The UFO Enigma

Magazine Overview

The UFO Enigma, Volume 22, Number 10, June 2002, published by the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc., is a monthly publication dedicated to the investigation and reporting of UFO sightings and related phenomena. This issue features articles on the intersection of folklore and UFOs, crop symbols, UFO communication, conspiracy theories, and scientific findings regarding Mars.

Presentations and Conferences

The issue highlights an upcoming presentation by Dr. Thomas E. Bullard, professor and folklorist at Indiana University, who will lecture via video on "Comparisons of Ancient Folklore and UFO Accounts." Dr. Bullard's analysis of 103 human abductions reveals parallels between ancient myths and UFO alien intervention, noting common themes such as the "Don't look: they'll leave” syndrome, apparent amnesia, site illumination, domed rooms, being taken against one's will, tours of space vehicles, and taught lessons. This video was recorded at a 1994 symposium in Minneapolis and is distributed by CUFOS.

Reverend John Schroeder will connect Nancy Talbott's research on "Physical Evidence, Animal Deaths and Crop Circles" with her "Crop Circle on Demand" disclosure, and will include opinions from experts like Linda M. Howe, who suggest crop symbols are communications from extraterrestrial or inter-dimensional civilizations, featuring motifs from major religions, mathematical sets, and genomic models.

Another presentation by Forest Crawford to the UFO Study Group is detailed, where he discussed his personal interest in UFOs since childhood and his belief in immortality and past lives, referencing books by Robert Monroe. Crawford suggested that many ufology students are more interested in validating personal beliefs than searching for truth, and that the public may not truly desire the truth about UFOs.

The 14th annual Ozark UFO Conference is also covered, noting that over 430 people attended. The events of September 11th influenced the conference, leading to more presentations connecting biblical prophecies with paranormal events. Journalist Linda Moulton Howe presented on crop circles, suggesting they might represent a struggle between dark and light, formed by spinning energy fields with microwave energy.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Several UFO sighting reports are included:

• Georgia Green Cigar: On April 11, 2002, a witness in Suwanee reported seeing a bright green light from a cigar-shaped object traveling south, with no engine noise.
• Florida Football Shaped Object: On April 4, 2002, a witness in Marianna spotted an object shaped like an elongated football, appearing chrome or silver, moving east at approximately 75 mph.
• Tennessee Fast Light: On April 12, 2002, a witness in Lynnville reported an unidentified flying object making abrupt 90-degree turns at high speed before vanishing and reappearing.
• Wisconsin UFO's Daylight Rendezvous: On April 13, 2002, a witness in Muskego observed several small, circle-shaped grayish objects flying in counter-clockwise circles at high speed.
• Illinois Fireball: On April 24, 2002, witnesses in Lemont reported seeing two huge fireballs that floated above their backyard and then left, making weird sounds and leaving burn marks on the ground.
• UFO Trails Motorist Near Taupo, New Zealand: On March 20, 2002, a witness driving near Taupo spotted a slow-moving object approaching from the north, which was silent and appeared to be about 200-300 meters in length.

Conspiracy Theories and Investigations

Don Joy's "Conspiracies" series continues, examining "bogus" and "real" conspiracies. Part 1 debunks "Alternative 3" and "The Philadelphia Experiment," attributing them to fabricated stories and misinterpretations. Part 2 begins by examining "Real Conspiracy #1: Desert One," questioning the official account of the Iran hostage rescue attempt, and "Real Conspiracy #2: The F-117 Stealth Fighter," noting its high security development. The issue also delves into "Real Conspiracy #3: Roswell," highlighting the multiple, inconsistent official explanations for the event and the extensive effort to obscure it. "Real Conspiracy #4: The Face on Mars" is also discussed, focusing on NASA's handling of the imagery and its subsequent policies regarding Mars probes.

The article "UFO Discussion Sites Invade Online World" by Dave Peyton explores various online resources for UFO enthusiasts, including the National UFO Reporting Center, UFO Roundup, UFOSeek, BUFORA, The Black Vault, and CSETI, noting their different approaches from proving UFOs are alien spaceships to debunking them.

Scientific and Historical Findings

George A. Filer's "Filer's Files" section includes reports on a large disk-shaped object spotted in Ashgrove, Missouri, and a silent triangular craft seen in Kansas City. A report on "MARS HAS VAST OCEANS OF WATER ICE AND LIFE" by George A. Filer presents new data from the Mars Odyssey spacecraft confirming subsurface water ice and suggesting evidence of intelligent life that may have existed or still exists on Mars. The article references scientific publications and online resources.

An historical account, "1726: STRANGE ARTIFACT FOUND IN SCOTLAND," describes a rare dugout canoe found near Edinburgh, Scotland, dating back to before the last Pleistocene glaciation, raising questions about unknown ancient civilizations.

Notable Quotes and Editorial Stance

Don Joy provides a notable quote regarding the Philadelphia Experiment, questioning the simplicity of covering up such an event and suggesting that "Simple Solutions work the best, but no one ever seems to use them in these 'conspiracies'." The editorial stance appears to encourage critical thinking about conspiracy theories, distinguishing between those with evidence and those that are fabricated or nonsensical.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent interest in UFO phenomena, the search for evidence and truth, the comparison of modern sightings with historical accounts and folklore, and the critical examination of conspiracy theories. The publication seems to advocate for a scientific and investigative approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the unexplained and the potential for cover-ups. The editorial stance encourages readers to be critical of information and to look for evidence when evaluating claims, particularly in the realm of conspiracies.

Title: The UFO Enigma
Issue: June 2002
Publisher: UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The UFO Enigma, dated June 2002, presents a mix of lighthearted commentary on UFO phenomena and practical information for enthusiasts. The cover features a humorous cartoon strip and visual elements related to UFOs.

Content Highlights

Cartoon: Rose is Rose by Pat Brady

Page 11 features a comic strip titled "Rose is Rose" by Pat Brady. The strip presents a humorous scenario where teachers are being abducted by aliens for the summer. One character suggests using a "dreamship" for rescue, while another expresses concern about the aliens' increasing boldness in their abductions, noting that they usually target teachers for the "summer secretly."

Visual Depiction of UFOs

Also on page 11, a series of panels illustrates flying saucers interacting with buildings, suggesting a visual narrative of UFO presence or activity.

Local Meetings and Organizations

Page 12 is dedicated to "Local Meetings" and organizational information.

• UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis: Meets regularly on the second Sunday of the month at 2 PM at Grone's Cafeteria, 1269 S. Laclede Station Rd., St. Louis, MO 63119. Contact Walter Palmer at 314-771-0173 or Spence Wolling at 314-966-4955 for more information.
• MUFON Missouri-St. Charles, MO: Meets regularly on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Holiday Inn Select at 4221 South Outer Road., St. Peters, MO. Contact Bruce Widaman at 636-946-1394.
• MUFON of Southern Illinois: Meets regularly on the third Sunday of each month at 2 PM at the Ponderosa Steak House in Collinsville, IL. Directions are provided from St. Louis via I-55/70 east to Illinois 157. Contact Forest Crawford at 618-345-0554.

UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis: Officers and Board

The issue lists the officers for the 2000-2001 term of the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis:

• President: Clarence Barnes
• Vice President: Walter Palmer
• Treasurer: Spencer Wolling
• Secretary: Margaret Myers
• Librarian: Walter Palmer
• Marshall: Frank Brown

The Board of Directors includes:

• Clarence Barnes
• Walter Palmer
• Spencer Wolling
• Margaret Myers
• John Schroeder
• Frank Brown
• Walter Rogers

Miscellaneous roles are also listed:

• Chf. Fld. Investigator: JoAnne Scarpellini
• Field Investigator: Dawn Vohsen
• Resource Contributor: Bob Soetebier
• Editor of the Enigma: Spencer Wolling

The mailing address for the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc. is P.O. Box 31544, St. Louis, Missouri 63131.

Fund for UFO Research, Inc.

The issue also mentions the "FUND FOR UFO RESEARCH, INC." located at P. O. Box 277, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712. This organization is described as a nonprofit dedicated to the research and investigation of unidentified flying objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO phenomena, alien encounters (presented humorously in the cartoon), and the community of UFO researchers and enthusiasts. The inclusion of local meeting information for various UFO study groups and MUFON chapters suggests an editorial stance that aims to connect and inform individuals interested in the subject. The mention of the Fund for UFO Research, Inc. further emphasizes a commitment to the ongoing study and investigation of UFOs.