CUFORN Bulletin - Vol 02 No 03 - 1981 - Jun-Jul

Magazine Overview

CUFORN BULLETIN - June-July, 1981

This issue of the CUFORN Bulletin, Volume 2, Number 3, published bi-monthly by CUFORN, Inc. (Canadian UFO Research Network), covers a range of UFO-related news, research, and literature. The publication aims to provide information to its members and the broader ufological community.

Valid Explanation Given for TV Show Errors

The bulletin addresses a previous criticism of Bonnie Wheeler's presentation on 'The Electronic Media and UFOs'. It clarifies that the show was run unedited and without rehearsal, leading to inevitable errors. The article suggests that the criticism was made without consulting Wheeler about the circumstances.

Project UFOCAN Rep Reports on Congress

David Haisell, Director of UPIR, Inc., reported on his return from the Second London International UFO Congress. He had previously presented Canada's case for inclusion in a central international UFO research committee. The congress, attended by around 200 delegates, focused on research methods, with Dr. Bruce Maccabee of MUFON presenting on New Zealand R/V incidents. Haisell expressed disappointment with the financial discussions at the congress. Information from CUFORN was part of his presentation, delayed until a June meeting.

Current UEO Literature News

The Roswell Incident: The pocket book version of Berlitz and Moore's 'The Roswell Incident' was due out in the summer of 1981. The hardcover edition had sold 40,000 copies in the US. Bill Moore and Stanton Friedman were scheduled for a promotional tour in Toronto, including an invitation for CUFORN members to attend a meeting at Editor Larry Fenwick's apartment on July 3rd, where Moore would share new information on the Roswell retrieval.

The Ogden Enigma: This is a fiction book based on fact, published in August 1980 by Playboy Press. Author Snyder's book is inspired by Jacques Vallee and details a UFO retrieval in 1950 near Ogden, Utah, and its storage at Dugway Proving Grounds. Snyder confirmed the retrieval's truthfulness to Bill Moore, suggesting a potential follow-up investigation.

Gateway to Oblivion: Hugh Cochrane's hardcover book is now available in softcover. The book deals with events on Lake Ontario similar to those near the Bermuda Triangle, with Cochrane having conducted original research. The acknowledgments mention several CUFORN members, including Murray Martin, Harry Tokarz, John Brent Musgrave, and Bonnie Wheeler. Cochrane has also finished another book, 'Third Millenium Threshold'.

News from Directors and Members

Harry Tokarz reported that Ray Fowler's 'The Andreasson Affair' is being adapted into a motion picture. Steven Spielberg's new film, 'Extraterrestrial', is also mentioned, with 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' scheduled for broadcast on a major US TV network.

James Oberg, a MUFON member and debunker, appeared on The Merv Griffin show with Orson Welles to discuss debunking UFOs. Carl Sagan was also featured on TV shows that week, with his book 'Cosmos' topping the non-fiction best-seller list in Canada, which the bulletin criticizes for attempting to debunk the Betty and Barney Hill incident.

Membership News: The bulletin welcomes two new members: Matt Denton, a TV Guide staff photographer interested in the parallel universe origin of UFOs, and Hans Wantje, a plant electrician and engineering technician. Former pharmacist Frank Evans, now an M.D., has moved to Toronto to be closer to CUFORN headquarters and is interested in retrievals and regressive hypnosis.

Close Call for CUFORN Member: Pilot Claude Freeman experienced an engine malfunction due to electrical problems while attempting to take off from Toronto's Island Airport. The chartered two-engine plane slid off the runway into Lake Ontario. All three occupants swam to shore, with one passenger sustaining minor injuries. The aircraft was recovered, and the Department of Transport attributed the incident to electrical problems.

State Director Starts New Group and Publishes Newsletter

Gilbert J. Ziemba, CUFORN's State Director for Illinois, founded the Carbondale UFO Study Group and publishes 'The New National UFO Newsletter'. The newsletter is recommended as an informative, independent journal, with subscription details provided.

Mexican RAV Flap Revealed at May Meeting

A major flap of UFOs detected by radar and visually in Mexico in April 1981 was disclosed. The flap was centered 36 miles north of Mexico City. Information was provided by Bob Bayley, whose source remains confidential. The data included luminosity, speed, range, size, and shape, and was likely sent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Future Expeditions and Research

The bulletin discusses a future expedition to two locations on Lake Ontario (Oakville and Vineland) for UFO investigation, scheduled for October 24, 1981. The expedition will involve two teams of about 12 persons each and will invite participation from other UFO research groups.

Major Publicity for CUFORN in New Book

CUFORN received publicity in Margaret Sachs' book, 'The UFO Encyclopedia', published in 1980. The book contains a half-page mention of CUFORN and references to its members on an additional 25 pages. The encyclopedia is described as an impressive work focusing on organizations and UFO sightings worldwide.

Notes on a Two-Year Old Phone Call

CUFORN Co-Director Larry Fenwick received a call in late 1978 from a man named Bernard who claimed to be a machinist engineer and wanted to remain anonymous. Bernard asked questions about CUFORN and later identified himself as Bernard Flynn, a Sales Manager. He described a UFO sighting from his childhood in 1953 and mentioned that NORAD started UFO data banks in 1954. Flynn requested CUFORN reports and a list of periodicals, but did not follow through with a visit. His voice was noted as sounding military. The bulletin points out a discrepancy in his reported age.

The Sixth Quark Journal

This section introduces 'The Sixth Quark Journal', a new scientifically-oriented journal entering the ufology field. It aims to provide a forum for concerned writers and welcomes participation as a writer or subscriber. Subscription details and rates are provided.

Data Analysis and Group Comparisons

The bulletin presents data on UFO reports received from various groups, including CUFORN, UPIR, Res Bureaux, Cambridge UFO Research Group, UFO Canada, and Project SUM. It compares the percentage of genuine UFOs (excluding insufficient data and 'MIB not included') among these groups, with CUFORN having the highest percentage at 87.09%.

Totals for All Groups: A breakdown of report types (ID, IFO, MIB, NL, DD, R/V, R, CE1, CE2, CE3, CE4) across all groups is provided, showing the number of reports and percentages. IFOs (Identified Flying Objects) constitute the largest category at 36.9%.

Statistics for CUFORN: Specific statistics for CUFORN are detailed, showing the number of reports for ID, IFO, MIB, NL, DD, CE1, CE2, CE3, and CE4. A total of 38 CUFORN reports were concerning objects from its inception in late 1977 until the end of 1980. One CE2 reported to the Cambridge group may have been an abduction incident. One UFO Canada report was a hoax, and one insufficient data report is possibly a CE3.

Comments Wanted and Coming Attractions

Readers are invited to contribute short articles (under 1000 words) to the Bulletin, with credit given via by-line. The publication cannot afford photographs due to financial limitations. Future articles by the Editor, transcripts of telephone calls received by CUFORN, and instructions on public relations and media contact programs are announced as coming attractions. CUFORN's Code of Ethics is also mentioned.

Subscription Information

Non-members can subscribe to the Bulletin for $9.00 in Canadian Funds per year.

The MUFON UFO Journal

This section promotes 'The MUFON UFO Journal', the official publication of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network, Inc.). It discusses the nature of UFOs, distinguishing between explainable phenomena and 'hard' sightings that remain unexplained. The JOURNAL publishes investigated UFO sighting reports from around the world and is considered a leading monthly UFO magazine. Subscription dues and rates for adults and students are provided, along with information on becoming a 'Contributing Subscriber'. A sample copy is available for $1.50. A subscription blank for THE MUFON UFO JOURNAL is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO research, the dissemination of information through publications like the CUFORN Bulletin and The MUFON UFO Journal, and the activities of various UFO organizations. There's a focus on scientific investigation and research methods, as evidenced by the discussion of congress papers and the critique of speculative articles. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous investigation, sharing data, and fostering a community of researchers, while also acknowledging the challenges and limitations faced by such organizations (e.g., financial constraints affecting publication features).