UFO Magazine News Bulletin issue 11 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO MAGAZINE NEWS BULLETIN
Issue: 11
Date: Summer, 1976
Publisher: SAUCER NEWS (Official Publication of the SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY)
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of the UFO Magazine News Bulletin focuses on upcoming and past UFO-related events and provides commentary on the state of ufology. It features a letter from James W. Moseley regarding the 13th National UFO Conference, a critical review of the 1976 MUFON Symposium by Robert S. Easley, and several reports on recent UFO sightings.

13th National UFO Conference

James W. Moseley, writing on August 13th, 1976, from Fort Lee, N.J., announces the 13th National UFO Conference to be held on the weekend of August 28th, 1976, at a Holiday Inn in the Cleveland area. As Permanent Chairman, Moseley expresses a desire to attract "new blood" to revitalize the group. He highlights that the National UFO Conference, founded in 1964, is the oldest "Middle Ufology" conference. The organization aims to provide a forum for all reasonable viewpoints within the UFO field, welcoming members from other organizations and those with differing perspectives, whether pro-contactee or skeptical. This year's conference will deviate from previous years by not holding a public "open session," instead focusing on informal "bull sessions" among delegates. The conference dates are August 27th, 28th, and 29th, with an organizational meeting on Saturday the 28th. Reservations can be made by contacting the Holiday Inn in Strongsville, Ohio. Further information can be obtained by writing to Moseley or Rick Hilberg.

A Critical Look at the 1976 MUFON Symposium

Robert S. Easley provides a critical assessment of the 1976 MUFON Symposium held in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on June 12th. While acknowledging Robert L. Stinson's masterful hosting, Easley found the convention to be "rather extremely dull." He notes that the only technically good lecture was by Jerome Clark on the Fargo abduction case. Easley found the "BS" sessions more engaging, involving figures like Gray Barker, Leonard Stringfield, and others. He contrasts MUFON gatherings with "Middle Ufology" gatherings, pointing out three key differences:

1. Time: MUFON started at 8 AM, which Easley found too early after late-night "BS" sessions, unlike "Middle Ufology" events that started later.
2. Hospitality Room: The Friday night party was described as "stuffy" and "very polite," in contrast to the "extremely loose" parties of "Middle Ufology" where any topic was open for discussion.
3. General Attitudes: Easley felt the MUFON Symposium was dismissive of the "little man" in Ufology, favoring scientists and recognized figures. "Middle Ufology," he argues, values the "little man" and unknown fans for keeping the field alive. Easley concludes that MUFON's "classroom education style" may not survive long, citing the attendance numbers as evidence.

The Question Is What Is The Answer

In this section, Robert S. Easley reflects on the enduring mystery of UFOs as the 30th anniversary of the modern UFO enigma approaches. He acknowledges that while minor questions have been answered (e.g., UFOs are real, there's no evidence of intelligent life in our solar system, and government projects were mishandled), the central question of "what exactly are the UFOs?" remains unanswered. Easley criticizes the lack of a combined team effort in UFO research, comparing it unfavorably to the Manhattan Project. He describes the field as "dis-jointed, un-organized malignant growth of mass confusion," offering potential origins for UFOs such as alternate realities or dimensional fault zones. He expresses his continued dedication to exploring these possibilities.

Recent UFO Sightings

Humanoid Case Under Investigation in Illinois (2/25/76): Rick R. Hilberg reports on an investigation by the Center For UFO Studies into a sighting near Nashville, Illinois. A middle-aged woman reported seeing two "very tall humanoids with large feet and no necks" who shined a blue light at her. Deputy John Gronewald of the Washington County Sheriff's Office confirmed the sighting took place about three miles west of Nashville. Investigator Mario DeSario noted the pattern of the blue light and the lack of necks on the beings. The woman did not report seeing a UFO.

Lansing, Michigan Multiple Witness Case (4/19/76): A red light was observed by the Lansing police helicopter crew and other citizens. The object appeared to be an aircraft making slow movement before accelerating rapidly and descending southeast towards the city. It was last seen just prior to impact west of the Capitol building. The police dispatcher contacted the local airport, which reported no radar contacts with the object.

Bouncing Object Sighted On Highway (4/1/76): Mrs. Lou Fisher and Mrs. Annie Mae Ross reported seeing an object the shape of an automobile bounce across a highway between Nashville and Red Oak, North Carolina. They described it as grayish with large red lights on the rear and possibly a light on the front. A long, silver-colored rod protruded from the rear. The soundless object bounced into a field and disappeared.

Notes From The Saucer's Cup

Robert S. Easley contributes several brief notes:

• Martian Organisms: An article from the Atlanta Journal discusses the scientific debate over whether to allow potential Martian organisms to return to Earth, with some scientists urging caution due to unknown dangers.
• LAGEOS Satellite: The laser geodynamic satellite LAGEOS was launched on April 4, 1976, from Vandenberg Air Force Base to measure Earth's crust movements. A plaque designed by Dr. Carl Sagan is included to indicate the satellite's origin and purpose.
• UFO Landing Port: Dedication ceremonies for the first Official UFO Landing Port were held on July 4th in Lake City, Pennsylvania. The port is located in Lake Erie Community Park.
• Loch Ness Monster Expedition: The fifth annual expedition by the Academy of Applied Sciences to search for the Loch Ness monster began on May 30, 1976, utilizing sonar devices.

Around And About The Saucer World

Rick R. Hilberg writes about the Mysticon '76 convention, which he describes as a "great convention" attended by over four hundred people. He notes that the event offered lectures and slide presentations on UFOs, Ancient Astronauts, Monsters, and "Star Trek," providing an opportunity to speak with UFO and phenomena investigators. Hilberg considers Mysticon '76 a potential meeting place for "Middle Ufologists," contrasting it with a poorly attended 1975 event. He lists several notable attendees, including Allen H. Greenfield, Eugene R. Steinberg, Allan Manak, Robert S. Easley, Dennis Pilichis, Brent Raynes, D. Willaim Hauck, and Jim Capots, along with a delegation from the Ohio UFO Investigators League. Hilberg emphasizes the importance of "bull sessions" for exchanging theories and information and making new friendships. He announces plans for the 1977 Mysticon event and mentions a local program called "Myths, Monsters and Mysterious Saucers" to be held by Bob Easley, Al Manak, and himself on September 18th in Defiance, Ohio, which will feature slide programs and lectures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation and discussion of UFO phenomena, the organization of UFO research groups, and the reporting of specific sightings. There is a clear distinction drawn between mainstream ufology (represented by MUFON) and what the publication terms "Middle Ufology," which is presented as more open, informal, and inclusive of the average enthusiast. The editorial stance, as expressed by Moseley and Easley, is one of continued inquiry and a desire to foster open discussion within the UFO field, while also acknowledging the significant lack of definitive answers to the core questions surrounding UFOs. The publication appears to champion a more grassroots approach to ufology, valuing the contributions of all interested individuals.