The Ufologist - vol 2 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The Ufologist
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 2
Date: April-June 1993
Publisher: A North Bridge Publication

This issue of The Ufologist delves into the perplexing phenomenon of cattle mutilations, with a primary focus on the events that transpired in Alabama. It also touches upon related topics such as UFO sightings, investigative challenges, and public perception of these unusual occurrences.

The Alabama Cattle Mutilations – An Overview

The magazine presents a detailed account of cattle mutilations in northeastern Alabama, a region characterized by its pastoral landscape and small towns. The investigation, spearheaded by Fyffe police officer Ted Oliphant, a former public affairs spokesman for the Strategic Air Command, began after UFO sightings in Fyffe in 1989. Oliphant, who produced a video titled "UFOs - A Need To Know," joined the Fyffe police force to investigate these cases.

Reports indicate that in many instances, the animals appeared to have been mutilated with high-tech precision instruments, leaving clean, bloodless cuts. The use of high heat was also suggested. Officer Oliphant noted that in most cases, the animals were found days after death, making definitive cause determination difficult due to decomposition. However, he identified two exceptions that were likely "copy cat" cases, mutilated with a straight-edged instrument.

Several specific incidents are highlighted:

• October 20, 1992: Albertville businessman John Strawn found a Black Angus cow dead with its udder removed in a clean circular cut.
• January 1993: Margaret Pope of DeKalb County found a cow dead with its upper and lower teeth cut out and its milk sack gone.
• January 1993: Tommy Cole, Albertville Police Department's chief of detectives, lost a Black Angus steer whose underbelly had been neatly removed. Tests by Auburn University were inconclusive.
• January 30, 1993: A Black Angus cow found dead south of Fyffe had its jaw flesh stripped to the bone, with a white paste and flaky white powder on the carcass. Electromagnetic spectroscopy of a sample revealed high levels of titanium, aluminum, oxygen, and silicon.

Law enforcement officials, including DeKalb County Sheriff Harold Richards and Assistant Chief Deputy Dale Orr, were actively involved. P.T. Williams, a former Marshall County lawman, reported a calf found dead with its right eye and tongue missing, and the rib cage snipped out.

Tommy Cole expressed concern that farmers might resort to shooting at helicopters, warning, "I don't know for sure that these helicopters have anything to do with the mutilations. I tell people if they catch a helicopter on the ground, it's OK to hold it there. But don't shoot somebody out of the air."

The April 7, 1993, Fyffe Press Conference

Officer Ted Oliphant held a press conference at the Fyffe Police Department, distributing a press release and a guide for mutilation investigators. A reporter's question about cuts being found "between cells" was initially denied by Oliphant, only for the investigation guide to later state that "In some cases, mutilator cuts have been accomplished by cutting in-between cells." This discrepancy became a recurring theme in the investigation.

Feelings Polarized Over Mutilation Claims

The issue notes that while some, like Don Ecker (UFO Magazine's research director) and Gabe Valdez (a retired New Mexico state police officer), are convinced of the mysterious nature of these mutilations, others suggest that enterprising individuals might exploit the phenomenon for personal gain. The jury is considered to be still out on the general mutilation claims, but the Alabama events are examined more closely.

The Ufologist Interviews the Lake Lanier Monster

This section appears to be a brief mention or a separate article, not detailed in the provided text.

Linda Moulton Howe Probes Alabama Cases

Investigative journalist Linda Moulton Howe visited the area in February to interview witnesses and photograph carcasses, indicating the significance of her involvement in documenting these events.

FAA Confirms Alabama Helicopter Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed an investigation into Alabama helicopter activity, suggesting official scrutiny of the aerial phenomena reported in conjunction with the mutilations.

And Now: The Oregon Chainsaw Mutilations

This section briefly introduces another case of alleged animal mutilations, this time in Oregon, suggesting a broader pattern of such events.

Beef Industry Journal Unaware of Mute Problem

This indicates a disconnect between the public reporting of mutilations and the awareness within the agricultural industry itself.

Mystery Substance May Be Common Paper Filler

A mystery substance found at a mutilation site was analyzed, with preliminary results suggesting it might be a common paper filler, casting doubt on its unusual origin.

UFO Connection Seen in Puerto Rico Mutilations

This section explores potential links between UFO sightings and animal deaths in Puerto Rico, as reported by journalist Jorge Martin.

1993 MUFON Symposium

A mention of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) Symposium in 1993, suggesting a broader context of UFO research and discussion.

Departments

• Editors' Note: Likely provides editorial commentary on the issue's content.
• Readers' Forum: Features correspondence from readers, including a notable dispute by Phil Klass.
• Reviews: Appears to review books or other media related to UFOs or paranormal topics.

Readers' Forum: Phil Klass Disputes Puerto Rico Aerostat Story

Phil J. Klass, writing in response to a previous article, disputes the characterization of tethered aerostats as "fragile." He explains their practical applications in radar and communications, particularly for detecting low-flying aircraft. Klass also challenges claims that job applicants at an aerostat facility were asked about their beliefs in UFOs, offering a $100 reward for any recorded interview substantiating such claims.

Fire in the Eye

This short piece describes an incident at a West Palm Beach theater where a woman sprayed Mace on another moviegoer who had asked her to be quiet during a showing of the Travis Walton abduction movie, "A Fire In The Sky." It highlights how the movie's subject matter can evoke strong reactions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cattle mutilations, UFO sightings, and the challenges of investigating unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting evidence and witness accounts while also acknowledging skepticism and the possibility of misinterpretation or hoaxes. The magazine encourages reporting and investigation, but cautions against jumping to conclusions or engaging in potentially dangerous actions, as exemplified by the quotes from Tommy Cole.

Title: The April 7, 1993, Fyffe Press Conference
Issue: Volume 2 Number 2
Date: April 7, 1993
Publisher: Ufologist
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Ufologist details a press conference held in Fyffe, Alabama, on April 7, 1993, concerning a series of unexplained cattle mutilations that had been occurring in DeKalb and Marshall counties since November 1992. Investigating Officer Ted Oliphant of the Fyffe Police Department presented findings from an investigation conducted in cooperation with neighboring law enforcement agencies.

Cattle Mutilation Investigation in Alabama

The report highlights that over thirty animals had been discovered dead in pastures, exhibiting precise surgical cutting of internal and external organs, often with evidence of extreme heat at the excision sites. A significant aspect of these cases is the complete absence of physical evidence such as footprints, tracks, or even the animal's own hoofprints, even in soft or muddy ground. No suspect or motive has been established, and no eyewitnesses have come forward.

Documented Incidents and Patterns

The first documented incident occurred on October 20, 1992, when Albertville cattle farmer John Strawn found one of his Black Angus cows dead. The animal's entire milk sac was missing, with a neat, oval incision that appeared charred. Over the following two months, other farmers in the Albertville area reported similar cases, with the same organs missing and incisions described as clean and bloodless. Tommy Cole, Chief of Detectives for the Albertville Police Department, reported that his own ranch had also been affected when a Black Angus steer was mutilated.

Subsequent incidents were reported in Grove Oak and Dawson, Alabama. By February 1993, more than nine cases were reported in Marshall and DeKalb counties. A recurring element in these reports is the sighting of helicopters, often dark and unmarked, or light-colored ones (blue, green, white), in the vicinity before or shortly after the mutilations were discovered. These helicopters are described as small, quiet, and sometimes vanishing suddenly.

Comparison with documented cases in forty-eight other states since 1963 suggests that the Alabama incidents are part of a national problem. Over ten thousand reported cases of livestock mutilations since 1967 consistently involve the removal of sex organs, tongues, eyes, ears, and the coring out of rectums, all with no evidence of blood at the incision site.

Scientific Analysis and Expert Opinions

Two significant cases are detailed:

1. Dawson Cow Case (January 31, 1993): A Black Angus cow was found with its genitals and rectum cored out, jaw stripped, and tongue removed. A flaky white material found on the carcass was analyzed by a molecular biologist at a leading eastern university. The substance was composed of aluminum, titanium, oxygen, and silicon in significant amounts, with a titanium level far exceeding what is expected in nature. This material was sent for a second opinion.
2. Crossville Calf Case (February 27, 1993): A three-week-old calf was found dead with its right hind quarter missing and internal organs gone. The incisions were straight and even, with no sign of blood. Tissue samples were sent to Dr. John Altschuler, who determined that the tissue had been exposed to high heat, cooked to the point of requiring hundreds of degrees to achieve. Dr. Altschuler also noted that the "stepped and notched" incisions were consistent with those he had seen in cases dating back to 1967.

These findings, along with expert opinions, strongly suggest that predator animals are not responsible. Dr. Jim Armstrong, an Auburn professor of zoology and wildlife science, stated that predator wounds would not be smooth and clean like those observed. Curtis O'Daniel, DeKalb County Agricultural Agent, also discounted predator involvement, noting that scavengers typically do not eat hide or bone first. Despite the evidence, the mystery of who is responsible and why physical evidence is scarce remains.

Alternative Explanations and Skepticism

Various theories are discussed, including satanic cults and college students, but these are largely dismissed by the evidence. Some local officials, like DeKalb County Sheriff Harold Richards, remain skeptical, attributing the incidents to coyotes and buzzards and suggesting the phenomenon is being sensationalized by those writing about UFOs. He even proposed staging a demonstration with a dead cow to debunk the claims.

Carey Baker, editor of the Rainesville Weekly Post, noted a history of mutilations in the area dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. He also mentioned UFO sightings, including a boomerang-shaped UFO that flew over Fyffe in 1989 and a mysterious light observed by photographer Gary Coker.

Government and FAA Involvement

Veteran journalist Linda Moulton Howe offered her analysis, stating that the Alabama cases were unique, with some exhibiting bloody excisions, which she had not seen before. She noted the prevalence of both dark, unmarked helicopters and lighter-colored ones, and the frequent reports of discs and lights. Howe suggested that the government might be involved, possibly conducting its own investigation or creating false sightings to confuse the issue.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it was working with local law enforcement to investigate reports of illegally low-flying, unmarked helicopters. One witness reportedly obtained numbers from a craft, which the FAA stated were not registered. However, the FAA suggested the number might have been erroneously reported, as it did not correspond to a fixed-wing aircraft. Attempts by the FAA investigator to contact a flying helicopter were unsuccessful, and local radar could not detect it, possibly due to mountainous terrain.

Bovine AIDS Risk

Separately, the issue briefly touches upon Bovine Immunodeficiency Virus (BIV), with government researchers stating it is not harmful to human health. However, the Foundation on Economic Trends called for quarantines and testing due to potential health risks.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of cattle mutilations, the lack of definitive answers, and the polarization of opinions between those who believe in unusual explanations (UFOs, government involvement) and those who attribute the events to natural causes (predators, scavengers) or dismiss them entirely. The Ufologist publication clearly leans towards investigating the unexplained phenomena, presenting expert opinions that rule out natural causes and highlighting the unusual aspects of the mutilations and associated sightings, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for further investigation.

Title: Ufologist
Issue: Volume 2 Number 2
Date: 1993 (inferred from symposium dates)

This issue of Ufologist delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on animal mutilations and their potential links to UFO activity and government cover-ups. The cover story highlights the "Oregon Chainsaw Mutilations," presenting a case where cattle deaths featured unusual cuts and evidence of heat, prompting investigations and speculation.

Oregon Chainsaw Mutilations

The article "And now: The Oregon Chainsaw Mutilations" reports on incidents in Portland, Oregon, where cattle were found with "stepped cuts; bloodless incisions." Albertville Chief of Detectives Tommy Cole noted similarities to other cases. Linda Mouton Howe reported that the Oregon State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory found serrated cuts and evidence of high heat on samples from a Portland cow in October 1990. The Ufologist contacted the Oregon Beef Producer's Association, whose representative suggested chainsaw-wielding poachers were responsible, with four arrested. However, she denied knowledge of any mystery deaths involving heat, precision surgery, or strange lights.

Attempts to reach the Oregon State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory were unsuccessful. Howe offered to provide a copy of the report for verification.

Recent Newspaper Mutilation Stories

The magazine compiles recent reports of animal mutilations from various newspapers:

• Arizona Republic (August 15, 1991): Eight cattle and a horse were mutilated in Arizona, believed by authorities to be linked to satanic rituals, possibly involving blood for baptisms.
• Rocky Mountain News (April 7, 1993): Cattle mutilations resurfaced in southern Colorado, exhibiting characteristics like lack of footprints, surgical removal of eyes, udders, and genitals, and a lack of blood. Sheriff Lou Girodo dismissed prankster or occult theories.
• Oregonian (December 22, 1989): A mutilated cow carcass was found near Athena, eastern Oregon, at a site described as "ritualistic" with arranged rocks and drawings of sexual themes and UFOs. Tire tracks were present, and Sheriff Jim Carey suggested scavengers but noted the unusual site.
• Oregonian (May 27, 1989): Investigators were looking into the poisoning and possible mutilation of 15 cattle near Fort Rock, Oregon.

Beef Industry Journal Unaware of Mute Problem

Greg Henderson, editor of Drover's Journal, expressed ignorance of cattle mutilations beyond what he termed "gallstone rustling" (poachers killing bears for gallstones, which can be mistaken for cow gallstones). He attributed bloodless cuts and missing soft parts to scavenger activity. Henderson had heard no reports of unusual cattle deaths linked to low-flying helicopters or strange lights.

Mystery Substance May Be Common Paper Filler

Dr. Jamiston Deveroux, a wildlife biologist, analyzed a mystery powder found on a cow carcass in Dawson, Alabama. The powder, sent by Ted Oliphant, was found to be largely aluminum, titanium, oxygen, and silicon. Deveroux stated the high titanium content was unnatural and unlikely to be from scavengers. A chemical engineer suggested the substance could be a filler and opacifier used in paper production, specifically titanium dioxide (C.I. Pigment White 6), which is also used in spray paints. Barry Michaels, a chemist, confirmed titanium dioxide and synthetic alumino-silicates are widely used in paper products. Companies like American Cyanamid, BASF, DuPont, and others market this filler dust. The article notes that the Keyes Fibre Company in Albertville, Alabama, manufactures paper plates and dishes, and Albertville is near Dawson.

UFO Connection Seen in Puerto Rico Mutilations

This section details several cases from Puerto Rico linking animal mutilations to UFO sightings:

• The "Vampire of Moca" Case (1975): The article revisits the 1975 UFO flap in Puerto Rico, which coincided with animal mutilations. Authorities were reluctant to discuss the connection.
• Buenaventura Bello's Geese (April 6, 1975): Bello awoke to find his ten geese dead, arranged in a circle, with two puncture wounds each. Unusual individuals in white anti-contamination suits and using electronic equipment investigated the scene. Bello was advised to leave his home due to potential danger, possibly radiation. His puppy died suddenly 18 days later.
• Sabana Hoyos de Arecibo Incident (Mid-1979): Angel Crespo and friends witnessed "ships, flying saucers" attaching to high-voltage cables and drawing electricity. They observed these craft, described as round, silvery, and about fifteen feet in diameter, with lights. After the craft departed, they found circles of violet powder on the ground. Later, cattle were found dead, dry, and bloodless.
• Goat Deaths in El Rancho (March 31-April 1, 1991): Fourteen goats were found dead and bloodless with round holes in their necks over two consecutive nights. Witnesses saw a large, low-flying object with lights all around, described as the size of five passenger planes, hovering over the area.
• Doberman Dog Mutilation in Cabo Rojo (April 1, 1991): A Doberman dog was found mutilated. Two grey beings, described as three to four feet tall with big heads and black eyes, were seen fleeing the scene.
• Rabbit Mutilations in Rexville, Bayamon (July 22, 1991): Twelve adult rabbits and six kits were found dismembered, with organs protruding. The cages were broken open from the sides. Witnesses had previously seen a ball of white light floating over the area. Individuals claiming to be from the Civil Defense of Bayamon examined the remains but were later found to be impostors.

Book Reviews

• Mute Evidence by Daniel Kagan and Ian Summers: This review discusses a book that examines cattle mutilation cases. The authors identify a small number of genuine mutilations, often postmortem, with cultists and vandals as likely suspects for some. They suggest that factors contributing to the phenomenon's perception include inexperienced ranchers, sensationalist media, paranormal experts, and polarized officials. The reviewer notes the book is difficult to read and that the authors sometimes seem out of their element, but deems it valuable for reference.
• From Out of the Blue by Jenny Randles: This review praises Randles' new version of the Bentwaters case, describing it as a coherent and easy-to-read chronicle. The book details the 1980 events at the Royal Air Force bases of Woodbridge and Bentwaters, involving multiple witnesses, radar confirmation, and an apparent landing of a metallic object. Randles explores possible explanations, including a test of Star Wars weaponry involving the attempted course alteration of the Soviet satellite Cosmos 749. The reviewer recommends the book for its organized description of the case.

MUFON Symposium Announcement

Jorge Martín is scheduled to speak at the 1993 MUFON Symposium in Richmond, Virginia, on "UFOLOGY: The Emergence of A New Science." Other speakers include Colin Andrews, Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, Cynthia Hind, Illobrand von Ludwiger, Dr. Hoang-Yung Chiang, Budd Hopkins, and Linda Moulton Howe, who will discuss UFO activity and animal mutilations in Alabama.

Cartoon

A cartoon depicts two individuals discussing a bunker, with one asking, "HOW DEEP DID YOU SAY THIS BUNKER IS?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are animal mutilations, their potential connection to UFO phenomena, and the possibility of government cover-ups or misinformation campaigns. The magazine presents various cases from different regions, highlighting similarities in the mutilations and the presence of unusual aerial objects or unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and witness accounts while acknowledging the skepticism and the need for further investigation. The analysis of the mystery powder as a potential paper filler suggests an effort to find rational explanations for some aspects of the cases, while still leaving room for the unexplained.

Title: The Ufologist
Issue: 4
Volume: 1
Date: 1991

This issue of The Ufologist is primarily a promotional piece for the magazine itself and related UFO-themed media. The cover features a humorous cartoon of aliens with a speech bubble that reads, "HE'S A NICE GUY, BUT HE DOESN'T KNOW SCHHITT FROM SHANDERA!" Below this, the headline "DON'T BE UNINFORMED!" urges readers to subscribe. Subscription details are provided for a one-year subscription, which includes four quarterly issues, costing $15.00 within the US and $21.00 for foreign subscribers. The mailing address for North Bridge Corporation in Palatka, Florida, is included.

UFOs Tonite Promotion

The second page details a national weekly UFO radio talk show called "UFOs Tonite." Hosted by Don Ecker, UFO Magazine's Research Director, the show features interviews and discussions with personalities in the UFO investigative field. It is described as the only nationally-broadcast hour devoted exclusively to Unidentified Flying Objects and related subjects. The program airs on Sundays from 9:00 PM PST to 12:00 AM Eastern and can be accessed via local cable systems or satellite (SatCom C-3, Transponder 23, Freq. 7.235). The promotion also notes that electronic stores offer converters for cable signal transmission through FM receivers.

Additionally, tape cassettes of "UFOs Tonite" shows are available for purchase. Readers can call (818) 951-1250 for a free list of shows and an order form, or write to UFO Magazine. For more information about CRN (the radio network) or advertising on the show, a separate number, (818) 352-7152, is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the promotion of UFO-related information and media accessibility. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging public engagement with UFO topics, positioning "The Ufologist" magazine and "UFOs Tonite" as essential resources for staying informed. The use of humor on the cover suggests an approach that is serious about the subject matter but also accessible and perhaps lighthearted in its presentation.