visitorsv1n41208

Magazine Overview

Title: visitors
Issue: Number 4
Date: December 2008
Publisher: Illinois MUFONNFP, Inc.
Type: Newsletter of Illinois MUFONNFP, Inc.

This issue of "visitors" newsletter from Illinois MUFONNFP, Inc. focuses on the success of their "Final Symposium Another Success" held on November 9th. The newsletter also features articles on photography for field investigators and the complex topic of alien communication and its potential effects on the human brain.

Final Symposium Another Success

The lead article, by Staff Writer Scott Waldyn, reports on the "Truth...If You Dare UFO Symposium 4" held at Tinley Park on November 9th. The event, sponsored by Illinois MUFON and the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), updated and educated attendees on UFO-related topics.

Frank Feschino Jr., author of "Shoot Them Down," presented an in-depth analysis of the 1952 "Flatwoods Monster" case in West Virginia. His research, spanning 17 years, included a documentary of his findings and surrounding UFO sightings that occurred within a 21-hour period. Feschino described the event as part of a larger pattern of sustained UFO sightings in the eastern region, noting that on September 12, 1952, 25 UFOs were observed in 38 locations in West Virginia between 1:30 a.m. and 10:30 or 11 p.m.

Robert Hastings, author of "UFOs and Nukes," presented on the topic of UFO sightings and their connection to nuclear weapons. Hastings, who has witnessed a 1967 UFO sighting at Malmstrom Air Force Base, has been interviewing eyewitnesses since 1973. He stated that UFOs have shown a distinct interest in vital nuclear weapons facilities for the past 60 years, causing disruptions and malfunctions to electronic equipment, including missiles going offline. Hastings emphasized the public's right to know about these sightings and their potential global implications.

Sam Maranto, Illinois MUFON State Director and chief investigator of the "Tinley Park Lights" case, concluded the symposium presentations. He discussed the 2004 sightings of three red lights in a triangular formation over the Tinley Park area, which were witnessed by over 100 residents between August 21 and October 31. Maranto presented video footage and fielded questions about this local case.

Director's View: New Hopes On Disclosure

In his column, Sam Maranto discusses the potential for renewed hope regarding UFO disclosure with the incoming Obama-Biden administration, specifically mentioning John Podesta, former chief of staff for the Clinton administration, who has advocated for disclosure. However, Maranto cautions against relying solely on individuals for disclosure, likening it to the Vatican's delayed admission of Galileo's correct theory, and stresses that the public must bring about such truths themselves.

UFO Hunters Season Premiere Party

This section reports on a party held on October 29th at Gatto's Restaurant in Tinley Park to celebrate the season premiere of "UFO Hunters" on the Discovery Channel. The event was attended by local figures featured in the episode, including T.J. Jabcon, Alison Nettles, and Bill Dooley, as well as Jason Freeman, a reporter from the South Town Star newspaper. The positive community response and the warmth of the staff at Gatto's made it a memorable event.

Investigator Insights: Photography for the Field Investigator (Part Three): Stereo and Infrared

Written by Frank Coffman, MUFON Field Investigator and Editor, this article is the third in a series exploring photography techniques for field investigators. It focuses on stereography (3D photography) and infrared photography.

Stereo Photography Basics

The article traces the origins of stereography back to Nicephore Niépce's "heliograph" in 1826. It explains that stereoscopy, or 3D photography, involves creating two images from slightly different viewpoints to simulate depth perception. The development of stereoscopes, like the Holmes Stereopticon, is discussed, along with the "wet plate" or "collodion" process used in 19th-century photography. The article notes the historical use of stereo cameras by photographers like Matthew Brady during the American Civil War and the development of 35mm stereo cameras like the Stereo Realist. It also touches upon modern digital stereo photography and the "cha cha" method for creating stereo pairs with a single camera. The potential for hyperstereo, using widely spaced cameras to achieve exaggerated 3D effects and assess distance and size, is also mentioned.

Infrared Photography Basics

Coffman then introduces infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) photography, which capture light beyond the visible spectrum. He explains that IR photography can reveal details not visible in regular photos, often showing vegetation as bright grey or white and the sky as dark to black. This technique can create surrealistic images and is useful for showing heat gradations, which can be beneficial for night sky sightings. The article notes that while traditional IR photography required long exposure times, modern digital SLRs can be converted to capture IR images in real-time.

Patterns & Connections: Do Aliens Program Our Brains?

Authored by John B. Ringer, Historical Anomalist, this article explores the possibility that aliens attempt to influence or "program" abductees. Ringer examines abduction narratives, noting recurring themes of warnings about Earth's destruction and the transmission of information that is difficult for humans to absorb.

Typical Presentation of Images

Drawing on John E. Mack, M.D.'s book "Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens," the article describes how information is transmitted to abductees through direct conveyance or on television-like screens. These images often depict scenes of Earth's devastation from nuclear war, pollution, and environmental damage, which abductees perceive as literal warnings. Another account describes an "egg-shaped room" where alien "instructors" use a learning tool to help abductees absorb knowledge from a scroll written in an alien alphabet.

David M. Jacobs, Ph.D., is also mentioned for his work with abductees, with a focus on the alien motives behind showing scenes of destruction. The article highlights that images of mass destruction are common in abductions, often showing devastated cities, floods, earthquakes, and wars.

Richard Hall's book "The UFO Evidence, Volume II" is cited for summarizing common themes in abduction stories. The article emphasizes that abductees tend to alter their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors after these communications, suggesting that alien communication is transformative.

Our Marvelous, Complex Brains

To understand the potential programming aspect, the article provides an overview of the human brain's structure, including the brainstem (reptilian brain), the limbic system (mediating unconscious aspects of awareness), and the neocortex (responsible for human cognition). It discusses the specialization of the brain's hemispheres and the role of the corpus callosum in connecting them. The article notes differences in brain function between males and females, with males tending to be more localized in problem-solving, while females use more of their brain visually.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO phenomena, including symposium reports, investigative techniques (photography), and the psychological and communicative aspects of alleged alien encounters (abductions). The editorial stance, as reflected in the "Director's View," suggests a cautious optimism regarding UFO disclosure while emphasizing self-reliance. The newsletter aims to provide information and insights for UFO investigators and enthusiasts, covering both historical cases and contemporary developments in the field.

This issue of the "Newsletter of Illinois MUFON" from December 2008, Number 4, explores various facets of ufology, including the psychological and neurological aspects of UFO encounters, the potential impact of the nuclear age on extraterrestrial interest, and reviews of relevant books and events.

Programming the Brain: Left vs. Right Hemisphere and UFO Encounters

The lead article discusses the differences between the logical, verbal left brain and the intuitive, visual right brain. It posits that visual input from alien abductors is processed by the right hemisphere, bypassing the left-brain editor and impacting primitive brain functions. This direct communication could lead to fundamental changes in abductees. The article suggests that the 'right-brained' individuals might be more receptive to these visual displays, and that aliens may 'condition' minds for this receptiveness. It also notes the potential for memory blocking or clouding by these visitors. The author highlights that while some changes in abductees are noted, much remains unknown, and lessons could be learned for the medical profession.

The Sum of the Parts: Alien Programming and Human Upgrade

This section contemplates the idea that aliens might be 'reprogramming' human brains for an upgrade to a higher level of function. While the author expresses a lack of definitive evidence to support this hypothesis, they acknowledge that the methods used in abductions could facilitate such a dramatic change.

Endnotes

The article includes extensive endnotes citing various books and articles related to UFOs, abduction, and consciousness, including works by John E. Mack, Edith Fiore, David M. Jacobs, Richard H. Hall, and Joseph Rhawn.

Northern Lights: The Battleground Between Scientists and Ufologists

By Bill Murphy, Staff Writer, this article addresses the historical scientific bias against the possibility of extraterrestrial life. It argues that advancements in understanding life's extremes on Earth and the universality of physical processes have eroded this disbelief. The author discusses the evolution of scientific thought from 'no life beyond Earth' to considering life in other solar systems and beyond. Carl Sagan's views on interstellar travel and the Drake Equation are mentioned, suggesting an inevitability of visitation. The article critiques the notion that aliens wouldn't come here, citing the 'Fermi Paradox' and the idea that our understanding of alien motivations is limited.

"You Can't Get Here from There"

This section challenges the idea that interstellar travel is impossible, referencing historical scientific objections to flight and space travel. It suggests that technological progress is unpredictable and that many solar systems are billions of years older than ours, increasing the likelihood of visitation.

Interstellar Travel, Crashes, and Government Cover-ups

This part addresses Carl Sagan's belief that aliens might have visited in the past but are not here now because we would have detected them. The author refutes this by questioning the completeness of our detection methods and the assumption that evidence would be obvious.

Who Would Want to Come Here, Anyway? The Question of "Purpose"

This section tackles the objection that no one would want to visit Earth. It counters this by drawing parallels to tourism in places like Papua New Guinea, suggesting that diverse motivations could draw intelligent life. The author criticizes the 'homocentric fallacy' of assuming we know what might interest alien races.

UFO Connections? The 66th Anniversary of the First Self-Sustaining Nuclear Chain Reaction

By Guy Richards, MUFON Field Investigator, this article speculates that the explosion of the first atomic bomb in 1942 may have alerted extraterrestrials to Earth's presence. It proposes that an advanced civilization, like the Greys, might act as 'babysitters' for developing civilizations. The article explains the concept of quantum entanglement and how it could function as a 'baby alarm,' with entangled neutron pairs signaling events like the atomic bomb test. It describes how an alarm neutron sent to Earth in 1945 would have signaled an 'up' spin upon interacting with the A-bomb explosion, instantly alerting a partner neutron 20 light years away.

The 'Baby Alarm' Mechanism

The article details how the 'baby alarm' would work using quantum entanglement. When the neutron pair's spin is measured upon interaction with the atomic bomb, the other neutron instantly reveals its opposite spin, regardless of distance. This 'spooky action at a distance,' as Einstein called it, would signal the 'birth' of a new technological capability.

Raising the Baby

Following the 'birth' signal, the 'babysitters' would then monitor Earth's development, making flyovers and mysterious landings to ensure responsible growth, preparing humanity for eventual introduction.

From the Files: Silver Sphere

This section details a UFO sighting from mid-September 1999, where a male witness in Glenview, Illinois, reported seeing a large, metallic/mirrored sphere. The object was described as spherical, appearing to be about 75% visible due to clouds, and estimated to be at least fifteen times the size of a passenger plane. The witness observed it for about fifteen seconds before clouds obscured it. The surface was described as mirrored, reflecting the clouds and sun. The witness reported being emotionally upset for hours after the sighting.

Recent Gatherings

By Sam Maranto, Director, this section summarizes MUFON activities in October and November. These included press and radio interviews regarding the Tinley Park mass sighting, library and university speaking engagements, the November 9th UFO Symposium 4, a premiere party for the "UFO Hunters" episode "Invasion Illinois," and a Starved Rock state meeting with case presentations and a field investigators' class.

Invasion Illinois-UFO Hunters Season Premiere Episode

This part discusses the "UFO Hunters" episode "Invasion Illinois," which investigated the Tinley Park mass sighting. The show suggested that the illuminations seen were not flares and that the object might have been very large. However, the article notes some errors in the episode, such as misrepresenting wind speeds and the date of a mass sighting. It also clarifies that a commercial jet, not a helicopter, flew in front of the large object, estimating its size at over 2,500 feet.

Off the Shelf: Book Review - A Review of Jim Marrs' Alien Agenda

By David Stockman, Illinois MUFON Deputy Director, this review discusses Jim Marrs' book "Alien Agenda." The book is described as a comprehensive overview of ufology, starting with the premise that UFOs are real. Marrs covers topics such as astronaut statements about the moon, ancient astronaut theories, historical artifacts, government involvement (including NASA and MJ-12), foo-fighters, Nazi saucers, and alien abductions. The review highlights Marrs' unique approach, relying less on old documentary evidence and more on his own research and analysis. It notes that Marrs' work is well-written and provides insightful descriptions, prompting re-evaluation of existing theories.

Coming Events

This section lists upcoming MUFON events:

• February 21, 2009: Harper Community College presentation by Sam Maranto & Donald Schmidt.
• May 29-31, 2009: Four Corners Conference at the Majestic Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena, IL, featuring Stanton Friedman and Richard Dolan.
• September 2009: Rend Lake Regatta at Rend Lake, IL.

Investigator's Insights

This subsection offers advice on using infrared photography for UFO detection, suggesting that IR-capable cameras can capture sharp images of temperature variations.

Best of Both Worlds a Possibility

This brief section touches upon the possibilities of Stereo Infrared photography and video for UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena from multiple angles, including scientific, psychological, and historical perspectives. It encourages active participation in MUFON through field investigations and event attendance. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, challenging conventional scientific skepticism and exploring various hypotheses, including extraterrestrial visitation and government cover-ups. There's a strong emphasis on research, evidence, and the sharing of information within the MUFON community.