Flying Saucer Digest - No 218 - 2017

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: NO. 218
Date: FALL 2017
Publisher: R. Hilberg Publications
Country: USA
Price: $10.00 in U.S.A.

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest, published quarterly, focuses on recent anomalous aerial phenomena and cryptid sightings, with a prominent feature on a "flying humanoid" flap in Chicago.

"Flying Humanoid" Flap Hits Chicago

The lead article by M. J. Banias details a series of sightings in the Chicago area over two months, beginning with a report on April 7th of a seven-foot-tall, bat-like humanoid in Lincoln Park. Approximately fifteen such sightings have been reported. Witnesses describe the being as resembling the Mothman or being more bat-like. A recurring theme among witnesses is a feeling of dread and doom. Lon Strickler, an expert in cryptids and founder of Phantoms and Monsters, is investigating these reports.

Two compelling sightings highlighted by Strickler include:

• June 3rd Incident: A couple in Lincoln Park reported seeing a 7-8 foot solid black humanoid with wide, bat-like membrane wings (12 ft wingspan). The figure glided quickly along the street before ascending rapidly into the night sky. Neither witness heard any sound, and both reported feeling foreboding.
• March 22nd Incident: Billy Bantz, a truck driver, reported seeing an object resembling a "flying Batmobile" coming from Route 55 and Cicero. The object, the size of a large car, glided with no sound, climbed higher, and turned twice before ascending rapidly like a bird.

Bantz believes the incident has negatively impacted his life, attributing subsequent bad luck to it. Jennifer Ann and Vance Nesbitt of "The Acrylic Ranch" podcast conducted night investigations, noting odd battery drains but no conclusive findings. Ann suggests an eight-day pattern to the sightings, speculating about a possible feeding pattern.

Strickler posits that these sightings might be an ill omen for the city and suggests the being may be attempting to connect locales with future events. He notes witnesses have been steadfast in their descriptions and felt a sense of foreboding, which he interprets as a warning.

The article concludes by questioning whether the sightings are of a giant owl, the return of Mothman, or another cryptid, emphasizing the enduring nature of such legends.

Oval UFO Spotted Over Washington

This report from Oakesdale, Washington, dated August 2, 2017, describes an object seen around Steptoe Butte at 11:43 p.m. The witness observed 20-25 white lights moving in a clockwise motion across the sky, attached to a large object. The area around the lights was blacked out, obscuring stars and the moon. A loud, pulsing hum was audible, and the vibration could be felt. The object appeared stationary or moving very slowly. The witness's father also observed the object before it traveled northwest and faded from view. The source is "UFO Casebook" dated September 26, 2017.

Police Officer Sees Strange Creature in Pennsylvania

Authored by Stan Gordon, this article details an incident on an evening in late August 2017, where a police officer in Westmoreland County, PA, observed a dull white light low to the ground. As the officer approached, the light rose, revealing a tall, skeleton-thin being, about 6 feet or larger, with a glowing head. The creature moved at an abnormal speed, disappearing quickly. The witness described the head as a ball of light, about 8-10 inches in diameter, illuminating the shoulders, chest, and abnormally long, skeletal arms. The body appeared grayish-blue. No facial features were visible. The entire experience lasted about 10 seconds, and no physical evidence was found at the location.

Bigfoot Booklet from FSD Now in Stock

This section announces a revised edition of FSD's "Bigfoot Reader" in celebration of the magazine's 50th anniversary. It features accounts of Bigfoot from the U.S. and globally, speculative origins, and a distribution map. The booklet is available for $10.00 postpaid.

"Mini-UFO" Hovers in Pennsylvania

This incident, occurring on September 20, 2017, in the Ligonier area of Pennsylvania, involves a witness in bed who saw an illuminated object hovering outside her window. The object, about 6-7 feet from the window and 8-9 feet above the ground, was described as small, about the diameter of a silver dollar, and yellowish and pale green. It was a steady light that did not illuminate the surroundings. The object was flattened and egg-shaped, with a small dark spot on the left side. No sound was heard. The source is Stan Gordon's "UFO Anomalies Zone" dated October 2, 2017.

A Typical Fortean Event

Written by Martin Piechota, this article discusses Charles Fort's philosophy of continuity and transient states. It uses the example of the melaleuca tree, an invasive species in the Florida Everglades, to illustrate this concept. The article recounts a story from "Celebrity" magazine (April 1988) about Ken and Nancy Marsell in Mildura, Victoria, Australia, whose home was destroyed by a vengeful killer melaleuca tree that exploded when struck by lightning. The tree reproduced prolifically, forcing the family to move. Professor Cedric Johns of Melbourne University identifies the melaleuca as "the biggest pest in the plant kingdom."

UFO Retro: Strange Object in Pennsylvania

This historical account from July 17, 1829, describes a "meteor of rather singular character" seen over Kensington, Pennsylvania. The object, deep red and brilliant, appeared to be about half the size of the moon. It left a trail of light with large sparkles that descended slowly. Its motion was rapid, irregular, and wavering. It became dim and disappeared behind trees after being visible for fifteen to twenty minutes. The source is "Hazard's Register of Pennsylvania" dated July 18, 1829.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) and cryptid sightings, particularly the "flying humanoid" phenomenon. The magazine presents witness accounts, expert analysis, and historical cases, maintaining an open stance towards the possibility of unknown entities and events. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing these occurrences, often linking them to potential omens or unusual natural phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the paranormal and unexplained, encouraging readers to consider the implications of these events.