Assessing UFOs: An Inkblot Test?

Unidentified flying objects: the term has become synonymous with alien spacecraft to a large extent. So much so that some researchers are opting to use terms such as “unexplained aerial phenomena” in efforts to curb the tide of unsubstantiated speculation. Whatever one chooses to call it, accurately identifying reported phenomena, when possible, is a key factor in establishing any potentially truly interesting cases. A look at a couple of recent and relatively well known events shows us that not only has the public largely been conditioned to prematurely assume alien origins for an “unidentified,” but that reasonable explanations are often not even sought by those who promote the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Hovering Light

If you are not reading Doubtful News, then start – at least if you want to know some of the actual circumstances behind otherwise sensationalized stories of alleged paranormal events. The DN team, which includes editor Sharon Hill, put its readers on the trail of a case last week that South Florida NBC affiliate WBBH News billed as a “UFO caught on surveillance.”

The reported hovering light

The story making the rounds involved supposedly strange lights hovering over a pool and recorded on a video camera. Readers who had some experience with such circumstances, such as Will Radik of the Bad Skeptic blog, made short work of reviewing the video footage.

"Too bad they didn’t ask me, or anyone else who’s worn glasses their entire life,” Mr. Radik wrote en route to explaining the reported phenomena was probably light shining through a water droplet. In all likelihood, moisture formed on the protruding camera structure and reflected surrounding light. Viewers unfamiliar with the effect inaccurately assumed the light covered a much larger area, subjectively interpreting it to hover over the pool as compared to being much smaller and within inches of the camera lens.

Actual camera that took the video, according to Radik,
obviously conducive to creating the effect as described

Kentucky UFO

Doubtful News offered its readers a heads up on a story Wired published this morning. The article provided an explanation for a UFO sighting in Kentucky that gained media attention during October, 2012.

The Appalachian News-Express, CNN and others reported at the time that the Kentucky State Police received multiple calls about a high-flying unidentified object. A UFO website by the name of Ashtar Command Crew apparently linked to the news as “ostensible proof of continuing visits from the Galactic Federation fleet.”

Many will recognize the image
of the reported Kentucky UFO

Actually, it was proof of Google. Rich DeVaul and his Google team knew the object was one of their solar powered balloons, Wired reported today. The Kentucky UFO was a test of Project Loon, a program that equips balloons floating at some 60,000 feet with the means to provide wireless Internet to areas not currently receiving service.

There is more man-made stuff than ever in the sky. Accurately identifying it and exercising some restraint in jumping to premature conclusions are responsible ways to contribute positively to the UFO community. It is then - by conducting reasonable assessments - that we provide ourselves the best opportunities to isolate what truly interesting circumstances might exist.

Gary Hart on the Carpenter Affair

Long time UFO investigator Gary Hart commented tonight at The UFO Trail on the infamous Carpenter Affair. The series of events involved the betrayal of some 140 individuals who sought the support and services of John Carpenter and the Mutual UFO Network during the 1990's. The 140, including Leah Haley, underwent regressive hypnosis facilitated by Carpenter, a former MUFON director of abduction research. It was later learned Carpenter received some $14,000 in funding from Robert Bigelow in exchange for ongoing activities and providing him and his associates, which included Colonel John Alexander, with the case files of the 140. This was done entirely without the knowledge or consent of the 140 individuals. Much more about the Carpenter Affair can be read in the previous posts on the Leah Haley case, including The Leah Haley Case: John Carpenter, where Mr. Hart left the following comments:

Jack, as one of the principle reporters of the Carpenter Affair I found your posts quite interesting, especially in regards to what Mr. Carpenter had to say about everything. Perhaps I can clear up some few points that Mr. Carpenter chooses to repeatedly ignore or twist to a brighter point of view:

1) Mr. Carpenter originally wrote the section on handling abductee cases in the then current edition of the MUFON Field Investigator's Manual where he includes a sample form for the abductee to be presented with and sign if they wish to give a researcher permission to use their case material publicly. Mr. Carpenter, in a private communication, admitted that he had never had any of the abductees he worked with sign this or any other form of consent to sell or otherwise distribute their hypnosis files and that no researcher he knew followed his own suggested procedure.

Some files such as Leah Haley's would have been instantly identifiable even if Carpenter sold them without providing Mr. Bigelow with the identity of the person associated with each file. As I found out and was provided evidence of, Mr. Carpenter provided Mr. Bigelow with a name/case key list and even though every abductee I spoke with said that Carpenter promised he WOULD revisit them for their explicit permission to release any of their file materials if necessary yet he never did.

2) I brought the Carpenter case to public attention only after many of the abductees asked me to do so understanding that at that time he planned to write a book about them and was ALREADY selling a video for his personal profit that showed clips from some of their private hypnosis sessions with his professional credentials prominently listed on the videotape's cover.

3) Carpenter claimed, in a legal statement through his lawyer, that he did his hypnosis sessions as an amateur and thus could not be held to professional ethical standards - a point also made to me directly by then head of MUFON Walt Andrus. In fact, several of Carpenter's cases were referrals from other medical doctors. LCSW, by the way, is a professional designation - MO state Licensed Clinical Social Worker. MSW says that he has a masters in social work. All abductees I spoke with were shown only Carpenter's professional business card with these important licensing initials, not MUFON's more ordinary Investigator's ID card so he was promoting himself as a true health care professional. 

4) Carpenter got to a point in the mid 90's where he double billed abductees: he asked them for personal payment for their hypnosis sessions and billed their insurance and there is proof of this.

5) Finally, as a result of my filing a complaint against Carpenter's professional license because of his unethical handling of abductee cases, he was put on 5 years probation by the State of Missouri and there is online proof of this also so the state did agree with the case we collectively presented to their investigative board.

MUFON still throws out the "we want to stop the backbiting and infighting in Ufology" line as if there never has been a legitimate legal issue with how MUFON board members and representatives (as John was as their then Director of Abduction Research). This was the case MUFON still would like to forget. This is the case that caused MUFON's Board in 2001 to vote and throw out the "member" designation so that from then on persons affiliated with MUFON would be "subscribers" only and have no voting rights as to how the organization does business. 

Just to set things straight,

Gary Hart

MUFON, Science and Deception, Part Two

Deception Is Deception Is Deception

The single most important challenge facing Jan Harzan and his board of directors may very well involve effectively marketing MUFON while refraining from blatantly misrepresenting the nature and value of its activities. Mr. Harzan would not be the first MUFON leader to struggle with the seemingly contradictory task of maintaining the support of UFO enthusiasts while simultaneously trying to keep investigations and public presentations up to scientific standards.

Let's face it, some self-described researchers enjoy popularity within an increasingly desensitized UFO community because of grandstanding, absurd proclamations and abilities to keep themselves up to their necks in bitter controversies. Organizations such as MUFON must then decide whether they will provide venues for such sensationalizing or opt to take the high road, declining to offer a podium – and forfeiting potential ticket sales and revenue in the process.

Retired scientist Frank Purcell, whose comments were featured in Part One of this post, was involved with MUFON for a short time. He explained, “I left that organization partly because known charlatans are given credence by what should be a scientific organization. These cranks and shysters are welcomed to the MUFON symposiums. The theme MUFON has, as do most UFO organizations, is that earth is being visited by ET. That bias is considered a given without a shred of scientific evidence to support it. The bias makes what should be a scientific approach to something mysterious into something more resembling a religion.”

Barbara Lamb

Perhaps nowhere is the UFO community more divided and passionate about such issues than in the case of alleged alien abduction and those who research the subject. It could indeed be considered concerning that an organization claiming to conduct scientific research provides venues for individuals who persist in offering witness testimony as primary evidence, including the use of regressive hypnosis as a memory retrieval tool. Moreover, “researchers” often keep such alleged witnesses anonymous and unseen, employ hypnosis as a preferred method of investigation and fail to provide reasonable or even indirect evidence (such as medical examinations and medical records) for review by qualified and unbiased third parties. Scientific research papers are virtually never authored by researchers of abduction or submitted for peer review, and, in many cases, peer review and public accountability are blatantly and intentionally avoided. This is simply not science, and suggesting otherwise is, by any other name, deception.

Real and Here?

We need look no further than MUFON Southern California for any number of circumstances involving the enabling of sham inquiry and the perpetual lack of accountability for its consequences. After MacDonald's turn in the MUFON hot seat was announced, he agreed in January of 2012 to address some questions from The UFO Trail. In response to inquiries about hypnosis and its promotion by the supposedly scientifically oriented MUFON, MacDonald could have easily been interpreted as endorsing its use, or, at best, skirting the topic. Particularly at issue were appearances by David Jacobs at events sponsored by MUFON, including one in Southern California, of which MacDonald stated he had "no problem."

Self-described researcher Barbara Lamb increased her visibility in recent years when she parlayed administering regressive hypnosis into alleged relationships with ET-human hybrids. She claims to personally know at least three hybrids she "helped" discover their alleged extraordinary histories.

In August of 2011 Dr. Tyler Kokjohn created and posted the above video, Alien Abductions – Is the Holy Grail in Hand?, encouraging us to consider what point in time Ms. Lamb might choose to present the proof of alien abduction and intervention of which she claimed to have access. Some two years later, she continued to entertain audiences with her narrations of relationships with hybrids, sans any scientific documentation for her claims. When a group email was received from MUFON Orange County announcing Lamb as a speaker and proclaiming hybrids “are real and they are here,” comment was requested from Lamb and Harzan. Posted April 17 at Orlando Paranormal Examiner: 

The email stated Lamb previously conducted regressive hypnosis sessions with some 900 individuals, “helping them to access details of encounters they've had with a variety of Extraterrestrial Beings [sic].” It was claimed that Lamb “discovered that many of her clients have unwittingly contributed to the ET's programs of creating ET-Human [sic] hybrids.” According to the MUFON email, such hybrids “live here among us on earth,” and some of them, it was stated in the email, “Barbara knows personally.”

'Orlando Paranormal Examiner' emailed Lamb and requested comment, specifically inquiring if she has provided evidence of her assertions to any qualified third parties for review. She was also asked if blood work and related physical examinations have been conducted on any of the alleged ET-human hybrids, as well as what justification she could present for such extraordinary statements as contained in the MUFON email.

“I am in a huge rush this week,” Lamb replied March 18, “but basically you would have to talk to the three people who are convinced (and I am convinced) that they are hybrids, and find out from them about blood tests, bone tests, etc. I don't know whether or not they would be willing to talk to you (whom they don't know), but if you are interested, I could ask them and they could decide.”

Lamb was encouraged in a subsequent series of emails to coordinate correspondence with the alleged hybrids and thanked for her efforts. When urged to provide direct answers to the questions concerning physical examinations and evidence available for public review, no further emails were received from Lamb. Neither has any correspondence been received from alleged ET-human hybrid beings.

Jan Harzan was emailed and asked to provide comment. According to the MUFON website, Mr. Harzan is a member of the MUFON board of directors and is the Southern California assistant state director.

Multiple emails were sent to Harzan at two different addresses provided on the website as points of contact. He was asked to comment on why MUFON, an organization purporting to be dedicated to scientific study, would circulate an email promoting as fact such unsubstantiated and fantastic claims. No replies were received.

Flu Lights

Microbiologist Dr. Tyler Kokjohn submits content to numerous blogs, maintains a YouTube channel and is a popular podcast guest. When asked to provide comment for this post, he explained that while he is not professionally concerned about being associated with UFO research, he added that he would indeed be concerned about being linked to an organization, MUFON, promoting medical quackery and such other bizarre ideas. Dr. Kokjohn wrote:

“Hopefully this leadership change will at last generate a productive structural revamping of MUFON as well. The organization harbors capable individuals, but their attempts to perform scientific investigations are often discredited by the appalling actions and statements of persons holding high level leadership positions. Anyone bemoaning the lack of respect and interest evidenced by the general public toward MUFON and UFOs should take a hard look at the damage done by intemperate leadership.

“As one example, I suggest people think back to the influenza epidemic scare of 2009. As the flu began to take hold, a well-known MUFON regional director claimed he had a cure - flu lights. Backed by testimonials of alien abductees cured of many (unspecified) ailments after exposure to blue or green light, he had the sure cure that was unknown to human medicine. Worked on dogs and cats, too! For a mere $50, he would supply you with these miracle lights to save yourself (bargain price included free shipping).

“At the height of public apprehension over an emerging flu epidemic, a regional MUFON director tries to cash in. Forget the Nobel Prize, he can take a totally unknown technology and example of alleged alien tech transfer and turn a buck. Worse, he was inciting people to use a method that had never been demonstrated to work against the then novel H1N1 influenza virus circulating or any virus/pathogen for that matter. This behavior was both utterly irresponsible and reprehensible. Hopefully no one followed his ill founded and ignorant medical advice and was injured as a consequence.

“Pointing out the shortcomings of his actions and requesting via e-mail he desist elicited no response from him or the then international director of MUFON. You can still find the offer on his web site; Google 'national UFO center flu lights'. I bet he would still sell you one, too. Awesome PR for MUFON.

“Are these the actions of an organization espousing dedication to the principles of science and claiming the mantle of scientific respectability? The most charitable assessment of such behavior is that it is tragically funny. But you can see that it might veer rapidly into something not very humorous at all. It certainly does not build a positive public image.

“This is a single example of MUFON doing damage to itself. It might be a good time for the new director to take a hard look at the upper echelon and how well they represent the organization. In addition, it might be an opportune moment to consider which UFO researchers MUFON wishes to promote and feature at their meetings. How long can the leading UFO research organization continue to offer symposia packed with charlatans and propagators of pure hot air while wondering why the scientific community stays aloof? One of the speakers this year, a physicist by the way, noted the lack of open interest was due to the fact that scientists feared the reactions. I do not agree with his assessment, but while I feel free to pursue UFO research, I would be quite concerned about being linked to an organization that allows its leaders to promote medical quackery among other bizarre ideas.

“Time for a long overdue change.”

In May of 2011 Dr. Kokjohn created the following video, Alien Abductions - Seeing the Light, in which he explored issues surrounding the ill advised flu lights:

Readers might also choose to directly review the unsupported flu light claims:

Filer's Files #48, November 25, 2009

The Final Product

Perhaps in the end it all comes down to the primary objectives of the MUFON board of directors. Regardless of the specific person at the helm, the names of those who fill the seats on the board or the mission statement of the organization, maybe it all comes down to what is prioritized by the most ambitious members of the board.

Some may wonder if the board prioritizes much of anything at all, but just lets things happen until fires need putting out. Others might suspect the financial stability of the organization is the primary objective, resulting in little to no concern about adhering to the science-based mission statement as long as the public is purchasing products and services. Consideration should also be given to the challenges a board of directors has in overseeing and controlling activities conducted by volunteers spread out all over the United States and world. Yet others might turn their attention to strongly distrusting MUFON leadership, confidently suspecting numerous hidden agendas have been carried out over the years. Perhaps the actuality of the situation contains a bit of all of that.

Maybe, in the end, what is most relevant to the consumer is if they are pleased with the quality of the final product: the presentations and research offered. I invite consideration that we are the consumers, the customers, the potential funders of the organization.

Demand more quality. Do not settle for less. If your expectations are unfulfilled, find alternative sources. Stop seeking something, the scientific study of UFOs, from people who chronically promise it, yet repeatedly demonstrate no intention whatsoever of consistently providing it - whatever the reasons may ultimately be for the disconnect and unanswered questions.

MUFON, Science and Deception, Part One

The Mutual UFO Network recently announced its latest change in executive directors. David “The Captain” MacDonald is vacating the position to be filled August 1 by Jan Harzan, a longtime member of the MUFON board of directors. Offered is a two-part post exploring recent MUFON history and circumstances, including comments provided by scientists, UFO investigators and MUFON members, both past and present.

The French Connection

Alejandro Rojas reported the MUFON leadership change in an article published July 23. The article also stated there was a “partnership” between MUFON and GEIPAN, a French organization dedicated to investigating aerial phenomena.

According to its website, GEIPAN consists of two full-time staff: a manager and an assistant. The small agency is funded by The National Center for Space Studies (CNES) and depends on external support for such resources as investigations and monitoring cases.

“National Defense operates at several levels in the operation of GEIPAN,” the site states, including representatives from the French Air Force, National Gendarmerie and National Police who act as consultants and sit on steering committees. Details of the relationship between MUFON and GEIPAN are unclear, as are the nature of specific talks conducted, proposed activities and methods of measuring success.

Four Executive Directors Since 2009

James Carrion was the designated leader of MUFON from 2006 until 2009, at which time he left in a storm of turmoil. A great deal of the controversy surrounded an unsteady alliance between MUFON and Robert Bigelow of Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies. Mr. Carrion accused members of the MUFON board of directors of several questionable actions, including enabling Mr. Bigelow to move funds and act on behalf of undisclosed financial sponsors. Many of the issues raised at the time remain unexplained.

Clifford Clift briefly took control of the MUFON bridge before passing the responsibilities to Mr. MacDonald at the beginning of 2012. Mr. Clift's term was largely characterized by the complaints of disgruntled volunteers, disappointed members and a distrusting public.

Unfortunately for MacDonald, his time as executive director will likely be most remembered for ill advised sensationalizing and what many refer to as sham inquiry, or the misrepresentation of nonscientific activities as science. Prior to the 2012 MUFON Symposium, MacDonald made a series of statements in which he encouraged the public to attend in order to witness “major” and “blockbuster” announcements. He explained that the announcements involved information and material so sensitive that “proper security protocols” were required. It all turned out to be about the journals of deceased researcher Leonard Stringfield and the work of investigator Harry Drew concerning an already known story of an alleged 1953 UFO crash.

The circumstances were widely interpreted as insults to intelligence, and universally viewed as damaging to the credibility of MacDonald and MUFON. He defended his actions and denied he exaggerated the importance of the announcements, informing this writer that importance was in the eye of the beholder.

Jan Harzan

MacDonald and his organization arguably took sham inquiry to new ufology lows when the 2013 MUFON Symposium and its theme, “Science, UFOs and the Search for ET,” included a number of speakers that could be reasonably described as scientific embarrassments. Dumbfounding to even remotely discerning members of the UFO community, Harzan told the Las Vegas Sun just before the conference that science and ufology are “one in the same.”

MacDonald was emailed in preparation for this post. He was offered opportunities to comment on aspects of his position as executive director that he found most and least rewarding, as well as additional thoughts he might choose to express. He did not respond.

Executive director elect Jan Harzan is currently the MUFON Southern California assistant state director. Some are hopeful he will ring in a new era of scientific investigation, functional public relations and organizational accountability. Others, however, are much less optimistic due to such circumstances as Harzan's long standing position on the tumultuous board of directors and questionable situations originating out of MUFON Southern California. Harzan did not respond to multiple requests to answer a few questions for inclusion in this post.

Purported Scientific Study of UFOs

Robert Sheaffer

“If Mr. Harzan thinks that UFOlogy as MUFON has been practicing it is 'scientific,' then he is quite mistaken,” Robert Sheaffer told The UFO Trail when asked to comment for this post. “Real science relies on facts, not conjecture, and the assumption of covert interstellar visitors is perhaps the least likely explanation for UFO reports. Google INTERSTELLAR TRAVEL PREPOSTEROUS to see my article on Bad UFOs explaining why this is true.”

Mr. Sheaffer is a writer, maintains the blog Bad UFOs and is a retired Silicon Valley data communications engineer. He was a presenter at The Amazing Meeting 2013, an annual conference for skeptics, and is well known for such activities within ufology as being a founding member of the UFO Subcommittee of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

“The first organized scientific body in the world,” Sheaffer explained, “the Royal Society of London, took as its motto a Latin phrase that translates as 'take nobody's word for it.' That's what made them scientific: they stopped listening to stories about witches, ghosts, etc., and insisted on solid evidence. This allowed science to advance. Today we know that 'reliable eyewitness testimony' really isn't, so if all you have are stories about UFOs, instead of UFOs themselves, you really don't have anything.”

To the credit of MUFON, the keynote speaker at the 2013 MUFON Symposium, Dr. Francois Louange of IPACO, a company specializing in photo and video analysis, may very well significantly contribute to the future of ufology. Dr. Louange has indeed demonstrated a history of championing sound investigation principles and science within UFO research.

The invitation extended to Louange, however and as Sheaffer illustrated, does not exempt MUFON from warranted criticism concerning the inclusion of some scientifically reprehensible speakers. It should be noted that the circumstances not only occurred while the conference was misleadingly marketed as a fundamentally scientific event, but such incidents can be cited consistently taking place and spanning many years within an organization claiming to be dedicated to “the scientific study of UFOs for the benefit of humanity.”

“Conjectures are fine,” Frank Purcell explained, “but they are not science.”

Mr. Purcell is a retired process design engineer and holds a number of science-related degrees, including a Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Bachelors in Computer Science. A long time content contributor to The UFO Trail, Purcell wrote:

“Generally, for something to be considered for scientific study, controlled laboratory experiments are needed, but, not always; the example of the theory of evolution comes to mind as an empirical, fact based science. And another counter-example is astrophysics. While much is known, say, of stars, we don't have the ability to experiment with them. However, for stars and for evolution, and for other non-laboratory examples, there is a body of laboratory-based knowledge that supports theories of evolution and of astrophysics, i.e., biology in the case for evolution and physics for the astrophysics case.

“Turning our attention to ufology, while UFOs haven't been experimented on in laboratories what we do have are anecdotal reports, sometimes with physical evidence such as radar reports, photographs, film and even, occasionally, medical information from people interacting with UFOs. But an important distinction needs to be made if we contrast ufology with, say, evolution and astrophysics. With UFOs there is no body of laboratory based knowledge from which to draw reasonable theories. The best people can do is make conjectures.

“A scientific approach is to collect data and to develop many hypotheses with the goal of the hypotheses developed to fit the data. And it cannot be stressed enough that any conclusions or even a credible theory without direct evidence or a supporting background of knowledge are premature and not to be taken very seriously in any scientific sense.”

Current Challenges

Perhaps the public is tiring of such tactics as employed at the 2013 MUFON Symposium and their popularity will subsequently decline. After all, it is only when the demand for sensationalized sham inquiry subsides that the supply will follow. The MUFON treasurer, Thomas Whitmore, who is also a member of the board of directors, was emailed twice and asked to provide figures for the symposium. The attendance, revenue generated and cost of the event were specifically requested. No replies were received from Mr. Whitmore.

Whatever the financial bottom line may have been for the 2013 symposium, Harzan will have several challenges to address, and slowing the trend of dwindling membership will certainly be among them. The organization reported some 6,000 worldwide members in 1994. More recent reports include the MUFON Orange County website, which states “over 5,000” members, the main MUFON website puts the current figure at 2,800, while MUFON Georgia says there are “about 2,500” global members.

Steve Murillo

Steve Murillo and what used to be MUFON LA recently announced they were pulling down their shutter and forming a new group, the UFO and Paranormal Research Society. Founded July 15, the upstart's Meetup page indicates over 700 members. The UFO Trail offered Mr. Murillo an opportunity to comment for this post and inquired about MUFON LA jumping the fence. He replied July 27:

“Thanks for asking. The reason we split was pretty simple. My boss, the State Director for Southern California, began to meddle in the affairs of MUFON LA, and this after 12 years of autonomy where she was basically the 'invisible woman'. Recently, and for whatever reason, she decided she needed to insert herself into the day to day affairs of MUFON LA and my Field Investigators. She began sending them strange, rambling, unsolicited emails and a few even received phone calls. As a result of her uninvited communications, several of my best investigators quit. Then she had my Director of Field Investigations transferred. This guy had been with me for 10 years, and then suddenly, without consultation with me or any warning, he was moved.

“After all of this, I asked Jan Harzan, who will soon be the head of MUFON (if not so already) if after he took office would she still be my boss. He said yes, and I said 'in that case, I must tender my resignation'. I had originally intended to simply disband the organization and not continue with the monthly meetings. But my Board surprised me and almost all wanted to continue on with the meetings. So, we came up with the name and intend to carry on.”

The MUFON Southern California state director, Georgeanne Cifarelli, was subsequently emailed and offered an opportunity to comment on the circumstances surrounding Mr. Murillo and his peers at former MUFON LA. Ms. Cifarelli was also encouraged to provide comment on MUFON purporting to conduct scientific investigation. She stated, among other things, that she had no knowledge of the MUFON LA situation in the following July 28 reply:

“Please go to mufon.com and explore the world's largest international scientific organization composed of people seriously interested in studying and researching the phenomenon known as unidentified flying objects by combining their mutual talents, areas of expertise and investigative efforts. You may also order the Field Investigative Manual to understand MUFON'S CODE OF ETHICS.

“MUFON is a fine organization due in great part of the efforts by the volunteers. Field Investigators are trained and high standards of professionalism are required by MUFON. Ufology has a long history of fragmented relationships and research efforts due to political infighting, personal attacks, perceived competition, etc. MUFON is a team and it is important that you work as a team member in meeting MUFON's three primary goals of investigation, research, and education. All state officers are held to the highest standard in protecting the reputation of the organization and all of its projects and research programs. Denigration of anyone within MUFON or other UFO organizations is not acceptable behavior. MUFON appreciates that everyone is respectful, courteous, and professional.

“I have had a long run with MUFON since 1988 and have been fortunate to maintain a strong Chapter in MUFON. Everyone long involved in my Chapter is still involved. They are still here standing. I have also been fortunate to appoint experienced and skilled people to positions in Southern California that have dedication. There was only one unskilled volunteer whom I appointed in hopes they could be taught and become learned, however, that was not successful. Some positions are filled by MUFON members who although start off with good intentions, do not adequately perform the responsibilities of their position and is unfair to the vast majority of MUFON leaders and investigators who take their position seriously and work hard to fulfill responsibilities.

“I have no information on Journal Subscriber, Steve Murillo, nor have any interest to know. He has not been involved with my Los Angeles County Section for quite some time now. I also am not aware of his 'peers' you wrote about. I have no clue who they might be, so I can not comment, nor do I know about this new group you speak about, although I happen to know of the other smaller organizations in California if you'd like to know how to contact them for your articles.

“I am most pleased with the incoming new International Director. I am most certain he will excel. Should you come out my way perhaps I can arrange a dinner? You might want to interview our new International Director sometime in the near future.”

The state director's response was most appreciated. The UFO Trail replied July 29, supplying Ms. Cifarelli with a link to an article about MUFON LA disbanding and forming the UFO & Paranormal Research Society, in the event she should ever become inclined to acquaint herself with the circumstances. She was also informed that if she would care to act as a liaison to Director Harzan, her services would be most appreciated, as numerous attempts to obtain comment from the man, including for this post as well as circumstances concerning an appearance by Barbara Lamb at MUFON Orange County (which will be explored in Part Two), were not acknowledged by Harzan.

While The UFO Trail was most grateful for the time and attention Ms. Cifarelli invested in composing her comments, it was noted that she did not directly address the issue of MUFON purporting to conduct scientific investigation. She was subsequently asked to please provide a direct reply to how an organization claiming to be dedicated to scientific research could consistently participate in such activities as promoting the existence of ET-human hybrids as claimed by Barbara Lamb, inviting David Jacobs to present his unsubstantiated assertions and providing a venue for publishing misrepresentations contained in Filer's Files. Ms. Cifarelli did not immediately respond.

Antonio Paris

Antonio Paris is the founder and director of Aerial Phenomena Investigations (API), an organization aiming to revive ufology and bring more science to the subject. Mr. Paris recently launched a new API website and maintains a Twitter account with over 82,000 followers. According to his Amazon bio, Paris is a former US counterintelligence officer, holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and holds a Masters of Science in Planetary Science.

Paris is a certified MUFON STAR Team investigator and advocates cooperation between UFO organizations, researchers and the public. Among the more active figures in ufology, Paris consistently attends events and frequently conducts speaking engagements. Fresh off participating in a MUFON Maryland meeting where he discussed potential areas of improvement for MUFON, he offered the following comments for this article:

“As is the case with any enterprise, organizational change is critical to survival. MUFON today, in my opinion, is struggling with an identity crisis. If MUFON hopes to remain relevant in the UFO community, I sincerely hope Mr. Jan Harzan can revive MUFON back to the organization it was decades ago.

“After two years at MUFON, I quickly realized several problems that can be easily fixed by Mr. Harzan. The first and most important mission for Mr. Harzan is to ensure MUFON recalibrate its compass. After attending dozens of MUFON conferences nationally, for example, it is clear that MUFON has been inundated with topics that have nothing to do with Ufology – it is intoxicated with conspiracy theories, hoaxes, junk science, new age claptrap and a level of sensationalism that would make The National Enquirer envious. His first goal, therefore, should be to drain the swamp of all this garbage and bring the science back to the subject.

“Additionally, lackluster cooperation within MUFON itself and, more importantly, with other UFO organizations has derailed cooperative investigations. UFO investigations at MUFON are compartmentalized both within the organization and outside. Recently, the Director of Investigations for MUFON directed Field Investigators not to cooperate or work on team investigations with other UFO organizations. This directive, which in essence prohibits cooperation with the UFO community, will likely derail MUFON and lead to its demise. As a former Special Agent for the Department of Defense, I can assure you that not sharing investigative data with sister agencies (that have a need to know) will derail the investigation.

“Mr. Harzan, in my opinion, has the ability to revive MUFON. His dedication to MUFON, as exemplified in his years of service, clearly indicates he is committed to MUFON.”

...........................................................................................................................

MUFON, Science and Deception, Part Two 

Grant Cameron reports John Alexander confirmed MJ-12

Recently posted at Orlando Paranormal Examiner:

Researcher Grant Cameron published an article Friday in which he stated new evidence suggested the legendary Majestic 12 group was once a reality. In his piece titled, 'Is There a UFO Government Control Group? - New Evidence', Mr. Cameron wrote that retired Colonel John Alexander recently made statements helping confirm the previous existence of the MJ-12. 

[...]

However, Colonel Alexander apparently added that he thought the group prioritized other topics over UFOs. Cameron wrote that although Alexander's opinion of the mission of MJ-12 differed from the UFO control group interpretation, the significance of the colonel's statements could not be emphasized enough.

Others disagree and are much less enthusiastic about the situation, suggesting that if the documents were a hoax or product of state-sponsored disinformation in the first place, then Alexander's comments should be measured accordingly. Researchers such as Ryan Dube have long called the actions of the colonel into question.

In a 2010 article titled, 'John Alexander - Mr. Non-Lethal with Many Hands in Many Pots', Mr. Dube explored Alexander's career path through the military and intelligence communities, his research endeavors in both academia and private industry, and his activities in ufology. Dube's article might inspire readers to question whether intelligence officers become ufologists, ufologists become intelligence officers, or if there is at times no particular difference at all between the two job descriptions.

[...]

Dr. Michael S. Heiser took an interest in the MJ-12 documents. The Bible scholar authored a 2007 paper, 'The Majestic Documents: A Forensic Linguistic Report'. 

[...]

Heiser facilitated scientific forensic linguistic testing of select alleged MJ-12 documents. Tests were conducted by Dr. Carol Chaski, who, according to Heiser's paper, holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in linguistics from Brown University.

Dr Chaski examined purported MJ-12 documents bearing signatures and compared them to unrelated yet authenticated documents composed by the same authors. Testing involved comparing patterns of speech and uses of phrases, and Chaski's methods previously achieved a success rate of 95 percent accuracy.

Full article:

http://www.examiner.com/article/grant-cameron-reports-john-alexander-confirmed-mj-12

Those Mysterious Men and Their Flying Machines

Dr. Michael Heiser, who holds a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible, recently made a couple particularly noteworthy posts at his interesting blog, UFO Religions. In what has so far been a two-part post titled, Thoughts on a New Book About Triangular UFOs, Dr. Heiser explored the David Marler book, Triangular UFOs: An Estimate of the Situation.

Part one of Heiser's post included summaries and opinions of Mr. Marler's work, as well as thoughts on a foreword for the book provided by Colonel John Alexander. While Dr. Heiser commended Mr. Marler for his research and suggested the book to those interested in UFOs, Heiser also expressed concerns about glaring omissions of relevant data and as particularly committed by Colonel Alexander. The colonel continues to suggest he is willing and able to inform us which reported craft are ours - implying some are supposedly not - and in spite of at least pretending to be virtually oblivious to the history of man-made triangle craft and the interest held in them by two of his former employers, the Department of Defense and Robert Bigelow's National Institute of Discovery Science.

Heiser pointed out many relevant circumstances commonly omitted from discussion of the reported triangles, including declassified aircraft and dirigibles dated both old and new. The controversial activities and interests of the colonel as described in posts here at The UFO Trail were also referenced and linked.

Part two further questioned how Colonel Alexander could purportedly not be aware of quite human-created triangle craft that a couple hours of Internet research easily identifies to exist. Dr. Heiser presented many documents and related photos from such sources as the US Patent Office concerning triangle craft and what might likely be reported as unidentified flying objects. The point was effectively made by Heiser that omission of such data is indeed a disservice to the UFO community, while emphasizing that such information does not necessarily provide explanations for all reports.

Just a few of the craft and circumstances presented by Dr. Heiser included:

Popular Mechanics reported on the stealth blimp in 1999

A V-shaped high altitude airship. Note the large size
of the craft as demonstrated in the photos above and below.

Modern Mechanix reported on
fascinating dirigibles, circa 1934.

The DoD's stealth worm airship can conduct surveillance
at tens of thousands of feet for days at a time

Aerial Phenomenon Investigations

Meanwhile, the Aerial Phenomenon Investigations Team, known as API, launched a new website. Dedicated to conducting investigations, research and analysis of UFOs and other aerial phenomena, the group and its director, Antonio Paris, vow to bring more science to the often misdirected and wayward field of ufology.

The new website includes a page on man-made flying objects. Below are some of the many interesting photos presented. Visitors to the site are encouraged to register, allowing them to comment, submit posts and more.

   

  

Move Over Terminator, Make Room for ATLAS

DARPA's most advanced humanoid yet, ATLAS

Defense contractors rolled out ATLAS, one of the most advanced humanoids ever built, at the DARPA Robotics Challenge conducted Thursday. The robot has two arms, two legs and stands over six-feet tall. It weighs in at 330 lbs. and has 28 hydraulically activated joints that assist in natural movement and what is termed “user-programmed behavior”.

ATLAS can walk up stairs, climb over objects and maneuver its way around obstacles. The advanced robot can withstand hits from heavy objects and is equipped with a variety of sensors that alert its human operator to environmental factors.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency reported ATLAS may increase abilities of first responders during disaster scenarios. They also reported that ATLAS is but one of the robots in its increasing arsenal.

“We have dramatically raised the expectations for robotic capabilities,” said Gill Pratt, program manager for the DARPA Robotics Challenge.