MUFON Northern California Case Briefs - No 05 - 1995

Magazine Overview

This issue of CASE BRIEFS: EXPLORATIONS & REVIEW, published by the MUTUAL UFO NETWORK (MUFON), Northern California Affiliate, is dated March/April 1995. It is identified as Issue #5. The magazine serves as a forum for the open exchange of ideas and information related to UFO phenomena, with opinions expressed not necessarily reflecting the views of MUFON.

The Rules of Engagement

The lead article, "The Rules of Engagement," presents the concerns of Ted Oliphant, III, regarding how experiencers of anomalous activities are often treated by researchers and the media. Oliphant argues that these professionals frequently frame experiencers as victims, automatically labeling the phenomenon as 'evil' or 'attackers.' He believes this approach, often amplified by media portrayals, leads individuals to feel powerless and reinforces their victimhood. Oliphant stresses the importance of helping people realize they have control over their experiences and that they may inadvertently contribute to problems by overlooking their own actions or perceptions. He contrasts this with a more empowering approach.

Later in the magazine, these rules are elaborated upon. "The Rules of Engagement" are presented as taught by a teacher named Phil, and are stated to be irreversible once known, placing responsibility on the reader. Key rules include:

1. Seeing UFOs or believing in them is a personal experience meant for the percipient. Real experiences are often changed, and individuals who claim to know definitively what 'it is' may be overly enthused. The phenomenon reportedly dislikes people speaking for it.
2. No one speaks for the phenomenon.
3. You may not assume you have the right to do the phenomenon's P.R. work.
4. Whatever you say about UFOs has to be what you believe. It doesn't have to be correct, but it must be your belief.
5. You may not exaggerate or make statements you know not to be true. This includes doing so for attention, money, or power.
6. You have to take responsibility for what you say, or what you say will become true for you. This implies understanding the implications of one's beliefs.
7. You can't change your opinion day to day for no reason. Beliefs form the basis of our mental structure and are not easily changed.
8. If you project evil thoughts, you get them back. The phenomenon is likened to a mirror, and problems often stem from the individual's own projections. Labeling an unknown as evil is seen as an exploitative first shot.
9. The only way to tell the difference between good and evil is that evil always takes the first shot. Exploitation or gaining an advantage is characteristic of the first exploitative force.

Investigators are cautioned against forcing experiencers to categorize their experiences as 'good' or 'bad,' as this can lead to misinterpretations.

Case 1: Clear Lake, July 16, 1993

This section details a UFO sighting that occurred on July 16, 1993, near Clear Lake, California. It follows up on a previous report from the November/December 1994 issue concerning a July 10, 1993 sighting by witnesses Renzie and Maurice. On July 16th, Russ Jones of IIP contacted MUFON to request their presence. Approximately eight individuals gathered at Renzie's home. Maurice had previously observed a luminosity in the southeast sky around 9 p.m. By 10:15 p.m., the luminous source, brighter than Arcturus, was located at approximately 236 degrees. Drawings depict four 'balls' within a square configuration, with one more distended and not circular. These were bright white, appeared to be moving and changing shape, and at times seemed to revolve. To the naked eye, it appeared as a bright light, but binoculars revealed the interior. By 11:30 p.m., the structure resembled an inverted light bulb, sometimes appearing within a 'skin sack.' The atmosphere was described as 'emphatically negative.' The event coincided with the arrival of TV crews.

Further details from the night of July 16th and the following day (July 17th) are provided. The luminosity moved to approximately 20 degrees altitude by midnight, with a bearing of 256 degrees (southwest). Maurice reported never seeing the luminosity appear unless he looked up. On the 17th, a reading at the El Grande Inn indicated the luminosity at 266 degrees at 10:30 p.m., with similar inner contents. The object's movement was noted as faster on the 16th than the 17th. An astronomer could not confirm it as Jupiter, suggesting it might be anomalous plasma or a 'critter' as described by Trevor James Constable. The teardrop-light bulb form seen on July 16th was compared to a similar sighting reported in a previous issue.

Several classification systems are listed for the July 16, 1993 event, including Hynek Classification (DE-1), Berliner Strangeness Scale (2), Berliner K/U Factor (14), Berliner Credibility Scale (7), Speiser Strangeness Factor (S4), Speiser Probability Factor (P4), UFOCAT Type (Type I), GEPAN Classification (Type C), and various Vallee Classifications and SVP Credibility Ratings.

Case 2: The Perils of Kathleen (Part IV)

This ongoing case study focuses on Kathleen's experiences with 'grays.' Kathleen estimates these beings are typically under five feet tall, with light gray, almost white skin that appears smooth. She notes their slim build, oversized heads, thin necks, and thin arms reaching near their knees. They lack hair and external ears, possessing only two small slits for a nose and a transverse line for a mouth without expression. Kathleen finds it difficult to discern details due to her usual position of sneaking side views.

Her friend, Lisa Marie Reynolds, recounted an incident where she tussled with a gray in her bedroom in Saratoga. Lisa reported holding the gray by its neck, feeling a metal rod extending through its neck, suggesting a possible cervical support. Kathleen also notes that other disoriented beings were present during Lisa's encounter. Kathleen herself has experienced movement in the grays' hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows, with uncertainty about other regions. The grays have three long fingers or lumps on each hand, which Kathleen believes are joints, as they can bend their fingers towards these points. The fingers are rounded without nails. The feet are described as short, with the top coming out in a straight line before slanting down where toes would be, leading to the presumption they wear boots. The baby gray mentioned in a previous issue was reportedly about to be incinerated, and its cloven feet, like a deer's, were noted after its suit and boots were removed.

Kathleen likens the grays' walk to that of stiff-legged human beings or 'robots shuffling across the floor.' The lack of nipples, genitals, or umbilicus suggests reproduction by cloning. The article poses questions about whether these beings have astral bodies or a 'Core Self.'

Reviews

An Interview with Whitley Streiber: "The Aliens That Aren't" in Magical Blend

Reviewed by Virgil Staff, State Director, this section discusses an interview with Whitley Streiber published in Magical Blend magazine, concerning his book "Breakthrough." Streiber expresses that his experience, ongoing since 1985, is not simply alien-human contact but a profound, life-changing event that involves a level of consciousness beyond ordinary human reality. He describes it as a 'hyperphysical and hyperdimensional level,' suggesting a physical evolution of humankind. Streiber believes these beings are 'human' in a broader sense, part of a larger spectrum of being. He posits that the 'secret government' is preventing humanity from accessing higher levels of consciousness, thus keeping the entire system 'grounded.'

Streiber also discusses the Roswell incident, suggesting Project Mogul was involved and that the Air Force is lying to explain away the event. He recounts contacting Dr. Saurbacher, who allegedly worked with Roswell debris and concluded it was from an alien spacecraft. Saurbacher's subsequent death under suspicious circumstances is noted. Streiber believes Harry Truman was influenced by the CIA to cover up the incident, fearing blame for the 'alien intrusion.' He suggests the government's secrecy has denied people the chance to address the phenomenon, leading to ignorance and confusion. He believes the government's actions may lead to a 'second republic.'

Streiber asserts that the Roswell vehicle was brought down by a combination of secret high-intensity radars and a heavy electrical storm. He criticizes the government's extensive efforts to debunk the event. He also mentions Project Aurora, suggesting it will be declassified and used to explain away UFO stories, thus avoiding admission of a cover-up.

Streiber has received 130,000 letters describing experiences that are not typical UFO accounts but rather 'hyperconsciousness trying to penetrate to our level of reality.' He feels this phenomenon is more human and important than recognized by the government or UFO community. He believes the 'powers that be' resisted his efforts to release this information, fearing it would challenge existing structures of authority. He describes his book as removing a 'padlock' to allow people to explore this phenomenon independently, without needing authorities or gurus.

Ed Conroy asks Streiber if people can empower themselves, to which Streiber replies they need only breathing and an idea of what they are doing, emphasizing self-sufficiency.

The Daily Californian

This section, commented on by Virgil Staff, State Director, addresses an article in The Daily Californian concerning the East Bay Skeptics Society. Staff criticizes the Skeptics for targeting UFOs and 'pseudo science,' questioning their distinction between the scientific method and scientific pronouncements. He quotes Loyd Auerbach, who argues that science is incomplete and that ignoring people's experiences is absurd. Staff suggests a connection between the Skeptics and a 'power house,' accusing them of using 'scientism' and 'Argument of Authority' tactics, similar to historical dogmatists, and potentially serving as auxiliaries of the Intelligence Establishment to direct public opinion.

Staff's letter to The Daily Californian, dated September 30, 1991, was not published. The letter defends the CSICOP people, likening them to 'witch hunters' and criticizing their 'scientism' and 'Scientific' Infallibility. He argues they resort to ad hominem attacks and blindly support the government, attempting to revive a medieval dogmatism akin to fascism. He suggests their function is to guide the citizenry away from natural conclusions about UFOs.

Tidbits

This section encourages Northern California State Section Directors to share information about their activities and research for inclusion in future editions of Case Briefs. It mentions the San Francisco chapter's plans for a camp out/sky watch.

Letters to the Editor

Readers are invited to send comments, suggestions, or notices of upcoming events to Laura Steiger, Case Briefs Editor.

Operation Right to Know Update

This update discusses a worldwide petition being circulated to the United Nations, requesting the UN to address UFO events of the past five decades and for member nations to disclose classified UFO information. Michael Jamieson is listed as a contact for petition circulation.

Media Corner

This section provides a brief overview of UFO-related programming on television and radio. KTVU reports "The Extraordinary" airs Saturday nights. "Sightings" is on KPIX Channel 5 on Sundays. Art Bell's "Dreamland" airs on Sunday evenings, with a list of California radio stations provided, including KMJ Fresno and a mention of Reno, Nevada station KOH.

Events

The MUFON Bi-Monthly Bay Area Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 19th, featuring speakers on abduction and the Roswell cover-up. The May meeting will feature Dr. Joe Burkes discussing patient records related to UFO phenomena. The July meeting is canceled due to MUFON's 26th Annual Symposium.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging personal investigation and responsibility while critically examining mainstream scientific and media narratives. There is a strong emphasis on challenging skepticism, exposing alleged government cover-ups, and empowering individuals to understand their own experiences. The editorial stance appears to align with a belief in the reality and significance of UFO events, advocating for transparency and a deeper understanding of consciousness and reality beyond conventional explanations. The critique of skeptical organizations as potentially influenced by intelligence agencies is a recurring theme, positioning MUFON as a defender of genuine inquiry against suppression.

This document comprises correspondence and a preliminary UFO report evaluation from the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), along with a subscription advertisement for 'UFO ENCOUNTERS' magazine. The primary focus is an investigation into a reported UFO sighting from July 16, 1993, involving T. David Spencer, Deputy Director of Investigations, and Virgil Staff, State Director for Northern California.

Investigation of July 16, 1993 Sighting

The correspondence begins with T. David Spencer reviewing Virgil Staff's report on a sighting from July 16, 1993 (LOG# 950204S). Spencer expresses a cautious approach, preferring to avoid labeling sightings as 'unidentified anomalies' unless mundane explanations are ruled out. He seeks clarification on whether the directional measurements provided were compass bearings or corrected to true north. Spencer analyzes the reported object's position (236° bearing, 60°-70° elevation) in relation to Jupiter (252° azimuth, 19° elevation) and Arcturus (250° azimuth, 52° elevation) at 10:15 PM on July 16, 1993. He suggests that if the object's bearing was a compass bearing, it would align with Jupiter's position. He also notes that at midnight, a bearing of 256° at 20° elevation, corrected to 272° from true north, aligns with Arcturus's position at 272° with a 32° elevation.

Spencer also questions discrepancies in measurements reported for July 17th, where a bearing of 266° was reported for an hour, while Arcturus was at 255° with 48° elevation and Jupiter was at 255° with 15° elevation. He requests clarification on these measurements and observed elevations.

Virgil Staff responds, confirming that all directional measurements were corrected to true north, with declination additions of approximately 16-1/3°. He clarifies that on the night of July 16th, the IIP camera crew at Clear Lake observed a luminous source brighter than Arcturus, which moved to approximately 236° at 10:15 PM. Staff states they did not see Jupiter on July 16th due to obstructions from hills and trees, which blocked about 20% of the view above the horizon. However, on July 17th, in a more open location, they did locate Jupiter, and it was clear that the observed phenomenon was not Jupiter. Staff emphasizes that no star or planet matched the sketches provided on the MUFON Form I. He acknowledges a lapse in recording elevations but provides the 10:15 PM sighting at 236° with 60° elevation, with little alteration by 11:30 PM. By midnight on July 16th, the object was no longer visible as it had sunk below the trees, having moved to 256°.

Preliminary UFO Report Evaluation

A 'PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF A UFO REPORT' form, dated February 3, 1995, details the case (Log Number 9502045) initiated by Virgil Staff and reported by Virgil Staff on July 16, 1993. T. David Spencer, acting as Western Regional Director, evaluated the report. The Hynek-Vallee classification is MAL, and the Ballester-Guasp Indexes show Information Quality = 0.7, Strangeness = 0.2857, Reliability = 0.57, and Certainty = 0.1157 (11.6%). The case is marked as 'Incomplete' due to the need for additional forms, materials, and further explanation.

UFO Encounters Magazine Subscription

A full-page advertisement promotes a subscription to 'UFO ENCOUNTERS,' a 32-page bimonthly magazine. It covers topics such as UFOs, alien abductions, crop circles, cattle mutilations, government cover-ups, Men in Black, Area 51, and exclusive interviews. The subscription costs $19.95 for one year (6 issues), with sample copies available for $4.00 and foreign subscriptions at $36. The advertisement describes the magazine as a source for staying informed about the UFO phenomenon, strange encounters, and government cover-ups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the rigorous investigation of UFO sightings, the importance of accurate data collection and analysis, and the cautious approach to classifying phenomena as anomalous. MUFON's editorial stance, as represented by Spencer, is one of scientific skepticism, emphasizing the need to exhaust all mundane explanations before considering extraordinary ones. The document also highlights the magazine 'UFO ENCOUNTERS' as a platform for disseminating information on UFO phenomena, catering to an audience interested in unexplained events and potential government secrecy.