Devil's Advocate, The - No 06

Magazine Overview

The Devil's Advocate - Issue #6

This issue of The Devil's Advocate, marking its one-year anniversary, presents a collection of articles that aim to provide objective and logical examinations of various phenomena, particularly within the realm of ufology. The publication's stated purpose is to encourage critical thinking and to explore different perspectives, rather than to debunk or confirm any specific beliefs.

Editorial Stance and Publication Changes

The editorial team emphasizes their commitment to voicing views that may oppose majority opinions, striving for an open-minded, objective, and logical approach. This anniversary issue is noted as being larger and potentially the best yet. The magazine announces a change in format, leading to a slight increase in production costs. To accommodate this, they are offering subscriptions of four issues for $10 and will now publish quarterly, with a revised single-issue price. They also provide an email address for submissions and comments: [email protected].

The editorial explicitly states that while they do not doubt the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, their approach is not to 'debunk' but to follow evidence. This issue, in particular, features articles that argue for prosaic explanations of unusual phenomena.

Contents

The issue's contents are as follows:

• Page 2: Angel Hair: Conclusions- by Brian Boldman: This article delves into the phenomenon of 'angel hair' and proposes a scientific explanation.
• Page 5: Abductions and Researcher Bias by Martin Kottmeyer: This piece investigates the influence of investigators on the narratives of abduction experiences.
• Page 11: False Miracles in the Sky: The Gulf Breeze Red Light UFO Wave: This article examines a specific UFO wave.

Angel Hair: Conclusions Drawn from In-depth Research (Pages 2-5)

Author: Brian Boldman

Brian Boldman presents a detailed investigation into the 'angel hair' phenomenon, arguing for a prosaic explanation rooted in the behavior of spiders. He posits that 'angel hair UFOs' are actually statically charged balls of spider web, particularly from ballooning spiders during their migration period.

Key Arguments and Evidence:

• Spider Web Theory: Boldman notes that many ufologists, including Raymond Fowler, have already suggested the spider web theory. He cites Fowler's evaluation of the Sudbury case as 'probable spider web.'
• Composition: While some angel hair has contained elements not found in typical spider web, such as silicon and calcium, Boldman suggests these are contaminants. Analysis of samples from Bernedotte, Illinois (1990) and Sudbury were found to be polypeptide-based or protein-consistent with spider webs, and 95% organic.
• Timing and Weather Conditions: Angel hair occurrences often coincide with warm, clear fall days, which are ideal for spider migration. The phenomenon is less common in humid conditions, as humidity allows static charges to equalize.
• Geographic Distribution: Reported cases are concentrated in North America and Europe, temperate zones, which aligns with the distribution of spiders, unlike the global distribution of UFO sightings.
• Historical Data: Boldman analyzes cases from 679 to 1990, noting a peak in occurrences during October and November, particularly in 1954. He contrasts this with the 'Blue Book years' where 43% of angel hair cases were associated with UFOs, suggesting a shift in perception or reporting.
• Disintegration: The disintegration of angel hair is explained by Peter Sharp's hypothesis that dust linked by electrostatic charges would slowly break down as the charge leaks away, accelerated by handling. Humidity also plays a role in this process.
• Comparison to UFO Reports: Boldman acknowledges that 'silvery balls' have been reported, which sometimes disintegrate like angel hair. He suggests that the association of angel hair with UFOs in the past might be due to pop culture influences, such as the movie 'Independence Day' and earlier media attention to UFOs in the 1950s, leading to a 'psychological knee-jerk reaction.'
• Modern Context: He questions why reports of angel hair are rare today, attributing it to people spending less time outdoors and the modern perception of UFOs overshadowing simpler phenomena. He also suggests cyclical natural phenomena or environmental factors like global warming or pollution might play a role.
• Conclusion: Boldman concludes that the spider web theory is a satisfactory explanation for angel hair, and the phenomenon's association with UFOs may be more a reflection of human imagination and cultural influences than actual extraterrestrial activity. He suggests the real value lies in understanding the human mind.

Abductions and Researcher Bias (Pages 5-8)

Author: Martin Kottmeyer

Martin Kottmeyer examines the significant impact of investigator bias on the study of alien abduction experiences. He analyzes data from a study by Thomas E. Bullard, focusing on how the attitudes and preconceptions of abduction researchers can shape the narratives and details of the experiences reported by abductees.

Key Findings:

• Investigator Effect: Kottmeyer highlights that the investigator's attitude (positive or negative) appears to influence the abductee's perception of the experience and the entities involved.
• Positive Attitude Investigators: Abductees with positively-minded investigators tend to report more positive experiences, cordial entities, and sometimes familiar or caring beings. They may see themselves as partners, or even identify as alien. Their experiences are less likely to involve missing time, are shorter, and more often include examination experiences, but less often implants or genital contact. These abductees are more likely to be given tours of ships, warned about future catastrophes, and report increased psychic abilities. Crafts are more often disc-like, and interiors are cool and indirectly lit.
• Negative Attitude Investigators: Conversely, abductees with negatively-minded investigators often feel negative about their experiences, dislike the beings, and perceive them as cold and business-like. Abductees see themselves more often as victims. Their experiences are more likely to involve humanoids and standard Grays, with traits like vestigial noses. Examinations more often involve implants, manual handling, and genitals. There are more scenes involving nurseries and hybrids, less ship tours, and more threats or orders to forget. Warnings about future catastrophes are fewer, but there are more reports of body scars and marks, and less anxiety during capture.
• Bullard's Study: Kottmeyer discusses Thomas E. Bullard's study, 'The Sympathetic Ear: Investigators as Variables in UFO Abduction Reports.' He notes that while Bullard's data supports the idea that investigator attitudes influence reports, Bullard's own conclusions (labeled 'B' in the article) seem to downplay this effect by focusing on perceived inconsistencies or 'puzzles' in the data. Kottmeyer argues that Bullard's data still supports the specific claims made by critics like Philip Klass, who suggested that investigators like Leo Sprinkle's abductees reported kinder aliens than those of Budd Hopkins.
• Skepticism and Cultural Influence: Kottmeyer touches upon how cultural influences, such as movies like 'Independence Day,' can shape UFO reports. He also references examples of how specific investigators (Budd Hopkins, John Mack, David Jacobs, Richard Boylan) appear to have their own preconceived notions that color their interpretations of abduction accounts.
• Conclusion: Kottmeyer concludes that the investigator's hand in shaping abduction narratives is often visible, and it is advisable for individuals exploring abduction experiences to seek positively-opinionated investigators. He suggests that the data does not contradict the specific claims made by critics regarding the influence of investigator bias.

False Miracles in the Sky: The Gulf Breeze Red Light UFO Wave (Page 11)

This article is listed in the table of contents but its content is not provided in the scanned pages. It is presumed to discuss the Gulf Breeze UFO sightings.

Unusual Transmissions (Letters) (Page 8)

This section features a letter from Remy Chevalier, who summarizes basic questions about differentiating fact from fantasy in paranormal experiences. He questions whether reality parameters differ for individuals and if common experience is merely a consensus. He ponders if external perks like healings and levitations are real manifestations from other planes of existence, limited by our sensory machinery.

MUFON and the Great Debate (Pages 8-10)

This section contains an open letter addressed to Walt Andrus and other leaders within the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), pledging support to NUFON and other originators of the letter. The Devil's Advocate expresses hope for change in MUFON's operations, focusing on managerial and administrative concerns.

Key Concerns and Proposed Changes:

• Database Access: A primary concern is the lack of access to the MUFON database by members who have contributed to its compilation. The letter argues that this data should be used by researchers and investigators.
• Administrative Standards: The letter proposes several changes to improve MUFON's effectiveness:
• Establishing a Policy & Procedures Manual with a chain-of-command flow chart and detailed job descriptions.
• Providing by-law copies and executive committee member information to State Directors.
• Addressing potential lawsuits against state leaders and investigators, and standardizing legal forms.
• Standardizing management forms for various directorial roles.
• Requiring annual workshop meetings for State Section Directors.
• Standardizing and submitting State Director annual reports in advance of the annual symposium.
• Distributing State Director's annual meeting agendas in advance.
• Establishing an ethics and grievance committee separate from the executive committee.
• Deleting MUFON Journal advertisers.
• Establishing a long-range planning committee.
• Disallowing MUFON members from receiving state charters using the MUFON acronym, to prevent loss of control.
• Ensuring response and review from Regional and Deputy Directors to State Directors regarding submitted cases.
• Establishing a media committee to act as a 'Clearing-House' for symposium speakers and news releases, ensuring compliance with MUFON's objectives.
• Addressing membership 'drop out' problems.
• Emphasizing membership recruitment to reach 10,000 members.
• Developing a video recruiting film.
• Eliminating MUFON symposium vendors not aligned with MUFON's objectives.
• Forming a committee to research and establish a database of all past MUFON cases and events, making it accessible to all MUFON investigators.

The letter expresses hope for a positive dialogue and encourages members to contribute their time and expertise to ensure minimum management standards are met.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The Devil's Advocate consistently promotes a skeptical yet open-minded approach to paranormal and UFO phenomena. The recurring theme is the importance of critical examination, evidence-based analysis, and the consideration of prosaic explanations before resorting to extraordinary claims. The publication actively encourages readers to think critically and to question assumptions, whether they pertain to 'angel hair,' alien abductions, or the operational effectiveness of organizations like MUFON. The editorial stance is one of intellectual rigor, seeking truth through objective investigation rather than confirmation bias or popular belief.

Title: Devil's Advocate
Issue: 11
Date: 1996 (estimated based on content)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Devil's Advocate delves into the controversial Gulf Breeze red light UFO wave, presenting a detailed investigation into the possibility that the sightings were a carefully orchestrated hoax by the U.S. military. The publication also includes information on classified ads, upcoming events, and book reviews.

Devil's Advocate Roundtable

The magazine announces a new networking tool, the "Devil's Advocate Roundtable," offering classified ads at reduced rates for researchers and individuals seeking correspondence or information. Ads are priced at $2 for up to 35 words, with additional words costing $1 for every 10. Trades with other publications are accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Display ads are also available for $15 for 1/8 page and $25 for 1/4 page. The publication is also seeking information regarding potential military attempts to hoax UFO sightings and the use of psychological warfare, promising confidentiality for sources.

Publications, Events, Products, Etc.

• Several items are highlighted:
• Alternate Perceptions: A quarterly journal covering UFOs, history, native spirituality, and paranormal phenomena, edited by Brent Raynes and Dr. Greg Little. A one-year subscription costs $12.
• 33rd Annual National UFO Conference: Scheduled for October 5th and 6th in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, featuring prominent figures in the UFO research community such as Stanton Friedman, Budd Hopkins, Karl Pflock, Kevin Randle, James Moseley, Jerome Clark, Wendelle Stevens, Randolph Winters, Brad and Sherry Steiger, Colin Andrews, and G. Cope Schellhorn. Contact information is provided for inquiries.

False Miracles in the Sky, Part 2: The Gulf Breeze Red Light UFO Wave

This article, authored by Tim Brigham and Brian Boldman, is the second part of an ongoing investigation into the Gulf Breeze red light UFO wave. The previous issue examined potential military motives and methods for hoaxing UFO sightings. This installment focuses on a specific case where evidence suggests the U.S. military may have perpetrated a hoax.

The authors note that the Gulf Breeze red lights began appearing shortly after Ed Walters publicly presented a series of UFO photographs. These photographs became a significant topic of debate among UFO researchers, and the red light itself attracted widespread media attention. The article asserts that the red light was sighted on hundreds of occasions, leading many to believe it was real and thus verifying the authenticity of Walters' photos.

However, the central question posed is whether the famous red light is the same object depicted in Walters' photographs. The article highlights the sheer number of sightings, estimating approximately three sightings per week during the peak period, which translates to over 1,200 appearances annually. This high frequency, occurring primarily between 7 and 10 PM, raises suspicion that the lights were intentionally made visible during optimal viewing hours.

The authors challenge the idea that the lights were simply going about their business, arguing that the volume of activity would require an immense effort. They also question why, if UFOs were attempting to reveal themselves, they didn't perform more advanced aerial maneuvers or exhibit speeds comparable to commercial aircraft. The article suggests that the observed phenomena could have been achieved through conventional means, leading to the conclusion that someone with a vested interest likely orchestrated the sightings.

The article then explores potential perpetrators. While Ed Walters is initially considered, the scale of the alleged hoax would require significant resources, help, and funding. The investigation turns to the strong military presence in the Northwest Florida area, including Pensacola Naval Air Station, Eglin Air Force Base, and Hurlburt Field. Hurlburt Field is singled out for its prominent role in psychological and unconventional warfare, as stated on its own web page. Quotes from the Hurlburt Field website detail the mission of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and the 16th Special Operations Wing, emphasizing their focus on unconventional warfare, counterinsurgency, and psychological operations.

The authors propose that if the military were interested in testing the effects of a massive UFO sighting wave, Gulf Breeze would be an ideal location due to Hurlburt's capabilities. The article references researchers like Dr. Greg Little, who suggests studying mass psychology and the effects of aircraft and stealth technology on observers. It also cites Dr. Jacques Vallee's work, which discusses the CIA's exploitation of UFO beliefs and the use of such phenomena to inspire non-lethal platforms.

The article concludes by stating that the next issue will further investigate the red light/military connection, examining the Gulf Breeze community and the data that may reveal who is responsible for the sightings and how these "false miracles" were performed.

The Devil's Bookshelf

This section reviews Millennial Prophecy Report, a publication by Ted Daniels that examines cults and end times groups, including UFO and New Age cults. The newsletter is praised for its thorough and unbiased approach, described as highly professional and recommended for those interested in the subject. A version is also available online.

Reader Contributions and Copyright

The magazine thanks contributors for their articles, information, and newsclippings, offering free subscriptions or copies in return. A copyright notice clarifies that The Devil's Advocate, its name, logo, and articles are the property of Tim Brigham, with exceptions for articles contributed by other authors and borrowed quotes, graphs, or cartoons, which remain the property of their respective sources. Permission to reproduce copyrighted material is granted with proper credit.

Advertisements and Artwork

An advertisement for "THE GATE," a publication on the paranormal, is included. Additionally, there is artwork depicting a car with figures and traffic lights, accompanied by the phrase "SPELL A-L-I-E-N" and a message about deception. Another image is described as "Another unsubstantiated photograph of the Loch Ness monster (taken by Reuben Hicks, 5/24/84, Chicago)."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO phenomena, specifically the Gulf Breeze red light sightings, with a strong emphasis on the possibility of military involvement and deception. The editorial stance appears to be skeptical of conventional UFO explanations, leaning towards the idea that some sightings may be manufactured for specific purposes, possibly related to psychological operations or the testing of new technologies. The publication encourages reader participation and investigation into these complex subjects.