APCIC - Vol 15 No 05 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 15, No 5
Date: May 1990
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO News, dated May 1990, delves into the complex world of UFO sightings, abductions, and the ongoing efforts to investigate these phenomena. The cover boldly proclaims '19 UFO 90 NEWS' with a stylized flying saucer, setting the tone for the content within.

Tracking Those Who Track UFOs

The lead article, "Tracking those who track UFOs," by Susanne Nika, introduces Judy and Tom Stults, a couple who specialize in investigating claims of alien encounters and abductions. Judy, a hypnotist, works with individuals who believe they have been abducted, helping them recall their experiences. Tom Stults serves as the Illinois state director for Mutual UFO Network Inc. (MUFON), an international organization dedicated to the study of UFOs. They note that abductees often suffer from nightmares and have recurring 'weird dreams' involving examination by non-human entities. While acknowledging that some individuals might fake abductions or have overactive imaginations, the Stultses employ specific criteria to identify potential fakes. They also emphasize that the process of regression can be emotionally taxing, and they are selective about whom they assist, referring those needing psychiatric help elsewhere. The article also touches upon the prevalence of UFO beliefs, with a Gallup poll indicating over 50 percent of Americans believe UFOs exist.

Skepticism vs. Investigation: MUFON and CUFOS

The issue highlights a divergence in approaches within the UFO research community. While MUFON actively investigates abduction claims, the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), represented by scientific director Mark Rodegher, maintains a more skeptical stance. Rodegher points to the influence of books and films on abduction narratives and notes the lack of rigorous scientific proof. In contrast, MUFON's approach involves field investigators who document sightings and collect evidence. The organization receives numerous calls annually, with about one-third of reported phenomena being explainable as natural occurrences.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine presents several accounts of UFO sightings and related phenomena:

• McMinnville, Oregon (1950): A famous photograph of a UFO is mentioned, though its authenticity remains unestablished.
• UFO Characteristics: Descriptions of UFOs include disk-shaped, torpedo-shaped, and diamond-shaped objects, capable of high speeds and unusual maneuvers. They are reported to emit strange lights and sometimes leave physical traces like burned grass.
• Tri-County UFO Study Group: Brenda and Jim Carnes lead this group, which records UFO sightings in the Masury-based area. They are unfazed by public skepticism and focus on gathering information.
• The Gulf Breeze Sightings: This extensively documented case from 1987-1988 involving Ed and Frances Walters is highlighted. The book detailing these events includes photographs and testimonials, suggesting UFOs may operate from beneath the ocean.
• Fireball Sightings in Ohio (March 1990): Reports of a mysterious light streaking across the sky and erupting into a fireball near Portsmouth, Ohio, led to extensive searches by volunteer fire departments, but no explanation was found.
• Ulyanovsk, Russia (March 1990): Tass news agency reported a 'riverboat from space' with flashing lights and signals appearing over Lenin's hometown, attributed by some to the era of glasnost.
• ParaScience International: This organization is seeking information about a man who reported a UFO sighting and a 12-foot crop circle in Pennsylvania, hoping to find connections to similar phenomena in Great Britain.
• Connecticut Sightings: Andy Marlatt reports on the need for field investigators in Fairfield County, Connecticut, noting recent sightings in Westport and West Haven, including a security guard's report of a circular object hovering over a building.

Expert Opinions and Theories

The issue includes perspectives from various experts:

• John Loomis, Professor: He suggests that many UFO sightings are misinterpretations of natural phenomena or things people don't understand. He uses ball lightning as an example of a phenomenon once misunderstood. While not dismissing the possibility of extraterrestrial origins entirely, he emphasizes the need for logical explanations first.
• Dr. Larry Rotenberg, Psychiatrist: Rotenberg views belief in UFOs and extraterrestrials as a form of 'wish fulfillment' and a 'belief system that bonds people together,' similar to religious beliefs. He asserts that such beliefs are not necessarily indicative of mental illness unless they are unshared delusions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO News are the persistent human fascination with the unknown, the challenges of investigating unexplained aerial phenomena, and the tension between belief and skepticism. The magazine appears to provide a platform for witness accounts and the work of dedicated researchers, while also acknowledging the scientific community's often critical perspective. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging the documentation of sightings, even while recognizing the difficulty in definitively proving the existence or nature of UFOs and their occupants.

This issue of The Plain Dealer, dated April 9, 1990, features a prominent article titled "UFO club reaches outer limits" by Michael Sangiacomo. The article delves into the world of UFO investigations and encounters, primarily through the experiences and insights of Americo (Mark) Candusso, a UFO investigator with 29 years of experience.

UFO Club and Candusso's Work

The article highlights the final meeting of the Flying Saucer Investigating Committee of Medina, as Candusso is moving to Arizona. Candusso, a retired teacher, has dedicated nearly three decades to investigating UFO sightings in Ohio, acting as a field investigator for the national Mutual UFO Network. He shares his experiences and theories with a group of about 40 people.

Candusso discusses the nature of UFO sightings, emphasizing lights that exhibit unusual, controlled behaviors. He explores various theories about the origin of UFOs, including the possibility of them being products of ultra-terrestrials or beings far superior to humans. He also touches upon the idea that UFOs might be manifestations of our spiritual selves.

Personal Encounters and Theories

Candusso recounts personal sightings, including one from June 20, 1960, where he observed multiple lights forming bands and hovering. He also details a documented case from 1973 involving a helicopter pilot and military men who were paced by a cigar-shaped UFO over Mansfield.

He addresses the possibility that UFOs could be advanced spy planes from the US or Soviet Union, but also considers the more sinister theory of 'ultra-terrestrials' who manipulate humans like pawns. A more popular theory suggests UFOs are from an alien race far superior to our own.

Candusso notes a decline in UFO sightings in recent years, stating that the 'height' of sightings was in the 1950s and 60s, with a gradual decrease thereafter.

The Men in Black Phenomenon

The article also delves into the phenomenon of the 'Men in Black' (MIBs). Peter Rojcewicz, a professor of humanities and folklore, shares his own encounter from 1980, where he was visited by a gaunt, pale man in a black suit. Rojcewicz explains that MIB encounters often follow sightings of UFOs or strange lights and that these figures sometimes pose as Air Force UFO investigators.

He notes that MIBs warn UFO spotters to keep their experiences secret. The aftermath of an MIB encounter can vary, with some individuals experiencing increased success and others facing job loss or personal difficulties. Rojcewicz suggests that a person's cultural background, religion, and openness to imagination influence their reaction to such encounters.

References to Men in Black are traced back to Biblical times, and Rojcewicz suggests that laughter can be a defense against them, advising not to feed them fear.

Other UFO Reports and Investigations

The issue also includes brief mentions of other UFO-related events and organizations:

• Strange lights in the sky were observed in four states (Missouri, southern Illinois, Iowa, and Arkansas) on a Saturday night, with authorities confirming it was not caused by space debris.
• A lecture by UFO researcher Robert Hastings was scheduled in Keene, discussing "The UFOs: The Hidden History" and alleged government cover-ups.
• The article mentions the "Encounters with 'Men in Black': fact or fantasy?" topic being discussed at a lecture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimonies, and the psychological and societal impact of UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without definitive judgment, while acknowledging the skepticism and fear of ridicule that often surrounds the topic. The article highlights the dedication of individuals like Candusso and Rojcewicz in pursuing these investigations despite the lack of mainstream acceptance.

This issue of the Richmond Times Dispatch, dated March 19, 1990, features a prominent article about UFO expert Donald M. Ware, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. The cover headline boldly states, 'UFO expert says information on aliens withheld by government.' The accompanying image is a grainy photograph of unidentified objects in the sky, reportedly taken in Florida.

UFO Expert Donald M. Ware's Claims

The main article, by Mark Holmberg, details Ware's assertions that the U.S. government possesses significant evidence of extraterrestrial life, including approximately 30 alien bodies from about 8 to 12 alien crash incidents. Ware, who is also a bird watcher and former fighter pilot, believes the government has maintained a monopoly on this evidence to control public perception.

Ware suggests that the government has been gradually preparing the public for the reality of alien interaction. He posits that popular culture, through TV shows like 'Battlestar Galactica' and 'Star Trek,' and movies such as 'Close Encounters' and 'The Day the Earth Stood Still,' has helped desensitize the public and make the idea of aliens more culturally acceptable. He believes U.S. intelligence personnel were involved in the creation of these media to achieve this effect.

Ware, who served two combat tours and had a 26-year career in the Air Force, stated that he has had a lifelong interest in mysteries. His personal investigation into UFOs began after witnessing highly publicized lights over Washington, D.C., in 1952. After retiring from the military, he became an investigator for the Mutual UFO Network Inc. (MUFON) and is now its eastern regional director.

He plans to discuss three key questions at an upcoming meeting of the Metaphysical Research Group of Richmond: What are UFOs? How long have they been here? What are they doing? His presentation will include a video titled 'UFOs Now,' featuring photographs of the Gulf Breeze objects.

Ware expressed his conviction that 'someone has been watching us for a very long time' and views both the UFO phenomenon and religions as pathways to understanding a 'much larger reality.'

UFO Sightings in Indiana

Separately, the issue includes a brief report from The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) dated May 1, 1990, about persistent UFO sightings in Corydon, Indiana. Residents, including teachers, nurses, and a deputy sheriff, claim to have seen mysterious lights and objects in the night sky. One witness emphasized that they are 'respectable, well-educated, professional and responsible people' and not 'kooks.' These sightings have reportedly been occurring for at least 20 years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue focuses heavily on the topic of UFOs and alleged government cover-ups, presenting the views of an expert who claims direct knowledge and involvement in the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these claims and related public interest, as evidenced by the coverage of Ware's upcoming lecture and the local UFO sightings in Indiana. The inclusion of Ware's background as a retired military officer lends a degree of credibility to his claims within the context of the article, while also acknowledging the potentially 'preposterous' nature of his assertions to the general public.