NM MUFON News - no 09 - 1993 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NM MUFON NEWS, identified as the Ninth BIG Issue and dated September 1993, is priced at $1. It is edited by Carolyn Duce-Ashe and produced by Debby Stark. The cover prominently features the headline "What is Happening? Ed Dames' "Big Event" and the Mars Observer," suggesting a focus on a predicted significant event and the mysterious failure of the Mars Observer spacecraft.

Main Articles and Features

Ed Dames' "Big Event" and the Mars Observer

Carolyn Duce-Ashe reports on her conversations with Ed Dames regarding a predicted "Event" that was supposed to occur the last weekend of August. Despite thunderstorms and flash floods in New Mexico, Dames claimed the event had happened, though the announcement would be delayed for 5-6 weeks. He described the situation as "incredibly beautiful" and stated the announcement would come from a "very high authority, one of three in the world--an important world figure, trusted and recognizable to all and 'higher up than President Clinton.'" Dames also linked the malfunction of the Mars Observer directly to this "Event," asserting that Mars is central to an ongoing Martian/alien/New Mexico scenario spanning millions of years. He mentioned working with people at JPL and the U.S. Air Force, contrasting NASA's alleged arrogance with the Air Force's knowledge. The article also references the failures of the Russian Phobos II spacecraft and the NOAA-13 satellite as examples of alien intervention.

Editorial Opinion: Why Ed Dames is Taking a Stand

In this section, Duce-Ashe reflects on Ed Dames' bold claims. Dames stated he is compelled to speak by "Transcendentals" who are "calling the shots." He described his work as a "labor of love," despite the risks and the emotional toll, expressing wonder at the "purity and innocence of the races we are dealing with."

Waiting for the Martians

Debby Stark recounts her experiences during the last 10 days of August. She notes Richard Hoagland's appearance on "Good Morning America" discussing NASA's encryption of Mars Observer pictures. Stark also details a MUFON meeting where members discussed Dames' claims and her own vigil for the predicted "Beginning Event" on August 28-29, which involved watching the skies despite rain and listening for any news. She mentions a TV program featuring Mexico City UFO pictures and a report from local members who visited Chaco Canyon but saw no UFOs.

"Hum a 'Scientific Mystery'"

This section, drawn from the Albuquerque Journal, reports on a team of scientists and engineers investigating the "Taos Hum," a low-frequency noise heard by people across New Mexico and into Colorado. The team, comprising experts from UNM, Los Alamos, Sandia, and Phillips laboratories, could not link the sound to U.S. Department of Defense activities or pinpoint a specific source. They confirmed the phenomenon is real and suggested possibilities including the electric-power grid, proliferation of electromagnetic noise, or unusual human hearing sensitivities. Bob Saltzman, a local photographer, believes the electromagnetic theory is plausible, citing high levels of 60-hertz signals near his home.

Too Many Abductions?

Richard Rowlette, NM MUFON State Director, questions the standard explanations for UFO abductions. Citing a Roper Poll suggesting millions of Americans may have been abducted, he argues that the sheer number of abductees implies something beyond mere genetic research. Rowlette suggests that the abduction scenarios might be a "mask" for the true intentions of the beings involved, who may be lying and manipulating contactees. He references John Keel's work, which revealed different accounts under deeper hypnosis, and Whitley Strieber's experience of seeing masks. Rowlette advocates for considering related fields of research and approaching the puzzle with "open, but not sponge-like, minds."

Dave Crossley Speaks on UFOs and the F-Word

David A. Crossley, an aerospace engineer and MUFON Field Investigator, presented his findings on fraud in the UFO field. He advised using scientific methods for evidence review and cautioned against accepting cases like the Linda Cortile case as cornerstones without corroboration, labeling such approaches as faith-based rather than scientific. Crossley highlighted the Belgian triangle-shaped UFO sightings and a faith-healing experiment as two well-investigated anomalous phenomena. He estimated that "probably 95% is 'bullshit' but 5% is really good stuff, worth investigating," urging critical thinking.

Letters and Announcements

The issue includes a contest asking readers to guess who will announce the advent of Martians and on which talk show the first Martian will appear. There is also an announcement that Rosemary Ellen Guiley canceled her talk. Subscription details and advertising rates are provided. Upcoming events listed include the Omega Conference in North Haven, CT; the Triad Research Conference in Houston, TX; the Gulf Breeze UFO Conference; and the International UFO Congress and Film Festival in Las Vegas.

From Out of the Blue!

Rick and Sharon Biskynis of Houston, TX, express their gratitude for the hospitality shown by the New Mexico MUFON members during their visit. The editor's note includes Maria Rowlette's recipe for "Maria's 15-Bean Salad." A letter from Bill Caufield of CTF Promotions suggests a connection between UFOs and the Bible, proposing a "War in Heaven" as a possible explanation for UFO phenomena and malfunctions, and offers a booklet titled "UFOs: Deception and Danger."

Richard Rowlette replies to Bill Caufield, acknowledging his point about other aliens potentially shooting down craft but expressing doubt about the U.S. Air Force's capability. He agrees that the UFO story may be a mask and that aliens might be at war with each other. Rowlette also mentions that he and Carolyn Duce-Ashe are writing a report that will address these issues more deeply.

Other Content

The issue also contains a brief report on scientists growing Hantavirus in the lab, expressing optimism for a diagnostic test and potential vaccines. A subscription form and an advertisement for the "Fifth Annual Fine Arts Exhibition" are also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NM MUFON NEWS consistently explores UFO phenomena with a critical yet open-minded approach. There is a strong emphasis on investigation, questioning official narratives (particularly from NASA), and seeking evidence. The magazine highlights the work of individuals like Ed Dames and Richard Hoagland, while also featuring skeptical analyses, such as David Crossley's presentation on fraud. The theme of deception, whether by aliens or governments, is recurrent, with the idea of a "mask" covering the true nature of events and beings being a significant point of discussion. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical thinking and open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while acknowledging the prevalence of misinformation in the UFO field. The publication also serves as a platform for community interaction, with letters to the editor, event announcements, and recipe sharing.