The UFO Enigma

Magazine Overview

Title: The UFO Enigma
Issue: Volume 10, Number 1
Date: September 1989
Publisher: UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Description: A monthly newsletter (except summer) dedicated to the investigation and reporting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

New Study Group Year Opens at New Location

The UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc. is opening its 1989-90 year on Sunday, September 10, at 2:00 p.m. The meetings will now be held at the Boatman's National Bank community room at 75 West Lockwood in Webster Groves, Missouri. This is a new location, across the street from their previous meeting place at the Farm and Home Savings and Loan building. The September meeting will also include the election of new officers, following nominations made by the Board of Directors.

Show-Me UFO Conference

Missouri MUFON and The UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc. are presenting the Show-Me UFO Conference on Saturday, October 21, 1989, at the Harley Hotel in Earth City, Missouri. The conference will be divided into three sessions: morning, afternoon, and evening. The cost is $10.00 per session or $30.00 for the entire day. An advanced registration price of $25.00 is available through September. The conference will feature internationally known ufologists presenting developments on old and new UFO cases. Speakers include Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist who has worked with NASA; Ted Phillips, recognized for examining physical trace evidence of UFO landings; David Hatcher Childress, an investigator of lost cities and civilizations; and Bob Oechsler, a UFO investigator. Two "mystery" guests, including one codenamed "Snowbird," are also expected. The Finance Committee, composed of Helen Hanke, Myrtle Palmer, and Peggy Roppolo, will be selling items such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, books, and cookbooks. Registration details and contact information for Bruce Widaman and Alex Horvat are provided.

1989 MUFON Symposium - One Observer's View

David A. Rapp reports on the 1989 MUFON UFO Symposium held in Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes the event as informative and entertaining, despite some unprofessional "rock throwing" from audience members. Rapp emphasizes the need for a scientific and logical perspective in ufology. He highlights Jennie Zeidman's presentation on the 1973 Mansfield helicopter/UFO encounter, which he felt effectively dispelled Philip Klass's skeptical explanations. Donald Johnson presented research correlating UFO data with ignition system interference effects on vehicles, suggesting a link to strong magnetic fields. Don Berliner proposed a hypothetical plan for retrieving crashed UFOs by the U.S. Government. The report also mentions Dr. J. Allen Hynek's assistant, Jennie Zeidman, and her work.

"Correlating the Physical Enigma of UFOs"

This section details the presentation by Bob Oechsler, which included photographs related to UFOs. It also mentions "Snowbird," a codename for one of two mystery guests at the conference, described as a top internationally recognizable authority on the UFO phenomenon.

"The Truth About The Cosmic Watergate"

Stanton T. Friedman's presentation, as described in the conference details, is titled "The Truth About The Cosmic Watergate." He is a nuclear physicist who has worked with NASA on nuclear fusion/fission propulsion systems and has been a leading ufologist for 16 years.

"Above Top Secret"

Timothy Good, author of the book "Above Top Secret," presented intriguing evidence of UFO cover-ups from the 1940s to the present. He suggested that cover-ups are likely aimed at developing technological advancements for defense and preventing public panic.

Majestic-12 (MJ-12) Update

Stanton T. Friedman provided an update on his research into the Majestic-12 (MJ-12) operation, established after the Roswell, New Mexico crash in 1947. The purpose of MJ-12 was to deal with alien bodies and wreckage. Friedman focused on the backgrounds of the twelve chosen men and the validity of the MJ-12 documents. He mentioned a $1,000 bet with Philip Klass regarding document authenticity, which Friedman won.

William Moore's Presentation

William Moore spoke defensively about rumors accusing him of being a government disinformant. He stated that UFOs are real and abductions are occurring, but did not reveal contacts or findings, promising to share his story upon completion of his research.

Dr. Jacques F. Vallee's Research in Brazil

Dr. Jacques F. Vallee investigated stories of villagers having close encounters with UFOs in Brazil in July 1988. His lecture focused on reports involving injuries, primarily from light beams, and noted at least one death.

Dr. John E. Brandenburg's "Cydonian Hypothesis"

Dr. John E. Brandenburg suggested a past humanoid civilization on Mars, based on his examination of large geological features photographed by the Viking spacecraft, including symmetrical faces and nearby pyramids.

Speaking of MUFON "Publicity" by Alex Horvat

Alex Horvat, Public Information Officer for MUFON in Missouri, offers suggestions for public presentations on UFOs. He stresses the importance of professionalism, scientific approach, and clear communication. Key advice includes limiting the subject to UFOs, providing accurate and verifiable information, minimizing personal opinions, protecting witness anonymity, handling abduction cases with care, and being well-organized. He also discusses how to engage an audience, using statistics like the Gallup Poll finding that "13 MILLION AMERICANS SAY THEY'VE SEEN A UFO." He advocates for a scientific perspective, stating, "We do not believe in UFOs because we acknowledge them as a scientific fact, a reality."

Parapsychology Committee Meetings and Research

The Parapsychology Committee met on June 7 to discuss "The Puzzle Palace" by James Bamford and "Deep Black" by William E. Burrows. Walter Palmer shared a story about a fisherman finding unidentified metal shards from an exploded object. David Rapp discussed theoretical "worm holes" and time travel. Marjorie Sherrill is looking for a speaker on Steven Hawkins' "Imaginary Time." Marjorie also shared data on the Sorratt Group's telekinetic experiments. Forrest Crawford mentioned "Inside Edition" reporting on a state department executive devising international laws regarding "aliens from space." Ernie Joyce reported a strange occurrence with his phone answering machine. The committee's next meeting is scheduled for September 6.

"Deep Black" and "The Puzzle Palace" Reviews

Alex Horvat reviewed "The Puzzle Palace" by James Bamford, describing it as evidence of a vast intelligence network rivaling Orwell's "1984." The book details the National Security Agency's (NSA) formation, secrecy, and activities, including monitoring communications and violating civil rights. Horvat also reviewed "Deep Black" by William E. Burrows, which complements "The Puzzle Palace" by offering data on spying politics and disinformation, particularly concerning the USSR's aerospace industry and the development of aircraft like the General Dynamics F-111.

Library Committee Plans for Next Year

Ken Hanke outlines the Library and Archive Committee's plans for the 1989-90 year, approved by the UFO Study Group Board of Directors. Plans include submitting a budget for copy costs and book purchases, holding fundraisers (book/tape raffles, scrapbooks, sales of excess books and bookmarks), and acquiring supplies like glue, paper, notebooks, and a file cabinet. The committee aims to sort and catalog books, weed out excessive material, establish a checkout system, and identify collection gaps. They also propose eliminating the Historian position, with duties assumed by the Recording Secretary.

Calendar

The calendar lists upcoming events for September 1989, including Parapsychology Committee meetings, UFO Study Group meetings at the new Boatman's Bank location, and a St. Charles UFO Committee meeting.

Please Help!

The newsletter appeals for membership dues, which are due in September and cost $8.00 per person. The funds are used to produce The UFO Enigma and support the organization's activities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO investigation, conferences, and the scientific study of phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the need for evidence-based research and a critical approach to information, as exemplified by the critique of Philip Klass and the emphasis on scientific methodology in presentations. The newsletter also touches upon government secrecy, intelligence agencies, and the potential implications of UFO phenomena for national security and public understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous investigation and disseminating credible information within the field of ufology.