UFO Mail - No 101 - 2008

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 101
Date: August 15, 2008
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information presents excerpts from UFO-Nyt nr. 3 and UFO-Mail nr. 100, focusing on UFO theories, alleged government cover-ups, and the work of Steven Greer.

En skør, skør verden (A Crazy, Crazy World)

This section, written by Kim Møller Hansen, discusses Mette Lisby's column in Søndagsavisen about conspiracy theories. Lisby suggests that conspiracy theories stem from a deep-seated need to explain why bad things happen, rather than accepting that 'shit happens.' The article highlights how the British Ministry of Defence's release of previously secret UFO reports fueled conspiracy theories, with the implication that the ministry might be withholding information. The text also touches upon the Paul Bennewitz case, where US intelligence agencies allegedly staged events to discredit him and others investigating UFO reports, aiming to divert attention from the real issue. The article concludes that while US authorities may not know the truth about UFOs, they are willing to use the topic to serve their own purposes.

Steven Greer og den store mørklægning (Steven Greer and the Great Cover-up)

Authored by Andreas Ohlsson, this article profiles Steven Greer, the founder of the American "Disclosure Project." Greer's project aims to expose a supposed government cover-up of the UFO phenomenon. The article details Greer's 2001 conference in Washington, where numerous individuals shared their UFO experiences to garner political and military interest. It questions the project's progress after seven years. Greer, an emergency physician, stated in 1997 his intention to address the suppression of UFO information by the military and high-ranking political figures. Since 1993, he has led the "Disclosure Project" to convince the public and politicians of the reality of non-terrestrial beings and their peaceful intentions. Greer also established "Project Starlight" to develop ideas for peaceful relations with extraterrestrial intelligences and to find scientific evidence for flying saucers.

Steven Greer was born in 1955 and lives in Charlottesville, Virginia. He recounts his first UFO sighting in the early 1960s as an eight or nine-year-old: a silent, disk-shaped object that disappeared without a trace. This experience profoundly impacted him. In 1991, he founded the Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CSETI), which differed from SETI by aiming to communicate with non-terrestrial beings, assuming their presence on Earth. Greer uses the term "Close Encounter of the Fifth Kind" (CE-5) for initiating mutual communication.

Nye energier (New Energies)

In July 2007, Greer launched the Advanced Energy Research Organization (AERO) to develop new energy forms as alternatives to environmentally harmful sources. For those wishing to communicate with cosmic visitors, Greer offers courses for $995, promising a week under the stars to attempt contact. These courses, held in North Carolina, Colorado, and California, are reportedly almost fully booked. The application process requires participants to declare their mental health and willingness to engage with non-terrestrials, including the possibility of extended absences from family and work. Participants are expected to have read Greer's books, but should not expect the non-terrestrials to provide proof of their existence. Critics view Greer's initiatives as New Age-influenced business ventures, designed to maintain his supporter base. His 2001 conference was described by opponents as resembling an "X-Files" episode rather than a serious debate, focusing on how conspiracy theories are born and spread. Greer claims that the electromagnetic propulsion of flying saucers was discovered in the 1940s and 1950s but has been kept secret by high-ranking officials.

Gasangreb mod ET (Gas Attack on ET)

This section details an alleged incident from June 1997, where Greer claimed to have received telepathic information from non-terrestrials about a gas attack by US military forces near Mount Blanca, Colorado. This information was briefly posted on CSETI's website before being removed. Following this claim, Greer drastically changed his approach and sought help from ufologist Steve Moreno, who reportedly did not want the information about the gas attack to be widely spread. Moreno later stated that Greer's description of the gas attack was "published in the wrong context and far too quickly and under great confusion."

Hemmelig regering (Secret Government)

This part of the article discusses Daniel Sheehan's involvement with the Disclosure Project. Sheehan, a former left-wing activist, was shown unusual photos of an extraterrestrial craft at the Library of Congress in 1977. He later joined the Christic Institute, which made controversial claims, including the existence of a "secret government" within the CIA responsible for assassinations and contract killings, and that the CIA was behind the murder of John F. Kennedy. The article notes that Greer and his followers seem unconcerned that many people find it difficult to believe in the existence of non-terrestrial visitors, asserting that the "Disclosure Project" provides ample evidence. Greer attributes the secrecy surrounding UFOs to a military-industrial complex involved in developing new space weapons, which he believes are intended as a shield against non-terrestrial threats. He estimates that around 200-300 people in the administration are aware of these secrets, driven by strong personal interests related to economic, social, technological, and geopolitical reasons.

Lara Johnstone from Berkeley, California, went on a hunger strike for 44 days, demanding that President Bush reveal secret information about the government's alleged knowledge of non-terrestrial civilizations and their spacecraft. She eventually gave up without achieving her demands.

Mange løfter, men ingen „fri energi“ (Many Promises, but No "Free Energy")

For years, the promise of "free energy" has been a hallmark of Steven Greer's work. He described a device that could extract energy from the vacuum of space to power an apparatus that converts it into electricity. In a 2003 radio interview, Greer claimed to have seen such a device, calling it "the most important discovery in history." His representative in Sweden, Kim Forsell, promised a public revelation within six months. However, in April, Greer announced the cessation of further development of the device, instead inviting the public to propose their own ideas for free energy and anti-gravity devices. Today, the concept of "free energy" remains elusive.

Projekt afsløring (Project Disclosure)

Greer's latest project is AERO, focused on extracting energy from the environment. He also appears on the 2007 DVD "Fastwalkers," which revisits previous themes. A Swedish branch of the Disclosure Project, "Projekt Avslöjande," was established in Gothenburg, led by Kim Forsell.

Uvidenskabeligt vrøvl (Unscientific Nonsense)

This article by Kim Møller Hansen critically reviews Stanton T. Friedman's book "Flying Saucers and Science." The author dismisses the book's claims as unscientific, arguing that Friedman presents anecdotal evidence as scientific fact and offers superficial summaries of major UFO studies like Project Blue Book and the Condon Report. Friedman, an atom physicist, is accused of acting unscientifically and of misinterpreting observations as objective reality. The article suggests Friedman lacks knowledge of perceptual psychology and sociology, leading him to equate UFO sightings with proof of alien visitation. The author concludes that the book fails to provide convincing evidence and reinforces the belief that some people are satisfied with flimsy "proofs" of alien visits.

Friedman's book is described as a compilation of his previous works and lectures, offering a broad overview without detailed evidence. The author notes that Friedman's claims are often dismissed by critics as paid disinformation from the US government or simply as foolishness.

38 billeder fortæller mere (38 Pictures Tell More)

This section, also by Kim Møller Hansen, discusses the 1987-88 UFO hysteria in Gulf Breeze, Florida, centered around Ed Walters' 38 color polaroid photographs of alleged UFOs. The article mentions Craig R. Myers' book "War of the Words: The True but Strange Story of the Gulf Breeze UFO," which critically examines the case. Despite the book's claims and the endorsement of ufologist Bruce S. Maccabee, many remained skeptical. Journalist Craig R. Myers of the "Pensacola (Fla.) News Journal" was particularly critical. A model spaceship, resembling the UFOs reported in Gulf Breeze, was found in a house previously occupied by Ed Walters. Walters denied any knowledge of the model, suggesting it was planted to discredit him. He refused a lie detector test but signed a sworn statement denying knowledge of the model UFO.

SUFOI's mening om Disclosure Project (SUFOI's Opinion on Disclosure Project)

SUFOI (Scandinavian UFO Information) states that they are often asked about their opinion on "The Disclosure Project." They explain that they do not give the project much attention because it has failed to produce any results. More importantly, they consider Steven Greer, the man behind the project, to be untrustworthy, as detailed in the preceding article. At Greer's 2001 press conference, Clifford Stone claimed that Earth is currently visited by 57 different alien races. Even in the US, where conspiracy theories are prevalent, the project has not impressed. One American ufologist commented after Greer's press conference that the claims presented had not been properly investigated, and that such unverified assertions could lead to people being unable to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards UFO phenomena, particularly concerning claims of government cover-ups and the work of individuals like Steven Greer and Stanton T. Friedman. While acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs and conspiracy theories, the editorial line emphasizes the need for scientific evidence and critical analysis. The articles highlight the lack of concrete proof for many UFO claims, the potential for misinterpretation, and the business-like aspects of some UFO research. The magazine appears to value factual reporting and a grounded approach, contrasting it with what it perceives as unsubstantiated or pseudoscientific assertions within the UFO community.

Title: UFO Aktuelt
Issue: 4/2006
Date: July 25, 2008
Publisher: FOLKETIDENDE
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO Aktuelt focuses on a variety of topics related to UFO phenomena, astronaut testimonies, and historical mysteries.

Article 1: Astronaut Claims Truth About Aliens

The cover story highlights claims made by Apollo-14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell, who stated that aliens have contacted Earth multiple times and that governments have maintained secrecy for the past 60 years. Mitchell, a former astronaut and holder of a doctorate in aeronautics, asserted in a radio interview that he was aware of several UFO encounters during his time with NASA, which were kept secret. He described aliens as fitting the classic image of small beings with large eyes. The article notes that NASA has officially denied these claims, stating they do not track UFOs or engage in cover-ups.

The article also references a previous interview with Mitchell in the Danish UFO publication 'ufo-nyt' in 2006, where he discussed his views on UFO phenomena, the Roswell incident, MJ-12, and ESP experiments. It mentions that Mitchell was a consultant for Chris Carter during the filming of the X-Files series, raising questions about whether his recent statements are a publicity stunt.

Article 2: Excursions in Denmark

This section, written by Kim Møller Hansen, shifts focus to unique historical and mysterious sites within Denmark, presented as alternative excursion destinations. It reviews Søren Olsen's book, "Udflugt til fortiden - Guide til 80 gådefulde fortidsminder i Danmark" (Excursion to the Past - Guide to 80 mysterious historical sites in Denmark). The book is praised for its engaging content, excellent photographs, and practical format, including route descriptions and GPS coordinates.

One particularly unusual site highlighted is the "hjerneløses kirkegård" (graveyard of the brainless) in Annebergparken near Nykøbing Sjælland. This graveyard contains hundreds of gravestones for patients who died at the psychiatric hospital. Between 1945 and 1982, nearly 2,000 brains were removed from deceased patients without the families' knowledge and sent to the Psychiatric Hospital in Risskov for research. The article describes the chapel's two rooms: an operating room where brains were removed and replaced with newspaper, and a ceremonial room for farewells.

Other notable Danish sites mentioned include Trelleborg, historical monuments in Jelling, the historical site at kludeegen near Præstø, Østerlars Rundkirke, and Rundetårn. The guide emphasizes that many of these locations are lesser-known but hold fascinating stories.

Article 3: Socorro UFO Landing Site Becomes Tourist Attraction

This article reports on the potential development of the UFO landing site near Socorro, New Mexico, into a tourist attraction. On April 24, 1964, police officer Lonnie Zamora witnessed an egg-shaped craft and two small beings. The event, a '3rd degree near-observation,' was investigated by the US Air Force and remains a topic of discussion. The land where the incident occurred is owned by the Richardson Trust Fund, and Katherine Richardson, the owner, is willing to collaborate with the town to create a tourist attraction.

The site is accessible via a gravel road and is marked by four stone circles indicating the object's imprints. Socorro's police chief, Lawrence Romero, has placed a flag to mark the spot. Local officials, including tourism chief Deborah Dean, are discussing plans to install a memorial plaque and benches. Romero expressed optimism, comparing the potential to Roswell's tourism success, stating Socorro's case is "much better documented."

Article 4: Gulf Breeze UFOs

The magazine also touches upon the story of Craig R. Myers, who recounts the history of Ed Walters' famous Gulf Breeze UFO photographs. The article questions the authenticity of these images, noting that similar photos have been taken of UFO models with Polaroid cameras. It discusses how the photos were created and what happened when a model, identical to Walters' alleged spaceship, was found in the attic of his house. Walters himself has never admitted to staging the photos, and online searches reveal that many UFO believers in the USA continue to use his images as evidence of alien visitation.

Related Books

The issue includes a section showcasing other books on similar themes, featuring "Det ukendte Danmark" (The Unknown Denmark) by Kristian Kristiansen (volumes covering east and west of Storebælt) and "Det mystiske Danmark" (The Mysterious Denmark) by Lars Thomas (two volumes on ghosts, monsters, and other oddities).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, alleged alien contact, government secrecy surrounding these topics, and the exploration of historical mysteries and unusual sites. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO claims, while also critically examining evidence, as seen in the discussion of the Gulf Breeze photos. The inclusion of Danish historical sites suggests an interest in local mysteries and folklore alongside international UFO cases. The magazine aims to inform readers about both well-known and lesser-known aspects of the UFO phenomenon and related historical curiosities.

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: 1 and 2/2006 (referenced in a 2008 article)
Date: July 25, 2008 (as per Lolland-Falsters Folketidende reference)
Content Focus: UFOs, alien existence, astronomy, skepticism, and conspiracy theories.

Discussion Forum and Ed Mitchell's Claims

The article begins by referencing a discussion forum with a debate on "UFO and Alien Discussion" that can be found on Ed Mitchell's official website, which also provides links to radio interviews. Ed Mitchell himself has stated that he has no firsthand knowledge of information regarding, for example, the Roswell incident, but has only heard about it from various involved parties. The text notes that Ed Mitchell has not, at any point, clearly cited his sources for the diverse claims he has made about these otherwise exciting topics, instead offering vague formulations about highly positioned government officials.

A photograph shows the Apollo-14 crew after their successful Moon expedition: Stuart Roosa, Alan Shepard, and Ed Mitchell. The photo credit is NASA.

Bad Astronomy Weighs In

Astronomer Phil Plait, known for his book "Bad Astronomy" which debunks astronomical myths, has spent years commenting on various mysterious claims and conspiracy theories. The article highlights Plait's sharp and clear stance when commenting on the current Mitchell story. Plait states: "Dear Ed Mitchell: That you have been to the Moon does not mean you are right! The Apollo astronauts were heroes. It is clear to me, and should be to everyone, that they faced incredible risk for the sake of research in an attempt to expand humanity's knowledge. But that does not give them a free pass for 'out in the blue air' arguments."

Plait acknowledges that Ed Mitchell went to the Moon as part of the Apollo-14 mission and has no problem with that. Mitchell also believes that aliens exist, a notion Plait finds acceptable, stating his own strong conviction that other intelligent beings exist in the Universe, though he prefers not to use the word "believe" in that context. However, Plait's and Mitchell's views diverge when Mitchell suggests that such beings are already here, have been for some time, and that the government knows about it and has kept it secret for decades.

Phil Plait's Skepticism and Demand for Evidence

Plait asserts that while Mitchell can believe whatever he wishes, he is mistaken, but has the right to believe it. He emphasizes that it doesn't matter who believes in extraterrestrial beings from outer space; what matters are the proofs. Plait demands to see sharp images, a "flying saucer" on the White House lawn, and anything other than blurry pictures, videos, eyewitness accounts, and doctored government documents. He seeks real evidence.

The second point of contention is Mitchell's history. Plait describes Mitchell as a long-time proponent of what can best be called fringe science, starting with his investigations into psychic powers during the Moon journey. Plait finds this acceptable and even supports such endeavors when consistently pursued, but believes Mitchell goes too far. Plait clarifies that his point is not to attack Mitchell's credibility; he describes Mitchell as a delightful person and a true gentleman whom he has met and found very friendly. Instead, Plait questions why this suddenly became big news, as Mitchell has been a spokesperson for this fringe science for decades.

Plait reiterates his deep respect for all the men who went to the Moon and those who helped them get there. However, he states that this does not give them the right to ignore evidence and draw drastic, unrealistic conclusions without supporting proof for their claims.

Source Material and Debate

The debate continues in various forums. Readers of UFO-mails are encouraged to draw their own conclusions after examining the extensive source material available online. The article leaves the question open whether astronaut Ed Mitchell has indeed received unusual and concrete insider knowledge, as he has expressed this time, which has gained such widespread attention globally. While everyone can have ideas about this, only Ed Mitchell himself knows for sure which sources he may have spoken with over the years.

Sources

• The article lists several sources for further information:
• Lolland-Falsters Folketidende, July 25, 2008
• BT article: http://www.bt.dk/article/20080724/nyheder/80724083
• Jyllands-Postens: http://jp.dk/timeout/article1397082.ece
• POLITIKEN.tv: http://politiken.tv/nyheder/udland/article544916.ece
• UFO-Nyt No. 1 and 2/2006: Large interview with Clas Svahn and Ed Mitchell (available online in Swedish)
• Link to Swedish article: http://www.ufo.se/blogg/index.php?entry=entry080809-104819
• Astronomer Phil Plait, Bad Astronomy blog: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/page/5/
• Ed Mitchell's official website: www.edmitchellapollo14.com
• Biography and further information on his work: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Mitchell
• Some of Mitchell's statements on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fTLzrIU_BU and other related links.

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the claims of astronaut Ed Mitchell regarding UFOs and alien visitation, contrasted with the skeptical and evidence-based approach of astronomer Phil Plait. The editorial stance appears to favor critical examination and demands for verifiable proof, while acknowledging the public's fascination with these topics. The magazine aims to provide information and encourage readers to form their own conclusions based on the presented material and sources.