Strange Daze - number 9

Magazine Overview

Title: STRANGE DAZE
Issue: NUMBER 9
Date: MAY 1996
Publisher: NUFORI (Northern UFO Research and Investigation)
Price: £1.00

This issue of Strange Daze, the publication of NUFORI, presents a variety of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, paranormal experiences, and related research. The magazine has undergone an improved A4 size and layout, attributed to increasing circulation. The editor, Dave Newton, expresses a desire for the magazine to achieve high quality in both content and presentation, emphasizing value for money, well-researched cases with solid evidence, and acting as an open platform for new writers, particularly from the North of England. Humour is also noted as an element the editor tries to include.

Contents

The issue features an editorial, news, and several articles:

• Editorial: Discusses the magazine's improved layout, the editor's goals for quality and value, and critiques the writing quality in some UFOlogical publications.
• News: Reports on the cancellation of a BUFORA lecture in Newcastle, the departure of Malcolm Robinson from UFOlogy, and an upcoming one-day conference at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne titled 'JOURNEYS AND ENCOUNTERS'.
• The Feud Court: A section where the editor, Dave Newton, addresses a dispute with Paul Fuller, editor of The Crop Watcher, regarding the handling of 'private and confidential' correspondence.
• Northern Cases by Gloria Dixon: This section details several UFO and paranormal incidents from Northern England.
• Crossfell, Cumbria (1988): A witness reported a 'cloud' or disc disappearing, followed by the appearance of five tall, black-clad figures. Later, a bomber-like craft was observed, and a similar flight path was noted for a jet collision.
• Near Millom, Cumbria (1965): A family encountered a red, dome-shaped light with three small creatures. The baby son also had a separate encounter with a silver ball-shaped object.
• Shilbottle, Northumberland (1963): A witness and her father saw a massive object with lights shining down on their car, which then moved away rapidly.
• The Clementine Conspiracy by Dave Newton: This article, highlighted on the cover, questions what might be hidden about the Moon.
• The Urantia Book and Extraterrestrial Humanoids by Jay Dillon: An exploration of these topics.
• Reviews: Includes reviews of books or other materials.
• Conference reviews: Reports on Quest International in Newcastle and BUFORA in Sheffield.
• Letters: A section for reader correspondence.

Key Articles and Reports

The Clementine Conspiracy

This article, prominently featured on the cover, poses the question of whether secrets are being hidden about the Moon. While the full content is not detailed in the provided pages, its placement suggests it is a significant piece in this issue.

The Urantia Book and Extraterrestrial Humanoids

Authored by Jay Dillon, this article delves into the concepts presented in 'The Urantia Book' and their potential connection to extraterrestrial humanoids. The details of Dillon's arguments are not fully elaborated in the scanned text.

Case Reports from the North of England (By Gloria Dixon)

This is a substantial section detailing several intriguing cases:

1. Crossfell, Cumbria (1988): The report describes a sighting of a disc-like object and subsequent appearance of tall, black-clad figures. The witness also noted a bomber-like craft and a jet collision on a similar path, raising questions about warnings or unusual activity.
2. Near Millom, Cumbria (circa 1965): A family's encounter with a luminous object and small, non-human entities. The entities were perceived as benign. A separate incident involving the child and a silver ball object is also recounted.
3. Shilbottle, Northumberland (1963): A detailed account of a massive, luminous object observed by Joan A. and her father. The object emitted bright lights and moved with extreme speed, leaving the witnesses petrified.

News and Conference Reports

The 'News' section highlights the cancellation of a BUFORA lecture due to Malcolm Robinson's departure from UFOlogy. It also announces a one-day conference, 'JOURNEYS AND ENCOUNTERS', at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne on June 22nd, 1996, featuring speakers like Philip Mantle, Hilary Evans, and Iain Edgar. Conference reviews cover events by Quest International in Newcastle and BUFORA in Sheffield.

Other Noteworthy Items

• Malcolm Robinson Quits UFOLOGY: A report on the decision of Scottish UFOlogist Malcolm Robinson to cease his involvement in the subject, citing personal reasons and the Dunblane tragedy.
• Microwave Powered Flying Saucers: A brief mention of research into revolutionary aircraft that could potentially be powered by microwaves, possibly from satellites, and shaped like saucers.
• New Planets: Updates on the discovery of new planets orbiting stars 70 Virginis and 47 Ursae Majoris.
• Comets and Asteroids: Mentions the visibility of Comet Hyakutake and the anticipation of Comet Hale-Bopp, as well as calculations regarding the long-term movements of asteroids, including Eros.
• Satellites: Reports on the Chinese spy satellite's reentry and the Soho solar satellite's observations of the Sun's activity.
• Flying Triangle: A report from Morecambe UFO group about a captured video of a flying triangle.
• Tektites and Meteorites for Sale: An advertisement from Don Simpson offering tektites and meteorites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, alleged extraterrestrial encounters, and unexplained phenomena, particularly those occurring in Northern England. There is an emphasis on presenting firsthand accounts and encouraging detailed reporting from witnesses. The editor, Dave Newton, advocates for a more rigorous and evidence-based approach to UFOlogy, contrasting it with what he perceives as shallow or poorly written content in some other publications. The magazine also aims to be a platform for new researchers and includes a touch of humour. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unusual phenomena, with a preference for well-documented cases and a critical eye towards sensationalism.

Title: Strange Daze
Issue: 11
Volume: 1
Date: May 1996
Publisher: Strange Daze
Country: UK
Price: £2.50
ISSN: 1352-5470

This issue of Strange Daze features a prominent cover story titled "Aliens on our Moon?" and includes articles on UFO sightings, conspiracy theories surrounding space missions, and speculative ideas about extraterrestrial life.

Article: Eyewitness Account of Unidentified Lights

The issue begins with a detailed report from an eyewitness, referred to as 'Mr. F.', who describes observing two unidentified lights in the sky on a particular evening. He notes the objects' movements, including a zig-zagging descent and a U-turn, and provides estimates of their size and altitude. Mr. F. speculates on the nature of the objects, suggesting they might be spheres unloaded from a parent vehicle. The author of the article, while acknowledging Mr. F.'s analysis, questions the assumed altitude of the objects and notes the lack of corroborating reports from the same night, suggesting they might have been closer to the ground.

Article: The Clementine Conspiracy by Dave Newton

This article discusses the Clementine spacecraft mission to the Moon, highlighting its scientific achievements, including returning a vast amount of data and images. However, it focuses on the "Clementine conspiracy" theory prevalent in the UFOlogical community, which alleges that NASA and the US government are concealing data, possibly evidence of alien structures. The author contrasts the scientific availability of Clementine images with these conspiracy claims, suggesting that the spread of such beliefs might stem from ignorance rather than malice. The article also touches upon accusations of image manipulation and concealment, noting that while such accusations can be leveled at any official imagery, the Clementine mission's military involvement (run by the Department of Defence's Ballistic Missile Defence Organisation) makes it a prime target for such theories.

Discussion: Aliens on our Moon? by Richard Hoagland

This section delves into the claims made by Richard Hoagland regarding alien presence on the Moon. Hoagland's evidence focuses on the Sinus Medii region, citing glassy, artificial structures like "The Shard" and "The Tower," and an equilateral triangle shape in the Ukert crater. The author expresses skepticism, arguing that shapes on the Moon change dramatically and that large structures would cast detectable shadows. The article posits that any alien habitation would likely be underground due to the Moon's harsh surface conditions (extreme temperature differences, lack of atmosphere, and meteorite bombardment).

Article: The Urantia Book and Extraterrestrial Humanoids by Jay Dillon

This extensive article explores the concepts presented in "The Urantia Book" concerning extraterrestrial life within our Solar System. The author uses the book's statements as a working hypothesis to examine the possibilities of humanoid intelligence on other planets and moons. The Urantia Book describes a system with 619 inhabited worlds, and posits that humanoids are adapted to various environments, including those with extreme temperatures, different atmospheres, and energy intake methods. The article discusses potential nonbreather civilizations, suggesting that airless bodies like the Moon or moons of Jupiter (such as Io, Ganymede, and Callisto) could harbor such life forms. It explores how these beings might evolve and interact with their environments, and how they might perceive humans. The author also touches upon the idea of a 'quarantine' imposed on Earth and neighboring planets, potentially explaining why alien presence might be undetectable.

Reviews

The magazine includes several reviews of books related to UFOlogy and anomalous phenomena:

• UFO The Complete Sightings Catalogue by Peter Brookesmith: Recommended for its overview of UFOlogy and collection of classic encounters, though criticized for lacking a bibliography.
• Daimonic Reality by Patrick Harpur: A well-researched book covering aliens, UFOs, abductions, and other phenomena, but noted for its dense prose and potentially controversial section on crop circles.

News and Updates

Several brief news items and magazine updates are included:

• Northern UFO News: A bi-monthly magazine featuring news about Jenny Randles, case investigations, and a defense of BUFORA.
• Intelligence No 6: The latest issue from BUFOSC, containing articles on UFO cases, a faked assessment document, and pieces on how UFOs can appear and disappear.
• NARO MINDED Issue 1: A new magazine from the Northern Anomalies Research Organisation, noted for its good printing and variety of articles, with potential for future issues.
• UFO TIMES No 39: A positive review of this BUFORA magazine issue, highlighting an article on compulsive behavior in abductees and a report on identified UFO percentages.
• MAGONIA 55: Features an article by Kevin McClure on the potential damage of the abduction myth, particularly concerning children, and other pieces on suicide spots and reviews.
• Video Review: UFO ABDUCTIONS The True Story: A review of a double videotape pack containing interviews about a 1978 UFO sighting wave near Charleston Air Force Base.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the investigation of anomalous phenomena, and the intersection of scientific inquiry with popular beliefs and conspiracy theories. The magazine appears to present a range of perspectives, from eyewitness accounts and scientific analysis to speculative theories based on alternative texts like "The Urantia Book." The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to examine evidence and form their own conclusions, while also promoting critical thinking and debunking unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the critique of the Clementine conspiracy theory and the skepticism towards certain Moon anomaly claims. The magazine also highlights the importance of credible research and accurate reporting within the UFO community.

Title: Strange Daze
Issue: 9
Volume: 3
Date: August 1996
Publisher: Visual Corporation
Price: £2.50

This issue of Strange Daze magazine delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, featuring reviews of conferences, personal accounts of alleged encounters, and theoretical discussions. The cover art humorously depicts a grey alien expressing a desire to be a "light entertainer," setting a tone that balances serious inquiry with a touch of the absurd.

Video Review: "Hypnotic Regression"

The issue begins with a review of a UFO video that includes a hypnotic regression of Bill Herrmann, who claims to have been abducted by "small grey beings." The reviewer notes that the video suggests UFOs manipulate gravity and that radar interferes with their propulsion. Herrmann's account describes being telepathically guided to a quarry and taken aboard a Zeta Reticulum spacecraft. The reviewer finds Herrmann "annoying and somewhat smug" and questions the choice of contactee, humorously advising caution for skywatchers.

Conference Review: Quest International's UFO Magazine

This section reviews a conference held in Newcastle on April 6th, 1996, organized by Quest International. The reviewer expresses disappointment, finding the event "over the top" but leaving them "very unhappy."

Graham Birdsall's Overview

The first speaker, Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine, provided an overview of UFO history for novices. His talk covered Kenneth Arnold, Project Blue Book, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), British defense intelligence, government cover-ups, Aurora and Stealth aircraft, Area 51, underground tunnels, and Captain Zaghetti's 1991 aerial near miss.

Ananda Sirisena on Mars

Ananda Sirisena discussed the "Face and Monuments on Mars." The reviewer found this presentation unconvincing, attributing any perceived faces or pyramids to the natural erosion and features of the planet's surface.

Tony Dodd's Presentation

Tony Dodd's presentation is described as a "triumph of rumour and heresay over solid evidence," which the reviewer found surprising coming from a former policeman. Dodd spoke of numerous animal mutilations, including sheep in a Scottish village and seals in the Orkneys, with heads surgically removed. He also mentioned a human mutilation from Brazil, supported by gruesome slides. Dodd discussed "greys" abducting humans for experiments, mentioning "scoop marks" and implants. The reviewer criticizes the lack of evidence, names, and verifiable details, questioning the existence of surgeons who performed these procedures and the abductees themselves.

Dodd also touched upon rumors of missing Stealth ships, alien USOs mining the ocean floor, government collusion with aliens, alleged death threats, and the Kalahari UFO crash, which most ufologists now believe did not happen. He claimed to have spoken to the South African woman who allegedly autopsied a dead alien.

The reviewer summarizes Dodd's message as: 1. Aliens will kill and mutilate pets. 2. They will abduct you and perform experiments. 3. The government will ensure you can't stop them. The reviewer dismisses this as "twaddle" and criticizes it for allowing critics to brand all ufologists as gullible.

Conference Review: A Day of Abductions

This section reviews a day-long event organized by BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) in Sheffield on April 20th, 1996. The reviewer, seated in the front row, found the event to be a "varied, multi-faceted phenomenon" where experiencers often report positive life changes.

Philip Mantle's Resume

Philip Mantle opened the day with a summary of UK abduction cases from his book "Without Consent."

Mike Wootten's Presentation

Mike Wootten, BUFORA's director of publications, presented "Fade to Grey." His talk allowed audience participation, which initially created a hostile mood. Wootten concluded that abductions are not objective physical events by solid alien visitors, suggesting a more complex interpretation. The reviewer notes that Wootten's wife has had experiences, making him familiar with the subject matter.

John Spencer on UFO Abductions

John Spencer, BUFORA's Chairman, presented "UFO Abductions - A Step in Human Evolution." This talk was considered the best of the day, praised for its structure and presentation. Spencer discussed the range of entities seen, their interpretations across cultures, and the Newtonian/Darwinian paradigm. He also explored the artistic, creative, and lifestyle changes resulting from abduction experiences.

Paulinne Delcour-Min's Regression Therapy

Paulinne Delcour-Min, a regression therapist, presented a view that reinforced Wootten and Spencer's ideas by taking an extreme approach. Her talk wove together past lives, greys, nordics, reptoids, astral bodies, and cosmic karma into a "semi-coherent new age fantasy." The reviewer found this part of the presentation difficult to endure, suggesting it proved the point that such thoughts and experiences need sociological and psychological analysis.

Ros Reynolds' Account

Ros Reynolds shared her 1983 abduction and missing time experience while driving with her boyfriend, Philip. She is described as nervous but sincere.

Whitley Strieber's Experiences

American author Whitley Strieber, the final speaker, is described as a "showman." He spoke of his experiences with "the visitors" and implants he believes he has in his hand and ear. Strieber referred to a report by a surgeon who removed two implants for MUFON from abductees in the U.S. He provided details of these devices: one seed-shaped implant from the hand and a T-shaped one from the foot, both encased in organic material and made of highly magnetised boron. The reviewer expresses interest in examining the report to understand the properties of boron.

Strieber also showed film footage of objects, which the reviewer felt would ultimately prove to be normal.

Letters to the Editor

Origin of UFOs and "Second Earth"

A letter from W.A. Joughin proposes the theory of a "second Earth" hiding behind the Sun, suggesting that if it formed at the same time as our Earth, its evolution might be similar. He speculates that aliens from this "Earth 2" might be observing us and are hesitant to make contact due to Earth's wars, drugs, and pollution. He suggests that NASA should send a probe to investigate.

The editor's comment dismisses the "second Earth" theory as science fiction, stating that orbital mechanics would cause any such planet to drift out of position and become visible over time. Furthermore, spacecraft sent to the outer solar system have not detected any anomalies that would suggest another planet. The editor also notes that if a second Earth existed, its gravitational influence would be felt on inner planets like Mercury, Venus, and Mars.

Some Thoughts on Reincarnation

M. Therion writes about reincarnation, posing questions about the number of souls and how they choose bodies. He suggests that individuals are part of a collective soul and that thoughts, ideas, and deeds are recorded in a "cosmological hard drive." New brains can access this information, leading to the idea of reincarnation when past memories fit well.

Scottish Crap Circle Enigma

F. Perdurabo suggests that "dung circles" are simply circular cattle feeders. The editor humorously agrees, calling it "a load of cr*p."

UFOs and the Fifties

E. Haw notes that many UFO pictures resemble old-fashioned hub caps from 1950s American cars. He questions if this is a coincidence and speculates that aliens might come from a "Fifties world" with a large oil surplus, observing humanity to understand our mistakes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Strange Daze exhibits a critical yet open-minded approach to UFOlogy. While featuring accounts of abductions and speculative theories like a "second Earth," the magazine consistently emphasizes the need for solid evidence and critical analysis. The editor's comments often debunk or question claims, particularly regarding the lack of scientific basis for certain phenomena. There's a recurring theme of distinguishing between ufology as a serious field of research and the more sensationalist or belief-driven aspects, as seen in the critique of Tony Dodd's presentation. The magazine encourages critical thinking and sociological/psychological analysis of reported experiences, as highlighted in the review of the BUFORA conference and the discussion on reincarnation. The overall stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims while remaining open to genuine investigation and evidence-based conclusions.