By Steve Hammons
People who wonder about or even actively research the topics of UFOs and visitors from elsewhere sometimes begin with certain assumptions that may only be partially correct.
We might assume that if we are being visited, these intelligent beings are all biological life forms, though they might be quite different from humans.
We could also conclude that they are from another planet and they travel here aboard advanced spacecraft, possibly warping or surfing space-time in some way.
However, there are also theories and indications that, although those basic concepts might generally be accurate in some cases, there could be other developments going on as well.
For example, it might be possible that there are several kinds of intelligent visitors on Earth. Some researchers also suggest that certain unconventional beings might not be visitors at all, but somehow native to our planet, though they reside in hidden dimensions or operate in mysterious ways.
And even those who do travel here from a home world of some kind might also be able to visit us by slipping in and out of these mysterious dimensions without the need for sophisticated spacecraft.
In addition, although many might be biological entities or have a biological component, some anomalous beings might be some kind of energy operating outside of what we think of as normal biological life.
MYSTERIES WITHIN MYSTERIES
The other important questions regarding either extraterrestrial visitors from another planet or other mysterious beings of various kinds involve their possible motives and objectives. Are they friendly, hostile or somewhere in between? If there is some hidden agenda, what is it?
Are they straightforward and honest or deceptive? And if there deception – why? Is it simply “operational security (OPSEC)” of the kind we use ourselves in certain activities to help ensure success? If so, this could work to our benefit if their mission is to help us.
Some people believe in angels and the activities of good entities who watch over us and help humankind in many ways. These types of beings, if they truly exist, are said to operate in discreet, unseen and secret ways, much like some sort of intelligence agents.
Could other kinds of intelligent beings, including extraterrestrial and/or extra-dimensional ones, also work in similar secretive and covert ways?
A related consideration is that other intelligent beings, possibly of many kinds, could be trying to educate us and affect our thinking. They might be waiting for, or even actively assisting humanity in the development of a more advanced consciousness within us.
People try to persuade and influence each other all the time through many kinds of “perception management.” These can be applied constructively to help a target population or damaging if used toward harmful outcomes.
Some researchers indicate that the field of study involving UFOs, extraterrestrials and other mysterious kinds of phenomena is full of deception and perception management cover stories, both by the unusual phenomena themselves and by some of the humans involved in trying to deal with them.
PREPAREDNESS AND DISCLOSURE
When we discuss the idea of “disclosure” of government files about UFOs and visitors from the stars or other dimensions, we might also want to recognize the limitations of what this alleged government-held information might tell us.
There certainly seem to be strong indications that the U.S. and other governments and organizations have been looking into these kinds of anomalous phenomena for quite a while, at least since the mid-1940s. There has probably been useful information obtained as well as attempts to interpret what it all means.
Puzzle pieces involving possible different technologies and various types of beings could be part of these scenarios. And, it is also possible that we have not yet put all the puzzle pieces together. There still may be several unknowns in play.
A major consideration in greater understanding about these possibilities seems to be the mental, emotional and even spiritual preparedness of humans about these mysteries.
And, it may not be so simple as friendly visitors from another planet who want to help us and show us their advanced technologies, though those could be aspects of the situation.
This is why some people advocate a safe and discreet orientation and acclimation process to educate Americans and people worldwide about the nature of the possible elements involved.
It might not be simply that “we are not alone.” The very nature of Nature and the dynamics of the Universe or multi-verse around us and within us might be different than what we learned in school.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Extraterrestrials may not need UFOs to visit us on Earth
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Intelligence officials may have unique approaches for UFOs, ETs
By Steve Hammons
If extraterrestrial and/or extra-dimensional beings or other intelligences are visiting Earth as some researchers suspect, are we approaching the situation in the best way?
This discussion has been in the news recently due to the comments of physicists Stephen Hawking and Paul Davies as well as other emerging developments.
As reported in the book "Hunt for the Skinwalker" by scientist Colm Kelleher, PhD, and journalist George Knapp, researcher Jacques Vallee recounts a situation in his own book "Messengers of Deception" that describes his interaction with a person he calls “Major Murphy.”
Vallee wrote, “Then he posed a question that, obvious as it seems, had not really occurred to me: ‘What makes you think UFOs are a scientific problem?’”
Vallee said to Murphy, “The UFO phenomenon could be controlled by alien beings.”
To this, Murphy responded, “If it is, then the study of it doesn’t belong in science. It belongs in intelligence.”
“Meaning counterespionage,” Vallee noted. “And that, he [Murphy] pointed out, was his domain.”
Murphy told Vallee, “In the field of counterespionage, the rules are completely different.”
Murphy advised Vallee “ ... you should look for the irrational, the bizarre, the elements that do not fit ... Have you ever felt you were getting close to something that didn’t seem to fit any rational pattern, yet gave you the strong impression that it was significant?”
TRANSCENDENT INTELLIGENCE
Does Vallee’s mysterious source Major Murphy have a point? Is the conventional scientific approach used by humans in our current stage of understanding the only or best way to deal with the question of possible anomalous visitation to Earth and contact with humans?
We might consider the same question when pondering other interesting phenomena. What about life after death and the alleged dimension we call the afterlife? How about extrasensory perception (ESP) of various kinds?
There may be several complementary paths that can be used to explore these and other fascinating topics. The conventional scientific approach has an important role. First-hand experiences and intuitive perception about certain phenomena might also be helpful.
And, as Major Murphy told Vallee, intelligence and counterintelligence concepts and methods might also be valuable and useful. The integration of these different ways of perceiving current situations might lead to a synergy of transcendent perspective and understanding.
Maybe this is part of what has been termed “transcendent warfare.” The phrase was used by a Navy SEAL officer for a research paper about the U.S. defense and intelligence program on advanced human perception, Project STAR GATE.
The follow-on concept of “transcendent power” is meant to be one that is complementary to and synergistic with the military, diplomatic and persuasive elements called “hard power,” “soft power” and “smart power.” Major Murphy might have even been referring to something we could call “transcendent intelligence and counterintelligence.”
ADVANCED UNCONVENTIONAL OSINT
Just as average people from many walks of life try to become familiar with scientific developments, current events and contemporary issues of various kinds, our exposure to intelligence concepts might also be helpful.
In fact, “open source intelligence (OSINT)” is simply the information out there in the media, the Web, books, movies, TV shows and elsewhere that we can access and interpret. In this sense, all people can become agents of transcendent intelligence. This perspective about the grassroots awareness and empowerment of average human beings might also create increased synergy that can contribute to progress in many areas of human development.
When it comes to normal current events as well as unconventional topics such as UFOs, ETs, ESP, life after death and angels, a higher intelligence and many other mysteries of Nature and the Universe, we probably all have potential access to greater understanding.
We might even consider that OSINT, though it typically refers to gathering open information from conventional sources, might also have leading-edge aspects related to unusual or alternative acquisition of knowledge and understanding.
That is, greater perception by average people at the grassroots can include normal information-gathering and more forward-leaning methods, such as intuition and advanced perception that have been identified by U.S. intelligence and defense programs such as Project STAR GATE.
By exploring these kinds of transcendent intelligence, it is possible that we can learn more about the many mysteries that seem to hold the potential for important discoveries.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Awareness grows about extraterrestrials, consciousness, emerging mysteries
By Steve Hammons
Researchers, journalists and others seem to be re-evaluating reports about unconventional U.S. defense and intelligence activities regarding contact and interaction with extraterrestrial life.
The “situation awareness” about possible visitation to Earth by extraterrestrials, as well as other emerging scientific understanding about many phenomena, appears to be steadily improving.
The nature of time and space, advanced research in human consciousness and the nature of apparent mysterious intelligences in the Universe or “multi-verse” are just a few of the key areas in leading-edge and forward-leaning investigations.
There are specific areas of interest and study as well as broad themes and indications that probably are worth paying significant attention to.
There are misconceptions as well as misinformation about some anomalous and mysterious phenomena. And, there are many areas of importance that we just don’t fully understand, according to some researchers.
RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION
To address, respond to and enhance increasing interest in various kinds of edge-science developments, new education, communication and information platforms are coming forward.
For example, Open Minds Production in Tempe, Arizona, provides online news, radio, TV and related resources about certain unconventional areas of study. Their Open Minds magazine also explores extraterrestrial contacts, UFO research and other fascinating topics.
Interestingly, Tempe is also home to Arizona State University’s Beyond Center for Fundamental Research, led by Dr. Paul Davies, author of the book The Eerie Silence: Renewing Our Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. The Beyond Center, staffed by ASU professors from diverse fields, is investigating and discussing a wide and deep range of emerging scientific knowledge.
The new magazine EdgeScience, associated with the Society for Scientific Exploration, recently published its third edition. This publication also looks at forward-leaning views and research in a variety of scientific fields.
And, information continues to surface about the U.S. defense and intelligence communities’ research into human consciousness, extrasensory perception and remote viewing.
Usually referred to by the final code name known to the public, Project STAR GATE, these research and operational intelligence activities provided tremendous new understanding about the potential of human perception and awareness.
Through these and other efforts, there appears to be increasing awareness that there is much to be learned and understood about unknowns and mysteries in Nature around us and within us.
SECRET GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
The recent attention paid to an account of the alleged U.S. investigation, apprehension, interrogation and “deportation” of a human-looking extraterrestrial reflects changing perspectives on such possible situations.
Referred to as “Operation TANGO-SIERRA” in recent online accounts, in 1980 U.S. defense and intelligence agents reportedly intervened in the ongoing contact between the extraterrestrial and a federal employee that had begun in 1977.
The initial source for this report is allegedly one of a handful of current and former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) officials who for the last several years have been releasing information about U.S. government activities involving extraterrestrial contact.
The DIA source put a researcher and educator, Victor Martinez, in touch with another source from an unnamed government agency. Martinez then passed the report on via e-mail to a large list of researchers, current and former government officials, and others.
These same current or former DIA officials had reportedly followed similar procedures leading up to the release of information in late 2005 about an exchange program between the U.S. and a friendly extraterrestrial race of beings.
The program, which reportedly began in the early 1960s, sent 12 carefully selected and trained U.S. military personnel to the home planet of these extraterrestrials for a planned ten-year stay.
The effort, referred to in the releases as “Project SERPO,” may have been the basis for part of Steven Spielberg’s 1977 movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Are reports about Operation TANGO-SIERRA and Project SERPO entirely true? Are they partially accurate mixed with inaccurate information? This is obviously difficult to determine. It is possible that there are truths “between the lines,” though the details might be altered or even untrue.
The broad concepts about UFOs, extraterrestrial visitation and U.S. government engagement in the situation may, though, be truthful. What general messages can be taken from these two accounts?
It seems that some of the main themes are: ETs and possibly other anomalous intelligences are here on Earth, certain U.S. government elements have been actively involved for quite a while and the situation is complex, sensitive and challenging.
In addition, the wider public may have a “need to know” through a gradual, safe and steady process of information, communication, education and acclimation.
For more information, visit Open Minds Production at OpenMinds.tv, the Arizona State University Beyond Center and the first three editions of EdgeScience magazine on the Web site of the Society for Scientific Exploration.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Human-looking ETs secretly in US?
By Steve Hammons
According to accounts released Saturday, April 24, 2010, by the coordinator of an e-mail news and information service, officials of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) and other U.S. government agencies have been involved in security activities regarding human-appearing extraterrestrial beings in the U.S.
Victor Martinez, the e-mail information coordinator, is a former federal employee with an interest in space, defense and current affairs. Recipients of his e-mail news items include a wide variety of people interested in emerging and leading-edge scientific and other developments.
In his April 24 information release, Martinez quoted one of his alleged established contacts, one of a handful of current or former officials of the DIA, regarding any new or updated information on extraterrestrial encounters that would be of interest to the public.
The DIA contact reportedly provided information about the monitoring and intervention by U.S. officials regarding a particular extraterrestrial being posing as a human within the U.S., Martinez wrote in his e-mail report.
The contact also noted the more general issue of extraterrestrials visiting Earth who may blend in with the human population, for various reasons.
According to Martinez, his contact stated, “In reference to your repeated requests to present some new information never before disclosed to the public … I went outside of our agency to close intelligence contacts of mine and secured the following … I just received information on a highly sensitive operation code-named ‘Operation TANGO-SIERRA’ that occurred in early 1980. It involved U.S. intelligence capturing an alien being living among us.”
FEDERAL EMPLOYEE ABDUCTED
The contact also allegedly told Martinez, “Here is the story. Personally, I've never heard of this particular operation before in all of my years in intelligence circles and employment. This information extracted about the alien is still highly classified and extremely difficult to obtain.”
“From what I've learned, except for former presidents Carter, Reagan and Bush I, most presidents since then have not been briefed on this specific operation.”
Martinez went on to report that an apparently new source, established via his long-time contacts, provided additional details on this alleged operation.
The new source reportedly wrote, “I am an intelligence colleague of the man whom you have come know as ‘Anonymous’ who has asked me to brief you on a very special USG operation.”
“I was directly involved with ‘Operation TANGO-SIERRA.’ It involved the finding, tracking and eventual capture of an extraterrestrial entity.”
“The original operation began in early 1980 when an Earth female was identified by U.S. intelligence as being a so-called ‘alien abductee.’ She had been abducted by a male non-human in 1977 which was her first abduction,” the source allegedly told Martinez.
“This woman was single, 23-years-old and a trusted, well-respected U.S. government employee.”
“The male non-human showed the Earth woman abductee projections of alien life on another planet. The projection was from a small, triangle device. The woman viewed this projection which she described as images displayed in a 3-dimensional ‘holographic’ view.”
The information source also claimed, “The male non-human never harmed the Earth woman abductee. During the three years of her ongoing abduction, the Earth woman was taken by the male non-human through a ‘veil of light’ to another place. The Earth woman described this place as being ‘a light bubble.’ She would sit inside the bubble and view these holographic projections with the male non-human.”
“On one occasion, the male non-human introduced the Earth woman to another male, whom the Earth woman described in debriefing details as not being human, i.e., not being an Earth male abductee. The Earth woman called this other being a 'creature.’”
“This creature performed a medical examination on the Earth woman. The woman did not fully consent to the alien's examination as she was temporarily paralyzed. After the examination, the woman was taken back to her residence.”
COUNTERMEASURE OPERATION BEGINS
According to Martinez’ source or sources, this federal employee’s experience triggered an investigation. The source reportedly stated, “When the Earth woman brought up her abduction by a male alien to the attention of a co-worker, the co-worker contacted an office security official, who then contacted U.S. intelligence officials.”
“U.S. intelligence spent hours and hours vetting the woman's story, conducting thorough background investigations, performing surveillance, and administering several polygraph examinations.”
“The Earth woman's story was eventually deemed to be factually true and correct. U.S. intelligence then mounted a very special, highly classified operation to capture this alien being, who lived near Landover, Maryland.”
The source(s) also claimed, “In early 1980, the 7602 Air Intelligence Wing, Section III, began a detailed, intense investigation involving the presence of extraterrestrial creatures having infiltrated the highest levels of the United States government.”
“This information originated from several abductees, who underwent extensive screening to determine their credibility.”
“With the assistance of the 4th District, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, a highly classified operation was launched, code named: ‘Operation TANGO-SIERRA’ to find, detain and debrief that ‘human’ and determine whether or not he was an actual extraterrestrial creature/non-human and an imminent or potential threat to our national security.”
“The entire operation lasted five months and involved approximately 60 intelligence officers. Every intelligence gathering capability was utilized at the time: Ground, aerial surveillance, telephone wiretaps, photographic evidence and other undisclosed clandestine operations were all conducted and some simultaneously in concert with one another.”
The source also stated, "The non-human entity was quickly identified, carefully watched, photographed and eventually captured near a shopping mall (southeast of Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland) after it walked up an embankment. It was quickly determined that this male alien had no special powers nor abilities.”
“The male non-human voluntarily complied with the U.S. intelligence AFOSI special agents and went quietly and without incident. The male non-human was then remanded to custody and placed in captivity at Ft. Belvoir Army Post, Virginia.”
NON-HUMAN INTERROGATED
Martinez’ source(s) also allegedly reported, “The male non-human was interrogated by teams of AFOSI special agents over several weeks and in total was questioned and intensely interrogated for many months by other agencies.”
“It was during this time that the male non-human disclosed its race, its resident planet and the reason it came to Earth. The male alien basically cooperated and provided details of its life on his alien home world.”
“The non-human entity was released on the direct orders of then President Carter in late 1980, and subsequently left Earth and returned to its home planet.”
“The male non-human originated from the star system Delta Pavonis, 20 light-years from Earth where it was the 4th planet from their sun. It is roughly the same size as our Earth.”
“We called the captured alien Septeloids. That was the identifying alien species name given to them by the astrobiologists on our team. I have no idea how they picked that name as well as some of the other odd-sounding alien species names ending with the suffix of ‘loid.’”
“The travel time to Earth was 18 Earth months using a very complex propulsion system and time-space displacement travel mode. Back then in 1980, we could not understand the alien propulsion system and we never saw his spacecraft.”
“When President Carter let the male non-human leave, he just vanished. I was never in the intelligence loop as to how he left or how he departed Earth,” Martinez’ source reportedly stated.
“These aliens from Delta Pavonis have been visiting Earth for 100 Earth years. Apparently, they could assume the human shape and form and easily live among us.”
“I'm not sure how they learned English so well nor other languages. You've got to remember that this was extreme compartmentalization. I knew just what I was suppose to know. There is much more to the alien debriefing that I do not know.”
“From what I've learned over the years, this race of alien beings originally came to Earth as explorers about a century ago.”
“With respect to the male non-human’s employment, he worked as a records keeper for the U.S. Dept. of Commerce in Washington D.C. He was able to manufacture his own identification documents by assuming the name/ID of a deceased Earth human.”
“He was in a career that did not require a high-level security clearance thereby enabling him to escape the much greater scrutiny given to ‘Secret’ clearance level background checks and above.”
ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATIVE OUTCOMES
Martinez quotes his source as stating, “Although they possessed the human shape, form and basic anatomy, they were not human beings like you and me. Their actual, normal, ‘real’ appearance was that of a hideous-looking creature that would most certainly scare, frighten and terrify a normal Earth human.”
“Above all, they did not have any extra powers nor abilities. They had no weapons and never tried to harm Earth humans. Their sole intent and stated mission was that they just wanted to study Earth humans and obtain the basic structure of the human body, anatomy and social interplay.”
“I don't know how many others of this specific type of aliens were among us as I was not authorized that specific highly classified information,” the source reportedly told Martinez.
“However, I am positive that there were more similar-type operations than just this one. ‘Operation TANGO-SIERRA’ was just one operation that lasted nine months from start to finish in the D.C. area.”
“U.S. intelligence had more such operations around the U.S., with one in the southwest and another in the northwest, but I don't know for sure on the location details.”
In apparent response to a question Martinez posed, the source reportedly responded, “As for other visiting alien races, we knew of nine of them.”
“The Ebens were the nicest while the Trantaloids were the ugliest, meanest sons-a-bitches and most dangerous.”
“I only know that the very inner circle of our government knows. That is about all I can tell you. I never spoke with the male non-human in ‘Operation TANGO-SIERRA,’ but I was actively involved in this operation. Most of the older fellows who knew all of this are dead now. Former CIA Director Richard M. Helms was our boss for this operation. He died some years ago.
Martinez noted in his report that Navy Adm. Stansfield Turner was CIA director at the time.
“The CIA/DIA/NSA were all involved as well as one or two FBI special agents, but they were never fully briefed.”
“The lead agency was the 7602nd that operated out of Ft. Belvoir. Those guys were the best of the best. I was the lead case officer for the surveillance part of the operation. I was very good at that. I was trained by the best and worked inside the old Soviet Union for many, many years.”
“I could follow the devil around and he would never know it. Most of the UFO operations – clandestine, that is – were performed by the 7602nd.”
“In fact, the CIA came to them for their specialized training. The 7602nd Air Intelligence Wing remained secret for many years. Although it was a U.S. Air Force unit, the unit contained all branches of the armed forces except the Marines ... we never could train those guys!”
Martinez’ alleged new contact also reportedly advised him, “Your Anonymous source is probably someone I know since we have a very close-knit intel group who meets about once a month where we discuss items of mutual interest. We all live in the [REDACTED] and [REDACTED]. We have many intel contacts in Texas, especially Austin.”
“We used to have a much larger group, but over the years, time has taken its share of our beloved, cherished friends ... ”
“I hope all of this works out for you. Good luck, Mr. Martinez.”
FURTHER RELATED BACKGROUND
One of Martinez' sources also commented on other longstanding reports within the leading-edge community researching allegations of extraterrestrial visitation to Earth.
"The ‘Yellow Book’ is quite an extraordinary piece of alien technology. It was given to us by the Ebens. It tells the entire history of their race, planet and most of the history of the universe as well as our own. As far as I know, no one has ever viewed the ‘Yellow Book’ to its very end. As you stated in one of your releases, it would take an entire lifetime to read it and yet another to understand it.”
Martinez indicates he posed a question to the source about the alleged operation that has been referred to as "Project SERPO,” a mission reportedly begun in the early 1960s that sent a 12-person team of specially-trained U.S. military personnel on a planned ten-year exchange program to the Ebens’ home planet.
“I was briefed into this very special project many years ago, but only as a trainer. I was not sure of the exact nature of this project until I read all about it on the Serpo.org Web site.”
“Like all other operations and special projects, SERPO was highly compartmentalized. I have now read the entire SERPO story, which I never knew was even posted on the Internet until I was placed in contact with you. I learned much from it and it looks like you pretty much have the entire story.”
“I congratulate and commend you for getting this very important piece of America's ‘hidden’ history out. I really enjoyed reading this information. I just shared it with many of my old intel friends – and they knew about it! It's truly an amazing story … ”
“I guess there still is a controversy on whether two women went or not. At least one went for sure. I knew six of them while in training as their instructor. Two were nurses, one was a linguist and I'm not sure about the others with the passage of time.”
Martinez claims his source also explained, “There was a ‘Group-6’ that was involved in the Roswell Incident cover up. ‘Group-6’ controlled the administrative side of all UFO investigations at the time. It was centered in New Mexico.”
“It primarily involved the 1121 Special Activities Squadron of the USAF. It also thoroughly investigated the famous Lonnie Zamora contact incident of Friday, April 24, 1964, in Socorro, NM; I remember it well because I was stationed in NM then.”
“There was in fact an MJ-12 group which stood for ‘Majority Group-12.’ It was comprised of 12 USG officials who controlled, managed and directed every aspect of the UFO phenomenon. Most of the officials were governmental types, but some were not. That ‘MJ-12’ name was changed some years ago which I understand you know.”
The source also reportedly stated to Martinez that the home world of the alleged hostile alien species, the Trantaloids, “is the third planet out from the star Epsilon Eridani in the constellation Eridanus at 10.5 light-years away. Although somewhat cooler and fainter than our sun, it is very similar.”
Martinez’ source also advised him that “ … since this information originated outside of our agency, this is all I can provide you with at the moment.”
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Can troops find hidden bombs with sixth sense?
By Steve Hammons
Recent research has determined that some U.S. military personnel are better than others in the ability to detect hidden improvised explosive devices (IEDs). But why?
According to a U.S. Army research project, troops raised in rural and forested areas seemed to be better at it. Troops who grew up in tough urban areas also seem to excel in this kind of perception.
The common denominator is “situational awareness (SA)” that is key to hunting and being aware in the natural environment as well as in dangerous neighborhoods where people can become a victim of violence or other crime.
But what other important factors might be in play? And how might the understanding of human perception and consciousness benefit all of us?
In the first issue of the fascinating new magazine EdgeScience (October 2009 edition), editor Patrick Huyghe’s article “Straight from the Gut” explored the two-year Army study on perception led by researcher and psychologist Steven Burnett. Huyghe also took a look at some of the media coverage on the study.
In addition, he notes the work of other well-known researchers on human consciousness who propose that other interesting elements may affect troops’ abilities to perceive IEDs.
These theories, backed up by significant research, note that hunches, intuition and gut feelings might be linked to the acquisition of information through human consciousness in ways we do not fully understand.
The conscious perception that something is going on that we need to be aware of might be related to factors other than clues in the physical environment that troops and all of us process consciously and unconsciously.
In some cases, another kind of perception may kick in. These may be split-second premonitions or what has been called “presentiment.” Troops and all humans (and maybe many animals) can use perceptual abilities and resources that have sometimes been called “anomalous cognition” of various types.
The recognition of danger, linked directly to personal and group survival, is a fundamental priority of human consciousness. As part of this perceptual priority, do we have a “sixth sense” that supplements and assists our other five senses of sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste?
MEDIA COVERAGE
In Huyghe’s EdgeScience magazine piece, he examined the New York Times article on the Army study by Benedict Carey who Huyghe described as "an experienced science writer hired by the Times in 2004 to cover human behavior and psychology.” The headline of Carey’s July 27, 2009, article was “In Battle, Hunches Prove to be Valuable.”
In Carey’s article, he notes, “The United States military has spent billions on hardware, like signal jamming technology, to detect and destroy” IEDs. He also explains that IEDs “have proved to be the greatest threat in Iraq and now in Afghanistan.”
“Still, high-tech gear, while helping to reduce casualties, remains a mere supplement to the most sensitive detection system of all – the human brain. Troops on the ground, using only their senses and experience, are responsible for foiling many IED attacks,” Carey wrote.
Carey also pointed out, “Everyone has hunches – about friends’ motives, about the stock market, about when to fold a hand of poker and when to hold it. But United States troops are now at the center of a large effort to understand how it is that in a life-or-death situation, some people’s brains can sense danger and act on it well before others do.”
Another article, this one in the Los Angeles Times, also examined the Army study. “Some troops have a sixth sense for bombs” was written by Tony Perry and published Oct. 28, 2009.
Reporting from the U.S. Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, Calif., Perry wrote, “Military researchers have found that two groups of personnel are particularly good at spotting anomalies: those with hunting backgrounds, who traipsed through the woods as youths looking to bag a deer or turkey; and those who grew up in tough urban neighborhoods, where it is often important to know what gang controls which block.”
Perry added, “Of the bombs spotted before they could kill or maim, an estimated 90% were detected by someone, for instance, sensing something amiss along a dusty roadside in the southern Afghan province of Helmand or a crowded street in the western Iraqi city of Fallouja.”
Both articles by Carey and Perry examined the Army research project in some depth, interviewed researchers and troops, and explored theories of training to perceive threats and possible psychological aspects of this perception.
But, did either article (or the Army researchers) “take the next step” as EdgeScience magazine editor Huyghe called it?
Huyghe pointed out in his article that extensive studies “show that the brain actually anticipates emotionally charged situations, not only before the person is aware of them, but before any hint of them is available in any way, shape, or form.”
In other words, there are significant experimental and experiential indications that we have the capability to perceive things before they happen in linear time.
This view is consistent with research from the U.S. joint military and intelligence project of the 1970s, ‘80s and early ‘90s generally referred to as Project STAR GATE. This project documented and used aspects of human perception and human consciousness that did “take the next step.”
A subsequent 2001 research paper by a Navy SEAL officer, prepared as part of his studies at the Marine Corps War College, proposed that implications from Project STAR GATE seem to demonstrate the advantages of learning more about human perceptual abilities.
In addition, he suggested that incorporating this kind of emerging understanding can be a key part of what he called “transcendent warfare.”
Project STAR GATE research and operational activities involved what some might call extrasensory perception (ESP). The project involved strict protocols trying to make use of this kind of perception. These formal procedures and methods were key parts of what was eventually called “remote viewing.”
Science journalists could focus more on these developments. In fact, journalists covering many kinds of beats may find important elements related to their work.
SITUATION AWARENESS
Interestingly, in the second edition of EdgeScience magazine (January-March 2010), a letter to the editor was published that provided more useful information on these subjects.
EdgeScience reader John MacLean explained that as a college instructor in Utah, he teaches a class in the “Technology Management Program” called “Reliability Engineering and Safety.” MacLean noted, “One of the chapters in this course is situational awareness.”
MacLean provided a short definition of situation awareness (SA): knowing what is going on around you.
In addition to MacLean’s succinct definition, SA has also been described as the perception of environmental factors within time and space, understanding the meaning of the factors and anticipating possible outcomes in the near future.
SA has become an important area in military activities, aviation safety, emergency services, critical engineering operations and similar fields.
“In this class we discuss how to have situational awareness and how to recognize when you have lost it. There are 11 clues that can be observed in one’s operating vocations that tell you that you are losing your situational awareness,” Maclean explained.
He points out in his letter to the editor that the 11 clues to the loss of situational awareness are primarily involved with conventional awareness of instrumentation, communication, adherence to standard procedures and similar aspects.
However, he notes that one of the clues involves “confusion, apprehensive feeling or gut feeling that something is wrong."
MacLean wrote, “Many dismiss various explanations as the subconscious observing a bad developing situation or seeing several of the clues by the subconscious. Personally, although some of these other explanations may be valid, I am wondering if precognition may be operable in these situations that are generally life threatening.”
MacLean goes on to explain how this “gut feeling” clue appears to have been demonstrated. He wrote, “An incident several years ago occurred with a Flying Tigers Airlines 747 on approach to Kuala Lumpur in Indonesia in the middle of a very dark night. From the direction they were on approach, the Instrument Landing System was out of service and they would have had to go another hundred miles to come in from the other direction where it was in service.”
“While several of the clues to losing awareness were eventually present, the first officer tried to get the captain to do the fly around, saying on three occasions, ‘Captain, I really don’t feel good about this, let’s go around and use the instrument system.’ These protestations occurred before any of the other clues were observable,” MacLean said.
“Because of the ultimate presence of several of the clues, unrecognized, they flew into a mountain. The other four clues were observable only just prior to the crash. From the data I observed in this incident, it appears the first officer’s comments were begun at least 15-20 minutes prior to the other four clues being observable.”
MacLean concludes his letter with a thank you to EdgeScience editor Huyghe. “The info you supplied in your article ('Straight From the Gut,' EdgeScience No.1) will be valuable in my class when we discuss situational awareness. I can’t put my finger on it precisely, but I have a feeling the ideas on precognition may be interacting somehow in the other 10 clues. Something to continue to ponder. Great article.”
NEUROBIOLOGY AND QUANTUM PHYSICS
From SA training to premonitions, ESP and remote viewing, we see a growing body of research and knowledge about human perception and human consciousness.
New studies in neurobiology are looking more closely at how the human mind and body might be processing information from our environment that we have no conscious knowledge of. And when we say “our environment,” we can no longer limit the meaning of this term to the immediate environment that we can see, hear, touch, smell or taste.
Our perception can apparently reach out beyond these five senses. The hypothesized sixth sense may work both independently of, and in cooperation with our other five senses. And, we may have other sensory abilities we do not understand. These might have neurological, chemical and biological aspects.
We may even have some kind of perceptual abilities like the radar and sonar that some other mammals seem to use.
Emerging understanding from quantum physics implies that consciousness itself can be in more than one place at a time. Beyond the physical level of reality there may be more exotic energies and forces that work in mysterious ways.
Consciousness may not be bound by limitations of only the five senses and other possible neurobiological perceptions, nor bound by time and space.
The recent Army study into troops’ ability to perceive IEDs seems to be another valuable step in the analysis of human perception, especially in the maintenance of safety and survival. However, as EdgeScience editor Huyghe noted, maybe we must be willing to go beyond some of the more conventional and limited perspectives.
The safety and survival of our troops, and all of us, are of the utmost importance. In addition, the larger field of human development may be an issue. Should current training and education in diverse and widespread settings include more robust examination of the emerging understanding about human perception?
Let’s catch up to the leading edge of the research and knowledge in these areas and provide training for our troops, students, professionals and people in all walks of life. Let’s cover these developments in science journalism and in the broader media.
Our safety, survival and success may depend on it.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Science journalism faces media changes, emerging discoveries
By Steve Hammons
(A version of this article appears in the April-June 2010 edition of EdgeScience magazine on the website of the Society for Scientific Exploration.)
“Weird science” and “weird science journalism” may reconfigure how science is explored, communicated and understood.
The field of journalism is going through significant changes as print and broadcast media are transformed by electronic media of various kinds.
Science journalism is no exception. It now includes a wider range of potential communication platforms that provide opportunities to include expanded content and focus. The professionalism and credibility of some paraprofessional and citizen journalists is sometimes questioned, with good reason.
Sometimes, this growth of paraprofessional and citizen journalism is perceived as, and generally acknowledged to be, a trend that has some negative aspects. However, parts of these changes are related to more vigorous coverage of topics that science journalists may have been covering inadequately.
Often sticking with safe and conventional science topics, some traditional science journalists might have missed very interesting emerging developments in a range of scientific areas.
EMERGING VIEWS
Certain topics deemed unconventional, anomalous, metaphysical, fringe or even paranormal may, in fact, be very legitimate subjects that science journalists can cover. In the area of emerging discoveries, the public may be ahead of some science journalists in recognizing coming trends.
Where to begin? Interesting discoveries have been made in the fields of human psychology and consciousness, quantum physics and unidentified phenomena in the skies, to name a few.
Granted, some of the normal scientific inquiry and scientific journalism coverage over past decades may have been stifled by national security restrictions on these topics. However, the times are a changing and topics that previously were kept under tight security may now be more appropriate for public education and acclimation.
For example, the U.S. defense and intelligence communities’ research and operational activities often referred to as Project STAR GATE were top secret for over two decades.
However, since the mid-1990s, information on the rigorous scientific protocols involved has been declassified and released. These activities made highly significant discoveries about the nature and capabilities of human consciousness.
What has been called “anomalous cognition” might actually be just alternative cognition, complementary cognition or integrative cognition.
This research also led to the innovative concept of “transcendent warfare,” a term coined by a Navy SEAL officer.
Related to these consciousness studies, quantum physics research has uncovered further anomalous indications that seem to point toward revised views of the nature of the Universe. Some researchers now refer to the Universe as a multiverse where various dimensions interact and intersect.
And then there is the topic of what we generally refer to as unidentified flying objects (UFOs). This terminology could now be somewhat obsolete – at least in the cases of some UFOs. According to many respectable and reliable researchers, some UFOs that appear to be solid craft might be identified.
Some may be U.S. advanced aircraft or spacecraft. Some may be spacecraft of a more exotic origin. Some may not be solid objects and could be various kinds of phenomena we do not fully understand, but should try to.
OPEN MINDS
When considering these and other unconventional scientific topics, it might be useful for science journalists to abandon the term paranormal and think about aspects of them that may be normal and natural, and therefore worthy of normal journalistic inquiry.
Again, science journalism can possibly be excused over past decades of inattention to certain unconventional topics because of security measures that discouraged legitimate coverage of them.
This excuse may no longer be valid.
If science journalists want to attract readers, viewers and audiences who are interested in relevant and meaningful topics, the integration of conventional and more unconventional journalistic coverage is probably appropriate.
In this sense, integrative journalism may be similar to the concept of integrative medicine or integrative cognition – taking the best of both conventional and emerging science to create more useful perspectives and understanding.
Avoiding responsible and thorough coverage of important scientific subjects, including the unconventional, may diminish the perceived relevance of science journalism for millions of Americans and people worldwide.
More important than the fate of establishment science journalists, the human race may be affected by the lack of open-minded inquiry about vitally important emerging phenomena and developments.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
‘Avatar’ also story of deep DNA within many Americans
By Steve Hammons
