Magazine Summary
The APRO Bulletin
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Summary
This issue of The APRO Bulletin covers several UFO-related events and investigations. It details the Indiana Photo Case with photographs taken by Ricky Brandenburg, discusses Uri Geller's predictions of UFO activity in California, and examines the Colusa Case involving sightings and a blackout. The issue also reports on the recurring 'Foss Episode' in Milbank, South Dakota, and includes an article on 'Cosmic Voyeurs' discussing historical UFO encounters.
Magazine Overview
Title: The APRO Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 25, No. 10
Date: April, 1977
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO)
This issue of The APRO Bulletin features a variety of articles focusing on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. The cover story, "INDIANA PHOTO CASE," details an incident involving a 13-year-old boy, Ricky Brandenburg, who photographed a disc-shaped object. The "Bulletin Board" section introduces a new packaging format for the bulletin and announces the sale of "FLYING SAUCERS ARE REAL" bumper stickers.
Key Articles and Reports
Indiana Photo Case
The main article details the sighting by Ricky Brandenburg in Indianapolis, Indiana, on March 10, 1977. Brandenburg captured nine photos of an object that made a 360° circle and then disappeared. Three of these photos clearly show a dark disc-shaped object with a transparent dome. The photos were examined by APRO's consultants and considered genuine. The article also notes that a similar case from Mexico with clear UFO photos will be featured in the next issue.
Uri Geller's Prophecies
An article discusses Uri Geller's new venture into prophecy, specifically his prediction of a "spectacular rash of UFO sightings over California" within six months, accompanied by blackouts and car stoppages. The article questions whether this prediction will be confirmed, noting that it marks Geller's first foray into prophecy and could significantly affect his standing.
Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle's Contribution
Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle contributed a chapter to a new book titled "ABDUCTED!" planned for release in November 1977. His paper, "Hypnotic Time Regression Procedures in the Investigation of UFO Experiences," was released as a special publication after receiving favorable comments at the Acupulco UFO Convention.
The Colusa Case
Authored by Brad Sparks, this multi-part article concludes its investigation into the Colusa, California, incident of September 10, 1976. The investigation found no evidence that UFOs caused the blackout, attributing it to problems at the DWP substation in Victorville. The article analyzes witness testimonies, addresses discrepancies, and rules out planets and aircraft as explanations for the observed lights. It also discusses the integrity of the witnesses and the findings of independent MUFON investigations.
Foss Episode Reoccurs
Written by Beatrice Zimmer, this report details a recurring UFO sighting episode involving Mike Foss in Milbank, South Dakota. Foss, who had previous close encounters, predicted the return of a UFO. On March 1, 1977, he experienced a blast, TV disruption, and observed a black oval-shaped object and a glowing haze, accompanied by a strong, unpleasant odor.
Cosmic Voyeurs: 19th and 20th Century Style
By John Brent Musgrave, this article explores UFO experiences that appear to be variations on a theme, suggesting they might involve "ultraterrestrials" or the human psyche. It recounts two episodes: one from the 19th century involving two small figures and a large bluish globe, and another from the early 20th century involving airship sightings.
Letters
A letter references Vance Dewey's "Two Reports From Japan" from the November 1976 bulletin. It discusses the Kofu, Japan, humanoid sighting, analyzing the sequence of events and the interaction between witnesses and the entity, suggesting a deliberate, non-hostile approach by the beings.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed case investigations, witness testimonies, and attempts to correlate sightings with astronomical data. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, seeking logical explanations while remaining open to the possibility of genuine anomalous phenomena. There is an emphasis on reducing "noise" in UFO reports and avoiding public delusion by distinguishing between genuine sightings and misidentifications of natural phenomena. The publication also highlights the importance of field investigators' preparedness for potential public reactions to significant UFO events.
We want these things done, we can do them through you - We have to look upon this as a long term contract between you and us - you must put in some real effort. We shall cooperate, but you will have to exert yourself.
Key Incidents
Uri Geller predicts a spectacular rash of UFO sightings over California within six months, followed by blackouts in the San Francisco Bay area and cars stopping.
Ricky Brandenburg, 13, photographed a dark disc-shaped object with a transparent dome that made a 360° circle and then disappeared.
Witnesses reported seeing pulsating orange-red lights and UFOs over power lines, coinciding with a blackout caused by problems at the DWP substation in Victorville.
Mike Foss experienced a blast, a TV disruption, and saw a black oval-shaped object and a pale blue-green glow, accompanied by a strong odor.
A witness awoke to find two small, smartly dressed figures near his bed, and a large bluish globe was seen by a neighbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new packaging format did The Bulletin initiate?
The Bulletin initiated a new packaging format with a mailing cover that serves as a 'bulletin board' for announcements, field investigation tips, and advertising.
What is APRO offering for sale related to UFOs?
APRO is offering bumper stickers that say 'FLYING SAUCERS ARE REAL' in six languages, printed in black lettering on fluorescent orange backing, for sale at 60¢ per sticker or 2 for $1.00 postage paid.
What is the significance of the Colusa Case investigation?
The significance of the Colusa Case lies in determining its relationship to the entire UFO Phenomenon, with analysis revealing deliberate actions by the entities involved, such as permitting witnesses to approach and showing them the crew.
What are the potential explanations for misidentified UFO sightings?
Mistakes in identification can occur because people are not knowledgeable about astronomy and may misinterpret bright stars like Venus and Jupiter, or twinkling stars due to atmospheric turbulence, as UFOs.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Uri GellerProphet
- Dr. R. Leo SprinkleContributor
- C. & J. LorenzenAuthors
- Ricky BrandenburgPhotographer
- David HuestisAuthor
- Mike FossWitness
- Fritz KlemmField Investigator
- B. Roy FriedenConsultant in Optics
- Daniel HarrisConsultant in Astronomy
- Coral E. LorenzenEditor
- Vance DeweyAuthor
- Beatrice ZimmerAuthor
- +8 more
Organisations
- APRO
- National Enquirer
- Astronomical Society of Rhode Island
- MUFON
- Central Valley Project
- Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Company
- City of Los Angeles' Department of Water and Power (DWP)
- Western Systems Coordinating Council
- Colusa Sun-Herald
- Edmonton UFO Society
Locations
- California, USA
- San Francisco Bay area, USA
- Indianapolis, USA
- Indiana, USA
- Acupulco, Mexico
- Kofu, Japan
- Mt. Atago, Japan
- Milbank, USA
- South Dakota, USA
- Colusa, USA
- Shasta Lake, USA
- Victorville, USA
- Marysville, USA
- San Francisco, USA
- +4 more