UFO Encounters - Vol 01 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO ENCOUNTERS
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 4
Date: 1992
Publisher: Aztec Publishing
Country: USA
Price: $2.50

This issue of UFO Encounters focuses on several key topics within the UFO phenomenon, including deception surrounding crop circles, the results of a significant abduction poll, and updates on notable abduction cases. It also touches upon the political involvement of ufologists and NASA's efforts in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Deception Among the Crop Circles

The lead article, "Smoking Gun, or Shootout at the Fantasy Factory?" by Mark Jaeger, delves into the controversy surrounding crop circles, particularly the claims made by "Doug & Dave" that they were responsible for creating most of the crop circles in southern England over 13 years. The article details how researcher Pat Delgado was initially convinced by their claims, even promoting one of their creations as genuine. However, inconsistencies, such as the random flattening of crops by Doug & Dave versus the bent-but-not-broken, spiraling patterns of genuine circles, led to skepticism. The piece suggests that this situation may have been part of a larger effort to debunk the phenomenon, potentially involving government interest and a desire to reduce public interest. George Wingfield of the Center for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS) is mentioned as having acquired information suggesting a high-level British government meeting discussed measures to manage public perception of crop circles.

The article also introduces Jim Schnabel and Robert Irving, who were observed at crop circle sites. Armen Victorian, an individual with alleged intelligence background, used aliases to probe Schnabel and Irving about government interest in crop circles. Transcripts of conversations suggest that Irving hinted at government involvement and a connection to "intelligence." The conversation also touches upon the possibility of "spiritual warfare" and a "super-national organization" being involved, with implications of sinister motives and attempts to change world consciousness.

Atlanta Discovery Expo: Budd Hopkins and the Roper Poll

Michael Norris reports on Budd Hopkins' presentation at the Atlanta Discovery Expo, where he shared the results of a nationwide poll conducted by the Roper Organization. This poll, interviewing nearly six thousand people, aimed to determine the prevalence of abduction experiences. The poll used five key questions, including experiencing missing time, waking up paralyzed, seeing unusual lights, feeling like flying, and finding unexplained scars. To be considered a potential abductee, individuals had to answer "yes" to four out of five questions. A "trick question" about the word "Trondant" was used to filter out automatic "yes" responders.

The results showed that 13% experienced missing time, 18% woke up paralyzed, 8% saw unusual lights indoors, and 10% felt as though flying. Notably, 8% reported finding unusual scars. The most striking finding was that social/political activists showed significantly higher percentages on the first two questions (18% for missing time, 28% for paralysis), a result that surprised researchers. Hopkins speculated that these individuals might be more attuned to their experiences, influenced by them to become more involved in society, or perhaps attract attention due to their active role and perceived mental elite status.

Update: The "Linda Cortile" Case

The magazine provides an update on the "Linda Cortile" abduction case, which Hopkins is still investigating. Linda's experience began after reading Hopkins' book "Intruders." While pregnant, she noticed a bulge on her nose, which later led to an x-ray revealing a "curly-shaped implant." Hopkins presented this as the "first x-ray of an alien artifact inserted into a human being." Linda later recalled under hypnosis the process of the object being placed in her nose, noting it lacked the curly shape seen on the x-ray, suggesting an advanced device. Following the nosebleed and subsequent x-ray, the implant disappeared. The case has drawn skepticism, with figures like Joseph Stefula and Rich Butler suggesting it is a hoax orchestrated by Linda's family and friends. Hopkins countered that such a hoax would require at least twelve people. The article mentions that Hopkins has gathered extensive documentation, including letters from eyewitnesses and a United Nations official, related to the case.

Witnesses reported seeing Linda and four aliens exiting her apartment window in a fetal position and ascending into a UFO. Cars on a nearby bridge, including one carrying a UN official, stopped simultaneously with the event, and a witness reported a static-like sensation. Hopkins believes the event was staged to allow the UN official to witness the display of alien power.

NASA SETI Update

This section reports on NASA's Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) project, which was scheduled to launch on October 12, 1992. The project, a $100 million, ten-year program, involves two parts: a targeted search of nearby sun-like stars and a Sky Survey to scan vast sections of the sky for unnatural signals. The project was inaugurated at the Goldstone Complex in California's Mojave Desert and also involved Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Carl Sagan spoke at the event, emphasizing the naturalness of seeking other intelligent life and the project's potential to reveal whether humanity can overcome its "technological adolescence." The project was renamed the NASA High Resolution Microwave Survey (HRMS).

Other Articles and Mentions

• Ufologists Go Political: This section likely discusses the increasing involvement of ufologists in political spheres, as hinted at by the Roper Poll results concerning social/political activists.
• UFO Sighting near Cairo: A brief mention of a UFO sighting in this location.
• More Sightings from North Carolina: Further reports of UFO sightings in North Carolina.
• Report from the Hungarian UFO Network: An update from the Hungarian UFO Network.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of potential government cover-ups, the authenticity of UFO phenomena, and the psychological and societal implications of UFO encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting evidence and theories while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints. The publication seems dedicated to bringing the "latest information as it unfolds" to its readers, even if it means adjusting publication schedules due to the complexity of certain cases, as noted in the "From the Editor" section. There is a clear interest in cases that challenge conventional understanding and suggest advanced or unknown intelligences at play.

Title: UFO Encounters
Issue: 13
Volume: 1
Date: 1993
Publisher: Aztec Publishing
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $17.95

This issue of UFO Encounters, dated 1993, focuses on the increasing political involvement in ufology and detailed accounts of UFO sightings and related phenomena. The cover story, "Ufologists go political," introduces the formation of 'Operation Right to Know,' a movement advocating for government transparency regarding UFOs and extraterrestrial matters. The magazine also features extensive reporting on crop circle investigations, personal accounts of UFO encounters, and analysis of potential government cover-ups.

Key Articles and Features

Ufologists Go Political

Authored by Ed Komarek, this section details the emergence of a new political movement centered around 'Operation Right to Know.' Formed in the spring of '92 with a UFO demonstration in front of the White House, the organization aims to achieve a full public accounting of UFO/ET matters. They believe governments are engaged in a secret, deceptive, and failed policy incompatible with democracy. The movement advocates for new leadership to handle the implications of full disclosure and discusses the possibility of alliances with alien races and potential rebuffs by hostile military actions.

Jim Schnabel Responds

This article presents Jim Schnabel's perspective on a controversy involving a tape recording. Schnabel, a graduate student and journalist, claims to have a genuine interest in crop circles and was involved with the Center for Crop Circle Studies (CCCS). He expresses skepticism about the abduction phenomenon but is more accepting of channeling. The article highlights the animosity between Schnabel and George Wingfield, with Irving also mentioned. Schnabel's resignation letter from the CCCS magazine is quoted, criticizing the impounding of the magazine and the removal of his article.

The Story is Suppressed

This section discusses the aftermath of the Schnabel tape, detailing how Wingfield prepared an article for 'The Circular' magazine. However, developments occurred while Wingfield was on a speaking tour in America, with Schnabel and Irving contacting the board. The article suggests that either they convinced the board that the whole thing was a ruse or threatened embarrassing revelations about a CCCS leader.

Upcoming UFO Conferences

A list of UFO conferences scheduled for March to August 1993 is provided, including "RESEARCHING THE ANOMALOUS" in Santa Fe, New Mexico; "OZARK UFO CONFERENCE" in Eureka Springs, Arkansas; "UFO EXPO WEST" in Los Angeles; "1993 MUFON CONFERENCE" in Richmond, Virginia; and "ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY WORLD CONFERENCE" in Las Vegas.

UFO Sighting near Cairo

Authored by Ed Komarek, this report details a sighting by Mary Ann Meadows and her mother Ester Johnson near Cairo, Georgia, on September 15, 1992. They observed a triangular-shaped UFO with a large blue light and two red lights that moved from northeast to southwest, then turned back and disappeared. The object was estimated to be eighteen to twenty feet across and seven to eight feet thick.

More Sightings from North Carolina

This section compiles UFO sightings reported from fourteen towns and cities in North Carolina during 1992. George D. Fawcett, Public Relations director of MUFON-NC Inc., released the annual report. The largest number of encounters were reported in May and September. Sightings included disc, cigar, and saucer shapes, with colors like blue, red, yellow, and orange. Some reports mentioned animal reactions, electromagnetic effects, humming sounds, and landing marks. Specific incidents include:

• May 21 and 22: White and bluish-white disc-shaped objects flying overhead at Huntersville and Stanley, hovering and moving away swiftly.
• June 27: A round UFO with reddish-orange windows hovered or landed near Raeford, causing lights to go out and leaving swirled grass and bare spots.
• March 3: A strobe-lit object flying low and slow near Greensboro, described as the size of a DC-9, making a humming sound.
• January 1992: Several white-round objects, the size of 25 basketballs, maneuvered in the skies above Sparta.
• March 6: A circular UFO with seven round-white lights and a crimson edge observed in Lincolnton.
• March 24: A 90-foot-long UFO with four bright lights and a gray body glided toward a house near Havelock, broke into three pieces.
• April 19: A circular UFO with a humming sound and rotating lights viewed between Pembroke and Maxton.
• May 5: A cigar-shaped UFO with colored lights on its bottom moved overhead slowly near High Point.
• December 1: A triangle-shaped object with three large-white-circular lights on its edges seen near Hardin.

Report from the Hungarian UFO Network (HUFON)

This report details an encounter experienced by a 50-year-old woman in Mezobereny, Hungary, in January 1992. She described a dull, black, egg-shaped "something" that moved through her kitchen. She later saw an egg-shaped, cabin-like object in her garden and entered it, feeling a presence. She then found herself in a wide, gray room with other nude individuals. Following the encounter, she experienced large red marks on her stomach and wounds on her arms, which healed, and her general health improved.

Editorial

Michael Norris, in his editorial, discusses the need for a full and open accounting of UFO/ET matters in Congress. He expresses concern over potential errors in judgment by world leaders and the implications of secret treaties. He also mentions the formation of a new abduction research team in the Atlanta Metropolitan area, led by Steve Varnum, which will conduct hypnotic regression sessions and offer support groups.

Final Notes

This section provides updates on ongoing investigations, including a case in England involving Steven Greer. It also invites readers to send sensitive material to UFO Encounters and encourages investigators to submit articles.

Update: The Luis Delgado Encounter

This update revisits the Haines City case, focusing on a personal question asked of Officer Luis Delgado regarding his service revolver. Delgado stated he felt no threat and was more curious about the object. He expressed regret for not stopping the first time the object hovered, wanting to know its purpose. The article also notes that Delgado now waits on 30th Street, hoping for the object's return.

Have any interesting photos or videotapes?

This section solicits photos and videotapes of unknown aerial objects for analysis by MUFON Staff Photoanalyst Jeff Sainio.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the increasing politicization of UFO research, the persistent mystery of crop circles, detailed eyewitness accounts of diverse UFO phenomena, and the ongoing debate about government secrecy and potential cover-ups. The editorial stance, particularly from Michael Norris, advocates for transparency and open disclosure of UFO/ET information, suggesting that current government policies are inadequate and potentially deceptive. There is also a focus on the scientific and investigative aspects of ufology, with mentions of organizations like MUFON and the establishment of research teams for abduction phenomena. The magazine also highlights international reports, such as the one from Hungary, indicating a global interest in these subjects. The overall tone suggests a belief in the reality of UFO phenomena and a desire for greater public awareness and understanding.