The UFO Enigma - 1991 11 - Volume 12 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: The Enigma
Issue: Volume 12, Number 3
Date: November 1991
Publisher: UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis
Location: St. Louis, Missouri, USA

This issue of The Enigma, the monthly publication of the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, delves into various unexplained phenomena, including mysterious materials, alleged alien implants, crop circles, and numerous UFO sightings.

UFO Study Group Meeting (St. Louis)

The issue opens with a report on the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis meeting on October 13, 1991. President John Schroeder introduced Frank Brown, who discussed headlines concerning UFOs and paranormal events. Member Marjorie Sherrill recommended Michael Talbot's book "The Holographic Universe." A key topic was a two-part article in The Mufon UFO Journal titled "Mega-Brain," which discussed implants and their potential to enhance telepathic abilities. Alex Horvat, the group's librarian, was researching the topic and planned to consult Washington University. Dave Rapp, Chief Field Investigator, was also researching implants. The meeting also touched upon the 1970-71 Rand Corporation study concerning super conductivity and high magnetic fields. Attendees received handouts, including a petition requesting NASA to take detailed photos of Cydonia on Mars and to allow civilian oversight of data transfer. Alex Horvat also inquired about members' interest in a college-level class on UFOs and ETs.

Following a break, Dave Rapp presented a slide show of reported Missouri cases. One case involved mysterious material found in Mark Twain National Forest on August 9, 1991, by Leo Thompson. Rapp speculated it was not from space and was possibly from a weather or military experiment. Analysis indicated the material was high molecular density polyethylene. Another case discussed was a glowing rock near Stockton Dam, involving the Bedell family and their dog's unusual behavior. A third case was a crop circle in Phillipsberg, Missouri, which incorporated a utility pole. A farmer suggested it was water from a culvert, but Dwayne Bedell noted the lack of rain. Another farmer claimed to have seen a UFO absorbing electricity near a telephone pole, creating the circle.

Mystery Material

Dave Rapp's presentation also covered the mysterious material found in Mark Twain National Forest. He theorized that after the object hit the ground, someone may have removed valuable parts and burned the remains. The surrounding trees showed signs of severe fire damage, suggesting the event occurred years ago. Rapp also discussed a case involving a glowing rock near Stockton Dam, where a farmer's dog behaved strangely, and a diamond-shaped object was observed.

Crop Circles and UFO Sightings (Madison County, Illinois)

Peter A. Bostrom reports on crop circles found in Madison County, Illinois, on June 6, 1991. The article details four separate sightings of unknown objects in the area within two months of the crop circle discovery. These included sightings of a very bright light with no sound, and one sighting of a craft. The author notes that unidentified aerial phenomena are sometimes reported in conjunction with crop circles. Four witnesses corroborated the investigation into the circles, and Bostrom concluded that the energy directing the circles was likely controlled by human or alien technology, leaning towards the alien possibility due to reports of unknown flying craft.

An addendum notes that Sweet Flag, a plant found in the area, had not been previously identified in Madison County, Illinois. On August 31, 1991, an unknown object, described as blue, half-moon shaped, and moving upward at high speed, was seen near the crop circle site.

Cross Country UFology

This section compiles various UFO-related news items:

• Doctor Suspended for UFO Book: Stephan Corder, a former family physician in Kansas, was indefinitely suspended for refusing a mental evaluation after publishing a book on UFOs.
• UFO Near Shuttle Puzzles NASA: NASA scientists were puzzled by an object, resembling a car bumper, seen floating near the space shuttle Atlantis. It was suspected to be debris from a satellite deployment.
• UFO Fans to Gather in Britain: Sheffield was set to host the sixth International UFO Congress, featuring speakers and delegates from around the world, including Charles Hickson and Catherine Howard. The event also included a concert by the band CE4.

Close Encounters of the Todmorden Kind

John Greenwood reports on American film producer Michael Grais's plan to make a feature film in Todmorden, England, based on the UFO experiences of former local policeman Alan Godfrey. The film will also incorporate details of the unexplained death of Zygmunt Jan Adamski. Grais had previously produced a TV program about Godfrey's experience. The article notes a general increase in interest in unexplained phenomena and mentions special effects planned for the film, including spaceship interiors and aliens.

UFO Tales from the Prairies

Ned Powers reviews a Saskatchewan-produced documentary, "UFOs: Facing The Contradiction," which explores four local UFO stories. These include a September 1974 sighting of five circular UFOs in a canola field, mysterious rings found in a barley field in August 1988, a diamond-shaped UFO sighting in June 1984, and a cigar-like object witnessed in May 1985. The article criticizes the documentary for not identifying the witnesses.

Do Mantis-like UFO Beings Prey on Us?

Jeff May reports on a sighting at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey, where a man claimed to have been abducted by a praying mantis-like alien from a car-sized UFO with tripod feet. Lt. Donald Van Tassell of the Passaic Township police expressed skepticism. Howard Menger, a known contactee, stated he had not encountered such beings. Walter H. Andrus Jr. of the UFO Mutual Network suggested the report might be influenced by Whitley Strieber's book "Communion." Andrus noted that abduction accounts have increased significantly in recent years.

Putting its Biggest Foot Forward

This section highlights the growing popularity of Bigfoot, partly due to the TV show "Harry and the Hendersons." Charles Bevier writes about Cliff Crook of Bothell, Washington, who founded "Bigfoot Central" to protect the creatures and provide a reporting forum for sightings. Crook dreams of establishing a national museum and cultural center. The article mentions Crook's own encounter with Bigfoot at age 16 and the organization's efforts to raise awareness and funds.

Calendar

The calendar section lists upcoming meetings and events for November 1991:

• Parapsychology Committee: Discussion of the video "Reasonable Doubt" on the Kennedy assassination.
• UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis: Second Sunday meeting.
• St. Charles UFO Research Committee: Third Tuesday meeting.
• Collinsville UFO Research Group: Meeting details (confirm time due to Thanksgiving).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently focuses on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and unexplained phenomena. The UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis appears to be a serious research organization, aiming to investigate and report on these events. There is a clear interest in the scientific and investigative aspects of UFOlogy, as evidenced by discussions of research studies, material analysis, and the petition to NASA. The magazine also covers related topics such as crop circles, paranormal events, and even Bigfoot, reflecting a broad interest in the unexplained. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to share information and participate in discussions, while also acknowledging the need for scientific support and rigorous investigation. The publication aims to document these phenomena for preservation and future study.