MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 056

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter, dated November/December 1995 (Issue #56, Volume 95-11/12), features a cover story by State Director Michael Lindemann on 'MAPS, MYTHS, AND MILLENNIAL MADNESS: UFOLOGY MEETS THE END TIME.' The newsletter also includes reports on MUFON meetings, an alleged government program for UFO disclosure, a UFO crash incident in Long Island, and an interview with photoanalyst Jeff Sainio.

From the State Director: Maps, Myths, and Millennial Madness

Michael Lindemann's address to the 1995 MUFON Symposium explored the intersection of UFOlogy with end-time expectations. He noted a growing sense of impending "something," citing possibilities like melting ice caps, earthquakes, and other global threats. Lindemann observed that UFOs are increasingly linked to Western culture's mythic context and expectations of catastrophe. He used the Roswell event as an example of the dichotomy in UFO studies: the scientific pursuit of the phenomenon versus the evolved myths surrounding it.

Lindemann began by discussing maps and myths as representations of reality. He explained that maps, by definition, simplify and omit details, and can be misleading if they don't represent the territory accurately. He drew a parallel to theories, stating that a theory is a map of reality that can be defended even when it contradicts the territory it describes. He used the theory of evolution as an example, noting that while it's presented as a map of adaptive gradual change, paleontologists like Steven Gould and Niles Eldridge admit the fossil record doesn't fully support this narrative, pointing to the lack of transitional forms and the concept of punctuated equilibrium.

He then applied this mapping concept to UFO studies, arguing that abduction accounts and sighting reports are maps, not the territory itself. Lindemann identified four reasons why accessing the 'territory' of real UFO events is difficult: the past is unrecoverable, the territory is restricted (e.g., 'secret government' information), the territory is too far away (like the Zeta Reticuli location in the Hill case), and the territory's location and timing are unknown.

Lindemann touched upon the Roswell crash as a 'best case event,' acknowledging the detailed maps available but noting that much is missing, including the official explanation. He highlighted the 'non-thing' of the official non-explanation and the lack of documentation. He suggested that even a government announcement about Roswell, MJ-12, or the Santilli film would be met with skepticism regarding motives and completeness.

He concluded by observing that millions already "know" about Roswell through various revelations, often focusing on alien/human relationships and the prospect of catastrophe. Lindemann suggested that these mythic currents could reshape humankind's future expectations. He acknowledged the "madness" of pursuing real UFO science amidst these currents, stating that UFOs and normal reality have always been strange bedfellows, and today, they seem more at odds than ever.

Is the End of Secrecy In Sight?

William McNeff, Asst. State Director, reported on a private conversation at a UFO symposium where a US government representative allegedly revealed a three-phase program to disclose the existence of extraterrestrials and transfer their technology.

According to this source, the government is concerned about public panic and race/religious wars. The three-phase program is outlined as follows:

1. Phase 1 (1994-1996): A media blitz to acclimate the public to the idea of extraterrestrials.
2. Phase 2 (Starting 1996): Acquainting Fortune 500 companies with ET technology and transferring it, with gradual public release of information.
3. Phase 3 (Within 10 years of Phase 1): The official mass media announcement of government involvement with ETs over the past 50 years.

The representative cautioned that not all government officials are in agreement, with "old-timers" resisting disclosure. McNeff noted that Phase 1 began in 1994 and would last two years, with technology transfer starting in 1996. He observed an increase in ET-related programs on TV and radio, suggesting Phase 1 might be underway. He also mentioned a survey indicating 35% of the population believes ETs are visiting Earth and the government is hiding it, with a significant portion of this group being under 30 years old.

The government representative urged UFO researchers not to create panic or replace elected officials with the far-right. They encouraged teaching about UFOs through word-of-mouth, courses, or video tapes, as long as they are not shown on network TV. McNeff concluded by suggesting that researchers should watch events unfold and continue to release reliable information gradually.

Laser Tag, Anyone?!

This brief report mentions scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory successfully test-firing a powerful laser producing 125 trillion watts of power in an extremely short pulse. This laser is a prototype for a "petawatt" laser and is expected to have applications in physics, X-rays, and fast-igniter research.

Interview: Jeff Sainio

Jeff Sainio, a broadcast technician and photoanalyst for MUFON, shared his interest in ufology, stemming from childhood sightings. He discussed how technology has made photo and video analysis cheaper, with PCs now handling tasks previously requiring microscopes. He noted that camera technology has focused on ease-of-use, which can be counterproductive for night photography. Sainio identified common mistakes in evaluating UFO evidence, emphasizing that isolated anomalies are often worthless without a pattern or falsifiable hypothesis. He stated that videos are better than photos, especially with multiple witnesses. Sainio expressed skepticism about the source of phenomena, stating he would only form opinions when he could identify markings like "Vulcan Star Command" on a UFO.

Regarding photographic evidence, Sainio believes videos are superior and that irrefutable proof requires multiple witnesses. He is hesitant to speculate on the source of UFOs, stating he needs more concrete evidence. He also mentioned that his analysis of 'extra-dimensional' theories often leads him to conclude that the photos are likely film defects or lens flares.

Sainio noted that hoaxes are rare but often correlate with financial gain or sensational topics. He identified videotape as the dominant form of submission, with CD-ROMs being a promising medium for distributing quality material, mentioning an upcoming release debunking the Billy Meier case.

Craft Executes Roll Maneuver Over Ohio

This report details an airborne object videotaped in Clermont County, Ohio, on November 10, 1994. The object, described as four white lights in a triangular configuration, performed a "rolling" maneuver that would be highly dangerous for conventional aircraft. The videotape, analyzed by ASK specialists, revealed a triangular surface behind the lights, resembling a B-2 Stealth Bomber hull. Multiple witnesses reported seeing similar unknown aerial objects in the region. The report contrasts this with explanations involving military testing of aircraft like the Northrop TR-3A, questioning why such craft would display bright headlights over populated areas.

The Crash That (Supposedly) Wasn't

This section reports on an alleged alien spacecraft crash near South Haven Park in Suffolk County, Long Island, NY, on November 24, 1992. The Long Island U.F.O. Net-work (LIUFON) investigated the incident, which was reported by a resident who witnessed an object with blue and white lights crash. The object reportedly emitted a powerful white beam of light. The witness observed four large military helicopters arriving shortly after the crash. The area was subsequently cordoned off by military personnel. LIUFON's investigation revealed evidence of extensive vehicular traffic, fire department equipment, and slightly radioactive chipped trees. The fencing in the area reportedly exhibited reversed magnetic polarity. A videotape allegedly showing non-human body parts was received but was of poor quality.

Too Good To Be True?

This excerpt from an article by Ed Walters for the National UFO News discusses the persistent UFO sightings in the Gulf Breeze/Pensacola area. Walters argues that even definitive proof of UFOs being real might not end the debate, as some people may reject evidence that is "too good to be true." He recounts witnessing and videotaping a UFO performing "fly-bys" and reversing direction, noting that its shadow on the trees proved its reality. Walters suggests that while the evidence for UFOs is overwhelming, it's "too good to be ignored."

Visitors From Outer...Town!

This section highlights the presence of Jerome Clark, Tom Deuley, and Rob Swiatek at a MINNESOTA MUFON meeting. Jerome Clark, author of the UFO Encyclopedia, discussed the CUFOS office's historical UFO files. Tom Deuley described the workload of the International MUFON office. Rob Swiatek represented the Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR), which assisted in verifying the MJ-12 documents. The consensus among the three was that the alien autopsy film was fake.

Welcome Back, Bill!

This brief note welcomes Bill McNeff back to Minnesota after a period working in South Dakota. He has taken a new job in Bloomington.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena, encouraging researchers to gather and disseminate reliable information. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards official explanations and a focus on analyzing evidence, whether photographic, video, or testimonial. The publication also touches upon the intersection of UFOs with broader cultural narratives, including end-time prophecies and government secrecy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging critical analysis while acknowledging the complexities and potential for misinterpretation in UFO studies. The newsletter also highlights the importance of community and shared investigation within MUFON chapters.

This document is a subscription form for the 1996 Minnesota MUFON publication. It is published 6 times per year. The cost for a yearly subscription is $12.00, with individual issues priced at $2.00. Subscriptions are valid from January 1st to December 31st. The form instructs subscribers to make checks payable to Lynn Bell, Editor, and provides her mailing address in Falcon Heights, Minnesota.

Content

The page features a black and white photograph at the top, identifying attendees of the "1994 Science & Politics of UFOs Symposium." The individuals are listed from left to right as Bob Schultz, Wells Horvereid, Joe Dundovic, Bill McNeff, John Dingley, Dick Moss, Tom Hansing, and Jesse Parker.

Below the photograph is the "1996 MINNESOTA MUFON Subscription Form." It requests the subscriber's name, address, city, state, zip code, apartment number, day phone, evening phone, and fax number. It clearly states the subscription cost and period.

Key Information

• Publication: Minnesota MUFON
• Issue Year: 1996
• Frequency: 6 times per year
• Annual Cost: $12.00
• Per Issue Cost: $2.00
• Subscription Period: January 1 - December 31
• Payable To: Lynn Bell, Editor
• Mailing Address: Lynn Bell, 1834 N. Asbury St., Falcon Hts, MN 55113
• Related Event: 1994 Science & Politics of UFOs Symposium

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document's primary purpose is to solicit subscriptions for the Minnesota MUFON publication. The inclusion of the photograph from the 1994 symposium suggests a focus on UFO research, science, and political aspects related to the topic. The editorial stance, as indicated by the publication's affiliation with MUFON and the symposium's theme, appears to be centered on the investigation and discussion of UFO phenomena.