UFO Magazine News Bulletin issue 16 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO MAGAZINE NEWS BULLETIN
Issue: 16
Date: April, 1978
Publisher: UFO MAGAZINE NEWS BULLETIN
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the UFO Magazine News Bulletin, dated April 1978, offers a critical look at popular media's engagement with UFO topics, alongside reviews of books and other publications within the Fortean and ufological communities. The cover features artwork by Denise Le Comte, depicting a spaceman interacting with unusual creatures under a starry sky.

"PROJECT U.F.O."

Robert S. Easley reviews the new NBC series "Project U.F.O.," produced by Jack Webb. While acknowledging it as a serious attempt to address the public's interest in UFOs, Easley points out significant flaws. He criticizes the humor as feeble and the acting by stars William Jordan and Caskey Swaim as bad, though these are considered overlookable. The special effects and the use of flashbacks are praised for their quality. The review notes that the series' ending, which offered explanations from the Air Force, likely pleased UFO skeptic Phill Klass, but ultimately left the question of whether the objects were identified unanswered. Despite its flaws, Easley finds the program entertaining and recommends it, provided the acting and humor improve.

BOOK REVIEW: "BIG FOOT - TALES OF UNEXPLAINED CREATURES"

Robert S. Easley also reviews "BIG FOOT - TALES OF UNEXPLAINED CREATURES," a 60-page booklet from the Page Research Library, edited by Dennis Pilichis. He hails it as another "gem in the Fortean field" and a must-have for Big Foot and Fortean enthusiasts. The articles and illustrations are described as interesting and well-done, specifically mentioning Ron Schaffer's article on Ohio sightings and Don Boyd's on Australian "Yowies." The publication is noted as being in limited edition and costs $3.25 from the Page Research Library in Westlake, Ohio.

The Question of Proof in Ufology

In an article by Robert S. Easley, he explores the fundamental challenge of proving the existence and nature of UFOs, quoting from Frank G. Herbert's "CHILDREN OF DUNE": "All proofs inevitably lead to propositions which have no proof! All things are known because we want to believe in them." Easley argues that while the masses may witness phenomena, definitive proof to answer questions about their origin and nature remains elusive. He traces the historical debate, from the early dichotomy of extraterrestrial spaceships versus natural phenomena (involving NICAP, APRO, and Dr. Donald Menzel) to later propositions including Canadian secret weapons and alternate realities. The article highlights the involvement of organizations like MUFON, the CIA, and NASA, and notes that despite President Carter's campaign promise, government UFO information has not been released. The author observes that UFOs have gained a degree of "respectability" due to popular films, leading to increased public interest and media coverage. However, he concludes that this increased attention has not brought us any closer to a definitive answer and has contributed to a disorganized and often contentious ufology scene.

MOVIE REVIEW: "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

Edward M. Biebel reviews Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." He finds the movie's premise, that UFOs are finally communicating through "thought suggestion" and a musical sequence, to be engaging. However, he expresses disappointment with the special effects in the final forty minutes and the use of humor to offset tension. Biebel notes that the aliens appeared benign and not a threat. He praises the electromagnetic encounter scene involving Richard Dreyfuss's character, where a UFO affects his vehicle's electrical system and causes nearby objects to vibrate. Biebel also comments on Francois Truffaut's portrayal of the Ufologist, comparing him to Jacques Vallee and Dr. J. Allen Hynek. He finds it fitting that Dreyfuss, representing the "ordinary people," goes with the aliens rather than the Ufologist. Biebel concludes that the movie's finale is a letdown, with the "mothership" not appearing to be on the same reality plane as Earthlings, and the aliens' appearance being somewhat fakey. He suggests the movie cries out for a sequel to define the Ufonauts' motives.

Notes From The Saucer's Cup

This section, by Robert S. Easley, lists recent book releases. These include "PHENOMENA: A BOOK OF WONDERS" by John Mitchell and Robert J. M. Rickard, described as a comprehensive enigma book. "WONDERS FROM THE HEAVENS" by Ruth Starr and "EUREKA" by Eddie Glenn are mentioned as potentially interesting only if one has nothing else to read. Bill Wisner's "VANISHED - WITHOUT A TRACE," a collection of sea tales about the Bermuda Triangle, is noted as mostly rehash but suitable for a cold night. Robert Charroux's "THE MYSTERIES OF THE ANDES" is recommended as the fourth and most interesting in Avon Book's Mysteries series, presenting a thesis on civilization's origin. The section also notes that Dell Books published a book version of "CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND" by Steven Spielberg. Finally, it mentions that Rick Hilberg and Robert S. Easley lectured on UFOs at Kent State University on November 1, 1977, without incident.

UNUSUAL NEWS & Star Trek

This section mentions "UNUSUAL NEWS," an 8-page monthly publication by editor L. S. Kaplan, which is described as informative and well-done. It also reports that Leonard Nimoy has signed to portray "Mr. Spock" in a new "Star Trek" movie, with the original series' stars reprising their roles.

Astronomical Discovery

Veteran Caltech astronomer Charles Kowall has discovered what might be the tenth planet in our solar system, estimated to be between 100 and 400 miles in diameter and located near Uranus. Kowal has named this object "Chiron."

Bigfoot Sightings in South Dakota

Residents of Little Eagle, South Dakota, on the Standing Rock Reservation, have reportedly been terrorized by three "Bigfoot" creatures, known as "Taku He" by the Sioux Indians. These creatures are described as similar to the Pacific Northwest's "Sasquatch," with over twenty-eight sightings reported. Some residents have moved or are carrying weapons for protection. The creatures are said to be six to nine feet tall and weigh between 600-900 pounds.

UFO Newsclipping Service

Lou Farish has taken over the operations of the "UFO Newsclipping Service" from Rod Dyke, with the hope that it will now be published on time and remain at five dollars a month.

United Nations and UFOs

The United Nations "Special Political Committee" viewed "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and discussed UFOs. Prime Minister Eric Gairey of Grenada advocated for a UN probe. However, the UN decided against spending $16,000 on a study, though they urged member nations to consider UFOs.

Notable Deaths

The issue notes the recent deaths of Leigh Brackett, who wrote the first draft of the screenplay for "Star Wars Two" and had a career in television and science fiction novels, and Richard Carlson, an actor known for roles in "It Came from Outer Space" and "The Creature from The Black Lagoon."

"Starship Invasions" Movie Review

This section harshly criticizes the movie "Starship Invasions," starring Robert Vaughn and Christopher Lee, calling it one of the worst movies ever seen. The reviewer found the special effects to be extremely poor, suggesting a minimal budget. The movie did include UFO lore, with Dr. Allen Duncan (Robert Vaughn) being a parody of Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The review also mentions the use of electromagnetic effects, radar cases, and references to cases like AVB, Herb Schirmer, Travis Walton, and the Pascagoula contact. The reviewer found the film so bad that it even depicted Vaughn at his desk looking at an issue of OFFICIAL UFO and included a scene with Chris Lee in a "galactic whore house."

Around And About The Saucer World

Rick R. Hilberg reports on the death of George Van Tassel on February 9, 1978, a prominent early saucer contactee and organizer of the first large-scale UFO convention. Van Tassel's Giant Rock gatherings from 1953 to 1970 are credited with inspiring more recent "scientific" cons. Hilberg recalls speaking with Van Tassel in 1965 and finding him friendly and sincere, despite his own skepticism about contact claims.

Ground Saucer Watch Lawsuit

A news story reports that Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) has filed a lawsuit against the CIA in the U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, New York, alleging that the CIA is withholding proof of UFO existence. GSW is seeking to obtain photographs and reports under the Freedom of Information Act. A hearing was scheduled for March 17 on the government's request to dismiss the case due to lack of jurisdiction.

Strange Experience in Nevada

Ed Dula, a hotel maintenance man from Las Vegas, Nevada, reported a strange experience with UFOs on November 13, 1977, while traveling with his family near St. George, Utah. They observed "saucer-shaped" objects hovering above the mountains, described as having red and white lights. The objects moved rapidly and erratically, too fast for helicopters or planes. Dula experienced a flat tire shortly after, which prevented him from following them.

Dale Rettig Recovering

Dale Rettig has written to say he is recovering from a recent illness that has kept him from investigating UFOs and other phenomena. The newsletter expresses gladness for his recovery and hopes for his return to activity.

Upcoming Issue

The next issue will provide full details on the 1978 National UFO Conference in Cleveland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis of media portrayals of UFOs, the ongoing struggle for proof and transparency in ufology, and the reporting of various UFO and Fortean-related events and publications. The editorial stance, as expressed by Robert S. Easley, appears to be one of cautious skepticism regarding definitive answers, a focus on critical evaluation of evidence and media, and an appreciation for the historical context of UFO research, while also acknowledging the public's enduring fascination with the unknown.