Controversial Phenomena Bulletin - No 01 - Vol 1 No 1 - Jan Feb 1964

Magazine Overview

Title: CONTROVERSIAL PHENOMENA

Issue: VOLUME # I - BULLETIN # I

Date: JANUARY - FEBRUARY 1964

Publisher: Armand A. Laprade

Country: USA

Price: $2.00 per year

Cover Headline: "HAS THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT CONTACTED FLYING SAUCERS???"

Document Type: Magazine Issue

Description: This is the inaugural issue of the "Controversial Phenomena Bulletin," a bi-monthly publication dedicated to exploring topics often deemed too controversial for mainstream discussion. The cover features an illustration of the U.S. Capitol dome with several flying saucers in the sky, hinting at the issue's focus on government interaction with UFOs.

Editorial and Introduction

The issue opens with an introduction from Armand A. Laprade, thanking subscribers and expressing hope for the bulletin's improvement. He highlights the cover illustration by Joseph L. Ferriere and mentions Ovila J. Larochelle as the Advisor & Co-Ordinator. Laprade encourages readers to submit articles and clippings on strange and unusual topics, clarifying that it is not an occult zine. He emphasizes the importance of subscribers for the zine's survival.

Joe, one of the zine's creators, introduces himself and Larry, noting that "Controversial Phenomena" is so named because science often dismisses unexplained phenomena as too controversial. He argues that this controversy is created by scientists themselves, who refuse to doubt their own omniscience and denounce observers rather than investigate. Joe believes that such a zine is necessary because its subject matter is considered "good copy" by few newspapers, and he asserts that nothing in creation is unimportant.

Larry (Ovila J. Larochelle) also contributes, humorously requesting that Joe and Armand spell his name and address correctly in future issues. He expresses his role as Advisor and Co-ordinator and thanks Joe and Armand for their efforts in creating the zine. He also thanks Thomas Clement, Mary Jurgiel, John and Mary Nugent, and others for their support.

Table of Contents

The table of contents lists several articles, including:

• Have Flying Saucers Contacted The U.S. Government?
• Why Are The Saucers Here?
• Did A Flying Saucer Crash On Mont Pelee?
• Are Underwater UFO's All Wet?
• A Letter To Johnny Carson
• The Flying Saucers Are Back
• A Trial Page
• News While it was news
• Monsters On The Rocks - Up In The Air Again?
• The Reality Of The Flying Saucers
• Chasing The Green Fireballs
• The Pachomski Incident
• Ghostly News Event Of 1963
• Did UFO's Drop Residue On Mass. and R.I.?
• Little Monsters Invade Florida
• Kartoon..and.. Article On Monsters
• Late News Happenings In 1963

Article: Have Flying Saucers Contacted The U.S. Government?

By Joseph Ferriere, this article discusses the headlines from July 1952 concerning flying saucers over Washington, D.C. It recounts that on the night of August 13, 1952, sixty-eight unidentified flying objects were observed. The author notes that the skies over the Capital are restricted, and one would expect interceptors to act. However, the White House issued an order to "Take no hostile action against the unknowns." Ferriere suggests this order, contradictory to defense regulations, implies an actual radio contact might have been attempted. He opines that on August 13, 1952, the U.S. Government received communication from extraterrestrial creatures. The article also mentions five glowing disc-shaped objects seen hovering over ex-President Eisenhower's home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 1961. The author concludes by quoting an unnamed source who stated that the events of August 13, 1952, would someday be known as "MAN'S GREATEST MOMENT OF TRUTH!"

Article: Why Are The Saucers Here?

Authored by Armand, this piece questions the reasons behind the presence of saucers. It posits that humanity may have reached the peak of its civilization and could be doomed to never reach the heavens, drawing parallels to the Tower of Babel. The author speculates if this is a sign of a recurring cycle or a celestial sign. He wonders if new civilizations develop new languages and what religious nature they might take, questioning why human and animal sacrifices occur as civilizations mature. Armand poses whether saucers are benevolent beings, demonic, or represent two schools of thought: good and evil, or interplanetary. He criticizes the CIA and Air Force for dismissing sightings as hallucinations and dogmatists for labeling observers as mentally unfit. The author encourages a collaborative approach to understanding saucers, urging readers to evaluate phenomena rather than bicker. He asks if fireballs, cremations, and disappearances are related to saucers and invites readers to send in their ideas.

Article: Did A Flying Saucer Crash On Mont Pelee?

This two-part article by Joe and Armand investigates a potential flying saucer crash on Mont Pelee in Martinique in 1958. Some rocket experts believe a craft from another planet may have crashed there. Despite a significant appropriation by the French government for investigation, no official answers were released by 1964. The authors were prompted by articles about strange radioactive deposits, giant monsters, and unusually large cats in the West Indies. They note that Martinique is a volcanic French colony, and Mont Pelee is its highest peak. The article mentions that on May 8, 1902, Pelee erupted, destroying St. Pierre. Dr. Jules Craveur, a French scientist, believes an unknown force on the island affects the growth of animals, insects, plants, and humans. He claims to have grown significantly, as has his assistant, and reports that ants, flies, lizards, and snakes have grown eighteen times their normal size. Cats have been seen chasing dogs, and rats chasing cats. Strong radiation is reported from Mt. Pelee, attributed by natives to witchcraft. Government officials are mystified, and scientists are worried about potential invasions by giant insects. It is noted that larger creatures become smarter. Dr. Craveur suggests that these organisms may grow larger and smarter through generations. Rodents are reportedly attacking people while they sleep. A special institute in Fort de France is studying the problem. Trees and vegetables have grown at an amazing speed and taken monstrous shapes. The editors ponder if an intelligent extraterrestrial life form buried a machine, if a saucer crashed, or if it's a planned invasion or nature's joke. They question why this event is not mentioned today and if everything was exterminated. The article concludes by asking if readers have noticed flies getting bigger and bolder each year and invites them to send in any answers.

Article: Are Underwater UFO's All Wet?

Authored by Larry (Ovila J. Larochelle), this article compiles reports of unidentified underwater objects (UFOs) from 1957 to 1960. He notes that 1960 saw several underwater UFO incidents. A sample case from May 15, 1957, describes the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt hitting something unknown in 100 feet of water. For 1960, reports include an unidentified underwater object off the Eastern coast, ships hunting objects in Argentina waters, a Cuban warship sinking after striking an object in the Caribbean, another unknown object hunt off the Florida coast, a Panamanian tanker being ripped by an object, a long yellow underwater object sighted near the Maine Naval Station, and a carrier hunting a mystery sub or object in the Pacific. Larry mentions that a fishing craft sank off Westport, Massachusetts, in February 1961, after colliding with a rugged underwater object. He questions whether these objects are birds, planes, or something else, and humorously notes that things are looking up because he received an illustration from Joe and no "s" after "describes" from Armand, suggesting a conspiracy against him.

Letter to Johnny Carson

Armand A. Laprade writes to Johnny Carson of the NBC Network, acknowledging that his request might sound like it's from a crackpot. He mentions a friend told him about a young lady on Carson's show who made predictions. Specifically, the prediction was that a missile from space would land on Earth, showing destructive powers due to racial differences. Armand requests a statement or article about this prediction for his zine, offering to send Carson a copy in return. He also asks for Carson's comments if the prediction is discussed. He mentions his long-term research into saucers, poltergeists, strange falls, and other Fortean phenomena.

Response and Further Questions

Armand A. Laprade received a postcard response, mentioning Jess Stearn's book "Door to the Future." The response also notes Miss Dixon's prediction that Russians would knock out communications and that the greatest difficulties would be with the integration problem in 1964. The editors then question what happened to the space missile prediction and ask readers to write in to CPB if they saw the show, to help clarify the situation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential government involvement with UFOs, unexplained phenomena on Earth (like the Mont Pelee events), and sightings of unidentified underwater objects. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into controversial topics that mainstream science often ignores or dismisses. The creators believe that these phenomena are significant and warrant investigation and discussion, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of ideas. There's a clear skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that many unexplained events are overlooked or deliberately suppressed.

This issue of CPB, identified by its page numbering starting from 'Page Seven', appears to be from 1964, with a cover headline proclaiming 'THE FLYING SAUCERS ARE BACK!'. The main article, authored by Joe Ferriere, posits that 1964 will be a significant year for saucer reports, linking their appearance to the proximity of the planet Mars. The magazine also includes a section titled 'NEWS WHILE IT WAS NEWS!', reviewing events from 1963, and features articles on other unusual phenomena such as green fireballs and a 'headless ghost' in Venezuela.

The Flying Saucers Are Back!

Joe Ferriere's lead article asserts that 1964 will see a staggering number of saucer reports worldwide. This prediction is based on the observation that an increase in sightings correlates with Mars's close opposition to Earth. The article traces the history of the term 'flying saucers,' coined by Kenneth Arnold in 1947, and notes the initial skepticism that gradually gave way to wider acceptance following the events of 1952 and the 'flap' of 1954, which reportedly had the Air Force running in circles. The author mentions the global increase in sightings in 1957, with reported interference with cars, radios, and planes. The article also touches upon the Soviet Union's 1962 exploratory rocket launch to Mars, suggesting that the appearance of the rocket in the Martian sky might cause speculation among inhabitants there. Ferriere speculates that if extraterrestrial beings are observing Earth, their primary purpose might be to prevent humanity from spreading war, crime, and materialistic viewpoints. He concludes that 1964 should be a banner year for UFOs.

Teen-Agers Page

This section is presented as a trial feature intended to become regular if readers desire it. It invites teen-agers to write in with their opinions. The 'Teen-Agers Page' itself is to be managed by teen-agers, with the possibility of them taking over in the future. The editors, Joe and Armand, mention that the illustrations were roughly sketched by Armand and that Joe will illustrate them if the page becomes regular. Armand plans to create stencils for uniform titles. This first issue features articles by Joe and Armand, as they had not yet contacted other contributors. They express hope that readers will enjoy the content, even if some of it is not entirely up-to-date.

Letters From You, To Us

This section is a placeholder for reader contributions and feedback. The editors encourage readers to write in with their wants and suggestions, emphasizing that majority rule will apply. They welcome comments, corrections, articles, and clippings, provided they are dated and include the source of information.

A Page From The Past

This section appears to be a retrospective look at past events or articles. The introduction mentions that the illustrations were sketched by Armand and that Joe will provide more polished illustrations if the page becomes a regular feature. The first issue of this section consists of articles by Joe and the author (presumably Armand), as they are the primary contributors at this stage. They acknowledge that some content might be reprinted from other sources without the original outcome being published.

News While It Was News! A Review of the Year - 1963

This section provides a chronological review of notable events from 1963, focusing on unusual occurrences:

• October 19, 1963: Leo Larochelle reported seeing an unidentified flying object over the U.S. Rubber Co. plant in Woonsocket, described as a round, bright orange object that turned red and disappeared.
• May 8, 1963: The U.S.A.F. and state police were investigating a 500-pound, unidentified fallen object, cylindrical and 18-24 inches in diameter and 6-7 feet long, painted red and white, which had dropped by parachute near N. Vernon, Indiana. It had devices resembling meters but no numbering or lettering.
• May 11, 1963: A 'fireball from the sky' caused a fire at the Maple Upholstery Co. storage building in Belfast, Maine. Witnesses reported hearing a 'terrific explosion' and seeing a round blue object hit the building.
• August 20, 1963: Dr. Lionel Walford, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife research center, described a 'thing' in the Atlantic Ocean as a 40-foot long hunk of jelly that undulated and resembled a sea serpent. He clarified it was an invertebrate, about 5 inches thick and 7-8 inches deep.
• November 12, 1963: An astronomer discovered that the tail of comet Burnham 1960 II, observed at the Astrophysical Institute of the University of Liege, Belgium, swung back and forth, sometimes dividing and fading out.

Chasing The Green Fireballs

This article, authored by Larry (fireball) Larochelle, discusses the phenomenon of green fireballs. It references an 1882 observation by a British astronomer of a 'great circular disc of greenish light' moving rapidly across the sky. Green fireballs were also observed over the Baltic Sea and Sweden in 1946. In 1948, the U.S. Air Force established 'Project Twinkle' in New Mexico to investigate these fireballs, using photo-theodolites, but found it difficult to make computations due to their speed. Search parties found no trace of residue. The article recounts an incident in November 1951 where three youths from the University of New Mexico witnessed a giant green fireball falling rapidly and disappearing silently. Similar sightings were reported across a 1,000-mile span. The article notes that scientists at Los Alamos and others also observed these phenomena. Dr. Lincoln LaPaz is quoted suggesting that if fireballs don't respond to gravity, they might be 'lighter-than-air-craft' or propelled artificially. The presence of copper particles in the air where these fireballs were seen, starting in 1948, is noted as a significant finding. The article concludes by mentioning that in 1964, the 'greatest mystery' since flying saucers, ball-lightning, will be investigated.

Ghostly News Event of 1963 - "Headless Ghost Haunts Highway"

This article reports on a headless ghost causing distress to 15,000 people in Venezuelan towns near Caracas. The ghost reportedly stands on the road, holding its blood-dripping head in its right hand and beckoning passersby. Scientists and government officials are baffled, and President Romulo Betancourt has ordered a special investigation. The phenomenon occurs on a section of road known as 'El Infiernito' (Little Hell), the site of a past fatal fight where two men allegedly cut off each other's heads. The first official report came from pharmacist Vincente Ulloa, who encountered the ghost while driving. The ghost vanished when Ulloa got out of the car. Later, Gilberto Mejias, a driver, reported a similar encounter when his truck got stuck. The ghost helped move the truck back onto the road before vanishing. Other drivers have reported the ghost appearing in their cars. The villagers hope the government can resolve the issue to restore normal commerce on the highway.

Did Flying Saucers Drop Some Kind of Residue on Massachusetts and Rhode Island in 1963?

This section, investigated by Joe and Armand, presents two newspaper clippings and related correspondence concerning a potential residue from flying saucers. A clipping from a Worcester newspaper on June 6, 1963, reports that Mrs. Robert O. Malm of Holden, Massachusetts, found her lawn covered with 'needle-like' pieces of aluminum after a night of rain. A check with NASA authorities indicated the aluminum did not come from a NASA satellite or rocket. The article details Joe's correspondence with Mrs. Malm, who eventually sent him some of the material. She noted it was found in a ball, not scattered, and seemed magnetized, returning to its shape after being picked up and dropped. She also mentioned it was fireproof. Joe's analysis revealed it was different from tinfoil, aluminum foil, or Xmas tinsel. He later discovered a fireproof Xmas tinsel on the market that appeared similar. The material she sent him was no longer magnetized. Joe sent some of the material to Robert C. Forrest, the Teen-Age Representative, for analysis. A letter from Mrs. Malm dated July 15, 1963, confirms she sent the needle-like pieces, stating she had no idea of their material and that they were found in a ball and seemed magnetized. She also mentioned that a fireproof Xmas tinsel was available on the market. A report from Robert C. Forrest indicates he attempted to visit the Agassiz Museum for information but found it closed. He promises to have the material analyzed for the next issue.

The Reality of the Flying Saucers

Joseph L. Ferriere's article delves into the controversy surrounding UFOs, focusing on the definition of 'proof.' He expresses annoyance that most people require 'official' sources for proof, highlighting a perceived decline in the public's informed status since the Constitution's drafting. Ferriere suggests that some members of Congress are working to restore public rights and combat censorship. He then proposes a way for individuals to prove the reality of UFOs to themselves: by watching the 1956 documentary film 'UFO.' This film, he states, is a summary of the Air Force's investigation from 1947 to 1952 and includes actual footage of UFOs, specifically the Tremonton and Montana films, which he considers conclusive proof. He argues that the Air Force must have cleared this material, implying a level of official acknowledgment. The article quotes the film's narrative, emphasizing its authenticity, documentation, eyewitness accounts, and official government reports, all substantiating the existence of unidentified flying objects. The narrative poses rhetorical questions about the origin of these objects if they are not man-made or of this planet. Ferriere believes the film provides conclusive proof that even hardened skeptics cannot deny. He notes that a new policy of silence has been implemented since the film's release, suggesting that something of great importance has been found and is being kept secret. He quotes Al Chop, a former Air Force official, stating, "One thing is absolutely sure., we're being watched by beings from..... outer space." The film 'UFO' is mentioned as being shown periodically on television.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained and the mysterious, with a strong emphasis on flying saucers and UFOs. There is a clear editorial stance that UFOs are real and that evidence exists, often suppressed or difficult for the public to access through official channels. The magazine promotes the idea that skepticism is often overcome by direct observation or compelling evidence, such as the 'UFO' documentary. There's a sense of urgency and a call for greater transparency from government and military bodies. The inclusion of diverse phenomena, from historical sightings to contemporary reports of strange objects and even a ghost, suggests a broad interest in the paranormal and unexplained. The 'Teen-Agers Page' and the 'Letters From You, To Us' sections indicate an effort to engage readers and foster a community around these topics, encouraging active participation and contribution.

Title: CONTROVERSIAL PHENOMENA BULLETIN
Issue Date: December 1963
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Controversial Phenomena Bulletin delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena and strange occurrences, ranging from biological anomalies to astronomical discoveries and local mysteries.

"Little Monsters Invade Florida"

The lead article, "LITTLE MONSTERS INVADE FLORIDA," highlights a disturbing invasion of giant, poisonous toads identified as "Buffo Marinus." These toads, which can grow as large as a man's head, have appeared suddenly in Dade County, Florida, and are spreading by the thousands. The article notes that while a zoologist from the University of Miami, Dr. Burton Hunt, claims the toads are harmless, a veterinarian, Michael Marmesh, states they carry a deadly poison. The primary concern is the hundreds of dogs that have been killed by attacking and biting these toads. The symptoms in the dogs are described as similar to strychnine poisoning, with death occurring within minutes. The poison is so potent that many cases go unreported, and autopsies are not permitted on animal carcasses. The toads were reportedly introduced into Miami from Latin America in 1958. The article expresses frustration with the lack of scientific investigation into this matter and suggests that if the toads are traced to Martinique, efforts should be made to eradicate them before they pose a wider threat.

Karroon Klassiks: How Would a U.F.O. Researcher Act in an Emergency?

This section features a comic strip titled "KARTOON KLASSIKS," suggested by Armand and illustrated by Joseph. The strip humorously depicts a scenario where a UFO researcher, when faced with a house fire, prioritizes collecting magazines like "Fate" and "Palmer" and a "Charles Fort book," while instructing someone to wake their mother and tell her the house is on fire. The accompanying text humorously comments on the macabre and the fascination with "monsters," listing Frankenstein's monster, Count Dracula, the Wolf Man, and King Kong. It suggests that these monsters are often driven to violence by human society and that children sympathize with them because they yearn for a simple life denied by their creators or society. The morale is a humorous warning: "Don't let children associate with monsters because they may become little monsters."

"The Pachomski Incident"

This article details an investigation into a mysterious find by Paul Pachomski on his lawn in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, on September 7, 1963. He discovered a pile of what looked like shredded aluminum foil, estimated to be 10 to 15 bushels. Pachomski wanted to establish ownership to get rid of it. The author, Joe, introduced himself as a researcher for CPB and met with Pachomski to examine the material. Initially, it resembled ordinary aluminum shavings. The investigation involved checking with local authorities and the military, but no claims of ownership were made. After several weeks, the Taft Pierce Mfg. Co. informed Pachomski that the material was indeed aluminum shavings from a truck making a delivery. Pachomski was allowed to keep the shavings, which he sold to a local junk dealer. The author expresses a personal disappointment, having hoped the material might have come from "above" (a UFO), but emphasizes the researcher's duty to report the truth, whether it is from the sky or below.

Late News Happenings in 1963

This section provides a collection of recent news items from late 1963:

• Blue Frogs in Ithaca, N.Y. (December 3, 1963): Professor Lowell D. Uhler, a biologist at Cornell University, is studying why some frogs are blue instead of green. He has two blue frogs, both females, and wants to breed them with green frogs to understand the genetic basis of their color.
• Claim Church Bells Drive Hail Away in Johannesburg, S.A. (December 4, 1963): Residents of Boksburg claim that the bells of the local St. Dominic convent can stop hailstorms. A spokesperson stated that tolling the bells halts the hail. The convent's bells were blessed for protection against storms, and the vibrations might be responsible for dispersing the hail, though meteorologists cannot explain this phenomenon.
• Strange, New Objects Perplex Astronomers in Washington (December 8, 1963): Astronomers have discovered five "strange objects" billions of miles away, described by Dr. Jesse L. Greenstein of Caltech as "perhaps the most bizarre and puzzling objects ever observed through a telescope." These objects are powerful sources of radio energy and are being called "quasi-stellar radio sources." Their discovery was a result of teamwork between radio and optical astronomers.

Advertisements and Acknowledgements

The final page thanks several bookstores for their support in displaying CPB posters: Red's Book Shop in Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Venture Book Shop in Evanston, Illinois; The Odd Bookstore in Worcester, Massachusetts; and Flying Saucer News in New York. It also promotes "ATTENTION ALL EARTH PEOPLE" and the "FLYING SAUCER RESTAURANT" on Route 20 at Greenwood St., welcoming visitors from space. The "CONTROVERSIAL PHENOMENA BULLETIN" is advertised for single copies at 35¢ and subscriptions at $2.00 per year, with the next issue due in mid-March.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, unusual biological occurrences, and mysterious events, often with a speculative or investigative tone. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unusual, encouraging investigation and reporting of such events, even if the findings are mundane. There's a clear interest in UFOs, strange creatures, and scientific anomalies that defy conventional explanation. The publication encourages readers to question and investigate rather than dismiss unusual sightings.