Alternate Horizons Newsletter - Vol 1 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: ALTERNATE HORIZONS NEWSLETTER
Issue: Volume One, Number Two
Publisher: Foundation for Philosophic Advancement
Date: The issue date is not explicitly stated for the newsletter itself, but a newspaper date of April 28, 1897, is referenced within an article.
Content Focus: This issue of the newsletter focuses on the 'AR' theory, historical UFO sightings, and personal accounts related to UFO phenomena.

The 'AR' Theory

The newsletter's editor, Allen H. Greenfield, discusses the 'AR' theory, stating that while the ingredients are not new, the aim is to develop a new, coherent statement of its component parts from a fresh perspective. He expresses a desire for a clear, modern statement, avoiding the obscurity of Peter Kor or the irrelevency of George Adamski. Greenfield notes the difficulty in communicating the concept in a simple fashion, as its vastness can make it sound weak despite its depth.

He mentions discussing the theory in New York City in late 1966 with UFOlogists, finding general acceptance. James W. Moseley, editor of 'Saucer News', reportedly went along with the 'AR' theory. A key criticism from some UFOlogists was that the theory was 'not new'.

Personal Encounters and Incidents

Gray Barker Incident

The writer recounts a personal contact with odd incidents, including an event involving Gray Barker, known for his book 'They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers'. When Barker was scheduled to lecture in Atlanta, a thick fog appeared at the airport just before his flight arrived, forcing it to detour to Birmingham, Alabama. The fog dispersed shortly after the plane left. Efforts were made to arrange for Barker to travel by bus from Birmingham. However, upon arrival, Barker could not find his suitcase, which contained slides for his lecture. The incident had a happy ending, with the slides being found and the lecture being successful. The writer notes that fogs have likely caused flight detours at Atlanta Airport before.

Fog Incident near Atlanta Airport

In February 1966, while driving back from Atlanta Airport after seeing off speaker Eugene R. Steinberg, the author experienced a thick fog that nearly caused a fatal wreck.

'Invisible Entity' Experience

In late December 1966, prior to a trip to New York, the editor received a call from Tom Brand, a former public relations officer for the local AMUFO affiliate. Brand and a young lady named Susan Hill had an experience with an 'invisible entity'. The editor took them to his office for a taped discussion. The story involved a link-up with transportation and the Atlanta Airport.

Historical UFO Sightings

'Then and Now: A Comparison' by Lucius Farish

This column by Lucius Farish compares historical and present-day UFO reports. A nationwide Gallup poll indicated that 46% of people believed flying saucers were 'real', with 'experimental projects and/or Air Force tests' being the most common explanation, followed by 'interplanetary vehicles'.

Most UFOlogists dismiss the idea of UFOs being secret Earthly devices. Farish argues that similar sightings throughout history prove they are not modern inventions, unless experiments are duplicating UFO propulsion systems.

Early Sightings:

• 1290 A.D.: The first recorded instance of a disc-shaped object is mentioned in Yorkshire, England, where monks at Byland Abbey saw a 'round, flat, silver object called a discus'.
• 1881 Encyclopedia: A reference to 'fireballs' notes they sometimes resemble comets but frequently appear as a 'round well-defined disk'.
• 1846: Auguste Leverger, commanding gun-boats from Cuiaba, Brazil to Assuncion, Paraguay, reported observing a luminous globe with intense speed. The phenomenon left a bright trail containing three bodies, described as disks of varying shapes and brilliancy, which eventually disappeared after 25 minutes.

Anchor Incident (956 A.D.):

An ancient Irish manuscript, the 'Speculum Regali', describes an event in Cloera where a metal anchor with a rope was dropped from the sky. A ship with men was seen floating at the end of the anchor cable, and a man descended the cable. The anchor is preserved in the church as testimony.

Merkel, Texas Incident (April 28, 1897):

A report from the Houston, Texas DAILY POST describes parties returning from church who noticed a heavy object dragging a rope. They followed it until it caught on a rail. A man in a light blue sailor suit descended the rope, cut it, and sailed away. The anchor was put on exhibition at a blacksmith shop.

Farish notes the similarity between the 956 A.D. and 1897 reports, suggesting a possible 'update' of the ancient account, but also highlights the fantastic nature of both reports.

'AR' Booklist & Library

The newsletter provides a recommended booklist for 'AR' studies, inviting reader suggestions:

• THE COMING OF THE SAUCERS by Kenneth Arnold & Ray Palmer (1952): Recommended for its attention to the Maury Island Affair.
• THE INCOMPLETE ENCHANTER by L. Sprague De Camp & Fletcher Pratt (1960): Useful for understanding the nature and mechanics of AR.
• LORDS OF ATLANTIS by Wallace West (1963): Described as 'Shaverian' fare, but worth reading.
• THREE HEARTS & THREE LIONS by Poul Anderson (1961): Similar to 'The Incomplete Enchanter', also dealing with the moral aspect of AR.
• MICROCOSM AND MACROCOSM by Michael M. Hare (1966): A technical work subtitled 'An Approach To The Synthesis Of The Real', providing a framework for AR within conventional scientific terms.

A note clarifies that these books are not consciously about 'AR' but may aid in understanding the concept.

Publication Information

The ALTERNATE HORIZONS NEWSLETTER is the official publication of the Foundation for Philosophic Advancement. Offices are in the Broadview Plaza Shopping Center, Atlanta, Georgia. The mailing address is 2875 Sequoyah Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327 USA. Phone numbers are 237-2153 (office) and 355-8206 (Editor's Home), Area Code 404. Material is available with FPA Membership. Sample copies are free on request. Single back issues cost 50¢. Material may be reprinted. Contributions are invited. The Editor and Executive Director is Allen H. Greenfield.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration and definition of the 'AR' theory, the examination of historical UFO sightings to establish a long-term pattern, and the sharing of personal UFO-related experiences. The editorial stance, as expressed by Allen H. Greenfield, is to present a clear, modern, and coherent understanding of the 'AR' concept, distinct from previous, perhaps less rigorous, UFO literature. There is an emphasis on comparing historical accounts with contemporary events and providing resources for further study through a curated booklist. The newsletter appears to be a platform for serious inquiry into UFO phenomena and related theories, grounded in both historical research and personal testimony.