Saucer Scoop - vol 4 no 05-6

Magazine Overview

This issue of Saucer Scoop, dated August-September 1969, is a bi-monthly publication that combines two issues due to unforeseen domestic and financial problems. The magazine aims to be an information outlet for UFO-related events and reports, with a stated goal of keeping 'AN INFORMED PUBLIC WILL NOT PANIC'. The cover story, "THE BIBLE AND FLYING SAUCERS" by Barry H. Downing, Ph.D., explores historical records, particularly the Exodus, and suggests that UFOs may have played a role in these events, citing their electromagnetic properties and potential use of beams to part the Red Sea.

SCOOP SNOOPS!!!!!

This section presents a collection of brief, often sensational, news items and curiosities. It begins by noting the mystery surrounding the disappearance of four boats in the same area where Donald Crowhurst's boat was found, with weather conditions offering no explanation. A report from the Smithsonian Institution debunks a 'fake' 'ICE MAN' exhibit, revealing it to be made of latex rubber and hair. The section then shifts to 'FISH STORIES', detailing reports of unusually large marine creatures and massive fish kills in the Gulf of Mexico and along the North Carolina coast. It also mentions bird kills and the unusual survival of caterpillars in Italy despite flame throwers. A report from New Jersey describes rattlesnakes and copperheads swarming due to a plague of 'Gypsy Moths' that have stripped vineyards. A peculiar incident in Clifton, Tennessee, involves spontaneous underground fires on Perry Davis's farm, attributed to buried charcoal from a Civil War-era pig iron furnace. The section concludes with a report on a 'freak tornado' in an unspecified location, which caused damage despite no preceding weather conditions being forecast.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF

The magazine lists its extensive Board of Directors, with directors overseeing various departments and branches across different regions, including Photographic Department, Art Department, Specialized Research, and regional branches like West Coast, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Sarasota, Maine, and Louisiana. It also lists directors for International Relations (South American, Australian, Danish, Swiss, Public, and English Relations). The editorial staff includes Joan Whritenour as Editor. Photographic Labs are handled by A. K. Vezina and W. Hoffman. The Advisory Panel includes notable figures such as John Robinson, Mary Robinson, Andrew Bache, Dr. M. Lindter, and William Hoffman. The Secretary is Sugar Di Roma.

EDITORIAL COMMENTS

The editorial section delves into the nature of fear, quoting Wells Quarterly on its utility and the dangers of suppressing it into the subconscious. It criticizes a trend among some UFO research groups to shy away from 'taboo' subjects like 'poltergeist phenomena' and 'ghostly visitations', urging investigators to face the 'psychic aspects' alongside the physical. The editor argues that true investigation requires courage and evidence, not personal belief. The piece challenges researchers who demand proof of phenomena like 'ghosts' or 'Venusian Space Brothers', suggesting that if one cannot prove something exists, they should attempt to prove it does not exist. It poses questions about the nature of such phenomena, asking what they are if not material or physical, and who is behind them.

SCOOPNOTE & REPORTS

This section contains various short reports and notes. A SCOOPNOTE explains the bi-monthly publication schedule due to financial and domestic issues. A report from Los Angeles, California, dated June 9, 1969, discusses research suggesting the human body can transmit thoughts over long distances via electromagnetic waves, with potential applications for astronauts. A report from Chillan, Chile, dated February 9, 1969, details an incident where two cars were moved mysteriously without leaving tire tracks, followed by an explosion and a blinding light, with the cars' batteries disconnected. A report from the Cayman Islands, dated February 27, 1969, recounts the editor's personal sighting of a saucer-shaped, glowing object. Another report from Charleston, West Virginia, dated June 22, 1969, discusses 'contactees' who receive messages from alien beings, noting a trend of predicted events failing to materialize, suggesting the contactees may have been lied to.

FLORIDA REPORT & CEDAR RAPIDS REPORT

A Florida report from May 16, 1969, in Sarasota, describes a sighting by a junior high instructor and his geological club of an object resembling a 'flying saucer' that moved rapidly, stopped, and made full circles at an estimated altitude of 150 miles. A report from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, dated June 6, 1969, details FAA officials receiving multiple reports of a blue, circular object with no wings, moving at high speed (300-400 mph) at an altitude under 1,000 feet. Similar sightings were reported across the Midwest.

CAPE CANAVERAL REPORT

This report from Cape Canaveral, Florida, dated June 26, 1969, describes unexplained green and white lights observed over the Atlantic Ocean. Initially investigated as a distress signal, the lights were later ascribed to 'cosmic phenomena' by the Coast Guard. While the Coast Guard spokesman disclaimed UFOs, experts suggested possibilities like an 'electric glow' from air charges, ruling out meteorological causes.

SPACE AGE MAY NEED "ASTRO-THEOLOGY"

This article, reprinted from the Arizona Republic, discusses the implications of space exploration for theology. It questions whether intelligent life exists on other planets and how this might affect humanity's belief in its uniqueness and relationship with God. Astronomers like Gerard Kuiper and Harlow Shapley acknowledge the vastness of the universe and the likelihood of life elsewhere. The article explores theological perspectives on extraterrestrial life, including the idea that such beings might have their own 'providence' or be subject to redemption through Christ, though the cost of missionary work is questioned.

NOTES AND COMMENTS ON ENERGY WAVES!

Written by Hans Lauritzen, this article explores the concept of energy waves and their influence on human consciousness and physical reactions. It posits that the human body and brain are permeated by electromagnetic phenomena and that energy waves, particularly those not in resonance with the five senses, can induce physiological and psychic effects, potentially causing involuntary actions. The article discusses 'resonance frequency' and how it applies to matter, from stellar bodies to atomic particles. It introduces the idea that UFOs might radiate and utilize new kinds of 'non-dynamic' energies for propulsion, enabling them to move at speeds far exceeding the velocity of light. These energies are linked to mental, etheric, and psychic phenomena, suggesting UFOs might use them to scan human brains or induce reactions.

The article further elaborates on 'mental contact' cases, describing how people might hear telepathic messages or feel the presence of UFOs. It highlights the strong physiological and psychological implications for contactees, who may become deeply involved in the messages they receive. The author warns that such experiences can lead to mental confusion, distress, and in some cases, fanaticism, deep depression, or suicide. The importance of careful guarding against negative influences and the need for thorough examination of contactees by psychologists or hypnotizers are emphasized.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Saucer Scoop include the potential intersection of UFO phenomena with historical and religious texts (particularly the Bible), the exploration of advanced or unknown energy sources and their effects, and the reporting of numerous unexplained aerial sightings and mysterious events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the paranormal and unexplained, encouraging readers to submit their own reports. There is a critical approach towards researchers who demand conventional proof, advocating for a broader investigation that includes psychic and non-physical aspects. The publication seems to champion the idea that 'AN INFORMED PUBLIC WILL NOT PANIC', suggesting a belief that understanding these phenomena, rather than dismissing them, is key.

This issue of SAUCER SCOOP, dated July 1969, features a cover story by John A. Keel titled "FLYING SAUCERS MAY BE PSYCHIC PHENOMENA - BRITISH AIR MARSHALL SUGGESTS". The magazine delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, including theories linking them to psychic manifestations, reports of unusual physical evidence, and personal accounts of sightings and investigations.

Cover Story: Flying Saucers as Psychic Phenomena

The lead article by John A. Keel presents a theory that flying saucers might be a manifestation of psychic phenomena. This idea is supported by statements from British Air Marshal Sir Victor Goddard, who suggested that a small percentage of reported UFO sightings are "truly unidentifiable" and that their materiality "may be other than normally physical." Sir Victor posited that UFOs could be creations of an invisible world coincident with our own, rather than originating from another planet. He cited cases of objects appearing and disappearing suddenly, suggesting a "diaphanous" and "aetheric" nature. The article also notes that recent years have seen UFO events accompanied by psychic manifestations like poltergeists and telepathic messages. It highlights that twenty years of research have failed to produce convincing physical evidence of UFOs as manufactured objects.

Library of Congress Bibliography

The issue references a 1966 commission by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research to the Library of Congress for an extensive bibliography of UFO literature. Miss Lynn E. Catoe, the Senior Bibliographer, remarks in the preface to "UFOs and RELATED SUBJECTS: AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY" that much UFO literature is closely linked with mysticism and the metaphysical, dealing with subjects like mental telepathy and automatic writing. She notes that many UFO reports resemble accounts of demoniac possession and psychic phenomena. The bibliography, spanning 400 pages, includes sections on alleged Air Force suppression and CIA involvement, offering objective summaries of entries and reviewing ancient sighting records.

Historical Context and Theories

The article mentions that a wave of 'flying saucer' literature appeared in the 1920s, coinciding with increased astronomical interest in other planets. It is suggested that each new wave of literature represents a rediscovery of an old subject, with tales of marvelous flying machines traceable to ancient Hindu scriptures. Former President Eisenhower's 1954 statement that "flying saucers exist only in the minds of the observers" is contrasted with a 1955 RAF spokesman's comment that their five-year UFO study's conclusions were withheld due to being "too controversial." The article notes a shift in ufology towards more complex theories involving the fourth-dimension and psychic phenomena, influenced by Air Marshal Goddard's speech and the Library of Congress bibliography.

Dr. Edward U. Condon's Perspective

Dr. Edward U. Condon, who headed the recent UFO study by Colorado University, is quoted suggesting the need for a "National Magic Agency" to conduct large and expensive studies of UFO matters.

Bufford Ratliff's Investigation and Fossil Discovery

An article by Bufford Ratliff, director of the "Tri-State Ufo Investigation Committee," details his personal interest in ufology since 1954 and a major sighting in December 1968. He recounts experiencing radiation burns from "two low flyers," which affected him physically and solidified his belief that UFOs are alien craft. Ratliff organized TUIC in March 1969 and has since made over 26 UFO sightings. He discusses his investigation into a magazine article by Mr. Melvin R. Gray concerning a strange fossil. Ratliff and Gray's research team confirmed findings of seven small creatures within the fossil, described as "ape-like" (Type 2) and "humanoid" (Type 1). They believe the fossil is the remains of a "tiny 'flying saucer' or machine alien to the world we live in today," potentially 400 million years old, and that it ended in a crash, killing at least seven crew members. The craft reportedly landed in water, becoming fossilized. Ratliff lists five possible origins for such craft: unexplored parts of Earth, subterranean civilizations, under oceans, a destroyed planet in our solar system, or an outside planet.

Reporter's Remarks on the 1969 Convention

Jeep Wilkenvich provides a critical report on a 1969 UFO Convention, expressing dissatisfaction with its organization, which he believes was controlled by three groups. He found the Chairman, Mr. Hayneck, more interested in parliamentary procedures than serious discussion. The convention's highlights included Mr. Bufford Ratliff presenting his strange-looking fossils, which Wilkenvich examined and described as containing "humanoids" and indicating a "saucer" crash. The second highlight was a taped speech by John A. Keel, who stated that UFOs do not exist but "something else" does. Keel elaborated that "something else" refers to beings or "paraphysical" perceptions of immortal beings or "invisible animation." He also noted that 98% of cases from 1966 were too "weird" and not helpful for research, suggesting that only certain people (Red Indians, Gypsies, Catholics, or highly religious persons) can be "contacted" by these "beings."

Wilkenvich also criticized the convention for showing old, worn-out material and charging $1.50 for admission. He observed a lack of unity and abundance of suspicion among the various UFO organizations.

Armand A. LaPrade's "Would You Believe?"

This section reprints brief reports of unusual phenomena:

• 1921, Portland, Oregon: Pieces of white shining material, like polished china, fell, accompanied by ice.
• 1947, Portland, Oregon: A similar incident with a cylinder-like polished white china object and ice.
• 1954, Ensenada, B.C.: Manuel Careaga experienced his car's windshield and rear window being spotted and then melting like snow after hearing a noise.
• 1954, Canada: Mrs. Gary May reported a sharp pinging sound and blobs on her windshield. Touching the glass caused a stinging pain and turned her hand green.
• October 1, 1954, Marysville, Ohio: A cigar-shaped object hovered over a school, leaving a three-mile trail of "Angel Hair" strands. The material felt like asbestos, disappeared within minutes, and turned hands green.
• April 1955, Colorado: Morris Steen found a small, highly radioactive metal disc in a lake.
• October 1955, Colorado: O. L. Breitkruetz reported finding "bright discs" in his yard.
• April 8, 1953, Dana, California: Mr. and Mrs. Milton Mayer encountered patches of greenish-blue snow that caused tingling skin, puckered mouths, and watery eyes.
• February 1961, Cleveland, Tenn.: A golf ball in a piano blew up in a piano tuner's face.

Open Letter to Houston Space Center

Kenneth Larson, Director of the West Coast Branch of Saucer Scoop, writes an open letter to Mr. Christopher Kraft at the Houston Space Center. Larson references the APOLLO 11 astronauts quoting scripture about creation before their touchdown. He suggests that their successful return indicates guidance and protection by a Creator, and that American scientists are reluctant to publicly acknowledge this. Larson theorizes that a lack of such acknowledgement might endanger future Apollo missions, proposing that acknowledging a Creator's role in the creation of Earth, moon, and stars might be essential for mission success. He cites biblical verses supporting the concept of a Creator.

SENTRY UFO Detector and Advertisements

The issue includes an advertisement for the "SENTRY UFO DETECTOR," described as a breakthrough device for detecting strange objects in the atmosphere, with testimonials from Richard Dawson and Kurt Glemser. It is priced at $10.00. Other advertisements include a call for UFO newsclippings and magazines, an offer for a collection of UFO newspaper clippings for sale or trade, and an offer for "GENUINE !!!PETRIFIED MAMMOTH BONE CHIPS" and a subscription to "COSMOS," a monthly publication on psychic news and phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the more esoteric and less conventional aspects of UFO phenomena, leaning towards theories involving psychic, paraphysical, and non-physical explanations rather than purely technological or extraterrestrial craft. There is a critical stance towards mainstream scientific explanations and a skepticism towards the unity and honesty of some UFO organizations. The editorial stance appears to favor open-minded investigation and the presentation of diverse, often controversial, viewpoints, as evidenced by the inclusion of John A. Keel's radical statements and the emphasis on personal accounts and anecdotal evidence alongside scientific reports.