Potpourri News No 193

Magazine Overview

Title: POTPOURI NEWS
Issue Date: June 9, 1979
Issue Number: 193
Publisher: JOHN F. SCHUESSLER, Houston, Texas
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Potpourri News delves into various UFO and extraterrestrial-related topics, featuring articles from different publications and dates, compiled for a readership interested in the unexplained.

Articles and Content

Are 'Little Green Men' Human-Like?

This article, attributed to Tom McArthur and published in the Evening Times, Glasgow, Scotland on March 5, 1979, discusses a new study by the British Interplanetary Society, founded in 1932. The paper, titled 'The Physical Appearance of Intelligent Aleas,' is authored by Nick Spall, a town planner. Spall's exobiology research suggests that extraterrestrials might resemble humans for efficiency, likely having a similar number of limbs (more than four being unlikely for balance) and potentially human-like forms. He posits that intelligence would find expression in human-like forms. Sensory organs might include infrared sensors like a rattlesnake's, or even bat-like acoustic systems. The article notes that initial encounters might be through radio telescopes and video, and that aliens might possess knowledge allowing them to free their minds from their bodies. Spall suggests that while shapes might evolve, intelligence would likely manifest in human-like forms. He also speculates that gravity might influence their physical form, leading to squat figures in high gravity or tall, spindly creatures in low gravity.

Sunday Express Report: 'Not a saucer, not a disc, but a tadpole'

This piece, dated December 12, 1950, from the Sunday Express (England), recounts an incident near Rhyl where a rugby match was interrupted by a sighting. Spectators and players observed a bright object speeding over the ground, trailing sparks. Described as a 'flying tadpole,' the object caused the game to stop. The police theory suggested a 'yellow training plane,' but the RAF stated it was 'Not one of ours.'

Russians Order a UFO Alert

Published in REVEILLE, London, England on April 6, 1979, this article reports that Russia has become the first country to officially order a UFO alert. Citizens are asked to report any sightings directly to the Soviet Academy of Science. Professor Aleksel Zolotov, a leading Soviet UFO expert, stated this is the academy's first admission of secret UFO research at this level, implying urgency. The alert was triggered by spectacular sightings over Petrozavodsk. Soviet space lecturer and author Aleksandr Kazantsev revealed that information has been seeping through about a spaceship visiting the area. The first reported encounter over Petrozavodsk was in September 1977. A UFO was reported to have beamed down light that made holes in paving stones. Journalist Nikolai Milov described a UFO that hung in the night sky for at least two hours at an altitude of 60 miles, with smaller bodies appearing to dart away from it or approach and disappear into it. Soviet physicist Vladimir Azhazha commented that it was likely a 'mother ship from outer space' and indicated that an extraterrestrial civilization might be in the final stage before direct communication with Earth. A spokesman for Britain's Defence Ministry stated that a similar alert system was not planned, and they would only be interested in UFOs posing a threat to military establishments.

Balloon-like UFO Lands In Philippines, Frightens Natives, Scientist Says

This article from the ARKANSAS GAZETTE, Little Rock, AR, dated May 21, 1979, details an event in Davao, Philippines. American scientist Ron Kruppa reported that he and 600 villagers saw an unidentified flying object emitting flashes of light soar over Mount Apo and land near their huts. Kruppa described the object as 'perfectly round like a big balloon' and giving off a strobe-like effect. He also observed objects moving inside the UFO with binoculars. The object landed in an open space behind trees in Upper Baracatan village, causing frightened villagers to flee into their huts. Twenty minutes later, the object took off and disappeared. The report notes hundreds of UFO sightings in the Central Philippines since April, which military authorities are investigating. One landing in Negros Occidental is already under military investigation. Officials were studying Kruppa's story.

Information, Data, Commentary and Speculation

The issue concludes with contact information for the publisher, John F. Schuessler, and his P.O. Box in Houston, Texas, suggesting this section may contain editorial commentary or reader contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the potential for extraterrestrial life, and official responses to these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and scientific speculation, presenting information from various sources and encouraging reader engagement through the publisher's contact details. There is a clear interest in the scientific and governmental aspects of UFO phenomena, as well as anecdotal accounts from witnesses.