Journal of the Fortean Research Center - Vol 4 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Exploring Unexplained Phenomena", the Journal of the Fortean Research Center, Volume IV, Number 3, published Fall/Winter 1989/1990, focuses on the disturbing phenomenon of "Animal Mutilations: The Killing Goes On". The cover features a stark image of a dead cow in a field.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on a recent experience watching a mini-series news report from KLAS-TV in Las Vegas about the Meier case and a UFO report. The director expresses a sense of wonder and hints at the contents of the issue, particularly a video that was being prepared for the Director's Message.

Featuring This Issue

The issue includes an editorial, a message from the director, and several articles: "Stigmata" by Thomas R. Adams, "Mystery Helicopters & Related Reports" by Scott H. Colborn, an excerpt from Linda Moulton Howe's "An Alien Harvest", "Degrees of Evidence" by Stephen Johnson, "The Enigma Continues" by Carol Werkmeister, "Any 'Mutes' in France" by Michel Granger, "Book Reviews", and "UFOs: Fact or Fiction?" by Scott H. Colborn, along with a "Sky Watch" section and "Back Issues".

From the Director

Scott H. Colborn's message introduces Robert Lazaar, a purported government scientist from Area 51, who claims to have witnessed extraterrestrial technology, including flying saucers and anti-matter reactors. Lazaar's claims are presented as explosive, with his polygraph tests yielding inconclusive results. He states that the craft and technology are not human-made and that he is speaking out due to frustration with secrecy and a desire to protect himself, especially after a scientist was allegedly killed in an accident at the facility. Colborn praises the quality of the KLAS-TV news segments by George Knapp and Shirley Coyne, which provided background information on Lazaar.

Colborn discusses the implications of Lazaar's revelations, suggesting possibilities that Lazaar is a whistleblower, part of a planned release of information, or involved in a disinformation campaign. He encourages readers to conduct their own research and offers to publish comments. He also mentions Lawrence N. Koss's "Close Encounter Forum" and provides information on obtaining a free U.S. government report on UFO phenomena. Additionally, he highlights the research of Thomas M. Elliot on UFO encounters and the work of The New Being Project, which investigates 'powerful vibratory physical experiences'. Christa Tilton's newsletter, discussing abduction experiences and an alleged UFO shoot-down over South Africa, is also mentioned.

Stigmata: The Project Stigmata Report

By Thomas R. Adams, this article details the Project Stigmata's investigation into animal mutilations since 1970. Adams notes that the phenomenon became prominent in 1973, particularly in the US Midwest, coinciding with a UFO flap and other crises. "Classic" mutilations, occurring in over thirty states and several Canadian provinces, are characterized by the precise removal of livestock parts, often without significant blood loss, and a lack of tracks or ground markings. Predators typically ignore these carcasses. The wounds sometimes show signs of searing or burning, leading to speculation about laser use, though this is not always evident. The rate of decomposition varies, and other animals often react strangely to the carcasses. Adams questions whether these events are due to mass hysteria or misinterpretation, noting that experienced farmers and ranchers are often the ones reporting them. He also mentions that some veterinarians and diagnosticians attribute these events to natural predators, but points out the need for timely autopsies. The article suggests that the mutilators may be using advanced technology and that the carcasses are sometimes returned after being taken elsewhere.

Mystery Helicopters

Scott H. Colborn's article explores the phenomenon of "mystery helicopters" often associated with UFO sightings, abductions, and animal mutilations. These craft are typically described as dark, sometimes with running lights, and often operate with little or no exhaust or rotor noise. The article draws heavily on the work of Tom Adams and the Fortean Research Center's files, noting that reports of these helicopters surged in the 1970s, particularly in areas experiencing livestock rustling and later, mutilations. Colborn posits that understanding the role of these helicopters is key to understanding the mutilation phenomenon. He lists five hypotheses for their origin and purpose: 1) they are UFOs disguised as terrestrial craft, 2) they are operated by private, civilian, or corporate entities like secret societies or industrialist groups, 3) they are part of a US government experiment, possibly chemical-biological warfare, 4) they are from the US government and are investigating the mutilations like civilians, and 5) they are of military origin, with the government possessing significant knowledge about the mutilators and possibly using the helicopters to mislead investigators. Colborn's present inclination favors a combination of hypotheses 4 and 5.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are animal mutilations, the presence of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs and mystery helicopters), and the potential involvement of government agencies or extraterrestrial intelligence. The Fortean Research Center appears to adopt an open-minded, investigative stance, presenting various hypotheses and encouraging reader participation and research, while acknowledging the need for rigorous evidence and the possibility of misinterpretation or hoaxes. The journal aims to explore unexplained phenomena without necessarily endorsing any single explanation.

Title: Fortean Research Journal
Issue Date: Vol. 4, #31 (1989)
Publisher: Fortean Research Center
Country of Publication: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Fortean Research Journal focuses on the persistent and mysterious phenomenon of animal mutilations, particularly of cattle, and its potential links to UFO activity and unexplained aerial phenomena (UAPs), often referred to as mystery helicopters.

Animal Mutilations in Nebraska

The journal begins with a report from Jim Lehman of rural Norfolk, Nebraska, detailing the mutilation of his seven-month-old calf. Lehman discovered the calf on December 2, 1982, approximately a week after noticing it was missing. The calf, weighing about 500 lbs, was found near a fence with a clean, precise excision of its right front quarter and an 8-9 inch incision on its flank. Notably, both ears, which had been tagged for identification, were missing, with one tag found on the haunch and the other in nearby grass. Lehman observed no blood around the animal, and the cuts were clean. He initially considered a butchering attempt but seemed undecided. A deputy sheriff reportedly deemed an autopsy unnecessary and did not dust the ear tags for prints. Lehman also mentioned that this was the second such incident on his property, with the first occurring about seven years prior (1975).

Lehman also recounted an incident from about a year prior where a neighbor, living 3-4 miles northwest, was awakened by a loud, roaring sound and saw a dark, unmarked helicopter with no lights hovering over his feed yard. The sheriff was called, but nothing came of it.

To verify Lehman's account, the author contacted a person from Norfolk who provided an anecdote about a young woman driving from Norfolk to Madison, Nebraska, around 1977 or 1978. She reported hearing a roaring noise overhead that seemed to follow her. When she stopped, the noise faded, but returned as she resumed driving. The noise eventually stopped when she reached her parents' home. Upon the sheriff's arrival, a hand-held spotlight revealed a black or dark-colored, unlit, unmarked helicopter hovering overhead before flying away.

UFO Sighting near Nebraska City

A separate incident on December 11, 1982, near Nebraska City, Nebraska, involved an initial UFO sighting with three civilian witnesses and two instances of animal effects. About 40 minutes later, a second sighting occurred, involving five law enforcement officers. This second sighting presented the UFO in three forms: a silent flashing white light, a flashing white light accompanied by helicopter sounds, and finally, a biplane configuration with engine sound. Later that night, around 12:15 a.m., a brilliant, silent flash of white light appeared, casting distinct shadows and consisting of two diagonal arms of light. Further details on this report are referenced in the May 1983 MUFON UFO JOURNAL.

Black Helicopters and UFO Witnesses

The article references Vicki Cooper's article in UFO magazine, "Black Helicopters Dog UFO Witnesses," which reports that UFO abductee Betty Luca and her husband Bob have been harassed by persistent black helicopters. Dan Wright's article, "Under the Watchful Choppers," in the same magazine, discusses the harassment of UFO researcher George Coyne and his wife Shirley by helicopters. Kathie Davis, a central figure in Budd Hopkins' book "Intruders," was also mentioned as being harassed by dark copters.

John Schuessler's report, "Cash-Landrum UFO Encounter," is also mentioned, detailing an incident where Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Colby saw a diamond-shaped UFO surrounded by helicopters on a Texas road on December 29, 1980, and all three suffered apparent severe physical effects.

An Alien Harvest Excerpt

The journal includes an excerpt from Linda Moulton Howe's 1989 book, "An Alien Harvest," focusing on incidents in the 1980s. One case details five pregnant cows found dead on L.C. Wyatt's property in Hempstead County, Arkansas, on March 10, 1989. The cows were laid out in a straight line. One cow had its legs drawn up as if running, and a large, neat, round excision was found on its flank. Another cow had its calf, still in the embryo sac, lying outside its body, with an 18-inch by 22-inch hole cut into its belly. Three of the heifers had rectum tissue excised in clean, bloodless "cookie cutter" ovals. One had an eye removed, and another had a large section of its belly removed. The cuts were precise, and there was no obvious sign of what had killed the cows, nor any blood or dampness on the ground. Veterinarian Dr. James Powell and Sheriff Don Worthy investigated, with Dr. Powell taking stomach and organ samples. Dr. John Altshuler, a pathologist, analyzed tissue samples from the excisions.

Howe also mentions a "golden glow" light observed by Jim Williamson on the evening of March 9, 1989, above a rural electric association substation, about fifty aerial miles from where the heifers were found the next morning.

Animal Mutilations in France

Michel Granger, author of "Le Grand Carnage," addresses the question of whether suspected mutilations occur in France. He states that while there are instances of "vilaines exactions" (vicious acts) perpetrated on cattle in France, they seem to stem from more prosaic considerations, such as the price of meat, rather than the incomprehensible "classical mutes" seen in the USA. He provides an example from August 13, 1988, where Mr. Perrodin, a farmer in La Grande-Verrière, noticed his herd strangely gathered. In the center of the meadow, he found remains of a calf, including the head, tail, belly, heart, lungs, and guts. Granger contrasts this with American cases where specific parts are missing, while in France, the remaining parts are what's missing in the US. He notes that French mutilators seem to consume what American ones leave behind. The gendarmes initially suspected cattle thieves who operated off-site, but the evidence suggested on-site butchering. Granger also mentions two other cases: a calf disappearing from a pasture in Perrecy-les-Forges in June 1987, and 12 bovines disappearing from a herd in Toulon-sur-Arroux in December 1988.

Granger points out the peculiar opposition between American and French extractions. French bovine blood is generally spilled on the ground, while US carcasses are described as "exsangues" (bloodless). He also notes a "selection" of mutilated organs, with different organs being favored in each country. While American mutilations are characterized by surgical precision in excising the rectum, French cases involve amateurish jobs for cutting roast beef meat. He concludes that classic American mutilations have nothing to do with the clandestine butchers in France and that the answer to the problem lies elsewhere.

Degrees of Evidence

Stephen Johnson's article questions what it will take to convince people that something strange is occurring, citing numerous animal mutilation cases across the country, particularly in Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. He describes "classic" cases with missing eyes, removed tongues, surgically removed rectums and sexual organs, patches of hide removed, exposed abdomens, and missing backbones and ears. He notes the paradox of profuse bleeding in some cases and no blood at all in others. Johnson highlights the lack of any arrests or explanations, despite the abundance of evidence.

He recounts the case of a 15-year-old Chyanina cow discovered on November 26, 1989, in Franklin County, Nebraska. The cow had its right eyeball removed, a 6-inch slit in its throat, and 18 inches of trachea and esophagus missing. A patch of hide was taken from its underbelly, and a smooth circular hole was evident where the rectum used to be. The udder was gone, and predatory action was evident on the rear legs. Sheriff George Schmidt and DMV Carl Guthrie investigated. Dr. Guthrie stated it was impossible to pinpoint the exact cause of death and noted the missing windpipe and the smooth circular lesion where the eye was removed. Sheriff Schmidt, however, suggested the eye was picked at by birds and the neck chewed by a coyote, attributing the cow's death to natural causes. Johnson disputes this, noting that organs were indeed missing, contrary to the Sheriff's statement.

Johnson concludes by emphasizing the need to ask what degree of evidence is required to prove that something strange is happening, quoting Ron Bartels: "Things do happen!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are animal mutilations, unexplained aerial phenomena (UAPs) often described as mystery or black helicopters, and the possibility of cover-ups or involvement by governmental or unknown agencies. The journal presents anecdotal evidence and reports from various locations, including Nebraska, Arkansas, and France, highlighting similarities and differences in the phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to submit their own reports and to maintain an open mind regarding potential explanations, which range from the mundane to the extraordinary, including alien involvement. The journal emphasizes that these incidents are not circumstantial but real, impacting livestock and farmers. The articles collectively suggest a pattern of unexplained events that warrant further investigation and a critical examination of official explanations.

Title: Fortean Research Journal
Issue Date: May 9, 1989
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Fortean Research Journal delves into the mysterious phenomena of animal mutilations and UFO sightings, presenting a collection of articles, investigations, and book reviews.

Animal Mutilations: Theories and Evidence

The journal opens with a discussion on animal mutilations, posing the questions of what they are, who the perpetrators are, and why they occur. The author, John Prytz (as relayed by the article's writer), suggests several possibilities: natural predation, human vandalism driven by perverse tastes or cult practices, or extraterrestrial activity. Prytz notes that while US officials attribute such acts to predators, France might not have the same species capable of such actions. He also points out that human perpetrators are often described as having morbid tastes, or being part of cults, though most are vegetarians and don't typically target animals for food. The possibility of aliens is raised, questioning why they would target American herds and not French ones, and suggesting that France's population density would make covert operations difficult.

Carol Werkmeister, an author who has studied these phenomena for 15 years, elaborates on the characteristics of mutilations. She contrasts the wounds left by natural predators, which involve tearing flesh, with the clean, precise cuts seen in mutilations, where organs like eyes, ears, tongues, lips, udders, and testicles are removed with surgical precision. She notes the absence of struggle signs, minimal blood, and sometimes broken bones or dislocated joints. The removal of testicles and penises is described as particularly difficult, often leaving the sheath intact, which is nearly impossible to achieve through conventional means. The article also touches upon the decomposition rates of the carcasses and the unusual behavior of other herd animals returning to the site of a mutilated animal.

Further case studies are presented with photographic evidence. These include a pregnant Hereford cow in Nebraska with skin removed from the udder and thigh, and lip and tongue gone; a 44-month-old heifer in Nebraska with its head skinned, tongue removed, and fractured skull; and a 4-year-old cow in Kansas with its udder and vagina removed by a sharp knife, and a bruise on its head, with no blood at the scene. The common thread across these cases is the precise removal of specific body parts, often without significant blood loss or signs of struggle.

The RAF Bentwaters UFO Incident

Scott H. Colborn reports on the RAF Bentwaters UFO incident of December 1980. Two USAF security police patrolmen observed unusual lights and a metallic, triangular object in the forest. The object was described as having a pulsing red light on top and blue lights underneath. It maneuvered through the trees and disappeared. The following day, three depressions were found at the site, and subsequent radiation readings indicated unusual levels. The next night, a red sun-like light was seen, which pulsed and broke into multiple white objects, followed by three star-like objects in the sky exhibiting sharp angular movements.

This incident is documented in a memorandum prepared by then Deputy Base Commander Charles I. Halt. The article details efforts by researchers Ray Boeche and Scott H. Colborn to investigate the case, including contacting Senator James Exon of Nebraska. They presented Halt's document and other related books to the Senator, who initially showed mild interest but later became more involved after learning that soil samples had been taken. Despite the Senator's inquiries, the Air Force maintained that the Halt document was the only official record and refused further discussion. Senator Exon eventually concluded that there was no official cover-up, though the investigation into the events at RAF Bentwaters continues.

Book Reviews

An Alien Harvest by Linda Moulton Howe

Reviewed by Brian Grant Williams and Webster S. Robbins, "An Alien Harvest" is described as an outstanding and comprehensive work on animal mutilations and their connection to alien life forms. The book is praised for its detailed information, interviews with various professionals, and color photographs. Howe's research suggests that alien intelligences are influencing Earth, the US government is engaged in a cover-up, and extraterrestrials have been experimenting with humans for 25,000 years. The book is recommended for its thorough presentation of facts and its contribution to the study of Forteana and ufology.

Crystal Power: The Ultimate Placebo Effect by Lawrence E. Jerome

Reviewed by Debbie Koon Stephens, this book is critiqued for its dismissal of crystal power as merely a "placebo effect." The reviewer argues that Jerome's scientific approach is biased and that he fails to consider the work of other scientists in the field. The review suggests that Jerome's personal bias against paranormal events borders on "psychotic fear." Despite the criticism, the book is acknowledged for its scientific approach and its humorous admissions of seeking fame and financial reward. The reviewer advises readers to explore meditation, intuition, and working with crystal energy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, particularly animal mutilations and UFO sightings. There is a consistent focus on presenting evidence, exploring various theories, and questioning official explanations. The journal appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, encouraging vigilance and public awareness regarding these mysteries. The editorial stance supports the idea that the public has a right to know the truth, even if it is disturbing. The articles highlight the need for further investigation and suggest that these phenomena are widespread and have a long history, potentially involving extraterrestrial intelligence and government secrecy.

Title: Fortean Research Journal
Issue Date: Spring 1989 (Volume IV, No. 1)
Publisher: FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER
Country: USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Fortean Research Journal features a blend of investigative reporting on unexplained phenomena and astronomical observations. The cover art juxtaposes a historical sailing ship with a modern satellite, symbolizing the theme "From the Past Into the Future" and "The exploration of the unknown continues."

Investigations and Reports

Animal Mutilations The journal continues its investigation into classic animal mutilations, presenting a page from a previous issue (cont. from page 6) that discusses the nature of these events. The authors state that while they "examine and consider everything and believe nothing," they are convinced that animal mutilations are not only anomalous and unnatural but are the product of a "sophisticated, incredibly-efficient, confident (and perhaps arrogant) organization."

Groom Lake and Covert Operations A significant portion of the content focuses on alleged activities at Groom Lake, Nevada, referred to as "Dreamland." A new "eyewitness" has reportedly surfaced with "incredible" information about the site. The article highlights the extreme secrecy surrounding the location, which was used for testing U-2, SR-71, and Stealth bombers. In 1984, the USAF "secured" over 89,000 acres of surrounding land, an action that led to an inquiry. The justification provided was that the USAF was acting on orders "above the law," and when questioned about the authority, the response was simply, "We can't tell you."

The author expresses amazement at the "absolute top-secretiveness" and questions how far the military and government can extend their power, noting that "National security" is often used as a catch-all statement. The piece speculates that while secrets of Dreamland may eventually be revealed, significant changes at the installation could occur in the interim.

Abductee Reports and UFO Community An excerpt from the cover mentions listening to reports from abductees and interviews with figures like Walt Andrus, Stanton Friedman, Phillip Klass, and local law-enforcement officials. The author notes that much of the information repeated common themes: the existence of UFOs, the nature of ETs (good or evil), and references to Bluebook, the Condon Report, and the MJ-12 documents.

Sky Watch by Erik Hubl

This section, authored by Erik Hubl, an Astronomical Advisor for the Fortean Research Center, focuses on astronomical events and observations.

Astronomical Events and Observations Erik Hubl describes the beauty of the night sky and aims to provide information on astronomical events, particularly those that might be mistaken for UFO sightings. He highlights Jupiter as a prominent object in the winter sky, noting its large size and opposition on December 27th. Jupiter is currently near its highest point on the ecliptic, the path the sun traces across the sky. The article explains that Jupiter's position relates to the summer solstice (June 21st) and that it can be observed well even with binoculars.

Jupiter's Great Red Spot and Venus Recent observations of Jupiter have revealed that one of its dark-colored equatorial cloud bands has lost its color and become almost invisible. Concurrently, the "Great Red Spot," a giant low-pressure system similar to a hurricane that has existed for over 300 years, has become more prominent. Galileo first observed the red spot with his telescope in 1620. The spot is large enough to fit two Earths within it. The article encourages readers to visit an observatory or use a telescope to observe these changes, noting that the red spot is best visible for about 3 to 4 hours due to Jupiter's rapid 10-hour rotation.

Venus, previously a bright evening object, has rapidly transitioned to a "morning star" for the next 10 months. This rapid change is attributed to its inferior conjunction with Earth, a phenomenon only possible for inner planets (Mercury and Venus). The article poses a question to readers about a specific exception when Venus can be seen during this conjunction.

Astronomical Notes The section includes notes on astronomical magnitude, explaining it as a measure of brightness. The faintest star visible to the unaided eye is +6th magnitude, while the brightest stars are +1 or 0. Venus can reach -4.6 magnitude, a full moon -12th, and the Sun -27th magnitude.

Spring Equinox The Spring equinox is noted to occur at 3:19 pm CST on March 20th. The sun will cross the Earth's equator and move northward. At the equator at noon on March 20th, a person's shadow would be directly at their feet, signifying equal day and equal night.

Back Issues and Contact Information

The journal provides a comprehensive list of available back issues, detailing the volume, issue number, date, and titles of articles within each. These back issues can be purchased for $3.50 each, plus $0.65 for postage and handling.

Contact information is provided for the FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER, including a P.O. Box in Lincoln, NE, for ordering publications. Additionally, the journal lists several "Friends" organizations involved in the study of the unexplained, providing their addresses and contact details. Two businesses, The Pegasus Book Store in Omaha, NE, and The Way Home Records and Books in Lincoln, NE, are listed as carrying the publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Fortean Research Journal consistently explores themes of the unexplained, including UFOs, alleged government cover-ups, and anomalous phenomena like animal mutilations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, encouraging readers to examine evidence objectively while acknowledging the existence of phenomena that defy conventional explanation. The journal also promotes astronomical observation as a way to understand the universe and distinguish between celestial events and potential UFO sightings. The emphasis on secrecy surrounding government projects like those at Groom Lake suggests a critical view of official transparency and a focus on uncovering hidden truths.