Friday, April 8, 2011

Hot Spots & Flaps

Sounds like they could have been lifted straight from the lexicon of veterinary, or perhaps, geriatric, medicine (not that it matters which, as they're both unaffordable).

A hot spot, for anyone who just fell off the turnip truck, refers to a geographical area of increased UFO activity, whereas flap is used to describe the [increased] activity itself. (As far as I can tell, anyway. I've had some Syrah tonight.)

PROPOSITION: Increased reporting of UFO activity does not necessarily reflect actual UFO activity.

People look up for a variety of reasons. Astronomical activity. A sunny day after a week of thunderstorms. A popular film or television program. A break in work routines, such as weekends or holidays. Other people reporting UFO activity.

Some of the more intense periods during which I frequently witnessed UFOs were very often quiet according to MUFON and NUFORC - and it wasn't because I was misidentifying alien craft. (I'm confident I wasn't confusing a 747 with a fireball or rectangular craft with running lights.)

I'm not saying hot spots and flaps don't exist. It stands to reason they probably do. However, the association between reporting and actual UFO activity is waaaay more squishy than is generally recognized.

4 comments:

Mike Clelland! said...

I'm preoccupied with the year 1974 as far as the whole "flap" thing.

And "hot spot" blends into the term VORTEX or WINDOA AREA making things seem decidedly new-agey (despite where the elusive truth may lie). Hmmm - "truth may lie" has a curious riddle to it...

Arvin Hill said...

I'm 97.35% sure '74 was when I saw the white/metallic sphere hanging in the clear blue sky on my way to school.

Wonder which one of these mostly horrible songs I was singing en route.

Mike Clelland! said...

A few days ago I called Chris O'Brien and asked some questions about the VORTEX thing, he avoids the "V" word because of his home is in close proximity to Sedona Arizona. But, he was kind enough to rattle off a vortex check-list of things that are relevant:

VORTEX:
___________________________________

- magnetic field anomalies
- water underground, springs
- UFO events
- interest by the government
- native or traditional sacred myths
- dimensional experiences
- odd animal activity
- a sense of well being

Arvin Hill said...

Weirdest list ever.

The last one is a kicker.

I've never been to Sedona and am poorly informed on New Age matters. But after doing a search for Sedona and vortex, I can see why Christopher O'Brien avoids the V word.

The most New Agey place I've ever been is London, and, yes, the irony is thick. I met quite a few Brits into New Age thought. Such great people. Big hearts.

Now there's some synchronicity. As I write this, I'm watching PJ Harvey on Conan (O'Brien) performing a song from her new album Let England Shake.

(Oh, the pain. I just found out she played SXSW in Austin a few weeks ago. I really need to Get Out More. There are few artists I love as much as Polly Jean Harvey, and it's doubtful I'll ever get an opportunity to see her perform live, much less marry her. Granted, I'm married already, but, still.)