MUFON Michigan Newsletter - 2007 09

Magazine Overview

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

This issue of the Michigan MUFON Newsletter focuses on upcoming events, organizational reports, and in-depth ufological research.

Featured Event: Stanton Friedman Lecture

The cover and early pages announce a presentation by renowned ufologist Stanton Friedman titled "Flying Saucers are Real!" scheduled for Saturday, September 22nd, at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn. Tickets are $12.00 and can be ordered online or at the door. The article highlights Friedman's extensive career, including his role as the original civilian investigator of the Roswell Incident and his numerous publications and appearances.

Words From the State Director

Stanton Friedman is described as a legendary figure in UFOlogy, comparable to Elvis or John F. Kennedy. The State Director encourages members to attend his presentation, emphasizing its importance and the opportunity to share their passion for UFOs with friends and family.

Inside This Issue

• The table of contents lists several key articles and reports:
• ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MICHIGAN MUTUAL UFO NETWORK (Page 4)
• Monthly Statistical MUFON Report for June & July 2007 (Page 7)
• The Journal of UFO Studies, New Series, Volumes 1-9 (Bill Murphy's column) (Pages 8-11)
• Fermi's Paradox and the Preparation for Contact Hypothesis (Pages 11-12)
• Michigan MUFON State Section Directors Meeting Minutes (Page 13)
• 2007 MUFON Symposium Notes (Bill Murphy) (Pages 14 & 18)
• Recent Michigan Sightings (Page 15)
• Stanton Friedman Flier (Page 16)
• Map to Henry Ford Community College (Page 17)

Michigan MUFON Annual Report (June 1, 2006 - May 31, 2007)

• The annual report details the organization's status, including:
• Membership: 71 members by central office, 85 Michigan MUFON members, and 13 State Section Directors covering 34 counties.
• Treasury: Bank balance of $3306.46, merchandise stock valued at $1471.00, office equipment and supplies at $685.17, and library value at $2071.00, for a grand total of $7533.63.
• Library: The lending library contains 467 books, 37 audiocassettes, 25 CDs, 345 periodicals, and 273 videocassettes/DVDs.
• Income Sources: Dues, merchandise sales, and speaker/luncheon fees.
• Disbursements: Meeting costs, speaker fees, newsletter printing, postage, director expenses, equipment, and facility deposits.
• Membership Benefits: The $25.00 annual dues include the newsletter, library access, training sessions, and discounted speaker rates.

The report also mentions the sale of Michigan MUFON T-shirts and sweatshirts to support the organization.

Meetings and Accomplishments

State membership meetings were held monthly from September 2006 to May 2007, with Field Investigator training and guest speakers. The cost for general meetings is $13 for MUFON/MIMUFON members and $15 for non-members. State Officer/Section Director meetings were held in conjunction with membership meetings and in August 2006 for planning.

• Key accomplishments include:
• Maintaining 501(c)(3) non-profit status, largely due to Wendy Smith's efforts.
• Welcoming a new Chief Investigator, Sunny Young.
• Presentations by State Director Bill Konkolesky across Michigan, with a notable attendance of 126 at the Waterford Library, which was taped for cable access.
• Michigan MUFON members Chuck Lietzau and Bill Konkolesky were featured in Linda Godfrey's book "Weird Michigan."
• Acquisition of technology for meetings, including laptops, projectors, and audio equipment.
• Hosting two guest speakers via webcam: Chuck Reever and Jon Nowinski.

"We Are Not Alone" Radio Show

David Twichell's local cable TV show has transitioned to a one-hour radio show broadcast on WHFR (89.3 FM). Sunny Young was a guest on September 1st, and Bob Peterson is scheduled for October 6th. The show airs on the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM EST, with archives available online.

Goals

• Michigan MUFON's goals include:
• Increasing the library size through donations.
• Continuing the success of the MIMUFON store.
• Issuing membership cards for verification and credibility.
• Maintaining popular Field Investigator training sessions.
• Optimizing meeting locations and attendance (average 30-40 people).
• Continuing with a management team involving state officers.
• Hosting a public presentation with Stanton Friedman in September 2007 to drive youth membership and visibility.
• Leveraging 501(c)(3) status for growth, including tax-free meals and soliciting donations.
• Increasing membership in MUFON International and Michigan MUFON Inc.
• Attracting members in underrepresented areas.
• Developing leadership in counties without State Section Directors.
• Expanding utilization of the Computer Management System (CMS) database.
• Improving investigation methods.
• Promoting professional investigation through media and law enforcement communication.
• Informing the public about UFOlogy through public relations and engagements.
• Supporting smaller local MUFON gatherings.
• Updating the MIMUFON store inventory.
• Maintaining a positive administrative attitude and open communication with MUFON members and leadership.

Monthly Statistical MUFON Report (June & July 2007)

• June 2007: 213 sightings reported globally, 174 from the US, 14 from Michigan. 9 Landings/Hovering/Takeoffs and 10 Entities reported worldwide.
• July 2007: 198 sightings reported globally, 150 from the US, 12 from Michigan. 9 Landings/Hovering/Takeoffs and 12 Entities reported worldwide.

Readers are directed to www.mufon.com for detailed sighting information.

Review: The Journal of UFO Studies, New Series, Volumes 1-9

• This extensive review by Bill Murphy covers 17 years and 9 volumes of the scientific English-language series on UFOs. The journal is praised for its rigorous approach, peer review, and detailed analysis of UFO phenomena. Key topics covered include:
• UFO Abductions: Numerous articles by prominent researchers like Budd Hopkins, David M. Jacobs, and Thomas Bullard are discussed. Bullard's work on hypnosis and abduction stories is highlighted, noting that hypnosis does not appear to create abduction narratives but may help recover memories. The review also addresses the Randle-Estes-Cone theory, which suggests abduction experiences can arise from a combination of predisposition, cultural influences, and investigator suggestion.
• Scientific Method: The journal emphasizes the use of scientific methods, data collection, and hypothesis testing. Articles cover geophysical parameters, UFO sightings, and photographic analyses.
• Specific Cases: The review mentions coverage of the Delphos case, Ubatuba metal fragments, and Trans-en-Provence CEII.
• ET Hypothesis: Michael Swords' article "Science and the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis in Ufology" is summarized, arguing that the UFO phenomenon is a valid field of scientific study and the ET hypothesis is a reasonable explanation for many reports.
• Skepticism: The review acknowledges the harsh treatment of ufology by some skeptics, such as Robert A. Baker, but advocates for a calm, fact-based response.

The review concludes that the JUFOS volumes are essential for anyone with more than a hobbyist interest in ufology and that the field has progressed little since the 1990s, making these older articles still highly relevant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes MUFON's mission of scientific UFO research and analysis. There is a strong emphasis on education, public outreach, and member engagement. The organization appears to be financially healthy and actively seeking growth through various initiatives, including youth recruitment and expanding its online presence. The editorial stance is one of serious, scientific inquiry into the UFO and abduction phenomena, encouraging rigorous investigation and open discussion while acknowledging the challenges posed by skepticism and the complexities of the subject matter.

This issue of the Michigan MUFON Newsletter, dated September 2007, focuses on the 2007 MUFON Symposium and includes articles on UFO research, recent sightings, and upcoming events.

Articles and Features

The Journal of UFO Studies Review

The issue begins with a review of the latest volume of "The Journal of UFO Studies," praising its scholarly tradition and its contributions to serious research in ufology. The reviewer highlights articles on abduction experiencers, UFO labels and memory, UAP photo analysis, and "Angel Hair" analysis. The review emphasizes how ufology can benefit mainstream science and vice versa, citing Michael Swords' review of "Life's Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe."

Fermi's Paradox and the Preparation for Contact Hypothesis by Bernard Haisch, Ph.D.

This article explores the implications of Fermi's Paradox – "Where are they?" – in the context of the vast number of stars and potential planets in our galaxy. Haisch proposes the "preparation for contact hypothesis" as a possible explanation for the seemingly bizarre behavior of UFOs. He suggests that extraterrestrial visitors may be "coaxing us into awareness of their existence slowly enough to not disrupt our self-centered civilization." The hypothesis posits that humanity's current destructive behavior might be a concern, and that staged events are used to gradually challenge societal beliefs. Haisch argues that a dramatic public landing, as often demanded by skeptics, is not the appropriate first step for contact.

2007 MUFON Symposium Notes

This section provides a detailed account of the 38th Annual International UFO Symposium. Highlights include:

• Stanton Friedman's presentation: Focused on "60 Years of Roswell" and his debates with Michael Shermer.
• George Knapp's presentation: A "creepy recounting" of the story behind "Hunt for the Skinwalker."
• Kathleen Marden's presentation: Offered new insights into the Betty and Barney Hill abduction, drawing on her familial connection and access to investigative materials.
• Michael Nelson's presentation: Revealed new information about the April 1966 Portage County, Ohio, Police-UFO chase case.
• John Greenewald's presentation: A candid and informative session on UFOs.
• Robert Salas' presentation: Discussed the "Faded Giant – The Malmstrom Air Force Base Encounters," detailing the shutdown of Minuteman missiles in 1967.
• Richard Dolan's speech: Titled "The Extraterrestrial Presence on Earth: Why it is Revolutionary," it discussed a massive cover-up.
• Brad Sparks' presentation: A controversial revisionist paper on the 1980-1981 disinformation campaign against ufologist William L. Moore.
• Sam Maranto's talk: Covered recent O'Hare and Tinley Park, Illinois sightings.

The symposium also included a speakers' forum and special presentations honoring Robert Pratt and Stanton Friedman.

Flatwoods Monster 55th Anniversary and Flying Saucer Extravaganza

This event announcement promotes a conference celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Flatwoods Monster sighting and the 60th anniversary of the Roswell incident, promising "hard evidence."

Recent Michigan Sightings

This section details several recent UFO sightings reported in Michigan:

• Saginaw, MI (August 12, 2007): A triangular object with white lights, moving low and silently.
• Grand Rapids, MI (August 11, 2007): Two lights moving in unison overhead.
• Richmond, MI (August 10, 2007): An oval object glowing orange, moving slowly.
• Dearborn, MI (July 19, 2007): Two lights observed moving in the sky, disappearing quickly, with no noise.

Michigan MUFON Meeting Minutes

Minutes from the State Section Directors Meeting held on July 14, 2007, in Dearborn, Michigan. Key discussions included arrangements for a September 22 lecture by Stanton Friedman at Henry Ford Community College, including ticket pricing, audiovisual needs, and promotional efforts.

Advertisement for Stanton T. Friedman Lecture

An advertisement for an illustrated lecture by nuclear physicist and lecturer Stanton T. Friedman titled "Flying Saucers Are Real!" to be held on September 22nd at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan.

Michigan MUFON Meeting Map

A map of the Henry Ford Community College campus in Dearborn, Michigan, indicating the location of the Andrew Mazzara Conference Center for the September 22nd meeting.

Michigan MUFON Contact List

A comprehensive contact list for Michigan MUFON State Section Directors and state officers, providing names, phone numbers, and email addresses.

Suggestion Box and Subscription Form

Sections inviting reader feedback and providing a form for 2007 calendar year memberships and newsletter subscriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena with a scientific and rigorous approach, as exemplified by its coverage of "The Journal of UFO Studies" and the MUFON Symposium. There is a clear emphasis on evidence-based research and the importance of confronting the subject matter, even when it challenges conventional understanding. The "preparation for contact hypothesis" reflects a nuanced view of potential extraterrestrial interaction, suggesting a gradual approach rather than immediate, overt contact. The inclusion of recent sightings and detailed symposium notes indicates a commitment to keeping members informed about ongoing developments in ufology. The overall stance is one of serious inquiry and a desire to legitimize the field of UFO research.