MUFON Michigan Newsletter - 2009 03

Magazine Overview

Title: MICHIGAN MUFON
Issue: March 2009
Date: March 2009
Publisher: Michigan MUFON
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Michigan MUFON newsletter, dated March 2009, leads with the somber news of the passing of Kathy Doty, a significant supporter and friend of MUFON. The newsletter covers a range of topics including UFO investigations, archival releases, astronomical findings, and media analysis.

Words From the State Director

The State Director opens the newsletter with a heartfelt tribute to Kathy Doty, who passed away on February 4th due to lung cancer. Doty was a supporter of MUFON, hosted UFO discussion groups at her business, Mystiques West Psychic Reading and Metaphysical Center, and actively promoted MUFON events. She also donated books to the MIMUFON library. The director notes her keen business acumen and boisterous sense of humor, stating she will be greatly missed. A celebration of her life was planned for April.

An important position announcement is made: Gary Golem is now the ongoing Chief Investigator, taking over from Sunny Young, who is stepping down due to a big move and a busy schedule. The director thanks both for their contributions.

The newsletter also announces a trial collaboration between MUFON and Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies (BAASS), a group run by entrepreneur Robert Bigelow, aimed at delivering quality sighting research for scientific study. This collaboration builds on the historically amicable relationship between MUFON and NIDS.

Details are provided for the upcoming March 15th meeting, which will feature abduction investigator Craig R. Lang, author of "The Cosmic Bridge." Lang will conduct a workshop on investigating abduction sightings and give a presentation on his research.

Personal notes from the director mention successful UFO presentations in Roseville and Ann Arbor, with fifty and over seventy attendees respectively. Another presentation is scheduled for April 26th in Ann Arbor. Subscribers are also informed about the option to receive the newsletter electronically via email.

A critique is offered of a March issue of Popular Mechanics magazine for its attempt to discredit UFO sightings.

Inside this issue:

• The table of contents highlights several articles:
• Whistleblowers on UFO and EBEs Support U.K. Hacker Gary McKinnon (Pages 4-5)
• Introduction to UK's UFO Archives (Pages 5-7)
• Evidence For Vast Oceans On Ancient Mars (Page 7)
• CNN Catches UFO on Camera during inauguration? (Page 8)
• Bill Murphy's Column: Media Persuasion and Critical Thinking (Pages 9-11)
• Friend of MUFON Kathy Doty Passes (Page 11)
• UFO Fires Beams Over Alto Rosario, Argentina Again! (Page 12)
• Secret UFO archives opened (Page 13)
• Recent Michigan Sightings (Page 15)
• From The Editor's Desk (Page 18)

Whistleblowers on UFO and EBEs Support U.K. Hacker Gary McKinnon

This article by Jeff Peckam discusses the case of U.K. hacker Gary McKinnon, who is being prosecuted for hacking into NASA computer files. McKinnon claims he saw UFO-related files, while NASA denies a cover-up. Whistleblowers, including former NASA employees and contractors like Donna Hare, U.S. Air Force Sergeant Karl Wolfe, and former NASA engineer John Schuessler, have come forward claiming NASA has altered or destroyed photos containing UFO images. These whistleblowers, some of whom testified at the May 9, 2001 Disclosure Project press conference, suggest that NASA's destruction of public property could be a significant legal and public relations concern for the agency, especially given its mission to look for signs of intelligent life.

John Schuessler's testimony includes an account of seeing an unfamiliar photo from an Apollo moon landing that had a UFO in the background. When he tried to access the original photos, they were missing, with the explanation that the film was bad, which he disputes.

Introduction to UK's UFO Archives

This section, based on a UFO Videocast transcription by Dr. David Clarke, discusses the opening of UFO material from the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) under the Freedom of Information Act. The National Archives are releasing approximately 160 files over three to four years, totaling around 4500 pages. Highlights include a report from April 1991 about a near miss between an Italian airliner and a 'missile-shaped object, beige in colour' over Kent. The object was seen by both pilots and confirmed by Air Traffic Control. The incident was investigated by the MoD and Civil Aviation Authority, who ruled out missile fire and closed the file as a genuine UFO.

The article also mentions two other near-miss incidents reported to the MoD in 1991 involving 737 aircraft and unidentified objects. One was described as a 'wingless projectile,' and the other as a 'dark, lozenge shaped object' tracked by radar. While possible explanations like balloons were considered, the UFO explanation remained a question mark.

Additionally, the article touches upon military pilots reporting UFO sightings, detailing an impressive case from the Cold War (1956 or 1957) where a USAF pilot was scrambled to intercept a large, unidentified object detected on radar, described as the size of a B-52 bomber. The pilot was ordered to arm and fire rockets, but the object disappeared at high speed before he could engage. The pilot kept quiet for 32 years due to security oaths. Possible explanations include Soviet aircraft or an experiment in electronic warfare, such as the CIA's 'Palladium' program.

Evidence For Vast Oceans On Ancient Mars

This article reports on new evidence from the Mars Odyssey orbiter's Gamma Ray Spectrometer suggesting that oceans once covered a significant portion of ancient Mars. Data from various spacecraft, including Mariner 9, Viking orbiters, and current orbiters and rovers, have shown evidence of a watery past. Studies from about 20 years ago proposed the existence of ancient Martian oceans marked by visible shorelines. The SPECTROMETER's ability to detect elements beneath the surface has provided further support, with potential evidence of two different oceans in one area. The article notes that Martian shorelines would differ from Earth's due to Mars' lack of a sizable moon and the formation of lakes or seas from giant debris flows and liquefied sediments.

CNN Catches UFO on Camera during inauguration?

This article discusses a video from CNN's live coverage of President Obama's inauguration that appears to show a disk-shaped object flying at high speed. The object becomes visible at 0:08 on the right side of the screen, near the Washington Monument, and moves rapidly to the left. The author questions whether it could be a plane, helicopter, or bird, noting its speed and ability to make 90-degree turns, which are not typical for conventional aircraft. The article estimates the object's size and speed, suggesting it was significantly larger than the 555ft Washington Monument and moved at incredible speed.

Bill Murphy's Column: Media Persuasion and Critical Thinking

Bill Murphy's column examines the power of media presentations and the "will to believe" phenomenon. He discusses how people can be convinced by a single source of information, especially when presented shrewdly. Murphy draws parallels between ufological circles and other areas where strong beliefs can be formed, citing Barry Goldwater's influence on a liberal individual and a MUFON Board Member's conversion to John Mack's views after attending a lecture. He argues that forming viewpoints based on single presentations, while potentially interesting, is not always scientific, particularly in ufology where reliable sources can be scarce.

The column outlines persuasive media techniques, including emphasizing skepticism overcome by genuineness, highlighting the guilelessness of a primary figure, using short quotes from "experts" at ill-defined meetings, featuring only experts who endorse the subject, quoting experts as advising percipients to act in ways that validate their stories, downplaying scientific skepticism without explanation, and making interviews part of the story. It also touches on the idea that unusual events are treated as mysterious even when an obvious explanation exists.

Murphy concludes by discussing the media's ability to condition the public, referencing the idea that Hollywood movies might be used to condition the public to acceptance of extraterrestrial intelligence, and conversely, the suggestion that Disney and Hollywood could be used to debunk UFO reports. He stresses the importance of guarding against accepting media presentations without reflection and further study.

Friend of MUFON Kathy Doty Passes

This brief item reiterates the passing of Kathy Doty, a friend of MUFON, and notes that her personal memories will be shared in the newsletter.

UFO Fires Beams Over Alto Rosario, Argentina Again!

This article, though not fully detailed in the provided scan, is listed in the table of contents and likely discusses UFO sightings involving beams of light over Alto Rosario, Argentina.

Secret UFO archives opened

This item, also listed in the table of contents, suggests a discussion about the opening of previously secret UFO archives.

Recent Michigan Sightings

This section, indicated in the table of contents, would presumably detail recent UFO sightings reported within Michigan.

From The Editor's Desk

This section, listed in the table of contents, likely contains editorial remarks or additional commentary from the editor.

An 80-year-old French Chupacabra Encounter?

This article summarizes an account from the French magazine Lumières dans la Nuit #376, detailing an encounter from 1930 in Avignon, France, provided by Franck Teyssier. The story describes a creature, described as the height of a small man, that was seen leaping over a garden fence and entering a hen-house to seize a hen. The creature was described as wearing dark clothes, moving on all fours like an ape, and then standing upright. It delicately reclosed the hen-house door after taking the hen. The uncle of the narrator, armed with a rifle, fired twice, and a horrible cry confirmed that the creature had been shot. Traces of blood were found. The narrator's father, who was 10 years old at the time, kept the story secret for 74 years. Similar tales have been reported in Latin American countries. The article also mentions a goat found with its throat slit in the neighborhood and speculates about the involvement of a nearby decommissioned seminary and its inhabitants.

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library Files: Studies in UFO History

This article details research conducted by Ohio MUFON State Director Bill Jones into the files of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Over 18 months, Jones reviewed more than 2000 pages of UFO-related material, focusing on President Ford's Congressional files, particularly his 1966 call for a Congressional Investigation of the USAF's role in investigating UFOs. This period is described as pivotal, representing a significant opportunity for government disclosure that was ultimately hampered by the Condon Committee report. The Ford materials offer insights into the political pressures surrounding the UFO controversy and the broader context of the 1960s, including the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. The article notes Ford's involvement in the Warren Commission and succeeding Nixon during Watergate, suggesting his actions regarding UFO disclosure stemmed from an innate distaste for unmerited secrecy and a desire to prevent constituents from being belittled or lied to, rather than a pro-UFO stance.

Monthly Statistical MUFON Report - for January – February 2009

This report provides statistics on UFO sightings reported to MUFON through its CMS (Center for UFO Studies) system. In January 2009, 550 sightings were reported worldwide, with 479 in the United States (7 in Michigan). There were 34 Landings, Hovering, or Takeoffs and 31 Entities observed worldwide. In February 2009, 507 sightings were reported worldwide, with 454 in the United States (16 in Michigan). There were 24 Landings, Hovering, or Takeoffs and 41 Entities observed worldwide. Readers are directed to www.mufon.com for more detailed information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the impact of significant figures within the UFO community (Kathy Doty's passing), the ongoing efforts to uncover and analyze UFO-related information (UK UFO Archives, Gerald R. Ford files), and the reporting of sightings and investigations (Michigan sightings, statistical reports, specific case analyses). There is also a focus on critical thinking and media analysis in relation to UFO phenomena, as highlighted in Bill Murphy's column. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation while cautioning against uncritical acceptance of information, particularly from media sources. The newsletter also promotes MUFON's activities and membership.

This issue of the Michigan MUFON Newsletter, dated March 2009, features a prominent cover story mourning the passing of Kathy Doty, a "Friend of MUFON." The newsletter covers a variety of UFO-related topics, including recent sightings, investigations, archival news, and upcoming MUFON events in Michigan.

In Memoriam: Kathy Doty

The lead story on the cover and inside is a tribute to Kathy Doty, also known as "Miss EM," who passed away after a battle with cancer. Ray Fraser of Mystiques West Psychic Reading and Metaphysical Center shares memories of Kathy, highlighting her significant contributions to their community, which they consider "Family." Kathy was instrumental in organizing events, teaching classes, and managing various aspects of the center. She also served a similar capacity at the Michigan Metaphysical Society. Fraser expresses deep sorrow but also joy in knowing she is "back home." An email address is provided for those interested in attending a memorial service.

UFO Fires Beams Over Alto Rosario, Argentina Again!

This article by Scott Corrales reports on UFO activity in Rosario, Argentina, on January 30-31, 2009. Witnesses described a glowing white object with a swinging motion, shooting beams of light. A second yellow object was also observed. The sighting caused traffic lights to freeze on red, and cell phones used for recording were drained. The article mentions a similar recording from 2007 that caused public commotion. The Vision Ovni team, through researcher Elias Kolev, is investigating the case, focusing on potential physical and mechanical interference with traffic control signals and cell phone malfunctions. The investigation aims to gather specific evidence of investigative value.

UFOs: database of police sightings of records 310 incidents in six years

This piece by Ben Leach highlights a database compiled by Gary Heseltine, a British Transport Police officer. The database, PRUFOS (Police Reporting UFO Sightings), has recorded 310 UFO incidents reported by police officers in the UK over six years. Heseltine's latest report details 50 new cases involving 106 officers. The article quotes Heseltine emphasizing the credibility of police witnesses due to their training in providing dispassionate descriptions. He initiated the database after finding a UFO magazine filled with credible accounts from military pilots backed by radar evidence. One notable case mentioned is that of PC Alan Godfrey, who reported a diamond-shaped UFO in 1980.

Secret UFO archives opened

This article reports that the Danish Air Force has opened its UFO archives to the public, making over 15,000 reported extraterrestrial sightings available online. The archives cover sightings from the past 30 years, and the Air Force stated that "there was nothing secret in the files." While many sightings remain unidentified due to insufficient detail, some were distinct enough to rule out conventional aircraft or phenomena. One notable sighting from January 5, 1981, involved a flaming, square disc seen over Greenland near Thule Air Base, which radar stations also detected. Captain Thomas Petersen of the Danish Air Force commented that UFOs are not considered a known threat to Denmark's defense.

Editor's Note

The editor notes that as more countries open their UFO files, America appears worse in the eyes of the world. A quote from Representative John W. McCormack in a 1960 letter to Major Donald Keyhoe is included, stating that his committee had "pretty well established by some in our minds that there were some objects flying around in space that were unexplainable."

Michigan MUFON State Section Directors Meeting Minutes

These minutes detail the State Section Directors meeting held on January 25, 2009, at Walli's Restaurant in Flint, Michigan. Bill Konkolesky, State Director, presided. Wendy Smith reported 38 attendees, including 10 first-time visitors. The cost of the breakfast buffet increased, leading to a decision to raise State meeting fees by $1.00. A donation of $10.00 was received. Bill Murphy proposed a small-scale symposium co-sponsored by Michigan and Illinois, involving other MUFON chapters. The location for the 2010 International Symposium is not yet established. David Twichell provided an update on his television program, which faces delays due to digital conversion and a court case. Dave plans to attend the UFO Congress in Laughlin, NV, and tape new shows. Linda suggested a donation box for the Treasurer. The March meeting will feature abduction researcher Craig Lang. Patty Donahue reported $6.00 in merchandise sales. The meeting adjourned at 4:50 PM.

A quote from Representative Jerry L. Pettis in 1968 is included, discussing pilots seeing unexplained phenomena and their reticence to speak publicly due to fear of ridicule.

Recent Michigan Sightings

This section presents several recent UFO sighting reports from Michigan and Ohio:

• May 22, 2005 (approx. 11:00 AM): A pure black, diamond-shaped object with projections was seen north of the Cedar River Bridge, M-35, Michigan. It approached rapidly, appeared huge, and vanished instantly.
• January 2, 2009 (04:05 AM): A white cigar-shaped object, moving at jet speed and altitude, was sighted in Caro, MI. The witness had a similar experience five years prior.
• August 2008: A silver spherical object was observed hovering with no movement at an outdoor music event in Detroit, MI. Approximately 500 people witnessed it.
• February 6, 2009: In Evanston, Ohio, three to four white objects resembling pearls emerged from a breaking contrail. Later, a random formation of orbs, some red, was observed, with up to 27 counted. They were heading towards Wright Paterson AFB in Dayton.

Craig Lange to Present at Sunday, March 15th. Meeting

This section details an upcoming presentation by Craig Lange at the Michigan MUFON meeting on March 15th. His talk, "Close Encounters, Beyond the Basics," will explore unusual encounter cases, field investigation, and hypnotherapy with experiencers. Lange's bio describes him as a Hypnotherapist, Complimentary Healer, and Software Development/Verification engineer, specializing in working with individuals who have experienced extraordinary events like UFO encounters. He also offers sessions for wellness and personal development. The presentation is highlighted as a "must attend" for those interested in the abduction phenomenon.

MUFON Field Investigator's Training

An announcement for MUFON Field Investigator's Training on March 15th, led by CI Gary Golem and Craig Lang, who will conduct a workshop on investigating abduction sightings.

Michigan MUFON Meeting Details

This section provides details for the Michigan MUFON meeting on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at Walli's East Restaurant in Burton, Michigan. The schedule includes FI Training, a buffet lunch, Craig Lange's presentation, and MIMUFON Announcements. Meeting fees are listed as $14.00 for members and $16.00 for non-members, with first-time guests at $5.00. Contact information for reservations is provided.

18th Annual International UFO Congress

David Twichell, the Newsletter Editor, reports on his attendance at the 18th Annual International UFO Congress in Laughlin, Nevada, from February 22-28, 2009. He describes the event as exhaustive but worthwhile, with over 700 attendees and thirty speakers. Notable speakers included Paula Harris, Wendall Stevens, Robert Dean, Barbara Lamb, Peter Davenport, Dr. Lynne Kitei, and Stanton Friedman. Twichell highlights David Sereda, producer of "Evidence for NASA UFOs," and his work on reverse-engineered technologies like anti-gravitational and electromagnetic propulsion. Sereda cited Boyd Bushman of Lockheed Martin, who conducted experiments with magnets demonstrating anti-gravitational effects. Sereda also showed a video of water draining, illustrating natural propulsion systems. Twichell mentions that David Sereda will be a guest on "We Are Not Alone" on WHFR.FM.

Michigan MUFON Contact List

This section provides a comprehensive contact list for Michigan MUFON State Section Directors, Regional Directors, and other key personnel. It includes names, phone numbers, and email addresses for inquiries, comments, and sightings reports. A regional map of Michigan is included to help identify the appropriate contact person based on county.

Suggestion Box and Subscription Form

This section includes a "Suggestion Box" for members to provide feedback on their interests in the UFO phenomenon, desired events, and speaker suggestions. It also contains the "MICHIGAN MUFON 2009 STATE DUES and NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION FORM" for members to renew their memberships or subscribe to the newsletter for $25.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes MUFON's mission of investigating UFO phenomena and providing a platform for witnesses and researchers. There is a strong emphasis on credible witness testimony, particularly from law enforcement. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, with a critical eye towards government transparency, as suggested by the editor's note on international UFO archives. The newsletter also highlights the intersection of UFO phenomena with metaphysical concepts and personal experiences, as seen in the tribute to Kathy Doty and the description of Craig Lange's work.