NARO Minded - 1997 10 - No 7

Magazine Overview

Title: NARO MINDED
Issue: 7
Date: October 1997
Publisher: Northern Anomalies Research Organisation (NARO)
Price: £1.50

This issue of NARO Minded, the journal of the Northern Anomalies Research Organisation, offers a diverse range of articles and commentary on UFO phenomena, paranormal investigations, and related topics. The cover features a cartoon illustration and headlines such as "SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL! VIBRATING CARAVANS IN NORTH WALES," "MEN IN BLACK: DOES TOMMY LEE JONES WORK FOR DI-55?," and "SINE OF THE TIMES? THE FLYING TRIANGLES."

Editorial

The editorial section reflects on the recent 'NARO Files' conference, acknowledging its modest attendance but emphasizing the serious nature of ufology. It critiques the tendency for some UFO investigators to lack scientific knowledge, citing an example of a flawed explanation for the Belgian triangles. The editorial also touches upon the psycho-social aspects of abduction reports and the potential for credulous investigation to lead to self-corruption within ufology.

NARO Minded Production and Aims

NARO Minded is produced by members of NARO, an organization formed in 1963 (originally as MUFORA) that has evolved to acknowledge the psychic dynamics in UFO experiences. NARO, with around 20 members, investigates paranormal claims, aiming to find rational explanations, document cases, educate the public, and gain scientific recognition. The organization has a substantial case file and collaborates with scientists.

Shorts

This section provides brief updates and commentary on various UFO-related news and publications:

• PROMINENT LOCAL SCIENTIST PENS DEBUT TOME: A humorous jab at Stephen Mera for allegedly using a vanity publisher for his book.
• KEVIN STICKS THE BOOT IN: Kevin McClure's 'Abduction Watch' newsletter is criticized for its approach.
• BUFORA BOTTLES OUT: Larry Warren's near-mention of a sensitive topic at a BUFORA conference is noted, along with criticism of the conference's content and the continued involvement of Derrel Sims.
• CRAPPY LETTERS: A critique of the magazine 'Alien Encounters' and its editor Nina Pendred's theories about aliens and graveyards, along with a dismissive comment on UFO fanzines and their readership.
• THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ROBERTS: Andy Roberts' 'Armchair Ufologist' journal is praised for its critical stance on researchers and its 'BUFORA-bashing' approach.

Other News and Campaigns

• LUFOS CAMPAIGN: The Lancashire UFO Society is launching a campaign to obtain government UFO files.
• MANTLE RESIGNS: Sir Philip Mantilli resigns from BUFORA, but is re-elected, leading to further resignations.
• ERIC BECKJORD: Eric Beckjord's attempt to contact a witness to a strange green being sighting is detailed.
• MARA MAG: The Merseyside Anomalies Research Association is launching a new research journal.
• MAGS.....MAGS......MAGS GALORE!: Rory Lushman is compiling a magazine titled 'Down to Earth'.
• LAPIS CONFERENCE: Announcement of the annual UFO conference.
• OLD SPACE: A French con-man is arrested for selling fake 'UFO repellent'.

A Strange Encounter at Halton

This lengthy article details a case involving four men who claim to have witnessed strange lights and experienced unusual physical ailments and symptoms between 1990 and 1993. The men reported seeing "Mysteron lights" and "weird green beams of light." Their ailments included physical aching, headaches, eye pains, anal bleeding, high sugar levels, and kidney problems. The author, Anthony Eccles, expresses skepticism due to the lack of medical evidence but recounts the men's experiences, including a significant event where their caravan began to vibrate and lift. The article also touches upon potential government surveillance and the men's reluctance to seek media attention. The case is presented as inconclusive and ongoing.

The Men From The Ministry

This section features an article by Andy Blunn responding to comments by Peter Hough and Alicia Leigh regarding Jenny Randles' book, 'MIB: Investigating the truth behind the Men in Black.' Blunn defends Randles' work, arguing that while she discusses the possibility of MIB being terrestrial government agents, she also acknowledges the 'entity' interpretation. He highlights evidence from Public Record Office files suggesting the existence of covert MoD agencies like DSTI and DI 55, which he believes have lied to the public about their involvement in UFO studies. Blunn asserts that MIB are likely agents from these agencies, using the UFO mystery as a cover.

Going off At Tangents

Andy Blunn explores the phenomenon of 'flying triangles,' questioning whether they are extraterrestrial or secret terrestrial technology. He discusses the 'waverider' concept, a design for high-speed aircraft, and mentions the LoFlyte project by NASA/AAC. Blunn also examines the F-117A 'Nighthawk' (Stealth Fighter) as a potential candidate for misidentified sightings, noting its spaceship-like appearance and the public's fascination with it. He critiques the idea that advanced technology must be 'back-engineered' from alien spacecraft, suggesting that human ingenuity is capable of such developments.

Comment Corner

This section includes brief quotes:

• "Worth every penny.." - Kevin McClure on NARO Minded.
• "Don't these people ever go out?" - Man overheard at X-Files convention.
• "These morons should not be allowed inside a public toilet let alone a conference.." - Eric Morris, Director of the ARCC and Chairman of the new, slimline BUFOSC on NARO members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, there is a recurring theme of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a call for rigorous, evidence-based investigation in ufology. The magazine critiques the sensationalism and lack of scientific grounding in some paranormal circles, particularly those influenced by American ufology. NARO Minded advocates for a common-sense approach, questioning the motives and methods of some investigators and organizations. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and a critical examination of evidence, while acknowledging the possibility of genuine anomalous phenomena and the complexities surrounding them, including potential government involvement and cover-ups.

Title: GHOST FRAME
Issue: Issue 6, Volume 1
Date: September/October 1997
Publisher: NARO Minded
Country: UK
Price: £1.50

This issue of 'Ghost Frame' delves into the complex and often subjective nature of paranormal photography and ufology, questioning how genuine phenomena are perceived and identified in an era of advanced image manipulation. The cover asks whether we would recognize a genuine paranormal photograph if we saw one, juxtaposing an image of a modern jet with a classic alien illustration.

The Nature of Paranormal Photographs

Mervyn Gale, in his lead article, explores the challenges of accepting paranormal photographs as authentic. He uses the film 'The Omen' as an analogy, where a visual 'curse' is depicted, to illustrate how our expectations can shape our interpretation of images. Gale argues that in the age of computer-generated imagery and 'Photoshop' hoaxes, people are more likely to dismiss unusual photos, or conversely, expect a more dramatic visual rhetoric than might be realistic. He highlights the 'catch 22' of UFO pictures: if they are detailed, they are considered fakes, but if blurred, they are too indistinct to identify. Gale suggests that UFOs, like other cultural phenomena, 'move with the times,' reflecting the prevailing culture, and that even iconic images like George Adamski's 'Venusian Saucer' snaps are subject to immediate skepticism based on aesthetic grounds.

The article touches upon the 'Ilkley Moor entity and abduction case' and the witness Alan Godfrey, questioning the authenticity of such reports. It also references the 'Fortean Times' article by Janet Bord, which suggests that some craft details are too elaborate to be genuine and look dated.

Ectoplasm and Physical Manifestations

The issue delves into the controversial topic of ectoplasm, with a focus on historical cases. The notorious Helen Duncan pictures are mentioned as examples of seemingly fraudulent manifestations, often involving muslin, string, or rubber gloves. The article also discusses the 'teleplasmic rods' and protrusions photographed around the mouth and genitals of Kathleen Goligher in the early 1920s by Dr. W.J. Crawford. Despite the stringent conditions of these séances, the images are described as appearing 'coarse and gross' to modern eyes, with the Nottingham Miner Jack Webber's 1930s photos resembling 'plasticine.' However, the author notes that testimonials can arrest laughter, suggesting that ectoplasm might share characteristics with plasticine. A particularly 'controversial paranormal play-dough' image is reproduced, featuring a young Polish medium, Stanisława P., with diaphanous ectoplasm.

The author also examines 'snot-faces' appearing in amorphous glowing clouds, sometimes identified as Arthur Conan Doyle, and discusses how the artificiality of such images, when combined, can create a strength rather than a flaw, evoking mystery and defying common sense.

Philosophical Considerations: Dualism and Panpsychism

Joseph Dormer, in a letter to the editor, responds to an article by Anthony Obanye, arguing that the existence of anomalous phenomena has profound implications for our understanding of consciousness and the external world. Dormer critiques scientific materialism and Cartesian dualism, suggesting that a new paradigm is needed where consciousness, not matter, is fundamental. He references Neils Bohr's view that science tracks relationships between aspects of experience rather than disclosing the essence of phenomena, and Gary Zukov's point that physicists create working models, not absolute truths.

Anthony Obanye replies, clarifying his position as a subscriber to both panpsychism (consciousness as a fundamental property of the universe) and dualism. He favors Henry Stapp's portrayal of Heisenberg's quantum theory, which divides reality into matter and mind, with mind selecting and actualizing events. Obanye suggests that dualism is a valid way to view the universe and that anomalous phenomena like out-of-body and near-death experiences might be explained by dualism, which he sees as a more rational explanation than dismissing them as hallucinations.

Book Review: 'Aliens: Encounters with the Unexplained'

Andy Blunn reviews Marcus Day's book, 'Aliens: Encounters with the Unexplained,' criticizing it as embodying 'everything that is wrong with modern ufology.' Blunn argues that the book lacks physical evidence for alien visitation and presents a 'plausible argument' that the Star of Bethlehem was a UFO, alongside the traditional Christian explanation. He notes Day's confusion over the identity of a policeman in the Ilkley Moor case, misidentifying the witness as Alan Godfrey. Blunn also dismisses Day's questionnaire on abduction experiences as serving only to increase paranoia.

Conference Review: MIB DAY, GATLEY CINEMA

Andy Blunn reports on a conference held at Gatley Cinema, featuring speakers like Pauline Delcour-Minn, Tim Matthews, Jenny Randles, and Eric Morris. The event included discussions on UFO politics, Tim's triangle research (slating ETHers who claim triangles are extraterrestrial), and Jenny Randles' lecture suggesting British government investigations into UFOs. Eric Morris shared his encounters with 'Men in Black' (MiB), including an alleged theft of material by someone posing as an MiB. The report notes that a Sky TV crew filmed the event, but their subsequent report was deemed 'typically pathetic.' The reviewer concludes that the conference was standard fare but worth the money, especially for the film shown, which was thankfully removed from the 'real' phenomenon.

Reader Correspondence and NARO Minded Information

The magazine includes a section for reader comments and inquiries. Roy Sandbach expresses concern about ufology attracting 'nutters' but finds the subject interesting. The editorial response, 'Well, NARO says: Live and Let Live,' advocates for tolerance within the ufology community.

Dana Hatcher inquires about the educational background and job titles required for involvement in UFO research teams, seeking career opportunities in the field. The editors playfully note that some groups with 'grandiose' names might not be legitimate employers.

A fan writes about their reliance on 'Sightings' magazine and Jenny Randles' columns, finding other content 'pretty weird.'

Information is provided on obtaining back issues of 'NARO Minded' and an announcement that the magazine will soon be available online.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of evidence in ufology and paranormal research, the subjective nature of perception, and the philosophical implications of consciousness. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, encouraging critical thinking while acknowledging the enduring interest in unexplained phenomena. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine investigation and sensationalism or hoaxing. The editorial stance, particularly in response to Roy Sandbach, suggests a desire for less bickering and more tolerance within the ufology community, advocating for a 'Live and Let Live' approach.