MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 127

Magazine Overview

Title: Minnesota MUFON Journal
Issue: #127
Date: September/October 2007
Publisher: MUFON (Mutual UFO Network)

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal provides a comprehensive look at UFO-related topics, focusing on the MUFON 2007 Symposium, historical UFO cases, and the growing public and media interest in the phenomenon. The publication aims to inform its readers about significant developments and ongoing research in ufology.

The MUFON 2007 Symposium - Part 1

By Dick Moss, MUFON MN State Dir.

The MUFON Annual Symposium is highlighted as a valuable event, bringing together speakers who focus on specific UFO issues. This section provides an abridged version of presentations by Stanton Friedman and Kathleen Marden from the August 2007 symposium in Denver.

Stanton Friedman's Presentation: 60 Years of Roswell

Stanton Friedman's extensive accomplishments are noted, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and documentaries about his work. He has testified before Congress, appeared at the UN, and pioneered documentation of issues like Majestic 12. Friedman has openly challenged UFO critics and advocates for the position that UFOs represent a 'Cosmic Watergate,' with alien visits being the most significant story of the millennium. He has visited twenty document archives for official UFO information.

Friedman's understanding of the Roswell incident suggests at least two craft crashed. One was found on the Foster Sheep ranch, about eighty miles northwest of Roswell, with bodies discovered less than three miles from the debris field. A second crashed vehicle, with bodies, was found largely intact on the Plains of San Augustin west of Socorro.

Kathleen Marden's Presentation: New Evidence in the Betty and Barney Hill Abduction Case

Kathleen Marden, niece of Betty Hill, presented on the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case. She detailed her close relationship with Betty, studying her files and conducting long discussions to clarify questions about the encounter. Marden recorded taped interviews with Betty and also utilized audio tapes from regression sessions with psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Simon. Her research addressed criticisms leveled at Betty and concerns about her credibility, noting how misinformation from both advocates and debunkers, as well as inconsistencies in Betty's memory, contributed to inaccuracies over time. Marden's presentation also clarified aspects of John Fuller's book, 'The Interrupted Journey,' and provided anecdotal information about the event and the Hills' reactions.

Stanton Friedman and Kathleen Marden have collaborated on a book titled 'Captured! - The Betty and Barney Hill UFO Experience.' The 2007 Symposium Proceedings, containing their presentations, are available from MUFON for $30.

The Saucers Of Wartime

The Journal of Hispanic Ufology by Scott Corrales, September 2, 2007

This article explores the historical connection between UFO phenomena and armed conflicts, referencing 'foo fighters' from WWII and the Battle of Los Angeles in 1942. It also touches upon the theory that UFOs appeared due to humankind's discovery of nuclear energy and wartime applications.

Aliens Of The Spanish Civil War

Mariano Melgar, as a seven-year-old boy in 1938, witnessed a round object with a small dome and legs descend near his family's property in Munico, Spain. Three figures emerged from the object to collect soil samples. The object, described as measuring sixteen to nineteen meters in diameter, emitted a buzzing sound and had colored lights. Melgar initially believed it was 'Generalissimo Franco's aircraft' but later understood it to be something else. He was nearly struck by a bolt of light when he approached the craft. The object then lifted off, spinning on its axis.

The article notes that while Nazi Germany was involved in air power displays during the Spanish Civil War, the described object did not resemble any known aircraft of the time. Researcher J.J. Benitez's work is cited, suggesting the Melgar case is a pre-1947 incident involving sighting, landing, and occupant encounters.

Other sightings during the Spanish Civil War include three glowing objects observed over Mallorca in August 1936, described as 'plates moving through the air.' On February 5, 1938, an object resembling a 'Mexican hat' and a 'cartwheel' was seen near Granada. Additionally, on July 25, 1938, two officers witnessed a disc-shaped object with two humanoid figures descending near Granada.

IS THE UFO STORY REACHING A "CRITICAL MASS"?

By William I. McNeff, MNMUFON Assist. State Dir.

This article posits that the UFO story is reaching a 'critical mass' due to increased serious treatment by the mainstream media. The August UFO Magazine featured a 'UFO Festival' in New York, which included a press conference promoting Walter Haut's affidavit about the Roswell crash. The New York Sun and The Washington Post published serious articles on the event, with Stephen Bassett of the Paradigm Research Group and X-PPAC being featured on the front page of the Washington Post. This coverage is considered significant for its use of terms like 'truth embargo' and 'disclosure,' and for featuring key figures in the UFO field.

The article also notes the appearance of Stanton Friedman and others on the Larry King Show, and the impact of Gordon Cooper's disclosure about UFOs. The MUFON 2007 Symposium is described as a 'smashing success' with balanced media coverage.

Nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman is quoted discussing how many religious groups accept the notion of other civilizations and the potential reasons aliens might visit Earth, suggesting it's a primitive society engaged in tribal warfare. The Catholic Church is reportedly evaluating theological revisions due to evidence of ET visitations.

Dr. Rudy Schild, a Harvard Professor of Astrophysical Research, is mentioned as agreeing with witness accounts of spacecraft being semi-sentient and operating via telepathically shared intent. The power supply is described as a plasma bombarded with a neutral helium atom, creating quantum chaos focused by an information field.

The article concludes that the media's interest in UFOs could be derailed by future crises, but ultimately, the truth about UFOs cannot be suppressed.

UFOMystic: Fascinating UFO Entity Reports

By Greg Bishop, Aug 29 2007

This piece discusses the importance of considering anomalous accounts in UFO research, even if they don't fit standard abduction scenarios. It highlights the work of researchers who can unlock secrets from vast amounts of information. The article suggests that the perceived pattern of UFO behavior might be influenced by our imposed frameworks and expectations.

It references Albert Rosales's catalog of humanoid sighting reports, available on the UFO Info site, which includes accounts from prehistory to the present day. The author encourages a 'meta-analysis' of these details to uncover overlooked information.

The CE4 Corner

September/October, 2007: The Importance of the other stuff...

By Craig R Lang, MS CHt

This column emphasizes the importance of being grounded and healthy in the ordinary world, as experiencers often undergo 'reality-shattering experiences' during encounters. The author, an engineer, shares his perspective gained from observing medical procedures, stressing that 99.9% of our time is spent in this world.

Lang speculates that experiencers who are unaware of their encounters may suffer personal and family strife, including divorce and substance issues. He suggests that a stronger foundation in physical, mental, and spiritual health leads to more positive experiences. The article advocates for a balanced lifestyle, including good diet, exercise, spiritual practice, and intellectual challenge, as crucial for navigating both earthly and extraordinary realms.

U.N. Tribunal For Crimes Against Aliens?

By Ed Komarek, 8/31/07

This article proposes the creation of a UN tribunal to investigate and prosecute crimes involving aliens and humans, expanding to include earth human-to-earth human crimes in extraordinary alien-earth human situations. The author believes that a small fraction of both humans and aliens are responsible for incurred crimes and that a low-intensity conflict between humans and extraterrestrial life forms is ongoing.

It calls for the identification and prosecution of 'secret elite factions' who have violated the civil rights of aliens and humans in secret ET programs. The article argues that crimes against aliens, even if secret, tarnish Earth's image in the cosmic neighborhood. It draws a parallel to the German population's collective accountability for not knowing about concentration camps, urging citizens to be vigilant and investigate wrongdoing.

The author criticizes the concept of blanket immunity for those who have abused aliens or humans in alien matters, suggesting partial immunity with consideration for times and conditions would be more just. He argues that the current system, which seems to grant special consideration to 'elite criminals,' erodes public confidence in leaders and government, leading to a loss of faith in the rule of law.

Minnesota UFO Reports

Minnesota Man Shoots UFO

A camper near Camp Ripley reported waking up to see three lights in a triangle formation. He shot at the lights with a rifle, and they dimmed and disappeared without sound. The witness expressed confusion about why he shot at the UFO.

Minnesota Dark Diamond/Clover Shaped

In Saint Paul, a witness observed four dark, clover-shaped objects forming a diamond silhouette. The objects moved fast, smoothly, and silently to the north. The report is credited to Peter Davenport, Director of the National Reporting Center.

UFOs: Brits' most popular state secret

By BILLY COX, August 31. 2007

This article discusses the significant number of Freedom of Information Act requests related to UFOs in the UK, making it the most popular subject, even surpassing the war in Iraq. Researcher Nick Pope notes that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) receives more FOI requests about UFOs than any other subject. British authorities have logged approximately 10,000 sighting reports since the 1950s, and the US military compiled over 12,000 incidents before ceasing its records.

The release of summarized UFO sighting reports to the MoD has fueled media interest, enabling regional newspapers to publish stories that encourage public contact. The MoD is considering releasing its entire UFO archive into the public domain, a move that has already led to server crashes in France due to high traffic. Pope does not subscribe to cover-up theories in the UK but disagrees with the MoD's stance that UFOs pose no national security risk, citing reports of near mid-air collisions.

2nd Chinese World UFO Conference

planned for September 2007 in Beijing

By Bill Chalker, March 05, 2007

The second World UFO Conference was planned for Beijing in September 2007, spearheaded by the Dalian UFO Research Association. The author attended the first conference in 2005 and found it provided an excellent opportunity to connect with Chinese UFO researchers and witness Chinese ufology. The upcoming conference aimed to address 'lost in translation' issues and showcase Chinese ufology and international perspectives.

Investigate China's scientists' approach to UFO phenomena

May 15, 2002

This section suggests that UFO research is treated seriously by Chinese scientists and UFO club members. It proposes that students investigate the attitudes, programs, and approaches of Chinese scientists regarding ufology and explore how different academic disciplines could assist in UFOlogy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the increasing mainstream media attention on UFOs, suggesting a 'critical mass' of public interest and potential for disclosure. Historical UFO cases, from Roswell to more recent encounters, are presented to illustrate the long-standing nature of the phenomenon. The role of government secrecy and the potential for cover-ups are also explored. The importance of rigorous research, critical analysis, and considering all types of evidence, including anomalous accounts, is emphasized. The journal also touches upon the philosophical and theological implications of potential alien contact and the need for a grounded, healthy approach to life for those who have extraordinary experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to investigate the truth and be vigilant about potential wrongdoings related to UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial interactions.

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated August 9, 2007, focuses on several key topics including the deteriorating performance of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the possibility of extraterrestrial life and its origins, and scientific explorations into 'plasma life'. The publication is a free PDF available online, distributed by the Minnesota MUFON organization.

FOIA Performance Deterioration

The lead article, "FOIA PERFORMANCE IS DETERIORATING, JOURNALISTS SAY," highlights concerns from the Coalition of Journalists for Open Government (CJOG). A new analysis indicates a significant decline in FOIA request processing over the past nine years. The number of requests processed has fallen by 20%, FOIA personnel are down by 10%, the backlog of pending requests has tripled, and the cost of handling each request has increased by 79%. The study also notes that the cost of processing FOIA requests has risen by 40% since 1998, despite agencies processing 20% fewer requests. Furthermore, the number of denials for FOIA requests increased by 10% in 2006, while the number of full grants, where requesters received all requested information, hit an all-time low. The article references a detailed report titled "Still Waiting After All These Years: An in-depth analysis of FOIA performance from 1998 to 2006" by Pete Weitzel.

Curriculum Connections: Science - UFOs and Education

This section presents a series of questions and assignments designed for students to explore the topic of UFOs. It prompts discussions on figures like Joseph Wong and Dr. Albert So, the concept of a university degree program in UFOlogy, and the potential for UFOs to be evidence of extraterrestrial life or unexplained phenomena. Students are encouraged to research different disciplines' contributions to understanding UFO phenomena and debate the merits of an UFOlogy degree program. An extension activity suggests exploring the connection between UFOs and media, including science fiction, TV shows, news stories, and tabloid companies, and considering whether media interest correlates with UFO sightings or if governmental secrets play a role.

Are There Aliens Here Among Us? Academic Thinks Life Began on Mars

Authored by Amy Hunt, this article discusses the views of former Newcastle University professor Paul Davies. Davies is convinced that alien creatures could exist among us on Earth and suggests that human life may have originated on Mars. He posits that tiny organisms on Earth could be descendants of a 'second genesis' or an alternative life form. Davies, who chairs the SETI Post-Detection Committee, is open-minded about extraterrestrial life and defines 'alien' not just as beings from space but as any alternative form of life, potentially with reversed biochemistry like 'mirror life'. He is an astrobiologist researching the origin and location of life in the universe. Davies previously worked at Newcastle University and is now a college professor at Arizona State University. His interest in astrobiology stems from the fundamental question of human existence and our place in the cosmos. The article also mentions other speakers in a season of talks at Newcastle's Centre For Life, including TV psychologist Dr Raj Persaud and Dr James Watson.

Hot Gas in Outer Space May Mimic Life

This article by Ker Than explores new computer simulations that suggest electrically charged specks of interstellar dust can organize into DNA-like double helixes and exhibit characteristics of living systems, such as evolving and reproducing. While scientists are hesitant to label these phenomena as 'alive', they highlight the difficulty in defining life. The simulations, detailed in the New Journal of Physics, show how dust particles injected into plasma (the fourth state of matter) can form string-like filaments that twist into corkscrew shapes. These helical strands are electrically charged and self-organize. The study team member V.N. Tsytovich of the Russian Academy of Science suggests these structures could qualify as candidates for inorganic living matter. However, Gregor Morfill of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics expresses hesitation, preferring to use the findings to re-examine the definition of life. Senior astronomer Seth Shostak of the SETI Institute also notes the lack of a clear definition of 'life', pointing out that some things that reproduce and metabolize (like fire) are not considered alive, while others that are alive (like mules) cannot reproduce. Shostak speculates that if life could exist in hot gases of stars or interstellar space, it might be the most common type of life, challenging the assumption that life requires planetary conditions with liquids.

Minnesota MUFON Contact Information

The journal provides contact details for Minnesota MUFON, including State Director Richard Moss, Assistant State Director Bill McNeff, and Journal Editor Joel Henry. It also lists the MN MUFON Web Page and MUFONET communication details. Information is provided on how to obtain the Minnesota MUFON Journal, which is a free PDF publication available via email request or download from their website. Instructions are given for reprinting the journal for those without internet access. The section also includes a note on copyrights for the reprinted articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of life, both terrestrial and potentially extraterrestrial, and the challenges in defining it. There's a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry, from academic research into the origins of life to computer simulations exploring new forms of matter. The issue also touches upon the importance of access to information through FOIA and the role of media in shaping public perception of UFOs. The editorial stance, as indicated by the content selection, appears to be one of open-minded scientific exploration, encouraging critical thinking and discussion on complex and often controversial topics related to UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and government transparency.