Ohio UFO Notebook - No 14 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: OHIO UFO NOTEBOOK
Issue: #14
Publisher: MidOhio Research Associates, Inc.
Date: April 1953 (as cited in one article, though the issue itself appears later based on content like 'May 24, 1997')

This issue of the Ohio UFO Notebook delves into the complex and often controversial subject of UFOs and alien visitation, presenting a critical perspective on the nature of research and belief within the field.

Behind the Illusion of Alien Visitation by Peter Kor

Peter Kor, a researcher with over 50 years of involvement in the UFO field, argues that the "so-called alien visitation is a grand illusion." He states that much of UFO research is not a genuine inquiry but rather a "hot-bed of sloppy investigations, wild speculations, and rumors." Kor criticizes researchers for being more interested in the "psychological, social, and ideological trappings" of the subject and for subscribing to a "critical-mass theory" where numerous non-definitive cases are mistakenly seen as proof. He believes that the most effective research is private, free from the biases that plague organized efforts.

Kor contends that the illusion of alien visitation was largely unintentional and unplanned, a "magic trick" created by a confluence of factors. He traces the origins of this illusion back to early sightings of "foo fighters" and "ghost rockets" and the subsequent speculation about alien visitors. The narrative was shaped by figures like Don Keyhoe, who proposed a government cover-up scenario, and Frank Scully, who claimed saucers had crashed. This period saw the formation of a network of researchers and the publication of newsletters, spreading the belief in alien visitation or invasion.

Hollywood also played a role in building this illusion through films like "The Thing" and "The Day the Earth Stood Still."

Contact is Made

The article details the pivotal moment when "contact" was allegedly made, not with officials, but with a small group in Desert Center, California, led by George Adamski. Adamski claimed telepathic communication and left strange footprints. This event energized the UFO research community, drawing more people into the subject and leading to the rise of "contactees" who shared their experiences.

However, Kor notes a split within the research community. Some questioned Adamski's credibility and the nature of his "evidence," pointing out that his photographs resembled light fixtures and his witnesses were supporters. The contactee stories became increasingly elaborate, raising questions about why visitors would only appear to select, uncredentialed individuals and why definitive proof was lacking.

The Search for Respectability

Kor explains that the injection of psychic phenomena into UFO reports blurred the lines between physical encounters and psychic experiences. A significant development was the "search for respectability" among researchers, leading to a division between "serious researchers" and "kooks." Serious researchers focused on lights and objects in the sky, avoiding "way-out" claims, while "kooks" embraced more explicit, extraordinary experiences. The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), led by Don Keyhoe, was instrumental in establishing this code.

This search for respectability, however, had negative consequences. It forced researchers into a posture similar to government officials they accused of cover-up and led them to distance themselves from the more unconventional aspects of the phenomenon. They adopted a façade of neutrality and objectivity, using terms like "UFO" to appear professional, but this obscured the true nature of their beliefs. Kor argues that by disavowing the more extreme claims, "serious researchers" missed out on the evolving aspects of the phenomenon that might hold the real answers.

Researchers Turn Radical

Gradually, "serious researchers" began to see the incongruity in their approach. The wall between mundane reports and "way-out" claims crumbled, leading them to embrace stories they had previously rejected. The abduction scenario, in particular, became a turning point. Even conservative researchers began to take abduction tales seriously, a shift that made George Adamski's stories seem tame.

Kor questions why abductions became more acceptable than contacts. He suggests it's not due to superior evidence but rather to "fashion." Abductees are seen as victims, which makes their stories more credible because they are not held accountable and are not expected to provide coherent accounts. This victim status, he argues, is politically charged and makes the claims more palatable.

Kor dismisses abduction stories as "baloney, pure and simple," equating them to modern psychic experiences, often produced through hypnosis. He criticizes the "victim/hypnosis mode of operation" as a way to smuggle claims into serious consideration without rigorous scrutiny. He also points out that the stories told by abductees are often shaped by the practitioner's conceptual orientation, whether Freudian, Jungian, or ufological.

Getting Free

To understand the illusion, Kor urges researchers to break free from their restrictive mind-set and embrace honesty, courage, and rigor. He advises stopping the use of ambiguous UFO terminology, which obscures reality. He distinguishes between genuine UFOs (unidentified objects) and "flying saucers" (claims of alien beings and machines). He argues that while UFO reports prove that unidentified objects exist, they do not prove the existence of alien beings. The conflation of UFOs and flying saucers, he states, is a tactic to substantiate unsubstantiated claims.

Kor includes a dialogue with a ufologist who admits that while convinced of alien visitation due to numerous close encounters and abductions, there is no single definitive case to prove it. Kor emphasizes that without a definitive case, there can be no definitive conclusion, and thus no basis for claiming an objective reality is involved.

Other Content

The issue also includes a "Table of Contents" listing various articles and features:

• Behind the Illusion of Alien Visitation by Peter Kor
• Puerto Rico: The Mystery Continues by Scott Corrales
• Fernald UFO Sighting by Kenny Young
• Outside of Lexington, Kentucky by William E. Jones
• Older Cases Are Important by Mark Cashman
• West Carrollton, Ohio, May 24, 1997 by Phillip D. Short & William E. Jones
• Police Officer Sees Flying Barbell by William E. Jones
• 1981 Dayton, Ohio Mini-Flap by William E. Jones
• 1995 Harrisburg, PA Non-Flap by Robert R. Young
• Xenia, Ohio - During the October 1973 Flap by William E. Jones
• Buckeye Lake, Ohio by William E. Jones & Richard D. Seifried
• B-2 or UFO? by Kenny Young
• Triangle Over Lima, Ohio by William E. Jones
• The Spaur Case - Reporting a UFO Can Be Hazardous to Your Health by William E. Jones, Dr. Irena Scott & Alan Manak
• Bit and Pieces
• Book Review - by Robert Girard
• Selectively Visible UFOs?
• On Philip Corso
• Abductions
• Sources for Seismic Data
• UFO Web Site Index
• The Arthur Bray Collection
• Inside the Pentagon
• Letters to MORA

The publication also provides subscription information ($20.00 for four issues) and details about MORA Headquarters in Dublin, Ohio.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue, particularly in Peter Kor's lead article, is a critical and skeptical examination of UFO phenomena and research. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, evidence-based investigation over speculation and belief. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between actual unidentified objects (UFOs) and the more elaborate claims of alien visitation and abduction. The publication seems to encourage a questioning attitude towards widely accepted narratives within the UFO community, advocating for a more grounded and honest approach to the subject. The inclusion of numerous case reports, while seemingly supporting the phenomenon, is framed within this critical context, suggesting that even these reports need careful scrutiny.

This issue of UFO magazine, issue number 9, focuses heavily on unexplained aerial phenomena and alleged encounters within Puerto Rico, alongside a report on an incident at the Fernald Uranium Processing plant in Ohio. The magazine explores the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs, questioning the nature of evidence and the motivations behind explanations.

The Illusion of Saucers

The opening section challenges the prevailing approach to UFO research, arguing that the lack of definitive evidence for alien spacecraft suggests a need to investigate the creation and purpose of the 'saucer commotion' itself, rather than seeking origins for hypothetical visitors. It posits that rationalization of the phenomenon only reinforces an illusion and urges researchers to focus on how this illusion was created and why.

Puerto Rico: The Mystery Continues

This extensive article by Scott Corrales details a history of UFO-related events in Puerto Rico, beginning with its acquisition by the U.S. in 1898. The island's significance as a strategic location is noted, but its greater attraction is attributed to UFO activity, particularly since a 1987 alleged UFO crash in El Yunque Rainforest. This event is credited with initiating a prolonged period of UFO sightings.

Early Sightings and the Amaury Rivera Debacle

The article recounts a sighting on November 27, 1994, of a triangular, shiny, and metallic object by Aracelis Valentin in Mayaguez. Another triangular UFO was reported a week earlier in Anasco. A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the 'Amaury Rivera Debacle,' concerning photographs taken by Amaury Rivera in 1988, allegedly showing a UFO pursued by F-14 interceptors. The debate over the authenticity of these photos, involving 'hoax busters' and Spanish journalist Magdalena del Amo, is explored. The article suggests that organizations like MUFON might be infiltrated, aiming to discredit sensitive UFO cases. It also details accusations against Wilson Sosa, who allegedly attempted to acquire the photos through coercion and bribery.

Military Occupation and UFOs

The article links UFO activity in Puerto Rico with unusual military maneuvers. It discusses the controversial 'aerostat' installation in Lajas, intended for drug interdiction, but questioned due to the presence of a NASA-marked truck. The Navy's interest in the waters off Cabo Rojo is highlighted, with local fishermen reporting nocturnal lights and a significant incident in 1988 where a triangular saucer allegedly 'sucked in' two F-14 Tomcats. Increased military vigilance is noted, with speculation that efforts to curb drug flow might be related to monitoring UFOs. The article also mentions the U.S. Navy's admission of a lost nuclear weapon near Vieques and cleanup operations on a beach in Culebra due to unexploded ordnance. The proposed Lajas Valley radar complex is seen as part of a defense network against UFOs.

Specific Incidents and Witness Accounts

The article details a 40-acre installation in Lajas, described as a radar complex, with a reflective surface and numerous antennae, purportedly for drug interdiction but exceeding the scale of similar facilities. Angel Cruz, owner of 'La Mas Sufrida' restaurant, recounts an experience in November 1966 where he and customers witnessed a large, round, luminous object hovering over Luquillo Beach, described as 'otherworldly.'

The Fernald UFO Sighting

This section, by Kenny Young, details an alleged UFO sighting at the Fernald Uranium Processing plant near Ross, Ohio, in November 1994. An informant named Matt claimed the event was videotaped and 'hushed up.' The author's investigation involved attempts to obtain the videotape and information from plant personnel, including Lt. Paul Disney and public relations manager Susan Walpole. Despite initial denials, a videotape surfaced, showing a luminous donut-shaped object. The article notes the sensitivity of the Fernald operation and the informant's fear of involvement.

Outside of Lexington, Kentucky

William E. Jones reports on a sighting in August 1968 near Lexington, Kentucky. A family traveling on Interstate 75 witnessed a large, round, disc-shaped object hovering in the sky, described as dark blue with rotating red, blue, and white lights. The object was estimated to be as large as a restaurant and made no noise.

Conclusion

The year 1997 saw a resurgence of triangular UFO sightings, including an incident in Isabela where one craft was clearly non-human, while two others made jet engine noises. The article also recounts an alleged UFO abduction of a Zebu bull in January 1997, involving tall men in black uniforms and resulting in a mutilated cow. The Fernald incident is highlighted for its 'hush hush' handling, with the video deemed valuable for analysis but not recognized as such by those involved. The witness's fear of involvement is emphasized.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UFO sightings, particularly triangular craft, the alleged involvement of military and government entities, and the challenges of obtaining credible evidence due to potential cover-ups and skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning conventional explanations and urging a deeper investigation into the phenomenon's underlying causes, including the possibility of mass illusion or psychological factors, as suggested in the opening section.

This issue of UFO Magazine, identified as Issue 19, focuses on historical UFO cases and contemporary sightings, particularly a series of events in Ohio. It emphasizes the importance of studying older cases to understand the evolution of UFO phenomena and to provide context for modern reports. The magazine features detailed accounts from witnesses and investigators, exploring various object characteristics and the challenges of distinguishing genuine sightings from other phenomena or media-driven 'flaps'.

Article: Older Cases Are Important by Mark Cashman

Mark Cashman argues that older UFO cases are crucial for understanding the phenomenon's evolution. He notes that the nature of sightings may have changed, citing Jacques Vallee's assertion that 'Type II' cases have vanished since the 1955 wave. Without historical context, modern phenomena cannot be properly understood. Cashman also points out that advancements in aviation technology since 1947 make modern aircraft or drones more likely to be mistaken for UFOs. Furthermore, older hoaxes are easier to detect, making historical photographic evidence valuable. He stresses that no statistical reservoir, like the Blue Book reports, should be discounted, as they offer a significant sample for studying both UFOs and Identified Flying Objects (IFOs). Analyzing older cases can reveal patterns and structures in waves and flaps that might be missed otherwise. Hidden information in older cases may gain significance when correlated with later events. Establishing patterns between older and modern cases is essential to convince skeptics that the UFO phenomenon is not merely irrational mysticism but demonstrates verifiable and stable patterns amenable to scientific study.

Article: West Carrollton, Ohio May 24, 1997 by Phillip D. Short & William E. Jones

This section details a personal sighting by Phillip Short, a MUFON member. On May 24, 1997, at 9:00 p.m. in West Carrollton, Ohio, Short observed a dark, fingerlike object with an irregular outline, moving with the wind. He described it as not looking solid but not like a cloud either. The object appeared to be dissipating rapidly, shrinking to about 1/5 its original size over twenty seconds, then changing shape to resemble a 'bolder' before disappearing. The total sighting duration was about one minute. The object's estimated size was about 1/4 the length of an ink pen held at arm's length.

Article: Police Officer Sees Flying Barbell by William E. Jones

This report from July 3, 1989, describes a sighting by a police officer in Montgomery County, Ohio. While driving his patrol car, the officer observed an object that looked like a barbell, approximately 5 to 6 feet long with softball-sized balls on each end. Initially thought to be a bottle rocket, the object did not fall or explode. It appeared to be less than 100 yards away and at the same vertical height. The officer stopped his car and watched as the object hovered, flashed red and blue-green lights, and then tilted at a 45-degree angle, moving rapidly southeast to merge with a large white glowing beach ball-like object. Sparks were seen during the merger. The object retained its barbell shape and continued to spin. It then tilted again, changed altitude and speed erratically, and moved west at high altitude. The sighting lasted one to two minutes, with no electrical interference reported. The officer did not report the sighting officially.

Article: 1981 Dayton, Ohio Mini-Flap by William E. Jones

This article details a series of UFO sightings in mid-western Ohio during 1981, termed a 'mini-flap'. Investigator Richard D. Seifried, Sonia Omerzu, and George Pelizzari investigated these incidents. The flap began with media reports of sightings between Dayton and Cincinnati. One significant event occurred on February 7, 1981, at 1:30 a.m., where a large, disc-shaped object with two large white lights and a red light outline was seen very low over the street. The witness estimated its size to be two-thirds that of an average house, about 60-70 feet away and 40-60 feet high. The object was observed for about fifteen minutes. The witness felt a sense of jeopardy when illuminated by the red light and lowered her camera. On February 14, a UFO was reported over Xenia and Bellbrook, described as silver with red, green, and blue lights, visible for about two hours. Another report from January 3, 1981, described a bright orange oval object seen west of Kemp and North Fairfield Roads in Greene County, which vanished suddenly. On February 2, 1981, a man driving on Route 4 in Clark County saw two bright blue-green lights, followed by a large ball shape hovering over a field. In February 1981, a husband and wife reported a white light to the northwest near Harshman Road in Montgomery County that did not move like a plane. On March 3, 1981, a woman in Kettering saw a round red and blue flashing ball that made sharp turns, followed by a second hovering object. On March 13, 1981, a woman in Enon saw a 'huge' orange object that made a loud 'whoosh' sound as it accelerated and seemed to plunge to earth. Richard Seifried was involved in investigating many of these cases, noting the excitement, frustration, and skepticism inherent in field investigations.

Article: 1995 Harrisburg, PA Non-Flap by Robert R. Young

Robert R. Young investigates a reported 'UFO flap' in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in February 1995. He found no evidence to support this claim. His research, including checking with MUFON directors, Larry Hatch of the *U* UFO Database, and NUFORC, yielded no reports from the Harrisburg area for that period. A potential error was identified where a report from Harrisonburg, Virginia, was mistakenly listed as Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Young concludes that the reported Harrisburg flap was likely an artifact of media attention or a misinterpretation, rather than evidence of actual sightings. He emphasizes the need to carefully distinguish between genuine anomalous aerial phenomena and flaps created by media or investigator persistence.

Article: Xenia, Ohio During the October 1973 Flap by William E. Jones

This article recounts a sighting from October 1973 in Xenia, Ohio. A 36-year-old woman and her male friend were driving when they noticed an unusually bright spotlight-like light between radio towers. The light drew attention to an object that appeared perfectly still. As they drove closer, the object moved slowly away, then tracked them. The driver panicked, and the UFO then moved at high speed across a field. Later, the object returned and stopped near them without slowing down, hovering over trees. It was described as grayish with no distinct color, and had tiny red and bluish-green lights. The object was round, about four to five feet wide, with a dome shape and tiny square windows. It hovered for at least a minute before moving off to the south. The driver was in shock. The witness was asked several questions by investigator Richard D. Seifried regarding reflections, pursuit time, windows, radio, and headlights, all of which indicated a lack of conventional explanation. The witness also recalled a vivid dream about UFOs and beings offering travel to the pyramids.

Article: Buckeye Lake Ohio by William E. Jones & Richard D. Seifried

This section presents a sighting from Buckeye Lake, Ohio. A woman reported seeing a disk-shaped craft that had apparently landed alongside I-75 in Kentucky. The object was not moving and had two rows of amber lights rotating on its rim. It appeared metallic, silver/gray, with six oval windows and an antenna-like protrusion. It seemed to be poised on legs or steps. Her mother, driving, dismissed it. Another report from Dayton, Ohio, on March 3, 1981, described a round red and blue flashing ball that made sharp turns, followed by a second hovering object. A sighting on March 13, 1981, in Enon, Ohio, involved a 'huge' orange object with a loud 'whoosh' sound that seemed to plunge to earth. Richard Seifried was called to investigate this case. The article concludes by questioning whether these events constitute an actual flap or are artifacts of media attention and investigator persistence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the importance of historical UFO research, detailed case investigations, and the analysis of witness testimonies. The magazine presents a variety of sightings from different time periods and locations, primarily focusing on Ohio. There is a consistent emphasis on the investigative process, with names of investigators and organizations like MUFON and NUFORC frequently mentioned. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also maintaining a critical perspective, questioning whether reported 'flaps' are genuine or media-induced. The articles encourage careful analysis and the correlation of data to understand the broader context of UFO sightings. The importance of distinguishing between UFOs, IFOs, and potential hoaxes is also a recurring concern.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 11, Number 5, dated September 1965, with a price of 3s. 6d., focuses heavily on UFO sightings and their impact, particularly highlighting the "Spaur Case" as its cover story. The magazine delves into multiple witness accounts from Ohio and Kentucky, spanning several decades, and explores the psychological and social ramifications of these encounters.

Article 1: The Spaur Case – Reporting a UFO Can Be Hazardous to Your Health

This extensive article, by William E. Jones & Dr. Irena Scott, republishes an earlier piece from Flying Saucer Digest and presents a reinvestigation of the "Spaur Case." It details the harrowing experience of Dale Spaur, a Portage County Sheriff's Deputy, who chased a UFO for 86 miles in the predawn hours of an April morning in 1966. The craft, described as a huge saucer-shaped object emitting a warm, white light, rose from the woods and bathed Spaur and his partner, Special Deputy W.L. Neff, in light before moving off. The chase ended near Pittsburgh when Spaur's cruiser ran out of gas.

The aftermath for Spaur was devastating. He faced intense scrutiny from reporters, television cameramen, Air Force investigators, and government officials. His life "crashed down"; his marriage shattered, leading to divorce and his wife Daneise filing assault and battery charges after an incident where he shook her violently. He lost 40 pounds, resigned from his job, and took a low-paying painter's job, living in a motel room. He became a "freak," known as "the nut who chased a flying saucer," and felt estranged from his family and society. The article notes that even his father called not for reconciliation but to ask if he'd seen more saucers. Spaur's wife described him as "real white, almost in a state of shock" and "frightened." The case also involved Police Chief Gerald Buchert of Mantua, who saw the craft and photographed it, but now prefers not to discuss it, stating it "should be forgotten."

Other individuals involved or affected include Patrolman Frank Panzanella, who saw the craft at the chase's end and has since gone silent, even removing his phone due to calls. H. Wayne Huston, a police officer who witnessed a similar event, resigned and moved to Seattle to drive a bus, stating he quit because "people laughed at me" and "the city officials didn't like police officers chasing flying saucers."

The article also includes a report from Chief Buchert dated April 17, 1966, detailing his sighting of a bright, round, stationary object in the southeast sky around 5:04 A.M. on April 17, 1966, after receiving a radio call about a UFO.

Article 2: Triangle Over Lima, Ohio

By William E. Jones, this section details a case investigated by John Timmerman of Lima, Ohio, occurring on February 13, 1986, following a sighting the previous day. A 48-year-old female witness was awakened around 12:40 a.m. by a sound and saw a "strange dark object hovering in the sky in the shape of a tall triangle" with a small angle up and a wide base. It had three lights: white at the lower corners and red at the top. The object's vertical height was estimated at ten to twelve full moons, and its base width at six to seven. The witness's husband did not see it as it had already disappeared. She emphasized that it was a "very large object with a very dark interior" and unlike any aircraft she had seen, despite her eleven years in the U.S. Air Force.

Article 3: Buckeye Lake Sightings

This section compiles several witness accounts from the Buckeye Lake area:

• June 1953 Sighting: Two individuals, Frank and another witness, saw an "orangeish-green light" coming from the north around 11:00 p.m. It was described as circular, then changing to an oblong shape with square-like windows. The object emitted a "whirring noise" and followed the witnesses as they drove. The sky was clear and the temperature was warm.
• May 22, 1982 Sighting: A witness reported seeing a "flying saucer" that was round with dots and a beveled platform with windows. It emitted green light and heat waves. The witness panicked and ran, experiencing an "odd feeling."
• June 1956 Sighting: A young man walking along Route 204 saw a "flying saucer" that was round, silver, with no windows and a platform with dots. It disappeared instantly.
• October 1963 Sighting: A family witnessed a craft described as "two plates, plates or saucers together with a cup or large bowl on top" with a tall metal antennae. It had openings emitting "short flames" and moved clockwise. A human-like figure was seen working at a counter inside.
• July 9, 1977 Sighting: A family sitting on their porch saw a light to the south that approached rapidly. It was an "oval, greyish" object hovering over the lake, emitting light from its middle section. It had "steel-blue lights" on the bottom and disappeared heading north.

Article 4: Couple Reports Seeing UFO Over Gallatin

This article, reprinted from the Gallatin County News (July 23, 1997), describes a sighting by Sandra Brown and John Gardner near Sparta, Kentucky. They saw a "round, silver, had no winds and was a little larger than a car" object that "hung there in the sky in one place and then in the blink of an eye disappeared." They were certain it was not an airplane or weather balloon.

The magazine's commentary notes that on the same date, a B-2 Stealth Bomber was sighted over Cincinnati. While the Sparta sighting was initially considered potentially related, the description of the object as round, silver, wingless, and disappearing instantly does not align with the characteristics of a B-2.

Article 5: Missile-like Objects Over Alexandria, Kentucky

Chris Heiert reported seeing "two missile-like objects" flying in tandem over Alexandria, Kentucky on July 19, 1997. The objects were white, traveled due north at a high altitude, and were observed for nearly a minute. Air demonstrations for the Dayton International Air Show were not active at the time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UFO sightings across different decades and locations, the variety of reported object shapes and behaviors, and the profound, often negative, psychological and social impact these experiences can have on witnesses, as exemplified by the Spaur Case. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into these phenomena, presenting witness accounts with a degree of validation, while also acknowledging the challenges in explaining them and the potential for misidentification (e.g., the B-2 Stealth Bomber). The magazine seems to champion the human element of UFO investigation, suggesting it is what keeps researchers motivated despite discouragement.

This issue of The Ohio UFO Notebook, identified as issue #14, focuses on UFO sightings, case analyses, and critical reviews of related literature. It includes witness testimonies, investigative reports, and discussions on the nature of UFO phenomena and potential government involvement.

Chief Buchert's Sighting

The issue begins by detailing Chief Buchert's observation of an object in the sky. He described it as round and very bright, appearing to tilt or tip and become saucer-shaped with light coming from it. He confirmed it did not twinkle like a star. His wife also witnessed the object, which appeared to move up and down. The report notes that J. Allen Hynek, a consultant for Project Blue Book, suggested the object was likely the planet Venus, a conclusion supported by a letter from Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., Chief of Project Blue Book, to Chief Buchert.

Dale Spaur's Report

The magazine presents a report from Officer Dale Spaur, dated April 17, 1966. Spaur and Mounted Deputy Neff reportedly spotted a UFO about 50 feet off the ground over a wooded area. They described the object as capable of moving in any direction, approximately 35' to 55' across the bottom and 24 feet high. It was very bright and seemed suspended on a beam of light, emitting a faint humming sound. The object then ascended to about 200 feet and moved east, eventually reaching about 500 feet and increasing its speed to approximately 80 mph, and later 103 mph ground speed. They followed the object to just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and obtained fuel from a Conway P.D. car to continue the pursuit.

Reinvestigation of the Spaur Case

In 1997, investigators Jones and Scott learned that Dale Spaur and Wilbur Neff had passed away, as had one of the other officers involved in the chase. Chief Buchert had also died years prior. The Chief's son indicated that the family was reluctant to discuss the events, finding them too upsetting. The family still possessed pictures from the event. The Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) had obtained National Investigative Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) files on the Spaur case, leading to the conclusion that a reinvestigation was unnecessary, though contacting surviving witnesses was suggested.

Book Review: 'When Cosmic Cultures Meet'

This section reviews a book edited by C. Scott Jones, titled 'When Cosmic Cultures Meet: An International Conference Presented By The Human Potential Foundation.' The book is described as eclectic, covering various schools of thought on contact with non-human intelligences. It includes contributions from individuals like John Mack, Zecharia Sitchin, and others. The review notes the absence of political or secular leadership among the contributors, with an appendix by Jones urging U.S. Congress involvement. The book is available from Arcturus Books, Inc. for $35.00 plus shipping.

Selectively Visible UFOs?

This section features a letter from an anonymous woman to John Timmerman of the J. Allen Hynek Center of UFO Studies. She recounts her first UFO sighting in 1960 at age 11, where she and her parents saw two silver-metallic, saucer-shaped crafts hover above their backyard. The crafts had portholes and landing gear. She describes a second sighting in 1976 involving a gigantic craft with flashing colored lights passing over a pond. She expresses perplexity as to why others in the populated area did not witness these events.

On Philip Corso

This section compiles early observations from the internet and other sources regarding Colonel Philip J. Corso's book, 'The Day After Roswell.' The purpose is to encourage investigation of Corso's claims. Several individuals offer their perspectives:

• Jeffrey S. Kane questions Corso's account of consulting John Von Neumann, who died before the alleged consultation, and the security surrounding the retrieval of alien bodies.
• Terry Hansen speculates that if the book is a major security breach, the government might be intentionally releasing information through questionable sources to avoid social disruption.
• Kenny Young criticizes a Dateline NBC program about Corso's book as 'pathetic fluff entertainment' and notes Corso's 'screwiness factor.' However, he also mentions that comments about the infiltration of exotic technology into U.S. industries align with information provided by an informant.
• Tom Mahood expresses that Corso's book bothers him on multiple levels.
• Greg Sandow contrasts Corso's view of aliens with reports from Bob Lazar and William Uhouse, questioning who to believe. He also notes Corso's non-UFO historical claims and suggests that if the story is true, the method of its release (via a ghostwritten potboiler) is questionable.
• James R. Graham finds Corso's story difficult to believe.
• Karl T. Pflock points out several misrepresentations in Corso's book, including the development of the Corona program, the Wac-Corporal rocket, the B-2 stealth bomber, and the F-117 stealth fighter's shape. He also notes Corso's claim about the Soviet 'Backfire' bomber being operational in the 1950s, when it was deployed in the 1980s.

Observation: Project HARP and Roswell

The issue mentions Project HARP, a large gun intended for multiple uses, including bringing down flying saucers, which was apparently never developed. It draws a potential connection to Bob Lazar's claim of seeing a saucer pierced by a projectile.

Abductions

Comments from Bob Shell on Kevin Randle's lecture about the effect of culture on UFO abduction experiences are presented. Shell argues that the contact/abduction phenomenon has existed for a long time and that our interpretation is a function of the zeitgeist. He suggests that current interpretations of 'alien abduction' may be no closer to the truth than older stories of fairies or demons. He emphasizes the need to study how the human brain processes information and the external experiences that lead to these interpretations.

Letters to MORA

• Bill refers to a 'Tumbling Black Box' object and similar incidents reported in UFO literature, including descriptions of black cube-shaped objects tumbling in the air.
• Galen F. Kelley responds to Victoria Clark's letter about color vision loss during a sighting, suggesting it could be due to bright light sources saturating the eye's chemical mechanism, similar to bright fireball meteors. He also mentions moving shadows observed during sightings.
• Robert R. Young recounts an experience of a pitch-black, rectangular object tumbling in the air at high speed, which hit his windshield with a loud whack but caused no damage.
• Samuel P. Faile responds to an article about 'The Tumbling Black Box,' questioning how alien control systems work and why they would need retrofitting if based on microchips or lasers.
• Mr. Jones suggests that discrepancies between Corso's book and other reports about the Roswell crash might be explained if Corso is referring to a supposed crash on the Plains of San Agustin, New Mexico, rather than Roswell.
• Bob Collins counters Mr. Jones' suggestion, noting that the National Security Act of 1947 and the separation of services occurred after the alleged Plains of San Agustin crash, meaning U.S. Army procedures would have been in effect.

Other Sections

The issue also includes sections on "Source for Seismic Data," "UFO Web Site Index," "The Arthur Bray Collection," and "Inside the Pentagon," providing resources and information for researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis of specific UFO sightings, the critical examination of UFO literature and claims (particularly Philip Corso's book), and the exploration of the psychological and cultural aspects of UFO experiences, such as abductions. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to investigate claims and consider various interpretations of phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on evidence, documentation, and questioning the official narratives or sensationalized accounts.

The MORA Classifieds is a publication from Mid Ohio Research Associates, Inc., based in Dublin, Ohio. This issue, dated Saturday, September 6, 1997, focuses on upcoming events and a book review relevant to ufology and related scientific and philosophical topics.

34th Annual National UFO Conference The main event advertised is the 34th Annual National UFO Conference, scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 1997, from 8:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The conference is to be held at The Market Place in downtown Springfield, Ohio, described as a monumental Victorian opera house. Springfield is noted as being fifty miles west of Columbus and the home of the Ohio State University Buckeyes football team.

The conference aims to bring together distinguished scientists and researchers to discuss a range of topics including the Roswell incident, alien abductions, the government cover-up, UFO sightings by scientists, UFO photos and videos, and specific Ohio UFO sightings.

Several notable figures are listed as speakers: Dr. David Jacobs, Dr. Mindy Kopolow, Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Stanton Friedman, Robert Galganski, Rick Hilberg, and James Moseley.

Pricing for the conference is detailed: $70.00 for the entire day, which includes a catered lunch and banquet dinner. For those only interested in the speakers, the cost is $55.00 without meals. A half-day option is available for $30.00.

Information on attending the conference can be obtained by writing to National UFO Conference, P.O. Box 375, Springfield, Ohio 45501-0375.

Creation's Edge - Cooperation vs. Competition A book review or promotion for "Creation's Edge - Cooperation vs. Competition" by Dr. Irena Chase Scott is featured. Dr. Scott is described as a renowned ufologist, a co-founder of MORA, a member of the Board of Directors of the Mutual UFO Network, a feminist, and a liberal Democrat.

The book reportedly covers the origins of life, new evolutionary paradigms, discussions of extraterrestrial life, reasons for environmental preservation, and an exploration of the feminine mystique. While not strictly a book about UFOs, the topics are presented as being relevant to the field of ufology.

The book is available for order from Greyden Press Publishers, located at 2020 Builders Square, Columbus, Ohio 43204-4885. The price is $12.95, plus shipping and handling. A World Wide Web address for ordering is provided: http://smartpages.com/greyden.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The publication appears to be an informational bulletin or classifieds section from Mid Ohio Research Associates, Inc., focusing on events and literature within the UFO and paranormal research community. The content highlights a specific conference and a book that delves into scientific, evolutionary, and potentially philosophical aspects related to extraterrestrial life and human development. The editorial stance seems to be one of promoting and informing about these topics, with a particular emphasis on the upcoming UFO conference and the book by Dr. Scott.