Flying Saucer Digest - No 118 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: NO 118
Date: SUMMER 92
Publisher: UNITED AERIAL PHENOMENA AGENCY (UAPA)

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest, published by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA), presents a diverse range of topics within the field of ufology. The magazine aims to preserve the history of the UFO enigma and encourages critical investigation.

From the Editor

The editor, A.J.M., notes a trend in ufology over the past decade to associate UFOs with ghosts and fairy lore, cautioning against accepting such claims as definitive truth. With forty-five years of experience, the editor stresses the importance of being leery of proclaimed 'proof' and acknowledges that ufology has undergone many attitude changes, leading to disenchantment for some. The advice given is to ignore speculation and continue original investigation, recommending books like 'They Called Them Discs' and 'The Saucer Saga' for historical data. The UAPA is highlighted for its pride in preserving early UFO history and its commitment to the subject as the 'greatest enigma of all times.' The editor also mentions three lists available from UAPA (UFO book list, UFO magazine list, and Fate magazine list) and promotes a discount on back issues of Flying Saucer Digest, noting that the Spring 1992 issue marked UAPA's 25th anniversary.

UFO Report: Pekin, IL

A UFO was allegedly sighted on a Wednesday morning by a woman in Pekin, Illinois. While driving on Illinois Route 122, her car radio turned to static, and the car began to stutter. She reported seeing a round silver object about 30 to 40 feet above her car. The report is attributed to the Pekin Times, dated March 11, 1992.

UFO Bits and Pieces: Update on 1992 National UFO Conference

The National UFO Conference (NUFOC), founded in 1964, is preparing for its 29th convention in Tallahassee, Florida, on October 24th and 25th, 1992. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn, with a special convention rate. Speakers include local host Ed Komarek, Jim Moseley (Permanent Chairman of NUFOC), Don Ware (Eastern Regional Director of MUFON), Rick Hilberg (co-founder of NUFOC), Elaine Douglas (MUFON), Steven Greer, Bill Clendenon, Tim Beckley, and others. The convention will feature public sessions, a sky watch, a fire walk, and opportunities for contact with extraterrestrials. Participants can camp out at Ed Komarek's farm. Information on advance tickets and contact details for Ed Komarek and Jim Moseley are provided.

The publication details for Flying Saucer Digest are also included: it is published quarterly 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, and Benita C. Owens is the Staff Artist. UAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to UFO study. Subscription rates are $9.00 for 4 issues and $17.00 for 8 issues, with an additional $3.00 per year for foreign subscriptions. The UAPA's address is P.O. Box 347032, Cleveland, Ohio 44134.

Readers Say

England Saucer Hoax

J. Reynolds of Topeka, KS, inquired about a story from the late sixties concerning flying saucers found in England. AJM investigated and found a report from The Cleveland Plain Dealer dated September 5, 1967, detailing six flying saucers found scattered throughout England. These saucers weighed 100 pounds, were silver gray, and measured about 4.5 feet long, 2.5 feet wide, and 1.5 feet thick. The report revealed it was a hoax, with two apprentices from the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farborough claiming responsibility.

Pennsylvania Mystery Object

A Bucknell University professor, David Lien, offered two explanations for a UFO sighting on February 5th, 1992. He suggested the Soviet Space Station Mir, which was visible in the area, could have been mistaken for a UFO. Additionally, residents reported seeing four jets flying in a tight formation, which could account for perceived rumbling and patterns in the sky. Lien noted that the space station is large, reflects light, and would have appeared to rise from the ground and fade within three minutes, without associated noise.

Unexplained Symbol Inquiry

The magazine previously published a letter from a UFO research group in Australia asking for help identifying a mysterious symbol seen by abductees. In response, Elmer Schutt, a founding member of UAPA and UFO researcher, provided his interpretation of the symbol, with illustrations to follow on subsequent pages.

Revolution of the Sun and Stars Around the Center of the Galaxy

This section features a diagram illustrating the revolution of the sun and stars around the center of the galaxy in Sagittarius. The diagram shows the sun (S) with planets close to it, and stars (A, B, D, E, F, G, H, I) in different directions. It explains that stars nearer the galactic center move faster than the sun, while those farther out move slower. Measuring these speed differences with a spectroscope can determine our own speed. The text is attributed to 'Sun, Moon and Stars' by W.T. Skilling and R.S. Richardson (Page 232).

Measuring Star Distances

This section explains the concept of a star's parallax, which is used to determine star distances. A diagram illustrates how the difference in direction of a star can be found from two points with half the width of the Earth's orbit between them, using photographs taken at intervals of three months. This is also attributed to 'Sun, Moon and Stars' by W.T. Skilling & R.R. Richardson (Page 217).

Supposition to the Explanation of the Unexplained Symbol

This part attempts to interpret an unexplained symbol in relation to the revolution of the sun and stars around the center of the galaxy. It questions whether the symbol, when combined with the diagram of galactic revolution, could represent the unexplained symbol.

Lens Diagrams and Optical Design

Three diagrams are presented related to optical lenses. The first is a 'DOUBLE CONVEX HYPERBOLOIDAL LENS DIAGRAM UNDER CARTESIAN OPTICAL SURFACES WHICH CLOSELY APPROXIMATES THE SYMBOL OF THE UNEXPLAINED SYMBOL.' The second is a 'DIAGRAM SHOWING THIN LENS PROTOTYPE GIVING THE DESIRED SIZE OF IMAGE, OR LINEAR MAGNIFICATION, ALSO SIMILAR TO UNEXPLAINED SYMBOL.' The third is a 'LENS RELAY SYSTEM SINGLE RELAY SYSTEM (U.S. NAVY OPTICAL DESIGN)' and poses the question, 'COULD THIS BE ROTATION OF RELAY LENS BY 90°?'

Publishers of Flying Saucer Digest Back Issues

Page 8 provides a listing of available back issues of Flying Saucer Digest, with prices and discounts for orders over $15.00 (20% off) and $25.00 (30% off). Issues range from No. 2 (Summer 1967) to No. 118 (Summer 1992). The publisher is identified as the United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA), with their address in Cleveland, Ohio.

Around and About the Saucer World

Abduction Conference Held at MIT

Rick R. Hilberg reports on an invitation-only meeting on UFO abductees held at MIT in mid-June. The conference, sponsored by an MIT physicist and a Harvard psychiatrist, aimed to allow abductees and researchers to compare notes, discuss research methods, and explore ways to help those troubled by memories of alien abuse. Approximately 150 participants were expected, with a pledge of secrecy to protect their jobs. Conference chairman David Pritchard, an MIT physicist, sought to keep the event discreet. Harvard psychiatrist John Mack, initially skeptical, stated that after interviewing over 60 abductees, he found their stories 'staggering' and 'very consistent and powerful.' However, MIT physics professor Philip Morrison expressed skepticism, viewing the consistency of independently gathered accounts as 'a very faint argument.' The report includes an example of an abduction story from a woman named Pat, who described being taken aboard a UFO, examined, and experiencing a procedure on her eye.

Michigan MUFON Members Dismiss "Earthquake Light" Theory

Staffer Bill DiSessa of the Flint, Michigan JOURNAL reports that local ufologists are unfazed by the 'earthquake light' theory, which suggests that mysterious orbs of electricity might be mistaken for UFOs. Shirley Coyne, state director of MUFON, stated that this is not a new theory and that MUFON accepts natural and man-made phenomena as explanations for some sightings. However, she contended that the 'earthquake light' theory is an attempt to discredit UFO research. Coyne asserted that UFOs exhibiting color, metal, and controlled movement are not earthquake lights. MUFON has confirmed 35 UFO sightings in Michigan for the year.

More on the MIB

This section revisits the 'Men In Black' (MIB) cases reported extensively from late 1966 through 1968. The author mentions that this topic was part of one of their best-selling booklets. An account by Paul Greenberg of the L.A. Times Syndicate is introduced, focusing on a professor of humanities and folklore at New York's Julliard School, Peter Rojcewicz, who had an encounter with the Men in Black but kept it secret for years due to fear of public reaction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate about the nature and origin of UFOs, the importance of historical preservation in ufology, the scientific approach to studying anomalous phenomena, and the psychological and social aspects of UFO experiences, such as abductions. The editorial stance emphasizes critical thinking, rigorous research, and a commitment to treating UFOs as a significant enigma, while cautioning against unsubstantiated claims and sensationalism. The UAPA positions itself as a key organization dedicated to the serious study and historical documentation of UFO phenomena.

This issue of UAPA, identified by its page number '11', '12', '13', and '4' (indicating multiple pages scanned), features a collection of articles under the umbrella theme of 'Weirdology'. The content spans encounters with mysterious figures, unusual sightings, and folklore-based supernatural reports.

Encounters with the Men in Black (MIB)

The first article details an extraordinary encounter experienced by a university professor. While reading in the University of Pennsylvania library, a 'Man in Black' descended from the ceiling and engaged him in conversation about flying saucers. The MIB is described as gaunt, pale, about 6'1" and 140 pounds, wearing a black suit, black shoes, a black string tie, and a white shirt. The MIB expressed strong opinions about the importance of flying saucers, becoming agitated when the professor seemed uninterested. After the encounter, the professor began seeking out others who had experienced similar encounters with 'Men in Black', suggesting that these encounters often occur in groups of three and frequently follow UFO sightings. The article notes that MIB phenomena might be traced back to biblical times, referencing the description of three men visiting Abraham in Genesis, though their garments are not specified. Unlike modern MIB, these biblical visitors were not described as threatening and had a sense of humor. The author also shares a personal anecdote of encountering an MIB while distributing Bible tracts, noting that his grammar was imperfect, which made him seem less alien. The article speculates on the MIB's role within a broader 'extraordinary-encounter continuum' that includes fairies, monsters, ETs, and energy forms. It also humorously suggests potential casting for a movie about MIB, including Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, and Meryl Streep.

Troll Patrol in Ohio

This section reports on a peculiar incident in Ohio, documented by Deborah Winston of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Bainbridge Police Department received reports from fourth-grade girls who claimed to have seen a man in the woods near Kenston Intermediate School, describing him as looking like a troll. The girls described the man as stocky, white, 30-40 years old, with long red hair and a goatee, wearing only deerskin shorts, handmade sandals, and carrying a long knife. Police Chief James Jimison initially found the reports hokey but took them seriously due to parental concerns. An operation, dubbed 'Operation Troll', was conducted with a five-day stakeout near the school, but it yielded no evidence of trolls, such as footprints or campfires. Jimison theorizes that the incident may have started with a girl seeing a hobo or someone walking in the woods, and the story escalated through word-of-mouth, amplified by children's exposure to media and vivid imaginations. The police department is continuing a scaled-down version of the operation.

Vampire Reports Abound in the Philippines

An Associated Press dispatch from May 9th details a phenomenon dubbed 'Vampire Fever' in the Philippines, which overshadowed recent presidential elections. Rumors circulated in Manila's Tondo district about a 'manananggal', a supernatural creature similar to a vampire, terrorizing the area. According to Filipino folklore, a manananggal is a woman who can split her body in two, with the upper half flying at night to devour babies, rejoining the lower half before daybreak. The report notes the popularity of occult activities in the Philippines. The manananggal rumors became a hot topic of gossip, replacing election news in local markets. One housewife expressed fear, stating, "That's why I don't sleep alone at night." The tabloid 'Peoples Journal Tonight' published an alleged interview with Martina Santa Rosa, who claimed to have battled the demon, describing it as half-naked with long, scraggly hair, long arms, and sharp fangs.

Advertisement: They Called Them Discs

An advertisement promotes a booklet titled 'THEY CALLED THEM DISCS' by A.J. Manak. This illustrated booklet covers the UFO enigma from 1947 until the end of 1952, featuring exciting sighting reports from that early period in ufology. Copies can be obtained for $5.00 via check or money order to UAPA, P.O. Box 347032, Cleveland, Ohio 44134.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UAPA are the unexplained, the mysterious, and the folkloric. The magazine seems to embrace the exploration of unusual phenomena, from alleged extraterrestrial encounters (MIB) to local legends (trolls) and supernatural beings from different cultures (manananggal). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting reports and anecdotes without immediate dismissal, while also acknowledging psychological explanations like the power of suggestion. The inclusion of the advertisement for 'They Called Them Discs' further reinforces the magazine's focus on historical UFO investigations.