Devil's Advocate, The - No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: The Devil's Advocate
Issue: # 3
Issue Date: February of '96 (published bi-monthly, every 2-3 months)
Publisher: Devil's Advocate
Location: Pensacola, FL, USA

This issue of The Devil's Advocate positions itself as a platform for free thinkers and objective UFO researchers, aiming to voice opinions that may oppose the majority. The editorial emphasizes the importance of examining both sides of the UFO phenomenon to maintain an open mind. The magazine is seeking reader support to continue its publication.

Articles and Content

Angel Hair Cases: Enigmatic Tangible Evidence

This article, authored by Brian Boldman, explores the phenomenon of 'angel hair,' a white, cottony, fibrous substance that falls from the sky during or after UFO activity. Boldman defines it as a substance that covers large areas, hangs from overhead wires and tree branches, and dissolves quickly, especially when handled. He challenges the common explanation of spider webs, noting that spider webs do not dissolve and that spiders are typically not seen in bona fide angel hair cases. The article highlights that most recorded angel hair cases occurred in the 1950s, with a peak in October 1954. Boldman discusses two specific cases:

• Whitsett, North Carolina (October 27, 1955): The entire elementary school witnessed angel hair fall after 10 UFOs resembling 'shiny steel balls' passed overhead.
• Jerome, Ohio (October 22, 1954): 60 school children and their principal witnessed a silver cigar-shaped UFO, after which angel hair fell for 45 minutes, covering a three-mile area. This material dissolved upon handling and uniquely stained hands green. This case is noted as the only one to make it into Project Blue Book with physical evidence.

The article also references a case from Union City, Indiana, where a witness reported a fast, bright object followed by angel hair that floated from their TV antenna. Another instance in Georgia in October 1959 described 'disappearing spider webs' covering trees and rooftops. The author suggests that the Air Force Intelligence Community was concerned about these cases, as they left tangible evidence that could not be easily explained away, despite the official explanation of the Jerome case as 'SPIDER GOSSAMER'. The article concludes by promising future installments that will cover the Whitsett case in detail and explore government possession of angel hair samples.

The Evolution of Abductions

This section examines the abduction phenomenon from a historical perspective, arguing that abduction reports evolve and adapt to fit the surrounding culture. The author suggests that past experiences involving demons or faeries might be similar to modern alien abduction reports, differing only in the cultural interpretation. The article critiques the tendency of many UFO researchers to dismiss older accounts or to explain them solely through the lens of modern UFO abduction narratives, often relying on witness testimony. It proposes three general theories to explain abduction reports:

1. The Purely Psychological Theory: Abductions are purely psychological phenomena, possibly driven by deep-seated needs in the human mind, leading to hallucinations or vivid dreams that are misinterpreted as real events. This theory implies that humanity's understanding of these experiences has evolved over time.
2. The Purely Physical Theory: Abductions are real events caused by physical nonhuman entities, likely extraterrestrial. The main challenge for this theory is the lack of indisputable physical evidence, such as videos of actual abductions or instruments left behind by the alleged abductors.
3. The Chameleon Theory (Semi-Physical Theory): The abduction phenomenon is caused by an external stimulus, possibly UFOs, which may not interact on a purely physical level. This stimulus can interpret what the experiencer is prone to believing, causing experiences that fit their worldview (e.g., religious visions for a Catholic, alien abductions for a scientifically minded person). This theory suggests the stimulus can change its appearance and sometimes interact physically, explaining cases where secondary witnesses observe unusual phenomena or where photographs are taken, without leaving physical evidence.

The article concludes that the stimulus could be an intelligent energy form or a race of nonhuman beings with advanced technology.

Adventures In UFOland

This section reports on the 1995 Gulf Breeze UFO Conference, which was moved to Mobile, Alabama, due to hurricanes. The big news was the return of Whitley Strieber, who had previously sworn off the UFO field. Strieber stated he was returning because he had new information to share and explained his past statements denying objective visitor existence as fear. An anecdote recounts Strieber's belief that a malfunctioning elevator might have been caused by his alleged effect on electrical components. Strieber discussed his theories with the author, suggesting a possible link between electromagnetic fields and abductions, and expressed a desire for his wife to become involved with the 'beings.' The report also highlights presentations by George Knapp, who commented on the prevalence of 'nuts' in the UFO field, estimating that 90% of those involved are not objective researchers. Knapp's presentation focused on physical evidence and a common-sense approach to the phenomenon.

Other Conference Reports and News

• Alien Autopsy Film: News circulated about a new, reportedly more realistic alien autopsy film expected to surface soon.
• Bruce Maccabee's Presentation: Maccabee presented a video taken by Ed Walters showing a UFO and its shadow. However, the video quality was poor, with jumping and static, making it difficult to discern details. Maccabee's comment on the 'Guardian' case, suggesting it's a good case if one ignores contradictory evidence, is criticized as a common practice among UFO researchers.
• Conference Atmosphere: The conference was noted to be full of people eager to share unverifiable stories, with many seeming more interested in social interaction than in searching for hard data.
• Farakahn and UFOs: The article reports that Farakahn has begun incorporating UFOs into his sermons, referring to UFO occupants as 'black man's friends.' This is presented as an example of how powerful speakers can influence belief systems, similar to religious leaders.

The editorial stance is reiterated, encouraging objectivity and free thinking rather than blindly following the masses.

Reviews

Zen in the Art of Close Encounters

Edited by Paul David Pursglove, this book is available from The New Being Project. It is praised for containing short writings from a variety of contributors, blending serious UFO information with humor. Contributors include Robert Anton Wilson, Michael Grosso, Rima Laibow, Keith Thompson, John Mack, Whitley Strieber, and Steven Greer.

How to think About Weird Things

Authored by Theodore Shick, Jr. and Lewis Vaugn, and available from Mayfield Publishing, this book is recommended as a textbook for logic students. It outlines steps for thinking logically about paranormal phenomena, aiming to debunk illogical reasons for believing in unproven things rather than debunking the phenomena themselves. The reviewer suggests it should be required reading for UFO enthusiasts.

The Watchers 2

By Ray Fowler, this book from WildFlower Press delves into the experiences of Betty Luca and compares UFO abductions with Near-Death Experiences (NDEs). Fowler is commended for reporting Luca's experiences in their entirety without censorship. The book explores the possibility of an angelic origin for UFOs, though the reviewer suggests Fowler did not fully consider the possibility of deception or the influence of religious beliefs on the experiencer's memories. It is highly recommended for the completeness of its accounts.

Alien Discussions: Proceedings of the Abduction Study Conference

This large book (nearly 700 pages) is available from North Cambridge Press. It contains extensive information on abduction studies, with chapter titles listed to indicate its scope.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring Themes

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and phenomena, particularly 'angel hair' and 'abductions.' The magazine emphasizes the importance of objective research, critical thinking, and examining multiple perspectives. It also touches upon the psychological and sociological aspects of belief systems, both within the UFO community and in broader contexts like religion.

Editorial Stance

The Devil's Advocate explicitly promotes objectivity, free thinking, and challenging conventional or majority opinions within the UFO field. The editorial team believes in exploring all sides of a phenomenon and encourages readers to do the same. They aim to be a platform for those who seek to voice their opinions without being labeled or silenced, distinguishing themselves from what they perceive as a field often dominated by uncritical believers and sensationalism. The magazine relies on reader support to continue its mission.

Title: Devil's Advocate
Issue: 11
Publication Frequency: Every 2-3 months
Country of Publication: USA
Original Language: English

Content Summary

This issue of Devil's Advocate (Issue 11) highlights research into abduction experiences, presenting information derived from a book that compiles transcripts from a conference on the subject. The book covers various aspects including evidence, the psychology of abductees, hypotheses, ethical considerations, therapy, and future considerations. Notably, the book focuses on presenting diverse viewpoints from the conference presentations without authorial bias.

Devil's Advocate Roundtable

The magazine promotes itself as a networking tool and offers classified advertising services. The rates are $5 for up to 35 words, with an additional $1 for every 10 words thereafter. The publication welcomes ads from researchers seeking information or correspondence, other newsletters (with potential ad trades), individuals selling products, or events to promote, provided a sample is sent with the ad. Camera-ready display ads are also available at $20 for 1/8 page.

Reader Contributions and Requests

A researcher named Brian Boldman is seeking samples or information regarding 'angel hair' and directs interested parties to his article in this issue. His contact information includes a P.O. Box in Belews Creek, NC, and an email address.

A publication called 'Saucer Smear,' described as a UFO zine with humor and common sense, is also featured with a $1 sample issue offer to Key West, FL.

Devil's Advocate is actively seeking information on two specific topics: potential military attempts to hoax UFO sightings and unusual 'entity cases' where the witness's credibility does not suggest a hoax. Readers are encouraged to respond directly to D.A.

Subscription and Contact Information

Subscription rates are provided, with 6 issues (approximately one year) costing $10 domestically and $20 for foreign subscribers. Single issues are priced at $2 each. Payments, including checks or money orders, should be made payable to Tim Brigham. The publisher assures subscribers that they will receive a refund for any undelivered issues if the publication ceases to be produced.

Special thanks are extended to Shari Van Schaick for her assistance with editing and other tasks. The issue anticipates future content and encourages readers to stay in touch, with a nod towards '96.

Products for review or mailing should be sent to Devil's Advocate at P.O. Box 10853, Pensacola, FL 32524. The publication states that it cannot return submitted products.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of Devil's Advocate appears to be one of open inquiry into paranormal phenomena, particularly UFOs and abductions, encouraging diverse viewpoints and direct reader participation through its networking and advertising platform. The magazine actively solicits information on controversial or unexplained cases, suggesting an interest in investigating potential cover-ups or unusual occurrences within the UFO field.