their subjective nature, this one is presented as an exception to demonstrate the internal, visionary aspect of such recollections.

Hotspot: During her 'visitor' and 'paranormal' experiences, she lived on an American military base for four years. Such locations are noted as 'hotspots' due to powerful radar and radio-telecommunication systems.

History of Psychic Experiences: Throughout her childhood, she was associated with unusual events. During stressful periods, she could make the minute hand of electrical wall clocks move back and forth, a claim supported by family members. She also reported seeing dark humanoid figures described as 'solid shadows,' a common perceptual phenomenon.

Major Electrical Event: The UFO encounter is argued to have served as a strong electromagnetic exposure. The object, described as circular or spherical with bright bands of color, was seen low in the sky. The experiencer stood beneath it for about five minutes. It is suggested this was a typical unclassified atmospheric phenomenon (UAP), possibly produced by modulated field emissions from radar systems interacting with other field sources like geological microwaves.

Separately, at age eleven in the USA, while sitting in a truck parked beside a corrugated iron farm building, a storm caused a lightning strike on an adjacent building. A small electrical charge arced up through the truck floor, striking a ring she wore and causing a painful sensation. Even as an adult in her 30s, the skin under rings she wears becomes 'inflamed and scaly.' At fifteen, she was caught in a tornado in the USA, which can produce strong static charges and small lightning bolts.

Malfunction of Electrical Equipment: Quartz watches malfunction when she wears them. The article notes that the reader must be reminded that for the sake of identifying predicted parameters, the focus is on effects occurring during ongoing CE4 experiences or temporary proximity to such events.

Soon after her UFO encounter and 'missing time' event at fourteen, her family observed Christmas tree lights flickering on and off when she passed them, despite them not being plugged in. Even today, she is nervous and afraid of being electrocuted when using electrical appliances. She is now frequently confined to a wheelchair due to inflammations of the pancreas and liver, attributed to long-term EM exposure, leading to diabetic tendencies.

Case 3: Maria Ward

Maria Ward was featured in a Sunday newspaper and appeared on television and radio programs discussing her experiences. She confirmed her experiences during a meeting in 1994. While initially open to the EM pollution approach, she later adopted the view that she had been visited by alien intelligences. Due to this shift, objective features are used to assess her case.

Hotspot: Her house is located between two rows of power lines and within critical RF near-field distances of converging telecommunication masts. This environment is likely to produce the electromagnetic scenario described by a World Health Organisation report on the hazards of radio frequencies.

History of Psychic Experiences: She affirmed having psychic experiences.

Major Electrical Event: She showed photographs of orange balls of light that appeared in her house. The local environmental health authority detected a 'high magnetic field in my front room.' Proximity to such 'electric fireballs' constituted a major electrical event. She later saw and videoed orange balls of light near pylons. Her 35 mm prints were made into poster-sized prints.

Malfunctioning of Electrical Equipment: She affirmed this occurs.

Case 4: Linda Jones

Linda Jones experienced a close encounter with a crescent-shaped atmospheric phenomenon, followed by a CE4 type experience. While witness testimony was recorded, the article notes that without rigorous investigative procedures, such accounts can be dubious. However, circumstantial reasons suggest an objective light phenomenon was involved. Her present-day recollections differ from those recorded closer to the event, with early descriptions of a 'gondola-shaped light' and 'a huge light' evolving to a light mounted on structured landing gear with telescopic metal legs.

Hotspot: In 1979, the year of the encounter, a large CB transmitting antenna was located about 30 yards from her house, with power lines about 400 yards away.

History of Psychic Experiences: She answered affirmatively to a '25 Questions' questionnaire but did not provide details.

Major Electrical Event: She experienced significant domestic electrocution. At age seven, she was walking with her father in the same meadow where she later had her encounter and a lightning bolt struck the ground nearby.

Malfunction of Electrical Equipment: Reports that this occurs frequently in her presence, such as television channels changing spontaneously.

To Conclude: Electrical Hypersensitivity (EH) in Experiencers

The cases presented are typical of over fifty examined over four years, highlighting the presence of EH in experiencers. It is emphasized that over twenty other parameters can be predicted, though not all occur in every case. This syndrome is identified as a cluster of effects that occur with sufficient regularity to make investigation routine. The presence of these effects is robust and noticeable to investigators who know what to look for.

While a major electrical event (MEE) might seem easy to identify, the article notes that some experiencers may not have clear MEEs, even if they have experienced other phenomena like lightning strikes. Miscommunication is identified as a barrier, especially if exploration is biased. The EH syndrome is not applicable to individuals who merely report UFO sightings, as most are misidentifications. The article refutes the idea that close encounter witnesses do not display these characteristics, stating that EH identifies health, environmental, and consciousness effects of those having alien abduction or 'visitor' experiences.

Albert Budden Challenges Magonia: The Hutchison Effect

This section addresses an article by John Rimmer in 'Magonia' that dismissed the 'Hutchison Effect' as a hoax. The Hutchison Effect, discovered by Dr. John Hutchison in 1981, involves a cluster of physical effects occurring from the simultaneous operation of various electrical apparatus, including levitation of objects, bending of metals, and luminous effects. The device has been investigated by scientific and technical organizations worldwide.

Albert Budden challenges John Rimmer to a £1000 bet, asserting that the Hutchison Effect is genuine. He proposes an independent legal/scientific agent to decide the issue, with the loser paying the fee. If Rimmer accepts within four weeks, it will be presumed he accepts the authenticity of the effect.

An Alternative to SETI: Search for Intra-Dimensional Intelligence (SIDI)

J. N. McKie, M.Th., FRAS., presents an alternative approach to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). He references a 1994 announcement about the commencement of a multinational program to hunt for extraterrestrial life using radio telescopes.

McKie outlines 'Suggested Causes of the Apparent Absence of Extra-Terrestrials' based on a paper by Glen David Brin, including categories like SOLITUDE, QUARANTINE, MACROLIFE, and SENIORS ONLY.

He states his support for the SETI program but proposes a different approach: a Search for Intra-Dimensional Intelligence (SIDI). This approach looks 'inward' rather than 'outward,' drawing inspiration from historical figures like Ptolemy but with a new agenda.

McKie's interest stems from his 1974 Master's Thesis on 'A Scientific Approach to the Problem of Personality Survival after Physical Death.' His research examined the 'vehicles' for the containment and expression of personality, including intelligence, memory, and emotion. He explored questions about life after death and the possibility of life without a physical body, referencing St. Paul's concept of two bodies: one physical and corruptible, the other 'glorified' and incorruptible.

His research involved examining material from High Energy Physics to ancient and modern views in religious, philosophical, and esoteric fields. He realized that much of this material had applications to SETI but from a different perspective. He posits that intelligent entities might emanate from 'intra-dimensionally' and not necessarily possess a corporeal body.

McKie draws parallels between his research and the work of John C. Lilly, a neurophysiologist who studied dolphins and sensory deprivation. Lilly's 'Dark Tank' method involved floating subjects in a water tank, which, instead of shutting down consciousness, led to more vivid experiences. Lilly's own experiences included encountering large beings and strange life forms.

He also discusses the work of Puharich, who studied 'The Biology of the Irrational.' Puharich had a subject who could exteriorize consciousness at will. McKie notes that Puharich's work deals with the biochemistry and physics of paranormal experiences.

McKie references the concept of 'Mobile consciousness,' 'Remote viewing,' and 'Out of the Body Experiences' (OBEs), citing modern studies by reputable researchers. He mentions John C. Lilly's work and his 'Dark Tank' method, where subjects experienced vivid realities and encountered 'entities.'

He also touches upon Puharich's studies on 'The Biology of the Irrational,' mentioning a subject capable of exteriorizing consciousness. McKie highlights that Puharich's work examines the potential for contact with other intelligences and methods for achieving it.

McKie then discusses the phenomenon of 'voices' appearing on recording tapes, citing Dr. Raudive and Friedrich Jurgenson's work in 'Breakthrough.' He notes that these voices, appearing at twice normal speed, could be understood and seemed to respond to invitations to manifest. A physicist suggested that if discarnate entities existed in a dimension starting at the speed of light, it could explain the anomaly. Lutheran Pastor and physicist Voldemar Rolle commented on the possibility of 'free life energies' being decelerated to the speed of light, bringing them into our inertia system. Dr. Theo Locher suggested that these voices might be those of the deceased, referring to conversations and answering questions.

The Catholic Church, through theologians like Mgr. Prof. Dr. Charles Pfleger, is willing to consider this new evidence concerning the nature of life hereafter, acknowledging that Christian theology is vague on this subject. McKie suggests that if the Church can re-examine its faith, scientists should too.

He then discusses the possibility of 'Subliminal Psychic (?) Images on your Television Screen,' noting that while images are subliminal and require frame-by-frame analysis, they can capture 'faces' and figures not always of human appearance.

McKie argues that the work mentioned, dating from the 1960s to early 1980s, is relevant. He cites Archie Roy, Professor of Astronomy, who advocates for an open mind regarding strange phenomena, stating that dismissing them as fraud or delusion requires assuming that hundreds of reputable, intelligent people are consistently mistaken.

Roy argues that in difficult areas of scientific research, structures invisible to direct observation can be deduced indirectly, citing examples like Neptune and Black Holes. He suggests that these phenomena belong to a level of reality where everyday language is inapplicable.

Mckie references Glen David Brin's paper 'The Great Silence,' suggesting that the 'Great Silence' might be akin to a child's nursery where adults speak softly to avoid disturbing the infant's dreams.

He proposes that it is time to use human intelligence and curiosity to explore ourselves. He finds coherence between the experiences of scientists and mystics, suggesting parallel rather than contradictory results when differences in epoch, culture, and vocabulary are accounted for.

McKie quotes Lilly as a 'scientific explorer' loyal to objective exploration and verifiable theory. Lilly's work suggests the universe created a part of itself to study the rest, and that this part, in studying itself, finds the universe in its own natural realities.

Heart of Darkness: Xenophobia, Racism and Fascism in Ufology Part III: Nation UFO!

David Sivier's essay examines the origin and continuing influence of Fascism and racism on Ufology. He notes that UFO sightings increase during times of national tension and fear. Fascism and Nazism emerged as irrationalist responses to perceived threats from organized labor, democracy, scientific rationalism, and feminism. Sivier suggests that similar fears and paranoia now coincide with Ufology.

The abduction hysteria, which began in the 1970s, coincided with declining public confidence in the American government after Watergate, the oil crisis, and political unrest. The phenomenon grew in the 1980s with books by Strieber and Hopkins amidst a renewed Cold War and the perceived threat of radicalized Islam. Despite the fall of Communism, the West's economic decline, Middle East terrorism, and resentment of immigration have fueled these anxieties.

Domestically, Western politics are in crisis, with low confidence in government due to revelations of secret experiments involving LSD, syphilis, and radiation. Politicians' moral conduct, exemplified by scandals, has further eroded integrity.

Sivier notes that these fears have entered Ufology. In France, despite a healthier economy, cultural influence has shrunk, and concerns about American cultural dominance exist. This has led to calls for banning English and replacing English words with French neologisms. Controversies over blasphemy and headscarf bans mirror similar societal tensions.

Unemployment and resentment of immigration are rising. Jimmy Guieu, a French ufologist, has become a friend of M. Le Pen of the Front National. The article in 'The Times' (December 1997 - January 1998) reported that 'The X-Files' is popular among Front National members, reflecting their occult interests and paranoia. This is surprising, as 'The X-Files' was criticized by the right-wing media watchdog 'Accuracy In Media' for its supposed liberal and left-wing bias, as the series often sides with immigrants and marginalized groups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Strange Daze consistently explores the multifaceted nature of unusual phenomena, particularly the link between electromagnetic phenomena and human consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded scientific inquiry, encouraging the investigation of evidence from various fields, including parapsychology and esoteric studies, alongside traditional scientific methods. There is a clear emphasis on the potential for internal, intra-dimensional experiences and a critique of purely materialistic or reductionist approaches to understanding consciousness and intelligence. The magazine also takes a critical look at how societal anxieties and political ideologies can influence and be reflected in the study of ufology.

This issue of STRANGE DAZE, number 16, delves into the complex and often disturbing intersections of Fascism, ufology, and conspiracy theories. It examines how elements of Fascist and neo-Nazi ideology have infiltrated and influenced the UFO community, as well as exploring various radical groups and their adoption of ufological themes. The publication also scrutinizes controversial topics such as the 'alien autopsy film' and pyramid mysteries.

Nazi Flying Saucers and Propaganda

The article begins by discussing the influence of neo-Nazi propagandists like Ernst Zundl and Wilhelm Landig on the mythology of Nazi flying saucers. It notes the popularity of these ideas, particularly among those who see powerful Americans as the antagonists, aligning with anti-government and anti-elite sentiments. The influence of the LaRouche organisation and potential connections to the Ummo hoax are also mentioned, highlighting how such associations can tarnish the reputation of ufology.

The issue notes a connection with Italian Fascism, distinguishing it from German Nazism. It mentions Giuseppe Belluzzo, an aeronautical engineer and Fascist senator, and Renate Vesco, who published an account of Nazi saucer research. The political climate in Italy during the late 1960s, marked by Fascist violence, is discussed in relation to Vesco's work, suggesting a possible agenda of promoting suppressed Fascist technology.

Australian Connections and the QDW Association

Australia is presented as a location where Fascist ideas and ufological concerns have converged. The QDW Australia ssociation is highlighted as a group proclaiming itself to be an association of the 'remaining white race of Atlantis'. This group believes that UFOs are not extraterrestrial but are built on Earth, and they see themselves facing 'another enemy...the New World Order'. Their educational courses and seminars, which enforce strict rules on attendees, are described as indicative of a neo-Nazi organization incorporating modern ufological themes into its ideology.

David Icke and White Supremacist Links

The article draws a link between this form of Nazism and David Icke. Duncan Roads, editor of Nexus, is mentioned as a friend of Robert Pash, a former member of the white supremacist group Aryan Nations and editor of New Dawn. The influence of figures like Icke and the content of publications like Nexus are discussed in relation to the spread of conspiracy theories, including the antisemitic forgery, the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.

The 'Alien Autopsy Film' Controversy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 'alien autopsy film' attributed to Ray Santilli. The author notes its widespread screening on television and video, but also highlights the existence of unreleased footage, including 'tent footage' and another autopsy film. Critics suggest that the clearer, unreleased versions might reveal the 'aliens' to be special effect dummies, thereby discrediting the film's authenticity. Ray Santilli maintains that the film will be released when the time is right, citing the sensitive nature of the examination of the creature's vagina as a reason for the delay of the second autopsy film.

Pyramid Mysteries and Edward Leedskalnin

The issue includes a review of Colin Wilson's book "From Atlantis to the Sphinx," which explores research on the Giza pyramids and the Sphinx. The review focuses on the mystery of how the ancient Egyptians moved massive stone blocks. It introduces Edward Leedskalnin, an eccentric who built the Coral Castle in Florida using heavy stone blocks, and whose theories on magnetic levitation are discussed. The article notes that Leedskalnin's work predates modern magnetic levitation technology and that the ancient Egyptians possessed advanced astronomical knowledge, including pi and precession.

Fascist Infiltration and Ufological Debates

The article examines accusations of Fascist infiltration within British ufology, particularly concerning organizations like BUFORA. It discusses individuals like George Spurgeon and Patrick Harrington, who are described as having Fascist leanings and using ufological platforms for their views. The role of magazines like UFO Magazine and Fortean Times in publishing material with racialist or nationalist undertones is also addressed, along with the magazine's policy on censorship.

Conspiracy Theories and Civil Liberties

The broader landscape of conspiracy theories is explored, including the influence of figures like Eustace Mullins and his antisemitic views. The article touches upon the paranoia surrounding the Masons and the Illuminati, linking these to historical antisemitic narratives. It raises concerns about civil liberties, particularly in relation to government surveillance and the potential for state-sponsored disruption of radical groups.

The British vs. American Ufological Landscape

Compared to America, British ufology is presented as being relatively untainted by Fascism and racism. The article suggests that Britain has not experienced the same level of scandals or the trauma of losing a war, leading to greater confidence in the status quo and a less violent paramilitary reaction. However, it acknowledges that the influence of Fascist and antisemitic ideas is present, often imported from American and Australian racist fringes.

Combating Extremist Influence

The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of awareness regarding the provenance of information in ufology. It calls for vigorously challenging extremist material at every level and denying purveyors an outlet in decent ufology, stating that "The price of liberty is eternal vigilance."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive influence of Fascist and neo-Nazi ideology on conspiracy theories and ufology, the spread of antisemitic tropes, and the debate surrounding the authenticity of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, aiming to expose and challenge extremist elements within the ufological community while upholding principles of freedom of association and expression, albeit with a strong emphasis on vigilance against the infiltration of such ideologies.

Title: STRANGE DAZE
Issue: 16
Date: June 1998
Type: Magazine

This issue of STRANGE DAZE, number 16, dated June 1998, primarily focuses on a debate within the UFO research community, specifically between Tim Matthews and Kevin McClure. The magazine also includes reviews of other publications, announcements, and comic strips.

Debate: Tim Matthews vs. Kevin McClure

The central article is written by Tim Matthews, who addresses a letter from Kevin McClure that critiques Matthews' report titled "Flying Saucers - Secret History!". Matthews defends his research, asserting that McClure's criticisms are misleading and based on guilt by association. Matthews clarifies that his report makes only brief and negative mentions of Renate Vesco, shows no interest in "feuerball" or "kugelblitz" aerial devices, and only briefly touches upon the "Nazi" UFO topic negatively.

Matthews argues that McClure's claims about his work relying on "extreme right-wing material" and the "Nazi Polar/Antarctic myth" are false. Instead, Matthews states that his report primarily deals with post-war developments supported by declassified intelligence documents. He refutes McClure's assertion that his sources are limited to the "occult, paranormal and Ufological fringes" by pointing to books like Robert Jungk's "Brighter Than a Thousand Suns" and David Masters' "German Jet Genesis", which note the existence of German flying discs.

Matthews presents evidence from declassified documents, including a US Air Intelligence Report (100-203-79) from 1948, which stated that the Horten flying wing aircraft (an advanced German technology) resembled postwar flying objects. He also quotes a declassified CIA document from October 1955, which indicates that John Frost's "Project Y" for a flying disc originated from a group of Germans after World War Two. Matthews criticizes McClure for ignoring this evidence and engaging in personal attacks rather than genuine investigation.

Matthews also addresses a list of books McClure suggested for research, noting that only one was referred to negatively in his report. He asserts that "Sufficient caution" has been exercised by himself and other researchers like Bill Rose and John Locker. He highlights that over 300 pages of US Army documents released in 1994 emphasize the importance of German origins for UFOs. A Counter Intelligence Corps document from November 1947 is quoted, suspecting that flying objects seen were developed from original German plans and experiments conducted before the capitulation. The document also mentions construction models being built for wind tunnels and the need for discretion.

Matthews further mentions the AS6 V1, a German circular wing aircraft that flew in 1943/44, and states that his report includes a photograph of it. He also discusses Projects Y/Y2, P724, and WS606 as variants of flying discs developed under the influence of Dr. Walter Miethe, who worked at BMW near Prague.

Matthews concludes that the UFO "movement" is difficult to take seriously due to its participants' focus on "aliens or not" arguments and earth lights research, suggesting that the truth of his research is unpopular. He poses two questions: 1) Could the US and allies have developed advanced/unconventional aircraft from 1946 onwards? and 2) Would secrecy surrounding them relate to their ultimate use? He answers both with a 'YES'. He suggests that this information is not readily available in mainstream sources and that the real story might be the development of circular and delta-wing aircraft flown under the radar while researchers focused on alien stories and personal attacks.

Other Articles and Features

Recommended Reading:

• Albert Budden's new book, "Electric UFOs - Fireballs, Electromagnets and abnormal states", published by Blandford, is announced for August, priced around £10. Budden also authored "The Poltergeist Machine - The Hutchison Effect".
• Rattler's Tale, a publication by Anthony North, is described as an interesting and curious read with short stories and articles on thought-provoking subjects, costing £4 for 4 issues.
• Colors magazine is praised for its superb photography and interesting commentary on offbeat material, though it is noted as expensive at £4 per issue and bi-monthly. Its website is http://www.colorsmagazine.com.
• Robin Ramsay's "Lobster" magazine, an eye-opening conspiracy magazine, is also mentioned.

Exchange Magazines:

The author thanks everyone who sends their magazines and lists several exchange magazines, including:

• "Cover Up" by David Colman
• "The Researcher" by Anthony Eccles
• "OVNI" by Omar Fowler
• "Phenomenal News from Scotland" by Ron Halliday
• "UFO Afrinews" by Cynthia Hind
• "Awareness" by Brian P. James
• "Abduction Watch" by Kevin McClure
• "INUFOR Digest" by Moira McGhee
• "NARO Minded"
• "Northern UFO News" by Jenny Randles
• "deville's Advocate" by Mike White

SPI Branches Out:

Malcolm Robinson is expanding Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI) by starting an English branch in London. Contact details for SPI England and SPI Scotland (managed by Billy Devlin) are provided.

Music Plug:

A plug is given for the band SERVOTRON, a spin-off from Man or Astroman. Their CD is recommended, particularly the track "I sing! The body Cybernetic".

Comics:

• "Abduct Shaun": A comic strip depicting a character named Shaun being abducted by aliens. Shaun experiences fear and confusion, is told he must participate in experiments, and later seeks contact with "Dr Leon Sprinkler". The comic also touches on the idea of "benevolent visitors" and the importance of keeping experiences secret. It mentions Warner Bros making a film about an experience and "Shaun's Story" being a bestseller.
• "Heck's Files": This section contains two comic strips.
• The first, titled "M.O.D. CASE 1a", shows a scene in an ATC Monitor Room where an "INTRUDER ALERT" is issued, followed by pilots discussing a fast-moving object (Mach 4-5).
• The second, titled "M.O.D. CASE 1b", depicts a debriefing room after a live firing exercise. Pilots report escorting something down onto ranges. An "official visitor", Captain Black, questions the pilots about their origin, revealing they were trained and imported from the U.S. The strip ends with a sarcastic exchange about "black hearted baboon". The artwork is signed "Mik* 1996".

Cover Feature:

The cover features the headline "ROSWELL DOGS 18" and subtitled "THREE BRITISH UFOLOGISTS SEARCH FOR THE DARK SECRETS HIDDEN AT AREA 51", listing Leslie Grantham, Tim Roth, and Albert Finney. The image shows three men in a stark landscape with a vintage car and telescope.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical but open-minded approach to UFO research, often challenging mainstream narratives and debunking efforts. There is a clear emphasis on investigating alleged government cover-ups and the possibility of advanced, possibly reverse-engineered, technology from historical sources, particularly German wartime developments. The editorial stance appears to favor researchers who delve into declassified documents and historical evidence, while criticizing those who dismiss such research or engage in personal attacks. The inclusion of various comic strips and plugs for other media suggests a desire to engage readers with the subject matter in diverse ways, from serious investigation to entertainment.