#declassified documents

[americanmarketplace]

The Black Vault – Document Archive . A must visit website !

[qippabtch]

I love living in the end times because the American government just announced the existence of UFOs or something (idk I’ve only seen the memes about it) and like. nobody cares. we’ve lived through a global pandemic, rapid-onset presentation of global warming, and the deterioration of any remaining faith the masses may have had in politics, and this is just kinda like

[nickysfacts]

The weighted companion cube is always there for you when you need them, as it’s a cube and can’t roll away!😄

🩷

[dailydeclassified]

Project BLUEBIRD/ARTICHOKE: A Dive into CIA's Mind Control Experiments

In the early 1950s, the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) initiated a top-secret program called Project BLUEBIRD/ARTICHOKE.

The program was designed to develop techniques that would enable the agency to control the minds of individuals, primarily for intelligence gathering purposes.

Although the program was largely unknown at the time, it was a precursor to the better-known CIA mind control program, MKULTRA, which lasted from 1953 to 1964.

Under Project BLUEBIRD/ARTICHOKE, techniques were developed that were controversial and raised ethical concerns.

This article will delve into the origins of Project BLUEBIRD/ARTICHOKE, the objectives of the program, the techniques developed, and the ethical implications that arose from the program's existence.

Origins of Project BLUEBIRD/ARTICHOKE

During World War II, the Germans conducted experiments on prisoners of war using drugs and other methods to obtain information, which prompted the United States and its allies to investigate these techniques for intelligence gathering purposes after the war. In 1947, the National Security Act established the CIA, and one of its primary objectives was to collect intelligence on Soviet activities. As part of this effort, the CIA began exploring the use of drugs and other methods to extract information from Soviet prisoners and agents.

In 1950, the CIA launched Project BLUEBIRD, which was subsequently renamed ARTICHOKE. The Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI), responsible for examining foreign activities related to drug and psychochemical use in interrogations, initially oversaw the program. Later on, it was managed by the Security Officer, CIA, the Chief, Medical Services, Chief, TSS, and the AD/OSI.

Objectives of Project BLUEBIRD/ARTICHOKE

The primary objectives of Project BLUEBIRD/ARTICHOKE were to develop techniques that would enable the CIA to control the minds of individuals for intelligence gathering purposes. The program had three basic aims, as stated in a 1953 paper from the Security Officer, CIA to ARTICHOKE representatives:

To perfect techniques utilizing existing drugs, hypnosis, and other elements for the extraction of information from individuals, whether willing or not.

To provide field teams for testing, experimenting, and refining techniques for the extraction of information from indigenous personnel under field conditions.

To arrange for research and experimentation for the development of means for the control of the activities and mental capacities of individuals, whether willing or not.

Techniques Developed

Project BLUEBIRD/ARTICHOKE, through their extensive research, developed numerous techniques that were diverse in nature. Some of the more noteworthy methods they investigated included:

The administration of drugs: The program conducted trials on various substances such as LSD, mescaline, and other mind-altering drugs to determine their efficacy in controlling individuals' thought processes. The program also examined amphetamines and other stimulants to enhance interrogation tactics.

Hypnotism: The program delved into the use of hypnotism to manipulate the minds of individuals. They employed trained hypnotherapists and provided their agents with training in hypnotic techniques.

Sensory deprivation: The program experimented with the use of sensory deprivation as a means to weaken individuals' minds. They devised a "black box" which could be used to block out all sensory input, isolating the individual from external stimuli.

Torture: The program examined the use of torture as a means to break down an individual's resistance. They developed various torture techniques such as electric shocks, waterboarding, and prolonged solitary confinement.

Ethical Concerns

The addendum to the basic memorandum on Project BLUEBIRD/ARTICHOKE reveals the involvement of other offices in the program and the evolution of its aims and objectives. The bulk of the material in OSI files involves the analysis of foreign activities related to the use of drugs and psychochemicals in interrogations. However, there are indications that other offices were also involved in R&D efforts related to mind control and behavior modification.

The addendum raises ethical and moral questions about the program due to the experimentation on unwitting subjects and the potential for abuse of the developed techniques. References to Frank R. Olson's suicide hint at the possibility of unintended and tragic consequences for those involved.

Researchers and scholars continue to debate the history of Project BLUEBIRD/ARTICHOKE and its successor programs like MKULTRA. Although officially terminated in the 1970s, the program's legacy lives on in the ongoing controversies over government secrecy, human experimentation, and the limits of scientific research.

Conclusion

In the end, the story of Project BLUEBIRD/ARTICHOKE serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked government power and the need for transparency and accountability in scientific research. As we continue to grapple with the complex ethical and moral issues surrounding mind control and behavior modification, we would do well to remember the lessons of history and to approach these questions with the utmost caution and care.

[aliensdeclassified]

Bob Lazar's Impact on Alien and Ufology.

Bob Lazar is a name that has become synonymous with the UFO phenomenon and the search for extraterrestrial life. His claims of working on alien technology in Area 51 in the late 1980s have captivated and divided the UFO community and sparked a renewed interest in the topic of UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

Lazar's story began in 1989, when he appeared in a series of interviews with investigative journalist George Knapp, claiming to have worked at a site known as S-4, located near Area 51 in Nevada. According to Lazar, he was part of a team of scientists tasked with reverse engineering and studying nine flying saucers of extraterrestrial origin. Lazar claimed to have seen and worked on the propulsion system of one of the craft, which he described as using an element called "Element 115" to create gravity waves and achieve near-instantaneous travel through space.

Lazar's claims were met with skepticism and controversy from the scientific and UFO communities, with many questioning the validity of his credentials and the veracity of his claims. However, Lazar maintained his story and provided what he claimed to be evidence of his time at S-4, including detailed descriptions of the alien technology and the process by which it was studied.

The controversy surrounding Lazar's claims only intensified when he was later accused of lying about his education and work history. Critics pointed out that Lazar's claimed academic background could not be verified, and that his former employers denied any record of his employment. However, Lazar maintained that his background had been intentionally erased by the government as part of a cover-up of his work at S-4.

Despite the doubts and controversies surrounding his claims, Lazar's story has had a significant impact on the UFO and alien community, fueling renewed interest and debate about the possibility of extraterrestrial life and government cover-ups of UFO sightings and encounters.

One of the most significant impacts of Lazar's story has been the renewed attention and scrutiny it has brought to Area 51 and other secret military installations. Lazar's claims about his work at S-4 and the existence of extraterrestrial technology have led many to speculate that the government is hiding evidence of alien life and technology at these sites, and has fueled calls for greater transparency and disclosure from the government.

Lazar's claims have also inspired numerous documentaries, books, and even a feature film. In 1993, a documentary titled "Bob Lazar: Area 51 and Flying Saucers" was released, which featured interviews with Lazar and other witnesses, as well as footage of Area 51 and other secret military installations. The documentary was well-received by audiences and helped to cement Lazar's status as a cultural touchstone for those interested in the UFO phenomenon.

The impact of Lazar's claims can also be seen in the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about the UFO phenomenon. While many scientists and skeptics remain skeptical of Lazar's claims, his story has helped to raise awareness about the need for greater scientific investigation and research into the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Lazar's claims have also led to the creation of organizations and groups dedicated to studying the UFO phenomenon, such as the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and the Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CSETI).

Despite the controversy and skepticism surrounding his claims, Lazar's impact on the UFO and alien community cannot be denied. His story has sparked a renewed interest and debate about the possibility of extraterrestrial life and government cover-ups, and has inspired countless individuals to search for evidence of alien life and technology.

In conclusion, Bob Lazar's impact on the UFO and alien community has been significant and far-reaching. While his claims have been met with controversy and skepticism, they have also helped to raise awareness about the need for greater scientific investigation and research

[alaterielle]

mowed lawns are the shaved pubes of landscaping - let the biodiversity thrive people 😤😤😤

[fry1957oil]

https://americasbestpics.com/video/7vIefrlf9?s=u

[historyhermann]

Documents Shed A Light on U.S. Drone Warfare in Pakistan

A fully armed MQ-9 Reaper taxis down a runway in Afghanistan in November 2007. Reapers and Predators were the two types of drones used during U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan. On March 17th of this year, State Department spokesperson Ned Price was asked by Pakistani news media about unconfirmed reports of a U.S. drone strike in the Pakistani village of Zangara, within the South Waziristan region.…

[postersbykeith]

[sgt-tombstone]

CoD Military Realism References

UPDATED 05JUL24

For those of you who want to take your fic writing realism (or general military knowledge) to the next level, here is a compilation of real-world, declassified military documents ranging from field manuals to military academy graduate theses all pulled from the Internet Archive. If you're looking for something specific, I highly recommend browsing through their military collection, as they have handbooks on every military topic imaginable, including specific weapons and military operations.

All of these are incredibly outdated because all of the in-date stuff is still classified. That being said, some of these are more outdated than others. Use them at your own discretion and don’t feel obligated to make every detail of your fic entirely accurate. Fic writing is supposed to be fun for everyone involved. Don’t let the real world intricacies of the military distract you from making those military men kiss sloppy style 🖤

The resources that I personally find most useful are highlighted in blue but all of them have lots of valuable information. Read at your own discretion; the vast majority of these are official military documents and could contain shocking/triggering details.

General:

Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms (DoD, 2001)

Good for looking up military jargon you don't know

Acronyms: pgs 488-606

Dictionary of United States Military Terms for Joint Usage (DoD, 1950)

Basic Training and Care of Military Dogs (US Army, 1972)

Military Working Dogs (US Army, 2005)

Good for any fics including our bestest boy (Riley)

Includes overview of training, administrative details, various jobs, and vet support for military dogs

Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad (US Army, 1992)

provides doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures on how infantry rifle platoons and squads fight

chapters covering doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures, and includes a tactical standing operating procedure

State, Official, and Special Military Funerals (US Armed Forces, 1965)

Handbook for Next of Kin of Army Prisoners of War / Missing Personnel (US Army, 1972)

designed to provide important information in limited detail to the next of kin of missing and captured members in order to promote a better understanding of Department of the Army policies and procedures

unfortunately relevant for our favorite sudsy sergeant and his family :(

Communication:

Hand Signals

Radio Operator's Handbook (US Marine Corps)

Chock full of jargon and technical details that will unfailingly make you sound like you actually work with radio tech

Not recommended for anyone looking for a general overview

Tactical Single Channel Radio Communications Techniques (US Army, 1987)

See above

Combat Skills:

Combat Skills of the Soldier (US Army, 1984)

tells the soldier how to perform the combat skills needed to survive on the battlefield. These are basic skills that must be learned by soldiers in all military occupational specialties (MOS)

Great overview of camouflage, fighting positions, movement, communications, first aid, etc.

Hand to Hand Combat (US Marine Corps)

A little goofy but hey, hand to hand combat stays relevant, no matter how old the information is

Combat Training with Pistols and Revolvers (US Army, 1988)

Close Combat (US Marine Corps, 1999)

provides the tactics, techniques, and procedures of Marine Corps close combat

provides both the lethal and nonlethal close combat techniques needed to handle the situation responsibly without escalating the violence unnecessarily

Explosives and Demolitions (US Army, 2007)

the reference manual for explosives and demolitions procedures that support combat operations, as well as, peacetime training missions requiring demolition applications

Soap's favorite document (he'd probably know it front to back)

You know it's good when the table of contents is almost 20 pages long...

Camouflage, Concealment, and Decoys (US Army, 1999)

intended to help company-level leaders understand the principles and techniques of camouflage, concealment, and decoys (CCD)

Military Diving (US Army, 1999)

Likely the longest resource on this list

Incredibly in-depth; probably only useful if you're writing an entire mission underwater or involving serious diving

Combat Diving (Canadian National Defense, 2002)

contains the information required for the planning and execution of combat diving operations

A far more accessible resource for diving information than the Army diving manual (the Canadians know how to be succinct lmao)

Night Combat - Historical Study (Center of Military History, US Army, 1986)

Scouting and Patrolling (US Marine Corps, 2000)

provides the doctrinal foundation and the tactics, techniques, and procedures for scouting and patrolling from the fire team to the company level. Although the information focuses on infantry units, much of the information is also applicable to combat support units that are assigned patrolling missions

Officers:

Staff Duties in the Field (Canadian National Defense, 1995)

describes procedures for staff work prepared in support of field training exercises and for the planning and conduct of land force operations

Notes for Officers and NCOs on Methods of Instruction (School of Infantry, 1946)

A really cool teaching manual for officers and NCOs who are in charge of instructing new recruits. Doesn't outline what to teach so much as how to teach it

Army Non Commissioned Officer’s Guide (Us Army, 2002)

provides noncommissioned officers a guide for leading, supervising and caring for soldiers. While not all-inclusive nor intended as a stand-alone document, the guide offers NCOs a ready reference for most situations

people always forget that Soap and Gaz are leaders in their own right, with soldiers of their own to command (or at least they would've before joining the 141). This is an excellent guide for how they would act in a leadership position

Commander’s Tactical Handbook (US Marine Corps, 1988)

contains reference material frequently used to organize, plan, and conduct Marine ground combat operations. Its intent is to assist small unit leaders functioning at the company level and below, but it also serves as a field reference guide for all Marine leaders

Intelligence Officer's Handbook (US Army, 1998)

Probably not really relevant for anyone's fics; the 141 doesn't work in intelligence, and this handbook is for specific units within the US Army. An interesting read, though

Types of Operations:

Terrain:

Mountain Operations (Canadian National Defense, 1976)

Combat in Built-Up Areas (US Army, 1992)

Desert Operations (US Army, 1993)

Jungle Operations (Canadian National Defense, 1978)

Ground Combat Operations (US Marine Corps, 2002)

provides the doctrinal basis for the planning and execution of ground combat operations for ground forces

River Crossing Operations (US Army, US Marine Corps, 1998)

Mountain Operations (US Army, 2000)

Training for Urban Operations (US Army, 2002)

Guerrilla Warfare Tactics in Urban Environments Master's Thesis (US Army, 2003)

Not really an urban environment guide; explores whether or not the US Army needs better guidelines for urban warfare tactics

Other:

Guerrilla Warfare and Special Forces Operations (US Army, 1961)

Kill or Get Killed: Riot Control, Techniques, Manhandling, and Close Combat for Police and the Military (US Marine Corps, 1991)

Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Operations (US Marine Corps, 1998)

Doctrine for Special Forces Operations (US Army, 1990)

Raid Operations (US Marine Corps, 2002)

Land Force Information Operations (Canadian National Defense, 1999)

describes a multidimensional concept used by the Army to achieve success across the continuum of operations. Information Operations (lO) is an essential combat function that must be integrated with the remainder of the combat functions to maximize combat power

describes the concept in detail, and outlines how lO relates to other combat functions and contributes to the success of commanders on the battlefield

Scout Platoon (US Army, 1999)

describes how the scout platoon conducts its primary missions, reconnaissance and security

focuses on the principles of platoon operations and on the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) the platoon uses to acquire information and provide security and protection for other units on the battlefield

covers a variety of supporting tasks and operations the platoon must perform or coordinate, either as part of its reconnaissance and security missions or as assigned by the commander

Engineer Reconnaissance (US Army, 1998)

Operations in a Low Intensity Conflict (US Army, 1992)

provides tactical-level guidance to brigade and battalion commanders and staff officers for planning, controlling, and coordinating combined arms operations in a low-intensity environment

focuses on tactical units' tasks and missions across the operational continuum just short of declared war

Counterguerrilla Operations (US Army, 1986)

Counterinsurgency Operations (US Marine Corps, 2004)

Medical/Survival:

Basic Medical Information:

Basic Medical Terminology (US Army)

Special Forces Medical Handbook (US Army, 1982)

Aidmans Medical Guide (US Army, 1973)

Medical Platoon Leaders' Handbook (US Army, 2001)

Basic Human Anatomy (US Army)

Basic Human Physiology (US Army)

Basic Patient Care Procedures (US Army)

Force Health Protection Nutrition and Exercise Manual (US Navy, 1999)

Treating Wounds in the Field (US Army)

Combat Life-Saver Medical Tasks (US Army)

Medical Interoperability Handbook (ABCA Armies, 2000)

Combat Stress (US Marine Corps, 2000)

Combat Stress Control in a Theater of Operations (US Army, 1992)

Self Aid and Buddy Aid (US Army, 2000)

Taking Vital Signs (US Army)

Preventive Medical Services (US Army, 2000)

Food Service: Army Rations, Food Packets and Supplements (US Army, 1968)

Treatment of Biological Warfare Agent Casualties (US Armed Forces, 2000)

Physical Readiness Training for Combat (US Marine Corps, 2004)

Specific Scenario Survival:

Summer Survival Course Handbook (US Marine Corps, 2002)

Winter Survival Course Handbook (US Marine Corps, 2002)

Basic Cold Weather Training (Canadian National Defense, 1974)

Soldier's Handbook for Individual Operations and Survival in Cold Weather Areas (US Army, 1986)

Basic Cold Weather Manual (US Army, 1968)

Combat Water Survival (US Marine Corps, 2003)

Ordnance Materiel in Extreme Cold Weather 0 to -65 F (US Army, US Air Force, 1959)

Map Reading and Land Navigation (US Army, 2001)

Survival, Evasion, and Recovery (US Armed Forces, 1999)

A really cool survival guide; recommended read for anyone

chock full of fun and useful acronyms

What to Expect if You Get Shot

Finding Your Direction When Lost

Medical Aspects of Chemical and Biological Warfare (US Army, 1997)

Medical Evacuation in a Theater of Operations (US Army, 2000)

provides the philosophy of and doctrine for medical evacuation in a theater of operations (TO)

Tactics, techniques, and procedures for accomplishing the medical evacuation of sick, injured, or wounded soldiers are included

Environmental Injuries: Snakebite, Arthropod Bite/Sting, Plant Contact, Heat/Cold Injury (US Army)

Snipers:

Sniper Training (US Army, 1994)

The best sniper reference on the list

Not necessarily up-to-date but provides an excellent overview of every aspect of sniping, including equipment, ammunition, marksmanship, the effects of weather, field techniques, sniper positions, observation, mission prep, communications, tracking, etc

Sniper Training Program (US Navy SEALs)

Modern Snipers (2016)

Counter Sniper Guide (US Army)

Regardless of what we may call him, the individual who is shooting at police, firemen, soldiers or citizens is certainly dangerous. In order to counteract, we must employ a trained individual whose knowledge and skill fall within the dictionary description of a sniper, whom we shall refer to throughout the manual as a COUNTERSNIPER

Super badass ngl

Sniping (US Marine Corps, 2004)

Good explanation of sniper teams, equipment, training, skills, etc with helpful tables at the end

Special Operations Sniper Training and Employment (US Army)

Useful appendices at the end

Scouting, Patrolling, and Sniping (War Department, 1944)

Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism, and Intelligence:

Understanding and Surviving Terrorism (US Marine Corps, 2001)

Counterterrorism Handbook (2002)

Emergency Response to Terrorism (USDoJ, 1999)

Aptitude for Destruction: Organizational Learning in Terrorist Groups and Its Implications for Combating Terrorism (RAND, 2005)

Countermobility (US Army, 1985)

Counterintelligence (US Army, 1995)

Intelligence Preparation of a Battlefield (US Army, 1994)

[herecomesthesound]

once again about to fight god WHY ARE THERE NOT MORE IMAGES OF RAY IN PARADE MAKEUP kms

[mickmathersartblog]

"Traveling this Way"

digital collage, digital drawing & digital painting by Mick Mather

(click image to view actual size)

[govpubsfinds]

The NSA Furby Memo (1999)

In 1999, the National Security Agency (NSA) issued a fascinating internal memo about an unexpected security threat: Furbies. The cuddly, owl-like toys, popular for their lifelike responses and "learning" abilities, were rumored to record conversations and repeat them—sparking concerns that they could compromise sensitive information.

However, what should have proven to be a simple internal affair turned into a comedy goldmine when the NSA's Furby ban was leaked to and subsequently picked up by media outlets, including The Washington Post and BBC News. This resulted in the Furby Memo of 1999, which has since been declassified via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

In an internal listserve discussion, NSA employees remark humorously on both the ban and the resulting media attention, with exchanges questioning whether the entire incident is "a little embarrassing to the agency" while others joked about the possibility of a "FURBYGATE."

Although later proven that Furbies lack actual recording capabilities, the memo highlights the NSA’s vigilance over even seemingly trivial security risks in the late '90s, at a time when the interplay between consumer tech and privacy was burgeoning.

Today, this memo is a curious reminder of the early stages of digital surveillance and its implications in consumer technology—foreshadowing contemporary anxieties around AI, data privacy, and cybersecurity. The Furby memo remains a quirky yet poignant snapshot of how the government responded to emerging tech’s potential risks in the digital age.

Citations:

National Security Agency. (1999). Furby Memo. Partially declassified and released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

UW Libraries Catalogue Entry: Permalink

Fulltext available via the Internet Archive

National Security Agency. (1999). Furby Memo: Policy Questions. Partially declassified and released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

UW Libraries Catalogue Entry: Permalink

Fulltext available via the Internet Archive

Furby Photo Credit: M.L.

[dailydeclassified]

"NOTHING BUT THE FACTS ON UFO'S"

Last night I was looking thru declassified documents @ cia-gov website when I came across this document titled:

"NOTHING BUT THE FACTS ON UFO'S"

These documents go on to state encounters with UFO's that lead to a shootout (though I cannot attest to the validity) with modern aircraft of that time It also briefly mentions a meeting and conversation with a supposed (Man from Venus). The date of the document is April 9, 1968.

refer to page 4 - 5 out of 11 of the document where admission of UFO's attempting to down fighter pilot's to no avail. As well as other allegations of reports indicating much more. I would encourage everyone to at least read pages 4-7 as it is quite puzzling.

Note worthy interests,

The fact that the CIA is even considering referencing these 2 individuals in the first place. Keep in mind of the 2 articles in question, the first being a (Felix Zigel) Doctor of Science (Technology), Assistant Professor at the Moscow Aviation Institute. And the second being a (Villen Lyustibverg) APN Science Commentator. But still lot of questions arise.

The fact there are still redactions in this document.

The apparent perceived connection between the visits of UFO's or Extraterrestrial being sighted at times of conflict around the globe to include around the origin of the conflict. Or closely connected to "earthly events".

The apparent fact that Mr. Zigel (though being a Russian citizen during a time of international conflict) does seem to hold a very unbiased scientific approach when analyzing the evidence which I feel is clearly illustrated in the documents.

Regardless, it is still a unique find that I have certainly not encountered before and extremely compelling to say the least. Ultimately the documents are open for interpretation. Below will be the link to the CIA website if anyone wishes to verify the legitimacy of these documents. Also I am curious to hear points of view from others regarding this and a proposed question. It is my personal belief that technology of the future in regards to vehicles (weather in air, land, or sea (including under) ) will incorporate the use of plasma to some regards or degree as it has been speculated for its unique characteristics to greatly reduce the resistance of friction to matter. (think a hockey puck on ice) I have heard or read somewhere that it could in effect create some kind of near anti-gravity affect similar to that of something slipping through the air rather then being propelled through it. Does anyone else feel this way or have any evidence to produce that would fortify this theory? On many spotting's of UFO's it does seem to create an illusion of what looks to be a plasma bubble around the craft with a distinct shape inside. Thank you for reading.

https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000015452.pdf

[aliensdeclassified]

The UFO Epidemic: Examining the Evidence and Speculation

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or what the US military now calls Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). From government reports to eyewitness accounts to viral videos, the phenomenon has captured the imagination of millions around the world. Some see it as evidence of extraterrestrial life or advanced technology beyond our understanding, while others dismiss it as hoaxes, misidentifications, or natural phenomena. What is the truth behind the UFO epidemic? Let's explore the evidence and speculation.

First, it's worth noting that UFOs/UAPs are not a new phenomenon. Reports of strange aerial sightings date back centuries, if not millennia, and have been documented in various cultures and contexts. However, the modern era of UFO research began in the late 1940s, after a spate of alleged sightings and crashes of unidentified objects in the United States, notably the famous incident in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. Since then, thousands of cases of UFOs/UAPs have been reported and investigated by governments, militaries, civilian organizations, and individuals worldwide.

Second, it's important to distinguish between UFOs/UAPs and extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). While some people equate the two, they are not necessarily linked. UFOs/UAPs refer to any flying object or phenomenon that cannot be readily explained by conventional means, such as airplanes, helicopters, balloons, birds, drones, or weather patterns. They may appear as bright lights, metallic shapes, or blurred images, and may move in unusual ways, such as sudden acceleration, deceleration, or hovering. However, just because a UFO/UAP is unidentified does not mean it is extraterrestrial or even artificial. It could be a natural phenomenon, such as a meteor, a mirage, or an optical illusion, or a man-made object, such as a secret military aircraft, a commercial airliner, or a hobbyist's drone.

Third, it's crucial to scrutinize the evidence for UFOs/UAPs carefully. While some cases may be compelling, others may be flawed or fraudulent. For example, eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable, as human perception and memory can be influenced by biases, expectations, and context. Moreover, photos and videos can be easily manipulated or staged, especially in the age of digital editing and special effects. Therefore, it's important to collect multiple independent sources of evidence and to subject them to rigorous analysis by experts in relevant fields, such as physics, astronomy, meteorology, or psychology.

Fourth, it's useful to consider alternative explanations for UFOs/UAPs before jumping to the conclusion of ETI. One possibility is that they are the result of human error or deception, such as misinterpretation of natural or man-made objects, intentional or unintentional hoaxes, or psychological or physiological anomalies. Another possibility is that they are the result of advanced but earthly technology, such as classified military projects, experimental aircraft, or commercial drones. A third possibility is that they are the result of natural or cosmic phenomena that we have not yet fully understood, such as ball lightning, plasma, or interstellar objects.

Fifth, it's necessary to acknowledge the limits of our current knowledge and technology. While science has made remarkable progress in understanding the universe and ourselves, there are still many mysteries and gaps that we may never solve or fill. The search for ETI is a fascinating and legitimate endeavor, but it should be grounded in empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and ethical considerations. We should avoid premature or unfounded claims of contact or communication with aliens, as they could have serious consequences for our society, culture, and security.

In conclusion, the UFO epidemic has sparked a wide range of reactions and opinions among the public, the media, and the scientific community. Some people believe that the increasing number of UFO/UAP sightings and the recent declassification of government reports on the subject are signs of a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the universe and our place in it. They argue that the evidence points to the existence of extraterrestrial life or at least to the possibility of it. They also call for more transparency and collaboration among governments, scientists, and the public in investigating and sharing information on UFOs/UAPs.

Other people, however, are more skeptical of the UFO phenomenon and its implications. They point out that many cases of UFOs/UAPs can be explained by natural or human causes, and that there is no conclusive proof of ETI or their intentions. They also caution against the risks of hype, hysteria, or misinformation surrounding the topic, which could fuel conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, or even mass panic. They suggest that more critical thinking, education, and open-mindedness are needed to approach the UFO issue in a responsible and rational way.

Whatever one's stance on the UFO epidemic, it is clear that the topic will continue to generate interest and controversy in the years to come. As our technology and knowledge advance, we may uncover more clues or even definitive answers to the mystery of UFOs/UAPs. Alternatively, we may find that the phenomenon is simply a reflection of our own limitations and imagination. Either way, the quest for truth and discovery is a noble and worthy pursuit, and we should remain curious and respectful of the unknown, whatever form it may take.

[random-kazakh-stuff]

There is a common play on words in Russian about a town in Kazakhstan. It goes like this:

A: Где ты шлялся, пес? ("Where were you, dog?")

B: Где, где? В Караганде!("Where, where? In Karaganda!")

The play here is that Where and Karaganda(declenised, it's when you change the ending of a word, because grammar) have the same ending -de.

There is however many interesting things happening at the same time with this saying.

First of all, it's origin.

It can't be said when or where exactly this phrase appeared, but some argue that it could have been a common answer from people who had been released from Karlag(Karaganda Corrective Labour Camp) which around a million people went through from 1930 to 1959. It is suggested that people wouldn't want to say that they went to Karlag so they just dismissively answered that they were in Karaganda.

Secondly, there is the way the phrase traveled through the years.

Russian is spoken less and less in most countries that were once part of USSR. At the same time, there are young people today who have never learned the geography of other countries(in comparison to times in USSR when they would apparently learn about the entire USSR).

So there is an group of young people who might learn Russian and hear the phrase but never find out that Karaganda is a real plase, in Kazakhstan, and not a imaginary or a funny word.

There is also a monument for the phrase! where? guess.

The animal is marmot btw which is the symbol animal of Karaganda.

[ID: A photo of the monument on a sunny day. All of the figures are of a dirty coppery orange colour. From left to right: a man standing with a suitcase at his feet looking confused, and holding a hand close to his face as if looking out for the horizon; a signpost with arrows pointing to different directions, top to down: "Karaganda 0km", "Astana", "Moscow"; a sizeable marmot with a smug face leaning on the sign; a man in a cap spreading his arms, as if trying to explain something]