Alternate Horizons Newsletter

Magazine Overview

Title: Alternate Horizons Newsletter
Issue: Volume Two, Number Six (Whole Number Twelve)
Date: October, 1968
Publisher: Foundation for Philosophic Advancement (FPA)
Editor: Allen H. Greenfield

This issue of the Alternate Horizons Newsletter is primarily composed of letters and extracts from readers, offering diverse perspectives on UFO phenomena, the 'Alternate Reality' (AR) theory, and related mysteries. The newsletter is the official publication of the FPA, a non-profit organization founded in 1966, with its office in Atlanta, Georgia.

Letters & Extracts

Eugene Steinberg (Worthington, Minnesota)

Steinberg commends AHN for its service to UFOlogy by tackling offbeat investigations. However, he notes that the 'a-r' (Alternate Reality) field of study suffers from a lack of space for proper treatment. He criticizes readers for not contributing to an in-depth dialogue on the subject, urging a collective effort to understand it. Steinberg stresses the urgency of a massive study into UFOs and other offbeat mysteries, highlighting the frightening proliferation of 'men-in-black' cases as evidence that the UFO problem is entering a new phase, with the future of mankind potentially at stake.

Paul Braczyk (Webster, Massachusetts)

Braczyk advocates for greater attention to the Alternate Reality Theory, which he believes is the only hypothesis that covers all aspects of UFO phenomena. He contrasts it with other 'explanations' that tend to fit only specific cases, while AR is broad enough to encompass all situations. He questions why this theory is relatively unknown or untouched by organized investigation groups, suggesting it should at least be made aware of to encourage progress.

Eugene R. Gryniewicz (Donaldson, Indiana)

Gryniewicz expresses initial confusion and skepticism regarding the Alternate Reality concept, finding its terminology lacking and seeing it as a rehash of the '4-D' concept. However, he acknowledges that many points in the first issue made sense. He views the AR as an all-encompassing explanation for everyday mysteries like the Abominable Snowman, Loch Ness Monster, and Sasquatch, in addition to UFOs. He states that the AR cannot be definitively defined or proven currently, but suppositions can be made. He suggests that Fortean phenomena are likely related and that the AR provides a missing link.

Dennis Stamey (Asheville, North Carolina)

Stamey observes that the idea of unseen, unsuspected worlds and non-human beings is becoming more realized. While he believes 'saucers' originate from space, he questions if they are merely visitors from other planets, pondering the nature of space itself.

John Harney (Bromborough, Wirral, Cheshire, England)

Harney proposes that a possible approach to the 'Men in Black' (MIB) and threatening phone call problem is to first eliminate psychological possibilities, referencing an article in AHN. He notes that while previous accounts of such calls were subjective, a recent case involved a recorded part of the call, making a psychological explanation inadequate. Harney discusses the puzzle of MIB behavior and the knowledge they might possess, suggesting that some, like Bender, may have known little. He shares his personal experience of not having trouble with MIB or receiving such calls, attributing it to his consistent expression of skepticism and pointing to 'normal' physical and psychological explanations. He notes a dilemma: appearing too believing might lead to being 'silenced,' while appearing too skeptical might lead to accusations of working for 'THE ORGANIZATION.'

Lucius Farish (Plumerville, Arkansas)

Farish indicates that he has mellowed to the AR theory over time. He still considers the 'interplanetary spaceship' concept as a partial answer to the UFO mystery and does not dismiss Shaver's views on physical caverns and beings. He finds it likely that there are entities utilizing caverns as bases. Farish understands AR as a 'connecting link' between various mysteries, which he finds logical and orderly, linking back to Fort's concept of 'underlying oneness.' He believes AHN does a good job bridging the gap between the unorthodox and the orthodox, calling it a 'mind-expander.'

Alternotes

This section provides recommendations for further reading and resources:

• INFO Journal: Published by the International Fortean Organization (INFO). Contact address provided.
• Allen H. Greenfield's Book: A book manuscript titled 'NATURE OF REALITY An Inquiry and a Testament' is mentioned, with publication plans yet to be announced.
• The UFO Sighter, Volume 7, Number 2: Scheduled to feature an article by Greenfield on AR, titled 'Tenets of the Alternate Reality Theory', and a photo-feature on UFO contactee John F. Reeves.
• THE ODIC FORCE, Letters On Od and Magnetism: A book by Karl Von Reichenbach, translated and introduced by F. D. O'Byrne.
• 'Orgone Energy and Space Ships' by Jerome Eden: An article in the October, 1968 edition of Saucer Scoop.
• 'UFO's Mystery On The Mohawk!!!' by Jennifer Stevens: An article in Saucer Scoop that includes an account of strange telephone experiences similar to those the editor has experienced.

The editor recounts a personal experience of receiving a strange phone call on October 10, 1968, at approximately 2 AM, which consisted of weird noises and was taped. No voice appeared, despite the editor's attempts to elicit identification.

• 'Mysterious Voices From Space' by John A. Keel: An article in the November, 1968 issue of Saga is mentioned for its similar content.

Alternate Horizons Newsletter Index to Volume Two

The index provides a comprehensive list of articles and features published in Volume Two of the newsletter, organized by issue number (One through Six). It details topics such as 'Alternotes,' 'On the subject of Importance,' 'Then and Now: A Comparison,' 'The Nature of Background Evidence,' 'Classification of UFO Reports,' 'Greenfield On AR: A Self Interview,' 'AR Bookshelf and Library,' 'Little Men in Historical Context,' 'Fragments of Reality,' 'The Ghost of AR At The 1968 Congress of Scientific UFOlogists,' 'Commentary: AR,' 'The Skywatch Voice,' and 'Paperbacks Recommended for AR General Bookshelf Use.'

Notes

• "Then and Now: A Comparison" is noted as an over-all title for an article series.
• All unsigned material, except reader letters and extracts, is by the editor. Photos in Volume Two, Number Four are also by the editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration and discussion of the 'Alternate Reality' (AR) theory as a potential unifying framework for understanding a wide range of unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, Fortean events, and psychic experiences. The editor, Allen H. Greenfield, appears to be a proponent of this theory, as evidenced by his upcoming book and articles on the subject. The letters from readers reflect a spectrum of engagement with the AR theory, from initial skepticism to growing acceptance, and highlight the perceived need for more rigorous and widespread investigation into these unconventional topics. The newsletter also touches upon the persistent mystery of 'men-in-black' and unusual phone calls, suggesting a broader, possibly interconnected, network of unexplained phenomena that challenges conventional explanations.