Journal of the Fortean Research Center - Vol 1 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: JOURNAL of the FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER
Issue: Volume 1, No. 1
Date: April, 1986
Publisher: Fortean Research Center
Price: $3.50

This inaugural issue of the Journal of the Fortean Research Center, published quarterly, introduces the organization and its mission to investigate and disseminate information on unexplained phenomena. The cover features a striking illustration of a winged warrior riding a mythical beast, with the bold headline "EXPLORING UNEXPLAINED PHENOMENA."

Letter of Introduction

Ray W. Boeche, Director, provides an introduction to the Fortean Research Center, established as a non-profit entity on February 12, 1986, in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Center's primary purposes are to research all aspects of unexplained phenomena and to educate the public. Boeche highlights their existing hour-long weekly radio show on KZUM-FM and their ambition to syndicate it nationally, which requires funding. They also plan to resume conferences on the unexplained and are seeking grants. Boeche shares his 20 years of experience researching UFOs, animal mutilations, and other anomalies, his role as Nebraska State Director for MUFON, and his advisory position with Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS). He emphasizes his dedication to these efforts, having invested significant personal time and money.

A Note from the Editor

The editor acknowledges that this first issue was put together hastily and is shorter than intended (16 pages). They aim for the Journal to be a quarterly publication for now, with a goal of publishing at least 64 pages per year, eventually doubling that amount. The editor expresses hope that readers will appreciate their efforts and contribute to the Center's growth. Membership information is provided, including the annual fee of $15.00, which covers the Journal subscription, discounts, and conference fee reductions. The editor appeals for help to continue investigations and research.

Table of Contents

The issue includes the following articles:

• LETTER OF INTRODUCTION
• WINGED WONDER OVER FALLS CITY, NE?
• DIA DOCUMENTS RELEASED
• WHAT'S A MILO MAN?
• WHERE'S STEVE MCQUEEN WHEN YOU NEED HIM?
• FORTEAN NEWS FLASHES
• HELP OUR FRIENDS, TOO

Winged Wonder Over Falls City, NE?

This article details an account from a witness, referred to as Mr. Hanks, who reported seeing a "winged weirdie" in the autumn of 1956. While returning home, Hanks noticed what he initially thought was a kite, but it drew closer, revealing itself as a human-like form with wings. He described the creature's face as "very frightening, almost demonic," with large, blue, watery eyes resembling those of a horse, and wrinkled, tan leather-like skin. The creature was about 25 feet away, hovering 15 feet above the ground, and estimated to be eight to nine feet tall. Hanks experienced a temporary paralysis as the creature passed overhead. He observed the wings, described as polished aluminum with a grid-like appearance on top, and featuring colored lights (blue, yellow, orange, red) on the underside. The wings were approximately fifteen feet long from tip to tip. The creature was attached by a shoulder harness, and its hands appeared like "white dove's wings." Hanks heard a hissing sound and saw the creature move off into the distance. For the next 23 years, Hanks was plagued by nightmares of the creature, which he eventually overcame by writing out and destroying the story.

DIA Documents Released

On December 18, 1985, the Fortean Research Center received 139 pages of previously unreleased documents from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) concerning their interests in UFOs, following a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. While many documents are difficult to read, some contain fascinating reports, including one about the Peruvian Air Force pursuing UFOs. The documents also mention "PROJECT MOON DUST," which appears to be UFO-related. The Center has submitted FOIA requests to 18 agencies for more information on this project and plans to report further in the next issue. Copies of the 139 pages are available for $23.50. The DIA's reluctance to release UFO information is noted, and the Center is continuing its efforts to uncover the nature of Project Moon Dust and its connection to government UFO investigations.

What's a Milo Man?

This section discusses reports of a bipedal humanoid creature dubbed 'Milo Man,' which has been surfacing for about six months, named after the milo fields where witnesses believe it resides. A credible account involves a young man in Lincoln, Nebraska, who found his brother's house locked and decided to sleep in his car. He was awakened by the car being violently shaken by a large, hair-covered figure. The next morning, his brother confirmed that local farmers had also seen the creature. The event occurred in late September 1985, and the Center is seeking further corroboration.

Where's Steve McQueen When You Need Him?

This article presents an unpublished report about a "blob" sighting from September 1969. Maurice Colbert and his girlfriend were parked near the Missouri River north of Nebraska City when the girlfriend heard strange noises. Colbert investigated and saw an "amoeba-shaped blob," about six feet across and 18 inches thick, moving along the ground. The creature moved by extending a gelatinous pseudopod. It moved six to eight feet closer to the car over two minutes. The blob was purplish-pink, had no discernible odor, and seemed unaware of his presence. Examination of the site revealed a trail where small sticks and pebbles had been pushed aside. The author admits being unable to speculate on a normal explanation and welcomes comments from other researchers.

Fortean News Flashes

This section provides brief news items:

• A Missouri Court of Appeals case where a man claimed his poodle's paw discharged a shotgun, leading to a shooting.
• Information on a joint NASA and helicopter manufacturer effort to reduce noise from rotary-wing aircraft, a five-year, $10 million program called the National Rotorcraft Noise Reduction program (NRNR).
• A 30-pound crash beacon from an Air Force C-5 Galaxy plane fell on a woman's car, damaging the hood. The military agreed to pay for repairs.
• A bright blue fireball exploded over southwestern British Columbia and northern Washington state.
• Scientists discovered a massive fossil find in Nova Scotia, representing life from the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, suggesting a catastrophic extinction event possibly caused by an asteroid impact.
• A new volcanic island is forming in the Pacific Ocean near Iwo Jima.
• An advertisement for "Starcraft 1," a personal flying saucer-like aircraft.

Help Our Friends, Too

This section lists several organizations involved in dealing with the unexplained and encourages readers to support them financially and spiritually. Listed organizations include Mutual UFO Network, UFO Newsclipping Service, Project Stigma, Fortean Times, Arcturus Book Service, The Gate, Northern UFO News, and Citizens Against UFO Secrecy. The Fortean Research Center offers to exchange listings with related publications and organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and cryptozoological encounters, and the importance of public education and information dissemination. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, seeking accurate and reliable information, and encouraging collaboration among researchers and organizations in the field. The Center positions itself as a non-profit entity dedicated to expanding mankind's knowledge of the universe through the study of these mysteries.