Potpourri News No 161

Magazine Overview

Title: POTPOURRI NEWS
Issue Date: March 7, 1978
Issue Number: 161

This issue of Potpourri News, dated March 7, 1978, presents a collection of articles and reports related to unexplained phenomena, primarily focusing on UFOs and mysterious atmospheric events. The content draws from various sources, including news agencies and personal accounts, offering a multifaceted look at the subject matter.

Tokyo Attempt to Encounter UFOs Doesn't Come Close

This article, sourced from Agence France-Presse and dated February 25, 1978, details an unusual attempt made in Tokyo, Japan, by Nihon Shortwave Broadcasting Co. On the eve of the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" screening in Japan, the company tried to attract UFOs by flashing red, white, and blue spotlights from a building's roof and broadcasting the movie's soundtrack. The 50-minute broadcast, watched by approximately 30 newsmen, concluded without any UFOs appearing. Broadcasting company officials stated that there were reports suggesting UFOs fly in the presence of these specific colors, and this was the first such attempt in Japan.

UFOs-For Real?

This section addresses the public's curiosity about UFOs, suggesting that the federal government is making films and cassette recordings of UFO experiences available. It provides pricing information for these materials and directs interested individuals to write to the National Archives, Motion Picture and Sound Recording Branch in Washington D.C., for a complete catalogue.

Phenomena Group Explores Mystery Blasts

Reported by UPI and dated January 8, 1978, this article introduces Vestigia, a group dedicated to investigating unexplained phenomena. Vestigia has appealed to residents in five East Coast states to share accounts of mysterious atmospheric blasts reported in recent weeks. The group, comprising scientists, engineers, and laymen, has been researching atmospheric phenomena, 'Big Foot' sightings, and UFOs. They are collaborating with Dr. T.J. Visvanathan, a geophysicist at the University of South Carolina, and Dr. William Donn, an acoustical researcher at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory, to find explanations for these blasts. Vestigia is seeking information from anyone who experienced rumblings or flashes of light along the Eastern Seaboard in the two months prior to the report. The blasts were reportedly concentrated offshore from Toms River, N.J., on December 2, 21, and 22, and off the South Carolina Coast on December 10 and January 5. Wagner, a coordinator for Vestigia, suggested that 'piezoelectricity'—the ability of minerals like quartz to generate an electrical charge under stress—might be a cause.

Mysterious Booms Rattle Charleston

This Associated Press report from Charleston, South Carolina, dated February 21, 1978, describes four more mysterious booms heard in the area, similar to those reported along the East Coast in recent months. Frank Hunt, news director of WCIV-TV, noted that the third boom was the strongest, lasting about four seconds and shaking the station building. The booms were first reported in December by residents in coastal areas of New Jersey, Connecticut, and South Carolina. No official explanation has been provided, and a federal investigation ordered by President Carter is underway.

Viewpoints: UFOs may be key to the 21st century

This opinion piece by John F. Schuessler, P. O. Box 58485, addresses the origin of UFOs, suggesting that while some might be earthly, many remain unexplained. Schuessler cautions against hasty explanations and emphasizes the need for a scientific and open investigation, possibly involving NASA. He notes the enduring public interest in UFOs, attributing it to a lack of a straight story from authorities. The article touches upon questions of UFO communication, abductions, and secret government projects, highlighting how pseudoscience from both debunkers and believers has kept the subject controversial without providing answers. Schuessler concludes that understanding UFOs could be crucial for the science of the 21st century and advocates for scientific inquiry over ridicule.

A personal experience

This section features a personal account from Mrs. Elaine Geist of 7130 Santa Fe. She believes unexplained UFO sightings might represent advanced, secret Earth technology. She does not connect UFOs to the recent heavy atmospheric explosions off the East Coast. Mrs. Geist recounts an experience from October 1966, where she, her husband, son, and police officers witnessed an oval-shaped UFO with lights that shifted from dim yellow to bright orange or red. The object hovered at a low altitude for an extended period before moving rapidly down a street and disappearing. Despite efforts to find information from local airports and universities, no explanation was found.

Information, Data, Commentary and Speculation

This section is attributed to John F. Schuessler, with a mailing address in Houston, Texas. It appears to be a regular feature providing commentary and speculation on various topics, including UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained atmospheric phenomena (specifically mysterious blasts and booms), and the public's interest in these events. The editorial stance, particularly evident in John F. Schuessler's contributions, advocates for a scientific, open, and rational approach to investigating these mysteries, emphasizing the potential importance of UFO phenomena for future scientific understanding. There is a clear skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a call for rigorous investigation rather than dismissal or sensationalism.