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Journal of the Fortean Research Center - Vol 4 No 4

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Overview

This issue of "Exploring Unexplained Phenomena," the Journal of the Fortean Research Center, is Volume IV, Number 4, and is dedicated to the topic of Bigfoot. The cover features a large illustration of a Bigfoot footprint and the headline "On the Trail of Bigfoot." The price is…

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Exploring Unexplained Phenomena," the Journal of the Fortean Research Center, is Volume IV, Number 4, and is dedicated to the topic of Bigfoot. The cover features a large illustration of a Bigfoot footprint and the headline "On the Trail of Bigfoot." The price is $3.50.

Table of Contents

The issue includes a variety of articles and reports, such as "From the Director," "What is 'Proof' Regarding Bigfoot?," "The Bigfoot Man of Skamania County," "The Disappearance of Sasquatch," "Camping Out in Bigfoot's Backyard," and "Book Reviews." It also features reports on "The Nebraska Black Panther" and "Unknown Creature Reports in Nebraska, Part 1." Several calls for papers and announcements for Fortean readers are also present.

From the Director

Scott H. Colborn, the Director, welcomes readers back and expresses his hope that they will find the "Bigfoot" issue interesting. He highlights contributions from various authors and mentions that the journal has undergone layout and design changes. Colborn explains that he took over as interim editor and purchased an IBM compatible computer, which caused a delay in this issue's publication. He emphasizes the center's commitment to producing a high-quality journal with volunteer efforts and promises more graphics and visuals in future issues. A new "Letters" column will be introduced, and a "Thinking Out Loud" column is planned for reader contributions. He also provides contact information for submitting letters and comments.

Announcements and Events

The journal announces planning for an "Unexplained Phenomena" conference in Lincoln, NE, for the following spring, building on previous successful conferences. Details will be provided later. A regular coffee and tea discussion group meets in Lincoln on the first Sunday of the month. The next potluck dinner for The Fortean Research Center is scheduled for Saturday, October 20th, in Lincoln. George Knapp of KLAS-TV is congratulated for receiving the Donald Keyhoe award for his UFO news series. Jim Dallmeier is offering UFO art prints featuring the Kenneth Arnold sighting. Timothy Good, a UFO authority from Britain, is offering his book "The UFO Report 1990" for sale. Dr. James Deardorff has released two books based on ancient Aramaic documents. Rick Edwards of E.T. Clearinghouse is launching a weekly TV program called "UFO Spotlight." Sharon Sandusky of WPA, Inc., is starting a quarterly UFO news magazine in video format. Jerry Smith plans to open a UFO museum in Reno, Nevada, in April 1991. A local legend of a "phantom pony express rider" in western Nebraska is mentioned. Lucius Farish is recognized for hosting the annual Ozark UFO conference. The journal also mentions upcoming conferences, including the "Creating Unity In Our World" conference, the "International Forum on New Science," the "American College of Orgonomy" meeting, the "Show-Me UFO Conference II," the "UFO Experience," and "Fortfest 1990." An "Exploring Unexplained Phenomena" event is planned for spring 1991 in Lincoln.

What is "Proof" Regarding Bigfoot?

This article, authored by Scott H. Colborn, delves into the question of what constitutes proof for Bigfoot's existence. It references "Living Wonders" by John Mitchell & Robert Rickard, stating that no undisputed physical proof of Bigfoot or Yeti has been found. The article explores the weight of evidence, including plaster casts of footprints, hair, and fecal matter. The central focus is the Roger Patterson film, taken on October 20, 1967, near Bluff Creek, California, which purportedly captured a female Bigfoot. Patterson and Bob Gimlin described the creature as approximately seven feet tall, covered in short, shiny black hair, with a human-like gait but a non-human skull shape. John Napier's analysis of the film suggests a structural hybrid, but he remains convinced of Sasquatch's existence, noting that man-like footprints are difficult to fake. Peter Byrne gives the film a high probability of being genuine. Grover Krantz, an associate professor, also believes the film is not a human in a suit due to the physical proportions. George Eberhart's bibliography "Monsters" is cited, with researcher John Green's compiled attributes of Bigfoot, describing them as large, solitary, hairy, omnivorous, nocturnal creatures that make use of water. Other reported characteristics include self-luminous eyes, foul odors, and various vocalizations. The article questions whether Bigfoot is purely physical or has the ability to materialize/dematerialize, or is connected to UFO phenomena. Barbara Wasson concludes that there is sufficient preliminary evidence to indicate a hominoid of Sasquatch's description exists in North America. Colborn shares Wasson's conclusion, finding witness testimony particularly compelling.

References and Conferences

The issue concludes with a list of references for the articles, including works by Byrne, Clark & Coleman, Cohen, Eberhart, Michell & Rickard, Napier, Wasson, and Wyatt. It also lists several upcoming conferences related to unexplained phenomena and Fortean research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores unexplained phenomena from a Fortean perspective, emphasizing the investigation of anomalies and mysteries that fall outside conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and evidence-based, encouraging research and discussion of various phenomena, including cryptozoology (Bigfoot), UFOs, and paranormal events. The center aims to provide accurate information and foster a community of researchers and enthusiasts. The issue highlights the importance of critical evaluation of evidence while acknowledging that some phenomena may not fit easily into established scientific paradigms.

This issue of the JOURNAL OF THE FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER delves into the phenomenon of Bigfoot, featuring a collection of reports, eyewitness accounts, and investigative pieces. The primary focus is on evidence and sightings, with contributions from various individuals and researchers.

Bigfoot in Walton County, Florida

The lead article, "BIGFOOT" by Charles Jones, details evidence, tracks, and sightings of a creature in Walton County, Florida, during July and October 1987. These encounters were reported by a 13-year-old boy. The report includes discussions with the boy and his parents in December 1987 and January 1988, who confirmed the details of two encounters.

During the first encounter, the boy saw the animal about 30 yards into the woods and heard it moving away. The second encounter provided a more detailed description. The creature, standing about ten feet away, resembled a large, dark old tree. It walked on two feet, and its eyes moved slightly as it observed the boy. The creature was described as being about nine feet tall, with long reddish-brown hair covering most of its body, except for a white hairy streak on its throat, a patch of brown hair on its chin, and the palms of its hands and bottoms of its feet. Its nose was human-like, long and narrow, with dark brown, slightly bulging eyes set under a prominent brow ridge. The skin was black. The hair was so long that no mouth was visible, and fingers were not discernible from the back of the hands. The animal had a pointed skull and human-shaped ears. The boy noted a strong scent like a skunk and observed the muscles in its legs flexing as it walked. He estimated the animal's weight to be at least 800 pounds.

Further evidence includes photographs of footprints taken near the boy's home, indicating two separate animals. One footprint was about 17 1/2 inches long, and another was about 16 inches long. These were described as distinctly humanoid with distinguishable toes, heel, ball, and instep. The author also saw eight similar tracks in the same woods on October 10, 1987, measuring about 15-16 inches long and 8 inches wide across the ball, with impressions 1 to 1-1/2 inches deep. The stride was measured to be approximately 84 inches. One footprint showed the animal pivoting on the ball of its right foot to change direction.

The mother of the boy also reported an incident where something was seen rising from a nearby lake, frightening her daughter during a canoeing trip in the July-October 1987 timeframe. Additionally, she recalled seeing trees in their woods that appeared to have been twisted off, a behavior sometimes attributed to Bigfoot.

Bigfoot in Skamania County, Washington

Chris Bader, an undergraduate researcher, conducted ethnographic fieldwork in Skamania County, Washington, an area known for Bigfoot activity. The county had a "Bigfoot" issue of its local paper, The Pioneer, in the 1960s and passed ordinance #69-01, which protects Bigfoot from hunters. The ordinance acknowledges the possible existence of a nocturnal primate mammal, variously described as ape-like or a sub-species of Homo sapien, and makes its wilful slaying a felony punishable by a fine and jail time.

Bob Lieck, Skamania County's Prosecutor, stated the ordinance was passed as "comic relief." Ed McClarney, County Commissioner, mentioned seeing Bigfoot tracks but couldn't be sure without seeing the creature himself. The County Sheriff described being sent on "wild goose chases," including a 35-man search for a reported Bigfoot body that turned out to be nothing.

Bader interviewed a local man named David, an eighty-year-old who is known for his strong belief in Bigfoot. David claims Bigfoot has black fur, a severely pointed head, and never smells, attributing any reported Bigfoot smell to "passing gas." He dismisses all purported Bigfoot photographs as hoaxes. David's unconventional views, which separate him from mainstream Bigfoot circles, suggest he has a need to "own" the phenomenon. He believes Bigfoot is a noble savage, living in harmony with nature, and projects his fears about civilization's self-destruction onto the creature. David's beliefs have profoundly shaped his life and behavior.

Other Accounts and Observations

Richard D. Seifried contributes "SHADOW OF ANOTHER WORLD," which, while not directly about UFOs, touches upon fringe mysteries. He notes that Bigfoot is one such mystery. Seifried recounts his own experiences, including a powerful, chesty roar heard in Idaho in the late 1970s, and a frightening encounter experienced by two US Forest Service employees near Salmon, Idaho, involving a roaring sound and a large animal. He also mentions a horrible scent encountered by two supervisors scattering grass seed on a snow-covered slope, located three miles from where the roaring sounds were heard.

Seifried also recounts a story from a gentleman who had been a US Forest Service Civil Engineer in Wyoming. During a night campfire, strange, high-pitched cries alerted the crew to a large, unknown animal. One crew member, armed with a disassembled rifle, went hunting the next morning and was never seen again. His body was found at the base of a cliff, and his rifle's barrel was bent into a "U" shape. The area was closed off, and the Forest Service reportedly did nothing further.

In 1985, Seifried and his family were hiking in Glacier National Park when he found a single, human-like footprint in the moist earth. The print had five toes, a delicate arch, and a well-proportioned heel, appearing to be from a female due to its slender gracefulness. The stride was unusually long, with the next footfall likely beyond the trail.

Related Reports and Editor's Notes

A report from TMB describes a December 5 sighting of an 8.5-9 foot shaggy brown creature near the Florida activity focus. Another witness reported an incident involving damaged parrot cages and scattered feathers, with some reddish-brown hair found, though no tracks were found and no direct connection to Bigfoot was made.

An editor's note thanks Donald M. Ware for his report and provides his address for comments or questions. Ware, a MUFON Regional Director, sent the Center a copy of a letter to Jeffrey A. Gore, a Nongame Wildlife Biologist, referencing a December 5, 1987, sighting by "TMB," age 17.

An editor's note at the end of Chris Bader's article provides his contact information for readers interested in talking to "David." It also mentions Bader's ongoing interest in Fortean phenomena and his weekly column about strange events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around Bigfoot sightings, physical evidence such as tracks and hair, and the psychological impact of these encounters on witnesses and believers. The journal presents a range of perspectives, from detailed eyewitness accounts to investigative reports and analyses of local legends and ordinances. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into anomalous phenomena, encouraging critical evaluation of evidence and personal experiences, while also acknowledging the subjective nature of belief and the potential for psychological projection in interpreting these events. The publication aims to document and explore these mysteries without necessarily offering definitive conclusions, inviting reader engagement.

This issue of the Journal of the Fortean Research Center delves into the persistent mystery of Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, presenting a collection of reported sightings, physical evidence, and investigative accounts. The publication aims to explore the phenomena with an open mind, examining various incidents and the challenges of verifying such claims.

Eyewitness Accounts and Physical Evidence

The journal features several detailed accounts from individuals who claim to have encountered Bigfoot. One significant narrative comes from a witness whose attitude towards Bigfoot shifted after encountering hard evidence. This evidence included a footprint that marked a turning point in their scientific approach, prompting questions about the creature's ability to remain unseen and its diet.

In May 1987, a visit to Chouteau, Montana, led to discussions about Bigfoot sightings in Crater Lake National Park. Four such sightings were reportedly documented by experienced National Park Employees. One account from June 8th or 9th, 1976, by Chief Naturalist George Morrison, described a Bigfoot walking upright across a road in the park, covering the distance in four giant steps.

In the summer of 1978, two Rangers at the Pacific Crest Trail junction near Crater Lake heard something large crashing through the forest, received a pine cone thrown in their direction, and detected a powerful odor. Roger Wade reported seeing a six-foot-tall, light brown or cinnamon-furred Sasquatch on the West Entrance Road of Crater Lake National Park at 9 am. Large footprints were later found, with the middle toe appearing longer, a characteristic often associated with Sasquatch.

The author recounts a personal experience on a calm August night in 1987, where they recognized and accepted what they saw crossing the road, influenced by the accumulation of unexplainable odors, sounds, huge footprints, and fur patches.

The Crater Lake and Green Mountain Falls Incidents

The narrative then shifts to a personal encounter by the author, who initially dismissed Bigfoot reports. A subsequent conversation with a young lady Ranger at Crater Lake supported the author's experience, as she reported hearing a large animal smashing branches and logs off the road at the same location and time as the author's sighting.

The issue highlights the case of Dan Masias from Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. On March 28, 1987, Masias reported seeing two creatures, one about 6 1/2 feet tall and the other shorter, running on two feet with long arms swinging. He and his son found two sets of footprints with distinctive clawlike extensions from the heel, which appeared to have been made by something warm.

Photographs of these footprints were analyzed by researchers at LSU's Museum of Natural History, who stated they could not match them to any known North American animal species. The prints were also noted to be difficult to fake due to the melted snow around them, suggesting a warm foot.

Investigation and Analysis

Bob Brienzo, a Bigfoot specialist from Houston, Texas, investigated Masias' sighting but reached no conclusions. The article also mentions Eric Gregory, a photographer who accompanied the author on an investigation in Colorado. They set up a 'Bigfoot trap' with rotting food and found no evidence of a creature.

Further investigation involved Dr. W. H. Fahrenbach of the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, who analyzed hair samples provided by Masias. Fahrenbach compared the hair to human, primate, and animal samples and found it most closely matched 'presumptive bigfoot hair' received from similar incidents in the Pacific Northwest. He noted the medulla of the hair was thinner than a typical bear's and different from human hair. However, Fahrenbach stated that without a standard of comparison, definitive identification was not possible, emphasizing the need for more substantial evidence like clear video or a body.

Skepticism and Theories

Despite the evidence presented, skepticism remains. Ryne Dabler, whose cabin was reportedly broken into, insisted it was a bear. He attributed Masias' claims to an overactive imagination. Brienzo also expressed skepticism about some sightings, suggesting they could be misidentified black bears. However, he also acknowledged the intriguing nature of some incidents, particularly those occurring close to Masias' home.

The article touches upon the decline in Bigfoot sightings over the last decade, attributing it to environmental issues and urbanization. It also mentions the Oregon legislature's law making shooting a Sasquatch illegal.

The Disappearance of Sasquatch

Another section, "The Disappearance of Sasquatch" by Alan Boye, explores the potential reasons for the decline in sightings. It discusses environmental factors like deforestation and urbanization impacting wildlife habitats. The article also touches upon the psychological aspects, with some suggesting that Bigfoot might be an illusion of the mind or a spiritual being.

Conclusion and Editorial Stance

The journal concludes that while many incidents can be explained, the accumulation of evidence and consistent witness testimonies make the existence of Bigfoot a more probable conclusion than a widespread, complex hoax. The article emphasizes the difficulty in proving the existence of such a creature and the ongoing quest for definitive evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of Bigfoot, the nature of evidence in Fortean phenomena, and the balance between open-minded investigation and scientific skepticism. The journal appears to adopt a stance of cautious exploration, presenting witness accounts and physical evidence while acknowledging the challenges of verification and the prevalence of hoaxes. The editorial stance encourages readers to consider the possibility of unknown creatures while maintaining a critical perspective on the evidence presented.

This issue of the JOURNAL OF THE FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER, dated as issue 31, focuses on book reviews and reports of unusual phenomena, including skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, UFO sightings, and cryptid reports.

Book Reviews

Science: Good, Bad and Bogus by Martin Gardner

Reviewed by John Wynhausen and Jerry Douglass, this book is characterized as a collection of essays and book reviews spanning nearly forty years of Martin Gardner's 'quack-busting' efforts. Wynhausen notes that the book is more about ideas the writer despises than about science itself, and that Gardner uses sarcasm and innuendo, which can be unconvincing. He suggests Gardner writes primarily for 'professional science types.' Wynhausen also points out that Gardner's attacks on figures like Uri Geller are often unconvincing and that the book contributes little to the study of the unknown, being primarily a collection of 'put-downs.' He believes Gardner's mathematical writings will be remembered longer than these essays.

Jerry Douglass's review highlights Gardner's background, noting his association with SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN and his English degree. Douglass describes the book as a 'hodgepodge' of essays, opinions, and reviews, with uneven quality. He criticizes Gardner for knocking down 'straw men' like psychic surgery and Dianetics, and for overreaching when railing against researchers in areas he disagrees with. Douglass notes Gardner's admiration for Isaac Asimov and Carl Sagan, and suggests Gardner stopped reading textbooks around 1965. Despite its flaws, Douglass acknowledges that Gardner's work can generate heated replies and bring unconventional ideas to mainstream attention. He also notes that Gardner's writing can be 'very good indeed, funny and inspiring' at times, but also 'poorly informed, pigheaded and sometimes just plain wrong.' Douglass suggests that if one's opinions on ESP, UFOs, and faith healing can withstand Gardner's attack, it's an opportunity to practice defense.

UFO Abductions: A Dangerous Game by Philip J. Klass

Reviewed by Jerry Douglass, this book is described as Philip Klass's best work, written in a more even and reasoned style than his previous works. Klass, an arch-skeptic, argues that no credible evidence exists for alien abduction claims. He traces the abduction scenario back to early cases like the Hill and Walton cases and critiques the use of hypnotic regression in abduction research. Douglass notes that Klass perceives the 'myth of the UFO' as a dangerous cult that threatens mental and physical health. The review recommends the book as a worthwhile counterpoint to more commercial works on the topic, though Douglass fears those who would benefit most are least likely to read it.

Key Incidents and Reports

The Gulf Breeze Sightings: The Most Astounding Multiple Sightings Of UFOs In U.S. History by Ed and Frances Walters

Reviewed by Gary Nelson, this book details the controversial Gulf Breeze, Florida UFO sightings from late 1987 and early 1988. The case divided the UFO community, with some calling it a hoax and others a significant event. The book features 39 photographs and a videotape taken by witness 'Mr. Ed' (later identified as Ed Walters), along with accounts of a buzzing sensation, telepathic messages, a blue beam, and an encounter with a four-foot-tall creature. Nelson finds the Walters' first-person account to be straightforward and devoid of sensationalism. He ponders how such a hoax could be perpetrated and sustained, concluding that if it were a hoax, Ed Walters would be a remarkable man. The book also includes an introduction by Budd Hopkins, an analysis by Dr. Bruce Maccabee, and statements from Walt Andrus and Donald Ware.

The Nebraska Black Panther by John A. Eis

This extensive report details numerous eyewitness accounts of large black cats, identified as black panthers, sighted in Nebraska. John A. Eis recounts his own sighting in October 1987, describing a large cat approximately 7-8 feet long with a 4-foot tail. He notes the lack of official recognition for such sightings in Nebraska and details his efforts to contact state and federal agencies. The report includes accounts from his brother Don Eis, as well as other individuals like Dane W., Jerry B., Mrs. Delores F., Bonnie C., Michelle K., Harvey F., Luke K., Willie O., Rosallee N., and Cheryl H., who have reported similar sightings over several years. Eis suggests that more than one animal may be involved and calls for official investigation, data collection, and protection for these animals, proposing strategies such as verification, documentation, and potential placement on the endangered species list. He also lists individuals and organizations that have cooperated with his research and recommends books by Loren Coleman and Alan Rabinowitz.

Unknown Creature Reports Nebraska, Part 1 by Scott H. Colborn

This section introduces a series on unknown, strange animal or creature sightings in Nebraska. Colborn mentions John Eis's article on black panthers and presents two reports from his files: the first details experiences with black panthers by an individual with a witness, and the second is based on an official Incident & Case Investigation Report from the Lincoln Police Department. The first report mentioned involves two women driving near Macy, Iowa, in 1975, who reported seeing what they described as black panthers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently features a critical examination of claims made within the UFO and paranormal communities, balanced with an interest in documenting unexplained phenomena. The reviews of Martin Gardner and Philip Klass highlight a skeptical perspective, questioning the validity of pseudoscientific claims and abduction narratives. However, the detailed reporting of the Gulf Breeze sightings and the extensive accounts of Nebraska black panther sightings demonstrate an openness to presenting eyewitness testimony and investigating unusual occurrences, even if official skepticism exists. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to understand and document phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific understanding, while also challenging unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear interest in cryptozoology and Ufology, presented through a lens of careful consideration and detailed reporting of evidence and testimony.

This issue of the Journal of the Fortean Research Center, Volume 4, Issue 4, published in Spring 1991, focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly creature sightings and UFO reports from Nebraska. The journal is produced by The Fortean Research Center, a non-profit corporation dedicated to the study of unexplained phenomena.

Articles and Reports

Unknown Creature Reports In Nebraska

The issue features several accounts of unusual animal sightings in Nebraska. One report details two women's encounter with a "large, black jungle cat" that crossed the road in front of their car. The animal's tail was described as "low to the ground" and "swishing." Tracks were found in the dusty road, confirming the physical presence of the creature. The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission dismissed the possibility of a black panther due to habitat limitations, suggesting it was likely a large black labrador dog. The women also reported hearing a rumor about a circus train derailment in the area, which might explain sightings of exotic animals.

Another account from the same woman describes seeing two large, black cats on the road during a foggy evening, moving in a manner described as "doing figure eights." A separate report from a woman's childhood memory recalls seeing a black panther on the opposite side of a river. Additionally, there are mentions of uprooted trees and an offensive odor near a river, which some people believed could be related to Bigfoot.

The final creature report comes from the Lincoln Police Department files, detailing an incident on July 3, 1980, where a young man on a motorcycle encountered a "large animal, about 7 feet tall and probably 300 pounds" with "long dark hair, looked like an ape and smelled like the creek." The police report form identified the occurrence as an "Animal (?) Complaint." Subsequent investigation found no irregular footprints.

In Search of Mysteries: A Personal UFO Encounter

Stephen Johnson, Assistant Director of the Fortean Research Center, shares his personal experience of witnessing a UFO. While driving with his girlfriend, he observed a "round formation of lights" above the interstate at night. Despite initial attempts to rationalize the sighting, he concluded it was a UFO. He notes the difficulty in getting others to believe such accounts.

Johnson also reflects on his journey into researching the UFO subject, which began with this incident. He expresses admiration for the Fortean Research Center's dedication to investigating mysterious subjects and highlights the work of Dale Bacon, the former assistant director and editor.

The Search for the Right People: Challenges in UFO Research

Brian O'Leary, a former astronaut, is quoted calling for scientists to study controversial material like UFOs. The article discusses the need for scientific rigor and the risks involved. It critiques the scientific establishment's approach, questioning why millions are spent on listening for alien life forms with radio telescopes, yet little is allocated to interviewing human eyewitnesses.

The author points to the Roswell, New Mexico, UFO crash in 1947 as an example of a cover-up, where a government agency allegedly suppressed information. The media's subsequent portrayal of UFOs as a joke is also criticized.

The article further examines the Condon report, commissioned by the U.S. Air Force, arguing that it was biased from the start due to Edward U. Condon's public skepticism about UFOs. The report's conclusions allegedly led to the closure of Project Blue Book, damaging the study of UFOs. The issue of hoaxes is also raised, contributing to a general skepticism where UFO reports are often labeled as "proven unknowns."

The author mentions two scientists, Dr. Jack Kasher and Professor Harry Jordan from Omaha, NE, who are investigating a complex UFO case.

Fortean Research Center Announcements and Notes

An editor's note introduces Stephen Johnson as the new Assistant Director, acknowledging the contributions of Dale Bacon. Johnson is also identified as the MUFON Assistant State Director for Nebraska.

The journal announces an upcoming conference titled "Exploring Unexplained Phenomena" to be held in Lincoln, NE, in Spring 1991. It invites submissions for papers on topics including UFOs, animal mutilations, religious miracles, Bigfoot, and paranormal phenomena, with a deadline of November 1, 1990.

Attention Fortean Readers

A section encourages readers to send in recommendations for books, journals, and printed materials for future publication in the journal. Readers are asked to limit suggestions to 10-15 items and provide complete bibliographic details.

Next Issue Preview

The "Next Issue" section previews upcoming articles, including topics on Kirlian Photography, paranormal phenomena, a possible UFO landing in Southern Iowa, the changing message of UFO activity, unidentified objects, alien technology, and more unknown creature reports from Nebraska.

Back Issues

A list of available back issues of the journal is provided, with prices and descriptions of the contents of each issue from Volume 1 to Volume 4.

Help Our Friends

This section lists various other organizations dealing with the unexplained, encouraging readers to support them financially and spiritually by becoming members. It includes addresses for numerous UFO and Fortean research groups in the US and Italy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and encounters with unknown creatures. The journal's stance is one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging research and the sharing of information, while also acknowledging the skepticism and challenges faced by researchers in the field. There is a clear emphasis on documenting eyewitness accounts and official reports, even when they are difficult to explain or are met with disbelief.