MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 081

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated January/February 2000, is identified as Issue #81. It features a Director's Report by William I. McNeff titled 'AN ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION AT THE END OF THIS ERA', reflecting on the history and current state of UFO consciousness.

Director's Report: An Estimate of the Situation at the End of This Era

William I. McNeff's report provides a historical overview of the modern UFO era, beginning with the 1947 Mount Rainier sighting and Donald Keyhoe's influential books. He highlights the 1952 Washington D.C. sightings and the subsequent government secrecy, exemplified by a 1958 interview where Mike Wallace questioned Keyhoe's claims about the U.S. Air Force's acknowledgment of real flying saucers. McNeff notes that despite official denials, extensive documentary evidence, including thousands of UFO reports and government documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, indicates significant government interest in the UFO subject. He mentions ongoing developments regarding the Roswell crash and the growing scientific interest, citing Dr. John Mack's book 'Abduction' and the work of the Society for Scientific Exploration, MUFON, CUFOS, and FUFOR consultants. The report also references Peter Sturrock's panel of scientists who concluded further study is justified, and Joseph Firmage's funding of research into UFO-related technologies. Michael Lindemann is quoted suggesting an 'undercurrent of behind-the-scenes movement' and that the truth about ET is imminent. Dwight Schultz, an actor, is mentioned as having studied the UFO subject extensively and notes that while many scientists privately acknowledge the phenomenon, they publicly ridicule it, contrasting this with the respectful discussion he had with Robert Cornog, chief physical engineer at Los Alamos. McNeff agrees that the government influences what is considered 'appropriate' to discuss, but asserts that it does not solely define it. He points to radar photos from October 1969 showing an object moving at extreme speeds as hard evidence of technology beyond earthly nations. He concludes that hard evidence of UFOs as extraterrestrial objects exists and is growing, eagerly awaiting a public recantation from figures like Mike Wallace.

Minnesota MUFON Meetings

Details are provided for MUFON meetings on Saturday, January 8th, and Saturday, February 12th, from 1:30-5:00 PM at the Roseville Community Center in Roseville, MN. The location is behind Centennial Methodist Church. Parking is free, and the building is designated as non-smoking. A map is available on the back cover.

Neil Morris Finds New Evidence of a Crash at Roswell

This section details new findings regarding the Roswell crash. On July 7, 1947, Colonel Blanchard announced the recovery of a flying saucer. Debris was flown to Fort Worth and photographed by J. Bond Johnson. These photographs are presented as the primary public evidence. The official explanation identified the debris as a Mogul balloon and a RAWIN radar reflector. However, the Roswell Photo Interpretation Team (RPIT), led by J. Bond Johnson and including Neil Morris, a senior photo interpretation specialist from the University of Manchester, has undertaken an evaluation. After comparing debris details with blueprints of MOGUL and RAWIN devices, the RPIT members could not associate the pieces with these known devices. They discovered that key parts of the debris contain hieroglyphic-like writing and are made of thick, massive sheeting attached to carefully formed and drilled hollow beams. Some pieces show evidence of being saw-cut through thick aluminum, not consistent with a Mogul balloon train. Morris suggests the material has a grainy, crystalline structure, similar to cast iron, and fractures like smashed pottery when subjected to high impact. He also notes variations in thickness and potential erosion of an inner core. Morris states that while some may dismiss these findings as reading symbols into 'smudge' marks, the evidence suggests it is not part of a Mogul balloon train. The RPIT discoveries are available at specified web addresses.

More Indications a Craft Crashed at Roswell

Researcher Wendy Connors obtained a taped interview with Colonel Andrew Hemstreet, who stated that Alfred Loedding was sent to Roswell as the sole T-2 intelligence operative aware of the full story. T-2's role was to acquire, collect, analyze, and produce foreign aerospace scientific intelligence. Loedding, an aeronautical engineer, was an expert in areas like VTOL aircraft and low aspect ratio aircraft. Documents indicate Colonel Howard McCoy sent Loedding to the Pentagon in July 1947 to work with Dr. Charles Carroll on a project to investigate the 'flying disc' phenomenon. Loedding's expertise was needed because Pentagon officials believed the discs were advanced Russian technology. Loedding did not disclose what he knew, even though the Roswell incident was a major topic of conversation. A new source, who knew Loedding well, later stated that Loedding was not the one originally ordered to Roswell. Wendy Connors believes the Roswell crash is not a dead issue and should be maintained as a valid Ufological research topic, citing the confirmation by two separate individuals that a T-2 person was ordered to Roswell by Colonel McCoy. Connors emphasizes that research is ongoing and that theories should be questioned until sufficient evidence is presented. She argues that those who haven't conducted their own research have no valid opinion beyond their personal beliefs. She concludes that the Roswell incident involved something 'damn well important' that exceeded the secrecy of a downed balloon.

Book Report: "Seeing Red - Redshifts, Cosmology, and Academic Science" by Halton Arp

This section reviews Halton Arp's book, questioning the relevance of cosmology to UFOlogy. The reviewer suggests that Arp faces a similar challenge to UFOlogy: introducing radical ideas into a resistant scientific establishment. Arp's primary theory is that the universe is not expanding, and galactic redshifts are misinterpreted. His work, based on 40 years of observations, has been rejected by mainstream astronomers. The book features photos of galaxies with differing redshifts, which Arp argues are intrinsic, not indicators of motion. The reviewer finds Arp's challenge to modern cosmology, including concepts like white holes and quantized redshifts, exhilarating. The book concludes by listing other areas where 'establishment science' has impeded progress, such as tectonic plate theory, AIDS, cold fusion, and Cydonia, drawing a parallel to the difficulties UFOlogy faces in being taken seriously. The reviewer suggests that an 'apocryphal landing on the White House lawn' might be necessary for UFOlogy to gain serious traction.

Michael Lindemann Presentation: Questions and Answers

This section summarizes a Q&A session following Michael Lindemann's presentation on October 9, 1999. Regarding the impact of 'The Watchers', Lindemann notes that it has led to children dressing as aliens in Great Britain. He believes the explosion of Hollywood films about aliens is purely for profit and serves to desensitize the public. On the claims of Colonel Phillip Corso regarding technology from a crashed alien disk, Lindemann states that Corso died in July 1998 and was involved in a lawsuit concerning his story. Information handed over by Corso is subject to litigation, and his son is now sharing this information. Lindemann also discusses a meeting between James Woolsey and Dr. Steven Greer, noting that Peterson felt Greer was using Woolsey's name inappropriately. Greer had previously been involved in a dispute over a document he had copied and distributed. The context of a letter from Peterson to Greer about meeting Woolsey is discussed, suggesting it would elevate the UFO disclosure discussion. Lindemann also addresses 'animal mutilations', stating that some cannot be explained by earthly means. He mentions an anecdote about a neighbor's child describing alien beings.

UK Expert Warns of Human "Mad Cow" Epidemic Ahead

This news brief reports that the British government's chief medical adviser, Professor Liam Donaldson, warned of a potential epidemic of human 'mad cow disease' (vCJD) in the UK. The report recommended lifting the beef-on-the-bone ban. The number of deaths from the disease was 43 by the end of June 1999, with a 60 percent increase in 1998 compared to 1997.

Scientists Sight 'Millennium Planet'

This news brief reports that British and American scientists have made the first visual sighting of a new planet beyond our solar system, dubbed the 'millennium planet'. Using a computer program and a telescope in the Canary Islands, they detected faint light from the planet, which is estimated to be twice the diameter and eight times the mass of Jupiter. Professor Keith Horne stated that this detection makes it possible to study the planet's atmosphere and potential for life. The research, published in Nature, also provides information on the planet's size and makeup.

What's New At Groom Lake? Nothing We'll Be Learning About Soon - Clinton Signs New Area 51 Law

This article discusses a new law signed by President Clinton that exempts the U.S. Air Force's operating location near Groom Lake, Nevada (Area 51), from federal, state, and local provisions requiring disclosure of classified information. The summary states that this exemption is in the 'paramount interest of the United States'. The article notes that the 38,400-acre rectangle surrounding Groom Lake has been officially handed over to the Air Force for total control. Norio Hayakawa comments that this means the Air Force gains total control and ownership of Area 51, eliminating the need for 'secret agreements' with the Department of Energy and allowing the Air Force to name the base and expand its programs. He also mentions the potential for addressing former workers' compensatory rights and environmental statutes.

New Survey Reveals That More Than 70% Of Americans Think ET Is Already Here

A syndicated television show 'Dateline: USA' conducted a national poll revealing that over 70% of Americans believe in other intelligent life in the universe. 50% believe alien life forms will be hostile, and 50% believe they will be friendly. 80% feel alien technology is more advanced, and 65% are convinced humanity would be annihilated in a conflict. 26% believe humanity would ultimately defeat a hostile alien force. The poll of nearly 1,500 people, including astronomers and astrophysicists, also found that most surveyed agreed that other intelligences would look different from humans.

More Area 51 News

This section reports that the 38,400-acre rectangle surrounding Groom Lake (Area 51) has been officially handed over to the Air Force for total control. The article from the Las Vegas Review Journal notes that the Department of Energy made it official, with the Nevada Test Site growing by nearly 200 square miles due to surface contamination from a 1968 nuclear test. The new law corrects land use and jurisdiction misalignments, giving the Air Force control over the DOE's rectangle around Groom Lake. The location, also known as Area 51, had been shown on government maps as a 38,400-acre rectangle primarily in Lincoln County, belonging to the Department of Energy but controlled by the Air Force.

Chinese Bigfoot Tracked at Nature Preserve

This brief reports that a scientific team in China's Shennongjia mountains found physical evidence of a large hairy hominid, referred to as 'a wild man'. Evidence includes 16-inch footprints, brown hair, and chewed corncobs, leading scientists to conclude it was not a bear. Reports of 'wild men' in this region date back to 2000 B.C.

Metallic Material Found on Mutilated Cattle

An Amarillo Globe Daily News story reports that law-enforcement officers in Hereford, Texas, found metallic material on the hides of mutilated cows, similar to material found on mutilated cows in New Mexico. The mutilations occurred during the previous summer, with 15-20 incidents near Hereford and 12 cattle killed in northern New Mexico. Local people reported seeing UFOs in connection with these incidents. The metallic substance found was described as slivers of gray paint, containing high amounts of potassium and magnesium, and believed to be a type of Teflon.

BLT Research has New Website

BLT Research Team has launched a website to publish their crop circle study findings. The organization is a non-profit, tax-exempt U.S. Corporation.

Field Investigator Update: Jan., 2000 - A Tale of Two Sightings

Craig R. Lang reports on two investigations of older sightings. The first occurred in the late 1970s in North Dakota, where a witness saw a large lenticular disk move silently overhead and perform a figure-8 maneuver. The second case, from the mid-1970s, involved two boys near the Twin Cities who observed searchlights on a frozen stream, emanating from a silent object that swept the area. Lang notes remarkable similarities between the two cases: they occurred in slightly off-road areas, the witnesses initially kept the sightings secret, and both contacted MUFON years later. He also observes a history of paranormal sensitivity in witnesses, suggesting a connection to UFO sightings.

CSETI Announced on Monday Completion of the movie Trailer for its planned five-part Documentary series "Disclosure"

CSETI has completed a movie trailer for its five-part documentary series 'Disclosure', hosted by James Cromwell and featuring Dr. Steven Greer. The trailer provides a synopsis of the series, and a written summary and proposal are available for download. CSETI is seeking investors for this project, which aims to pave the way for the release of non-polluting technologies and provide political cover for open hearings on the UFO/ET issue.

Berkeley Engineers Report Chip Breakthrough

This news brief reports on a breakthrough in semiconductor transistor technology by Berkeley engineers. A new transistor, dubbed 'FinFET', is so small that a single chip can hold 400 times more devices than before, potentially leading to faster and cheaper chips. The FinFET's gate design allows for better control and reduced leakage. The technology is funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Project Agency.

Conflicting Signals: Attempts to Speed Up the Hunt for Aliens Dismay Astronomers

This article discusses 'overzealous hackers' who have created faster versions of the SETI@home program. Scientists at the project express concern that these altered programs could be a hindrance rather than a help, recommending that people do not use them. The SETI@home project harnesses spare computer power to search for signals from intelligent life. While some users are using unauthorized patches to speed up calculations, the project aims for consistent science code and is rewriting the program to make it harder to alter.

What Could It Be? Mysterious Blobs Along N.J. Shore Have Scientists Scratching Their Heads

Environmentalists, tourists, and local officials in Sea Isle City, NJ, are puzzled by huge blobs of white, gelatinous substance that washed ashore. The material, estimated at five to seven tons, is neither toxic nor radioactive. Marine biologists are concerned about its potential impact on sea life, as animals might mistake it for jellyfish.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing mystery and investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly focusing on the Roswell incident and the possibility of extraterrestrial technology and craft. There is a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry and the challenges of introducing unconventional ideas into the mainstream scientific community. The issue also touches upon government secrecy and the potential for disclosure. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging further research and questioning official explanations, while acknowledging the difficulties in gaining mainstream acceptance for UFO-related topics. The inclusion of news on unrelated topics like 'Mad Cow Disease' and a newly discovered planet suggests a broader interest in scientific and unexplained phenomena beyond just UFOs.

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated "Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year / Century," likely from the turn of the millennium (around 2000), focuses on a peculiar incident involving mysterious blobs washing ashore on New Jersey beaches and provides contact information for the Minnesota MUFON organization.

Mysterious Blobs on New Jersey Beaches

The main article details an unusual event that occurred on Labor Day when large, gum-like blobs washed ashore in Atlantic City, Ocean City, Strathmere, and Sea Isle City. Beachgoers were startled by the appearance of these "mysterious blobs which resembled giant pieces of used chewing gum." Some people were concerned about potential health hazards, while others were surprised to see children playing with them.

An emergency response team from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted field tests on the material. Loretta O'Donnell, a spokesperson for the DEP, stated that the blobs were determined to be "nontoxic" and "didn't have any hazardous aspects to it." She described the material as being treated like "solid waste" with "not going to have a residual or environmental impact."

Despite the DEP's assessment, the Coast Guard, represented by Lt. Dan Higman, sent samples to a lab in Louisiana for further analysis. Higman explained that the goal was to "ID exactly what it is" to potentially "track it to a source." He noted the large size of the clumps and admitted, "we really have no idea" about their origin. Lab tests were expected to provide a chemical breakdown of the blobs within the week.

Speculation about the origin of the blobs was widespread among officials and beachgoers. Theories ranged from "space alien life-forms" to "some kind of elaborate packaging used by drug smugglers." Higman also mentioned a similar incident from about three years prior that turned out to be a "component of hand cream."

Marine biologist Totah advised caution, stating, "If they don't know what it is that's washing up on the beach, people shouldn't handle it." He emphasized that if something "doesn't look natural," it's difficult to predict future occurrences.

Minnesota MUFON Information

The issue also includes contact details for Minnesota MUFON. Richard Moss is listed as the State Director, Bill McNeff as Assistant State Director, and Craig Lang as Field Investigation Coordinator. Joel Henry serves as the Journal Editor and Webmaster. Contact information includes phone numbers, a PO Box address in Apple Valley, MN, and an email address ([email protected]). The Minnesota MUFON website is also provided.

Additionally, information is given for MUFONET, a radio net operating on 7.237mhz on Saturdays at 7:00 am CST, with Bob Shultz as Net Control. A National MUFON Hotline (1-800-836-2166) is provided for reporting UFO news and sightings.

Subscribers are encouraged to send news or editorial contributions to the editor. A note on copyright states that articles are reprinted with permission or are believed to be in the public domain, and permission for use or reprint must be obtained from the original author(s).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the investigation of an unexplained natural phenomenon (the mysterious blobs) and the application of scientific and governmental assessment to it. The inclusion of MUFON information and the mention of "space alien life-forms" as a speculative origin suggest an editorial stance that is open to unconventional explanations while also valuing official investigations and scientific analysis. The emphasis on caution regarding unknown substances aligns with a responsible approach to reporting on potentially hazardous materials.