Believe It - Vol 1 No 1 - 1978 11

Magazine Overview

Title: BELIEVE IT
Issue: Volume I Number I
Date: November 1978
Publisher: Maryland Center for Investigation of Unconventional Phenomena, Inc.
Type: Official Journal

Introduction and Mission

The inaugural issue of "Believe It" magazine, published in November 1978, introduces the Maryland Center for Investigation of Unconventional Phenomena, Inc. (MCIUP). The Center, a nonprofit educational and scientific corporation based in Maryland, is dedicated to the study of UFOs and other unconventional phenomena. The editorial staff acknowledges the lack of a catchy acronym for their organization, humorously comparing it to 'an overdose of sauerkraut and beer.' The Center is incorporated and has applied for tax-exempt status. Its operations are supported by volunteers, with overhead costs primarily related to printing and postage.

The primary goal of the Center is to foster cooperation among all UFO and Fortean organizations worldwide. They believe that petty jealousy and fractionalism hinder progress and that a united front is necessary to find answers and gain the attention of the scientific community. The Center positions itself as a catalyst and interface to facilitate this cooperation, emphasizing that pooling resources and data can lead to meaningful research.

A significant setback for the Center was the anticipated affiliation with a major university, which proved difficult due to financial concerns at educational institutions. The Center hopes to secure university affiliation to enhance its credibility and access to resources. They are actively seeking tax-deductible donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations to support their work and facilitate university affiliation.

The Center is equipped with a photographic laboratory capable of analysis and is developing capabilities in computerization. They are also working on field investigation manuals and indexing UFO and Fortean events from literature to create a comprehensive bibliography. The magazine itself is intended to be a mix of material, with the Center staff providing factual updates on UFO reports, Bigfoot, and animal mutilations. Material from non-member authors is included for stimulating thought but is not necessarily endorsed by the Center, which will reject spurious or fictional submissions.

Members are informed that their certificates represent actual shares in the corporation, giving them voting rights in its operation. The Center has accepted advertising in this issue to help cover production costs but has rejected distasteful or inappropriate ads. Applications for participating and sustaining memberships are included, with the Center reserving the right to judge applications based on its best interests.

Key Articles and Content

The Maryland Center Exists

This article outlines the establishment and operational status of the Maryland Center for Investigation of Unconventional Phenomena, Inc. It details the Center's mission to promote cooperation among UFO and Fortean organizations, its nonprofit status, and its reliance on volunteer staff. The article highlights the challenges faced in securing university affiliation due to financial constraints and expresses the need for donations and support.

International UFO Encounters

This section provides a chronological report of UFO sightings from May and early Autumn 1978, from various locations worldwide. Specific incidents include:

• Ayshire, Scotland (May 1978): Daily activity of nocturnal lights and daylight discs.
• Cerro Otto, Argentina (May 10, 1978): A 13-year-old photographed a domed disc.
• Kerman, Texas, USA (May 13, 1978): A police officer reported burns from a hovering disc.
• Ocala, Florida, USA (May 14, 1978): Over 100 personnel witnessed an erratic UFO that disrupted radar.
• Bath and Gwent, England (May 25, 1978): Sightings of a 'dumbbell' shaped UFO and luminous balls.
• North Gwent, England (May 27, 1978): Reports of glowing red circles and a triangular light.
• Encinitas, California, USA (May 30, 1978): Three rapidly moving lights observed by scientists and a marketing executive.
• Brooklyn and Queens, New York, USA (June 4, 1978): FAA official and others reported 'eerie lights' and a frisbee-shaped object.
• Gronbant, England (June 7, 1978): A couple reported a hovering saucer-shaped object.
• Chippenham, England (June 10, 1978): School children described a large, fiery red object.
• Immingham, England (June 11, 1978): Reports of erratic lights and silent nocturnal phenomena.
• Streatham Common, England (June 12, 1978): A reappearance of a glowing oblong object with burn marks reported.
• Ayacucha, Argentina (June 15, 1978): A 'flying saucer' landed on a patio and then departed rapidly.
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (June 15, 1978): Hundreds witnessed smaller craft emerging from a mother ship.
• Bangor, England (June 15, 1978): A woman reported a sun-like object with 'window type things' that disappeared.
• Friendship, Wisconsin, USA (June 15, 1978): A low-flying UFO with flashing lights was reported.
• Gloucester, England (June 18, 1978): A family observed a brightly glowing UFO hovering and leaving a vapor trail.
• Calderdale, England (June 19, 1978): Residents reported a bright blue UFO moving erratically.
• Weston-super-Mare, England (June 4, 1978): Intense light observed moving and flickering.
• Kent, England (June 22, 1978): A series of reports of a moon-shaped red fiery ball.
• Medway, Mass., USA (June 25, 1978): Four adults observed a silver metallic oval object with a domed top.

Other Articles

• Pyramid Phenomena: Discusses the phenomenon of pyramids.
• Russians Paced by UFOs??: Explores potential Russian involvement or observations of UFOs.
• FBI Raid in Pennsylvania: Details an FBI raid related to UFO investigations.
• Nationwide Bigfoot Appearances: Reports on Bigfoot sightings across the country.
• Bigfoot in Maryland and In History: Focuses on Bigfoot occurrences in Maryland and historical accounts.
• Reincarnation Personal Experiences: Shares personal accounts of reincarnation.
• Chesapeake Bay Monstors?: Investigates reports of mysterious creatures in the Chesapeake Bay.
• 1978 Fortfest: Covers an event or festival in 1978.
• INFO: A section likely containing brief news or information items.
• Animal Mutilation Roundup: Summarizes recent cases of animal mutilations.
• Teenagers and UFOs: Explores the connection between teenagers and UFO sightings.
• Professor Oberth Sends Accolades: Features commendations from Professor Oberth.
• Green Slime Invades Washington: Reports on an unusual incident in Washington.
• Book Reviews: Critiques of relevant books.
• Skyquakes and Voices from Space: Discusses unusual atmospheric or auditory phenomena.
• UFO Photos Made At Observatory: Presents UFO photographs taken at an observatory.
• Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind: Details a specific type of UFO encounter.
• Expiration Dates?: A speculative piece, possibly related to UFO technology or longevity.
• Bigfoot in Maryland Update: Provides updated information on Bigfoot sightings in Maryland.
• Center Library, Center Logo, Member Opinion Poll, Additional UFO Report, August UFO Reports: These sections indicate ongoing activities and engagement with the membership.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, Bigfoot phenomena, and the promotion of inter-organizational cooperation within the field of unconventional studies. The editorial stance, as articulated in the "Editor's Note" and the "Maryland Center Appeals for Unity at Last" article, is one of openness, collaboration, and a desire to bring order and credible research to the study of these phenomena. The Center explicitly states it will not engage in outlandish promises or political lobbying, adhering to its charter. There is a clear emphasis on evidence-based investigation and a call for a more scientific approach, despite the current denial of UFOs by official bodies like the U.S. Air Force and figures like Dr. Edward Condon and Phil Klass.