AI Magazine Summary
Flying Saucer News - 1958 10 - October
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Title: Flying Saucer News Issue Date: October 1958 Volume: 23 Issue Number: 4 Price: 25¢
Magazine Overview
Title: Flying Saucer News
Issue Date: October 1958
Volume: 23
Issue Number: 4
Price: 25¢
This issue of Flying Saucer News, dated October 1958, focuses on "UFO: 10 Years of Mystery," featuring a cover story by Don Moore that was originally published in the Saturday Feature Magazine of the N.Y. World-Telegram & Sun on December 28, 1957. The magazine expresses gratitude to the United Features Syndicate, Inc. for the right to reprint this article.
Contents
Cover Story
- "UFO: 10 YEARS OF MYSTERY" by Don Moore (Pages 11-13, 14, 19, 20, 21): This main feature delves into the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects over the preceding decade.
UFO Stories and Sightings
- "UFO STORY" by Bobb Barry, News Editor (Pages 22-25): A dedicated story on UFOs from the news editor.
- "MORE UFO SIGHTINGS" (Page 26): This section includes reports of UFO sightings, with thanks to the Times Herald of Oleon, N.Y., for providing the content.
Poetry and Film Review
- "THERE SHALL BE SIGNS" (Poem) by Ruth B. Lavigne (Page 12): A poem by Ruth B. Lavigne, with thanks for the right to reprint it from her recent book of the same title.
- "SPACE CHILDREN" by William W. Suther, Jr. (Pages 5, 7, 10, 31): This section includes a movie review of Paramount Pictures' "Space Children." William W. Suther, Jr., is identified as the Director of Interplanetary Fellowship in Chicago, Illinois.
Advertisements and Promotions
Several advertisements promote books and items related to the occult, mysticism, and UFO phenomena:
- "THE HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT AND DEMONOLOGY" by Montague Summers: Advertised as a book that will "tingle" the reader's spine with accounts of witches, the Black Mass, and orgiastic dances. It includes an introduction by Felix Morrow and costs $6.00.
- "Isis Unveiled" by H. P. Blavatsky: Described as a "monumental work" directed against scientific and religious bigotry, covering themes like science, theology, mysticism, magic, and spiritualism. It is available in two volumes for $7.50.
- "EGYPTIAN FORTUNE TELLING CARDS": A pack of 79 cards with a booklet of 116 questions and 587 answers, priced at $1.50.
- "PARAPSYCHOLOGY AND SAUCER INVESTIGATION (P.S.I.)": An organization offering membership in a new type of organization, a library, a tape library, a monthly magazine "QUEST," and lectures/meetings. They are located at P.O.B. 1538, G.P.O., New York 1, N.Y.
- "BE YOUR OWN ASTROLOGER" by Irys Vorel: A comprehensive book on astrology, horoscopes, and the zodiac, priced at $2.00.
- "UFO SIGHTINGS OVER SMALL TOWN" booklet: A booklet by Ruth Lavigne, available for $1.25.
- "NEW FLYING SAUCERS Chart": A revised edition with visuals of the entire UFO story, 22"x34" (color), priced at $1.00. Orders can be sent to Keziah in Arlington, Va. A reincarnation chart is also available for $1.00.
- "STUDY FOR THE DEGREE of Doctor of Psychology (Ps.D.) ...": Correspondence courses are offered by the College of Divine Metaphysics, Inc.
- "THE COMPLETE PROPHECIES OF NOSTRADAMUS": A volume containing over 1,000 prophecies, translated and interpreted by Henry C. Roberts, priced at $5.00.
- "DOWN THERE (La Bas)": A study of Satanism translated from French, detailing the life of ex-Abbe Boullan. It is priced at $5.00 and published by James S. Rigberg.
- "JESUS" by Charles Guignebert: An objective story of Jesus' life, priced at $6.00.
- Hypnotism Books: Advertisements for books like "Hypnotism Revealed," "Advanced Techniques of Hypnosis," "Mental Power Thru Sleep Suggestion," and "Self-Hypnosis," published by James S. Rigberg.
Publisher and Contact Information
The magazine is published by James S. Rigberg, with Margaret Lecen credited for Art. The address for Flying Saucer News is 337 First Avenue at 20th, New York 3, N.Y. Subscription rates are $2.00 for 1 year and $5.00 for 3 years, worldwide.
The issue also includes a notice about changing addresses to ensure timely delivery of copies.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of UFOs, with a focus on historical accounts and recent sightings. There is a strong interest in the occult, mysticism, and prophetic predictions, as evidenced by the advertisements for books on witchcraft, demonology, astrology, and Nostradamus. The review of "Space Children" suggests an editorial stance that views children as potentially having a special connection to higher intelligences and a role in preventing global conflict, aligning with a spiritual or esoteric interpretation of current events. The magazine appears to cater to an audience interested in the unexplained, the paranormal, and alternative belief systems.
Title: Flying Saucer News
Issue Date: October 1958
Volume: 12
Cover Headline: The flying saucer scare set off many fantastic reports; here is the official lowdown on the phantoms of the sky
This issue of Flying Saucer News, dated October 1958, offers an in-depth look at the phenomenon of "flying saucers" and "Unidentified Flying Objects" (UFOs) during the first decade of the Space Age, following the launch of Sputnik. The magazine aims to provide an "official lowdown" on these aerial mysteries.
The Space Age and the Saucer Scare
The issue opens by noting that the Space Age began on October 4th with the launch of Sputnik, the first man-made earth satellite. The author, Don Moore, suggests that the accuracy with which Sputnik has been observed implies that if "saucers" were real space ships, they would have been tracked by now. Despite sightings reported globally, no invasion has occurred. The U.S. Air Force is tasked with identifying and intercepting UFOs. This 10-year search has reportedly cost at least nine lives and four military planes, and likely millions of dollars. Hundreds of UFO sightings by credible observers or radar are analyzed annually by Air Force Intelligence, with most identified as natural aerial objects or illusions. A summary of findings by Donald A. Quarles, then Secretary of the Air Force, on October 25, 1955, is mentioned.
Historical Sightings and Investigations
The article traces the "flying saucer saga" back to June 24, 1947, when Kenneth Arnold, flying his own plane near Boise, Idaho, reported seeing nine disk-shaped objects speeding at high velocity between Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams, describing them as "like a saucer skipping across water." This report was followed by numerous other sightings by airplane crews, military technicians, and fliers at locations like Muroc, California, and testing areas across the West. Saucers were also reported over England, South Africa, Australia, and China.
Initial military investigations, including photographic and survey flights by the Oregon National Guard and Wisconsin Civil Air Patrol, proved fruitless. The first photographed "saucer" was identified as a weather balloon, as was a UFO over a New Mexico bomb-test area.
The Air Force's investigation led to the first casualties on July 31, 1947. After investigating a claim by two Tacoma boatmen about flying metal from a burst saucer, Air Force Lt. Frank Brown and Capt. William Davidson died when their B-25 crashed. While the Air Force concluded the "saucer metal" samples were local ores and smelter slag, "saucer theorists" claimed "anti-gravitational" samples caused the crash.
Pilots have reported "dueling" with elusive lights or shapes exhibiting intelligent evasive maneuvers. A re-enactment suggested that such maneuvers were often made by the pilot themselves, mistaking a weather balloon for a UFO. The article notes that while the Air Force denies claims of jets firing on UFO targets, ground observers have reported such incidents.
Project Blue Book and Explanations
The article mentions that by June 30, 1957, the Air Force had received and researched approximately 5700 UFO reports. In the first half of 1957 alone, 250 UFOs were investigated. The Air Force maintained its interest, employing scientists and technicians to analyze cases. Jets were scrambled to intercept unidentified craft, primarily to ensure no enemy aircraft was disguised as a saucer. Of the 250 UFOs investigated in that period, only 1.9 percent remained "unknown," with 2.2 percent of 768 reports from 1956 remaining mysterious.
Edward J. Ruppelt, who headed the UFO intelligence unit, is cited. The unit was initially code-named Project Sign, then Project Grudge, and finally Project Blue Book. Ruppelt's account and press releases indicated a shift from early tension to ridicule and then to intense research, involving advisory scientists like astronomer Dr. J. Allen Hynek.
Early press releases dismissed sightings as misinterpretations of conventional objects, mass hysteria, or hoaxes. However, subsequent reports from airline pilots about wingless lighted craft, radar chasing elusive targets, and Korean War pilots reporting "foo-fighters" (lights seen during WWII) complicated these explanations. Scientists explained "foo-fighters" as light reflections from aircraft wings, enhanced by atmospheric conditions.
The mysterious Lubbock lights of 1952, described as geometrical patterns of dim bluish lights, were seen by scientists in Lubbock, Texas. UFOs gained national attention in July 1952 when Washington CAA radar screens detected "blips" making incredibly fast jumps. Some pilots saw lights, while others saw nothing. Investigations were hampered by the time it took for jets to respond.
The article cautions that radar can be fooled by mirages. It also notes that many fantastic reports were dismissed, with alleged "unmeltable" saucer material proving to be kitchen aluminum.
Explanations for Sightings
A diagram illustrates how various "original objects" like weather balloons, clouds, Saturn, whirlwinds of air, unusual shooting stars, fog, haze, reflections, mist, and ice crystals could appear as "flying saucers" to the eye.
The "Contactees" and Theories
The issue discusses the "contactee" phenomenon, mentioning figures like George Adamski, who claimed encounters with beings from other planets. Adamski's accounts, including descriptions of Martian visitors and their "scows," are presented. The article also touches on theories of a "conspiracy of silencers" hiding UFO truths and the idea that civilian research is needed to understand puzzling sky phenomena.
Other Content
The magazine includes a poem titled "THERE SHALL BE SIGNS" by Ruth B. Lavigne, which speaks of "Elder Brothers" and "Sons of Light" in the heavens. It also features advertisements for "Hypnosis" magazine, "Famous Birth month ZODIAC Coins," a book titled "THINK AND GROW RICH!", and the book "OAHSPE: A NEW BIBLE." There are also sections inviting reader correspondence and announcing the publication of a 100-page magazine in full color for 1959.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring theme throughout the issue is the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs, despite official investigations and explanations. The magazine presents a balanced view, detailing official Air Force findings and skepticism alongside reports of unexplained phenomena and the beliefs of "contactees." The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the public's fascination with flying saucers while presenting factual accounts and potential explanations. The emphasis is on the ongoing nature of the investigation and the unresolved questions surrounding UFO sightings over the past decade.
This issue of Flying Saucer News, dated October 1958 (Vol. 5, No. 10), presents a collection of articles and advertisements focused on UFO phenomena, contactee experiences, and related esoteric subjects. The magazine aims to provide readers with scoop reports and insights into the ongoing mystery of unidentified flying objects, while also catering to an interest in occult and mystical knowledge.
The UFO Story
The lead article, "THE UFO STORY," by Bob Barry, News Director at Radio Station-WMNS in Olean, N.Y., details several significant accounts. One particularly dramatic report concerns a Dallas, Texas sign painter who, after witnessing a saucer snake away from him at high speed, blacked out and awoke with third-degree burns and internal nuclear radiation. This encounter led to radiation poisoning, liver damage, and a terminal cancer diagnosis, with doctors giving him six months to live. The painter's experience is presented as proof that the glowing ships are atomic-powered and that UFOs are real, not hallucinations. The report also notes that three unidentified flying objects were reported nationwide on the same night as this incident, with the Air Force confirming reliable reports.
Another section, "More UFO's Observed By Olean Residents," details multiple sightings from Olean, New York, on Monday, August 9th. A group of 20 people reported seeing four objects traveling at tremendous speed from west to north, appearing bright red and white. Three UFOs were seen near Bolivar, changing color and seemingly 'playing around' for 15 minutes. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Miller and their son reported seeing two yellow objects, one changing to blue with a pulsating light. An oval-shaped, orange-red object was observed going west around 10 p.m., making no sound and leaving no vapor trail. William Ring reported a disc-shaped object making a roaring noise, round like a mirror, and traveling at terrific speed. John Richardson also reported seeing an object on Rock City Rd. The reports were filed with the filter center in Canton, Ohio, and checked against Air Force information.
Scientific Perspectives and Investigations
The issue touches upon the official stance and investigations into UFOs. It mentions that the Air Force is actively continuing its investigation despite the absence of evidence that any aerial object was an interplanetary craft. Investigators in civilian groups share a belief that the UFO case is open but differ on theories. Some propose mother ships orbiting Earth with scout saucers, while others initially thought natural or artificial satellites were being observed before Sputnik.
Harvard astronomer Ronald H. Menzel is cited for his book "Flying Saucers," which attributes many sightings to meteorological phenomena like mirages, reflections, and refractions. He explained a green fireball in New Mexico as burning magnesium in a meteorite.
Astronomer Clyde W. Tombaugh, Pluto's discoverer, led teams in Flagstaff, Arizona, and Quito, Ecuador, using automatic tracking cameras. In an October 1st statement, just before Sputnik's launch, he reported finding no satellites and that the regions of satellite space appeared empty, except for a few tiny asteroids.
UFO Contactees and Theories
The magazine references George Williamson's work, which described a landed scout ship and a Martian pilot. It also mentions Adamski's publications detailing conversations with Venusians and other space beings. The article notes a growing schism between "contact" believers and those who focus on more credible UFO sightings, warning against hoaxes and fantastic claims that detract from the scientific problem.
Book Advertisements and Esoteric Content
A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to advertisements for books and services related to UFOs, occultism, and self-improvement. These include:
- Flying Saucer News Service Dept.: Offering books such as "YOGA," "The New Way to Eat and Get Slim," "How to Add Years to Your Life," "How to Master Your Fears," "Cure Your Nerves Yourself," "How to Keep Fit Without Exercise," "How to Stop Killing Yourself," and "Reducer's Cook Book."
- Hermetic System of Astrology: Advertising books on various branches of astrology, including natal, predictive, mundane, horary, stellar healing, weather predicting, personal alchemy, and astrological signatures.
- The Church of Light: Offering a free catalog and quarterly publication, with an address in Los Angeles, California, and Toronto, Ontario.
- The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus Christ by Levi: A book described as a complete life of Jesus, particularly from age 12 to 30, written in modern style.
- Universal Psychic Science: Offering UPS Ministerial Certification, UPS Charters, and Seminary Training via mail, with courses in Scientific Mediumship, Spiritual Healing, Practical Metaphysics, Ministerial Guidance, Psychic Science, Spiritual Science, and Universal Soul-Science.
- New Books Section: Featuring titles like "They Shall Be Gathered Together" by John McCoy, "UFO's Confidential" by George Hunt Williamson and John McCoy, "The Transvaal Episode" by Anchor, and "The Truth About Flying Saucers" by Aime Michel, a noted French scientist, which analyzes UFO data and the Plantier concept.
- The Master Key to Occult Secrets: A book promising to reveal "Weird and Unbelievable Practices" and "Fantastic Customs and Strange Beliefs of Mysterious People," including formulas, rituals, fetishes, invocations, amulets, and mantrams.
- Perfume Advertisements: "Lady Luck Perfume" is advertised as a thrilling, enchanting, captivating oriental fragrance that helps attract the opposite sex or gain favors. "Oil of Mecca" and "Oil of Kyphi" are also promoted as exotic perfumes with alleged magical or psychological effects.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing mystery of UFOs, the dichotomy between scientific investigation and anecdotal evidence, the role of optical illusions, and the burgeoning interest in esoteric and occult knowledge. The magazine appears to present a wide range of viewpoints, from scientific skepticism to enthusiastic belief in contactees and extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider all possibilities while also being discerning about the information presented. The extensive book and service advertisements suggest a target audience interested in both the UFO phenomenon and broader spiritual, mystical, and self-help topics.
This issue of Flying Saucer News is dated by its content and the numbering of the issue as '31'. The magazine focuses on a variety of topics including UFO phenomena, paranormal experiences, self-help, and financial success. The publisher is identified as Flying Saucer News, and the country of publication is the USA. The original language is English.
Cover Story: "Why were these men SILENCED?"
The cover prominently features the question, "Why were these men SILENCED?" accompanied by an image of three men with X's over their mouths and illustrations of flying saucers. The accompanying text explains that leading figures in flying saucer research, who have challenged government denials, have been silenced and are no longer willing to discuss the topic. It mentions that three men in dark suits visited them, possibly government agents or agents from other planets, and that this story is detailed in the book "THEY KNEW TOO MUCH ABOUT FLYING SAUCERS" by Gray Barker. Gray Barker, the author, was the Chief Investigator for the International Flying Saucer Bureau, an organization whose principal leader was also silenced. The article promises to reveal facts behind this "frightening story" and mentions that other leading investigators have also been intimidated.
Financial Success and Self-Help
A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to promoting the book "THE SCIENCE of GETTING RICH or FINANCIAL SUCCESS THROUGH CREATIVE THOUGHT" by Wallace D. Wattles. The book is described as a famous work available again, priced at $1.25. It posits that money is necessary for personal development, stating, "You cannot rise to your greatest height in talent or soul development unless you have plenty of money." The text emphasizes that the desire for riches is a desire for a "richer, fuller, and more abundant life" and that wealth is crucial for developing the mind, body, and soul. Another featured book is "YOUR HOROSCOPE and YOUR DREAMS" by Ned Ballantyne and Stella Coeli, a combined volume of 871 pages available for $2.95, which is presented as a guide to success and happiness.
Books and Merchandise Catalog
The magazine includes extensive lists of books available for purchase through Flying Saucer News. These titles cover a wide range of subjects, including:
- UFOs and Flying Saucers: Numerous books detail sightings, investigations, and theories about flying saucers, such as "Flying Saucers From Outer Space" by Major Donald E. Kehoe, "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers" by Gray Barker, and "The Truth About Flying Saucers" by Aime Michel.
- Occult and Metaphysical Topics: Titles like "The Third Eye" by T. Lobsang Rampa, "Mysteries of Space and Time" by H. P. Wilkins, and books on telepathy, mind reading, and spiritual power are featured.
- Other Paranormal Subjects: Books on topics such as Atlantis, Lemuria, and life on other planets are also listed.
Prices for these books range from $0.25 to $7.50, with many offered at prices around $1.00 to $3.50. The magazine also advertises "High Grade Incense" with various fragrances like Sandalwood, Oriental Bouquet, Shanghai Rose, Pine, Wisteria, Jasmine, Rose, and Gardenia, sold in cakes for $1.00 each.
Special Features and Columns
- "SPACE CHILDREN CONT.": A brief letter from a reader, Tom Filer, suggests a movie is a "memory 'lifter'" and encourages readers to share their experiences. The letter is signed by Rev. William Suther, who also mentions his publication "THE CHILDREN."
- "BUDDHIST UFO RESEARCH CENTER": This section lists contact information for Sungma Tenzing Lama Dikapa and Karmalama Al Roger-Secretary, indicating a connection to Buddhist perspectives on UFOs.
- "Two Nights To Remember" by Carl Anderson: This article describes the thrilling experiences of a group who encountered a Flying Saucer, experienced strange effects, and witnessed an instantaneous healing. It is presented as offering new clues to the Saucer Mystery.
- "TNT-THE POWER WITHIN YOU" by Claude Bristol and Harold Sherman: This book is described as offering spiritual reinforcement and a path to success and happiness, with a "real, down-to-earth challenge."
- Classified Ads: A section for classified advertisements allows individuals to publish their names for a small fee, with the promise of receiving free samples, gifts, and letters from other saucer fans. The magazine boasts a circulation of over 5,000, distributed across the US and 13 other countries.
Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes
The magazine consistently promotes a worldview that embraces the paranormal, the unexplained, and the esoteric. There is a strong emphasis on UFOs and flying saucers, often presented with a tone of government secrecy and cover-ups. The inclusion of books on financial success, telepathy, and spiritual development suggests an editorial stance that aligns with New Age and self-help philosophies. The recurring themes include mystery, the search for truth beyond conventional explanations, and the potential for personal empowerment through knowledge of the unknown. The magazine appears to cater to an audience actively seeking information and resources related to these subjects, offering a curated selection of books and a platform for discussion and exchange within the UFO and paranormal community.