Strange Times - number 3

Magazine Overview

Title: STRANGE TIMES
Issue: NO.3
Date: January 2002
Publisher: Strange Times Magazine
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £3.00 per copy / £12.00 for a year's subscription

This issue of Strange Times Magazine, titled "Echoes from the Borderlands," presents a collection of articles exploring paranormal phenomena, secret military projects, and unusual experiences. The editorial by Gloria Heather Dixon highlights the magazine's commitment to high-quality, wide-ranging articles and announces a price increase for subscriptions. It also touches upon the global events of September 11th, 2001, and expresses hope for a more positive 2002.

Featured Articles

Schrödinger's Black Cats: A Personal View of the Black Aircraft Scene

Authored by Chris Gibson, this article delves into the world of secret aircraft, often referred to as 'black aircraft.' Gibson's interest was sparked by a 1992 article in Jane's Defence Weekly and a personal sighting over the North Sea in 1989. He notes that the study of black aircraft is a problematic subject, often sensationalized in the media. The article explores nine speculative black aircraft, including:

• AURORA: A hypothetical hypersonic replacement for the SR-71, with 'Aurora' having been a cover name for the B-2 Spirit.
• TR-3A ('Black Manta'): A U-2R replacement, described as a flying wing, triangular, or manta-ray shaped aircraft, possibly used for data relay and targeting for F-117As.
• MOTHERSHIP: A potential satellite launcher or the first stage of a Two Stage to Orbit (TSTO) system, possibly with XB-70-like lines.
• A-17/FB-119A: A potential F-111 replacement, sighted at low level and high speed with unusual lighting.
• FLAMING PUMPKIN SEED: A hypothetical hypersonic strike/reconnaissance vehicle possibly utilizing exotic propulsion systems.
• F-121: A Vertical/Short Take Off and Landing (V/STOL) strike reconnaissance vehicle with a triangular planform.
• SENIOR CITIZEN: A STOL transport aircraft for covert insertion of special forces.
• ASTRA: A supersonic replacement for the SR-71 Blackbird, potentially a 75-degree delta shape.
• SWITCHBLADE: A potential F-111 replacement, possibly related to Grumman's X-29 forward-swept wing concept.

The article discusses the challenges of identifying these aircraft due to secrecy and the tendency for sightings to be attributed to multiple identities. It also references a patent for a variable forward swept wing aircraft filed by Northrop Grumman.

The Beast of Bodmin

This section recounts an anonymous report from Spring 1996 concerning bizarre events at RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall. A witness described a black aircraft making a steep landing, deploying braking chutes, and then taxiing under a runway. The aircraft itself was described as cigar-shaped with long, high aspect ratio wings and a cockpit similar to a German wartime Arado 234 Blitz jet bomber.

Hessdalen Lights

Philip Mantle provides an exclusive report on the ongoing mystery of the Hessdalen Valley lights in Norway, which have intrigued investigators for over two decades. He also interviews Norwegian researcher Odd-gunnar Roed.

Coincidence

Bill Rose explores the perplexing nature of coincidence and synchronicity, questioning whether these are random events or indicative of a more mysterious force, particularly in relation to significant historical events.

Extreme Fringe Beliefs

Brian Allen investigates extreme fringe beliefs, focusing on distorted interpretations of Christian Scripture by ultra-extreme Christian groups in America with agendas and forecasts of a coming apocalypse.

Echoes from the Borderlands

Gloria Heather Dixon gathers reports on near-death experiences, contact with the dead, and ghostly events, aiming to make readers reconsider the question of life after death.

Book Reviews

This section includes a detailed review of Nick Cook's controversial book "The Hunt for Zero Point," and a review of a new technical work on the 1950s flying saucer program at Avro-Canada.

Reader's Letters

This section features letters from readers, contributing to the ongoing dialogue and feedback for Strange Times Magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unexplained, secret military technology, and the boundaries of reality. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unusual phenomena, while maintaining a critical and analytical approach, as exemplified by the discussion on applying Occam's Razor to black aircraft. The magazine aims to provide a platform for researchers and writers in the paranormal field, offering in-depth articles and interviews to explore the nature of reality, consciousness, and inexplicable phenomena.

This issue of "PROJECT HESSDALEN" (March 1997, Issue 11) focuses on the scientific investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly the mysterious lights observed in Hessdalen, Norway. It also touches upon 'black aircraft' and historical coincidences.

The Hessdalen Phenomenon

The magazine details the "Project Hessdalen" initiative, which began in the early 1980s when UFO researchers from Norway and Sweden started investigating unusual lights in the Hessdalen valley. These 'lights-in-the-sky' (LITS) were unlike typical aircraft or astronomical phenomena and attracted significant scientific attention. The project aimed to subject these sightings to rigorous scientific scrutiny using advanced equipment.

First Appearances and Characteristics

In December 1981, unknown lights began appearing in the Hessdalen skies, often remaining stationary for over an hour. They were observed moving slowly, stopping, and sometimes travelling at high speeds, with one instance recorded at approximately 8,500 meters per second. The lights were typically seen below the horizon and mountain tops. Their shapes varied, including bullet-shaped, round football-shaped, and upside-down Christmas tree shapes. The primary colours were white or yellow-white, occasionally with a small red light, and sometimes exhibiting a full spectrum of colours.

Project Hessdalen Takes Off

Due to a lack of official interest from Norway, five independent researchers launched "Project Hessdalen" in January 1984. The project involved a working committee and an advisory committee, collaborating with institutions like the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment and universities in Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. Field studies utilized a wide array of sophisticated instrumentation, including cameras, radar, a spectrum analyser, and Geiger counters.

Scientific Investigation and Findings

During the 1984 field study, project members observed lights, including an oblong-shaped one on January 27th, which had white and red colours and blinked unevenly. Radar detected objects on several occasions, though visual confirmation was not always possible. The project's instrumentation included a special camera for spectral analysis, a seismograph to detect earth movements (none were registered), a spectrum analyser that detected no unusual signals, a magnetometer that found no magnetic field variations, and an infrared viewer. A laser was used to probe the lights, and in eight out of nine instances, the lights reacted by changing their flashing patterns. While computer analysis of photographs was inconclusive, the project gathered substantial data.

UFO Laboratory and Later Developments

In 1985, a similar exercise was attempted, with Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a consultant to the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, visiting the project. Dr. Hynek described Hessdalen as a "UFO laboratory" and was impressed by the results. Although sightings have decreased in profusion since 1984, monitoring continues, with hopes of setting up camp again if the lights return in large numbers. Speculation suggests the lights could be related to weather phenomena or 'earthlights' caused by crustal faults.

Still Unidentified

A 1994 workshop in Hessdalen brought together scientists who agreed the lights were 'real' and worthy of further study, elevating UFOs into the scientific premier league. UK researcher Paul Devereux continues to work with project leader Erling Strand. Sightings are still being reported, including recent observations of lights and apparent structured, cigar-shaped UFOs. An Automatic Measurement Station (AMS) with video cameras and recorders is in place to monitor the area.

Instrumentation and Sponsorship

The issue details the specific instruments used, including cameras with gratings for spectral analysis, a portable seismic system, an Atlas 2000 radar, a spectrum analyser, a magnetometer, and an infrared viewer. Project Hessdalen relies on voluntary efforts and financial assistance for equipment and research. Information and sponsorship opportunities are available through Mr. Erling Strand and the project's website.

Other Norwegian Cases and UFOs

Odd-Gunnar Roed, a leading researcher for UFO Norway and Project Hessdalen, discusses other significant UFO cases in Norway, including a baffling incident in the mountains in Easter 1991 involving strange marks in the snow, possibly caused by radiation. He also mentions a 1983 photograph of a 'flying dustbin' object. Roed expresses a belief that science will eventually find an answer to the Hessdalen lights, especially if framed as a search for new energy sources.

The Nature of UFOs and Skepticism

Roed suggests that UFOs could be a combination of unidentified natural phenomena and possibly extraterrestrial visitations, urging skeptics to keep an open mind. He notes that the Hessdalen lights, while appearing intelligent, also behave in ways that suggest they are not structured, leading him to call them an "intelligent natural phenomenon."

Black Aircraft and the U-2R

The issue also features an article on the Lockheed U-2R, an original high-altitude aircraft built in secret during the 1950s for monitoring Soviet activity. It mentions the aircraft's butterfly tail and bicycle undercarriage. The article speculates whether the 'Beast of Bodmin' might be a missing link in 'black aircraft' technology and suggests that the U-2R, despite mid-life updates, is becoming an old design, necessitating a replacement. The Global Hawk, an Uninhabited Air Vehicle (UAV), is presented as a modern, bulbous-cockpit aircraft with long straight wings and a butterfly tail, possibly a successor.

Baffling Coincidences

A separate section explores historical coincidences, highlighting the striking parallels between the lives and assassinations of American Presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. These include shared interests in civil rights, the same number of letters in their last names, similar political career timelines (elected to Congress and Presidency 100 years apart), and both being assassinated on a Friday in the presence of their wives, with Lincoln shot in Ford's Theater and Kennedy in a Lincoln car.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science and unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and mysterious lights. It advocates for rigorous scientific investigation while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the exploration of these phenomena beyond conventional explanations and highlighting the need for continued research and funding. The theme of 'unidentified' persists throughout the articles, emphasizing that despite extensive study, many phenomena remain a mystery.

This issue of Strange Times magazine, identified as issue #2, delves into a series of historical events and phenomena, focusing on coincidences, conspiracies, and numerological patterns. The cover features the headline "FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO" by Brian Allan, accompanied by an image of a man holding a rifle, suggesting a theme related to religious extremism and violence.

Assassinations: Lincoln and Kennedy

The magazine draws striking parallels between the assassinations of Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. It notes that both assassins, John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald, used fifteen-letter names, and their birth years were exactly 100 years apart (Booth in 1839, Oswald in 1939). Both assassins shot their respective presidents and were themselves killed before standing trial. Furthermore, both presidents were succeeded by men named Johnson, who also had thirteen-letter names and served in the U.S. Senate. The article highlights prophetic statements made by both Lincoln and Kennedy shortly before their deaths, and mentions alleged cover-ups involving the shutdown of telegraph lines after Lincoln's assassination and mysterious deaths of witnesses following Kennedy's.

Numerological Significance: The Number 11

A significant portion of the magazine explores the prevalence of the number 11 in various events. The 9/11 attacks are analyzed through this lens: September 11th is the 245th day of the year (2+5+4=11), and 111 days remained in the year after the attacks. The emergency services number 911 is also noted. The article points out that the country code for Iran and Iraq is 119 (1+1+9=11), and the first Boeing 767 to hit the WTC was Flight 11, carrying 92 people (9+2=11) and airborne for 45 minutes (4+5=9). Both WTC towers are described as looking like the number 11, each with 110 floors. The second Boeing 767 carried 65 people (6+5=11). It is reported that 11 hijackers were aboard the aircraft that hit the WTC, and 11 of the 19 total hijackers passed through London. New York is the 11th state, and "New York State" has 11 letters. "Afghanistan, The Pentagon" also has 11 letters. The number 11 is also linked to the Kennedy assassination through the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank district, the letter 'K' (11th letter), and the series number 1963 on the dollar bill. The Apollo 13 mission, launched on April 13th, also had significant '13' associations, which NASA avoided thereafter. The September 2001 terrorist attacks are also linked to the number 911.

The Titanic Prophecy

The magazine recounts the story of Morgan Robertson's 1898 novel, "The Wreak of the Titan, or Futility," which eerily predicted the sinking of a large ocean liner named Titan on its maiden voyage after hitting an iceberg. The novel's details, including the ship's dimensions, number of lifeboats, impact speed (25 knots vs. Titanic's 23 knots), and the accident occurring in April, bear remarkable similarities to the actual Titanic disaster in 1912. The article questions whether this was mere coincidence or a form of precognition.

Bizarre Coincidences and Personal Experiences

Further examples of strange coincidences are presented, including a second incident where a ship named Titanian narrowly avoided an iceberg in 1939, and a bizarre event in 1975 where ice falling from the sky during a movie about the Titanic's sinking smashed through a family's roof. The article also shares personal anecdotes of uncanny coincidences, such as knowing radio tunes in advance or experiencing simultaneous phone calls. It references Ken Anderson's book "The Coincidence File" for more examples.

Synchronicity and Hidden Forces

Professor Carl Gustav Jung and physicist Wolfgang Pauli's theories on synchronicity are discussed. Jung proposed an underlying force that imposes order on the world, suggesting a 'collective unconscious' that links minds and may be responsible for telepathy and precognition. Pauli expanded on this with quantum mechanical theory. They concluded that synchronicity, where seemingly unrelated events are meaningfully connected without a causal link, is evidence of this hidden force. The article acknowledges that while statistics can explain some probabilities, "high strangeness" events suggest something more.

Christian Identity and Terrorism

The article "FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO" by Brian Allan examines the misuse of the Bible to justify violence and explores the "Christian Identity" movement. This movement, rooted in 'Anglo-Israelism,' promotes racist and anti-Semitic ideologies, viewing Aryans as God's chosen race and Jews as the "Spawn of Satan." The article links this ideology to groups like 'Posse Comitatus,' 'The American Nazi Party,' and 'The Ku Klux Klan.' It highlights the connection between Timothy McVeigh, the perpetrator of the Oklahoma City bombing, and a nominally Christian community called Elohim City, raising concerns about the influence of such extremist beliefs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the uncanny nature of coincidence, the potential for hidden forces or patterns influencing events, and the exploration of conspiracy theories and extremist ideologies. The magazine seems to adopt a stance of presenting intriguing, often unsettling, connections between disparate events, encouraging readers to question conventional explanations and consider the possibility of underlying, perhaps supernatural or conspiratorial, influences. The editorial approach appears to be one of investigation and speculation, particularly concerning historical tragedies and fringe belief systems.

This issue of FATE magazine, identified by its cover headline and page numbering, delves into the complex and often controversial subject of Christian Identity ideology, focusing on its eschatological beliefs concerning the 'End Times' and Armageddon. The magazine also explores a range of paranormal phenomena, including near-death experiences (NDEs) and after-death communication (ADC), presenting several case studies and research findings.

Christian Identity and Apocalyptic Beliefs

The cover of the magazine features a stark image of a Grim Reaper figure holding an American flag against a backdrop of a mushroom cloud, accompanied by the text: "Another facet of Christian Identity ideology is a wholehearted belief in the 'End Times' and Armageddon." This sets the tone for a significant portion of the content, which examines the core tenets of this movement.

The article details how Christian Identity adherents believe in the inevitability of the world's end and the Second Coming of Christ, viewing these events as a necessary cleansing process. They anticipate a violent struggle, a 'race war,' between the forces of God (the white race) and their adversaries, the Jews and non-whites. Some interpretations suggest that the United Nations, influenced by Jewish representatives, will promote a 'New World Order' and that white Christians are chosen to identify and warn against these signs.

The magazine highlights that Christian Identity followers often prepare for these events through survivalist and paramilitary training, storing supplies, and residing in compounds in remote areas. The FBI's Megiddo Report is cited, indicating a belief that these events are tied to the new millennium. The issue also touches upon the more extreme actions of some adherents, including a group that intended to destroy the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and others who engaged in armed robberies to finance their acquisition of weapons.

Furthermore, the article notes that abortion clinics have been targets, and mentions Eric Rudolph, a Christian Identity member, as a suspect in bombings and attacks, including those during the 1999 Atlanta Olympics. Other suspected attacks inspired by Christian Identity include the arson of synagogues and murders.

The magazine posits that the rise of interest in extremist religious movements like Christian Identity may be a social phenomenon linked to the perceived degradation of moral values and a loss of control in society. It suggests that some individuals withdraw into secluded environments, forming like-minded groups, and expresses a hope that as apocalyptic predictions fail to materialize, these groups might eventually reintegrate into mainstream society.

Echoes from the Borderlands: After-Death Contact and NDEs

A significant section of the magazine, titled "Echoes from the Borderlands," investigates claims of after-death contact and encounters with other-worldly reality. This section is introduced by an article referencing research by a Dutch team of doctors who studied 344 heart attack survivors, finding that over ten percent reported out-of-body experiences, visions, and lucid thoughts while clinically dead. Dr. Peter Fenwick, a consultant neuropsychiatrist, is quoted questioning the independence of the mind and brain from consciousness after death.

The article explores the nature of reality and perception, suggesting that consensual reality might not be the only way the world is experienced. It highlights the increasing accessibility of information through the internet, which has led to a proliferation of stories about after-death communication. The author emphasizes that the article will focus on documented reports where personal interviews have been conducted.

Case Studies and Anecdotes

Several compelling case studies are presented:

• A Near-Death Experience: A journalist named Amanda recounts her near-death experience in Almeria, Spain, in July 1993, after a car crash. She described an out-of-body experience, seeing her own body, and later noted discrepancies in her boyfriend's recollection of her clothing.
• Gateway to the Borderlands: The magazine introduces the concept of After-Death Communication (ADC) through the story of Andy and his sister Elizabeth. Elizabeth, before her death in the 1970s, made a cryptic remark to Andy about waiting for their mother. After her sudden death from a heart attack, a message from Elizabeth was found in a book, stating she would be waiting for their mother, thus explaining her earlier comment.
• Experience with Nursing Professionals: The author notes that nurses often report unusual anomalies related to patients' deaths. A senior lecturer in nursing studies, Leanne, recounts an experience in a Scottish hospital where a room became ice cold and she sensed a presence just before a patient died.
• Observed by Neighbours: A colleague of the author, Jeff, experienced a puzzling situation after his father's death. Two neighbours independently reported seeing Jeff's father alive and well around 9 am on the Monday morning he had actually died in the early hours of that day.
• A Doctor Calls: Emma, from Cleveland, shared an extraordinary experience from June 1964. While walking with her fiancé, John, in a cornfield, she experienced a vision of the past, seeing John and his brother Edward dead on a hay wagon. A year later, on the day they planned to marry, John died suddenly of a heart attack. A doctor, identified as Dr. Robinson, later told Emma that she had been informed of the exact cause of death, which he had explained to her previously, even though she claimed he was not the only doctor present.
• Ghost of Her Mother: Julie recounts seeing her deceased mother's apparition in her bedroom shortly after her death.
• A Telephone Call from the Dead?: Moira reported receiving a telephone call about a month after her mother's death, during which she heard a voice she was convinced was her mother's, saying, "Moria, Moira....I'm going, I'm going now..." Her husband was also present and heard the voice.

A Question of Healing

The author shares a personal experience of meeting a deeply spiritual healer in Newcastle who conducted healing sessions without charge. During these sessions, the healer's voice transformed, adopting a cultured Indian enunciation with an extensive vocabulary, acting as a medium for an Indian doctor. The author describes the healer's ability to immediately locate problems and the intense heat generated by his hands. This healer, who helped many people, died of a heart attack several years prior.

Tales of the Unexpected from World War Two

The issue concludes with an extract from a poem titled 'Elvington' by Lt. Col. Louis Bourgain D.F.C., describing the English place known for its fogged horizons and sadness, referencing bombers flying into the night. The Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington is also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of religious extremism (Christian Identity) with apocalyptic beliefs and the exploration of paranormal phenomena, particularly those related to death and consciousness. The magazine appears to adopt an investigative and open-minded stance towards these subjects, presenting anecdotal evidence and research without necessarily endorsing all claims as fact. The editorial stance seems to be one of exploring unexplained phenomena and the human search for meaning, particularly in the face of mortality and societal upheaval. There is a clear focus on presenting personal accounts and encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional scientific understanding.

Title: STRANGE TIMES
Issue: 2
Issue Date: September 2002
Publisher: Strange Times
Country: UK
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Strange Times focuses on mysteries surrounding wartime aviation, anti-gravity research, and paranormal phenomena, featuring book reviews and reader contributions.

Articles and Features

Wartime Encounters and Mysteries

The issue opens with a dedication to airmen lost in wartime missions, featuring the story of Pilot Officer S.E.C. Judd of 77 Squadron. On a June night in 1944, Judd's aircraft was attacked and sustained extensive damage, forcing him to ditch the crippled plane in the sea off the English coast. Despite the dire circumstances, Judd skillfully managed the landing, and all crew were subsequently rescued. In a parallel, curious event, Judd's parents were awoken by footsteps and a ringing doorbell at the exact time their son's aircraft ditched hundreds of miles away.

Another eerie story recounts an event at a wartime RAF bomber station in Lincolnshire. An airman in a caravan at the end of the runway was puzzled to see a World War I biplane land. The pilot, dressed in period flying kit, handed the airman a note with the number of a specific Lancaster bomber that had taken off on a bombing raid that night. The pilot informed the airman that this Lancaster had crashed and all crew were killed. Later, the control tower received confirmation that the specified Lancaster had indeed crashed at the precise time of the biplane pilot's visit.

Sqn.Ldr. Blackwell recounted an incident from the 1970s at an old wartime bomber station where he saw a fair-haired young man in full World War II flying kit walking towards him and past him. This sighting was later discussed with other officers who confirmed that this apparition had been seen by many others.

Book Reviews

"The Hunt for Zero Point" by Nick Cook

Reviewed by Bill Rose, this book is described as a pleasingly written account that delves into the world of high technology, conspiracy, and intrigue surrounding anti-gravity theory. Nick Cook, a former senior technical editor at Jane's Defence Weekly, explores the work of American scientist Thomas Townsend Brown, the pioneer of electrogravitics. The review touches upon Brown's alleged involvement with the Philadelphia Experiment and how his anti-gravity experiments reportedly led to classified projects. The book also examines unexplained UFO reports from World War II, German research into flying discs, and the possibility of captured technology being used by the Allies. Cook's investigation leads him to shadowy former defence specialists, aerospace engineers, and scientists, including NASA's George Schmidt. The review highlights Cook's pursuit of zero point energy and its relation to gravity, and his investigation into the electrogravitic propulsion system of the Northrop B-2A stealth bomber and the alleged Aurora hypersonic spyplane. The author also delves into German wartime aviation experiments, particularly those linked to SS General Hans Kammler, and explores alleged secret experiments in a mine near the Czech border, potentially related to the 'Bell Experiment.' The review notes Cook's meeting with Russian anti-gravity scientist Dr Eugeny Podkletnov and his encounter with Canadian researcher John Hutchinson. The reviewer concludes that the book raises questions about the potential of anti-gravity technology and corporate pressure to suppress it, recommending it as an excellent read.

"Avrocar - Canada's Flying Saucer" by Bill Zuk

This book review by Bill Rose details the story of Canada's Avrocar project, an attempt to build a supersonic flying saucer during the Cold War. The project, initially undertaken by Avro-Canada, faced technical difficulties and was later supported by American funding. The review mentions the more ambitious, classified 'Project Ladybird' and 'MX 1794' flying saucer programs for the USAF, as well as the WS-606A strike aircraft and the Avrocar itself, envisioned as a cross between a hovercraft and a utility plane. The book examines the work of chief designer John Frost, an Englishman with experience on famous military aircraft. It also explores Frost's interest in German WWII aeronautical research and his alleged participation in a secret meeting with an engineer involved in a German flying disc project. The review notes that the book covers various designs from this unusual flying disc program, which were reportedly too advanced for their time. Bill Rose considers the book a fine piece of work, drawing on unique material and photographs, making it a valuable reference for aviation enthusiasts and ufologists interested in the largest known postwar MMUFO project.

Editorial and Reader Feedback

Gloria Heather Dixon, editor of Strange Times and Director of Investigations for BUFORA, is introduced as having a lifetime interest in extraordinary human experiences, particularly near-death experiences and after-death contact. The editorial section includes reader comments. Michael Lewis from ASSAP comments on the perceived connection between the 'Attack on America' and an article on terrorism, and praises the magazine's factual approach. Roy Sandbach encourages the magazine to keep up the good work. John McDonald found the interview with Judy Jaafar and Bill Rose's photos excellent. Lionel Beer, a UFO-buff and bookseller, notes that while ufology has progressed, it's often at subtle levels. He raises the question of whether the study is of UFOs or human behavior, advising careful investigation and a 'long stick.'

BUFORA London Lectures, 2002

The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) announced its program of events for 2002. This includes a series of informal 'Phenomenal Afternoons' in London, sponsored by Malcolm Robinson's SPI-UK, held at the Sols Arms Public House. These events cover a range of subjects related to UFOs and the paranormal. BUFORA is also hosting three seasonal mini-conferences. The schedule includes lectures on UFO cases, remote viewing, crop circles, ghosts, and poltergeists, with speakers such as Roy Lake, Maxine Pearson, Carol Cochrane, Elaine Waite, John Hanson, and John Spencer. Additionally, BUFORA is holding an AGM with a UFO video afternoon on March 2nd, a Roswell Conference on June 1st, and its 40th Birthday Conference on September 7th. Ticket prices are £6, with a £5 advance booking concession for BUFORA and SPI members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and cutting-edge scientific or technological speculation. There's a clear interest in challenging conventional understandings of reality, particularly concerning UFOs, anti-gravity, and the possibility of consciousness surviving death. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond mainstream explanations, while also valuing factual reporting and common sense, as noted in the review of Nick Cook's book. The inclusion of reader feedback suggests a community engaged with these topics, sharing experiences and perspectives.

Notable Quote

"There exists in our cosmos a dynamic element, imponderable and invisible, diffused through all parts of the universe, independent of matter visible and ponderable, and acting upon it; and in that dynamic element there is an intelligence superior to our own...." - Camille Flammarion in The Unknown.