CUFORN Bulletin - Vol 07 No 04 - 1986 - Jul-Aug

Magazine Overview

This issue of the CUFORN Bulletin, dated July-August 1986, is Volume 7, Number 4. It is published by the Canadian U.F.O. Research Network and focuses on UFO research and related topics. The cover prominently features the 17th Annual MUFON UFO Symposium and an article about Hopkins winning a MUFON award.

MUFON Symposium Coverage

The issue extensively covers the MUFON Symposium held at Michigan State University in East Lansing from June 27-29, 1986. Approximately 200 people, mostly UFO researchers, attended. The symposium's theme was "Beyond the Mainstream of Science." Speakers included Harley Rutledge, who presented his "Project Identification" research, and Budd Hopkins, who led a workshop on regressive hypnosis for UFO abductees. Other speakers mentioned are Dale D. Goudie, Ron Westrum, Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee, David M. Jacobs, Dan Wright, Alan C. Holt, Richard F. Haines, John Schuessler, Marge Christensen, Dr. Michael Swords, and Robert H. Bletchman.

Budd Hopkins' Workshop on Abductions

Budd Hopkins, author of "Missing Time," conducted a workshop on regressive hypnosis for alleged UFO abductees. He emphasized the importance of calming the abductee, assuring them that hypnosis is harmless, and using intelligence to remove the emotional element. Hopkins suggested that medical exams by humanoids might be a "subterfuge" and noted that many abductees were first taken at ages five or six. He also discussed the need for long-term therapy, including peer support and encouraging the abductee's mental strength.

Academic and Scientific Perspectives

Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee, a research physicist, criticized the scientific community for not treating UFO reports scientifically, leading to a lack of scientists in the field. David M. Jacobs, an Associate Professor of History, discussed abduction theories and their potential significance for humanity, calling them possibly "the most significant aspect of the UFO phenomenon since the controversy began in 1947." Alan C. Holt, a physicist and aerospace technical manager, spoke on "Interstellar Spaceports and Transportation Systems" and urged UFO researchers to cooperate with government agencies on advanced technology research.

Photographic Analysis

Richard F. Haines analyzed two UFO photographs. One, taken near Campbell River, British Columbia, was confirmed as genuine. Another, the Vancouver Island photograph, taken with a Mamiya 528AL camera, showed no evidence of a hoax or camera flaw, and the photographer's credibility was checked.

Panel Discussions

Two popular panel discussions were held, with attendees asking numerous questions. During one panel, when asked about "Project Aquarius," Bruce Maccabee stated it ended in 1976, contrary to other researchers' claims. John Schuessler and Alan Holt suggested further investigation was needed.

UFOs and the Electronic Media

Lawrence J. Fenwick's article examines how UFOs are portrayed in the electronic media. He discusses the television movie "The Disappearance of Flight 412," noting inconsistencies in TV guide descriptions. He also reviews the ABC-TV program "Into the Unknown," which featured segments on metal bending, faith healing, and UFOs, and criticizes Philip Klass for dismissing sightings as hoaxes. The article also mentions "UFO Journals," a fictional story shown on TV, and critiques TV Guide's review of the film "Uforia."

Did the Head of Project Blue Book See a UFO Over Washington?

This article by Richard W. Heiden investigates a July 17, 1965 event where numerous people reported seeing UFOs over Washington, D.C. The article highlights testimonies from various witnesses, including a student, a family, and the owner of a whisky establishment. It notes the potential significance of a sighting reported by Hector Quintanilla, who was near police headquarters, though it clarifies this was not the head of Project Blue Book but an Argentine with the same name.

The August 12 Event - IFO or UFO?

Lawrence J. Fenwick reports on numerous sighting reports from August 12, 1986, across North America. While some speculated about UFOs, the editor's opinion is that it was an IFO (Identified Flying Object). Dave Devall, a weatherman, mentioned a report of something unusual, calling it an IFO and attributing it to a noctilucent cloud, a rare phenomenon. Calls to the David Dunlap Observatory and other sources suggested a metallic object releasing smaller objects. Ultimately, the event was identified by Environment Canada's Atmospheric Research Department as a Japanese satellite launch venting gases.

Other Content

The issue includes a "Photo Feature on MUFON's 17th Symposium," and FUFOR's Quarterly Report for January-March 1986. There is also a correction regarding a previous issue's reference to the Roswell crash-retrieval, clarifying it was a Shreveport, Louisiana hoax.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently focuses on UFO sightings, abduction phenomena, and the scientific investigation of these topics. There is a clear emphasis on presenting evidence, analyzing photographic data, and critically examining media portrayals of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging research while also seeking rational explanations, as seen in the "August 12 Event" article where the editor leans towards an IFO explanation. The publication also actively seeks new members for CUFORN.

The CUFORN Bulletin, published by the Fund for UFO Research Inc., presents its Quarterly Report for January-March 1986. The issue details significant events, ongoing research, financial reports, and organizational updates.

Key Events and Research

The most significant event highlighted is the decision by the Executive Committee to host the 1987 MUFON Symposium in Washington, D.C. The symposium is scheduled for the week of June 24, 1987, coinciding with the fortieth anniversary of the term 'flying saucers.' The aim is to hold it at a local university to minimize costs for attendees and sponsors, with hopes of attracting international representatives.

A proposal by Frances Graham, a Ph.D. candidate in astronomy, to investigate 'structures' found in lunar photographs was accepted in principle. However, due to budget constraints and the project not being directly UFO-related, the Fund agreed to support only part of the requested $1,900. They sought additional funding from the Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), but CSICOP, on the recommendation of James Oberg, declined to support the effort.

The Executive Committee also received two substantial submissions: one from Dr. Eddie Bullard and Michael Frizzell, compiling an abduction case catalogue and content study, and another from Robert Neeley, who has compiled a comprehensive study of the 1890s airship sightings. The Fund plans to offer these works, or shortened versions, for sale once they are processed, recognizing their significant contribution to UFO literature.

Furthermore, the Fund voted to support Stanton Friedman in his search for information on historic figures potentially linked to early UFO history. Bill Moore was also paid for an on-the-spot investigation related to crash-retrievals and government UFO activities.

Document Sales and Library Collection

The bulletin notes that it has been five years since the Fund began selling government documents. Initially offering one volume, they have since added two more, bringing the total to three volumes containing approximately 600 pages. These collections are described as the most complete available from any organization, except for the U.S. government itself. The complete set of these documents, including the Air Intelligence Report ('Ghost of the Estimate') and a Document Companion (historical analysis), is now housed at the Library of Congress and several other libraries in the Washington, D.C. area. Readers are encouraged to ask local libraries to order these complete sets, which come in a three-ring binder.

Media Attention

A document set describing a sighting by the late Senator Richard Russell and two others in Russia in 1955 gained media attention, being featured on the front page of the National Enquirer on February 11, 1986.

Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer's Report for the 1st Quarter of 1986 indicates a decrease in total assets from $5,093.36 at the end of 1985 to $4,619.27 by the end of the first quarter of 1986, a net decrease of $474.09.

Expenditures totaled $2,616.94, including $1,128.27 for Research/Investigation (which included a $300 initial payment for a British 1912-13 'phantom airships' study and funds for 'crashed saucer' and government cover-up investigations). Other expenditures included Mailing services ($731.08), Printing ($500.69), and Postage ($196.34).

Income totaled $2,142.85, primarily from Sales ($1,158.04) and Donations ($941.00). Interest from Savings & Loan and appreciation in Dreyfus account contributed smaller amounts.

The report also mentions that the Rapid Deployment Fund received $674, bringing its total to over $2,000, to ensure prompt investigation of potentially significant new reports.

National Board of Directors and Executive Committee

The issue lists the members of the National Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, including prominent figures in various scientific and professional fields.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin reflects a commitment to rigorous research, documentation, and public education regarding UFO phenomena. The Fund actively engages in supporting investigations, compiling significant case studies, and disseminating information through document sales and publications. There is an apparent interest in both historical and contemporary UFO cases, as well as in debunking unsubstantiated claims. The organization appears to be a key resource for UFO research, maintaining a library and actively participating in the broader UFO community through events like the MUFON Symposium.