UFO MAGAZINE NEWS BULLETIN

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO MAGAZINE NEWS BULLETIN
Issue: 15
Date: October, 1977
Publisher: Not specified
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $2.00 for four issues

This issue of the UFO MAGAZINE NEWS BULLETIN, dated October 1977, features a cover image of a seldom-published frame from an 8mm movie taken at Newark, Ohio on May 29, 1961. The magazine is published quarterly at 3403 West 119th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44111, with Robert S. Easley and Rick R. Hilberg serving as editors, and Carol J. Hilberg as managing editor.

The National UFO Conference: A New Look

This article, authored by Robert S. Easley and Rick R. Hilberg, reflects on the 14th Annual National UFO Conference held in San Francisco. They note the public success, with over 450 attendees at a lecture by Stanton Friedman and Dr. James Harder, crediting Dale Rettig for extensive local publicity. However, the closed session business meeting saw only about 75 delegates, with many remaining tight-lipped and apathetic. The authors lament the absence of key 'Middle Ufology' exponents and the prevalence of local attendees, suggesting a lack of 'new blood' to revitalize the organization. They question whether the conference can truly be a vehicle for a unified 'Middle Ufology,' noting that organizations like MUFON and CUFOS may not accommodate the more 'offbeat' theories prevalent in privately published zines.

The authors observe that 'new blood' is active in publishing and exchanging theories but is not present at conventions. They express frustration with 'armchair experts' who offer lip service to the organization. The article concludes by urging determination and cooperation from 'Middle Ufologists' to prevent the movement from being absorbed by 'Official Ufology.'

Notes from the Saucer's Cup

Written by Robert S. Easley, this section reviews several books:

• The 12th Planet by Zecharia Sitchin ($12.95): Described as a fascinating, heavily-researched work on the Nefilim and the 12th planet, drawing from ancient Sumerian, Mesopotamian, and Babylonian texts. It is recommended over works by von Daniken.
• Strangers From Space by Susy Smith ($1.50): Considered a good introductory book for those new to UFOs, but a rehash for experienced researchers.
• First, Man. Then, Adam! by Irwin Ginsburgh ($5.95): An interesting, though overpriced, book proposing that the Garden of Eden was a spaceship, well-documented and recommended for 'ancient astronaut' enthusiasts.
• Situation Red: The UFO Siege by Leonard H. Stringfield ($8.95): An interesting book indicating possible hostilities from UFO occupants, with a chapter discussing government cover-ups of crashed saucers. Highly recommended.

Movie Mentions

The issue briefly mentions the science fiction movie "Star Wars," calling it one of the best movies of the year and predicting it will surpass "Jaws" in box office success, with two sequels already planned. It also notes the upcoming movie "Meteor," starring Sean Connery and Natalie Wood, about Earth being showered with fragments from a meteor and comet collision.

Our Reason for Existence : Circa 1977

By Edward M. Biebel, this article addresses criticisms leveled against the National UFO Conference:

1. Closed Clique: Biebel states the conference is open to all interested individuals and groups, unlike NICAP, APRO, and MUFON, which he claims focus on quantity over quality.
2. Robert E. Loftin Memorial Award: The award is given to those who have done the most to promote Ufology in the previous year, with the Chairman making the final decision after consultation.
3. Rebuffed Newcomers: Biebel asserts that no new attendees have been intentionally snubbed and that anyone is welcome, with the only criterion being a willingness to listen.
4. Refusal of New Ideas: The conference does not refuse new ideas but rejects a 'monolithic sphere of influence,' encouraging individual projects but not expecting immediate group adoption.
5. Membership Knowledge: Biebel acknowledges that members don't know everything, but notes that Ufology's history is cyclical, with past issues and ideas recurring.
6. Partying: He describes the conference as an interchange of ideas at best, and an 'overgrown beer party' at worst, suggesting that few would travel solely for the party aspect.

Biebel invites critics to attend the next conference to be heard, but cautions against expecting wild enthusiasm for their latest projects. He likens the UFO mystery's solution to a 'quantum leap' of knowledge, potentially akin to magic, referencing Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Allen Greenfield.

Around And About The Saucer World

By Rick R. Hilberg, this section reports on the death of pioneer UFO researcher Ray Palmer, who was instrumental in popularizing UFO topics through his magazines like 'FLYING SAUCERS' and 'SEARCH' since Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. Hilberg fondly recalls meeting Palmer and emphasizes his talent for making people think about reality.

The section also mentions a letter from "Uncle Lou" Wiedemann of Vestigia, who commented on the magazine's previous cover featuring 'spook lights' and inquired about the 'disappearing housewives' of the Akron-Canton, Ohio area. Hilberg relays the story of over 25 housewives reportedly disappearing from shopping malls in 1976, with one case involving a woman found drugged or hypnotized. While acknowledging some knowledge of the incident, authorities reportedly considered the number of disappearances a rumor, with earlier reports of vanishing children also attributed to rumor.

Strange Sightings and Phenomena

• Creature from the Sea: A 32-foot long, two-ton creature resembling a plesiosaurus was reportedly caught by the Japanese fishing trawler Zuiyo Maru off the coast of New Zealand. Professor Fujiro Yasuda stated it was not a fish species.
• Ogopogo Sighting: The Lake Okanagan monster was sighted again, described as fifty feet long, dark green, and shiny. Subsequent dives by 80 divers failed to find evidence.
• Meteorite Impact: A meteorite split in two over Tananarive, Africa, with one piece creating a 787-foot crater.
• Soviet Light Phenomenon: Tass reported a star-like ball of light over Petrozavodsk, Karelia, Russia, described as moving like a jellyfish and sending out light impulses. A similar phenomenon was seen over Finland.
• 'Cobwebs' in Bay Area: On October 11th, the San Francisco Bay Area was filled with large amounts of falling silky filament, described as 'cobwebs,' from as high as 2000 feet. Entomologists attributed this to spiders migrating to disperse their population.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the state and direction of Ufology, particularly the concept of 'Middle Ufology' and the challenges faced by organizations like the National UFO Conference in fostering open discussion and integrating new ideas. There is a strong emphasis on book reviews, covering topics from ancient astronauts to UFO hostility, and a reporting of various unexplained phenomena, including potential cryptid sightings and unusual aerial events. The editorial stance, as expressed by the editors and contributors, appears to be one of encouraging critical thinking, open-mindedness, and active participation within the UFO research community, while also acknowledging the difficulties and controversies inherent in the field. The passing of Ray Palmer is noted with respect, highlighting his contribution to public awareness and thought regarding UFOs.