Sussex Circular - 1996 no 58

Magazine Overview

Title: SC
Issue: 58
Date: November 1996
Publisher: SC
Country: England
Price: £1.00

This issue of SC, 'The Monthly Journal of Crop Circles and Beyond', features a cover story on 'Strange Effects On People In Circles' and 'The Myth Of Mass Hoaxing'. It also announces the establishment of a new US subscription service and reviews the 1997 Crop Circle Calendar.

Editorial and Administration

Editor's Note (Andy Thomas): Andy Thomas addresses the 'Olivers-Castle-video-controversy-free zone' for this month, promising a deeper look next month. He also touches upon the internet's reaction to a controversial video and Colin Andrews' statement, clarifying SC's reporting of Colin's initial involvement. He mentions a trickle of new formations and a forthcoming 'Sussex '96 round-up'. He bids farewell to regular columnist Michael Glickman, who is moving to California but will continue contributing.

New US Subscription Service: A significant administrative change is announced: Michael Glickman, now in the US, along with Patricia Murray, will operate a US office for SC. This aims to streamline the subscription process for American readers by allowing them to use US dollar cheques, thus avoiding the complexities of international sterling payments. The US subscription rate is set at $33.00, with cheques payable to 'M Glickman'. UK and overseas subscriptions continue to be handled at the usual English address. Changes of US addresses should still be sent to Di Brown and Jason Porthouse.

Flyers for Inclusion with SC: The magazine offers a service for including flyers with SC issues for a fee of £10.00 per batch. Flyers must be A5 size or smaller, securely packaged, and sent to Di and Jason. SC reserves the right to refuse flyers.

Features and Articles

'HOAX? WHAT HOAX?' by Michael Glickman: Glickman revisits the 'Doug and Dave' crop circle fraud on its fifth anniversary, arguing that the phenomenon's damage stems from the community's own lack of discernment and over-reliance on claims rather than evidence. He criticizes senior researchers for making pronouncements without justification and challenges them to provide evidence for their assertions about the man-made nature of most circles. He concludes that the claims of some self-proclaimed researchers lack substance, similar to the original hoaxers.

'NEWS - SHIFTING THE PITCH' by Ray Cox: This section provides an update on the 1995 Stratford 'eye' formation. Further details from Wolfgang Schindler suggest a connection to Australian aborigines and a ceremony called 'about to shift the pitch', noting coincidences in design and name with the band 'Pitch Shifter'. The band's logo was reportedly drawn by a member who was a graphic artist, with no knowledge of the formation.

'CIRCLES '96 PHOTO-SPREAD #5: ODDS & SODS': This spread showcases various crop circle formations from 1996, including images of the 'grey alien' face at Waden Hill, the 'torpedo' near Burbage, a cross formation at Compton Abbas, the 'Vesica Pisces' at Ashbury, and the 'Woodborough Hill' formation by Germans Koch and Kyborg. It notes that original colour copies are available from Steve Alexander and Lucy Pringle.

'THE HUMAN EFFECT REPORT' by Lucy Pringle: Pringle details her 1995 investigations into the medical and physical effects of entering crop circles. She discusses the 'taste' sensation experienced by many, linking it to potential blood sugar drops. She explores the phenomenon of time loss, euphoria, and raised consciousness, suggesting a role for microwave activity and plasma. Pringle presents findings from EEG and ESR tests conducted by Isobel Maxwell-Cade and Peter Staples, showing significant differences in brainwave activity and physiological responses between subjects inside and outside crop circles. She also touches upon headaches and nausea, potentially linked to nitric oxide or organo phosphates, and mentions research into water samples from crop circles.

'REVIEWS - 1997 AND ALL THAT' by Andy Thomas: Thomas reviews the 1997 crop circle calendar, produced by the Wiltshire Crop Circle Fellowship (formerly CCCS) and the team of Michael Glickman and Patricia Murray. He praises the calendar's photographic quality and the use of quotes from crop circle researchers. While noting a minor criticism regarding the use of ground-level shots versus aerial views, he deems it a good souvenir of the year's mysteries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of evidence and discernment in crop circle research, particularly in debunking hoax theories. There's a strong focus on scientific investigation into the phenomenon's effects, both on the environment (water samples) and on human physiology. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question claims and seek verifiable data, while also promoting the community's efforts to document and understand crop circles. The establishment of a US subscription service indicates an effort to broaden the magazine's reach and accessibility.