CUFORN Bulletin - Vol 12 No 02 - 1991 - Mar-Apr

Magazine Overview

Title: CUFORN BULLETIN
Issue: Vol. 12, No. 2
Date: March-April, 1991
Publisher: Canadian U.F.O. Research Network, Inc.
Country: Canada
Price: $3.75

This issue of the CUFORN Bulletin, published bi-monthly, focuses on UFO research and sightings, with a strong emphasis on Canadian cases and events. It includes a variety of articles, letters, and a comprehensive listing of UFO reports from 1990.

Cover Story: CUFOS UFO Photo Exhibit

The main cover story announces that the extensive UFO photo display from the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies will tour Saskatchewan and Alberta for two months in May and June 1991. The display consists of 20 panels, 10 sections, and 40 feet of photographs and text, along with a videotape program. Dates and locations for the exhibit in Regina, Yorkton, Swift Current, and Fort Saskatchewan are provided, along with contact phone numbers. The display manager, John Timmerman, will be available for those who wish to share their UFO experiences confidentially.

The cover also features an original drawing by artist Mark Woitalla of Beeton, Ontario, titled "Observing Before Abducting - UFOs". This artwork was displayed at the Home Show in Alliston, Ontario, on May 10-11, 1991, where Woitalla exhibited 48 drawings.

In This Issue Highlights

• Letters to the Editor: Includes correspondence regarding the quality of the bulletin and discussions on crop circles and UFOs.
• CUFOS UFO Photo Exhibit: Details the touring exhibition across Western Canada.
• The 1990 Canadian UFO Survey: Presents the results, showing a significant increase in cases and identifying 10 excellent cases.
• Editor Spoke at First World UFO Congress: Lawrence J. Fenwick reports on his experience at the congress in Tucson, Arizona, noting some "firsts" in ufology and a verified detail of an abduction case.
• One Hour Prime Time TV Special on UFO Abductions: Featured a CUFORN Member.

National UFO Museum

The National UFO Museum is announced to open in Reno, Nevada, in 1991. It will function as an archive, repository of UFO data, bookstore, mail order outlet, and data clearing house. It will also publish books and a newsletter for its "Friends of the Museum" association. Interested individuals can send $2 for mailing list updates.

CUFORN Staff and Consultants

The bulletin lists the CUFORN staff, including President Joseph Muskat, Secretary/Editor Lawrence J. Fenwick, and Treasurer Harry Tokarz. A list of consultants in various scientific fields is also provided, such as David Harrison (Ph.D.), Stanton T. Friedman (B.Sc., M.Sc.), and Terence Dickinson (B.Sc., M.Sc.).

The 1990 Canadian UFO Survey

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the "1990 Canadian UFO Survey", produced by UFOLOGY RESEARCH OF MANITOBA and coordinated by Chris Rutkowski. The survey indicates a substantial increase in reported cases compared to 1989. It details 10 high-reliability unknown cases from 1990 and provides a comprehensive table of 1990 Canadian UFO reports, including date, time, province, city/town, type, reliability rating, duration, witness type, and comments. The data suggests that many UFO cases go unreported, with estimates of unreported sightings being ten times higher than reported ones.

Crop Circles Discussion

Several letters and articles touch upon the phenomenon of crop circles. Clive Nadin from the Ottawa Centre for UFO Studies suggests that while some evidence points to UFO involvement in crop formations, his personal opinion leans towards terrestrial theories involving earth energies and the paranormal. He highlights the Plasma Vortex theory by Dr. Terence Meaden as a potential area of study for UFO research. Nadin emphasizes that typical British crop circles are not necessarily landing traces of UFOs but are a mystery to be solved alongside UFOs.

Jacques Poulet, writing from St-Placide, Quebec, expresses his interest in crop circles and agrees with the need for more verifiable facts in UFO research. He notes the "little wars between ufologists" and the presence of those in the field for financial gain, advocating for unity in the pursuit of truth.

Chris Rutkowski, in his correspondence, mentions looking closely at any "crop circles" that may appear in 1991 and comments on the World UFO Congress in Tucson, characterizing it as more of an abductee/contactee event than a research conference.

Notable Quotes

• "Crescat scientia vita excolatur (where knowledge increases, life is ennobled)" - Motto of CUFORN.
• "There are enough facts to form an opinion, but it is by no means a sure one." - Jacques Poulet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CUFORN Bulletin consistently promotes UFO research and the dissemination of information within the Canadian context. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the study of various phenomena, including UFO sightings and crop circles, while acknowledging the challenges of verification and the need for rigorous investigation. The publication aims to connect researchers, share findings, and provide a platform for diverse viewpoints within the ufology community. There is a clear emphasis on reporting Canadian UFO cases and events, as evidenced by the detailed survey and the touring photo exhibit.

Title: CUFORN BULLETIN
Issue: MARCH-APRIL, 1991
Volume: 11
Publisher: CUFORN
Country: USA
Language: English

Content Summary

This issue of the CUFORN Bulletin from March-April 1991 provides a comprehensive look at UFO-related events and media coverage.

UFO Sightings Log

The bulletin features a detailed log of UFO sightings from late 1990, spanning various dates and locations across Canada and the United States. The entries include:

• October 23, 1990, 21:30, Martindale, Quebec: A bright fireball was observed.
• October 26, 1990, 23:06, Punnichy, Saskatchewan: A large orange light was seen.
• October 27, 1990, 03:30, Winchester, Ontario: Three objects were reported, described as blue, red, and yellow, with one object observed to have its violet light going on and off.
• October 31, 1990, 21:20, Jeanne d'Arc Dionne, Quebec: A violet light was observed going on and off.
• November 9, 1990, Rutland/Kelowna, British Columbia: Multicoloured lights, revolving, were observed.
• November 9, 1990, 22:15, Maple Ridge, British Columbia: A possible astronomical object was noted.
• November 7, 1988, 08:15, Grande Prairie, Alberta: A description of an "Opaque round like rubber ball" was given.
• November 7, 1990, 19:00, Montreal, Quebec: A light source in the sky was observed, with photos taken.
• November 7, 1990, 21:00, Montreal, Quebec: A policeman witnessed a light source in the sky.
• November 10, 2000, Edmond Lake, Quebec: A round object with green, yellow, and red colors was reported.
• November 11, 1990, North Delta, British Columbia: A black egg-shaped object with two white lights was observed.
• November 16, 1990, Surrey, British Columbia: A silver disk with a "bump" was seen.
• November 18, 1990, Surrey, British Columbia: An alleged abduction was reported.
• November 20, 1990, Toronto, Ontario: A sighting of "6 stars in a group" was reported.
• November 21, 1990, Pike Lake, Saskatchewan: A bright light source was observed.
• November 23, 1990, Surrey, British Columbia: An alleged "repeat" abduction was reported.
• November 28, 1990, 22:30, Toronto, Ontario: A glowing green mass was observed.
• November 28, 1990, 17:30, Richmond, British Columbia: A soundless triangle of lights was observed.
• December 7, 1990, Surrey, British Columbia: No specific details beyond a classification code.
• December 8, 1990, New Westminster, British Columbia: No specific details beyond a classification code.
• December 14, 1990, Squamish, British Columbia: A "Fluorescent" ground light was observed.
• December 22, 1990, South Vancouver, British Columbia: Multicoloured light was observed.

The classification codes (NL, ND, DD, CE1, CE2, CE3, CE4, EV, I, P, U) are explained at the bottom of the page, relating to the type of sighting and evidence.

Crop Circles and UFO Nests

In a letter to the editor, Billy J. Rachels, Director of the UFO Bureau, discusses reports of crop circles. He draws a parallel to UFO "Nests" reported in Australia (Queensland and other areas) in 1965 and 1966. These were circular formations approximately 30 feet across found in high grass and swampy marsh vegetation, often following the sighting of a spinning UFO. Rachels suggests these might have been landing marks made by UFOs and questions if they could be connected to the modern crop circle phenomenon.

Review of CBS Television Special on UFO Abductions

Lawrence J. Fenwick reviews a CBS television special titled "Visitors From The Unknown," which aired on May 17, 1991. This one-hour documentary focused on UFO abductions and is noted as a significant event, being the first such program aired by CBS in 25 years, a network considered the most conservative regarding UFO topics among the major American networks (ABC being the most liberal, NBC more conservative).

The review speculates on the reasons behind CBS airing such a program, questioning if it marked a change in policy or was influenced by a new U.S. Government policy to inform the public. The script writer, Tracy Tonné, is mentioned, indicating that at least one ufologist's research was included. The show's sponsors included major corporations like Chrysler Corporation.

Three abductions were featured:

1. Travis Walton: The case of the Arizona woodcutter in 1975, which was presented with an interview without initial commercials, a noted "first" for television.
2. Alan Godfrey: The case of a British Police officer.
3. Professor John Salter and his son: A CUFORN member, whose story was recreated.

Narration was provided by James Earl Jones, an award-winning actor known for his role as Barney Hill in "The UFO Incident" and his appearance in "Field of Dreams."

The production company was Abduction Productions, and their Associate Producer was Gina Minervini. Minervini stated that the special aimed to introduce viewers to the people and their stories, not to confirm whether the events happened.

The reviewer notes that the editor was able to videotape the show, and members in the Toronto area could view it by contacting CUFORN. However, no copies could be made due to past issues with tape duplication.

The review concludes by calling the special the "finest network show ever presented on the UFO subject," excluding short segments from "Unsolved Mysteries."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently focuses on UFO sightings and the broader phenomenon of UFO abductions. It appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting reports and encouraging readers to consider connections between different aspects of the phenomenon, such as the link between UFO sightings and crop circle-like formations. The review of the CBS special suggests an interest in how mainstream media covers these topics and speculates on potential governmental influence or policy shifts in information dissemination regarding UFOs. The editorial stance seems to be one of documenting evidence, exploring theories, and critically analyzing media portrayals of UFOs.