MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 096

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated July/August 2002, Issue #96, focuses on a variety of topics related to UFO phenomena, scientific inquiry, and skepticism. The publication is from Minnesota MUFON, a state chapter of the Mutual UFO Network.

Directors Report: "YELLOW" JOURNALISM

Bill McNeff, State Director of Minnesota MUFON, opens the issue with a critique of a History Channel program titled "Roswell: Final Declassification." He defines "yellow journalism" as sensationalized and distorted news and applies this to the program, which he argues lacked balance and presented a biased view. McNeff questions the credentials of featured guests like Jon Elliston and criticizes Karl Pflock for parroting the Air Force's Mogul project explanation for Roswell. He points out inconsistencies in the program's portrayal of the Roswell incident, including the handling of the Roswell logbooks and the story of Roswell mortician Glenn Dennis, specifically questioning the existence of a nurse named "Naomi Self" and the integration of the Air Force in 1947. McNeff highlights key facts about the Roswell wreckage, such as its size and the nature of the Mogul balloon string and foil radar targets, arguing that the scattering of pieces would be difficult to explain as a weather balloon event. He also discusses the "instrument box" and a nameplate, suggesting it was earthly in origin. The article references the Bond photos showing a "memo" with the words "VICTIMS OF THE WRECK." McNeff also addresses the "unidentified metal object" presented as a weather balloon radar reflector, suggesting it was either an example or a deliberate misdirection. He concludes that the program failed to prove the Roswell crash was not of alien origin and was an "infamous example of how to sensationalize ordinary objects, slant the evidence, and dis-inform the viewer."

Grand Betrayal Of Science Principles

This section, originally posted to 'Whispers' by Ives Lewis on June 11, 2002, critiques the approach of UFO debunkers. Lewis argues that debunkers, like Oberg, tend to disregard behavioral or observational characteristics that suggest non-human intelligence, focusing solely on empirical data and prosaic explanations. He contrasts this with the scientific method, which includes observation and hypothesis formulation. Lewis contends that by limiting themselves to empirical research and dismissing speculative research, debunkers fail to consider the full scope of evidence and are hypocritical in their criticism of testing the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) when they cannot even name their proposed prosaic explanations.

Two issues which destroy the debunker's arguments

Posted by Hutch, this article responds to "Blinded by 'Science'" and presents two main arguments against debunkers' positions on UFOs.

Issue 1: Human Technological Advancement

Hutch argues that as human technology advances, it increasingly mimics reported UFO technology, thus increasing the probability of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH). He uses the progression of transportation (walking, horses, bicycles, cars, aircraft, jets, space travel) as an example of increasing speed and range, suggesting that future technology might resemble the capabilities of UFOs.

Issue 2: The Scientific Method

Hutch reiterates the criticism that debunkers limit themselves to empirical research and avoid speculative research. He argues that empirical research is limited by time and cannot fully address future possibilities. If debunkers were to engage in well-founded scientific speculation, they would be forced to admit the possibility of non-human intelligence controlling some UFOs. He asserts that if humans have not been controlling these machines for the past fifty-five years, then another intelligence must be, emphasizing the necessity of speculative research.

The Illegitimacy of CSICOP

By Wendy Connors, this article argues that the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) is not a legitimate scientific organization but a "cult" with a hidden agenda to suppress paranormal research. Connors uses quotes from Robert Shaeffer, a CSICOP Committee Member, to support her claims. Shaeffer admits CSICOP does not conduct first-hand investigations but concentrates on supposedly unexplainable cases identified by others. Connors argues this is a ploy to manipulate truth and character assassinate those who disagree. Shaeffer also claims that most UFO reports are misperceptions, such as Venus or airplanes, and that only a small percentage (2-10%) are unexplainable. Connors refutes this, stating CSICOP doesn't investigate raw data and uses "nefarious methods" to control public opinion. Shaeffer's claim that 98% of reports are misperceptions, with Venus being a primary factor, is called "completely erroneous" by Connors due to CSICOP's lack of data collection and analysis.

Connors further criticizes CSICOP for dismissing cases involving pranks, advertising planes, and balloons, which she claims are already dismissed by researchers. She also challenges Shaeffer's assertion that many people are sincere but easily fooled by simple hoaxes, like a kid with an Instamatic camera producing a UFO photo. Connors accuses CSICOP of deliberately clouding the issue by conflating investigators with those who prepare cases for analysis, aiming to discredit ufology researchers. The article concludes that CSICOP's claims are bogus, their failure to examine raw data is unscientific, and they default on their own legitimacy.

Newton's cherished constant may not be

This article by Mike Martin (UPI Science Correspondent, May 6, 2002) reports on experimental data from a Russian physicist, Mikhail Gershteyn, at MIT, which may challenge Newton's gravitational constant (G). Gershteyn's experiments suggest that the force of gravitation between two test bodies varies with their orientation in space relative to distant stars, a phenomenon called anisotropy. This finding, if proven true, would require a radical revision of gravitation theories, including Einstein's. The article quotes Lev Tsimring and Kirill Bronnikov, who acknowledge the potential significance of the findings but also note the need for more independent verification and data. George Spagna expresses skepticism, stating that the authors need to provide more data and theoretical justification.

Abductees and Implants

By Dick Moss, MN MUFON Assist. Dir., this article details research by Dr. Roger Leir, a podiatry surgeon who has investigated alien implants since 1995. Leir has removed ten implants from nine abductees, with some tests revealing isotopic ratios not found on Earth. The implants, described as BB-sized spheres or other shapes, were attached to lesions and showed unusual properties, such as changing into a gelatinous state. Leir suggests these implants may monitor genetic manipulation, as he believes children today represent a new race of humans with accelerated developmental traits compared to those from fifty years ago. The article includes comparative data on childhood development between 1947 and 1987.

Field Investigator Update: June 2002

By Craig Lang, MN MUFON FI Coord., this update notes a relatively low level of new sighting reports coming into Minnesota MUFON, with many reports being described through larger UFO forums. Lang wonders if this is a statistical fluctuation or if the volume of sightings is higher than reported locally. He discusses the history of MUFON's activity, noting periods of quiet and bursts of activity. The last meeting featured a report on a triangle sighting in Duluth and an "open mike" session where numerous witnesses shared their experiences. Lang recounts two specific sightings: a distant daylight disk that vanished, and a classic disk seen edge-on with a rotating rim. He also mentions sightings of triangular objects and a ball of light that left a melted ice patch. Lang uses statistics from the Roper Poll to estimate that in the Twin Cities area, there could be around twenty thousand experiencers and one hundred forty thousand sighting witnesses, suggesting "more is happening than we think."

Quantum wormholes could carry people

This article by Charles Choi (New Scientist, May 22, 2002) explores the theoretical possibility of quantum wormholes enabling faster-than-light travel. Physicists Sean Hayward and Hisa-aki Shinkai have modeled how matter traveling through a wormhole adds positive energy, causing it to collapse into a black hole. However, they propose using "ghost radiation" (a negative energy field) to stabilize the wormhole and prevent collapse, allowing passage. The article notes that while CERN may generate mini-black holes, sending a person through a wormhole would require a vast amount of negative energy, equivalent to converting the mass of Jupiter.

Connecticut researcher, 21, receives doctorate degree

This brief report by Nick Roesler, Wisconsin MUFON State Dir., highlights Jon Nowinski, who at 21 years old, has earned a doctorate degree in parapsychology. Nowinski, founder of the Smoking Gun Research Agency, is applying for a Consultant position with MUFON International.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include a critical examination of how UFO phenomena are presented in mainstream media, a strong defense of the scientific method against what the authors perceive as biased debunking, and explorations of cutting-edge scientific theories and anecdotal evidence related to UFOs and potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for open-minded, yet rigorous, investigation into UFO phenomena, challenging established scientific dogma when evidence suggests it, and promoting the work of MUFON as a legitimate research organization.

This document, likely an issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, focuses on individuals and events related to UFO research and the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). It provides contact information for various MUFON chapters and initiatives, as well as details about a prominent UFO researcher.

Jon Nowinski and the Smoking Gun Research Agency

The text introduces Jon Nowinski, highlighting his academic pursuits and dedication to UFO research. He is described as double majoring in Criminal Justice and Journalism, and holds a doctorate degree, which has also led him to a teaching career. Nowinski is associated with the Smoking Gun Research Agency (SGRA), based in Westport, CT. He has offered to personally investigate cases considered strong, such as the 1997 Phoenix Lights incident, with the goal of advocating for serious government inquiry into the UFO subject. This approach has reportedly been successful in other countries like France, Great Britain, and Germany. Contact information for Jon Nowinski and the SGRA is provided, including a physical address, phone number, email ([email protected]), and website (http://www.sgrahq.com).

Minnesota MUFON Information

The document includes comprehensive contact details for Minnesota MUFON. Richard Moss is listed as the State Director, with contact number (320) 732-3205. Bill McNeff serves as the Assistant State Director, reachable at (952) 890-1390. Joel Henry is the Journal Editor and Webmaster, with a mailing address in Apple Valley, MN, and a phone number (952) 431-2426. His email is [email protected], and the Minnesota MUFON web page is http://www.mnmufon.org. The MUFONET communication system is also mentioned, operating on 7.237mhz on Saturdays at 7:00 am CST, with Bob Shultz as the Net Control.

National MUFON Hotline and Resources

A National MUFON Hotline is provided for reporting UFO news and sightings, with the number 1-800-836-2166. Readers are directed to visit www.mnmufon.org/mmj.htm for back issues of the Minnesota MUFON Journal in PDF format. The journal welcomes news and editorial contributions, with submissions to be directed to the Editor.

Copyright Notice

A note on copyrights states that articles in this issue are the property of their originators or assignees. Articles are reprinted with permission or are believed to be in the public domain, and permission to use or reprint must be obtained from the original authors.

International MUFON Symposium 2002 Announcement

An announcement for the 2002 International MUFON Symposium is included. The event is scheduled to take place in Rochester, NY, from July 5-7. More details, including registration information, can be found on the www.mufon.com website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document revolve around active UFO investigation, the pursuit of government acknowledgment and inquiry into UFO phenomena, and the organizational structure and resources of MUFON. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting UFO research, facilitating communication among researchers and the public, and encouraging the submission of relevant content to the journal. There is a clear emphasis on providing practical information, such as contact details and event announcements, to its readership.