MUFON Northern California Case Briefs - No 10 - 1996

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'CASE BRIEFS: EXPLORATIONS & REVIEW' from the MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, Northern California Affiliate, dated March/April 1996, delves into various UFO-related topics, including critical analysis of prominent figures, detailed case reports, and updates on UFO research organizations.

Thoughts on Brother Carl: Propagandist Extraordinarius

This section, authored by Virgil Staff, State Director of MUFON No. California, critically examines an article by Carl Sagan published in Parade Magazine on December 3, 1995. Staff accuses Sagan of consistently taking negative approaches to anomalous phenomena, suggesting a lack of genuine academic preparation for the subject matter, despite his public consideration of it. The author posits that Sagan's approach is 'pure disinformation' and questions the constancy of his interest and his methods of distorting available data. The critique suggests that Sagan's public stance is not based on a thorough examination of evidence but rather on a predetermined rejection of the subject.

Case Briefs

Case 1 (A): The Perils of Kathleen: Part IX

This installment, also by Virgil Staff, continues the account of Kathleen's experiences. She describes being laid on an examination table that moved into a cylinder, causing rapid spinning and physical sickness. She believes aliens were extracting body fluids, including a urine sample. Afterward, she was placed in an area with other sick people. The spacecraft was reportedly moving at high speed with significant turbulence. Kathleen also recalls being held onto a metal beam. She describes a room referred to as the 'Reptilian Room' where a reptilian being, described as 5'10" to 6' tall with red skin and a yellow eye, was observed. This reptilian had seven claws on each hand, with claws resembling a cat's, and webbed hands. In regression, Kathleen experienced pain when a reptilian stood beside her, but it subsided when the being telepathically told her to 'Be calm. There's nothing to fear.'

Case 1 (B): The Perils of Kathleen

This section, again by Virgil Staff, details another experience where Kathleen awoke to find herself covered in a sticky substance, with her bathrobe and sheets also affected. She initially attributed this to subliminal programming by aliens, as she had previously woken up with her bathrobe in bed. The consistency of the substance was like that of hard candy. She recounts cleaning up the mess and later realizing this occurred before she knew of her abduction experiences.

Case II: The Sunnyvale Cigar

Authored by Virgil Staff, this case describes Lisa Marie Reynolds' sighting on October 17, 1992. While attending an air show at Moffett Field, she observed a UFO described as a silvery, cigar-shaped object. It was stationary and had a bright white light on one end that turned pink before disappearing. She initially saw it as a tiny speck with the naked eye but observed it more clearly with binoculars. After the object disappeared, she found a chromium-looking cylinder on the ground, similar to a fire extinguisher, with electrical prongs and an RCA jack. A decal on the cylinder warned of 'Danger - Radioactive Material.' The Sunnyvale Fire Department responded, identifying it as a hazardous waste item leaking gamma rays. The object was quarantined, and the incident was reported to Channel 11 News. Lisa believed the visitors were warning her about radioactivity.

Articles

Introduction to Fyffe, Alabama Part IV

By Ted Oliphant, III, Training Coordinator, MUFON No. California, this article continues the series on UFO sightings in Fyffe, Alabama. It recounts the experiences of Donna Saylor, who saw a 'Crescent shaped object spewing sparks.' The article also details an incident involving Chris Watkins and his mother, who witnessed a multi-colored flying saucer. Later, Rev. Roger Watkins and his wife reported a large, illuminated disk with colored lights moving in opposite directions above their pasture. The event caused their dog to go missing. The article notes the congregational disapproval when Rev. Watkins agreed to an interview with Linda Moulton Howe, leading to his eventual departure from the church. It also describes the author's (Ted Oliphant) transition from a police dispatcher to a police officer, and his subsequent involvement in UFO investigations.

Brother Carl

This section continues from the first page, discussing Immanuel Velikovsky's work and the scientific community's reaction. It criticizes Carl Sagan's handling of Velikovsky's theories, accusing him of fabricating arguments and discrediting opposing views unethically. The author cites C.J. Ransom's 'The Age of Velikovsky' and quotes Dr. Robert Bass's assessment of Sagan's 'disingenuous' assumptions and 'unbelievable incompetence.' The piece suggests Sagan's approach is more about personal advancement and charisma than genuine scientific inquiry, likening him to a 'snake oil salesman.'

Classification

This section provides various classification ratings for a UFO case, including Hynek Classification (DE2), GEPAN Classification (Type C), Arthur Bray Classification (Class 2), Berliner Strangeness Scale (3), Berliner Credibility Scale (3), Berliner K/U Factor (9), Speiser Strangeness Factor (S3), Speiser Probability Factor (P4), Hynek Rating (S+P-7), Vallee Classification (Type 3), and Vallee SVP Credibility Ratings (S-3, V-2, P-2).

Tootin' Our Own Horn!

This brief note highlights that 'Case Briefs' has subscribers throughout the United States and Europe, and Australia.

Director of National UFO Reporting Center is Guest on "Dreamland"

Authored by Laura Steiger, Case Briefs Editor, this piece reports on Peter Davenport, Director of the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC), being interviewed on Art Bell's 'Dreamland' radio show. Davenport stated that NUFORC is swamped with reports and hopes to expand its hotline capacity. He identified Michigan, Oregon, and northern California as current 'hot spots.' Davenport also noted that airline pilots are increasingly reporting sightings, contrary to public misconception. The hotline often receives calls from observers along a UFO's path across the country.

Recent Sightings

This section details several recent UFO sightings reported to NUFORC:

1. Whidby Island Area: 12 calls reported a cluster of bizarre objects visible for about 5 minutes, disappearing beyond the horizon. The objects remained visible at a great distance.
2. Seattle/Oregon/California: A tubular-shaped black object with no wings was sighted streaking over Seattle, then Coos Bay, Oregon, and Eureka, California.
3. Santa Cruz to Redding, California: A cluster of strange objects was reported heading north. 15 family members saw a silver, cigar-shaped object about 100 feet long, flying silently without a vapor trail at approximately 150 mph. Three more followed at a distance.

It is also noted that Ruben Uriarte of MUFON No. California is actively keeping communication lines open regarding sightings in Mexico.

Tidbits

Field Investigator Training Session with Linda Moulton Howe!

Ted Oliphant, III, announced a training session for MUFON field investigators, conducted by journalist Linda Moulton Howe, scheduled for Sunday, April 28th.

PBS Show NOVA Disappoints Many

This section criticizes a recent PBS 'NOVA' program on UFO Abductions, citing inconsistencies and a disregard for facts, attributing it to a lack of scientific research by the program's producers. Carl Sagan is again mentioned as being interviewed, presented as an omnipotent voice on subjects outside his expertise. MUFON members reportedly viewed the edition as 'disinformation.' Viewers are encouraged to write to NOVA.

Opus Hosts Busty Taylor

World-renowned Crop Circle Researcher, Busty Taylor, spoke at an event hosted by OPUS in Los Gatos, reporting on the variety of crop circle formations from the previous year.

Summer Skywatch Campout

The San Francisco Chapter of MUFON is organizing its 2nd Annual Summer Skywatch Campout at Clear Lake State Campground from August 9th-11th, focusing on UFO activity in the area.

Struck With Wanderlust?

Beyond Boundaries Travel is organizing several UFO Research Expeditions to international destinations, including trips to England, Scotland, Japan, and Peru.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of scientific skepticism, particularly concerning the work and public statements of Carl Sagan. The publication strongly advocates for the investigation of anomalous phenomena and UFO sightings, presenting detailed case reports as evidence. There is a clear stance against what is perceived as dismissive or biased scientific commentary, with a preference for firsthand accounts and investigative efforts. The MUFON organization is presented as a dedicated entity for collecting and disseminating information on UFOs, emphasizing its role in field investigation and public awareness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, challenging established scientific narratives and highlighting the importance of witness testimony and empirical investigation.

Title: CASE BRIEFS: EXPLORATIONS & REVIEW
Issue: MARCH/APRIL 1996
Publisher: Aztec Publishing
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Case Briefs: Explorations & Review, dated March/April 1996, provides a comprehensive overview of UFO-related media and upcoming events. It serves as a hub for information on television programs, radio shows, conferences, and local meetings within the UFO and paranormal community.

Media Corner: Television & Radio

The "Media Corner" section highlights various television and radio programs dedicated to UFO phenomena. "Sightings" is mentioned as airing on KPIX Channel 5 on Sunday afternoons, with a note that its schedule can be inconsistent. "The Extraordinary" is broadcast on KTVU Channel 2 on Sunday evenings/Monday mornings. The Learning Channel periodically features shows titled "UFO" and "Out of This World." UFOAZ is shown on alternate Tuesday evenings on Viacom Cable Channel 53 in San Francisco. Art Bell's "Dreamland" continues to air on Sunday evenings from 7-10 p.m. and has expanded to 176 stations nationwide, with local listeners in the Bay Area able to catch it on 560 a.m. KSFO.

A new show on Channel 44 (UPN) KBHK, named "PARANORMAL BORDERLINE," is announced to air every Tuesday from 9-10 p.m.

Events

The "Events" section details several significant gatherings and conferences for enthusiasts.

MUFON Bi-Monthly Bay Area Meeting

This meeting is typically held on the third Sunday of odd-numbered months. The upcoming meeting was scheduled for Sunday, March 17th, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Divine Science, 1540 Hicks, San Jose. A $3.00 donation was requested. The featured speaker was Dr. Eugene Lipson, M.D., of OPUS, who intended to discuss pediatric abductions.

OPUS Event

OPUS (The Organization for Paranormal Support & Understanding) was hosting an evening event on April 11th in San Francisco. The event featured Scott Mandelker, Ph.D., author of "From Elsewhere: Being ET in America." For more information, attendees were directed to call Jaime Cid, the San Francisco Coordinator for OPUS, at 415/865-0137. A $5.00 donation was suggested.

THE WHOLE LIFE EXPO - San Francisco

This expo was scheduled for the weekend of April 26th - 28th at the Fashion Center in San Francisco. It featured a lineup of UFO-related speakers, including Whitley Streiber, Dan Wakefield, Bob Frissel, and Tricia McCannon. A UFO panel discussion was planned for Saturday. Further information could be obtained by calling 415/721-2484. The expo was also seeking volunteers to assist in exchange for workshop passes.

STAR KNOWLEDGE UFO CONFERENCE AND SUNDANCE

This conference was scheduled from June 12th to 15th, followed by Sundance from June 17th to 22nd. Registration fees were $100 before June 1st and $125 thereafter, with an all-day pass costing $30. A notable list of guest speakers was provided, including Standing Elk, Thomas Banyaca, Wallace Black Elk, Robert Morning Sky, Robert Dean, Barbara Marciniak, John Mack, and Whitley Streiber, among others. The event was to be held at the Yankton Sioux Reservation in Marty, South Dakota. Contact information was provided for inquiries (540/349-1750 or 605/384-5152) and travel arrangements (800/734-0264).

Editorial Stance and Publication Information

The "Northern California Case Briefs: Explorations and Review" is established as a forum for the open exchange of ideas and information. The publication clarifies that the opinions and observations expressed by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of MUFON, MUFON International, Inc., or the editorial staff. Submissions for articles, news items, reviews, and event information were to be sent to the Case Briefs Editor, MUFON Northern California, P.O. Box 7668, Landscape Station, Berkeley, CA 94707-0668. Contributors were asked to include their name, mailing address, and phone number. Submissions on diskette (Microsoft Word for Windows or compatible) were also accepted, with diskettes to be returned to the authors upon prior request.

Subscription Promotion: UFO ENCOUNTERS

The back cover features a prominent advertisement for "UFO ENCOUNTERS," a 32-page bimonthly magazine. It is promoted as a source for information on UFOs, alien abductions, crop circles, cattle mutilations, government cover-ups, Men in Black, Area 51, and the Face on Mars, offering exclusive interviews and book reviews. A one-year subscription (6 issues) costs $19.95, payable to Aztec Publishing, P.O. Box 1142, Norcross, GA 30091-1142. A sample copy is available for $4.00, and foreign subscriptions are $36 (U.S. funds). The description emphasizes staying informed about strange encounters, government cover-ups, and the latest news from UFO investigators globally.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the dissemination of information regarding UFO phenomena through various media channels and public events. The editorial stance, as stated by "Case Briefs: Explorations and Review," is to provide an open forum for discussion, encouraging diverse viewpoints without necessarily endorsing them. The promotion of "UFO Encounters" magazine highlights a focus on investigative journalism and uncovering hidden truths about UFOs and related phenomena, including government secrecy and extraterrestrial contact.