Flying Saucer Digest - No 217 - 2017

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: NO. 217
Date: SUMMER 2017
Publisher: R. Hilberg Publications
Country: USA
Price: $10.00 in U.S.A.

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone for one of the last remaining traditional "ufozines." The publication, founded by Ron Pelger and Allan Manak in 1966, has maintained its banner flying through various editors, including the current editor, Rick Hilberg, who joined in 1970. The issue features a look back at the pilot issue from Spring 1967, which was fully illustrated and met with instant success.

Featured Articles and Reports

Florida Witnesses Spot Hovering UFO

A witness in Orlando, Florida, reported observing a cylinder-shaped object hovering silently over a nearby building on June 1, 2017. The object, described as the size of a plane and about 50 feet away, had flashing lights but emitted no sound. After hovering for about 10-15 seconds, it disappeared without a trace.

Bigfoot Booklet from FSD Now in Stock

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, FSD is offering a revised edition of its 1992 publication, "FSD's Bigfoot Reader." This booklet features accounts of Bigfoot from the United States and other regions, discusses speculation about the creature's origin, and includes illustrations and a map of reported sightings. It is available for $10.00 postpaid.

Scientist Finds "Messages" in Crop Circles

Dr. Horace Drew, a molecular biologist, claims to have decoded messages within crop circles, suggesting they contain communications from aliens and time travelers. Drew, who has studied crop circles for 20 years, believes they are not hoaxes but rather advanced forms of binary coding. He suggests these messages are greetings from advanced civilizations and that time travelers may use crop circles as markers for specific time periods. Drew also blames world leaders for suppressing this information to avoid public panic.

Churchill's Views on Alien Life Revealed

A newly discovered 11-page draft from 1939 reveals Winston Churchill's keen interest in the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. Churchill speculated that water is essential for life on other worlds and that other planets are likely to be found in orbit around distant stars. He understood the concept of the 'Goldilocks Zone' and believed that human life should not be unique in the universe. He also expressed the possibility of future space travel to nearby worlds.

Canadian Witness Describes Cigar-Shaped UFO

A witness in Ottawa, Canada, reported seeing a white-gray, cigar-shaped object hovering silently at 4:30 a.m. on April 23, 2017. The object, described as large and cylindrical, pulsated with a white light before propelling itself at incredible speed and disappearing.

UFOs in Andalucia, Spain Since the Spanish Civil War

This article by Leo Rama Granado explores UFO sightings in Andalucia, Spain, dating back to the Spanish Civil War. It highlights historical accounts, including a soldier's sighting of a "Mexican hat"-shaped object in 1938 and an alleged UFO attack on Miguel Fernandez Carrasco in 1976. The piece references the book "Ovnis en Andalucia" by Jose Manuel Garcia Bautista and notes that the Spanish military may possess declassified UFO-related materials.

California is Home to the Most UFO Reports

According to the book "UFO Sightings Desk Reference," California has recorded the most UFO sightings in the United States, with over 16,000 reports between 2001 and 2015. The state's good weather, encouraging outdoor activities, is suggested as a possible factor. Santa Clara County had the highest number of sightings within the state.

Hovering Sphere in Ohio

An Ohio witness reported seeing a hovering sphere above the tree line on April 30, 2017. The object, initially mistaken for a plane, was silent and then darted incredibly quickly before shooting up into the sky.

The Wit of Charles Fort

This section, written by Martin Piechota, discusses an unusual event from May 28, 1881, near Worcester, England, involving a fishmonger and assistants rapidly distributing periwinkles. The event was shrouded in secrecy and unexplained. It also includes Charles Fort's definition of a "house" from "The Book of the Damned."

Fortean Flashback - 1999

A brief report from the Iraqui state-run Alwan weekly describes motorists in Horan Valley reporting "ghosts" appearing naked and performing acrobatic moves, causing panic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the nature of unexplained phenomena, and historical accounts of anomalous events. The editorial stance, as expressed by Rick Hilberg, is one of perseverance, aiming to keep the Flying Saucer Digest banner flying as long as practical, despite the dominance of internet publications. There is a clear interest in presenting witness testimony, scientific speculation, and historical research related to UFOs and other paranormal subjects.