RESEARCH PROJECTS     #1: Close Encounters of the Third Kind Over the last few years members of N.O.P.R. have received two similar  descriptions of  "alien"  encounters in the Sudbury area.  These stand out in that  both reports gave a detailed description of  aliens that were identical. We do not believe that either person knows, or has had contact with, the other person. We are actively trying to verify that. It is the description that has prompted us to try to actively research  this.  They were extremely unique, and to date, we have found no similar description in any UFO reports, movies, or television shows. We invite anyone who believes that they have had such an encounter to contact us with specific details. We are looking for elements that match our two original witness accounts.      #2: O.O.B.E (Out Of Body Experience) or Astral Travel It is said that we have an energy or astral body that closely resembles our physical body. It is believed that this astral body leaves the body during deep sleep and we often experience that astral body returning as a sudden feeling of "falling," or a sharp thud that jars us from sleep. Some people claim to be able to separate the astral and physical bodies consciously, and to be able to travel at will in their energy body. There are many courses and books available that claim to teach people to do this. N.O.P.R. is in the process of setting up projects to explore this. We have chosen the following courses and/or materials and are forming groups to work with each method and to report our results.   The Gateway Experience:  From The Monroe Institute (Some members using the CD  program, two members attending the Monroe Institute). This course is based on hemi-sync technology pioneered by Dr. Robert Monroe.   The Gnosticweb Online Course:  This 9-week online program offers weekly lessons and instructions. Those taking the course are advised to buy the book "A Course In Astral Travel and Dreams" by Belzebuub. The course however is free. Although it is recommended to get the book, it is not  required to take the course. The website also offers support and sharing programs with other students. The next course commences on May 18, 2008.   Have An Out-Of-Body Experience In 30 Day:  This course is given by way of a short book written by Keith Harary, PH.D., and Pamela Weintraub. The book is based on experiments conducted by Keith Harary at Duke University.   Astral Travel by Barry Konicov: This course is based on using self-hypnosis recordings by hypnotist  Barry Konicov. The basic program is based on a night version, a day version, and subliminals that are to be used in conjunction with each other for 30 days.   Adventures Beyond the Body & The Secret of The Soul: We are using these two books as well as audio recordings by William Bulham.   Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce & Mastering Astral Projection (90 Day Guide To Out Of Body Experience)by Robert Bruce & Brian Mercer:   These are two very hefty books that may require more than 90 days just to read and study the material. There is a CD included with the second book.    (We will share our experiences here)