Journal of the Fortean Research Center - Vol 1 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of the JOURNAL of the FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER, Volume 1, No. 2, dated July 1986, is published quarterly by the Fortean Research Center, a non-profit corporation based in Lincoln, Nebraska. The cover features a striking illustration with the headline "NEW KID ON THE BLOCK" and a price of $3.50.

In Memoriam: J. Allen Hynek

The issue leads with an obituary for Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a renowned UFO expert, professor emeritus of astronomy at Northwestern University, and founder of the Center for UFO Studies. Kenan Heise's article details Hynek's career, including coining the phrase "close encounters of the third kind," his 20 years as a consultant for the U.S. Air Force, and his establishment of the Center for UFO Studies. Hynek's definitions of "close encounters of the first, second, and third kinds" are explained. The article also touches upon his early life, education, and academic career, including his work at Ohio State University and the Smithsonian Institution. A separate article by Burt A. Folkart, a Times Staff Writer, also reports on Hynek's death, highlighting his role in heading the Air Force's investigation into UFOs and his work with Operation Moonwatch. Folkart notes Hynek's role in the U.S. satellite program and his conclusion that while most UFO sightings were explainable, 20% required further study. The article mentions Steven Spielberg's use of Hynek's terminology in his film.

A Note From the Director

Ray W. Boeche, the Director, welcomes readers to the second issue and expresses hope for improvement. He announces the passing of Dr. J. Allen Hynek on April 27th, dedicating the issue to his memory and contributions. Boeche invites readers to submit manuscripts for future publication and states that all articles are written by himself unless otherwise noted. He also previews the next issue, which will include book reviews and updates on the field of the unexplained. A "Late Information" section mentions that the Defense Intelligence Agency may release more documents on "PROJECT MOON DUST" soon.

You May Be On File

This article by an unnamed author (presumably Ray W. Boeche, as per his note) details an abduction case involving a Lincoln, Nebraska woman referred to as "Joan." Joan, who held a position of authority in a state governmental agency and had little prior interest in the UFO subject, agreed to explore a recurring childhood dream through regressive hypnosis. The hypnosis, conducted by Stacey Vornbrock, revealed an experience from October 7, 1955, when Joan was 12. She described being taken by a four-foot-tall entity in a white suit to a craft where she underwent a medical examination. A significant aspect of the case is the interaction with the entity's subordinates, who expressed concern about being caught and mentioned Joan being "back in the files." The leader explained that they had intended to examine someone else but had to change plans. The article includes a transcription of a conversation between Joan and the entity, where the entity identifies itself as an "explorer" and warns Joan about "men in black" who scare people and do not want explorers to be known. The entity states they cannot help Joan and that she is "too far back in our files" to be found by the men in black. Joan's immediate question upon awakening was about "men in black," a term she had no prior knowledge of.

The author expresses his belief that abduction cases warrant serious consideration and are not solely products of imagination or "birth-trauma" memories. He also discusses the "men in black" (MIB) phenomenon, stating he has been collecting information for a book-length work and believes it is not to be taken lightly. He acknowledges the skepticism surrounding both abductions and MIB reports, noting that while psychological factors might be involved, the profiles of many victims show no abnormalities. The author finds the case uncomfortable to publish but believes in examining evidence with unbiased eyes. He requests comments and information on similar cases.

The Ultimate Scarecrow

This article by Dale Bacon investigates a bizarre incident in early April 1986, where dead birds were found hanging from trees in an area on the north edge of Lincoln, Nebraska, known for local legends like "Bloody Mary" and the "Pig Man." The incident was reported by M.D., who, along with two others (S.T. and D.L.), stumbled upon the scene while looking for old bottles. They confirmed the presence of seven dead birds, crows, dangling by strings from trees, with one found on the ground. The area was described as a natural clearing. Bacon visited the site on April 22nd, finding the birds still present. He examined one specimen but found no cause of death, noting it was intact despite exposure. Speculation on the reason for the birds' placement includes scaring away other crows (deemed unlikely) or sadistic pranksters (also unlikely due to the remoteness). The article explores the possibility of cult activity, noting that the number seven is significant in numerology and that crows have associations with occultism and symbolism in various cultures. The author concludes that the reason for the event remains a mystery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on unexplained phenomena, with a particular emphasis on UFOs, alien encounters, and related mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging the collection and examination of evidence, even for controversial topics like abductions and "men in black." The center aims to provide accurate and reliable information to the public. There is a clear dedication to exploring the unknown and a belief that "everything is probable." The inclusion of personal accounts, investigative reports, and tributes to figures like J. Allen Hynek underscores the journal's commitment to the Fortean tradition of studying anomalies and the unusual.

Title: FORTEAN RESEARCH JOURNAL
Issue: 10
Date: Not specified on cover, but articles reference events in 1986 and earlier.
Publisher: Fortean Research Center
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Fortean Research Journal focuses on UFO-related documents and incidents, with a significant portion dedicated to the release of information from the Department of Energy (DOE) and a deep dive into the Bentwaters incident.

Department of Energy UFO Documents

The lead article details a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request submitted in February and answered on April 29, 1986, which resulted in the release of 34 documents from the DOE concerning UFOs. The DOE initially suggested the Department of Defense would be a more appropriate agency, but after an appeal, they processed the request. The released documents include information related to the Kirtland Air Force Base from 1980 and approximately 175 pages concerning a phenomenon active over Los Alamos in the late 1940s, known as "green fireballs."

The "green fireballs" phenomenon involved numerous sightings and various attempts to explain them as meteors, bolides, or common natural phenomena. A particularly curious reference within the documents is to a meeting held on February 16, 1949, at Los Alamos laboratories. This meeting was attended by military personnel, FBI agents, and prominent scientists including Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, Dr. Edward Teller, Dr. Fred Reines, and Dr. N.E. Bradbury, then Director of Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory.

A transcript of this meeting revealed discussions about the green fireballs, and Dr. LaPaz mentioned information from European scientists studying meteoritics. Sidney Newburger, Chief of Security for Los Alamos, inquired if the Germans were involved in experiments connected to this phenomenon. Dr. LaPaz's response suggested they had "so-called stations in space" that "might have some attachment to it." This is noted as the first mention of pre-World War II space experiments beyond German V-1 and V-2 rockets. The author is seeking further information on this, particularly LaPaz's reference to "stations in space," and asks readers for any knowledge they might have.

The author speculates that Dr. LaPaz might have been referring to something different, or perhaps to projects that fueled the "UFOs are Nazi secret weapons" theories. The entire set of DOE documents is available from the Fortean Research Center for $18.00.

May I See Some Identification?

This section presents several accounts of unusual incidents and potential impersonations that occurred around April 1986:

• Lincoln, Nebraska (April 24, 1986): A man posing as a utility meter reader gained entry to a woman's home, assaulted her, and then fled. He was described as black, medium build, wearing dark clothing.
• Lincoln, Nebraska (April 21, 1986): Two women, posing as Child Protective Service employees, attempted to take a one-year-old child from mother Kim Beetem. They used writing pads and a tape recorder, and even contacted the child's father. Beetem became suspicious and contacted authorities, who advised her to notify the police. The women did not return.
• O'Neill, Nebraska (approx. two weeks prior to April 24, 1986): Similar impersonation incidents were reported, with individuals claiming to be from Social Service agencies approaching families and contacting landlords.
• Lincoln, Nebraska (April 24, 1986): Coincidentally, Scott Colborn and the author were discussing impersonation stories on a radio show when a caller claimed someone impersonating him had appeared at Clinton Elementary School to interview children.

The author notes that these incidents highlight a pattern and asks readers if they are aware of other similar cases.

Fortean News Flashes

This section provides brief reports of various unusual events:

• Santa Cruz, California: A pregnant woman survived a 20-foot fall off a cliff after being struck by a speeding car, landing on a broken couch.
• Construction Site Incident: A three-quarter inch drill bit fell 40 feet and imbedded in a worker's skull at a construction site. Surgeons removed it, and the worker was in stable condition.
• Gulf Coast: Approximately 20 dead sea turtles washed ashore, some mutilated with heads and flippers removed, speculated to be by fishermen.
• Bristol, England: A man admitted to biting his dog in the ear after it made a mess in his house, leading to a court order barring him from keeping the dog for a year.
• Lincoln, Nebraska: A psychologist at the Lincoln Regional Center was suspended for allegedly orchestrating the exorcism of a patient in a mentally disordered sex offender program.
• Cairo, Egypt: Thousands of pilgrims flocked to the Church of St. Demiana following reports of the Virgin Mary's apparition. A fact-finding committee also reported seeing the apparition, which was accompanied by a mysterious light and could last up to 20 minutes.
• Lincoln, Nebraska: A despondent man attempted suicide with a shotgun but accidentally loaded a single shell and failed to pull the trigger correctly, subsequently being arrested for burglary.
• New York City: A baby survived a 17-story fall from a window ledge after the fall was broken by an apple tree limb.
• Eastern Nebraska (June 24, 1986): A large, bright fireball with a tail of sparks was seen in the night sky. Confirmation regarding the reentry of space junk was pending.

And Guess What Else Happened at Bentwaters?

This article delves into rumors surrounding the December 1980 UFO incident at RAF Bentwaters, UK. The author notes that the "inevitable rumor mill" has been active, with many stories allegedly originating from reputable individuals.

One prominent rumor, which came to the author's attention in May 1985, suggests that the UFO which landed in Rendelsham Forest made contact with the air traffic control tower, indicating mechanical distress before landing. Following this, high-ranking personnel allegedly contacted a government group known as MJ-12. MJ-12, in turn, is said to have contacted aliens who stated the craft was not "one of theirs." These "friendly aliens" then reportedly offered to send help to deal with "other beings" described as "red-skinned, grotesque in appearance, with fangs and tails." The government's alleged reason for secrecy is to hide the existence of these entities.

Another story concerns a CNN broadcast, "UFO: The Bentwaters Incidents," aired in January 1985. According to this rumor, Col. John Douglas of the National Security Council (NSC) requested a private pre-broadcast viewing, took notes, and left without comment, implying government concern about what CNN might reveal. The author filed a FOIA request with the NSC on May 7, 1985, seeking documents related to Douglas's visit, but received a reply on September 20, 1985, stating no records were found.

The author spoke directly with Col. Douglas on December 9, 1985. Douglas stated he viewed the CNN tape as a courtesy after the broadcast date due to his position, not as an official visit, and expressed surprise at the misinterpretation of his actions. The author states he has no reason to doubt Douglas's word and considers this story disposed of.

A final major rumor links the Bentwaters landing to the arms race. James Moseley, in the April 20, 1985 issue of SAUCER SMEAR, reported a source stating that the President's Star Wars defense program was being developed jointly by the U.S. and the Soviet Union as an effective defense against UFOs, with the Bentwaters incident sparking this effort.

This rumor is further explored by a statement from President Reagan in December 1985, where he mentioned discussing extraterrestrials with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, suggesting how easier meetings might be if there was a threat from another planet. The author finds this a curious coincidence, favoring it as a partial confirmation of the rumor, but acknowledges the frustrating nature of research where facts are not always readily available.

The author concludes by emphasizing the importance of checking even the wildest rumors, stating that while the effort is enormous, it is better to be disappointed by a mundane explanation than to base conclusions on unfounded fantasy. He urges readers to continue seeking "the facts."

Help Our Friends

The final page lists various organizations involved in the study of the unexplained, encouraging readers to support them financially and spiritually. These include:

• MUTUAL UFO NETWORK
• FORTEAN TIMES
• ARCTURUS BOOK SERVICE
• THE GATE
• FAIR-WITNESS PROJECT
• UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE
• PROJECT STIGMA
• NORTHERN UFO NEWS
• CITIZENS AGAINST UFO SECRECY
• LAKE CHAMPLAIN PHENOMENA INVESTIGATION

The Fortean Research Center also offers to exchange listings or publications with other related organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a strong emphasis on UFOs, government secrecy, and the challenges of investigating such topics. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, encouraging rigorous investigation of all leads, even rumors, while maintaining a healthy skepticism and a commitment to uncovering factual information. The publication aims to connect researchers and enthusiasts by providing a platform for sharing information and supporting related organizations.