UFO POTPOURRI

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO POTPOURRI
Issue: No. 423
Date: February 1999
Publisher: John F. Schuessler
Contact: 9862 West Unser Ave., Littleton, CO 80128; e-mail: [email protected]; Web Page: http://home.mho.net/schuessler/

This issue of UFO POTPOURRI, a newsletter focused on UFO phenomena and related topics, presents several articles covering historical sightings, public opinion on alien life, alleged encounters with extraterrestrials, and scientific perspectives on interstellar communication.

Mysterious Light Smashes Into Plane, Vanishes

This section details an incident that occurred on July 30, 1950, near Springfield, Illinois, as reported by the Associated Press and published in the DECATUR HERALD. Pilot Jim Graham, 35, along with four other individuals, reported seeing a mysterious object described as a "blue streak about eight or 10 feet long and had a long tail of reddish-yellow flame." The object reportedly bumped into Graham's plane at an altitude of approximately 5,400 feet, emitting a "blinding flash" but causing no damage to the aircraft. Graham stated there was no sound and the plane was not rocked. The collision occurred west of Williamsville around 10 p.m. Four Springfield residents also reported seeing a streak in the sky, with one describing it as emitting an "intense blue light" and another as "greenish like a traffic signal, with a red tail." Graham believes motorists on U.S. Route 66 may have witnessed the event, as he observed several cars stopped with spotlights focused skyward.

Britons Believe In Extraterrestrial Life

This article, based on a report by BBC News from the popular science magazine FOCUS, reveals that 52.2% of British people believe alien life must exist. FOCUS editor Paul Simpson is quoted stating that belief in alien life is no longer fringe and that many scientists now consider it likely given the discovery of new planets. He anticipates a radio signal will eventually prove intelligent life exists elsewhere. The article also notes the influence of "The X-Files" TV series, with 80% of respondents suspicious of authorities and believing the government would withhold information about alien life. Survey results show variations by sex, age, region, and social class, with women being more skeptical than men, and pensioners being the least likely to believe in intelligent life.

Did Jackie Gleason See Dead Aliens?

This section recounts a story from the BUFFALO NEWS, dated June 12, 1987, about entertainer Jackie Gleason's fascination with outer space. According to his ex-wife, Beverly McKitrick, Gleason, a believer in UFOs, allegedly took a trip with then-President Richard Nixon in 1973 to Homestead Air Force Base in Florida. There, they purportedly viewed the bodies of four dead aliens recovered by the Air Force, which were said to be embalmed and displayed on operating tables under top-secret classification. The article suggests the gravity of this alleged event would explain the secrecy. It also mentions Gleason's extensive private library and proposes a comprehensive investigation into the story, including reviewing his library, interviewing key individuals, examining travel records, and consulting his physicians.

Optical Signals From ET

Citing the January 29, 1999 issue of SCIENCE magazine, this brief article discusses a theory that laser light, rather than radio waves, might be a more effective means for extraterrestrials to communicate. Astronomers suggest that optical and infrared laser flashes could be superior for direct, point-to-point interstellar communications over long distances. The Planetary Society is mentioned as having private funding for three new, low-cost "optical SETI" initiatives.

Space Shuttle Launches to the Space Station

This section provides a schedule of NASA launches planned for 1999 to transport supplies and cargo to the International Space Station. Key launches include:

• Flight 2A.1 (May 1999): U.S. Space Shuttle STS-96, carrying logistics and a Russian cargo crane.
• Flight 1R (July 1999): Russian Proton rocket, carrying the Russian Service Module.
• Flight 2A.2 (August 1999): U.S. Space Shuttle STS-101, carrying logistics.
• Flight 3A (October 1999): U.S. Space Shuttle STS-92, carrying communication systems and a docking port.
• Flight 4A (December 1999): U.S. Space Shuttle STS-97, carrying U.S. solar power arrays.

All launches are contingent on Russia delivering the Service Module on time.

Some Useful Web Sites

This section lists several websites relevant to aviation, flight, online glossaries, space science, and space flight information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent interest in UFO sightings and alien life, the intersection of popular culture (like "The X-Files") with public belief, and the ongoing exploration of space. The editorial stance, as represented by the publication of these diverse topics, appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena and space-related news, presenting both historical accounts and contemporary developments. The inclusion of the Jackie Gleason story, despite its speculative nature, suggests an interest in anecdotal evidence and celebrity involvement in UFO lore.