The Enigma

Magazine Overview

Title: The Enigma
Issue: Volume 11, Number 8
Date: June 1991
Publisher: UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis
Location: St. Louis, Missouri, USA

This issue of The Enigma, a publication of the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, covers a range of topics related to ufology, parapsychology, and unexplained phenomena. The cover story, "The Revealing Science of UFOLOGY: An Anatomy of Abduction Correlations" by Forest Crawford, uses a seminar exercise to illustrate scientific inquiry and the challenges of understanding new phenomena. The issue also features a poem, news about group activities and members, and reports on specific cases and research.

Articles and Features

"The Revealing Science of UFOLOGY: An Anatomy of Abduction Correlations"

Forest Crawford's article uses a seminar instructor's exercise to demonstrate how to approach new paradigms, likening it to learning to walk. The instructor asks for volunteers to walk down an aisle, first normally, then blindfolded. This exercise highlights the importance of understanding one's environment and using different methods to navigate it. Crawford relates this to the scientific process, where scientists must balance established knowledge ('solid ground') with exploration of the unknown ('new ground'). He argues that ufology, as a nascent science, suffers from a lack of insight and foresight, often being compared to archaeology rather than purer sciences like physics. He criticizes the tendency to focus on trivial arguments within the field and the lack of conclusive evidence, stating that only whole craft or alien bodies would be considered substantial proof. Crawford introduces 'Personal Evidence,' which includes synchronicities and premonitions, as a valid, albeit difficult to prove, form of data. He shares two personal anecdotes: one where a "Three Stooges" quote about a flying saucer played immediately after he mused about aliens hiding in the fog, and another where a Camel cigarette poster with a flying saucer image appeared after a contactee interview. He concludes that the field must keep an open mind and not dismiss information that doesn't fit conventional expectations.

"NIGHT VISITORS" (Poem)

This poem by Jeanne Robinson describes ethereal, phantom-like entities that visit during the night, described as 'thund'ring kings' and 'noble princes.' These 'nocturnal visits' are characterized as plundering, leaving 'only memory's ghost.' The poem concludes with the departure of these 'mystery spirits' with the dawn.

"A SALUTE AND FAREWELL"

This section, written by J. L. Palermo, Assistant State Director of Investigations for MO. MUFON, announces the resignation of Ken Hanke from the UFO Study Group Board of Directors, effective June 30, 1991. Hanke and his wife, Helen, are moving to Charlotte, North Carolina. The article praises their extensive contributions to the group over the years, including their work on the 1985 Mutual UFO Network Symposium, "SHOW ME" UFO Conferences, the UFO Cook Book, and their roles as Editor and Assistant Editor for The UFO Enigma. Ken Hanke is also stepping down as Assistant State Director for Missouri MUFON. The piece expresses regret at their departure and hopes they can attend the upcoming UFO Study Group picnic.

"Abduction Correlations" (Continued)

This section continues the discussion from page 3, elaborating on the scientific approach to ufology. It reiterates the need for open-mindedness and the challenges of dealing with phenomena that may not fit preconceived notions. The article touches upon the idea that aliens might be trying to teach or help humans, which is harder to accept than scenarios of abduction and manipulation. The author suggests that a comparison to human-like aliens is difficult if they are perceived as fundamentally different.

"Informational Correlations" - Bernedotte UFO Sighting

This segment details a UFO sighting in Bernedotte, Illinois, on October 4, 1989, observed by MUFON field investigator Poe Clark and later confirmed by State Section Director Paul Russell. Over eight months, more than 410 UFOs were reported by 13 witnesses in the Peoria area. A recurring phenomenon alongside these sightings was the fall of "Angel Hair." Samples of this substance were collected and analyzed using mass and FTIR spectrophotometry, identifying it as amide-esters, similar to spider webs. The article also notes that around the same time, abductee cases reported receiving information from their abductors, leading to the development of the "Ask the Aliens" research philosophy.

"Ask the Aliens" Research Philosophy

This section introduces the concept of "Ask the Aliens," a research philosophy developed by the UFO Study Group. The group has been trying to find the truth about the phenomenon for some time, sifting through government information. The "Ask the Aliens" approach aims to obtain answers directly from extraterrestrials, even if they don't reveal the 'whole truth,' as it would still be direct information rather than third-hand accounts.

UFO Study Group Picnic Announcement

An announcement for the UFO Study Group's last meeting of the season, a picnic at Laumeier Park on June 23. Attendees are encouraged to bring side dishes, beverages, and recreational items like frisbees or footballs. Videos to be shown include "Visitors from the Unknown" and a segment from ABC's "Hard Copy" about new UFO activity.

Parapsychology Committee Report

John Schroeder reports on the Parapsychology Committee meeting. Marjorie Sherrill updated the committee on activities in the SORRAT isolation room, where experimenters placed booby-trapped materials. The report details unusual occurrences with ESP cards and letters sent to researchers, where items sometimes disappeared and reappeared, or contained unexpected contents like gift-wrapped packages or cassette tapes. The experiments involved matching symbols from ESP cards with listings in letters, and some results were considered 'considerable phenomenology' but ultimately 'two-thirds that are unsuccessful.' The committee adjourned after discussion.

"The Far Side" Cartoon

A Gary Larson cartoon depicts a scientist claiming to have found the first real evidence of a UFO with his camera.

"June Seminar by George Green"

This announcement details a seminar by George Green, a psychic from Tehachapi, California, to be held on June 15, 1991, in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Topics include Pleiadian communications, the New World Order, and Executive Order #11490. Green's background includes service in the Air Force, where he claims to have seen photos of dead aliens, and subsequent work in finance and real estate. The seminar entrance cost is $20 and includes a copy of his book, "Space Gate: The Veil Removed."

"The Opinionated Lucille Ball" and "The Rest Of The Story"

These are two short, unrelated pieces. The first is a brief look at Lucille Ball's opinions, including her thoughts on Katharine Hepburn and the Reagans' alleged UFO sighting. The second piece, "The Rest Of The Story," draws from Tom Heyman's book "The Unofficial U.S. Census" to provide quirky statistics on Americans, such as dog Christmas presents, ghostbuster earnings, and occupational groups with high rates of depression.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Enigma are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges of gathering and interpreting evidence, and the exploration of related fields like parapsychology and abduction experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider unconventional ideas and contribute their own findings. There is a clear emphasis on the UFO Study Group as a forum for discussion and research, promoting a sense of community among those interested in these subjects. The magazine advocates for a rigorous yet open approach to ufology, acknowledging its difficulties while striving for direct evidence and understanding.

This document is a scanned issue of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, dated Wednesday, June 5, 1991. It covers a variety of topics including a mystery surrounding planes found off the Florida coast, a major dog show, and celebrity news.

Mystery: Planes Found Off Florida Aren't Lost Squadron

The main article on page 1 addresses the mystery of five World War II-era Navy planes discovered off the Florida coast. Baffled explorers announced that these planes are not the "Lost Squadron" (Flight 19), a group of five Navy Avengers that vanished on December 5, 1945. Graham Hawkes, leader of the team aboard the ship Deep See, stated that while coincidences like the number '28' on one plane (the same as Flight 19's lead plane) contributed to the confusion, further examination showed they were not the planes of Flight 19. The Navy had never lost five Avengers together except for Flight 19, leading to the initial speculation. However, the team now believes the planes went down in four or five separate incidents over several years. Some were identified as early TBF-1 Avengers, not the TBMs used on Flight 19. The area where the planes were found was used by the naval air base at Fort Lauderdale for practice low-altitude torpedo runs. John Evans, a photographer at the time of Flight 19's disappearance, confirmed these practice runs and expressed doubt that the planes could have crashed so close to Fort Lauderdale without being detected. The announcement suggests the planes may have gone down somewhere off Cape Canaveral, the last known radio fix. The article concludes that the Bermuda Triangle myth is likely reinforced by this mix-up.

Top Dogs Strut Stuff At Purina Invitational

This article by Robert Kelly reports on the sixth annual Purina Invitational Dog Show held at the Guelker Soccer Field at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. The event attracted numerous high-pedigree dogs from the United States and Canada. Eileen Green of Hacienda Heights, Calif., whose American pit bull terrier, JoJo, did not win, stated that the show provides a way to counter negative publicity surrounding pit bull terriers. Fred Miller, president of the United Kennel Club, noted that his club registered American pit bull terriers because they can be trained for show, comparing it to raising a child. The show offered prizes totaling $11,000, with entry fees benefiting a local charity. The "reserve best in show" award went to a 34-year-old English springer spaniel named Illyn's Condor, owned by Dr. Rodger Herzig and J. Troy. The "reserve best of breed" was awarded to a male Afghan named Fancy, owned by Ted Blacker.

People in the News

Several brief news items highlight notable individuals:

• Miss America Pageant Hosts: TV personalities Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford are announced as the new hosts for the 71st annual Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City on September 14. They will succeed Gary Collins and Phyllis George. The appearance of Bert Parks was uncertain.
• Richard Pryor: Comedian Richard Pryor is recovering at home in Los Angeles after undergoing triple heart bypass surgery. His spokesman, John Sepler, stated that Pryor is on the road to recovery.
• Prince William: The 8-year-old Prince William is recovering well after an accident at his private boarding school where he was hit with a golf club. Neurosurgeon Sir Richard Hayward operated to check for bone splinters, and palace officials expressed satisfaction with his progress.
• Callie Khouri: Screenwriter Callie Khouri expressed surprise at the reaction to her film "Thelma & Louise," noting that people aren't asking if it's "strong material." She discussed the film's themes of female empowerment and questioned the perception of "macho" statements in cinema.

Calendar of Events

Page 2 features a calendar of upcoming events in June 1991:

• Parapsychology Committee Meeting: Third Wednesday in June at 7:30 PM at the home of John Schroeder, 4991 Miami St., St. Louis, Missouri.
• UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis: Last meeting of the season, held as a picnic at Laumeier Park under the Charles Moss Shelter at 12:00 PM. John Schroeder is President.
• St. Charles UFO Research Committee: Third Tuesday in June at 7:00 PM at Saint Charles City Hall, 200 North Second Street, St. Charles, Missouri. Bruce Widaman is Chairman.
• Collinsville UFO Research Group: Fourth Thursday of each month at The Ponderosa off East Port Drive in Collinsville, Illinois. Sponsored by Illinois MUFON and chaired by Forest Crawford. Information on meetings and the new MUFON of Southern Illinois UFO Hotline can be obtained by calling 618-345-6177.

Organization Information

The UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to research and investigation of unidentified flying objects, is listed with its P.O. Box address in St. Louis, MO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in mysteries, particularly those related to aviation and the Bermuda Triangle, as evidenced by the lead story. There is also coverage of community events, such as the dog show, and a focus on local and national personalities. The inclusion of UFO research group meetings suggests an editorial stance that acknowledges and reports on paranormal and unexplained phenomena within the community.