Strange Times - number 1

Magazine Overview

Title: STRANGE TIMES
Issue: NO 1
Price: £2.50
Cover Headline: MYSTERIOUS MOUNT INYANGANI

This is the first issue of Strange Times Magazine, a publication dedicated to exploring a wide range of paranormal and mysterious topics. The editor, Gloria Heather Dixon, apologizes for the delay in its release and welcomes readers to a new look for the magazine, with a slightly changed title and new graphics contributed by Managing Editor Bill Rose.

The magazine aims to cover unexplained disappearances, tales from ufology, remote viewing, the history of vampires, and underground military secrets. It promises to delve into paranormal events, the concept of other worlds, and extraordinary human experiences, while also examining conspiracy theories and darker forces. The editorial highlights the increasing momentum in the quest for meaning behind supernatural events, facilitated by information technology.

Contents Overview

The issue features several key articles:

• Page 4: Mysterious Mount Inyangani by Cynthia Hind, discusses unexplained incidents and disappearances at this mountain in Zimbabwe, including the story of the Masaya family's daughters who vanished.
• Page 7: The Northumbrian UFO Crash of 1969 by Andy Roberts, examines an officially documented UFO report, which is later revealed to be a fabricated account.
• Page 9: The Lurkers at the Threshold by Dave Newton, explores whether paranormal phenomena can be explained by scientific theories, discussing objective versus subjective reality and evidence for a spirit world.
• Page 17: From a Distance by Lee Heather, reveals how America's CIA used paranormal methods for spying on the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
• Page 20: Legend of the Vampyre by Bill Rose, investigates the truth behind vampire legends.
• Page 28: STRANGE PLACES: Eerie Recollections From Cumbria by Gloria Heather Dixon, recounts an incident involving a mysterious ball of light and other bizarre BUFORA cases.
• Page 33: A New Twist to the Livingston UFO case of 1979 by Malcolm Robinson, offers a new perspective on a familiar UFO case.
• Page 35: Book Reviews covers new publications on Rendlesham, sci-fi, and 'Time Storms'.
• Page 39: What Lies Beneath by Brian Allan, examines the world of top-secret underground bases.

Article Deep Dive

Mysterious Mount Inyangani (Page 4)

Cynthia Hind's article details the mysterious Mount Inyangani in Zimbabwe, the country's tallest mountain. It is considered the home of Nzuzu, a half-man, half-fish Deity who demands appeasement, including the sacrifice of a black goat, and is attracted to children. The article recounts the experience of a Deputy Minister and his companions who became disoriented and lost for 2.5 days without explanation. It also details the 1983 search for a missing Resettlement Officer who reappeared with no memory of his 'missing time'. The most frightening aspect is the cases of those lost and never found, such as the Masaya family's daughters, Tsitsi and Tamber, who disappeared in 1981 while climbing the mountain. Despite extensive searches, including by police and military, only Tsitsi's blood-stained shoes were found. The possibility of guerrilla abduction by Renamo was considered, but the lack of any cries for help made it seem unlikely. A later discovery of Tsitsi's T-shirt on a bush, 18 months after their disappearance, added to the mystery. The article also touches upon the sacredness of the mountain and its pools, with local people believing Nzuzu would return children if appeased.

The Northumbrian UFO Crash of 1969 (Page 7)

Andy Roberts presents the case of a reported UFO crash on a Northumbrian Moor in 1969. The account begins with a letter from D. Robson to the Air Ministry, describing a silvery disc seen crashing and later found half-submerged in a bog. Robson claimed to have entered the object, finding it filled with equipment but devoid of life. However, upon further investigation by Police Constable Milburn, Robson admitted to fabricating the entire story. The article critically examines the MOD's response, noting their reliance on local police rather than deploying specialized teams. It suggests that Robson's fabricated story, if not debunked, could have been presented as evidence for crashed UFOs.

The Lurkers at the Threshold (Page 9)

Dave Newton, a Fortean and physicist, explores the nature of paranormal phenomena. He questions whether encounters with spirits, ghosts, or alleged alien abductions are with objectively real entities or manifestations of the human mind. Newton posits the idea of an ethereal super-consciousness where memories and dreams are stored. He argues that regardless of whether phenomena are objectively or subjectively real, they are real to the experiencer. The article then focuses on objective evidence, assuming the spirit world is real and examining evidence such as photographs, voice recordings, and apports. Apports are defined as objects materializing out of thin air, often linked to psychic abilities, and can include gemstones or even teeth, as described in the book 'The Green Stone' by Graham Phillips and Martin Keatman.

What Lies Beneath (Page 39)

Brian Allan investigates the world of top-secret underground bases, posing disturbing questions about their true purpose.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is to explore the unexplained, the mysterious, and the extraordinary aspects of human experience and the world around us. Recurring themes include UFO sightings and crashes, mysterious disappearances, legends of supernatural beings like vampires, and the existence of secret underground facilities. The editorial emphasizes a commitment to examining conspiracy theories and darker forces, encouraging readers to question reality and explore the limits of understanding mystical and visionary experiences. The magazine positions itself as a guide through the maze of mysteries, featuring cutting-edge writers and diverse perspectives on the paranormal and the unknown.

This issue of Fortean Times, dated December 2000, features a cover story titled "FROM A DISTANCE AMERICA'S REMOTE VIEWING SECRETS" by Bill Rose. The magazine explores a range of topics including theoretical physics, paranormal phenomena, and the legend of vampires.

Forces, Particles and Strings

The article "Forces, Particles and Strings" by Bill Rose delves into modern physics, particularly superstring theory, as a potential unified theory that could explain all fundamental forces and particles. It explains that superstring theory suggests fundamental particles are composed of vibrating strings and requires extra dimensions to unify the four forces of nature (gravitation, electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force). The concept of electromagnetism and gravity being different aspects of the same force, similar to how electricity and magnetism were unified, is discussed. The article also touches upon quantum mechanics, where particles can behave as both waves and particles, and introduces the idea that scientific theories are mathematical approximations.

It details that matter is composed of quarks and leptons, with quarks forming protons and neutrons, and forces being mediated by particles like photons, gravitons, mesons, and gluons. The theory of Quantum Electro-Dynamics (QED) is mentioned as a successful scientific theory that recasts Maxwell's field theory.

Extra Dimensions

This section discusses Albert Einstein's quest for a unified theory and how researchers like Theodor Kaluza and Oskar Klein proposed a five-dimensional theory that mathematically unified electromagnetism and gravitation. The article explains that superstring theory requires 10 or 11 dimensions. It addresses the question of why we only perceive four dimensions (three of space and one of time), suggesting that the extra dimensions might be "rolled up" into a tiny space, analogous to how a distant hosepipe appears as a line but is actually three-dimensional up close. The possibility of these hidden dimensions influencing the paranormal is considered, particularly in relation to objects appearing from thin air.

Multiverses

The "Multiverses" section explores the Everett/Wheeler interpretation of quantum mechanics, known as the "many worlds" theory. This theory postulates that every quantum choice causes the universe to duplicate, creating a multiverse where every possibility occurs in a separate universe. The implications of this for "quantum leaping" between universes, as seen in science fiction, are discussed. Another possibility arises from Big Bang theory, suggesting that new universes might pinch off and inflate, potentially surrounding us in invisible dimensions.

Lovecraft's Universe

This section, referencing an article by Patrick Harpur in Fortean Times issue #141, discusses "panic or daylight terror" and the concept of invisible assailants. It draws parallels to the fictional world of horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, whose stories often feature horrors lurking just beyond our everyday world. Lovecraft's life and work are briefly described, highlighting his "Cthulhu mythos" and the names of his creations like Cthulhu, Nyarlathotep, and Dagon. The article questions whether Lovecraft was channeling elements from somewhere else, noting his personal experiences with nightmares and physical ailments that inspired his writing.

It also mentions the idea of "chaos magicians" invoking Cthulhu, suggesting that while the entity might be fictional, the elements can be molded by the magician. The section concludes that the paranormal is not to be dabbled with lightly, but offers a new world to explore.

From a Distance: America's Remote Viewing Secrets

This article details the origins of the CIA's remote viewing program, which began in the summer of 1974. The program targeted a secret Soviet research center in the Kazakh Republic, referred to as URDF-3. A remote viewer provided detailed observations of the facility, including a "damn big crane." The article notes that during the Cold War, the Russians were experimenting with psychic techniques for telepathy and psychokinesis, initially for communication with submarines. The publication of the book "Psychic Discoveries behind the Iron Curtain" by Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder alerted the CIA to the potential Soviet advancements in psychic technology.

The CIA approached physicist Hal Puthoff from Stanford Research Institute, who, along with his assistant Russell Targ, met Ingo Swann, a popular "psychic." Together, they developed a method called "coordinate remote viewing" that aimed to make remote viewing accessible to anyone. The program received funding from agencies like the DIA and National Security Agency. The article mentions that former CIA heads and generals have admitted to the existence of a "psychic" spying program.

Jessica Utts, Professor of Statistics at the University of California, is quoted stating that anomalous cognition (ESP) has been clearly demonstrated and replicated. The article also discusses the potential significance of a correlation found between the "effect size" in ESP experiments and local sidereal time, suggesting that anomalous cognition increases by 300-400% at 13:30 local sidereal time. This finding, published in the Journal of Scientific Exploration, is considered potentially significant, even though the mechanism is not understood.

Lee James Heather, a remote viewing trainer, is introduced, and his website, "Remote Viewing Systems," is mentioned as a resource for information and training.

Legend of the Vampyre

This section, by Bill Rose, recounts the author's childhood introduction to the world of vampires through Hammer's film version of "Dracula" starring Christopher Lee. It describes the common depiction of vampires as sinister supernatural beings from Transylvania who sleep in coffins by day and emerge at night to feed on blood, possessing long canine incisors. The article notes that in movies, victims were always "nubile young" individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of science, the paranormal, and the unexplained. There's a clear interest in pushing the boundaries of conventional understanding, whether through theoretical physics like superstring theory and multiverses, or through phenomena like remote viewing and alleged psychic abilities. The magazine seems to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting scientific theories alongside accounts of paranormal experiences and fictional explorations of the uncanny, such as H.P. Lovecraft's work. The editorial approach appears to be one of presenting evidence and theories for the reader to consider, rather than making definitive pronouncements, particularly in areas where mainstream science has not yet reached consensus.

Title: Strange Places
Issue: 27
Publisher: Strange Times magazine
Country: United Kingdom
Date: Not specified

This issue of 'Strange Places' explores the multifaceted world of vampires, delving into their historical origins, fictional portrayals, and potential real-world connections.

The Vampire Legend: From Folklore to Fiction

The issue begins by examining the characteristics of vampires as depicted in folklore and popular culture. It details their traditional weaknesses, such as aversion to crucifixes, holy water, and sunlight, and the methods used to kill them, like impalement with a wooden stake. The article touches upon the ancient origins of vampirism, with tales traceable to Ancient Greece, and the evolution of the legend through figures like Vlad Dracul and Bram Stoker's iconic "Dracula."

Historical Figures and Real-Life Vampires

Several historical figures are presented as potential inspirations for the vampire myth. Vlad Dracul, also known as Vlad the Impaler, is discussed for his brutal reign in Wallachia, where torture and execution were common. Countess Elizabeth Bathory, a Hungarian aristocrat, is described as a prolific mass-murderer who allegedly bathed in and drank the blood of her victims. The French nobleman Giles de Rais is also mentioned as a figure associated with extreme cruelty and blood consumption.

The issue also highlights real-life individuals who exhibited vampiric behavior. Peter Kurten, "The Vampire of Dusseldorf," and Fritz Haarmann, "The Vampire of Hanover," are detailed as 20th-century serial killers who drank the blood of their victims. John George Haigh, "The Acid Bath Vampire," is another case discussed for his consumption of human blood.

Medical and Scientific Explanations

Beyond the supernatural, the article explores potential medical and scientific explanations for vampiric behavior. It discusses how conditions like anaemia, catalepsy, and iron-deficiency porphyria might have contributed to the vampire myth. The theory that rabies epidemics in Eastern Europe may have been mistaken for vampire plagues is also presented, with symptoms like hypersensitivity and aversion to certain stimuli being linked.

UFOs and Paranormal Encounters in Cumbria

Shifting focus, the magazine presents accounts of unusual phenomena in Cumbria, United Kingdom. A taxi driver named Liz recounts an incident on New Year's Day 1993, involving a vehicle malfunction, a radio blackout, and a sighting of a hovering ball of white light. Another report details the observation of a strange figure on a road near Hallbankgate in 1996. These accounts are presented alongside information about the Electronic Warfare Training Range at Spade Adam, suggesting a region with a history of unexplained events.

The Enduring Appeal of Vampirism

The issue concludes by noting the continued strong interest in vampire culture, with numerous online communities dedicated to the topic. It acknowledges that while many participants are interested in fiction and mythology, a few may have genuine vampiric tendencies, highlighting the persistent allure and sometimes dangerous reality of the vampire phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of folklore, history, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and open-mindedness, presenting various theories and accounts without necessarily endorsing supernatural explanations, while also acknowledging the enduring power of myth and legend. The recurring theme is the exploration of the 'strange' and 'eerie' aspects of human experience, often drawing parallels between historical accounts and modern-day mysteries.

This issue of "Strange Times" magazine, identified as issue 31, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFO sightings, paranormal experiences, and mysterious events. The content spans from witness accounts of aerial phenomena to reviews of books exploring ghosts, time travel, and extraterrestrial encounters. The magazine appears to be a UK-based publication, with content primarily in English.

Key Articles and Features

Garden Intruder: A Surrey Sighting

The issue details a remarkable case from Surrey, UK, involving a witness named Ken. While driving home late at night, Ken heard a deafening, turbine-like drone accompanied by a high-pitched whine. Investigating the noise, he observed a brilliant ball of light hovering above his neighbor's garden. The light then transformed into an aluminum saucer-shaped object, approximately 18-20 feet wide and 10 feet deep, hovering silently about 15 feet above the ground. The object then moved off at high speed towards Croydon. Ken observed the object for about 15-20 minutes, though it felt like only a couple of minutes. The sighting was reported to BUFORA in mid-1996, with the witness admitting to a delay in reporting due to fear of ridicule. The incident remains unexplained.

The Livingston UFO Case of 1979: A New Twist

This section revisits the well-known Livingston UFO event of 1979. Malcolm Robinson presents new information from a source who was an archivist at the time. The source suggests that the objects seen might have been a remote anti-tank helicopter-type machine, similar to those described in "Jane's All World Aircraft," designed to deposit mines. Another theory presented is that the objects were intelligent hunting devices that sought out their prey and could explode. The presence of a nearby Ministry of Defence (MoD) installation is noted as significant.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews, offering insights into recent publications on paranormal and UFO-related topics:

• "Intruders In The Night" by Christopher Martin: This book details the experiences of Vicki, who claimed to be in contact with 'visitors' from elsewhere. The review highlights claims of enhanced mental abilities and encounters with 'greys.'
• "Darwin's Radio" by Greg Bear: A science fiction novel exploring human genetics and evolution, suggesting a hidden retrovirus responsible for evolutionary leaps. The review notes its thought-provoking ideas but finds the pacing slow.
• "You Can't Tell The People" by Georgina Bruni: This book provides a definitive account of the Rendlesham Forest UFO mystery. It examines witness testimonies, including those of military personnel, and explores alternative explanations such as weather modification or stealth aircraft.
• "Time Storms" by Jenny Randles: This book investigates mysterious shifts in space and time, exploring phenomena like time-lapses, travel to different locations, and the concept of 'timelessness.' It touches upon UFOs, near-death experiences, and quantum physics.
• "The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits - Volume 2" by John and Anne Spencer: A comprehensive collection of investigated paranormal accounts, including ghosts, poltergeists, time-slips, and haunted objects.

Supernatural Peak District by David Clarke

This review discusses David Clarke's book, which explores folklore, traditions, and personal experiences of the unexplained in Britain's Peak District. It covers a range of phenomena, from ghostly sightings to UFO reports.

Letters to the Editor

A letter from D.C. Lowdon discusses the nature of UFO phenomena, suggesting it may lie in parapsychology and the realm of collective consciousness. The letter references Scott Rogo's and Carl Jung's ideas, and quotes John Keel on the enduring nature of UFO investigation despite its complexities.

What Lies Beneath? Subterranean Secrets

This article, based on a paper by Brian Allan, discusses secret subterranean bases that grew in number and size throughout the last century. It mentions the use of London Underground sections during World War Two for control and command, and Germany's extensive underground facilities, such as the Nordhausen factory. The article notes that most industrialized countries now have large, often unacknowledged, subterranean military bases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Strange Times" consistently explores the fringes of unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, paranormal events, and mysterious occurrences. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded yet investigative stance, presenting witness accounts and reviewing literature that delves into these subjects. There is a clear interest in uncovering potential explanations, whether scientific, psychological, or even extraterrestrial. The editorial stance encourages readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding and to maintain an open mind when encountering extraordinary claims. The magazine also seems to be committed to ongoing research, as indicated by the plan to continue exploring issues of after-death communication and premonitions in future editions. The inclusion of book reviews and letters to the editor suggests a desire to engage with a wider community of researchers and enthusiasts in the field of the paranormal and ufology.

Title: STRANGE TIMES
Issue Date: 2001
Publisher: BUFORA (The British UFO Research Association)
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of STRANGE TIMES delves into the world of secret underground facilities, conspiracy theories, and unexplained phenomena. It explores historical and contemporary sites, alleged government secrets, and the intersection of UFOlogy with mythology and fiction.

Underground Facilities and Secret Bases

The magazine details various underground complexes, starting with the former Nazi underground factory at Nordhausen, Germany, which built thousands of missiles and advanced jet fighters during World War Two. It highlights the evolution of such sites into secure government facilities designed to ensure survival during national catastrophes.

Cheyenne Mountain Complex, USA: This NORAD-run facility in Colorado is presented as America's best-known underground base. USAF personnel there monitor for aerial threats, and its global reach was evident during the Gulf War. While not indestructible against a direct nuclear hit, it's described as a fortress capable of surviving a near miss. Public tours are occasionally offered, and the complex has been featured in media like the movie "War Games" and the TV series "Stargate SG-1."

Washington D.C. Area: The article mentions numerous subterranean facilities in the Washington D.C. area, including potential levels beneath the White House and installations linked to the Pentagon. It notes that Washington's main emergency nuclear bunker at the Greenbriar Resort has been replaced by a larger, undisclosed facility, possibly located under the secretive NSA/NRO complex known as Area 58 near Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Russian Underground Bases: Despite the end of Communism, Russia has reportedly completed two major "nuclear-survivable, strategic command posts" in the Ural Mountains (Kosvinsky and Yamantau). Smaller underground command bunkers have also been built in Moscow.

Middle East and Other Locations: The article touches upon Israel's nuclear capability at Dimona in the Negev Desert and Saddam Hussein's use of bunkers in Baghdad during the Gulf War. It also mentions the Serbs hiding military assets in mountainside hangars during the 1999 Balkans Conflict, prompting the U.S. and Israel to develop deep penetration nuclear weapons.

Area 51 and Groom Dry Lake: Area 51 is described as a USAF test site for advanced aviation, but rumors persist of darker activities. The magazine notes that the USAF denied its existence for years, fueling speculation.

Dulce Base, New Mexico: This alleged base, buried a kilometer beneath the town of Dulce on the New Mexico border, is a subject of intense speculation. UFO researchers claim the U.S. government acknowledged an alien presence in 1933 and reached an agreement leading to Dulce Base's construction in 1947. Claims include the need for high magnetism from tectonic plates, troop movements, and the involvement of "Smith Corp." The base is also rumored to be a center for mind control experiments, ELF radiation, and other technologies.

Other Alleged Sites: The article briefly mentions alleged military bases at Dulce and other locations, and the possibility of alien technology being hidden in underground U.S. bases.

Fantasy, Myths & UFology

This section explores the historical and mythological roots of beliefs in powerful subterranean races. It references the concept of Hell, Greek mythology's subterranean domains, and legends of hidden races in caverns. Fairy tales featuring hidden kingdoms and the story of the 'Pied Piper of Hamelin' are cited as examples of these enduring myths.

Madame Helena Blavatski and Theosophy: Blavatski's claims of a secret mystical doctrine imparted by Tibetan "initiates" and "masters" living in Himalayan caverns are discussed. This connects to the belief in 'Agarthi,' a vast, inhabited underground world.

Entryways and Hidden Worlds: The idea of secret doorways to these underground realms is explored, including a claimed entrance on the Yorkshire moors and another accessible through a tunnel system beneath Malta. The discovery of multi-levelled catacombs near Casal Paula, Malta, known as the 'Hypogeum of Sal Haflienti,' is presented as potential evidence.

Fictional Depictions: H. G. Wells' novel "The Time Machine" is mentioned for its depiction of the Morlocks, hideous beings living underground.

Antarctic Base Theory: A theory suggesting Hitler and his scientists escaped to a secret underground base in Antarctica, developing flying saucer technology and ballistic missiles, is presented but dismissed as "pure pulp fiction."

UFO Sightings and Links: Kenneth Arnold's 1947 UFO sighting above the Cascade Mountains is linked by some ufologists to a nearby secret base. Rumors of alien bodies stored at secret military sites persist.

Technology and Future Possibilities

Tunneling Technology: The article discusses the development of tunnel-boring machines, citing a 1955 'Deep Underground Construction Symposium' sponsored by the Rand Corporation. This symposium included major defense industry players like General Electric, AT&T, Hughes Aircraft, and Bechtel Corporation. Designs for large nuclear-powered tunneling machines developed by U.S. scientists at Los Alamos are illustrated.

'Subterrene' and 'Subshuttle Vehicles': The 'Subterrene,' a proposed nuclear-powered tunneling machine that heats rock into magma, is described. Proposals were made to use such technology on the Moon. Magnetically powered 'Subshuttle Vehicles' are mentioned for use in underground tubes connecting 'Hidden Empire' sub-city complexes. The 'Noah's Ark' project is noted for using these tunnels and 'Tube Shuttles' in conjunction with numerous 'Bunkers' and 'Bolt Holes.'

Mind Control and D.A.R.P.A.: Conspiracy theorists suggest that Dulce Base is a center for covert mind control projects, utilizing implants, ELF radiation, and other technologies. D.A.R.P.A. (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is accused of using these technologies to modify human behavior.

BUFORA London Lectures 2001

The magazine includes a schedule for the BUFORA London Lectures in 2001. Lectures are held on the first Monday of each month at the Quaker International Centre. Topics and speakers include:

• September 3rd, 2001: Margaret Fry on "Close Sightings and Encounters," discussing anomalous activity in Wales.
• October 1st, 2001: Steve Rider & Steve Gerrard on "From UFOs To Ghosts And Back Again!," covering UFO and ghost cases in their area.
• November 5th, 2001: Georgina Bruni on "The Rendlesham Forest Incident," re-investigating Britain's biggest UFO case.
• December 3rd, 2001: Nick Redfern on "The CIA And Noah's Ark," exploring alleged CIA information on the location of Noah's Ark.

Contact information for Malcolm Robinson is provided for further details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores themes of secrecy, hidden knowledge, and the potential for advanced or extraterrestrial technology operating beyond public scrutiny. The magazine appears to present a range of perspectives, from documented military facilities to speculative conspiracy theories and mythological interpretations. While acknowledging the existence of highly classified military bases as fact, it also entertains more fringe ideas about alien involvement, mind control, and secret government projects. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these often-unexplained or hidden aspects of reality, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The inclusion of BUFORA lecture schedules indicates a commitment to fostering discussion and research within the UFO and paranormal community.