Devil's Advocate, The - No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: The Devil's Advocate
Issue: #7
Price: $2.50
Cover Headline: The Devil's Advocate

This issue of The Devil's Advocate announces the launch of its new website and email address, aiming to reach a wider audience and provide information more efficiently. The publication reiterates its commitment to voicing views that may oppose the majority opinion, encouraging critical thinking and an objective examination of phenomena, including the UFO phenomenon.

Website and Communication Channels

The magazine introduces its new presence on the World Wide Web at `http://www.pen.net/~devilsad/index.htm`. The design was personally handled by the publication to manage costs. The website will feature articles from past issues and links to other relevant sites. The new email address is `[email protected]`. The editors express hope that the website will be a useful resource and not merely a sales tool. They note that Brian Boldman's article was placed on the website weeks before it appeared in print, highlighting the speed and ease of online updates.

Sighting in Lithuania

This section details an incident reported by the Saudi Gazette on June 27, 1996, and briefly mentioned on CNN. Two Lithuanian policemen near Vilnius sighted a round, shining object at half past midnight. The object hovered 20-30 meters above the ground, emitted a cracking sound, and was observed flashing. When the policemen approached, the UFO moved upwards and accelerated away towards Vilnius. The entire Lithuanian police force was alerted, and a Rapid Reaction Force was deployed. Tests were conducted on the ground composition and air radiation, and sound recordings were made. The grass in the area where the UFO was sighted was visibly flattened. The Vilnius police chief stated that the two policemen were of sound and honest mind.

D.A. Follow Up: The Status of UFO Research Organizations

Following up on a previous issue's suggestions for MUFON, The Devil's Advocate reports that a proposal for distributing MUFON's database was submitted to the board on July 8, 1996. A decision on distribution would be announced in the MUFON Journal, with no specific date given. The publication suggests that investigators seeking access to UFO information should examine alternative organizations. The International Society for UFO Research (ISUR) is highlighted as a constructive organization with a computerized database available on the internet, which includes information on sightings, abductions, and entity sightings. The magazine notes that many alternative organizations are now operating online, leveraging the internet to reach a broad audience and share information quickly.

The Man Behind the Face: Bill Barker and 'Schwa'

This section introduces artist Bill Barker and his art series titled "Schwa," which features a distinctive bald, big-eyed alien face. Regular readers of The Devil's Advocate have seen Barker's artwork in previous issues. The interview explores Barker's motivations and the symbolism behind "Schwa." He describes the alien face as a powerful symbol that has been around since the 1950s and elicits strong reactions. Barker explains that he chose the name "Schwa" because it sounded interesting and related to the vague and confusing nature of his work, finding its definition of "indefinite" to be key. His inspiration for the "Schwa" book came from an article about a "Secret Government" controlling the world since the 1940s. He discusses his process, the development of the "Schwa" book and kit over five months, and his belief that the question of alien existence is less relevant than the myth surrounding them. He is unaware of the alien landing strip at Groom Lake and does not believe aliens were involved in JFK's assassination. Barker is working on a new book titled "Counter-Schwa" and aims to build a company that produces new and mysterious products.

Angels and Aliens: Apparitions and UFOs by Brian Boldman

Brian Boldman's article explores the link between UFOs and religion, particularly within Christianity. He discusses how various biblical events, such as Moses on Mount Sinai, the burning bush, the parting of the Red Sea, and Elijah's ascension in a "chariot of fire," are interpreted by some as UFO encounters. The Star of Bethlehem is analyzed as a phenomenon exhibiting UFO properties, moving and stopping to pinpoint a location. Boldman questions whether the virgin birth of Jesus could be related to a Marian abduction, but ultimately suggests the story might be borrowed from existing mythological motifs of virgin births. He also examines the conversion of Paul, suggesting it may have been a UFO-type encounter. The article posits that while direct evidence of alien intervention in Christianity's origins is scarce, many biblical accounts share similarities with contemporary UFO encounters. It also touches upon Marian Apparitions, such as those at Pontmain, Zeitun, Garabandal, and Fatima, Portugal, noting phenomena like balls of light, strange sounds, and disk-shaped objects. The Fatima event, in particular, is described with witnesses reporting a "dance of the sun" and a "shining disk of dull silver."

Dr. Almeida Garrett is quoted describing a luminous, shining disk seen at Fatima. The article notes the Vatican's interest in UFOs, its possession of a large telescope, and a rumored UFO research division. It suggests that these phenomena, whether interpreted as collective mythical consciousness or misunderstood natural events, point to an intelligence that has been present for a long time, potentially guiding belief systems or influencing contemporary beliefs. The article concludes by referencing Michael Grosso's idea that UFOs impacting religious symbols necessitate a revision of mankind's spiritual history.

Roswell: The Case That Keeps Going, and Going, and Going...

This section addresses the ongoing Roswell incident. It mentions Phil Klass's report on an upcoming book by Kevin Randle, who is expected to express disbelief in the account of Roswell mortician Glen Dennis. Researcher Karl Pflock has also reportedly discounted Dennis's account. Randle is expected to focus on Frank Kaufmann, a witness considered a fraud. Despite these developments, excitement for the Roswell 50th Anniversary festival is building, with estimated attendance exceeding 150,000 people.

Notes and Acknowledgements

The "Unusual Transmissions" (letters column) and Reviews Section were omitted due to space constraints but will return in the next issue. The next issue will also feature "False Miracles in the Sky," analyzing the Gulf Breeze UFO flap in the context of military UFO hoaxes for psychological warfare. Contributors receive a free subscription, and those submitting information may receive a free copy of the magazine. Special thanks are given to Shari Van Schaick for editing assistance and to a list of other individuals and publications for their contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of UFO phenomena with religion and mythology, the critical examination of UFO research organizations, and the exploration of art as a medium for discussing these topics. The editorial stance remains one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging readers to think critically and consider multiple perspectives on unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the potential for genuine mysteries and the need for thorough investigation. The publication actively engages with its audience through its website and email, seeking feedback and contributions.

Title: Devil's Advocate
Issue: 11
Date: March 4, 1997
Publisher: Tim Brigham
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Devil's Advocate features a section titled "The Contact Zone," presented as a networking tool for researchers. It offers free listings for individuals seeking information on various projects and also serves to highlight miscellaneous sources of information and interesting contacts. For commercial advertisers, classified ads cost $5 for up to 35 words, with display ads priced at $15 for an 1/8 page and $25 for a 1/4 page.

Information Sought

The publication is actively seeking information related to potential military involvement in hoaxing UFO sightings. Additionally, they are interested in details concerning the military's use of, or experimentation with, psychological warfare. The editors assure that all names will be kept confidential upon request.

Recommended Publications and Services

Devil's Advocate highlights several other publications and services of interest to its readership:

• Alternate Perceptions: Described as a quarterly journal covering UFOs, history, native spirituality, and paranormal phenomena. It is edited by Brent Raynes and Dr. Greg Little and costs $12 for a one-year subscription. The address provided is Alternate Perceptions, Box 9972, Memphis, TN 38190.
• Saucer Smear: Noted as the longest-running UFO publication and one of the best, featuring Jim Moseley's "shockingly close to the truth" insights into ufology. A sample issue can be obtained by sending $1 to Jim Moseley at Box 1709, Key West, FL 33041.
• MOFO: Located at box 2704, Reno, NV 89505, MOFO provides an "unbelievable service" by distributing banned and out-of-print recordings for free. Interested parties need only send tapes and postage for copying and return. Their catalog reportedly includes comedy, music, and unique items like an actual tape of Jim Jones' final sermon. To receive the catalog, send a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and a donation of stamps is suggested, as the service is non-profit.

Copyright Notice

A copyright notice clarifies that Devil's Advocate, including its name and logo, is the property of Tim Brigham. Articles contributed by other authors remain their property. Any borrowed material (quotes, graphs, charts, cartoons) remains the property of its original source, with no implication of ownership. Permission to reproduce copyrighted portions of Devil's Advocate is granted provided credit is given to the publication.

Future Issue Teaser

The next issue is slated to feature "More mysterious sonic booms over Gulf Breeze!"

Visual Elements

Page 2 includes several visual elements: a cartoon depicting greys with "buttocksless-butts down right in front of you," the Devil's Advocate mailing address and postmark (Pensacola, FL, March 4, 1997), stamps featuring a heart and Mary Cassatt, an illustration of a printing press from 1499 with a caption explaining its historical significance and symbolism of death, and a silhouette of a winged figure labeled "SATANACHIA grand général."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around information exchange, the paranormal, and the promotion of alternative media and publications. Devil's Advocate positions itself as a hub for researchers and enthusiasts interested in fringe topics, particularly UFOs and psychological warfare. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and support for independent researchers and publishers, as evidenced by the free listings and the promotion of non-profit services. There is a clear emphasis on providing resources and contacts for those exploring unconventional subjects, with a slightly edgy or provocative tone suggested by the publication's name and the devilish imagery.