MUFON Michigan Newsletter - 2007 05

Magazine Overview

Title: MICHIGAN MUFON NEWSLETTER
Issue: May 2007
Publisher: Michigan MUFON
Country: USA
Language: English

Key Announcements and Personnel Changes

New Chief Investigator

The newsletter opens with a significant announcement from the State Director regarding a change in leadership. Lisa Shiel is stepping down as Chief Investigator and State Section Director of the Upper Peninsula due to personal obligations. The magazine expresses gratitude for her contributions, particularly in integrating the MUFON Case Management System (CMS) and bringing investigative efforts into the 21st century. Sunny Young is introduced as the new Chief Investigator. The article notes that Young, like Shiel, resides in the northern part of the state (Mackinaw City) and may not be able to attend all meetings, but will continue to manage the MUFON Case Management System. Field Investigator training sessions will still be conducted by the State Director.

Upcoming May Meeting

The May meeting is highlighted as a new and exciting event, featuring two presenters joining via webcam as suggested by a survey. This format will allow presenters to appear live and interact with attendees.

Featured Articles and Reports

UK/England Annual UFOs Police Report 2006

This article, written by Detective Constable 1877 Heseltine of the British Transport Police, presents findings from the PRUFOS Police Database. The report covers cases from 1901 to the present, involving over 500 British police officers. In the period since the last report, 43 new cases involving 100 officers have been identified. The data indicates that 75% of 'on duty' cases are multiple officer sightings. Notable multiple officer cases include one in Stanmore, Middlesex (April 1984) with 20 officers, and incidents in South Wales, Devon and Cornwall, and Windermere, Cumbria involving 19 and 17 officers respectively. West Yorkshire County has the highest concentration of sightings (25 cases), followed by North Yorkshire (12), London (11), and Staffordshire (10). The top reported UFO shapes are Light (104), Sphere (23), Cigar (21), Triangular (13), and Saucer (13). The report also mentions 20 multiple UFO cases and two involving USOs (Underwater Surface Objects), with six cases having radar confirmation. The conclusion suggests that many sightings point to an extraterrestrial conclusion, based on the evidence gathered over five years involving 500 police officers and 213 UFO sightings. The author, a Detective with 18 years of service, believes these sightings represent extraterrestrial craft operating in UK airspace, a conclusion corroborated by a Channel Five documentary.

France to Publish UFO Archive Online

The French space agency, CNES (National Space Studies Centre), announced its intention to publish its UFO sightings archive online. This database contains approximately 1,600 incidents collected over nearly 30 years. The names of witnesses will be withheld to protect their privacy. Jacques Arnould, an official at CNES, stated that the archive would go live in late January or mid-February. The reports, often filed with the Gendarmerie or by airline pilots, are expected to attract significant public interest. The decision to digitize and publish the archive is driven by technological advancements. An update confirms that France became the first country to open its official archives on UFOs on March 22, 2007. Jacques Patenet, head of the UFO study group at CNES, described it as a 'world first,' contrasting it with the US approach of providing information on a case-by-case basis. The archives, available at http://www.cnes-geipan.fr/geipan/, currently contain 400 files, with the full collection of approximately 1,600 sightings reported since the 1950s scheduled to be online by the end of the year.

Former Arizona Governor Now Admits Seeing UFO

This article by Leslie Kean details former Arizona Republican Governor Fife Symington III's admission of witnessing an unidentified flying object during the 'Phoenix Lights' incident on March 13, 1997. Symington, who had previously downplayed the event, now describes the object as 'enormous and inexplicable,' a large triangular craft with lights, noted for its symmetry and constant geometric outline. Thousands of witnesses reported similar craft that evening. The article also mentions Arizona Senator John McCain's acknowledgment of lights seen over Arizona, though he stated he had no evidence of aliens or UFOs. Symington's statement marks a significant turnaround from his 1997 spoof press conference where his chief-of-staff, Jay Heiler, was presented as the 'guilty party' in a costume. The article touches upon the government's lack of explanation and the frustration of citizens seeking answers. It also references similar documented sightings in Belgium and England, including a Belgian Air Force interception of a triangular UFO and a sighting of a vast triangular craft over England. The article notes that US officials continue to withhold information on such sightings. Symington, a pilot, expressed frustration with government attempts to dismiss sightings with explanations like 'weather phenomena.'

Challenge to Science: The UFO Enigma by Jacques and Janine Vallee

This is a review of the 1966 book 'Challenge to Science' by Jacques and Janine Vallee, presented as part of a series reviewing seminal UFO literature. The reviewer highlights Jacques Vallee's significant contributions to ufology and his evolution away from the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). The book is praised for its scientific approach, data analysis, and proposal for a worldwide UFO study commission. The authors critique the USAF's approach to UFO investigations, noting that cases were often 'explained' on flimsy grounds or treated in isolation, lacking systematic classification. They also criticize American amateurs for treating cases as isolated 'occasions of amazement' rather than for scientific study. The review discusses the book's examination of UFO waves, common manifestations, historical reports, and technological issues. It also touches upon the 'orthoteny' theory of Aime Michel and the authors' counterpoint to misidentification cases, emphasizing the sincerity of witnesses. The review notes Vallee's later arguments against the ETH and his search for a unifying explanation for UFO phenomena. The book's conclusion suggests centralizing files, establishing an international scientific commission, and creating investigative teams with local scientific groups. The reviewer laments the lack of governmental participation in such initiatives.

Monthly Statistical MUFON Report for February & March 2007

This section provides statistics on UFO sightings reported to MUFON through its Case Management System (CMS). In February 2007, there were 179 sightings reported globally, with 153 in the United States. Five sightings were reported from Michigan. Globally, 12 landings, hoverings, or takeoffs and 13 entities were observed. In March 2007, the number of global sightings increased to 238, with 204 in the United States. Six sightings were reported from Michigan. In March, 19 landings, hoverings, or takeoffs and 24 entities were observed. Readers are directed to www.mufon.com to review the CMS data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing efforts to legitimize the study of UFO phenomena through scientific investigation and official documentation. The appointment of a new Chief Investigator signifies a continued commitment to the organizational mission. The publication of government UFO archives, as seen with France, represents a move towards transparency. The personal testimony of a former governor adds weight to the reality of UFO sightings, challenging previous skepticism. The critical review of academic works like Jacques Vallee's underscores the importance of rigorous scientific methodology in understanding the UFO enigma. The statistical reports provide a data-driven perspective on the prevalence of sightings. The overall stance of the newsletter appears to be one of promoting serious, scientific inquiry into UFOs, encouraging transparency, and valuing credible witness testimony while maintaining a critical approach to data analysis and interpretation.

This issue of the MICHIGAN MUFON NEWSLETTER, dated May 2007, features a cover story on the revolutionary "RFID 'Powder'" tags from Hitachi, which are described as the world's smallest RFID tags. The newsletter also includes reports on Michigan MUFON activities, UFO sightings, and a significant analysis of the French government's COMETA report on UFOs and defense.

RFID 'Powder' - World's Smallest RFID Tag

The lead article, "RFID 'Powder' - World's Smallest RFID Tag" by Bill Christiansen, details Hitachi's groundbreaking miniaturization of RFID technology. These new tags measure a mere 0.05 x 0.05 millimeters, making them sixty times smaller than the previous record-holder, the Hitachi mu-chip (0.4 x 0.4 millimeters). The article explains that these tiny chips have a 128-bit ROM for storing a unique 38-digit number and were created using semiconductor miniaturization technology and electron beams. The potential applications are vast, including incorporation into paper currency and gift certificates, and the prevention of ticket forgery, as demonstrated at the Aichi international technology exposition. The article also touches upon the science fiction implications, referencing Bruce Sterling's 1998 novel 'Distraction' and the concept of 'bugged money.' It speculates on how these RFID tags, possibly with external antennas, could be used to prevent theft of consumer goods and even for identifying and tracking individuals, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance.

Michigan MUFON State Section Directors Meeting Minutes

The minutes from the Michigan MUFON State Section Directors Meeting held on March 11, 2007, at Walli's Restaurant in Flint, Michigan, are presented. Key discussions included feedback from membership surveys regarding desired activities, suggestions for future speakers (mentioning Linda Moulton Howe, Stanton Friedman, Budd Hopkins, and Erich Von Daniken), the possibility of webcam presentations, and the potential acquisition of a MIMUFON laptop. Profits from the MIMUFON store were reported as $23, with a generous donation of $85 from Chuck Lietzau.

UFO Sightings During the Vietnam War and Other Testimonials

Two notable testimonials are included: General George S. Brown, USAF Chief of Staff, addressed the appearance of UFOs during the Vietnam War, referring to them as 'enemy helicopters' seen near the DMZ and in the Highlands of Vietnam in '68 and '69, which led to engagements without a clear enemy. Eugene Cernan, commander of Apollo 17, is quoted stating his belief that UFOs might represent 'somebody else, some other civilization.'

38th Annual International MUFON Symposium

Information is provided about the 38th Annual International MUFON Symposium, sponsored by the Mutual UFO Network, scheduled for August 10-12, 2007, in Denver, Colorado. The theme is 'An Estimate of the Situation: The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis.' A list of speakers as of March 2007 is included, featuring prominent figures in the UFO research community such as Stanton Friedman, Dr. Rudy Schild, Richard Dolan, Timothy Good, Brad Sparks, Kathleen Marden, John Greenewald, Sam Maranto, Michael Nelson, and Robert Salas. Details on hotel reservations and parking are also provided.

Michigan MUFON Survey Feedback

This section summarizes the feedback received from a member survey distributed at the March meeting. Members expressed varied interests in the UFO phenomenon, ranging from spiritual exploration to 'nuts and bolts' UFOlogy. Suggestions for future speakers included perennial favorites and the possibility of webcam presentations. Members also suggested organizing group travel to the MUFON Symposium and including personal experiences in the newsletter. The survey also touched upon donations for technology upgrades and the importance of holding state section meetings.

Recent Michigan Sightings

Several recent UFO sightings from Michigan are reported:

• Mark Simon describes seeing a series of silent lights moving at the same speed in the NW sky over his kitchen in May 2007.
• A sighting near Berrien Springs, MI, on February 8th, 2007, involved a visible, white, xenon-like light circling erratically.
• In Sanford, MI, on February 1st, 2007, a witness observed a triangular object with three round glowing white lights and a fourth larger one in the middle, moving at approximately 100-200 mph.
• A witness in Benton Harbor, MI, filmed a silent object on April 9th and April 16th, 2007, with three bright blue lights, a red light, and a bright white light.
• A sighting in Eagle, MI, described an object that looked like a star changing colors like a sparkling diamond.

Smoking Gun Research Agency In-depth Investigation: UFO Incident over Andrews Air Force Base

This article details an investigation by Jon Nowinski of the Smoking Gun Research Agency into a UFO incident that occurred on October 26, 2005, over Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Fighter jets were scrambled after radar picked up an object displaying 'unconventional flight characteristics,' including stopping, turning rapidly, and exceeding speeds. Several witnesses reported seeing the 'chase.' The investigation involved interviews with base personnel and military members, confirming that the military believed an object was present and that at least one pilot pursued it.

Michigan MUFON Meeting at Walli's East Restaurant

An announcement for a Michigan MUFON meeting at Walli's East Restaurant in Burton, Michigan, on Sunday, May 6, 2007. The agenda included FI Training with Chuck Reever, a buffet lunch, a presentation by Jon Nowinski of Smoking Gun Research, and MIMUFON announcements. The cost for members and non-members is listed.

Viva La France! - From The Editor's Desk

In his editorial, David Twichell praises the French government for its acknowledgment of the UFO reality, referencing the 1999 COMETA report. This report, compiled by top French military officials and scientists, concluded that the UFO phenomenon is real and likely extraterrestrial in origin, with at least five percent of cases lacking prosaic explanations. The report criticized the U.S. for its 'disinformation and restrictive military regulation policy' regarding UFO sightings, citing Air Force Regulation 200-2 and Joint Army, Navy, Air Force Publication 146. Twichell calls for the U.S. government to follow France's lead in engaging mainstream science and disclosing information about UFOs.

Michigan MUFON Contact List

A comprehensive contact list for Michigan MUFON State Section Directors and state officers is provided, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses for various counties and roles, along with general contact information for the State Director, Assistant State Directors, Webmaster, Librarians, and Newsletter Editor.

Suggestion Box and Subscription Form

The newsletter includes a 'Suggestion Box' for members to provide feedback on their interest in the UFO phenomenon, desired events, future speakers, and other comments. It also contains a form for Michigan MUFON 2007 State Dues and Newsletter Subscription, with a fee of $25.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the advancement of technology (RFID), the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, the role of government and military in UFO disclosure, and the importance of member engagement within the MUFON organization. The editorial stance, particularly in David Twichell's column, is strongly in favor of UFO disclosure and transparency, advocating for a more open approach from the U.S. government, similar to the actions taken by France. There is a clear emphasis on sharing information, encouraging research, and fostering a community dedicated to understanding the UFO phenomenon.