UFO Update - Vol 2 No 1 - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO UPDATE
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 1
Date: 1978
Publisher: NORTHEASTERN UFO ORGANIZATION
Price: $1.25 per copy

This issue of UFO UPDATE delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring a prominent cover story titled "THE GREATEST SAUCER STORY EVER TOLD (Part one)" and another significant piece on "UFO - RELATED ANIMAL MUTILATION IN COLORADO." The magazine also highlights "CLOSE ENCOUNTERS" and includes a photograph of a UFO.

Key Articles and Features

"Triangular UFO Big As Football Field"

This article, by Bob Pratt, reports on an extraordinary sighting by five members of the Memphis S.W.A.T. squad. The officers observed a massive, triangular UFO, described as being as large as a football field and 50 to 75 yards wide, hovering over Memphis in the early morning of May 17th. The craft was adorned with white, red, and green lights, and a white glow. The officers watched it for two to three minutes before it "blazed across the clear night sky at astounding speed and disappeared." Patrolman Troy L. Todd described the object as "some aircraft not of this earth," while Patrolman Jerry W. Jeter noted its "white glow about its silhouette." The craft had alternating red and green lights, or dim lights along its sides. Despite having a rifle with a telescopic sight, the object moved away too quickly to be properly observed. The report includes statements from the police dispatcher who confirmed the sighting and from Captain O.B. Holcomb of the Memphis Tactical Squad, who vouched for the credibility of the reporting officers. Additionally, a Navy spokesman from Millington Naval Air Station denied any flight training or experimental craft in the area, and an FAA supervisor confirmed that no radar or visual sightings were made by air traffic controllers.

"The Canadian scene - U.F.O. in Baldwin?"

This section discusses UFO sightings in the Lake Simcoe area of Southern Ontario, Canada. It highlights a landing site discovered in October 1974 by Pete Dmitrovic on his property near a pond. The site featured a 20-foot perfect circle indent in the ground, with two smaller perfect circles inside. A reporter who visited the site noted that the indent not only flattened the grass but also left an indentation in the earth, indicating significant weight. The article suggests that Canada's National Research Council might explain this occurrence as the action of a fairy-ring mushroom, referencing the editorial.

"UFOs in area being investigated by DeGraw"

Written by Diane Cobb for The Mason City Globe-Gazette, this article focuses on Ralph C. DeGraw, a private UFO investigator from Hazleton, Iowa. DeGraw believes that for every UFO sighting reported in the North Iowa area, ten go unreported due to people's fear of ridicule. He has been investigating UFOs since 1963 and works with the Center for UFO Studies in Chicago, which is headed by Professor J. Allen Hynek. DeGraw maintains a clipping service and interviews witnesses to gather detailed accounts. He notes that about 80 percent of reported sightings are easily explained as aircraft, planets, or lights, but the remaining 20 percent are of interest. DeGraw sends his reports to Chicago for analysis, where patterns are identified. He emphasizes the need for people to report sightings, assuring confidentiality. DeGraw believes UFOs are not experimental government craft and suggests they may be naturally occurring phenomena. He also notes patterns in sightings, such as frequency at night, in clear weather, in rural regions, and during August and September. The article mentions a growing scientific acceptance of UFOs and DeGraw's interest in humanoids and extraterrestrial beings.

"Mysteries and hoaxes of UFOs to be probed in new TV show"

This article by Bob Mallory discusses a new television series called "Project UFO," produced by Jack Webb, which aims to investigate UFO mysteries and hoaxes. The show, set to premiere on NBC on February 19th, will be based on over 13,000 documents from the National Archives' UFO investigation files. Webb acknowledges potential controversy due to differing beliefs about UFOs but highlights that 30 percent of reported sightings cannot be logically explained by the government. The series will feature William Jordan and Caskey Swaim as lead investigators, portraying an Air Force major and sergeant, respectively. Webb plans to use dramatic license, similar to his "Dragnet" series, to heighten the effect, changing names and places to avoid lawsuits. The show will explore both UFO hoaxes and unexplained sightings, concluding each episode with the U.S. Air Force's official explanation. Webb hired retired Colonel William Coleman, former head of the Air Force's UFO probe Project Blue Book, as his producer. The show also intends to focus on the human element, exploring how individuals who report UFOs are treated by their communities.

"A POLITICIAN"

This piece by Tom Grey discusses President Carter's stance on UFO investigations at the end of 1977. Despite promises to investigate UFO files, statements from NASA indicated their refusal to become involved, suggesting Carter's election promises might not be fulfilled. The article includes a quote from George Adamski, who stated that politicians remain in power by not revealing truths that might displease their constituents, unless they are sure of public support. The article is accompanied by a cartoon depicting UFOs being explained away as "fairy-ring mushrooms" by officials in Ottawa.

Editorial: "BURNED RINGS EXPLAINED"

The editorial critiques the explanation that UFO "nests" or swirled grass circles are caused by the fairy-ring mushroom, as proposed by Dr. A.G. McNamara of the Canadian National Research Council. The editorial argues that this explanation is an "oversimplification" and lacks support from the Canadian Department of Agriculture. It questions how a fairy-ring mushroom could create a 30-foot circle in flattened grass. The editorial suggests that the scientific community is "groping for excuses rather than seeking answers" regarding the UFO phenomenon.

"UFO Photographs"

This section includes a photograph of a UFO, described as a "Bell-Shaped object seen over Japan." The caption notes that the object was seen on October 29, 1977.

"Cover story"

A brief mention of a "frightening UFO encounter" that happened to a Canadian couple near Lunenburg, Vermont, on July 31, 1977. The eye-level UFO was photographed once, and the couple's names are withheld. The story notes alleged harassment by someone from the U.S. government to remove the UFO photo.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO UPDATE include detailed accounts of UFO sightings, investigations into unexplained phenomena, and the skepticism or official explanations offered by scientific and governmental bodies. The magazine appears to champion the investigation of UFOs as a serious pursuit, questioning simplistic explanations and highlighting the need for further research. The editorial stance is critical of the tendency to dismiss UFO reports and suggests that the scientific community is not always open to exploring all possibilities. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings, witness accounts, and the efforts of private investigators and researchers.

This issue of "CATTLE MUTILATIONS" (Page 9) from THE STAR, dated October 11, 1977, focuses on a series of bizarre cattle mutilations occurring in northeast Colorado, linking them to sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The magazine also includes a detailed account of a purported encounter with Venusians and their spaceship.

Cattle Mutilations in Colorado

The lead article, "CATTLE MUTILATIONS" by Bob Pratt, details the perplexing phenomenon in Logan County, Colorado. Sheriff Harry Graves of Sterling reports a strong connection between the mutilations and sightings of "Big Mama" and "Baby UFOs." Since August 1975, 74 cows, one steer, one bull, and a horse have been mutilated. The surgical removal of body parts like eyes, ears, tongues, and sex organs has veterinarians baffled. Undersheriff Jerry Wolever notes the absence of predator signs and visible footprints or tire tracks.

Sheriff Graves describes "Big Mama" as a huge, brilliant star-like object that hovers for extended periods before disappearing at high speed. He and other officers have witnessed it multiple times. Smaller UFOs, dubbed "Baby UFOs," have been observed emerging from "Big Mama" and then rejoining it. Attempts to track these objects by plane and car have been unsuccessful.

Veterinarians like Dr. L.L. Rieke and Dr. William Fanning are perplexed. Dr. Rieke performed an autopsy on a mutilated cow in Atwood, Colorado, and found the uterus missing, with no explanation. Dr. Fanning stated that some cases were inexplicable. Sheriff Graves emphasizes the strangeness, noting that predators avoid the carcasses and there are no signs of bleeding. The animals are often found with legs sticking straight up. In two instances, strange pod-like indentations were found on the ground, described by rancher Richard Gillham as a tripod formation.

Rancher Frank Zink of Iliff claims to have lost 11 animals to mutilations over two years, asserting the cuts are too perfect for predators.

Deputy Sheriff Gary Cure confirmed that cattle mutilations have been occurring for two to three years, and he and other men have witnessed bright red, green, white, and blue lights in the sky. He mentioned having pictures of UFOs and mutilated cattle. The markings on the ground were triangular, resembling a tripod, with no footprints or vehicle tracks.

Researchers Pat Richardson and Rick White investigated the phenomenon in Logan County on October 22-23, 1977. They interviewed Deputy Sheriff Gary Cure and discussed the October 11 issue of The National Enquirer, which covered the topic. They also interviewed Dr. L.L. Rieke, who mentioned that Dr. William Fanning, a government veterinarian, had been transferred to Connecticut after showing interest in the mutilations. Dr. Rieke shared his own experiences, including a cow's heart disintegrating in his hands and a piece of white material that disappeared upon closer inspection.

A rancher northeast of Sterling, whose name is withheld for protection, reported losing sixteen head of cattle and one horse. His wife claims to have seen a house-sized UFO with pulsating red lights resting on the ground about fifty feet from their ranch two years prior. He believes aliens are continually watching his ranch.

Another rancher reported an incident where a man radioed about a cattle mutilation in progress, only to be found later hanged from a tree. Richardson and White were shown two mutilated animals, noting wedge-shaped depressions in the ground near a cow and triangular depressions near a calf. Precision cuts were observed on the animals' heads and sides where organs were removed.

The researchers believe the beings involved are benevolent and do not advocate fear. They used a UFO detector model BJ, which registered no significant electromagnetic field response.

The Greatest Saucer Story Ever Told

This section, by Arthur H. Matthews, recounts his alleged encounter with Venusians and their spaceship at Lac Beauport, Quebec, Canada, starting in Spring 1941 and continuing with landings every two years until 1961. Matthews, who claims a close relationship with Nikola Tesla, describes meeting two tall, blue-eyed, golden-haired Venusians who claimed Tesla as one of their own.

He recounts an event in 1941 where he and his son, Humphrey, observed a round black spot moving across the sun. Later that night, an alarm on a Tesla Scope alerted him to a large object covering a mountain. He was then confronted by two Venusians.

They offered to show him their spaceship, the "X-12," a massive craft described as two gargantuan saucers joined rim to rim, with a 50-foot diameter tubular shaft. The ship was 700 feet in diameter and had an unsupported "Guide Ring" circling it. Inside, Matthews toured various levels, including storage for 24 smaller spacecraft, living quarters, gardens, recreation areas, and workshops. The ship's floors were carpeted with pliant plastic, and the outer walls were transparent, offering views of space. Viewing screens displayed the ship's position and trajectory.

He met a "life companion" named Frances, who introduced herself and her partner (presumably the leader) as "Frank and Frances, for we stand for Truth." Frances demonstrated the ability to project thought forms onto a screen, showing scenes of Matthews' life, Venus, its people, homes, and towns. Matthews experienced a profound sensation of being physically present on Venus.

An artist's conception of a Venusian, based on a sketch by Alice K. Wells from an Adamski encounter in 1952, is included, along with a diagram of the X-12 spaceship. The description of the 24 small spacecraft matches Adamski's bell-shaped craft.

A UFO Formation, with Colored Flashing Lights

This article by Bernie Gould reports on four sheriff's deputies in Bay County, Florida, who witnessed a group of cone-shaped UFOs flying in formation for over two hours on September 2, 1977. The objects displayed bright lights of various colors and moved erratically. The deputies reported the sightings to Tyndall Air Force Base, but the base's radar detected nothing. Sgt. Ken Burdeshaw suggested this could indicate the Air Force's ignorance or a deliberate cover-up.

Deputy Bobby Nowell described the UFOs as inverted diamonds with colors originating from the base. Deputy John Klingensmith noted triangular shapes resembling inverted ice cream cones. Lt. Norman W. Davis confirmed seeing two objects and described the revolving colors. Davis also reported seeing another mysterious object with similar characteristics with Police Chief Joe Walker on September 11, 1977.

The sightings were investigated by the Center for UFO Studies at Northwestern University. A related advertisement promotes "THE UFO EXAMINER" magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained phenomenon of cattle mutilations and the persistent reports of UFO sightings. The magazine presents these accounts with a tone of serious investigation, featuring testimonies from law enforcement officials, veterinarians, ranchers, and individuals claiming direct encounters with extraterrestrial phenomena. While the Colorado cattle mutilation articles highlight the baffling nature of the events and the potential involvement of unknown aerial objects, the article on Arthur H. Matthews' experience with Venusians suggests a more benevolent extraterrestrial presence. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs and related mysteries, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial visitation and the potential for government awareness or secrecy.

This issue of "UFO Cover-Up" delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring articles on alleged government concealment, official investigations, and notable sightings. The magazine highlights claims that NASA is hiding proof of extraterrestrial life on the moon, a French government initiative to study UFOs, and a specific sighting by English police constables. It also includes a review of the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and revisits the mysterious R.E. Straith letter.

NASA Hiding Proof Of Life On Moon: Expert

George Leonard, a respected writer and former federal agency executive, charges that NASA and other government bodies are concealing proof of life on the moon. In his book, "SOMEBODY ELSE IS ON THE MOON," Leonard claims to have analyzed thousands of lunar photos and information from former NASA scientists. He asserts that "intelligent, purposeful residents are on the moon" and that their "efforts" are visible. Leonard speculates that the moon has been occupied for a long time, possibly thousands of years. He criticizes "professionals" for ignoring or hiding data that challenges existing beliefs, comparing the slow pace of scientific acceptance to the Wright Brothers waiting for authentication. He also notes that many professionals are "frightened" by these discoveries, citing a meeting in England in the spring of 1975 where scientists discussed extraterrestrials.

Government Recognizes Eerie UFOs

Professor J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer and director of the Center for UFO studies at Northwestern University, discusses the significance of the French government providing funds for an agency to study UFOs. He explains that this is the first UFO study to be officially sanctioned by a government agency, indicating a growing official interest and recognition of the serious nature of the UFO phenomenon. Hynek states that "there will now be an official government group" that will take the subject seriously, and that "all of our data is available to them." He notes that the Center has computer data on 60,000 UFO incidents and that the French agency will be properly funded, making it impossible to dismiss those who see UFOs as "crazy."

UFO Vanishes Before Police Officers' Eyes

Two English police constables, Chris Bazire and Vivienne White, reported a startling encounter on October 27th. While on patrol in Salisbury, England, they observed a giant, yellow and orange, mushroom-shaped object hovering in the clear morning sky at an altitude of 500 to 700 feet. The object emitted a vapor trail from its bottom and vanished before their eyes. They described it as being "very bright and appeared to be solid and metallic," about as big as a large truck. Police Superintendent Harry Schorah called the sighting "most unusual" for two officers. Spokesmen for the British Army and the Ministry of Defense denied any knowledge of the craft. The vapor trail remained visible for about 15 seconds. The article also mentions a similar sighting by a family of four near Stonenenge three months earlier.

White House Probe Into UFOs Sparked by Movie Blockbusters

President Carter has requested that top space scientists investigate the UFO phenomenon, spurred by the public's interest generated by films like "Star Wars" and "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind." NASA is tasked with setting up a panel of inquiry. Carter, who himself reported a UFO sighting in 1969 to NICAP, had promised during his campaign to make all government information on UFOs available to the public. The U.S. Air Force's last probe, the Cordon Report, ended in 1969. NASA scientists are reportedly cautious about entering this field. A NASA official noted that they are dealing with a "reportorial phenomenon" rather than "solid facts." The success of recent sci-fi films has renewed debate about UFO existence, with a generation of young people more open to the "outer limits" and the "semi-mystical."

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

This section provides an inside look at Steven Spielberg's highly anticipated movie, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The title refers to the jargon used by UFO scientists: the first kind is a sighting, the second is physical evidence, and the third is contact with UFO occupants. The film's plot centers on Roy Neary, a blue-collar worker who experiences an encounter. The article mentions that Columbia Pictures has maintained a high level of secrecy around the project. Writer-director Spielberg discusses the film's genesis and meaning, stating that it is a "personal" effort and that "at a cost of this many millions, it better appeal to a lot more people than just me!" Spielberg's interest in UFOs dates back to his childhood, influenced by the "flying saucers" culture of the '50s and '60s.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a former skeptic and now a technical advisor for the film, reviewed the screenplay with Spielberg. Hynek notes that many of the film's incidents are similar to reported cases and believes the movie has roots in actual events. He suggests that UFOs could be visitors from outer space, another dimension, or a "parallel reality," or even "not even physically real." Hynek praises Spielberg for leaving room for the audience to interpret the events. The film's production involved a large team of talent, including actors Richard Dreyfuss and Melinda Dillon, and visual effects artist Douglas Trumbull. Filming took place in several American states and India, with locations ranging from Devil's Tower in Wyoming to a converted dirigible hangar.

Spielberg views the movie as "serious" and an attempt to "analyze, to give answers," with an optimistic attitude towards further research. He believes the film will encourage more UFO accounts to surface, making it "safer to report things that have been seen." Hynek sees "Close Encounters" as representing something "much closer to reality" than "Star Wars" and believes it might be the best film on the subject to date, leaving audiences with a sense of awe and reverence for the possibilities it suggests.

The R.E. Straith Mystery

This article revisits the controversial R.E. Straith letter, postmarked December 6, 1957, from the U.S. Department of State to Professor George Adamski. The letter, described as a "remarkable letter," caused controversy among UFOlogists. Researchers who received copies were investigated by the FBI. The U.S. government denied the letter's authenticity, stating there was no "Cultural Exchange Committee" at the Department of State. However, the article notes that a "cultural exchange" program involving the U.S. and the Soviet Union was administered by the State Department at that time. The mystery remains unsolved 21 years later, in 1978.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the theme of government secrecy and potential cover-ups regarding UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the growing official interest in UFOs, exemplified by the French government's funding of research and President Carter's call for a NASA probe. The publication appears to favor the view that UFOs are a serious subject worthy of scientific investigation, often quoting experts like J. Allen Hynek and George Leonard who advocate for open inquiry. The coverage of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" suggests an alignment with the idea that UFOs are a significant cultural phenomenon with potential real-world implications. The editorial stance leans towards validating the experiences of UFO witnesses and encouraging further research, while acknowledging the skepticism and resistance from some scientific and governmental bodies.

This document contains promotional material and content related to UFO Update magazine, published by Grey Publications from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The primary focus is a special offer for a 'Collector's Edition' combining Volume 1, Number 1 and Volume 1, Number 2 of UFO Update for $1.50. The issue date appears to be September, likely in the early 1970s, given the context of the articles and the related UFOLK magazine promotion.

Special Offer and Contents of UFO Update

The special offer is presented as a must-have for anyone interested in the UFO phenomenon. The 'Collector's Edition' includes articles such as:

• Crashed Saucer mock-up at Seattle
• Indianapolis, Indiana daylight disc
• UFO lands in Canadian tobacco farm
• Is NASA Hiding moon Anomalies from you?
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind
• George Adamski Story

Two distinct covers for UFO Update are shown: one for 'SEPT 11' (likely Vol. 1, No. 1) and another for 'VOL. 1 NO. 2'. Both feature 'UFO Photo File' sections and are associated with the Northeastern U.F.O. Organization.

UFOLK Magazine Promotion

A significant portion of the document promotes another magazine called UFOLK, subtitled 'WHO'S WHO IN TORONTO - The magazine about ufologists'. This magazine is described as investigating the people who keep the UFO subject alive, providing their names, addresses, clubs, organizations, thoughts, and theories. It boasts 'OVER 200 PHOTOS OF THE BIG NAMES IN UFOLOGY'.

UFOLK is presented as a treasure and a directory with an alphabetical index. A partial list of its contents includes:

• UFO CONVENTIONS – PAST & PRESENT
• OUTER SPACE ARTIST
• GRAY BARKER - SAUCERIAN SUCCESS
• WHO'S WHO IN TORONTO
• CROSS-COUNTRY CELEBRITIES
• CBERS CHASE THE UFOS
• GROUND SAUCER WATCH
• SPACEWORDS PUZZLE

UFOLK magazine is offered for $2.00 per copy, with orders to be sent to Gene Duplantier at 17 Shetland Street, Willowdale, Ontario, Canada M2M 1X5. The promotion also offers a free copy of their UFO book catalog.

'Men in Black' Comic and Staff

A comic strip titled 'Men in Black' is featured, humorously depicting a misunderstanding about a person named 'Grey' versus 'Gray Barker', who lives 500 miles away in Clarksburg. The comic is attributed to 'DUPLANTIER'.

Below the comic, two individuals are highlighted:

• Len Kornacki: Identified as the director of the Northeastern UFO Organization. He is shown examining the first issue of UFO Update and resides in North Tonawanda, N.Y., also serving as a staff writer.
• Howard Menger: Author of 'From Outer Space to You', with his work to be featured next in UFO Update. Contact hotlines are provided for him: 416-358 8496 and 716-694 0811.

'Football-Shaped UFO in Madoc Ont.'

Page 4 features a headline and photograph related to a 'Football - Shaped UFO in Madoc Ont.'. The image shows trees with a landscape in the background, and several small, indistinct objects are visible in the sky, indicated by arrows. A magnified inset shows two oval-shaped objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme is the promotion and dissemination of information about UFO phenomena and the community surrounding it. The publications, UFO Update and UFOLK, aim to provide readers with news, sightings, case studies, and insights into the key figures and organizations within ufology. The editorial stance appears to be pro-UFO investigation, encouraging reader engagement and offering resources for further study and connection within the ufology community. The 'Men in Black' comic suggests a lighthearted, possibly skeptical or satirical, approach to certain UFO lore elements.