Flying Saucer Digest - No 115 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: NO. 115
Volume: FALL 91
Publisher: UNITED AERIAL PHENOMENA AGENCY
Price: 50p

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest, dated Fall 1991, is designated as the "Convention Issue." The cover features striking artwork with a giant eye, a prone human figure, and a UFO, alongside the headline "Convention Issue."

From the Editor

The editor expresses excitement for the upcoming 28th National UFO Conference, highlighting the artwork of Benita (Bunny) Owens. The editorial recounts the history of UFO conferences, starting with the first one in Cleveland in 1964, and notes that UAPA has hosted many successful conventions. It addresses rumors of the National UFO Conference's demise, attributing it to the high cost of organizing such events and the ineffectiveness of some larger UFO organizations. UAPA, despite not being the largest, claims to have the leading publication in the field and announces that Flying Saucer Digest will publish the largest UFO Catalog ever, "UFO Catalog No. 3," available in March 1992. The editor also promotes the book "They Called Them Discs" by Allan J. Manak, in cooperation with UAPA, which explores the origins of the UFO enigma.

Advertisement

An advertisement is included for "The Almanac of UFO Organizations and Publications," detailing over 200 international groups. The price is $19.45 (U.S./Canada) and $21.45 (Overseas), including shipping and handling. It is available from Phaedra Enterprises.

Readers Say

This section features letters from readers. F. Marcie from Toledo, OH, praises the magazine's artist for making it the best in ufology. J.G. Harris from New York, NY, recalls attending the 1988 National UFO Conference and asks about dealer tables for the current convention, to which UAPA confirms more dealers will be present. T. Harold from Atlanta, GA, inquires about a new catalog, and UAPA states that "Catalog No. 3" is planned for March 1992. G. Williams from Denver, CO, asks for information on a Colorado UFO crash in June of that year, but UAPA states they have no information on it. The section also includes a notice about the next issue being released after the Christmas holiday.

Publication Information

Flying Saucer Digest is published quarterly (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA). Allan J. Manak is the Chairman/Editor, Rick R. Hilberg is the Assistant Editor, Carol Hilberg is the Typist, Benita C. Owens is the Staff artist, and Robert S. Easley is an Associate. UAPA is a non-profit organization studying UFOs. Subscription rates are $9.00 for 4 issues or $17.00 for 8 issues. Foreign subscriptions add $3.00 per year. Correspondence and manuscripts are welcomed if accompanied by an SASE. The UAPA address is Box 347032, Cleveland, Ohio 44134.

UFO Bits and Pieces

This section contains several short reports:

Giant Hole Found in Space

A USA Today report by Paul Hoversten describes a newly discovered object with 100 billion times the mass of the sun, possibly the largest black hole ever found. It is smashing into galaxy NGC 6240 and is described as "puzzling" by astronomer Joss Bland-Hawthorn. Researchers Andrew Wilson and Brent Tully suggest it is a "supermassive" black hole, 10 to 100 times larger than most.

Gray Barker UFO Collection Opens

The "Gray Barker UFO Collection," comprising books, magazines, and correspondence from the controversial UFO author Gray Barker, has opened at the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library in Clarksburg, WV. Barker, who died in 1984, left behind approximately 300 books, 75 magazine/journal groups, and 30 filing drawers of UFO-related material. The collection is described as having self-deprecating humor and a forebearance for the ridiculous.

Foremost Sighting This Issue

This feature details an incident from Tennessee, reported by Marlene Yurick in the Morristown Citizen Tribune. On May 17, Barbara Mills reported seeing an unidentified flying object and a "crop circle" in a local field in Jefferson County. Her dog reacted strangely, and she heard a distinct whirring sound. The next morning, a circular patch of ground, 28 feet across, was discovered with grass matted down in a clockwise direction. Deputy Larry Thurman reported an encounter on March 15 where he saw a bright object moving erratically at an estimated 3,000 miles per hour, which dipped, shot up, and disappeared. He recorded the event on video. Dr. and Mrs. Richard Rinehardt, researchers from the Mutual Unidentified Flying Objects Network, are investigating the site, collecting data cautiously without influencing witnesses.

Around and About the Saucer World

Weird Lights in Oregon

This report from the Burns Times Herald by Terry Keim describes an incident on March 27 involving Darol Ady of Nampa, Idaho. Ady reported seeing two bright lights on Highway 20 near Hines, which suddenly went out, followed by a shower of red lights resembling burning embers. Upon investigation, three heaps of ashes were found, and Ady's wife saw chunks of burning equipment. Officer Frank Hickey investigated but found no smoke or charring. Another resident reported a huge red glow from the direction of the Experiment Station. A different witness near Lawen described beautiful blue-green lights that hovered and then disappeared, followed by a huge bright red light.

Another Strange Light in Oregon

This case, from the Brookings Curry Coastal Pilot, involves Cleo Hall, who reported seeing an unusual bright light on March 29. She described it as a tip like a fingernail of the moon, but in the west. The light was orangey and brilliant, then faded out. Hall, an artist and former president of the Pelican Bay Arts Association, sketched the event to prove she was awake.

"Missile" or UFO in England?

The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating a report of a missile-like cylindrical object seen by an Alitalia airliner pilot over southern England on April 21. The object was traveling toward the aircraft at an estimated 1,000 feet above it. The Ministry of Defense stated that anti-tank missiles used in the area could not have reached the reported altitude of 22,000 feet.

Soviets Appreciate UFO-Inspired Music

This article from the Peoria, Illinois Journal-Star reports on Connie Cook Smith, a Peoria woman who claims cosmic encounters and has written music inspired by them. This music is being used in the Soviet Union to teach English to Ukrainian students in Kiev. The story gained attention after an article in the Journal Star, followed by a Wall Street Journal piece, and then a report in the Soviet newspaper "Molodaya Gvardia." Soviet reporter Igor Shpak contacted Smith for more information, and she sent him details, a photo, and a music tape. Shpak uses her lyrics, such as from "White Light," to teach English. Smith, who had her first UFO sighting in 1981, has written many songs since 1987 and lectures on her music. Shpak suggested Smith visit Kiev, possibly through a student exchange program.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader UFO phenomenon, including historical cases and contemporary reports. There is a strong emphasis on the work of the United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA) as a publisher and organizer of UFO events. The editorial stance appears to be one of active research, documentation, and promotion of UFO-related information, including publications, books, and conferences. The magazine also touches upon related phenomena like crop circles and astronomical discoveries that might intersect with UFOlogy. The inclusion of international reports, such as from the Soviet Union, suggests a global perspective on the UFO topic.

WEIRDOLOGY, Issue 11, presents a collection of unexplained phenomena, focusing on a mysterious ring in Canada and extensive reports of 'Thunderbird' sightings in Pennsylvania. The magazine features articles derived from newspaper clippings and a book review, alongside a brief mention of a UFO-related incident in England and advertisements for ufology publications.

Mystery Ring in Canada

The lead article details a mysterious ring discovered in a field belonging to Reg Painter in Nova Scotia, as reported by Tom McCoag for the Halifax Chronicle on April 22nd. The ring, measuring over 30 feet in diameter, had appeared around Easter and attracted numerous visitors. Painter stated that while some visitors brought compasses and dowsing rods (the compass needle spun outside the ring but worked normally inside, and the dowsing rod reacted only within the circle), no one could explain its origin. Painter, a native of England who retired to Fort Lawrence, noted that while he had seen similar circles in England, they were not as large. He expressed skepticism about UFOs being the cause, despite his own wonder, and dismissed suggestions of a horse or a practical joke. He also discounted theories involving pesticides or herbicides, stating no chemicals had been used on the fields for at least three years, and a fungus would not create a distinct circular path. Painter admitted he might never know the cause but was curious.

"Thunderbirds" in Pennsylvania

This section features an informative piece by John Rasmussen from the Lach Haven Express, discussing his research into 'Thunderbird' sightings in Pennsylvania over approximately 20 years. Rasmussen's work is linked to a book by Mark A. Hall titled "Natural Mysteries - Monster Lizards, English Dragons, and Other Puzzling Animals (Second Revised Edition)", published by Mark A. Hall Publications. The book, priced at $16.95, is described as a documented investigation into 'weird life forms.'

Mark A. Hall is presented as a methodical investigator. His book includes a chapter on "Pennsylvania Thunderbirds," prefaced by the statement that "Gigantic birds of prey once were widespread inhabitants of North America." Hall notes that these creatures have been identified by various names but are best known as 'Thunderbirds' among North American Indians. He recounts a story about John James Audubon traveling from Philadelphia to Mauch Chunk (now Jim Thorpe) in the 19th century to observe wildlife. Hall asserts that talk of Thunderbirds has been common for over a century, with estimates of their wingspreads greater than 15 feet, and some accounts suggesting they prey on deer and humans, with a common range of 20 to 30 feet.

The article highlights that many detailed accounts of modern Thunderbirds come from an area roughly described by Cameron, Potter, Clinton, and Tioga counties in Pennsylvania. Hall lists four individuals who took an interest in these birds: John Rasmussen ('TnT'), the late Clyde and Anna Mincer of Jersey Shore, and Robert R. Lyman, Sr., a historian and naturalist from Potter County. Lyman is the author of books such as "Amazing Indeed - Strange Events in the Black Forest." Rasmussen recalls corresponding with Hall and remembering him in the Jersey Shore area when reports of Thunderbird sightings were frequent.

Specific sightings detailed include:

• 1968-69: Little Pine Creek, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. John Boyle reported seeing a bird each year. On one occasion, it landed in the creek, and its wingspan appeared to extend 75 feet across the creek.
• November 9th or 10th, 1970: Clyde and Anna Mincer provided a description to Hall, recalling a huge bird with a 22-foot wingspread.
• August 7, 1971: Clair Koons, former president of Jersey Shore Borough Council and Independent Hose Co. fire chief, along with Wilson Frederick, reported seeing a bird with a wingspan of 12-15 feet up along Larrys Creek toward Salladasburg. Koons, described as an experienced outdoorsman, was very positive about the sighting.

Hall's research also extends to other phenomena, including "Great Swamps" in Indiana and Illinois, "Monster Lizards" (with a drawing of a "Canip Monster Lizard"), and "English Dragons." The book also mentions a "Big With Eight Legs" creature and a period in June 1960 in Indiana when people discussed "the Monster in Dan Craig's Well," described as an eerie beast with a dome-shaped head, two bulbous eyes, and eight flailing tentacles.

The article encourages readers to purchase Hall's book for $16.95 from Mark A. Hall Publications.

Princess Diana's Friend Tells of Mystery Circle

This short piece reports that Fiona Hamilton-Stidston, a friend of Princess Diana, awoke one past June to find a 75-foot wide scorched circle in her meadow in South Devon, England. She attributed it to a UFO landing. However, a local UFO expert suggested the circle was the result of hoaxters walking on stilts. A family spokesman denied that anyone could have entered the property undetected.

Advertisements

The issue includes advertisements for "THEY CALLED THEM DISCS" by Allan Manak, a booklet covering UFO mysteries from 1947 to 1952, available for $5.00 from UAPA Box 347032, Cleveland, Ohio 44134. There is also a UAPA logo with the same P.O. Box address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs, mystery rings) and cryptid sightings (Thunderbirds). The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting documented eyewitness accounts and research into these phenomena, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations, as evidenced by the detailed reporting on Thunderbird sightings and the promotion of Mark A. Hall's investigative work. There is a clear interest in cataloging and disseminating reports of unusual occurrences.