CUFORN Bulletin - Vol 17 No 01 - 1996 - Jan-Feb

Magazine Overview

Title: CUFORN Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 17, No. 1
Date: January-February, 1996
Publisher: Canadian UFO Research Network, Inc.

This issue of the CUFORN Bulletin delves into several significant topics within the UFO and paranormal community. It features a detailed report from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) concerning a 1989 UFO sighting in Manitoba, Canada, alongside a discussion on the controversial 'Alien Autopsy' film, and an update on the Canadian government's stance on collecting UFO data.

RCMP Report: "HEART-SHAPED" LIGHTS ON UFO

The lead story, highlighted on the cover, is a 1989 report from the RCMP sent to the National Research Council of Canada regarding a UFO sighting. The report details an incident on June 20, 1989, where Oliver Cameron, along with two friends (Delmar Wilfred Cameron and Barney Maurice Ross), observed an object with red, white, and blue lights near Beaver Creek, Manitoba. The object was described as heart-shaped and approximately the size of a vehicle. Initially appearing as a spotlight, it later displayed distinct colored lights and flew over the witnesses at an estimated altitude of 500-800 meters. The witnesses reported no noise. The object then moved rapidly towards Lake Winnipeg, where a red light was observed on or near the water for about an hour. The RCMP investigation, conducted by the Arborg Detachment, found the witnesses to be sincere.

"Autopsy or Fraud-topsy?" - The Alien Autopsy Film Debate

This section critically examines the 'Alien Autopsy' film, a 17-minute black and white movie purporting to show the autopsy of an alien recovered from the alleged 1947 Roswell, New Mexico UFO crash. The article, a reprint from TIME magazine (November 27, 1995), discusses the controversy and the debate among experts, special effects artists, and the public. Ray Santilli, the Englishman selling the footage, claims it was filmed by a former U.S. Army photographer. The article raises questions about the film's focus, camerawork, and the lack of chemical analysis of the original film stock. It notes that while some experts like Kevin Randle believe aliens landed, they consider the autopsy film a hoax, a view not always clearly presented in media coverage like the Fox TV show 'Alien Autopsy: Fact or Fiction?'. The piece highlights the commercialization of the film, with its widespread distribution and media attention.

Ottawa Bows Out: NRC Cuts UFO Data Collection

An excerpt from the Toronto Star (February 11, 1996) reports that the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada is ceasing its collection and storage of UFO reports due to budget cuts. Fokke Creutzberg, a geophysicist formerly with the NRC, explains that his position has been phased out and that the NRC was not actively using the collected data. The NRC had been responsible for storing UFO reports since the late 1960s, primarily focusing on cases that might have scientific interest beyond meteors, and sending them to the National Archives. Researchers like Chris Rutkowski and Errol Bruce-Knapp express concern over this decision, especially given the increasing public interest in UFOs. Bruce-Knapp, an investigator with MUFON Ontario, argues that many sightings are not easily explained as simple anomalies and suggest a potential cover-up, a theory dismissed by Creutzberg due to lack of evidence.

Other Content

Special Offers

The bulletin includes several special offers for readers, including out-of-print publications like 'The UFO Pulse Analyzer' and a complete index for Leonard Stringfield's 'Situation Red-The UFO Siege'. A 'UFO Service' listing provides contact information for 162 sources of worldwide UFO information.

National UFO Museum Project

An appeal is made to the public to contribute information to the National UFO Museum's research project on the UFO phenomenon. Readers are asked to provide details of sightings or contact experiences, including time, date, location, descriptions, and any physical evidence or witnesses.

Letter to the Editor

Richard F. Haines, Ph.D., a retired Research Scientist, writes to Larry Fenwick of CUFORN, expressing his appreciation for the membership invitation but declining to join any club. He requests that CUFORN place a notice in its bulletin seeking cases of two specific kinds: 'Human Aggression Shown Toward UFO or Entities' and 'Sightings Reported During the Viet Nam War' (1960-1969) from Southeast Asia.

Book Review: 'Strange Encounters'

A review of Curt Sutherly's book 'Strange Encounters: UFOs, Aliens & Monsters Among Us' is featured. The book is described as a collection of gripping stories from the author's journalistic investigations into unexplained phenomena, including alien abductions and eyewitness disappearances. Sutherly, an experienced journalist and ufologist, points out significant parallels between sightings across the United States. The review highlights specific cases covered in the book, such as the 'Boshkung Lake invasion', the 'Thing' of Sheep's Hill, and an examination of the 'MJ-12' document.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CUFORN Bulletin consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader implications of unexplained phenomena. It aims to provide a platform for reporting and discussing UFO-related events, often highlighting official reports (like the RCMP case) and contrasting them with public perception and skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the sharing of information and research, while also acknowledging the controversies and debates within the field, such as the 'Alien Autopsy' film. The bulletin also touches upon the challenges faced by researchers, including government cutbacks in data collection and the need for continued investigation into mysterious events.

Title: CUFORN BULLETIN
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Date: January/February 1996
Publisher: CUFORN
Country: Canada
Language: English
ISSN: 0837-0000
Cover Price: 11

Main Cover Story: How a Computer Would Assist CUFORN

The lead article, "How a Computer Would Assist CUFORN" by Lawrence J. Fenwick, emphasizes the critical need for a computer to manage the vast amount of UFO data collected by the organization. Fenwick describes his apartment's file cabinet overflowing with information and explains that a computer would enable the organization to create a database, identify patterns, and potentially predict future sighting waves. He notes that while some members have helped with PC use for producing the bulletin, CUFORN still needs to raise $3,500 for a computer system, including a color monitor, fax, laser printer, modem, and mouse.

Several projects could be digitized, such as the 2,000 landing cases currently on index cards, a comprehensive list of Canadian UFO reports, and the Project Blue Book list of UFO photographs. The organization also possesses statistics on over 200 investigated reports and a mailing list for the bulletin. Fenwick suggests that a computer would allow CUFORN to publish articles based on existing computerized data, rather than relying on newspaper and magazine photocopies, and to interface with other research groups and individuals.

Acquiring a computer would save Fenwick time and money spent on travel for bulletin production, allowing him more time to recruit new members. He expresses gratitude to members who have assisted, including Lanny Chew, Kevin Gariepy, Stan Haswell, Diana and Kevin Unger, Yagoda Michael, and Lee Smith.

The article mentions that CUFORN has had few meetings in the past four years due to sparse attendance and suggests that a computer could free up time for more meetings, though it cautions against excessive time spent on the internet.

A fundraising appeal is made for a "CUFORN Computer Fund," with checks and money orders to be sent to the organization's box number address, specifically marked "for computer fund."

The Editor Comments

In his column, "The Editor Comments," Lawrence J. Fenwick shares personal updates. He announces his upcoming marriage to Betty in July 1996, noting he is a widower and she is a divorcee. He mentions his daughter Janice is an accountant with a large American firm in Markham, Ontario, and his sister Judy Zamos teaches business administration at the University of Arizona's Los Angeles campus and a community college.

Three-Way Link

Fenwick discusses the late CUFORN member Charles Alcock, who was the cousin of Sir John Alcock. Charles Alcock corresponded with Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the widow of Charles Lindbergh, who wrote poetry until her death at age 90. Charles Lindbergh's press aide was Major Donald E. Keyhoe, a founder of NICAP, of which Fenwick was a member for years.

"I'll Deny I Said That"

This section recounts how information about the MJ-12 (Majestic-12) group came to CUFORN. A member, Tom Aickus, invited Fenwick over in the late 1980s, quizzed him about MJ-12 while giving him beer, and then put the information onto the Paranet, which fed into the Internet. The source who initially provided the information had asked Fenwick not to reveal their identity, stating, "I'll deny I said that" if asked.

The article then delves into the "failed experiment" code phrase, allegedly used to describe the human race. It mentions President Joe Auskat living next door to the Commander of Canadian Forces Base at Downsview. During a conversation, the Commander seemed to know about MJ-12 information, suggesting he had a "need-to-know" status.

In 1995, the Commander's father, while talking with Joe Auskat, mentioned that his son had been transferred by NORAD to Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado, where his duties included tracking UFOs.

Media Watcher to Call Local CUFORN Members

Lanny Chew, a member from the Toronto area, will begin calling local CUFORN members in mid-March. He will provide advance notice about UFO-related television and radio shows, new books and magazines, and articles in local newspapers. This initiative was suggested by Chew himself and agreed to by Fenwick.

Members are encouraged to share any practical and useful ideas with Lanny Chew via letter, not by telephone collect calls.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the practical needs of UFO research organizations, specifically CUFORN's need for technological advancement through computerization. The editorial stance is one of proactive engagement, seeking to improve data management, disseminate information, and foster community involvement through initiatives like media watching and fundraising. There's a clear emphasis on the importance of organized data and the potential for technology to enhance research capabilities. The personal touches from the editor also serve to humanize the organization and its members.