text:
How to research the UFO phenomenon and stay sane
People have asked me how I have kept my interest alive across a 50 year time span of research? I thought about this again recently and came up with a few ideas which I'd like to share with you.
Have some guiding principles
One of my main guiding principles has been, to simply 'follow the facts.' If a UAP case turns out to have a mundane explanation, then I say so! I believe that UAP investigators should weed out as many identified cases as possible, leaving only good quality "unknowns" to work with.
I have found this consistency of approach to be invaluable. It can however, lead to differences of opinion with other UFO researchers who have a non-negotiable belief system.
One example of this, occurred after I appeared on an ABC television program, which discussed various medical issues. I suggested on the show that some UAP abductions have their roots in terms of 'sleep paralysis.' A well known Victorian UFO researcher took me to task for daring to suggest an alternative explanation to the 'Grays.' I had, after all, only based my opinion on personal research, while his views arose from armchair research.
Another example, based on exhaustive research, was my suggestion that the 1988 Mundrabilla car encounter had an alternative non-extraterrestrial explanation. Some American researchers took a dim view of this suggestion, even though they had conducted no first hand investigations.
I have now undertaken over thirty cold case reviews of Australian events. Some of these reviews have suggested alternative, mundane explanations, while others have strengthened the possibility of a truly unknown phenomenon.
Tackle diverse research projects
The range of research projects which I have conducted over the years has included:
The possible application of the fantasy-prone personality, and hypnagogic imagery to UFO abductions. I had thought that support for the FPP hypothesis had declined, but an examination of seven studies conducted since the early nineties revealed three positive and four negative findings
I asked the question 'could reports of 'angel hair" falls be simply spiders' web?' and found evidence to suggest that almost all reports are just that
I conducted the only comprehensive literature review ever undertaken on the subject of alien implants. This revealed that very little peer review research had been conducted
I took a long, hard look at the possible application of sleep paralysis to abductions, which made me conclude that most UAP researchers underestimate its relevance
A 12 month joint project with Melbourne based researcher Paul Dean, to collect and examine 12 months worth of Australian sightings.
All of these projects developed my knowledge in many areas; made me question various approaches and ended up with me publishing articles across the UAP literature for others to discuss and debate.
Read widely
I read a lot of different books and magazines, and browse the internet frequently. My reading covers diverse topics such as astronomy, biology, physics, the paranormal, mathematics and biographies to name just a few. I find this keeps my mind active. When reading I always try and link the information I come across to UAP research.
For example, I once read a book about the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. A portion of a single page mentioned UAP research within the intelligence area of the Australian Department of Defence. This ultimately lead to the release of a formerly secret intelligence file on UAP. This file may now be viewed on the National Archives of Australia website.
Don't separate research into UFOs from research into the paranormal
In my opinion you shouldn't just study UAP. UAP appear to be part of a much broader area of investigation which we label as the 'paranormal.' In my opinion, much is to be learnt by researching these two topics as one. For example, the after-effects of some UAP close encounters include a range of effects labelled paranormal, such as poltergeist activity.
Also, scientific studies on the topic of out-of-body experiences are relevant to abductions. Science has now been able to create OBEs on demand, by stimulating the human brain. It also has, in the laboratory, successfully demonstrated that one's sense of self can be transferred to a point outside the body. For various research articles see my blog which I maintained on these topics between 2009 and 2014.
Take frequent breaks from research
I've taken a number of breaks from researching UAP. I think the longest was for four years. Breaks, particularly long ones, enabled me to escape the day to day routine of UAP investigations. This gave me time to reflect. It was during such breaks that I developed insights into how the fantasy-prone personality, and hypnagogic imagery may relate to UAP.
Like Kylie Minogue, Madonna and Lady Gaga, reinvent yourself from time to time
At various stages over 50 years of my interest, I have been:
One of the Co-ordinators for the Australian Centre for UFO Studies
Research Director for UFO Research SA Inc.
Founder of the Australian Centre for UFO Abduction Studies
Continental Director for the US Based Mutual UFO Network
Facilitator for Disclosure Australia.
Each of these roles brought me into contact with a range of different individuals, and taught me new skills.
Publish your research
I find no value in coming up with some valuable insights and then not telling anyone about them
I would urge you all to run your own website; make documentaries; publish your own blog, or write for UAP magazines.
Publishing opens up your work to peer review, which ensures debate and discussion. Speaking of publishing your work, if you'd like to see what I have published over the years, then Google 'Keith Basterfield UFO.'
Don't be afraid to respectfully disagree with other researchers, whoever they might be
David Jacobs is a US abduction researcher with some controversial viewpoints, some of which I have strongly disagreed with. I have debated some of his ideas in print. Likewise, back in the 1980's and 90's I found much to disagree with Whitley Strieber and documented my observations in print, e.g. The International UFO Reporter.
Some time ago, my thoughts on former astronaut EdMitchell's revelations about ETs, even made the pages of the Tehran, Iran daily newspaper!
I have outlined my views, in various places, on the inadequate research we have collectively undertaken on the UAP abduction phenomenon. Interestingly, some people in the US and UK have/are following up lines of research suggested, in part by me.
Long term blog readers, will also be aware that I proposed an alternate conventional hypothesis for the 6 April 1966 Westall, Victoria, Australia sighting. I pointed out that there is almost no hard data available. There is no analysis of reported ground traces. There is no evidence of radar detection of the object. There are no documents about the sighting to be found in any Australian government file. The witnesses' observations are not well documented from the era, e.g. there are no entries from a 1966 diary. Much of the shared information only came to light since around 2006. Researchers have failed to acknowledge that human memory is prone to errors. No government employees have come forward to say they were involved in a cover up of the incident. Even the legendary US researcher, James E McDonald, following a personal investigation of Westall, failed to promote it as an excellent example of UAP.
You cannot retain a long term interest in any topic, without thinking that the subject of your study has some merit.
I would however, make a couple of general observations:
I think that examples of the 'true' or 'core' UAP are much rarer than most researchers think. At one stage in South Australia I led a group of investigators, who for three years examined several hundred local UFO reports, and found that 95% of them could be explained in mundane terms. Today if you look at large numbers of incoming reports, as listed on Australian groups' websites only some 10% are said to be IFOs. I believe that if sufficient, open minded resources were given today to investigations, that the clear up rate would still be about 95%
I am still not convinced that the phenomenon has a simple explanation, such the extra-terrestrial hypothesis.
In conclusion, after 50 years of research, I still believe that the phenomenon contains genuine mystery, worthy of continued scientific study.
Update as at 31 December 2017.
As I practice what I preach, despite all the recent news re a formerly secret Pentagon study, I am taking an indefinite break from UFO research. I expect to return at some future date, refreshed and full of new ideas. Till then, bye.
By Keith Basterfield at September 29, 2017 5 comments: Links to this post
'Reframing the debate.'
I have been slowly reading a book titled 'UFOs: Reframing the Debate,' edited by Robbie Graham (White Crow Books, Hove, UK; ISBN 978-1-98677-023-3.)
The book is composed of 14 chapters, written by individual UAP researchers, and experiencers. The editor, inter alia, writes 'Each of the contributors in this volume is sharply aware of the futility of concluding. Instead, they offer strategies for understanding - understanding the phenomena, and understanding its social and cultural effects.' (p. xx.)
Issues highlighted by the contributors include
* The decreasing use of the scientific method
'This dismissal of science is encountered frequently among UFO zealots, who insist that their esoteric knowledge supersedes scientific methodology...' (p.7.)
'Modern ufology appears to have rejected science in favour of a more mystical and religious view.' (p.1.)
'...such subjective discourse has almost completely supplanted any rigorous attempts to study the subject with anything resembling scientific methodology." (p.1.)
* The non inclusion of data from high strangeness reports
'The close encounter witness is at first blindsided by something for which he or she has no previous framework, and which the mind tries furiously to stuff into a mental "filing box" during and soon after the event.' (p.193.)
'While plenty of cases superficially support the N&B/ETH view, its materialist foundations are shaken when confronted with the High Strangeness characteristics of a majority of UFO close encounters." (p.51.) [N&B = nuts and bolts. KB.]
'One of the greater problems I see within modern UFO circles is the outright dismissal of high strangeness reports by investigators who subscribe to the Extraterrestrial (ETH) as the default explanation for cases that challenge conventional science.' (p.167.)
'...we need to be aware that these more complex accounts are not easy to categorise or share.' (p.29.)
* The circulation of incorrect information
'I contend that a great deal of information circulated around the UFO community - the vast majority- is simply incorrect or, at the least, unsubstantiated, while detrimentally accepted and promoted as common knowledge.' (p.47.)
* The debate about the value of personal stories
'[Speaking of UFO believers] 'Their experiences cannot be investigated as "ordinary" UFO reports...In effect, their experiences are not viable as data that can be considered in any scientific evaluation of the UFO phenomenon.' (p.15.)
'One such dynamic is that personal stories, interesting and entertaining as they may be, are often of little value to the professional research process.' (p.40.)
Suggested ways forward include
* Researchers need to educate themselves about the processes of human memory
'It would also be helpful if investigators encouraged one another to further educate themselves on such topics as memory, witness testimony and emotional trauma. ' (p.44.)
'Perhaps by looking within and at the human mind, our senses, and how we remember things, we can better calibrate our main instrument for measuring UFO encounters.' (p.207.)
'The value of personal stories is further questioned by the strides made in memory research. Qualified experts have demonstrated that memories are filled with errors.' (p.41.)
* Disband large UFO groups and work in smaller units
'Could the Roswell Slides Research Group serve as a model for future research and investigation of UFO cases?" (p.107.)
'To this end, perhaps large UFO groups should be disbanded, in favour of smaller, autonomous groups with a narrow research focus.' (p.192.)
* Gather data with no preconceptions
'Investigators should start with no preconceptions about what they are seeking. The gaol should be only to gather information from witnesses.' (p185.)
* Follow the data wherever it leads
'Reframing the debate includes taking advantage of such opportunities, following the trail of evidence to what logical conclusions it provides, and acknowledging when physical evidence is either entirely absent or if investigators questionably failed to pursue it.' (p.45.)
'The study of UFOs and alien abductions has zero obligations to a N&B/ETH model. What it does owe an obligation to is, to quote Alex Tsakiris, "follow the data wherever it leads."' (p.62.)
* Use better source material
'Work could further be legitimized by relying more heavily upon sources recognized as credible within the professional research community. These include such resources as authenticated documents, newspaper clippings, journals and similar media that offer valuable use as reference materials.' (p.44.)
* Look at high strangeness reports
'Currently, the testimonies of UFO witnesses that describe corresponding high-strange and paranormal events are often either ignored or met with ridicule from ufologists who would rather not deal with the more bizarre aspects of UFO reports, and by the professional skeptic organisations who are openly hostile to anything other then the Null hypothesis, i.e. it's all just swamp gas and Venus.' (p.169.)
* Ditch the use of hypnosis
'The time for experimenting with hypnotic regression is a memory enhancing tool of alien abduction is long gone..." (p.44.)
* Continue to use the scientific method
'Thus, the argument remains that scientific UFO research... is of utmost importance to the study of UFOs..." (p.65.)
'...I hope to instill in the mind of the readers that proper adherence to scientific methodology, and a reasonable, open-minded skepticism, will be of great benefit to the study of UFOs.' (p.74.)
*Recognise that mainstream media is entertainment
'In the click bait age, the mainstream media uses UFOs and their followings as entertainment like never before.' (p.82.)
On a personal level. I have for many years spoken of the need to secure original source material, and to follow the data wherever the end results lead. Many years ago, I foresaw the need to move from large, formal organisations to either work alone, or in a small team, and made this move. Today, I work by networking, across the globe.
Regarding high strangeness reports. I have indeed come across, documented, and published, (e.g. in the MUFON Journal; International UFO Reporter) such accounts. I have worked with numerous individuals over time, to examine their highly personal experiences. This is long before the establishment of this blog in 2009, and why some blog readers might easily gain the impression that I have never studied these type of accounts. As a number of chapter authors indicate, exploring high strangeness reports takes time, and can be exhausting, both for experiencers and investigators.
My own opinion, for what it is worth, is that I agree with the chapter authors who urge us to study high strangeness reports, and document what they tell us. However, I also urge both investigators and experiencers to become familiar with current research on such topics as memory processes; the fantasy-prone personality; sleep paralysis; hypnagogic imagery, fugue states, and other similar psychological and physiological processes. For, just as 95% of incoming raw sightings turn out to have mundane explanations after intelligent investigation and analysis, I personally find that some high strangeness reports do indeed have explanations which lie in psychological processes. I believe that at the moment, this fact is insufficiently acknowledged, by both researchers and experiencers.
All in all, this book is an extremely welcome addition to the UAP literature. I would recommend it highly to anyone who has a serious interest in our mutual topic.
By Keith Basterfield at September 26, 2017 No comments: Links to this post
UFO books by Australian authors
I was asked recently for a listing of UFO books by Australian authors. So, here it is. If any blog readers know of others, I would appreciate an email to keithbasterfield@yahoo.com.au in order that I may amend this list. Images are courtesy of Amazon Books, unless otherwise credited.
1965. "Flying Saucers Over Australia." James Holledge.
1967. "Flying Saucers Where Do They Come From?" Richard Tambling.
1969. "UFOs over the Southern Hemisphere." Michael Hervey.
1976. "UFOs: The American Scene." Michael Hervey.
1978. "UFOs: A Scientific Enigma." David Seargent.
1981. "UFOs: The Image Hypothesis." Keith Basterfield.
1983. "UFOs: The Case for Scientific Myopia." Stan Seers.
1996. "Encounter." Kelly Cahill.
1996. "The Oz Files." Bill Chalker.
1996. "The Cosmic Conspiracy." Stan Deyo.
1996. "The Gosford Files." Bryan Dickeson and Moira McGhee.
http://independentnetuforesearchers.com.au/gosford-files/
1997. "UFOs: A Report on Australian Encounters." Keith Basterfield.
2002. "Awakening." Mary Rodwell.
2004. "Australian UFOs:Through the Window of Time." Heather Gilroy and Rex Gilroy.
2005. "Hair of the Alien." Bill Chalker.
2007 "Blue Mountains Triangle - Secret Underground Australian/American Bases and the ET Connection. Heather Gilroy and Rex Gilroy.
2007. "UFO Down-Under." Barry Taylor.
2011. "UFO History Keys." Bill Chalker.
2011. "The UFO Diaries." Martin Plowman.
2011. "Tasmania: A UFO History." Keith Roberts.
TUFOIC
2012. "Roswell Revealed." Sunrise Information Services.
2012 "My Awakening Part 1." Peter Slattery.
2012. "My Awakening Part 2." Peter Slattery.
2012. "The History of Man." Peter Slattery.
2013 "The Energy beings - ET Abductions from Beyond Time." Heather Gilroy and Rex Gilroy.
2013. "Can UFOs Advance Science?" Sunrise Information Services.
2013. "Operation Starseed." Peter Slattery.
2014. "The Book of Shi-Ji." Peter Slattery.
2014. "The ET Contact Experience." Peter Slattery.
2014. "Breaking Free." Peter Slattery.
2016. "Alien Cobweb-the ET 'Mudhead' Mystery and the "Gympie Triangle." Heather Gilroy and Rex Gilroy.
2016. "Contact Down Under." Moira McGhee.
http://independentnetuforesearchers.com.au/contact-down-under/
2016. "The New Human." Mary Rodwell.
2016. "Humalien." Jane Pooley.
2016. "Connect to your spirit/ET guide." Peter Slattery.
2017. "UFOs Down Under." Barry Watts.
2017. "The Alien Gene." Moira McGhee.
http://independentnetuforesearchers.com.au/the-alien-gene/
2017. "The Book of Shi-Ji 2." Peter Slattery.
'Nest-building flying saucers found in land down under.'
At about 9:00 am. local time, on 19 January, 1966, banana grower, George Pedley, aged 28, was driving a tractor about one half mile from a farm house owned by Albert Pennisi. Pedley's attention was drawn by a 'hissing' sound, clearly heard over the noise from the tractor's engine. He looked about for the source of the noise, and saw an unusual object some 25 yards away. He described it as about 30 feet in the air, rising vertically. Its shape was that of 'two saucers face to face.' It was light grey in color, being dull, non-reflective. Its size was estimated as 25 feet long by eight to nine feet deep. No structured features were visible. The loud 'hissing' noise seemed to diminish as the object rose. It rose to a height of 60 feet, then departed, climbing at about an angle of forty-five degrees, extremely fast, to the South-west. For the duration of his observation, which was only 5-6 seconds, it appeared to be always rotating.
After the object's departure, Pedley found a clearly defined, near circular area of water in the lagoon. He left the area, and returned at around noon that day. At this time, the cleared area of water had been replaced by a floating mass of reeds, at the point where the object had first been seen. This mass was about 32 feet long by 25 feet wide. The grass on the surface of the water, was flattened in a clockwise direction. (Sources: (1) RAAF file series J63, control symbol 5/40/Air Part 1. pp 167-178; 184-185. (2) RAAF file series A703, control symbol 580/1/1 part 5. pp 56-62; 164-169; 175-176; 182-183. (3) 'The Tully Report, saucer nests 1966 and 1969.' UFO Research Queensland, pp 1-31.)
Australian media attention
The local paper, the 'Tully Times,' carried an account.
This was quickly followed by articles in newspapers in the capital cities of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
CUFOS visit
Recently, researcher and historian Barry Greenwood, of Boston in the USA, visited the archives of the J Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies, in Chicago. One of the aims of Barry's visit, was to keep an eye out for any Australian material. He found quite a few Australian items, and kindly forwarded me a copy of them.
International media attention
One of the things which I had previously not been aware of, was the global media attention which this event received. With today's Internet access, it is understandable when an item 'goes viral.' In 1966, due to widespread media coverage, the Euramo incident also 'went viral.'
Barry located a number of international newspaper articles, including the following. No doubt this is only a representative sample.
23 January 1966. 'Flying saucers building giant nests in Australia?' 'The Florida Times-Union.'
24 January 1966. 'Nest-building flying saucers found in land down under.' 'Bangkok World.'
24 January 1966. 'Flying-disk stories fly in Australia.' 'New York Post.'
24 January 1966. 'Saucer 'nests' but no eggs.' 'Daily Worker' (London.)
25 January 1966. 'Australian Air Force probing saucer reports.' 'Bangkok World.'
25 January 1966. 'Flying saucer nest?' 'Evening Press (Dublin.)
25 January 1966. 'A swish in the swamp - from space!' Lancashire Evening Post.
25 January 1966. 'Police will take samples at flying saucer 'nest.'' 'South Wales Echo & Evening Express.'
25 January 1966. 'Flying saucer test.' 'The Daily Mail' (London.0
26 January 1966. 'The saucers fly again.' 'Sheffield Morning Telegraph.'
27 January 1966. 'Saucers in sugar.' 'London Evening Standard.'
1 February 1966. 'Flying saucer nests reported in Australia.' "New York Times.'
'Nest'?
A question arises in my mind, as to why this particular Australian incident should have caused so much international attention? You will notice the frequent use of the word 'nest' in the newspaper headlines. Was it the use of this evocative word 'nest' which intrigued newspaper editors? Does any blog reader know when the word 'nest' was first associated with certain UAP physical trace cases?
Some comments about the Euramo incident
While gathering together a range of material on the incident for a review of the data, I noted a few initial things.
1. The duration of the visual sighting of the unusual 'object' was much shorter than many people assume from reading the accounts on the Internet. The investigation report published by the Queensland Flying Saucer Research Bureau (now UFO (Research) Queensland, Inc.) gives the duration as only 4-5 seconds. This is a terribly short time for an individual, encountering an unexpected event, to take it all in.
2. There was an article written, at the time, by an anonymous consultant of the Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society.
Inter alia, they wrote:
'...of the various pieces of evidence presented above, as many are in support of, as are in conflict with, the hypothesis that the phenomenon was caused by the actions of a whirlwind. It is therefore not justifiable to state that it could not be feasibly explained by such action.'
Here we have a consultant who has been connected with studies in atmospheric sciences, suggesting a 50/50% chance of the explanation being a meteorological event.
3. Local newspaper accounts, and indeed local UAP researchers, noted that similar physical traces had been found in Far North Queensland, prior to the Euramo incident, and attributed to natural causes. A search of the UAP literature since 1966, also reveals a large number of other 'nests' had been reported in the area.
In short, a rotating, grey. non-structured object, simply disappeared in mid-air after a few seconds of observation, on a calm, sunny morning - conditions suitable for the formation of a rotating atmospheric vortex. The swirled reeds suggested that a rotating force had been applied - again suggestive of a vortex.
So, I pose the question as to whether or not the Euramo 'object' was a classic 'flying saucer' or something more mundane?
Sydney based researcher Bill Chalker, who has extensively researched the Euramo incident argues for the classic 'flying saucer' interpretation. I am not so sure.
Labels: Early Australian UFO history
The former Department of Supply, Dr Michael J Duggin, and ANZAAS
I have previously written a number of times about the former Australian Department of Supply and files which it held on UAP; and the 1971 ANZAAS UAP symposium.
We know from examining previous government files, that there was discussion within the Department of Defence, in May to July 1971, about the RAAF handing over investigation of UAP to the Department of Supply, or at least the Department of Supply taking a look at a limited number of cases per year from a scientific perspective. (For example NAA files series A703 control symbol 554/1/1/30 Part 2, p.164.) What we have never found out is, what area within the Department of Supply had expressed this interest? Does a December 1971 internal Department of Supply memo give us a clue?
Sydney researcher Bill Chalker, included images of an internal Department of Supply memo, on his blog, which was of great interest to me.
In view of this interest, I have transcribed the text of the memo below. I will then provide some comments about the contents, and the broader context.
This is an internal memorandum to Mr T F C Lawrence, Deputy Secretary, Research and Engineering, Department of Supply, from C N Gerrard, Radar and Electronic Tracking Group, dated 2 December 1971. The subject was 'Regarding recent symposium on UFOs.'
'In reply to your enquiry of 25 November 1971, it is true that I attended the recent symposium on UFOs in Adelaide and I shall endeavour to give you an idea of the attitudes of scientists who attended. In doing so I must stress that the views expressed here are my own, and in no way reflect the views of W.R.E.
2. Enclosed is some documentation prepared in advance of the symposium , in which you will note the reasons why ANZAAS put it on, as well as the views of some of the speakers. I am sorry that one page is blank in the Department of Air paper. A tape recording of the whole proceedings was made and copies will be available within a few days (cost about $10 but not yet decided) from ANZAAS. About 350 people attended at a cost of $2 each which shows a strong popular interest in the subject; Dr Horton estimates that 30-50 of these were professional scientists.
3. The general feeling of those present was that there is a residue of sighting reports which indicate that some strange phenomenon exists; and that this warrants scientific investigation. In the last paper of the day Dr Herbison-Evans, an astronomer but very practical, made an eloquent plea for some full-time scientific effort to be devoted to a search for UFOs and in discussion it was suggested that any person or organisation with a specific UFO research proposal might apply to the University Grants commission for funds. Dr Duggin then formally moved that ANZAAS be asked to referee any such research proposal before referring it on to the commission. At this stage time was running out, and after very inadequate debate the motion was passed almost unanimously and the symposium was closed. I felt that the meeting would have liked to spend more time discussing this important aspect of scientific observation of UFO phenomena before deciding on future action. However, the motion did offer some continuity of contact between UFOs and ANZAAS and clutching at straws, almost everyone voted for it - including me. I telephoned Dr Horton yesterday, and so far ANZAAS have elected a local committee o consider the feasibility of refereeing research proposals, but no proposals have yet been forthcoming.
4. So much for general comments on the symposium, now to the views of the scientists. Dr Duggin, a geophysicist in CSIRO in Sydney is probably the leading advocate of serious UFO studies in Australia; he has worked in America and knows personally DR J Allen Hynek, and members of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organisation (APRO.) Dr Hynek was associate director of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and in charge of the Baker-Nunn satellite tracking program when I was at Island Lagoon, and he is now Professor of Astronomy at NorthWestern University, Evanston, Illinois. He was involved in one of the official American investigations into UFOs, and I believe is now pressing for some sort of review of the Condon report. The Adelaide symposium received American press coverage as a result of Dr Duggin's contact with APRO whose representative then telephoned Dr Horton and obtained permission to "put on the press wires" a report of the symposium. A letter in the Australian, 19 November 1971, p12 headed "Bizarre" indicating that the symposium was reported in America.
5. In endeavouring to answer your question about the views of the scientists, I must point out that we had insufficient discussion for me to learn what was the true views of the majority, and that I am expressing what I believe to be the majority view, based upon those who spoke publicly or to me privately. Certainly they believe that it is possible and reasonable that we could receive visitors from another world either now or some other time past or present. Our scientific knowledge of the solar system and more distant systems is so meagre that we cannot estimate a meaningful probability of extraterrestrial visitors, and therefore we must rely on objective observations. The scientists accept that there is a residue of unexplained sightings and that something should be done to try and explain them. At this point we seem to bog down on the three aspects, viz - why should we investigate; what should we investigate, and how should we investigate? It is significant that no-one has yet seriously put up a research programme - although Dr Herbison-Evans did make some practical suggestions for using cameras and magnetic counters. Dr Horton says that three of the staff of the Physics department would like to see some UFO research done, but have not yet been able to formulate a programme.
6. My own view is as given above as one of the majority of scientists, but I do not advise a deliberate search for UFOs. It would be like trying to make objective measurement of fireballs or ESP; case are so rare that the job would be frustrating and very expensive, if not abortive. It is interesting to note that we do not have a pressure group urging action on these topics for the sake of the advancement of science, and it is pretty clear that it is only the excitement of the possible discovery of an extra terrestrial civilisation that is the reason for interest in UFOs, since people now recognise such a possibility, any slight evidence such as is offered by UFOs is seized upon as important. Nobody appears to be concerned about UFOs as a threat, and very few are truly concerned to solve the reported sightings for the sake of pure science, so the answers to my previous questions as to what and why we shall investigate seem to be that we want to know whether there is intelligent life elsewhere in the universe, simply because we are very interested and we hope there is. How we do this is not clear, but I think the official Australian investigation should not be as biased as the department of Air effort appears to be, and I would like to see that effort assisted by more scientists to make careful analyses and correlations of existing reports, looking for similarities which might suggest intelligent control, or purpose, or method of propulsion or communication. It is probable that more detailed questions in future cases also would be profitable, especially if done by a keen scientist. If such a review of existing data could be made, that would indicate the desirability or otherwise of further work. Otherwise I believe we must await the results of American or Russian interplanetary missions to other planets in search of life, or for the "visitors" to exhibit themselves to us either deliberately, or by accidentally crashing one of their "saucers."
7. I seem to have been rather long-winded but I hope the message is clear that we keep an open mind on UFOs and would like to see some scientific effort devoted to the investigations of UFO sightings, because it may throw some light on the exciting possibility of extra-terrestrial intelligence.
8. I would be glad if you would return the enclosed document some time, but copies are available from ANZAAS for $2.50. I shall continue to seek opinions and developments in the UFO field, and shall forward anything of significance which comes to hand.'
In summary, here we have a December 1971 internal Department of Supply memorandum making some very intelligent comments about the need for scientific study of UFOs.
1. There are three known former Department of Supply files, dealing with our subject matter. They are:
a. National Archives of Australia (NAA) file series D174, control symbol SA 5281 titled 'Unusual occurrences flying saucers at Woomera.' 1952-1955, originating with the Long Range Weapons Establishment.
b. NAA file series D250, control symbol 56/483 titled 'Reports on unidentified aircraft, strange occurrences etc.' 1957-1968, originating with the Weapons Research Establishment (WRE.)
c. NAA file series control symbol SA5644/2/1 titled "Sighting of unidentified flying objects.' 1966-1974, originating with the WRE.
A copy of the December 1971 memo above, was not found on any of these three files.
2. A check of the National Archives of Australia's RecordSearch using the keywords 'Radar and electronic tracking group' revealed files, in the file series D891 (WRE Salisbury) with control symbols between N74/1855 and N74/1862. None were open, and each seemed to be a photograph only. I found nothing using the keywords 'Research and engineering.' However, there are literally thousands of not yet examined files about the Department of Supply, Woomera, missile testing etc etc.
3. C N(orm) Gerrard was in the Department of Supply's Radar and Electronic Tracking Group, and states his intention to 'continue to seek opinions and developments in the UFO field, and shall forward anything of significance which comes to hand.' His memo was sent to Mr T F C Lawrence, Deputy Secretary, Research and Engineering, Department of Supply.
Perhaps this area was the one which had expressed an interest to the Department of Defence? Have any blog readers thoughts on this?
Video of the century!
State of excitement
From time to time, people ask me why I don't get excited about the latest UAP video, photograph or sighting?
In terms of sightings, long term blog readers will recall that Melbourne researcher, Paul Dean, and I collected Australian sightings over a period of a year, and analysed the best of them. The truth was that very many of them had mundane explanations, often buried in the way the material was breathlessly presented, e.g. 'video of the century!' Very few of these sightings still looked interesting after a critical review of the information.
Despite this, I continue to review a range of sources, keeping an eye out for interesting material, looking for the small residue which reflect the 'core' UAP, i.e. sightings which do not have a ready explanation after an intelligent review. My most recent look, in August 2017, at such raw sightings was from a resident of Torquay, Victoria. This individual had a number of sightings, including an oval object, one quarter the size of the full moon in broad daylight; and one where four objects were travelling in formation, again in broad daylight. However, the bottom line was that none were viewed at close range, which would have precluded the possibility of an known object being the stimulus.
Part of my investigation report
The same applies to videos. Sydney researcher, Anthony Clarke of UFO Research (NSW) Inc., and I have just spent time looking into a video taken in Sydney at around 7am on 8 August 2017. The surveillance video shows what at first glance looks like a very unusual object travelling across a fixed outdoor view, for about a minute.
However, after Anthony Clarke visited the location; interviewed the person who discovered the image on the video; took a look at the position of the camera and its housing; he found that a very different picture emerged.
Location of the video - images courtesy of Anthony Clarke
One of the cameras
Close up of camera
The most likely explanation is that an insect crawled across the exterior of the camera cover, and its de-focused image is what was at first glance taken to be a UAP. Indeed, Anthony noted spiders web near the camera.
To read Anthony's investigation report, click here.
Still images are frequently submitted to a range of social media sources, and main stream media outlets. A person uploads a photograph, rarely providing any real data that would assist in its analysis; and then frequently fails to respond to inquiries for more information.
The white dot at the centre of the picture is a plastic bag
The coloured patch to the left of the Sun is a 'sun dog'
The Moon, planet Jupiter, and below is a lens reflection
All, in all, almost all such images are suspect as misidentifications or hoaxes. In recent times, I have identified 'sun dogs;' internal lens reflections, and out of focus birds and insects, in images sent directly to me.
Where are the good cases?
What has happened to the classic, close encounter, involving someone travelling in a motor vehicle in a remote locality, along the lines of the 30 October 1967, Boyup Brook, Western Australia event? Are they still occurring? If any blog readers know of such Australian incident, I'd like to hear from you via email to keithbasterfield@yahoo.com.au
Labels: Sightings
Dr Michael J Duggin's 1971 symposium paper
Further to my earlier blog posts about Dr Michael J Duggin's contribution to Australian UAP research, I have now located a summary of a 1971 talk he gave.
ANZAAS
On 30 October 1971, the South Australian Division of the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science, held a one day symposium in Adelaide, South Australia, titled 'The Unidentified Flying Object Problem.'
Courtesy of Peter Horne, of Adelaide, I now have a copy of the 'Condensed Papers' from the Symposium.
Dr Duggin presented a paper titled 'The Analysis of UFO Reports.' The 'Condensed Papers'
only contain a summary of the talk, which I present below.
The Analysis of UFO Reports
'There is an exceedingly large body of reports of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) from all over the world. Preliminary investigations show that about 67% of these are due to natural phenomena and so they are classed as Identified Flying Objects (IFOs.) The remainder, even discounting doubtful cases, forms an impressive collection of data. People making reports are usually sincere, often technically qualified and generally shy of the publicity which their sighting causes.
The vast number of unexplained reports, which show a surprising degree of internal consistency, argues for serious study of the UFO problem at this time.
Three typical reports are discussed, one concerns a sighting, one a series of strange ground markings, which appear similar to markings observed elsewhere in the world, and the last deals with a case of misidentification (i.e. an IFO.)
One problem confronting any would be researcher is the logistics of investigation, cataloguing and analysis of screened reports. Another problem lies in the fact that probably the number of UFO sightings far exceeds the number of UFO reports, as people are reluctant to report this sort of phenomenon, for fear of ridicule. Yet another problem is the ridicule which any interested scientist must face from his professional colleagues.
Since official study appears to have terminated with the closing of Project Blue Book, the publications of the findings of the Condon Committee, and the lack of action following the hearings before the Committee on Science and Astronautics, US House of Representatives 1968, July 29, the responsibility for further study lies with individual scientists. Such study is only possible if interested scientists organise themselves into an informed world-wide panel on the basis of their specialities. This will work efficiently if existing societies studying UFOs will open their files and work with participating scientists.'
Some comments on the paper:
1. I don't know where Duggin obtained his figure of 67% IFOs from. Most researchers would say that around 90-95% of all incoming raw reports can be explained in mundane terms.
2. We know from Jacques Vallee's diary ('Forbidden Science, Volume Two,' page 100,
that only twelve days before the ANZAAS Symposium, that Duggin was in the USA and visited Vallee on that day. Vallee states that he showed Duggin his (Vallee's) catalogue of landing type reports. Vallee also wrote that Duggin '...has just completed a tour of the US during which he met the leaders of both NICAP and APRO.' This may well explain his comment regarding scientists and UFO societies.
'Nest-building flying saucers found in land down u...
The former Department of Supply, Dr Michael J Dugg...


text:
FG Confirms Abba As Substantive IGP …As Peterside Cautions On Tambunwal
The acting Inspector General of Police,Mr. Suleiman Abba was yesterday confirmed as substantive Inspector General of Police by President Goodluck Jonathan.
He was confirmed at a Police Council meeting held in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and thereafter admitted into the Council.
The President's media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said on his Twitter handle @abati1990 – "At Police Council meeting today, President Jonathan confirms Suleiman Abba as substantive Inspector General of Police."
Abba was appointed the acting IGP on August 1 after the retirement of erstwhile police chief, Mohammed Abubakar. He is the country's 17th indigenous police helmsman.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has inaugurated the first batch of Close Protection Unit for Judicial Officers and Judges, trained by operatives of the Royal Military Police of the British Army.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu yester in Abuja, said the IG in his address admonished the graduands to employ professionalism, discipline and courage in the discharge of their duties.
He stated that the unit was necessary to reassure Judges, especially the ones handling terrorism-related cases of adequate Police protection, to enable them discharge their duties without fear.
Abba thanked the British Government and sought greater collaboration in areas of capacity building and intelligence sharing.
The ceremony was attended by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Andrew Pocock, other senior staff of the British High Commission, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice Ibrahim Auta and senior Police officers.
Meanwhile, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources, Downstream, Dakuku Peterside has described the decision of the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba to withdraw of security detail of the Speaker of House of, Aminu Tambuwal as crass partisanship and subversion of Nigeria's constitution.
Speaking on Monday on Africa Independent Television, AIT, Peterside described the police chief's action as an act of impunity and an invitation to anarchy.
The House member who represents Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro federal Constituency in Rivers State called on every Nigerian to reflect deeply on this sad turn of events and to be dispassionate in apportioning blame.
According to him, "Impunity is fast becoming the nature of the PDP-led federal government. Withdrawal of Tambuwal's security has no basis in law. It is crass abuse of office by the IGP. But we must not desecrate our high offices because of politics. It is Tambuwal today, how about tomorrow? Therefore we must all condemn this threat, not just to our democracy but also to our stability and survival as a nation. And it is tragic that the police are an accomplice".
He warned that every Nigerian must be vigilant and cautious as election year approaches. "Nobody is more Nigerian. We are all equal stakeholders and we must ensure that our country survives these difficult times. That, for me should be the focus, not the cheap politics of withdrawing security detail from such an important office", he said.
The law maker who is also worried about the dictatorial tendencies which is evident in political parties today, cautioned against the lure of absolute power because of its consequences.
He called on the parties to be fair to every aspirant, insisting that his party, the All Progressives Congress, guarantees a level playing ground for political office seekers.
'Niger Delta May Submerge In 30 Years'
Deaconess Nimah To Be Laid To Rest, Saturday
Stop Killings Of Christians, Northern CAN Tells Buhari
The recurring attacks, kidnappings and killings of Christians especially in the North-East by the Jihadist groups have been described as a ploy to set the northern region on fire if the Federal Government fails to curb the trend.
The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the FCT, Rev. Yakubu Pam expressed the opinion on the heels of the killing of CAN Chairman, Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Rev. Lawan Andimi.
Pam, worried by the situation noted that the Federal Government should rise and stem the tide of unwarranted killings of Christians so that wrong signals are not sent to Christian faithful in other geo-political zones of the nation as it seems the entire Christian community in the North is under siege.
According to him, "Interreligious leaders in the North have worked so hard to bring the two main religions, Christianity and Islam adherents to work closely with one another for the peace of the Northern states in recent years.
"The gains made are now being eroded with the recent development of upsurge of Jihadists on the loose in North-East states of Nigeria.
"President Buhari administration should double up its efforts in the management of the current situation in the North to avoid outbreak of religious crisis in the region which would not be of any benefit to anyone."
The Northern CAN leader added that "the recent video that emerged from ISIS affiliated terror group and the horrific footage released by ISIS News Agency showing a child of about eight years old carrying out the execution of a Christian in an unidentified outdoor area of Borno State is frightening.
"The under-age Jihadist was seen in the video warning Christians to be ready to witness more killings and as such it has sent shock waves into the heart of Christian leaders and faithful in the North that their lives are not safe unless the Federal Government quickly arrests this ugly development before people begin to resort to self help."
He called on the Christians in the North to be vigilant and watchful as directed by the Lord Jesus Christ over the current happenings around their environment and report same quickly to security agencies located within their homes and environment for prompt security action to save lives of innocent Christians doing their legitimate business in the region.
In the same vein, the Northern Governors Forum has condemned the gruesome murder of Rev Lawan Andimi, who was the local council chapter chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and also a pastor with the Church of the Brethren (EYN) at the District Church Council of Michika, Adamawa State by Boko Haram terrorist group.
In a statement, Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, yesterday, described the act as yet another sad tale of inhuman activities of the terrorist group which is bent on unleashing sorrow in the hearts of Nigerians.
While commiserating with the family of the late clergyman, the church and people of Adamawa State, Lalong urged them not to allow the ugly incident affect their faith in God and love for humanity as the death of the late clergyman cannot be a catalyst for hatred among Nigerians who are disgusted by the cruelty of the terrorist organisation.
He said the Northern Governors Forum remains united in their support for security agencies to continue to rise up to not only terrorist groups, but all forms of criminality that seek to divide the country along ethnic, religious or political lines.
Lalong emphasized that the Northern Governors Forum stands shoulder to shoulder with President Muhammadu Buhari as he rallies the world towards defeating terror groups and their sponsors as well as the purveyors of their bizarre ideology which propagates sorrow, hatred and pain on innocent persons in the name of religion and others claims.
Similarly, the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has expressed shock over the killing of the Christian Association of Nigeria chairman in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Pastor Lawan Andimi, by Boko Haram.
The council described the murder as barbaric and provocative, adding that it was a ploy by the insurgents to incite Christians against Muslims in the country.
Andimi was abducted by Boko Haram on January 3, and subsequently killed last Monday despite being offered a N50million ransom.
The NSCIA, in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, by its Head of Media and Communication, Aselemi Ibrahim, condoled with CAN and the family of the deceased, and also called on the Federal Government and the security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities of protection of lives and property.
It cautioned CAN leadership to think through its public statements "so as not to play into the antics of the enemy".
The Muslim body stated, "The council hereby expresses her heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of Pastor Lawan Andimi in particular and the leadership and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria in general.
"We equally want to seize this opportunity to appeal to the leadership of CAN in Nigeria to be wary of the comments and statements it puts out in the public domain, so as not to play into the antics of the enemy.
"We should think through and be sure that our comments are in the interest of national peace, security and cohesion."
The NSCIA expressed its commitment to a safe and united Nigeria "where everyone is protected and free to practice his/her religion without encumbrances".
Only Restructuring'll Save Nigeria From Annihilation, Stakeholders Insist
Former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife; Prof. David Aworawo of UNILAG; Mr. Soji Awogbade, of the Voice of Reason, a pro-Yoruba organisation; and Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin; have told Nigerian that restructuring of the country is the only way forward.
Ezeife said Nigeria is not an accident of British colonialism but a creation of God using British colonialism.
He said Nigeria has not attained the position of global leadership because of its current structure.
Odumakin disagreed on the notion that Nigeria is a creation of God.
He said Nigeria was created by the British.
He said the colonialists did not have the concept of nationhood when they amalgamated the protectorates of northern and southern Nigeria in 1914.
These were the positions they adopted, yesterday, at a conference on restructuring organised by the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS), the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
According to Ezeife, Nigeria has failed to attain the role of a global superpower because of her unitary structure.
He said: "God designed for Nigeria, unmatched greatness, to enable her to achieve His purpose for creating her. That purpose is Nigeria's manifest destiny.
"To restructure Nigeria, and make her able to achieve her manifest destiny is the task every Nigerian should pray for and help to bring about. This task must be performed, and urgently too.
"Surely, Nigeria was not an accident of British imperialism. No, God created Nigeria using British imperialism's mere tools. And God created Nigeria to be a rallying point and big brother for Africa and, indeed, for all the blacks on earth."
He also blamed the National Assembly for contributing to the current problems the country is passing through, adding that the National Assembly must also be restructured for Nigeria to work.
"Recently, the National Assembly dealt with the issue of devolution of power, which is a key element in the restructuring of Nigeria. Devolution of power deals with sharing of power between the centre or Federal Government and the federating units.
"It is what makes a federation a federation. As it were, by their rejection of devolution of powers, the National Assembly is saying no to the appellation Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"The National Assembly is part of the problem and needs to be restructured to work in the overall interest of the country. It is clearly unrealistic to leave the issue of restructuring Nigeria to the National Assembly as it is composed," he added.
Odumakin, who is the publicity secretary of pan Yoruba group, Afenifere, said the British never envisioned Nigeria to be a nation.
"There is nothing like Nigerian nation. The British did not have nationhood in mind; they merely amalgamated the southern and northern protectorate. The Southern protectorate was making £500,000 surplus and the Northern protectorate was making £500,000 deficit. Lord Lugard needed the money from the south to run Nigeria. That has continued to date."
He noted that the report of the 2014 National Conference would have addressed all the problems confronting Nigeria today if it was implemented.
"The 2014 National Conference had a unanimous agreement on all subjects before it except derivation. The only way Nigeria can achieve peace is to restructure along federal lines where every region will control its resources. The command and control structure we have now will not allow us to developed."
He added that every part of the country has enough resources to develop, and urged leaders in the North opposed to restructuring to put their resources into productive use.
"In Economics, the first of the factors of production is land. Niger State has more land than the whole southeast states put together, they should put their land to productive use.
"You also talk of labour, what happened to the population? They should be put to work. The problem we have today is that people are hanging about, playing Baba Ijebu, they don't want to do anything, but they want quick money," he added.
NDDC: No Contracts' Verification, No Payment, Nunieh Insists
The Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joi Nunieh, has said the commission would deny payments to contractors and consultants who fail to present their jobs for verification.
Nunieh, yesterday, at the Rivers State Office of NDDC in Port Harcourt, said, "Anyone not on the NDDC list is not our contractor and such should be handed over to security agencies for prosecution. Similarly, anyone that presents fake Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) will be arrested.
"Contractors always say they are not paid; now we have asked them to come with all their documents and they are finding it difficult. Some contractors are scared of the verification exercise.
"Any contractor who fails to come for verification will be held liable. We are hoping that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) will come for the exercise as well. We only have limited time and up till now, only five NGOs have turned up.
"If you don't have documents, you are not a contractor; most of the NGOs are not registered and are running to register now. This is an embarrassment to the commission."
Nunieh expressed satisfaction with the on-going verification exercise billed to close at the end of January, stating that the committee planned to verify up to 250 contracts every day.
"Those who use agents to run contracts only remind me of our people abroad who would send moneys to loved ones to develop projects, only for them to discover when they return that there is nothing on ground to show for all the moneys sent.
"Some contractors are coming with fake documents and of course, they are not our contractors. Some contractors are also afraid to come for the verification."
Head of the Verification Committee for Rivers and Director, Agriculture and Fisheries, George Ero, described turnout of contractors for the exercise as very poor with 82 persons attended to so far out of a total 2, 500 recorded in the list of contractors for the state.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Can't Snowmobile? Might as Well Ice Fish!
Bass Lake bite was great over New Year's.
Mother Nature and Old Man Winter have conspired so far to keep snowmobilers waiting on the white stuff. Snowmobile trails in Itasca County aren't open yet due to lack of snowfall but, honestly, we don't think that's such a bad thing right now. With the "warm" winter we've had so far there isn't much ice on some area lakes and the swamps are still too soft for the groomers. What we REALLY need are some good, old-fashioned, Minnesota winter temperatures so we can make ice and freeze swampy areas and then we'll be ready for all the snow we can handle. We haven't given up hope that we'll get a good snowmobile season this winter so let's all think cold, white thoughts through mid-March!
On the positive side there is enough ice for anglers to get out on Bass Lake and fish! Our New Year's guests enjoyed some really good ice fishing for bluegill and crappie. Jay and a friend even ventured out on Sunday and caught their limit of bluegill in just a couple of hours. There is 6-7 inches of ice topped with a couple inches of snow. Our guests had no trouble making it out to the fishing grounds by 4-wheeler or snowmobile. There isn't enough ice for truck traffic or even a Ranger in our opinion. We are hoping that the forecast for next week holds true and we get more seasonal temperatures.
The other positive is that there is plenty of snow for the x-skiers! The trails in Itasca County are groomed and ready to welcome x-skiers of all skill levels. There are even lit trails for skiing at night – how cool is that?! Itasca Trail Sports in Grand Rapids, MN rents x-skis and we've had many guests rent their equipment. Click here for more information on x-skiing in our area.
Overall life is good at Wildwood! Won't you come and experience it for yourself? Give us a call or email us today to start talking about a mid-winter stay with us!
P.S. We are still offering our "Stay 2 Get a 3rd Night FREE!" winter promotion in conjunction with our $39/night/person winter rate. You can't go wrong!
Please snow, please snow, please snow….


text:
Jason Derulo Fight: Singer Goes Berserk After Being Mistaken For Usher In Las Vegas
in Top Stories
Jason derulo fight
Have you ever been confused with someone else on the street? If this has happened to you sometimes you can feel honored, awkward, funny, or strange. But that sure as hell isn't the case for American songwriter Jason Derulo. The multi-platinum singer went total berserk with two men in Las Vegas who mistakenly confused the entertainer with someone else. And when we say berserk, we mean absolute bonkers!
That's right, the author of hits like "Talk Dirty", "Whatcha Say" and "Want To Me" has no patience when people confuse him for someone else. But as you will learn from this post, this was no casual confusion because the reason for Derulo's violent episode was a taunt on behalf of the two men he had this problem with at the ARIA hotel and casino in Las Vegas. It was a spicy incident that has tainted the singer's reputation, as he was seen arrested after the fight.
Why Sleepy Chicken Trend On TikTok Is So Dangerous?
Who is Mallory Beach's Boyfriend? All To Know About Her Personal Life
Jennifer Crumbley's Affair: The Massacre And Its Aftermath!
Is The Weeknd dating Angelina Jolie? A Dive Through their Personal Lives!
Singer, songwriter & TikTok Star Jason Derulo gets into a fight with two men after being mistaken for R&B artist Usher. Yikes!
Jason Derulo Punches Two Men In Las Vegas
If you ever had someone mistake you for someone else in the middle of the street and got upset for it, we can't blame you. But when Jason Derulo lost his cool at the ARIA hotel and casino in Las Vegas when two men mistook him for R&B superstar and former Michael Jackson support dancer Usher. Additionally, the incident took place in one of the escalators when the two men yelled at Derulo: "Hey Usher. F*ck you, bitch!" And just like that, Derulo went apesh*t and started throwing punches. And if you take a look at the photos, Derulo totally lost his cool. Because the 2011 BMI Pop Music Award recipient sucker-punched one of the men and b*tchslapped the other in such a savage way that both men hit the ground like a sack of potatoes!
The incident, as stated earlier, took place at the ARIA Hotel escalators at around 2:00 AM Las Vegas time. Maybe Derulo was having a bad night at the craps table? The 32-year old TikTok star and pop singer was seen walking coolly before savagely beating up the two men in the company of a large and muscular man —presumably his bodyguard— and his entourage. When one of the men dissed him, he went against him in full force. Only to have the security guards of the casino separate the two after the commotion. Later on, the security detail of the venue called the Police Department, and Derulo was escorted out in braces.
Jason Derulo can't keep his cool. Sucker-punched a dude and got away with it. How Nasty!
TMZ caught the fight
The incident got picked up by the popular entertainment outlet TMZ, who did a brief scoop of the fight. And though the Clark County Police Department didn't make any arrests, nor the assaulted men pressed any charges, the viral video shows how Jason Derulo was clearly minding his own business past the ARIA hotel escalators when one of the men called him a bitch after mistaking him with Usher. Check out the video below
After the fight, Jason Derulo was led away in handcuffs by the Police Department, but subsequently, he was released after no charges were pressed by the revelers. After this event, it's worth wondering why is it that Jason Derulo has such a short fuse? Does he have a beef with Usher? Or was it the general idea of someone disrespecting him in a Vegas casino in the middle of the night? In any case, this whole incident puts a bad spot on Derulo's reputation and public image. Will he get any endorsements or deals after this? Probably, even so, his fight topples every single celebrity headline. And that's why we brought him to you today in Otakukart. Thanks for reading our article, and please keep coming back to our website for more daily updates on all your favorite artists, series, shows, and movies.
Also Read: Who Is Jason Derulo Dating? The Hip-hop Star Is Expecting His First Child
When Can We Expect Trigger Point ITV To Release?
Is Stateless Season 2 Coming Back? Everything We Know About the Cate Blanchett Drama
Who is J$tash Girlfriend? The Tragic End of the Couple!
Ashley Reeves' Marriage: Everything To Know About It
Yeon Soo And Woong Are Concerned About Their Past Breakup In 'Our Beloved Summer' Episode 15
Proof Of Life Filming Locations: Where Is This Action Thriller Filmed?
'The King Of Tears, Lee Bang Won' Episode 14: How Will Lee Bang Win the Fight Against His Father?


Does your garden have a signal of spring? The first flower to bloom or tree to bud out? In my little garden, it's often the "Homestead Purple" verbena or the occasional brave iris.
This year the winner is an Avalanche narcissus (also called Seven Sisters) that just joined my motley crew last fall even though it's been cultivated in this country since the 1700's.
There was a "Feedback" iris in the race, but it couldn't quite get opened in time to claim the lead.
And as much as I appreciate the color it brings to the garden, my flowering quince is a dependable late winter bloomer so I don't really think of it as heralding spring.
We saw temps in the low 20's last night, leaving this string of ice "pearls" on one of my pond plants. They're telling us to expect something between 7 and 17 degrees tonight.
It also made my thornless blackberries' leaves turn this lovely red.
Maybe not your typical winter wonderland, but a nice change as long as it doesn't last too long and we don't have to drive on ice. That's not a skill many central Texans have mastered.


The AR0430 has been designed for IoT and security cameras. In standard imaging mode, AR0430 can provide high quality imaging for both day and night lighting conditions perfect for security cameras. It has the ability to record at 120 fps delivering slow motion capable video which can use zoom and retain the resolution quality which is perfect for wearable devices. The innovative depth mode gives the user the ability to develop a depth map of anything within approximately one meter of the camera while still shooting video at 30 fps. From a single camera, a user is able to participate in a video conference while replacing the background for security purposes. The user can also scan objects to create simple 3D models for use in virtual reality worlds or even interpret hand gestures to control smart devices.