  The problem of singularities associated with Dirac strings and closed
timelike curves in classical solutions of pure gravity is analyzed here. A
method to eliminate these is introduced and established first for the Taub-NUT
geometry. This is superceded by a smooth solution of first order field
equations, which is defined to be a unique extension of the Taub Universe to a
degenerate metric phase. As an additional feature, this framework naturally
provides a geometric interpretation of the magnetic charge in the context of
gravity theory without matter. Finally, exploiting the two phases of the metric
determinant, we find a (smooth and unique) continuation of the Misner geometry
as well, ridding it of closed timelike worldlines which exist in its otherwise
Einsteinian manifestation.
