Flying Saucer Digest - No 116 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: No. 116
Volume: 20
Date: Winter 1991
Publisher: United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest, published by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA), focuses on recent UFO-related events, publications, and ongoing mysteries. The cover features an artistic rendering of celestial bodies and a domed structure, setting a tone of cosmic exploration.

From the Editor

The editor, Allan J. Manak, reflects on the recent 28th National UFO Conference, describing it as a smooth event with an interesting lecture by Antonio Huneeus. The UAPA is announcing the publication of three new booklets: 'The Saucer Saga' by Rick Hilberg, 'UAPA's Bigfoot Journal' by Allan Manak, and 'They Called Them Discs'. These are the first new releases from UAPA in four years, with 'They Called Them Discs' covering ufology from its beginnings to 1953, and 'The Saucer Saga' picking up from 1953 to 1960. 'UAPA's Bigfoot Journal' is an updated take on the bigfoot enigma. All three are described as well-illustrated and interesting. A new 'Super UFO Catalog' is also in the works, due in early March for $3.00, refundable with the first purchase. The catalog will feature posters, T-shirts, and UFO jewelry. Subscribers are encouraged to reserve their copies.

Readers Say

This section features correspondence from readers. B. Herman from Toledo, OH, praises the low prices of posters from the National UFO Conference, finding them beautiful and surprisingly affordable. AJM (presumably Allan J. Manak) confirms they sell posters at reasonable prices. T. Sternwise from Billings, MT, inquires about information on a UFO crash in Washington State in 1970. AJM responds that UAPA has not heard of such a crash but notes an increase in crash reports over the past two years. Tommy Sutter from Phoenix, AZ, a 14-year-old reader, asks for the first book ever published about flying saucers. AJM identifies it as 'The Flying Saucers Are Real' by Donald Keyhoe, noting that a subscriber purchased the last available copy. B. Martin from Los Angeles, CA, requests information on UFO crashes at Aztec or Farmington, New Mexico. AJM directs them to a booklet by Chuck and Vicky Oldham titled 'The Report On The Crash At Farmington', providing their address.

UFO Bits and Pieces

This segment presents various short news items and anecdotes. Puerto Rican police have complained about UFO enthusiasts causing litter and crime around Cartagena Lagoon near Lajas, where UFO sightings have been reported. Residents of Lajas and Cabo Rojo have reported seeing flying saucers and extraterrestrials. Abductee Betty Hill, aged 72, is retiring from ufology, citing too many 'flakes' in the field. Her and Barney Hill's famous abduction case on September 19, 1961, is mentioned, noting that the story was not universally believed. Novelist Sidney Sheldon discusses the UFO angle in his new book, 'The Doomsday Conspiracy', stating it was a departure from his usual genre and that he decided to explore the subject because it is fascinating and concerns everyone.

UFO Retrospective

This section details a sighting by the Manor family near Ann Arbor, Michigan, on March 20, 1966. While sitting at supper, their dogs began howling. Frank Manor went outside and saw what he initially thought was a shooting star. It stopped over some trees near a swamp and landed with a red glow. Frank and his son Ronnie approached the object, which was described as football-shaped, about eight feet above the swamp, with a light that changed from red to white. It had weird lights on each end and appeared metallic and quilted. Ronnie described it as 'horrible'. The object suddenly turned bloody red, all lights went out, and it disappeared without sound or trace.

Reflections from the Saucer's Cup

Robert S. Easley, former editor of Flying Saucer Digest, shares his thoughts after attending the National UFO Conference. He notes the continued public interest in UFOs, with well-attended sessions. He mentions renewing friendships with figures in the field such as Curt Sutherly, Antonio Huneeus, Rick Dell'Aquilla, Floyd Murray, Klark Kent, and James Moseley. Easley identifies himself as open-minded but leaning towards the non-believer end of the spectrum after 29 years of research. He quotes James W. Moseley saying "we have evidence but no proof," and Rick Dell'Aquilla echoing that "in the end nothing is absolutely proved." Klark Kent is quoted as saying, "We can prove there are reports, and they are still unidentified." Dell'Aquilla also stated that "there is no known UFO case that can stand on it's own." Moseley admitted that "Roswell has more chance of being real than any other crash story." Attorney Dell'Aquilla is cited as saying the accumulation of UFO reports is what builds the mystery. The section concludes with the question, "Do UFOs exist? Yes! There will always be unidentified flying objects. The real question to ask is what are UFOs?"

Following this, the publication details are provided: Flying Saucer Digest is published quarterly by UAPA, with Allan J. Manak as Chairman/Editor, Rick R. Hilberg as Assistant Editor, Carol Hilberg as Typist, Benita C. Owens as Staff Artist, and Robert S. Easley as Associate. UAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of UFOs. Correspondence and manuscripts are welcomed with an SASE. Subscription rates are $9.00 for 4 issues or $17.00 for 8 issues, with an additional $3.00 per year for foreign subscriptions. The UAPA address is Box 347032, Cleveland, Ohio 44134.

Around and About the Saucer World

This section by Rick R. Hilberg covers two main topics:

Doctor Suspended Indefinitely for Authoring UFO Book

This article recounts the frightening story of Dr. Stephan Corder, a former family physician whose license was suspended indefinitely by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts. The suspension began in March 1989 after he published a book on unidentified flying objects and refused a mental evaluation, which the board deemed necessary due to his beliefs potentially affecting his medical practice. Corder lost his administrative appeal, and the suspension was made indefinite due to his continued refusal. He has filed a lawsuit against the board.

More on the Bentwaters Incident

This update on the Bentwaters case refers to an excellent update by Don Lehman of the New York Post-Star, from its August 25th edition. It details the experience of Larry Warren, a security officer at Bentwaters Air Force Base in Great Britain. On his first night of duty, December 28, 1980, he was taken to a post at the end of a runway. He noticed deer running in panic and strange lights miles away. He experienced a strong feeling that something was wrong. Within minutes, he was taken off duty and transported to a field where bright lights were seen. He describes a glowing mist and a brilliant red, arrow-shaped object that descended and moved without sound. Warren states that the experience has changed him.

An advertisement for "The Almanac of UFO Organizations and Publications" is included, detailing over 200 international groups and listing them alphabetically. The price is $19.45 (U.S./Canada) and $21.45 (Overseas), including shipping and handling. The publisher is Phaedra Enterprises, 331 Firecrest #2, Pacifica, CA 94044.

UFO Poster Number 1

This section announces that UAPA is now offering detailed UFO posters for the first time in ufology history. These posters were first shown at the 1991 National UFO Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, and cost $9.00 plus $2.00 for shipping and handling. They are 18" x 24" and can be ordered from UAPA Books, P.O. Box 347032, Cleveland, Ohio 44134.

New Booklets from UAPA

This section provides details on new booklets from UAPA:

• JUST OUT! UAPA'S BIGFOOT JOURNAL by Allan J. Manak. A look at bigfoot and creature reports from all parts of the world. Contains up-to-date reports from 1991 and recent years. $6.00 postpaid.
• UAPA'S UFO History Series:
• MYSTERIOUS THINGS IN THE SKY by Allan J. Manak. A look at what we now call the UFO phenomenon from far ancient times until 1929. This booklet cites many fascinating historical reports. $6.00 postpaid.
• THEY CALLED THEM DISCS by Allan J. Manak. A look at the exciting "early days" of the UFO mystery from 1937 through 1952. Actual reports in the "witnesses' own words." $6.00 postpaid.
• JUST OUT! THE SAUCER SAGA by Rick R. Hilberg. Relive the time of the "flying saucers" from 1933 through 1960. Many strange and unexplained cases that haven't been seen in publication. $6.00 postpaid.

A special offer is mentioned: order all three booklets in the UFO History Series for only $15.00 postpaid. Only a limited number were printed, and there will be no reprints.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, conferences, and the ongoing research and documentation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Robert S. Easley, is one of open-mindedness tempered with a degree of skepticism, emphasizing the need for evidence while acknowledging the persistent mystery of UFOs. The magazine actively promotes UAPA's publications and events, serving as a platform for sharing UFO-related news, personal accounts, and research findings within the UFO community.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated from an unspecified time but referencing events up to 1992 and a 1980 incident, focuses on unexplained phenomena, including a significant UFO sighting and mysterious natural occurrences. The content is primarily investigative, presenting witness accounts and exploring potential cover-ups.

The Bentwaters/Woodbridge Incident

The lead story details the Bentwaters/Woodbridge incident, with witness Warren recounting his experiences and alleging a concerted effort by the U.S. military and government to suppress information. Warren, along with co-author Peter Robbins, has been actively promoting the incident, noting that several hundred other airmen at the base also witnessed the event and are now coming forward. Warren claims that from the day of his 'extra-terrestrial experience,' he was pressured to remain silent. He recounts instances of his phone line being disconnected when trying to contact his mother and being explicitly told by officers to keep quiet. A debriefing session reinforced this directive, with officers being told they saw nothing. For six months, Warren sought confirmation, finding that UFO sightings were commonplace in the local area. In May 1981, he was honorably discharged. Post-discharge, his efforts to uncover a governmental cover-up intensified. Deputy Base Commander Lt. Col. Charles I. Halt later issued a release confirming a UFO report by off-duty officers, though it omitted details about the beings. Warren describes this as a 'whitewashing job.' The book 'Left at East Gate' compiles sworn statements from servicemen. Requests for documents via the Freedom of Information Act have been unsuccessful. Warren also points to medical records of officers present, noting eye problems possibly caused by a bright light. The incident was slated to be featured on 'Unsolved Mysteries' on September 25. Newspapers in England have also covered the event, with reports of meteor showers on the night of December 28, 1980, also appearing. Warren states his goal is not to overthrow the government but to ensure the public has a right to know.

Mystery Circle in Shelby, New York

This section reports on a mysterious circle discovered in a wheat field in Shelby, New York. Bruce Andriatch of the Rochester Democrat And Chronicle documented the phenomenon. The site has attracted thousands of curious onlookers. Lee Roberts, the landowner, seems unfazed by the attention. His son, Todd Roberts, discovered the circle, noting the wheat was matted down in a weave pattern without footprints or tire tracks. The appearance of the circle drew comparisons to similar formations reported on 'Unsolved Mysteries.' While some surmise spacecraft landings or weather phenomena like wind vortexes or tornadoes, there is no definitive explanation. Lee Roberts prefers not to dwell on the cause. Ken Boring of the Ultimate Frontiers Organization believes a hoax of this magnitude would be impossible. Visitors, like Lorraine Fortune and Virginia Furmanski, expressed a desire to believe in UFOs.

California "Ringing Rock"

Charles Hillinger of the Los Angeles Times reports on a 'ringing rock' in California. Catherine Saubel, a 70-year-old Cahuilla Indian, was emotionally overwhelmed by the 2- by 3-foot granite rock, visualizing prehistoric medicine men using it in ceremonies. Saubel, who has known about 'ringing rocks' for years as curator of the Malki Museum, had never seen one until this experience. When struck gently, the rock chimes like a bell, producing different tones with varied strikes. Scholars believe these rocks were central to elaborate prehistoric cultural ceremonies. Officials in Riverside County hope to use the rock as a centerpiece for a park or cultural center. Saubel stresses the need for preservation against vandalism. The rock is located in the Menifee Valley, about 75 miles southeast of Los Angeles, and its exact location is kept secret. Ken Hedges, chief curator at San Diego's Museum of Man, notes that only seven such rocks are known to exist in the Southwest. Diana Seider, an anthropologist and historian, described the rock as an 'extremely rare natural phenomenon.' Efforts to protect the rock began last year as housing development encroached, leading Riverside County to purchase the surrounding 20-acre parcel. Seider hopes a Native American individual or family might live on-site to guard and interpret the rock. Hedges mentioned the ringing rock in a scientific paper on petroglyphs and pictographs.

Monsters in the Outback

This brief section touches upon Australian folklore, mentioning 'Bunyips,' mythical creatures said to inhabit Australian lakes and swamps. Descriptions vary, with some resembling a bullock with an emu's head, or having bodies covered in fir and walrus-like tusks. These creatures are described as savage killers that feed on human flesh and emit frightening cries. Another mythical creature mentioned is the Myndie, or Mindie, said to have a body extending over 12 kilometers.

Advertisements

Page 4 contains advertisements. One promotes a booklet titled 'THEY CALLED THEM DISCS' by A. J. Manak, covering UFO mysteries from 1947 to 1952, available from UAPA in Cleveland, Ohio, for $5.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFO sightings and alleged government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness testimonies and encouraging the public's right to know, as exemplified by Warren's quote. There is an interest in both modern UFO events and historical or folkloric mysteries, such as the 'ringing rock' and Australian 'Bunyips.' The publication seems to lean towards validating witness accounts and questioning official narratives when discrepancies arise.