Awareness - 2008-09 - Vol 29 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Issue: Volume 29 No 2
Date: March 2008
Publisher: Contact International UFO Research

This issue of Awareness magazine, dated March 2008, features a cover story titled "Missing Time Repeater" and an editorial discussing the phenomenon of "pareidolia," exemplified by a photograph from the NASA Mars Rover 'Spirit' that appeared to show a human-like figure. The magazine includes a variety of articles, reports, and personal accounts related to UFOs and unexplained phenomena.

Editorial: Another Case of "Pareidolia"!

The editorial introduces the term "pareidolia," defined as the tendency to perceive familiar forms in random patterns, particularly relevant to the study of UFOs. It discusses a photograph from the NASA Mars Rover 'Spirit' showing a figure on the Martian surface, dated September 2007. The editor notes that this image gained media attention and compares it to previous instances of pareidolia on Mars, such as Percival Lowell's "canals" and the "face" in Cydonia photographed by the Viking mission, which were later revealed to be geological features.

The editorial also touches upon the concept of human life's fragility in extreme environments like Mars and contrasts it with the potential for sophisticated Martian life forms. It suggests that pareidolia can influence interpretations of ancient carvings and religious apparitions, and recounts an experience with photographs taken near Portsmouth Harbour where shapeless blobs were interpreted as space vehicles.

Contents and Editorial Staff

The magazine lists its contents, including "Editorial/Latest News Items," "UFO Reports - Data Research," "Dogged Days - Ellis Taylor," "Invisible Scientopia - Michael Soper," "Astronomical Notes 2008 - Data Research," "Reviews," "Forum and Letters," and "Advertisements." The editorial address is P.O Box 23, Wheatley, Oxon, England. The Contact International Council includes Hon. Life Members, President, Vice-President, and representatives, along with Administrative Officers responsible for various aspects of the publication and organization.

LATEST NEWS ITEMS

MOD to Release UFO Files: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has decided to release its UFO files dating back to the 1960s in response to numerous Freedom of Information requests. The press were informed of this decision in late 2007. While the Rendlesham incident files have already been published, other reports may be disappointing, containing mainly memoranda. The records will be available at the National Archive at Kew. The MOD has also placed a synopsis of its 2007 UFO reports on its website, with additional years added before 2002, allowing access to UFO inputs from 1997 to 2007. In 2007, 136 UFO reports were received, an increase from 2006, with most described as "lights in the sky." August and September showed a surge in activity.

Southampton Group to Close: SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group), founded 18 years ago, is closing down due to apathy. Steve Gerrard, its chair, made the decision, with the group's PR, Ernie Sears, having left earlier. The closure is effective January 1st, 2008.

A new group, "BUFOG," has been created in Birmingham, with a website and regular UFO sightings reported from the area. Its founders were formerly involved with the West Midlands group at Stourbridge.

Classic "Saucer" Photographed Over Cornwall

Photographer Kelvin Barbery took a photograph on December 29th, 2007, near Falmouth, Cornwall, which he claims shows a "saucer" UFO hovering over two sea tankers. The object was not visible to him at the time but appeared larger than a sea bird in the enhanced version. CIUFOR was asked to assess the photograph, and along with expert Nick Pope, agreed it was not tampered with. The article suggests that UFOs might only show up on film and be otherwise invisible.

Agony Corner: Suicide Cult in South Wales?

This section discusses a disturbingly high number of suicides among young people (aged 15-27) in the Bridgend, South Wales area, with 17 deaths by February 20th in just over a year. The victims were described as fit and attractive. The establishment is trying to dispel notions of a suicide pact or cult. A common factor is hanging, and the victims were involved in internet social networking groups like "Bebo" and "Facebook." The article questions whether these concepts are harbingers of doom and draws a parallel to Arthur C. Clarke's "2001, A Space Odyssey" and the "Heaven's Gate" cult.

Camelford Legacy Still Apparent

This article recounts the 1988 poisoning of Camelford's water supply by Aluminium Sulphate, which caused widespread illness, including vomiting, diarrhoea, skin burns, aching joints, and mouth ulcers. Long-term effects include brain damage and cancer. The incident was an accident, but the water authority initially insisted the supply was safe. A police report revealed the plant was unsupervised, and recent coroner's inquiries are investigating abnormal aluminium levels in deceased individuals.

Economy Light Bulbs Danger?

The article raises concerns about the phasing out of old tungsten light bulbs in favour of gas-filled glow lamps, which use less electricity but contain mercury. It notes that the new bulbs may not light up to full capacity immediately and emit radiation that can be picked up as radio interference or by dowsing, questioning the long-term effects of cumulative radiation exposure.

Conspiracy Update: Did PMS Jammer Create Plane Crash?

This section investigates the mysterious crash landing of a British Airways Boeing 777 at Heathrow airport on January 17th, 2008. An interim report found no obvious cause for the stall. The article speculates that a sophisticated "jammer" carried by the Prime Minister's protection squad, which can block remote-controlled missiles, might have interfered with the plane's computer systems, causing the crash. It suggests a massive cover-up is likely.

Updates: Princess Diana Inquest and Madeleine McCann

The delayed inquest into the car crash that killed Diana and Dodi Fayed is ongoing, with Mohamed Al-Fayed's testimony described as "self-delusion and paranoia." A DVD titled "Lady Die" has been released. The article also briefly mentions the Madeleine McCann disappearance, noting the lack of progress and the media's role in generating conspiracy theories.

Sighting Reports (By Data Research)

This section details several UFO sighting reports from various locations in the UK:

• 04/01/08, Dagenham, Essex: A round, solid object with red and blue lights was seen moving fast.
• 02/11/07, Luton, Bedfordshire: A glowing orange, triangle-shaped object that changed to a cigar shape was observed moving silently and gaining altitude.
• 19/11/07, Dagenham, Essex: A bright star-like object flashed red and blue lights, moved erratically, and appeared to be emitting a warning.
• 02/12/07, Dagenham, Essex: An 11-year-old girl and her brother saw a round, solid craft with a dome and red and blue lights moving slowly.
• 28/01/08, Donnington, Oxford: 10-15 red coloured lights were seen moving in formation without noise, flying lower than a passenger jet.
• 02/11/07, Streatham Common, London: Three glowing orbs were seen bobbing up and down and darting across the sky.
• 21/10/07, Area not known: A diamond-shaped object with pulsating lights was video-taped at high altitude.
• 10/11/07, Cinderford, Gloucester: Four orange lights were seen over the town heading towards Gloucester.
• 24/11/07, Clapham Common: Strange lights were noticed, described as thin strips with two prominent lit areas, moving erratically and in unison.

Dogged Days (Incidents in the life of CIUFOR webmaster, Ellis Taylor)

This multi-part article by Ellis Taylor details his personal experiences with unexplained phenomena. Part One describes a strange visit to a service station where the place seemed unusually empty, and he experienced a sense of unease and possibly missing time. He also recounts a journey to Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, where he experienced unusual events prior to the visit, including orbs, coloured lights, and telephonic interference. Upon arrival at his friends' home, he notes discrepancies in the time of his arrival and the weather conditions, suggesting a possible manipulation or distortion of time.

Part Two details a "most terrible night" spent sleeping on a sofa under Jason's bedroom. Taylor describes hearing scratching noises, seeing bright lights, and experiencing garbled voices. He felt his brain being squeezed and had visions, including a large bridge. He then recounts an experience of being bitten by two large black dogs at the back door. The night was punctuated by the chiming of a clock, and he awoke to daylight, feeling as though he had only just gone to bed. Sacha Christie, also present, reported having a similarly terrible night.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Awareness magazine include the interpretation of visual phenomena (pareidolia), government transparency regarding UFO information, personal accounts of UFO sightings and unusual experiences, and the potential for unexplained events to impact daily life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations, while also maintaining a critical perspective on sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The magazine aims to document and analyze UFO-related events and experiences, fostering discussion within the UFO research community.

Title: Awareness
Issue: Vol 29 No 1 (March 2008)
Publisher: Awareness
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Awareness magazine delves into various aspects of the paranormal, UFO phenomena, and scientific speculation. It features personal accounts of unusual experiences, a book review, astronomical observations, and critical discussions on government secrecy and the nature of reality.

Personal Accounts and Experiences

The issue begins with a personal account of an experience involving voices, a feeling of being wrapped in cling-film, and physical marks (bruises) on the hands, attributed to an encounter possibly involving aliens. The witness describes a feeling of dissociation and memory loss following the event. Another account details a seagull crashing into an invisible barrier and then rallying itself. Photographs taken by Paola are mentioned, suggesting a 'shuddering' bedroom and a strange landing, with a psychic attributing it to an alien experiment.

'Scientopia' and Advanced Technology

An article titled "SUPPOSE ALL LIVE INSIDE AN INVISIBLE 'SCIENTOPIA'" by Michael Soper explores the concept of an advanced race that can hide through mind control or advanced visual stealth using nuclear-powered triangular craft. Soper contrasts this with the public's fear of new technologies and criticizes the 'neoluddite' viewpoint. He laments the lack of progress in areas like fusion power, contrasting it with military advancements like the USAF Falcon hyperplane. The article lists several 'potential breakthroughs' that have seemingly vanished, including superconducting anti-gravity devices, atomic batteries, and advanced learning pheromones.

Page 20 expands on the 'Scientopia' concept, posing questions about whether secret locations like Area 51 fit this description, and listing characteristics such as genetically modified geniuses, mutated humans, and science unhindered by democracy or grant wrangling. It also touches upon the difficulties of elitist schemes and the decline in editorial standards in publishing.

UFO Field Publications and Case Studies

The magazine lists several independent UFO field publications, including the Journal of Transient Phenomena, APRO bulletin, Awareness, Flying Saucer Review, and Nexus. It also mentions publications from FUFOR and GEPAN. A letter from Geoff Ambler reviews the book "FLYING SAUCERERS" by Dr. David Clarke and Andy Roberts, describing it as a social history of ufology covering the period 1950-1980, primarily in the UK. The review highlights coverage of figures like Edgar and Denis Plunkett, Desmond Leslie, George King, Arthur Shuttlewood, and the spoof author 'Cedric Allingham' (Sir Patrick Moore). The reviewer notes the book's objectivity and the inclusion of photographs and newsclippings.

Another section discusses a UFO 'flap' at Banbury, Oxon, in 1971-72, involving hundreds of sightings and significant media attention, including a BBC 'Man Alive' programme. The role of Keith Palmer, who recently moved to Banbury, is mentioned as a possible factor in the reporting levels.

Letters to the Editor and Paranormal Theories

Letters to the editor offer various perspectives. One letter suggests that explorers at the poles might be crossing into a parallel dimension due to a 'periodic dimensional anomaly,' explaining strange phenomena. This theory is also linked to nuclear development warnings from ufologists, suggesting fallout could affect such anomalies. The writer believes this parallel dimension is pristine and that UFOs might be observing Earth's evolution to show humanity what not to do.

Another letter discusses the idea of underground or underwater bases, disagreeing with the concept and proposing that dimensional windows allow UFOs to appear and disappear. The writer draws on personal experience in mining to explain the difficulties of underground environments.

A letter from Ray Martin recounts a UFO sighting over London in 1937 and expresses concern about cults and the press's handling of UFO matters. He shares his ongoing effort to make sense of the UFO enigma.

A letter from Vera L. Perry describes a peculiar sight observed near the Moon, involving a black zig-zag mark and a gauzy, off-white cloud-like material. She also mentions a series of UFO sightings around Lake Erie, including a bright red pulsating light, and a plane crash in Lake Erie with no immediate explanation. The letter also notes a government shift from denial to claiming ownership of the craft.

UFO Secrecy and Disclosure Project

An article titled "INSIDERS EXPOSE REASONS FOR UFO SECRECY" reports on claims by Dr. Steven M. Greer of the Disclosure Project. Greer states that government insiders have revealed a highly classified program related to UFOs. The reasons for secrecy are cited as the inertia of classified programs, embarrassment over illegal actions, and the fact that the energy and propulsion systems of UFOs are understood, which would end the oil-based geopolitical order. Greer claims that US tax dollars have been used for decades to investigate UFOs and that full disclosure would enable a sustainable civilization.

Further details are provided about Dr. Greer's efforts, including briefings to CIA Director James Woolsey and President Clinton and Hillary Clinton. The article notes that these efforts were met with resistance and censorship, with references to Laurence Rockefeller and the Clintons being removed from press releases. The editor expresses skepticism about the Disclosure Project's claims, particularly the notion of a 'secret state within a state' and the vast sums of money involved.

Astronomical Notes and Advertisements

The issue includes "ASTRONOMICAL NOTES 2008" by Data Research, providing information on the positions of bright celestial objects that could be mistaken for UFOs, such as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. A moon diary for March 2008 is also presented.

Advertisements and notices include details for Awareness back issues, UFO/ET World Penfriends Club, UFO and Space Age Publications, and TEMS (The Travel and Earth Mysteries Society). A 'For Sale' section lists books on ghosts, haunted places, and UFOs, as well as a telescope.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFO sightings, alien encounters, government secrecy, and the paranormal. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief in the existence of hidden truths and advanced technologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, while also critically examining claims and organizations within the UFO community, as evidenced by the editor's critique of Dr. Greer's Disclosure Project.