JUFOF - Issue 126 - 1999 06

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, dated 6/99, delves into a variety of UFO-related topics, with a strong focus on the Roswell incident, alien encounters, and the commercialization of ufology. The magazine presents research, reviews, and discussions from the German UFO community.

Roswell News: Hallelujah in Roswell

This section, authored by Uli Thieme, reports on an announcement by the International UFO Museum & Research Center (IUFOMRC) regarding the release and signing of Donald R. Burleson's new book, "A Roswell Christmas Carol." The book is described as a reinterpretation of the classic Christmas story, incorporating the Roswell UFO cover-up. Burleson is noted as an official UFO investigator for MUFON/USA.

GAO Roswell Report on the Internet

The article details the public availability of the "Report of Air Force Research regarding the Roswell Incident - July 1994," also known as the "Weaver-Report." This report was commissioned by the General Accounting Office (GAO) at the request of Congressman Steven Schiff. The original report can be accessed online via www.gao.gov.

Dubious Advisors

This segment critically examines the appointment of Linda Moulton-Howe, Donald Schmitt, and Stanton Friedman as advisors to the IUFOMRC. The author questions Moulton-Howe's qualifications for advising on Roswell matters, while characterizing Schmitt and Friedman as "pro-Roswell promoters." The article alleges that Friedman has contributed to the "myth" of Roswell through subjective interpretations and cites his endorsement of Gerald Anderson's discredited work. Donald Schmitt is criticized for alleged false statements and sloppy research, including a false claim of researching at the National Personal Record Center in St. Louis. The author suggests that the personal and financial interests of Schmitt and Friedman may hinder a genuine search for truth regarding Roswell, citing their earnings from Roswell festivals.

MJ-12 and No End

The article discusses the continued circulation of the MJ-12 papers, which are described as long-debunked. It highlights that Robert Wood and his son Ryan have re-introduced these documents. The author mentions that Timothy Good identified the same typewriter font used in the alleged MJ-12 papers as appearing in a personal letter from Tim Cooper dated 1991, suggesting a forgery. The author promises a more detailed examination of these MJ-12 forgeries in a future issue.

The Invasion Has Long Begun

Roland Gehardt's contribution poses a fundamental question for UFO investigators: the prior knowledge of the witness. The article suggests that the increasing similarity in descriptions of UFOs and aliens might be due to the pervasive influence of media and popular culture, leading to a convergence of narratives.

Commercialization of UFOs and Aliens

This extensive section by Uli Thieme explores the dramatic increase in UFO and alien-themed merchandise available in recent years. The author notes that while 15 years ago such items were scarce, now they are ubiquitous in retail stores, children's shows, and even everyday items like clothing and toys. The article questions the underlying reasons for this trend, suggesting it might be a way to prepare humanity for an alien presence or simply a commercial exploitation of a popular theme. Examples range from alien figurines and T-shirts to candy shaped like UFOs and aliens, and even inflatable alien-themed children's car seats.

UFO-Tagung 1999 in Cröffelbach

Gerald Mosbleck reports on a UFO conference held in Cröffelbach. The event aimed to bring together representatives from various UFO groups, but some participants reportedly withdrew, preferring to avoid critical colleagues. Despite this, the conference featured presentations on astronomical phenomena that could be mistaken for UFOs, such as solar halos and sun dogs, presented by members of the "Vereinigung der Sternfreunde VdS." Other topics included videos of alleged UFO sightings and a discussion on the GEP's unsolved cases.

The Humanoids: Anatomy of a Phenomenon

Wladislaw Raab presents findings from his "HUMDAT" (Humanoid Data) project, which collects reports of encounters with alien beings. The research aims to understand the narrative patterns of these encounters. A key finding is that in a significant percentage of cases (68%), humanoids are reported without any accompanying UFOs, raising questions about their mode of transportation. The article also recounts a Swiss case where a witness claims to have been visited by small beings who entered their home and invited them to leave, suggesting an ability to bypass physical barriers and enter closed spaces.

Book and Video Reviews

The magazine includes several reviews:

• "Sind wir allein im All?" by Heather Couper & Nigel Henbest: A large-format, illustrative work aimed at younger readers, covering the basics of life in the universe and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
• "UFOs und Aliens" by Colin Wilson: A concise, illustrated youth book that touches upon UFO phenomena, including pre-astronautics, crop circles, and UFO abductions, but is criticized for lacking depth and relying on secondary sources.
• "UFOs: Das Film Archiv Teil 4: 1996-1998": A video compilation presenting 111 films of alleged UFO sightings from around the world. While acknowledging its value as a source of original footage, the reviewer notes that many clips are presented uncritically and some are easily explained as conventional objects.
• "Geheimtechnologien 2" by Karl-Heinz Zunneck: This book explores alleged German secret technologies from WWII and the involvement of military and intelligence agencies in UFO phenomena. It suggests that UFO technology might have originated in Germany and is being developed by a secret group.
• "UFO-Vision Nr. 7": A publication from SUFOI (Denmark) featuring reviews and information on UFO topics, including internet addresses.
• "UFO-Modell 'Original Fehrenbach'": An advertisement for a model related to a specific UFO case.
• "Unheimliche Begegnungen der vierten Art" by Ulrich Magin: A book that examines the phenomenon of alien abductions, exploring the stories of "UFO abductees" and their experiences.
• "Das Rätsel: Unbekannte Flugobjekte" by Hans-Werner Peiniger: Described as a serious and informative book on the UFO topic.

Software Review: 'talk show'

The "talk show" software is reviewed. It's a telephone directory with integrated mapping features, allowing users to see the streets where subscribers live. The article notes its potential for future applications in tracking individuals.

Letters to the Editor

Michael Hesemann responds to previous criticisms from Werner Walter and Uli Thieme. Hesemann defends his research methods and financial independence, contrasting them with Walter's commercial success. He also addresses Thieme's belief in the existence of Hangar 18 and the Roswell "cover-up," asserting his own direct interviews with Roswell witnesses, including Dr. Jesse Marcel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent mystery of the Roswell incident, the nature of alien encounters (particularly humanoids), the alleged existence of secret technologies, and the commercialization of UFO culture. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning official narratives and commercial exploitation while still engaging with the core phenomena of ufology. There's a clear distinction made between genuine research and sensationalism, and a concern for the potential for disinformation within the field.