Flying Saucer News - 1977 08 - August

Magazine Overview

This issue of Flying Saucer NEWS, dated August 1977, is priced at 25¢ and published by Flying Saucer News and Prosperity Clinic. The cover prominently asks, "Who Believes In Flying Saucers?" and features a stylized illustration of abstract shapes and flying saucers.

In This Issue

The magazine lists its contents, including articles like "The Ubiquitous UFO" by Robert A. Ginskey, "People Are Saying..." which compiles reports from various sources, and mentions of books available through their bookstore.

People Are Saying...

This section compiles reports from different locations. From Puerto Rico, residents of Valle Hermoso urbanization reported seeing an unidentified flying object with a bright light that changed position and had a circular form, distinct from known aircraft. They demanded an investigation. The report notes that teachers, policemen, and store clerks are familiar with local air traffic and are sure it's not a plane.

Further reports come from Moscow, Russia, detailing a spot of light hovering over a town for 36 hours and an airliner being trailed by a mysterious object. In another incident near Moscow, cars waiting at a railroad crossing had their motors switched off by a craft hovering overhead for 45 minutes before it flew away. The Soviet government's official stance is that conventional scientific wisdom can explain these phenomena, but the article suggests growing interest in such puzzles among Soviet citizens. It also mentions a rumor about two cosmonauts returning with film of a flying saucer with a human-like crew and a belief that Soviet and American governments suppress information about extraterrestrial creatures.

The Ubiquitous UFO

Written by Robert A. Ginskey, this article explores the possibility that extraterrestrial life might be found on Earth, citing a Gallup poll indicating a majority of Americans believe UFOs are real and that 15 million claim to have seen one. It discusses the fascination with UFOs representing alien intelligence and notes that strange objects have been seen for thousands of years, referencing the prophet Ezekiel's description of a "wheel within a wheel."

The modern UFO era is traced back to an Idaho businessman's description of disk-like objects in the sky after World War II, coining the term "flying saucer." The article mentions the proliferation of "UFObia, UFOria, and UFOlogists" and the Air Force's 22-year investigation into UFO reports, which concluded in 1969 after examining nearly 13,000 cases. The Air Force stated further investigation could not be justified on national security or scientific grounds.

Despite the Air Force's conclusion, the article highlights that "saucerian circles" believe in a "cover-up" and continue their quest for proof. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, chairman of Northwestern University's astronomy department and a prominent figure in UFOlogy, believes the Condon Report was premature and that sightings "have gone on too long for it to be a fad." He asserts that "You no longer can dismiss these reports as the result of overheated imaginations."

The article notes a surge in UFO sightings in 1973, with hundreds reported nationally. It also touches on the skepticism of some, like Phillip Klass, who attributes sightings to misperception, distorted sensationalism, and hoaxes. Conversely, Hayden C. Hewes of the International UFO Bureau believes UFOs are from an advanced, benign extraterrestrial race concerned about humanity's "warlike mentality."

UFO's: Why they are here. who they have come for. When they will leave.

This section presents a meeting announcement for individuals interested in a discussion about UFOs, not as a religious or philosophical organization, but as a group exploring the possibility of a "real, PHYSICAL level in space beyond the Cortes confines." It mentions two individuals who claim to have been sent from "the level above human" and will return to that level in a UFO within months.

The article also includes quotes from various sources, including: "You no longer can dismiss these reports as the result of overheated imaginations."; "Even honest and sincere individuals often misinterpret an unfamiliar object."; "We're being watched by an advanced but benign race of creatures from outer space."; and "there seems to be no reason to attribute them [UFO sightings] to an extraterrestrial source without evidence that is much more convincing."

It further discusses the skepticism of astronomer Carl Sagan, who "has no quarrel with those who see unidentified flying objects," but has misgivings when they are identified. The article also references the National Academy of Sciences' agreement with the Condon Report, stating that most UFO sightings can be explained by ordinary objects, natural phenomena, or misinterpretation, but acknowledges that roughly one in 30 reports remain unexplained.

Three possible explanations for these unexplained cases are offered: 1) explicable by conventional science with more data, 2) natural phenomena not yet understood, or 3) extraterrestrial intelligence or "spirit" beings. The article concludes that the persistence of UFO reports is likely due to the prevalence of man-made objects in the atmosphere and people's willingness to believe.

What's new?

This section provides updates on UFO-related news and publications:

• U.S. News and World Report is expected to divulge important information about UFOs.
• Paris Flamonde, author of "UFO Exist," visited the bookstore.
• A UFO sighting was reported on The Barbara Walters Show over the California Deserts.
• The Denver, Colorado UFO Society has a new address and president.
• Jim Moseley, publisher of GNUS, offers a non-scheduled newsletter.
• Jerome Eden, editor of EDEN BULLETIN, is recommended for his work on "Harmonic 33" and "Harmonic 695" by Capt. Bruce Cathie. Eden is also the author of "PLANET IN TROUBLE," "ORGONE ENERGY," "ANIMAL MAGNETISM," and "VIEW FROM EDEN," all available from Flying Saucer News.
• Bernie Mackey, a guitarist and vocalist, is mentioned.
• Arthur M. Matthews, author of "WALL OF LIGHT," is recognized for continuing Nikola Tesla's work.
• A new UFO contactee, Wanda L. Von Seeberg from Dumas, Arkansas, is introduced.
• A UFO show airs every Saturday at 2 A.M. on TV Channel 68 in New Jersey.
• A world UFO Conference was held in April 1977 in Acapulco, Mexico, with differing views between conservatives and religionists.
• Mrs. Doris Spears from Truro, Nova Scotia, reported a UFO landing where the grass grew back on the creases, and the owner erected a pyramid-type structure.

Books Reviewed/Advertised

• SPACESHIPS IN PREHISTORY by Peter Kolosimo, priced at $10.00, featuring three hundred illustrations and supporting his thesis on the origins of the human race.
• SITUATION RED: THE UFO SIEGE by Leonard H. Stringfield, with a foreword by Major Donald E. Keyhoe, priced at $8.95. It documents UFO reality and alleged cover-ups, focusing on frightening effects and abductions.
• THE UFO ENIGMA by Donald H. Menzel and Ernest H. Taves, priced at $8.95, which argues that UFOs are explainable by meteorological and optical phenomena, radar tricks, real spacecraft, or hoaxes.
• SOCORRO 'SAUCER' IN A PENTAGON PANTRY by Ray Stanford, priced at $8.95, detailing the 1964 Socorro, New Mexico UFO landing and alleged concealment of physical evidence by the U.S. intelligence community.
• MUSIC FROM ANOTHER PLANET record by Howard Menger, priced at $6.95, featuring narration and music from another planet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent presence and mystery of UFOs, the debate between believers and skeptics, the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, and the alleged government cover-up of information. The magazine appears to lean towards presenting UFO phenomena as real and significant, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints and scientific investigations. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these unexplained events, encouraging readers to report their own sightings and to consider the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional understanding.

This issue of Flying Saucer News, dated August 1, 1977, features a cover story on Clifford L. Linedecker's book "Psychic Spy," detailing the life and abilities of Dr. Ernesto A. Montgomery, a Jamaican psychic and faith-healer who allegedly assisted the Allies during World War II. The magazine also includes a report on a UFO sighting by a young boy, Ricky Brandenburg, who claims to have photographic evidence, and a section on book reviews and order forms for various publications related to ufology and the paranormal.

Psychic Spy: The Story of an Astounding Man

The lead article focuses on Dr. Ernesto A. Montgomery, a Jamaican psychic and faith-healer who, as a sixteen-year-old private in the Jamaican Home Guard, was part of a special Psychic Division of British Intelligence during World War II. Through "soul-travel" (astral projection), Montgomery is said to have made accurate prophecies, including playing a secret role in timing the Normandy invasion. The article highlights his prediction that the weather would break on June 6-7, 1944, allowing the invasion to proceed despite adverse conditions on June 5. Linedecker's depiction of Montgomery also includes his predictions of significant future events, such as the assassinations of the Kennedys and Martin Luther King, the Manson murders, and the deaths of Marilyn Monroe and Errol Flynn. The piece touches upon Montgomery's spiritual philosophy, faith-healing methods, and techniques for self-realization.

Clifford L. Linedecker, the author, is described as a long-time newspaperman who previously worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer before becoming an Articles Editor for the National Features Syndicate.

Boy Says He Saw UFO; His Camera Offers Proof

This section recounts the experience of 13-year-old Ricky Brandenburg from Indianapolis, who reported seeing a silver, disc-shaped object with a clear plastic-like dome circling his neighborhood on March 10. He took six photographs of the object before it disappeared into the clouds. His father, Morce H. Brandenburg, initially skeptical, became a believer after the incident. The article notes that local police had received other UFO sighting reports that night, which the Indiana State Police attributed to a meteorite shower. Ricky's father, an employee of Trans World Airlines, was convinced by his son's insistence and the developed photographs, particularly when Ricky described the object spinning rapidly without noise.

Letters to the Editor

Frank E. Bland, a retired U.S. Air Force member from Statesboro, Georgia, writes that while he hasn't personally seen a UFO, he believes they exist because others are seeing them. He spends time watching the sky and acknowledges that "strange things" are happening.

Book Reviews and Order Forms

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to promoting and reviewing books related to UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and related topics. Several order forms are included for "Flying Saucer News" bookstore, located at 359 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036.

Featured books include:

• "Other Worlds, Other Universes" edited by Brad Steiger and John White, described as a journey through time, space, and consciousness, exploring psychic phenomena and the possibility of life on other planets.
• "UFO or God?" by George Friedrich, which seeks to provide a logical explanation for biblical miracles.
• "The UFO Controversy in America" by David Michael Jacobs, a detailed history of the UFO phenomenon in the U.S., examining the relationship between the Air Force, scientific community, and public.
• "The Mothman Prophecies" by John Keel, which recounts the story of the Silver Bridge collapse in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
• "Humanoids" edited by Charles Bowen, a collection of analyses of UFO landings and alleged occupants.
• "Passport to Magonia" by Jacques Vallee, a catalog of UFO sightings over 100 years.
• "The Day of Celestial Visitation" by Ernest P. Moyer, exploring the purpose of UFOs and Earth's place in the universe.

Additional titles listed cover a wide array of subjects, including:

• "Situation Red" by Leonard H. Stringfield on UFO cover-ups.
• "Spaceships in Prehistory" by Peter Kolosimo with 300 illustrations.
• "Somebody Else Is on the Moon" by George H. Leonard.
• Books by Bruce L. Cathie on "Harmonic 695" and "Harmonic 33" related to the magnetic grid and anti-gravity.
• Works by J. Bergier, including "Secret Doors of the Earth."
• Books by Charles Fort, such as "Books of Charles Fort."
• Various titles by R. Crabb on UFOs and related topics.
• Works by Jacques Vallee, including "Anatomy of a Phenomena" and "Challenge to Science."
• Books by Erich von Daniken, such as "Chariot of the Gods" and "Gods from Outer Space."
• "The Mothman Prophecies" by John Keel.
• "The Day of Celestial Visitation" by Ernest P. Moyer.

Pamphlets and reprints are also offered, including "Project Blue Book No. 14" and various short works on UFOs and related subjects.

UFO Conventions

Information is provided for two UFO conventions:

• International UFO Conference: To be held June 24-25-26 at the Pick-Congress Hotel, Chicago, Illinois. Advance registration is $25, regular registration is $30. Contact: International UFO Conference, 500 Hyacinth Pl., Highland Park, Ill. 60035.
• National UFO Conference: To be held August 6, 1977, at the Hotel San Francisco, San Francisco, California. Contact: Gale Rettig, M.U.F.O.N., 3223 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, Calif. 94123.

Prophetic Verses of Ancient Seer: The Complete Prophecies of Nostradamus

This section advertises a volume containing "every word of the more than 1,000 prophecies dating to the year 3797 A.D.," translated, edited, and interpreted by Henry C. Roberts. The book is described as explaining Nostradamus's power to foresee the future and relating his visions to actual events. It is available for $7.95 plus postage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, psychic phenomena, prophecies, and the promotion of books and events within the ufology community. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting accounts and reviews that encourage readers to explore the possibilities of extraterrestrial contact and paranormal abilities. The magazine actively promotes its own bookstore and publications, positioning itself as a resource for those interested in these topics.