Flying Saucer News - 1969 08 - August

Magazine Overview

This issue of Flying Saucer NEWS, dated August 1969, is priced at 25¢ and is identified as Volume XXXVIII, No. 3. The cover prominently features the headline "OFFICIALS DENY PICTURE IS UFO" above a photograph of a large, conical structure labeled "US ARMY." The magazine is published by James S. Rigberg, with Michael Lindner as Assistant Editor, and is based in New York City.

Key Articles and Features

"This UFO Spotter Is a Down-to-Earth Fellow" by Anthony Bannon

This article profiles Norman A. Weis, a retired high school music teacher from Buffalo, New York, who is described as a champion UFO spotter. Weis claims to have had between 150 and 200 high sightings and 11 close encounters, some as near as 20 feet. He employs telepathy and an audible approach, stating "If there are Brothers or any ships in the sky tonight, may I see you." Weis believes that when UFOs speed up, slow down, or stop in response to his calls, it proves they recognize him. He also shares his belief that the Air Force secretly knows flying saucers are real and are piloted by intelligent beings observing Earth, and that the CIA orders the Air Force to debunk sightings to protect the American economy from the impact of superior knowledge from space visitors. Weis advises anyone who sees a saucer to appear in the doorway with a light and a friendly demeanor, suggesting that direct contact might be possible if the beings wish to communicate.

"OFFICIALS DENY PICTURE IS UFO" by Paul Massa

This report from The Columbus Dispatch addresses sightings in New Mexico, suggesting that many UFO reports from the southwestern states during 1966 and 1967 were actually related to the Voyager Balloon Program. This program involved large plastic balloons, over 400 feet in diameter, manufactured by G. T. Schjeldahl Co. in Minnesota, and launched from sites in New Mexico for testing spacecraft. These balloons, when reflecting sunlight, could appear as glowing, oval-shaped objects moving erratically. Paul Massa also recounts an incident where a guard at White Sands called a discarded spacecraft a "space re-entry test vehicle," and an information officer later identified it as a "Little Joe rocket." The article criticizes the U.S. Air Force and NASA for allegedly denying the validity of sightings and withholding information that could have explained them. James Lorenzen, director of the Aerial Phenomenon Research Organization, is cited as stating that his office has received numerous reports from the area surrounding Las Cruces, New Mexico. The article includes a diagram of the Voyager Balloon System and a photograph of a recovered spacecraft.

"Some of Ohio's UFOs Probably Just Balloons" by Paul Massa

This article, also by Paul Massa of The Columbus Dispatch, further explores the idea that many UFO sightings, particularly over Ohio, might be explained by large plastic balloons used in the Voyager test program in New Mexico. These balloons, some over 400 feet in diameter, could be carried by prevailing winds and reflect light in a way that resembles UFOs. Sig Stenlund, an engineer with G. T. Schjeldahl Co., confirmed the manufacturing of these balloons but became reticent when asked about unidentified flying objects. James C. Payne, test director for the Voyager flights, stated that the balloons were designed to lift spacecraft to launching altitudes. The article notes that a Portage County deputy sheriff described a UFO as "light bulb colored, very bright and oval shaped." Stenlund also suggested that a photograph of an unidentified object in New Mexico was likely a balloon connected to a winch at Holloman Air Force Base.

"UFO's Secret Discovered" by Paul Massa

This article, also from The Columbus Dispatch, reiterates that flying saucers were indeed hovering over the southwestern states in 1966 and 1967, but attributes most sightings to tests conducted from Walker Air Force Base in New Mexico. These tests involved balloon-launched spacecraft, described as cone-shaped and resembling inverted saucers, officially called "aeroshells." These vehicles were capable of speeds up to Mach 1.6 (about 1100 mph) and reached altitudes of around 140,000 feet. The article suggests that government officials preferred to deny the validity of sightings rather than explain them. James Lorenzen is quoted as saying his organization has received many reports from the area. The article includes a diagram of the Voyager Balloon System and a photograph of a spacecraft in a "boneyard" at White Sands.

"Late News Flashes"

This section includes a brief report from Time Magazine (January 17, 1969, page 44) that criticizes the Condon UFO Report for advising that a marking on dry sand was "urine-soaked sand." This report was sent in by Mike Mazer.

"To All UFO Researchers:"

This section details the Condon investigation, initiated in October 1966 by the Secretary of Defense, with Dr. Edward U. Condon selected by the Air Force. Robert J. Low was the chief advisor, and the project received $500,000 and access to Air Force files for a two-year study. The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena cooperated fully. However, the article lists reasons why the Condon report is considered inaccurate: Dr. Condon had not conducted field investigations or interviewed witnesses by October 1967; Dr. Low wrote a letter in 1966 suggesting the project would appear objective but be conducted by non-believers; Condon and Low allegedly ignored sightings with concrete evidence; and Drs. David Saunders and Norman Levine were fired by Condon in February 1968, claiming they made public Low's proposals. The Condon report, a 1485-page study, concluded that the Air Force's investigation yielded negative results, suggesting UFO clubs should halt and students should stop reading "UFO nonsense." The report examined only 35 debunked sightings. The author expresses doubt about the Air Force's choice of Condon for the project.

"C OF S UFOLOGISTS CONVENTION"

This is a brief announcement for a convention at the Hotel Daniel Boone in Charleston, West Virginia, on June 20-21, 1969.

"My Friend From Beyond Earth"

This is a promotional blurb for a book by Frank E. Strange, described as an account of a conversation with an inter-planetary visitor, detailing their appearance, statements about Jesus Christ and the future of Earth, and including photographs. The book is available for $1.00 plus 10 cents for shipping.

"New Movies" and "Radio"

"The UFO Story" is mentioned as a 28-minute sound film for projectors. A radio report from Station W.C.A.O. on January 11, 1969, quotes Dr. Condon stating that the half-million dollar project on UFOs was a "complete waste of time and money," and that only one percent of available sightings were investigated. This report was sent in by Mike Mazer.

"Flying Saucer Book Store" and "Every Devil's Dictionary"

Advertisements for the Flying Saucer Book Store and "Every Devil's Dictionary" by James S. Rigberg are included. The dictionary is described as a "complete satire" with original ideas and definitions.

"Coming Your Way..."

This section promotes "Metaphysical Magazine," a new publication devoted to occult, philosophy, mental healing, and psychic phenomena.

"Fabulous Offer"

This page features a detailed offer of UFO-related merchandise, including jumbo UFO photos, color slides, pictures, subscriptions to "SPACELINK" and "UFO MAGAZINE," a GEOS-5 Swiss UFO detector, and a "World's greatest saucer catalog." Orders are shipped the same day received and are payable to Sammy Paradice.

"Please Report Strange Flying Objects"

This is a call for readers to report sightings, with a sample copy of Flying Saucer News offered for free to friends.

"Books Make Wonderful Gifts the Year Around"

This section lists several books for sale, including "HARMONIC 33" by Captain Bruce Cathie, "THE NEW UNIVERSE" by Sir Bernard Lovell, and various UFO-related titles such as "Flying Saucers Have Landed" by Geo. Adamski, "Inside The Space Ships" by Geo. Adamski, and "Project Blue Book No. 14."

"ATTENTION ALL SERIOUS UFO GROUPS AND RESEARCHERS!"

Robert Goerman is uniting serious UFO research organizations into a network called the "United Network for Aerial Research." Membership is free, and participants receive the "UFO Journalistis Report" and the "UNAR BULLETIN."

Classified Ads

A section of classified ads offers various UFO-related books and services, with ads for individuals seeking information and publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the skepticism and denial surrounding UFO phenomena by official bodies, particularly the U.S. Air Force and government agencies. The magazine actively promotes alternative explanations, such as misidentified balloons, while simultaneously championing the experiences of UFO witnesses like Norman Weis. There is a strong undercurrent of distrust towards official reports like the Condon Report, which is portrayed as flawed and biased. The editorial stance is clearly pro-UFO investigation and advocacy, encouraging readers to share their experiences and supporting the work of independent research organizations. The magazine also functions as a marketplace for UFO-related literature and merchandise, reinforcing its commitment to the subject matter.

This document is a collection of classified advertisements, likely from a publication focused on esoteric subjects such as spirituality, UFOs, and astrology. The advertisements offer a range of services and information, with contact details provided for individuals and organizations.

Advertisements

Spiritual Guidance and Prayers One advertisement seeks individuals interested in contacting "Ascended Masters" to learn about the "mysteries of life and the wisdom of the ages." The advertiser, Wilbur Hunt, offers free information and expresses a desire to hear from anyone. Another ad offers "three ANSWERED prayers" for 25¢ (postage included), with contact directed to CELESTE in Portland, Oregon.

UFO, Electricity, and Bible Revelations Exchange Leo Bartsch from Coos Bay, Oregon, is offering an exchange of information related to UFOs, electricity, and Bible revelations.

Astrological Signatures Ellen M. Cornel1, who identifies as a "RESEARCHER IN SIGNATURES," offers "ASTROLOGICAL SIGNATURES (YOUR PLANET)" for one dollar. To receive this, individuals must provide their former names (if married), how they sign their name, their nicknames, and their birth data. The advertiser is researching whether people with signatures that align with their astrological sign are happier, noting that hers did. She emphasizes that this is "NOT A MONEY MAKING PROPOSITION."

Public UFO Information Center Thomas A. Ganner, Jr., Director of the "Public UFO Info. Center" in Summit, New Jersey, is listed, providing contact information for those seeking UFO-related information.

Classified Ad Rates and Bookstore The publication itself advertises its classified ad rates, stating they are now "only 5¢ per word." It instructs readers to include their name and address in the word count. Advertisements should be sent to "FLYING SAUCER NEWS (Book Store)" located at 346 West 45th Street, New York, N.Y., with a contact telephone number of 582-6380.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The classified ads collectively point towards a readership interested in paranormal phenomena, spiritual exploration, and alternative belief systems. The low cost of ads suggests a niche publication. The inclusion of a "Public UFO Info. Center" and a "Flying Saucer News" bookstore indicates a strong focus on UFOlogy. The emphasis on personal research and non-profit endeavors in some ads suggests an editorial stance that values genuine inquiry over commercial gain.