CUFORG - Vol 2 No 07 - 1981 09

Magazine Overview

Title: Cambridge UFO Research Group Newsletter
Issue Date: September 1981
Volume: II, Issue No. 7
Publisher: Cambridge UFO Research Group
Country: Canada

This newsletter from the Cambridge UFO Research Group provides updates on UFO data, discusses ongoing research projects, and reports on recent sightings. The editor notes a slower summer due to a postal strike but is now processing backlog mail, some of which is described as questionable.

Content Summary

Editorial and Group News

The newsletter begins with an editorial reflecting on the summer's slow pace of UFO data due to a postal strike. The editor mentions receiving various publications, including one from the "Full Gospel Business Men's" called "Voice" and another titled "Emergency Press" from the Flying Saucer Information Centre. The latter publication claims to have researched the "coming of more advanced space people" for over 25 years, who are reportedly here due to impending solar peak and intend to move some humans to safety.

The group is exchanging newsletters with several other UFO organizations worldwide, including the National Investigation Committee on UFO's (California), Probe (England), Saucer Leer (New Jersey), SUFOI (Denmark), Viewpoint Aquarius (London), Carbondale UFO Study Group (Illinois), and True UFO's (New York).

Bonnie Wheeler, President of the Cambridge UFO Research Group, announces that the 1982 MUFON Convention will be held in Toronto from July 2-4, 1982, at the Westbury Hotel. The event will include workshops, speeches, and a corporate meeting. She also outlines a restructuring of the group's local meetings to make them more engaging, with assigned topics for discussion and plans to host guest speakers.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The newsletter presents recent UFO reports, including two on July 30, 1981, in Erbsville, Canada. Both involved sightings of a ball of light, one tinged with red and the other white, described as a falling star. The first sighting arched in the eastern sky, while the second appeared in the west. Both lasted three seconds and were identified as likely meteors, possibly part of a meteor shower.

Another report from August 22, 1981, in Cambridge, Canada, describes an orangish-white glowing ball of light, the size of a quarter, moving quickly and descending in the northern sky for two seconds. This was also identified as a meteor.

A more unusual sighting occurred on October 13, 1981, in Waterloo, Canada. Two witnesses observed a slow-moving, red object, described as cigar-shaped and flatter in the middle, covered in a vale/mist. It had two lights on the front and moved from east to west for 3-4 minutes at a 70-degree elevation. Despite considering possibilities like hot air balloons and dirigibles, the object remained unexplained, with the conclusion being "Unexplained Daylight Object."

Historical UFO Investigations in Canada

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to a presentation by David A. Haisell titled "Ufology in Canada - Past, Present & Future," delivered at BUFORA's second London International UFO Congress on May 25, 1981. Haisell discusses the history of ufology in Canada, noting its disorganized nature and the challenges posed by the country's vast size and low population density.

He details the early involvement of the Canadian government, starting with Wilbert B. Smith, a senior radio engineer with the Department of Transport. Smith's research into geo-magnetism led him to speculate about its connection to UFOs. He attended a conference in Washington in late 1950, where he learned that UFOs were a highly classified subject in the U.S. government.

Smith's work led to the establishment of "Project Magnet" in November 1950, a classified project focused on geo-magnetic research, though its official reports later focused on UFO analysis. In early 1952, due to an increase in reported UFO incidents, the Defence Research Board formed a committee led by Harold Oatway, which eventually became "Project Second Storey." This project aimed to standardize UFO reporting procedures.

Haisell notes the close relationship between U.S. and Canadian intelligence in UFO investigations, suggesting that Project Magnet's findings likely influenced the placement of UFO investigations under Canadian intelligence control.

He also mentions the publication of "UFO International," a quarterly publication by the Provisional International Committee on UFO Research, and the formation of Project UFOCAN, a national committee to coordinate Canadian groups interested in international participation.

Sadly, David Haisell has suspended his publication "Journal UFO" due to financial difficulties.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently highlights the ongoing efforts of the Cambridge UFO Research Group to gather and analyze UFO data, maintain connections with other research organizations, and inform its members about significant developments in the field. There is a clear interest in both contemporary sightings and the historical context of government involvement in UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, with a focus on presenting factual reports and historical information, while acknowledging the complexities and sometimes unexplained nature of UFO phenomena. The identification of sightings as meteors when evidence supports it, alongside the classification of others as unexplained, demonstrates a balanced approach to reporting.

Title: Journal UFO
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 4
Date: Winter/Spring 1963 (Note: While the OCR indicates this date, the content discusses events up to 1981 and the subscription information is dated 1980. The issue date might be a misprint or refer to an earlier publication context.)
Publisher: U.P. Investigations Research Inc.
Country: Canada
Language: English

Content Summary

This issue of *Journal UFO* delves into the complex and often secretive history of UFO investigations in Canada, with a particular focus on government involvement and public perception.

The Canadian Government's UFO Stance

The article begins by examining the Canadian government's handling of the UFO phenomenon, referencing Project Magnet and the Second Storey Committee. It highlights the frustration and embarrassment faced by government departments like the DRB and DOT due to public awareness and the perceived ineptitude in dealing with UFO reports. The report of Project Blue Book Special Report #14 from the U.S. Air Force is mentioned as a significant scientific study of UFO data, which the Canadian government may have been aware of but did not publicly acknowledge in its conclusions.

Wilbert Smith, a key figure in Canadian UFO research, is discussed. His association with the Second Storey Committee and his later work are detailed. A notable event was the unusual disturbance registered at the Shirley's Bay installation on August 3, 1954, which Smith described as the "gravimeter went wild." Despite this detection, Project Magnet was reportedly dropped, with Smith continuing to collect data unofficially. The article questions the government's decision to terminate a project that might have been yielding results, suggesting a possible "Top Secret" classification due to pressure to downplay the incident.

Greg Kanon's research is cited, indicating that Smith may have been pressured to deny UFO detections at Shirley's Bay, leading some researchers to believe he was "silenced by officialdom."

Smith's later statements about gravity being a "derived function" and his experiments in altering the gravitational field are presented, along with a question about what has been achieved since then. Smith died in 1962 and was posthumously awarded the Lieutenant-Colonel Keith S. Rogers Memorial Engineering Award.

The Steven Michalak Encounter

The issue then shifts to the widely publicized Steven Michalak case from May 20, 1967. Michalak, a Winnipeg mechanic and prospector, reported seeing two scarlet, cigar-shaped objects descend near Falcon Lake. One landed 130 feet from him, changing color from red to grey-red to light grey to silver. He described it as disc-shaped, 35-40 feet in diameter and 15 feet high, with sloping sides and a dome. Upon approaching, he felt waves, smelled a pungent odor, and heard a whining engine and hissing sound. He also noted vent-like openings emitting a blast of hot air that set his shirt on fire, leaving a grid-like burn on his chest.

Michalak experienced severe headaches, nausea, blurred vision, and other symptoms, including a drop in his lymphocyte count, which suggested radiation exposure. Despite extensive medical examinations, including at the Mayo Clinic, no definitive diagnosis was made, though he was eventually prescribed medication that led to recovery. The case involved investigations by the RCMP and RCAF, which reportedly could not dispute Michalak's story, yet the government's findings were not made public.

Parliamentary Debate and Government Secrecy

The article details a controversy in the House of Commons in November 1968 and February 1969, where MP Barry Mather requested the tabling of government reports related to the Michalak sighting. The response from Donald S. MacDonald and Yves Forest suggested that the government had little to conceal but also implied that releasing interdepartmental reports or opinions could create a "dangerous precedent" and discourage candid reporting. The author interprets this as a deliberate effort to "bury" the issue.

UFO Sightings Over Ottawa

In March 1969, shortly after the parliamentary debate, several UFO sightings occurred over Ottawa, including over Parliament Hill and the Prime Minister's residence. These incidents involved objects seen by multiple RCMP constables and other witnesses, exhibiting unusual speed, hovering, and sudden directional changes. One event on June 5, 1969, involved a luminous craft over the Ottawa River that caused all lights on Parliament Hill to go out.

Wilbert Smith had also reported seeing small metallic discs hovering near houses where UFO meetings took place in the 1950s. His son, Jim Smith, recounted witnessing a metallic-looking disc hovering in a tree, which then shot upwards silently, leaving charred leaves. These "mini-UFOs" were reportedly common in the neighborhood during Wilbert Smith's research.

Canadian UFO Research Landscape

The issue discusses the fragmented nature of UFO research in Canada, with numerous groups forming and dissolving over the decades. Many are described as social clubs rather than serious investigative bodies. The article highlights efforts towards unification, such as Brian Cannon's Project SUM and the Canadian UFO Report Exchange Network (CUFOREN), which ultimately failed to sustain.

The author expresses frustration with the lack of cooperation and the tendency for groups to be "embarrassed because of their ineptitude" or to exhibit bias. However, the formation of Project UFOCAN in October 1980 is presented as a positive development, aiming to establish a unified Canadian interface with the Provisional International Committee for UFO Research (PICUR).

Scientific Analysis and Alternative Explanations

The article touches upon the scientific approach to UFO investigation, referencing Project Blue Book Special Report #14 and its statistical analysis of sightings. It suggests that a significant percentage of "excellent" sightings remained unexplained, questioning the report's conclusions. The author advocates for national and international collaboration to gather more data and potentially prove the existence of a phenomenon.

Alternative explanations for UFO sightings are explored, including meteorological phenomena (like those studied by Gene Duret), geological stresses causing electromagnetic energy discharges (Michael Persinger), and the possibility of secret test craft. The article also briefly mentions the parapsychological nature of some encounters and the speculative idea of UFOs being related to parallel universes.

Interview with Kal Korff

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to an interview with 18-year-old UFOlogist Kal K. Korff. Korff discusses his early interest in UFOs, sparked by news articles and a lecture by Stanton Friedman. He acknowledges the challenges of UFOlogy lacking formal education and teachers, but asserts his belief in flying saucers based on evidence, not faith.

Korff addresses the skepticism surrounding UFO photography, attributing blurry images to hoaxes and the natural reaction of witnesses to prioritize survival over photography during close encounters. He lists several authenticated clear photographs of UFOs.

He discusses the Eduard "Billy" Meier case, noting that while some evidence for a crashed craft is compelling, other aspects remain unconfirmed. Korff criticizes skeptical authors for attempting to explain away classic UFO cases with flawed reasoning, citing examples from a popular anti-UFO book.

Korff believes skeptics serve a purpose by keeping researchers on their toes but objects to those whose skepticism impairs their logical thought processes. He dismisses theories of UFOs being created by Satan or God due to a lack of evidence.

Regarding the ultimate nature of UFOs, Korff suggests they represent a "myriad of phenomena," possibly including physical craft, but also potentially paraphysical or ultraterrestrial elements. He questions the extraterrestrial hypothesis as the sole explanation, given the continuous flow of reports and apparent motivations.

Conclusion

The author concludes that governments have largely failed to seriously investigate UFOs, and individual civilian groups have been largely unsuccessful. The path forward, according to the author, lies in national and international collaboration, attracting the scientific community, and gaining public support to influence governments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy and obfuscation regarding UFO investigations in Canada, the detailed examination of specific significant UFO cases (Michalak, Parliament Hill), the challenges and fragmentation within the Canadian UFO research community, and the ongoing debate between scientific analysis and alternative explanations for the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to advocate for a more open, collaborative, and scientifically rigorous approach to UFO research, criticizing government secrecy and the limitations of purely skeptical or overly speculative viewpoints. There is a clear emphasis on the need for evidence-based investigation and a unified approach to understanding UFOs.

Title: UFO RESEARCH UPDATE
Issue Date: July 1981
Publisher: Ufo Information Network
Focus: This issue of the UFO RESEARCH UPDATE newsletter, from the desk of Dennis Pilichis, addresses two primary topics: the debunking of a well-known UFO photograph and a report on recent Bigfoot-type creature and UFO-related activity in Rome, Ohio.

The "Alien Photo" Hoax of 1950

The newsletter begins by detailing the investigation into a photograph that purportedly showed an alien creature being taken into custody by military police. This information was initially published by the UFO INFORMATION NETWORK, which sought further details. Through the research of associates Klaus Webner and Michael Hesemann in West Germany, the case was identified as a hoax.

Dennis Pilichis explains that a German "custom" of playing April Fool's jokes, even in newspapers, likely contributed to the origin of this hoax. The individual responsible, Klaus Sprunkel, was motivated by the widespread interest in UFOs in 1950. Sprunkel sought cooperation from actual U.S. military police in the Bierstadter Strabe area of Germany. After obtaining permission from officers and the town commander, MPs drove a U.S. jeep to Neroberg for the photo session. The "alien" was reportedly Sprunkel's five-year-old son, dressed in a makeshift suit. The photos were then retouched.

Reporters from the Weisbadener Tagblatt newspaper exposed the hoax two days after its initial appearance in the 1950s. In 1981, the Weisbadener Tagblatt published an article titled "A Tagblatt-April-Hoax In The Archives Of The FBI," referencing the UFO INFORMATION NETWORK's coverage. Pilichis clarifies that this case has no connection to the Roswell, New Mexico saucer crash, despite sensationalized linkages made by some people and newspapers, which have sometimes used the network's drawing without credit.

William Moore, while preparing his book "The Roswell Incident," had requested copies of this material for inclusion, but Pilichis informed him of its unrelated nature. The newsletter urges readers to reproduce the release to publicize the fact that this photo case is a complete hoax.

UFO Ohio Extra: The FBI File Photograph

A separate section, "UFO OHIO EXTRA," reproduces an original sheet from the UFO OHIO YEARBOOK 1979 EDITION. It describes a professional drawing based on a xerox of an actual photograph held in FBI files, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by Barry Greenwood. The FBI file, totaling over 1,500 pages, contained documents, reports, sightings, and investigations from 1947 to the present. The photo, received on May 24, 1950, from an Intelligence and Security Officer at the New Orleans Port Of Embarkation, was reportedly being sold for $1.00. It depicted flying saucers and a "man from Mars" in the custody of two U.S. Army Military Policemen. The location was said to be Germany. The UFOIN team requested more information from readers, noting they had only received a bad xerox copy, necessitating the drawing. The illustration on page 2 is credited to Lawrence Blazey and dated CUFOIN 1979.

Page 3 includes a German newspaper clipping from the "WIESBADENER TAGEBLATT" dated April 1, 1950, titled "'UFOs' over the MARKTKIRCHE in Wiesbaden." It classifies the photo as a HOAX and shows a composite image that appears to be the source material for the drawing, featuring a church and flying saucers. The text below the image is in German and discusses the nature of the photograph and its context.

Page 4 features a political cartoon from "The Edmonton Sun" dated June 9, 1991, depicting aliens landing and one asking for directions, stating "STOP CALLING ME TRUDEAU..." This appears to be a separate, unrelated item, possibly included for topical humor.

Page 5 includes a masthead for the "Cambridge UFO Research Group" and a brief note from Dennis Pilichis of UFOIN, Rome, Ohio, about a close encounter creature case he is investigating in his area, which is attached on the following pages. A comic strip shows aliens landing and reporting "ESTABLISHED CONTACT WITH THE EARTHLINGS."

Bigfoot Type Creatures and UFO Related Manifestations in Rome, Ohio

Pages 6 through 10 detail a series of intense "manifestations" occurring in Rome, Ohio, investigated by the Anthropoid Research and Evaluation Center (AREC), a division of the Ufo Information Network. This report, dated July 1981, focuses on Bigfoot-type creature activity and associated phenomena.

Initial Sightings and Evidence:

Around the last week of June 1981, Bigfoot-like creatures were observed near the AREC headquarters. A farmer and his family reported creatures emerging from their property line, sometimes approaching the farmhouse closely. Activity primarily occurred from 9:00 pm onwards. Numerous "strange" footprints were found, with AREC team members taking casts of three-toed prints measuring 14 inches long and 6 inches wide, deeply impacted into hard ground. The area is described as approximately a thousand acres of "jungle"-like woods.

Creature Descriptions and Encounters:

Witnesses described the creature as standing about nine feet tall, with glowing red eyes, and shaped much like a large gorilla. It was observed up close on several occasions. The creature was shot at, but appeared to be unharmed. It was noted to have no hair on its face, with fangs about one and a half inches long. The creature's lips were thick, with the lower lip appearing to stick out more.

Associated Phenomena:

• Blue Light: A "blue light" was associated with the appearance of the creatures, seen beyond the woodline.
• Livestock Mutilation: Four ducks and one chicken had their heads bitten off, with large bite marks on their bodies, suggesting they were not killed for food.
• Animal Reactions: Dogs and ducks exhibited marked reactions, with dogs trying to hide. Large trees were heard to crack, and noises were heard beyond the woodline.
• Odor: A strong, unpleasant "odor" was reported to appear before the creatures.
• UFO Sighting: A white UFO-like object with a red light was observed flying over the farmhouse, and the farmer shot at it.
• Physical Traces: Besides footprints, bush and grass were stomped down at the site.

Investigation and Witness Accounts:

The AREC team spent over 50 research hours at the location. Williard McIntyre of the MARCEN research group also spent a night with the team and observed the phenomena. The farmer and his family initially experienced intense fear but gradually adjusted. The "red glowing eyes" were a recurring phenomenon, sometimes appearing without the main creature form.

Specific Incident (June 26, 1981):

Robert, a resident of Rome, Ohio, reported an incident around 2 am on a hot summer night. His dog barked intensely and then whimpered. While outside, he saw a black "thing" similar to a gorilla with two bright red eyes standing near a hoist in his backyard. The creature made snorting and growling sounds. Robert hit it in the eyes with his flashlight, and it fell down. He then shot it in the chest. Fearing for his life, he ran inside to alert his sons. The creature then moved around the house, and Robert, his sons, and a neighbor heard it hollering and screaming as it moved into the woods. Their pickup truck stopped running inexplicably on the road, though it had a full tank of gas. A neighbor also reported his sons hearing growling noises and seeing a "bear"-like creature while camping out.

Details of the Creature (June 26, 1981):

• Size: Approximately 9 feet tall.
• Hair: Long and shaggy, black or dark brown.
• Eyes: Glowing red, very big (size of a hard ball), self-luminous, in eye sockets.
• Nose: Pushed down, flat, with a small nostril.
• Mouth: Fangs apparent, 1-1.5 inches long, sticking up and down. Teeth described as "shark like," sharp and pointed. Thick lips, lower lip protruded.
• Body Structure: Standing upright, arms hanging below the waist. Large body, similar to a gorilla. Chest area had small white patches.

Protection and Secrecy:

The AREC team is taking measures to protect the farmer's property and the investigation area from outsiders. Requests for visits and interviews must be submitted to the AREC research group. The farmer is heavily armed and has warned trespassers they may be shot. The investigation has been kept local, with only local newspapers involved to date.

Conclusion of the Bigfoot Report:

Dennis Pilichis states that the case is firmly established with overwhelming evidence, far exceeding initial expectations of investigating a common Bigfoot sighting. The investigation has yielded extensive data, and the intensity of the outbreak is considered the most significant in the country to date. The materials have not been released to national news agencies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue demonstrates a commitment to rigorous investigation and factual reporting, even when it means debunking popular beliefs (as with the 1950 alien photo hoax) or presenting unsettling and potentially frightening phenomena (the Rome, Ohio Bigfoot/UFO cases). The editorial stance is one of seeking truth, regardless of the outcome, and sharing findings with the public while protecting sources and evidence. There is a clear emphasis on documenting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing physical traces. The publication also highlights the sensationalism that can surround UFO and creature reports, urging for careful consideration and accurate representation, as seen in the distinction made between the alien photo case and the Roswell incident.

This issue of The Valley News, dated Wednesday, July 15, 1981, features a cover story titled "Rome's Big Foot: fact, fake or fantasy?" The magazine explores reports of a Bigfoot-like creature in the rural area of Ashtabula County, Ohio, alongside various UFO sightings and extraterrestrial encounters.

Rome's Big Foot Sighting

The article details the investigation by Dennis Pilichis of Roaming Shores, who has spent 18 years documenting UFOs and similar phenomena. Pilichis was alerted to sightings near Johnson Road and, after reviewing police reports, obtained plaster casts of footprints. The creatures are described as nine feet tall, gorilla-like, with "large red glowing eyes" and an "awful smell." Despite clear sightings, tracks are often absent, even when grass is matted or branches broken. Pilichis believes the witnesses are not fabricating their accounts, noting similarities to other reports from Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

Other Ohio Sightings

Pilichis notes that similar sightings have occurred elsewhere in Ohio. A year prior, Lisbon, Ohio, reported strange noises and breaking limbs. In Russell's Point, Ohio, a six-foot creature with a horrible smell left a 16-inch footprint. Other Ohio sightings dating back to 1973 are mentioned in Minerva (1978-present), East Liberty, Mecca, Mansfield, and Oberlin. The article emphasizes that in none of these cases were humans harmed.

UFO Seminars and Extraterrestrial Contact

The issue also highlights the activities of Dr. Frank E. Stranges, a clergyman with multiple doctorate degrees and president of the National Investigations Committee on UFO's. Dr. Stranges recently returned from successful UFO seminars in South Korea, where he presented his findings on UFOs and interstellar visitors. He was accompanied by his wife and his interpreter, Dr. Chou, who translated his work into Korean.

Dr. Stranges claims to have met a Venusian named Val Thor in 1959 at the Pentagon. Val Thor is described as looking like an earthling but with unique characteristics, such as not having fingerprints and avoiding pork. He reportedly came to Earth in 1957 aboard a Star Ship and has a mission to save humanity from nuclear holocaust. Val Thor claims to have met every U.S. president since 1967. Dr. Stranges also recounts Val Thor showing him a Venusian television broadcast of the Kennedy assassination. Val Thor and his Venusian colleagues are said to possess supernatural powers and are not hostile to humans. Dr. Stranges hopes to address the United Nations General Assembly to discuss averting nuclear holocaust.

UFO Seminar Cassette Tapes

A UFO Seminar presented by Dr. Frank E. Stranges on July 4, 1981, in Van Nuys, California, is advertised for sale on cassette tapes. Topics include Interstellar Visitors, Inter-World Communication, and revelations regarding Dr. Stranges' visits with Val Thor. The set of four tapes is available for $10.00 plus $1.00 postage and handling.

The Korea Times Article: Venus Man Has No Fingerprints

A translated article from The Korea Times, dated Thursday, July 30, 1981, features Dr. Frank E. Stranges and his claims about Val Thor. The article details Val Thor's origins from Venus, his physical characteristics, and his mission. It mentions that many people in responsible positions in the U.S. government are aware of Val Thor but are reluctant to reveal his existence for fear of mass hysteria. Dr. Stranges states that Val Thor has a brother named Donn and that there are hundreds of Venusians visiting Earth. Val Thor is described as the commander of a Star Ship with an IQ over 200, fluent in all Earth languages, including Korean. He reportedly lives inside Venus because the surface is too hot, describing it as a paradise with no diseases, sickness, or aging.

The article also touches upon Val Thor's interactions with American presidents and his meeting with Bob Kennedy before his death. Val Thor allegedly provided answers to two of Kennedy's questions, advising him to stay away from the election. Dr. Stranges claims Val Thor showed him the Kennedy assassination via Venusian television. The article notes the Venusians' supernatural abilities, such as removing or making things disappear without a trace. Val Thor hopes to address the United Nations General Assembly to discuss averting nuclear holocaust and promoting peace.

Financial Strategies for UFO Research

Page 3 presents a humorous breakdown of "How to Save Money Installing Various Tracking Equipment to Identify UFO's." It lists debits such as telescopes, cameras, and medical expenses, offset by credits from selling household items and personal belongings. The total first-year cost is listed as $53,559, with total credits of $4,405, resulting in a net debit of $0.00 after savings on other hobbies and luxuries.

Close Encounter in Greensburg, PA

A case from the April 1981 newsletter of the Pennsylvania Center for UFO Research describes a close encounter in Greensburg, PA, on February 14, 1981. A 17-year-old witness observed a triangular object at house-top level with three white lights forming an equilateral triangle. The object tilted downwards, revealing a transparent window through which two humanoid creatures were seen. These creatures had "very large heads, oriental-like eyes, gill-like ears, and two holes instead of a nose."

Radiation Injuries from UFO (Huffman, Texas)

An article by Richard Hall, titled "Radiation Injuries from UFO," reports on a significant physical evidence case near Huffman, Texas, on December 29, 1980. Betty Cash, Vicky Landrum, and Colby (a 7-year-old boy) allegedly suffered injuries, possibly from radiation poisoning and radiant heat, after witnessing a luminous, fiery object descend to treetop level. The object emitted a beeping noise and flames. The witnesses experienced symptoms such as a swollen neck, facial blisters, swollen earlobes, swollen eyelids, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hair loss. Betty Cash remained hospitalized for 15 days and continued to suffer from swellings and headaches. Vicky and Colby also experienced symptoms, including sunburned faces and eye problems. The case also notes the presence of numerous helicopters seemingly pursuing the UFO. Medical symptoms suggest both radiation sickness and physical burns from ultraviolet and infrared radiation.

Marvin Mudd Comic Strips

Several Marvin Mudd comic strips are included, featuring humorous scenarios related to space exploration, alien encounters, and deciphering inscriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and extraterrestrial contact. The magazine presents these topics with a tone of serious investigation, quoting researchers and witnesses who believe in the reality of these phenomena. While acknowledging the bizarre nature of some reports, the editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of these events being genuine, encouraging further research and discussion. The inclusion of financial strategies for UFO research and the detailed reporting of specific cases suggest a dedicated readership interested in these subjects.

This issue of FSR (Flying Saucer Review), identified as Volume 27, Issue 7, dated Tuesday, March 17, 1981, is titled 'FSR BOOKSHELF' and focuses on reviews of new UFO books. The cover features an illustration of a UFO over a landscape with the 'Cambridge U.F.O. Research Group' logo. The price is listed as 50p in the UK.

Book Reviews

The UFO Handbook: A Guide to Investigating, Evaluating and Reporting UFO Sightings by Allan Hendry

This review highlights Hendry's study as the most objective and sensible book on UFOs, based on his personal research into over 1,300 sightings. Hendry argues that many sightings can be attributed to natural phenomena or man-made objects, but acknowledges that some UFO reports may represent truly remarkable events. The book covers various types of sightings, investigation tools, and is illustrated with photographs and diagrams.

The Roswell Incident by Charles Berlitz & William L. Moore

This book is presented as providing more fuel to the speculation surrounding crashed UFOs. It focuses on the 1947 incident in New Mexico, where space debris was found and initially announced as a crashed disc before being quashed by the Air Force. The review notes that much of the book relies on 'rumours of rumours' and unsubstantiated accounts.

Earth's Secret Inhabitants by D. Scott Rogo & Jerome Clark

Aimed at a teenage audience but appealing to a wider readership, this book covers a range of phenomena including UFOs, entities, 'winged weirdos,' and other mysterious creatures. The authors offer explanations for these 'secret inhabitants' and include witness drawings and photographs.

The Unexplained (Partwork by Orbis Publishing)

This new weekly partwork covers a wide array of paranormal subjects, including UFOs, ESP, man-beasts, and black holes. The review notes that the first five issues contain articles by well-known authorities and are illustrated with color and black-and-white images.

Starseekers by Colin Wilson

Colin Wilson's study of man's discovery of the Universe is divided into three sections: Ancient Cosmology, The Era of Discovery, and The Exploding Universe. The book is described as a thorough and readable investigation with beautiful design and illustrations.

Timewarps by John Gribbin

This paperback explores concepts of time and space, causality, relativity, and time dilatation, using science-fiction plots as examples. Gribbin combines Western science with Eastern philosophy, discussing Jung's synchronicity and precognitive dreams.

Photographs of the Unknown by Robert Rickard & Richard Kelly

This book presents an unprecedented collection of photographs depicting inexplicable phenomena, from fire-walking to poltergeists and UFOs. The review notes that the book raises more questions than answers and is divided into six sections covering various paranormal subjects.

The Dark Gods by Anthony Roberts & Geoff Gilbertson

This book explores a world of demons, 'ultra-terrestrials,' UFO entities, and other mystery characters, drawing heavily on occult lore. The review expresses skepticism about the evidence presented, suggesting a reliance on the imaginings of the mentally unstable and fiction.

Research Report: Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind by Jenny Randles

This section discusses the definition and study of Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind (CE4), which includes abductions and direct interaction with alien entities. Randles notes the growing trend to study CE4 in isolation but emphasizes the value of considering correlations with other UFO phenomena. The article references a NUFON-sponsored conference on CE4 experiences held in Birmingham, which included presentations by various researchers.

Alien "Boo-Boo" Discovered! by Russ Reardon

This piece questions the reliability of alien descriptions obtained through hypnotic regression. The author argues that hypnotists can implant false information, leading to contradictory physical descriptions of aliens. Reardon contrasts modern accounts with historical narratives of divine or angelic visitations, suggesting that the 'boo-boo' is the failure of aliens to implant an order to reject other hypnotists' findings.

Cartoons

The issue includes several cartoons related to UFOs and space, including:

• Aliens interacting with a fire hydrant and discussing their leader.
• Aliens on a surfboard, discussing civilized behavior.
• A scene involving the USSR, a rocket, and a character in a space suit complaining about wearing medals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination and investigation of UFO phenomena. The book reviews highlight the importance of rigorous standards, objective analysis, and distinguishing between credible evidence and speculation. The 'Research Report' on CE4 emphasizes the need for specialized study within the broader field of ufology, while the 'Alien "Boo-Boo" Discovered!' piece adopts a skeptical stance towards certain investigative methods, particularly hypnotic regression. The overall editorial stance appears to favor a cautious, evidence-based approach to understanding UFOs, while acknowledging the persistent mystery and the potential for remarkable events.