Awareness - 2008-09 - Vol 30 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Issue: Volume 30, No 2
Date: July 2009
Publisher: Contact International UFO Research

This issue of "Awareness" magazine, published by Contact International UFO Research, delves into a range of topics pertinent to ufology and unexplained phenomena. The cover prominently features the title "AWARENESS" alongside a striking illustration of a flying disc over trees, hinting at the issue's focus on UFO sightings and related mysteries. The issue includes articles on "Tributes" to notable figures, "Alien Sounds," and an "Analysis of Chinese Lanterns." The magazine is presented in a format that has survived for 40 years, indicating a long-standing commitment to its subject matter.

Editorial: It's Getting Lonely Out There!

The editorial section reflects on the early months of 2009, marked by the passing of several friends and colleagues within the ufology community. The editor notes that while most deaths were due to natural causes and illness, the loss of these individuals leaves a void in the field. The editorial then provides short appreciations for each of the departed:

• David Kingston: Founder of the Dorset UFO conference, a researcher since 1976, who investigated crop circles and spheres of light. He died of terminal cancer on February 18th, 2009.
• Paul Vigay: Aged 44, found deceased in the sea on February 20th, 2009. He was a creative genius in computer technology and ran the website www.cropcircleresearch.com, which aimed to foster communication among like-minded individuals.
• Tony Dodd: A long-time UFO investigator who worked with Graham Birdsall at UFO Magazine. He died on March 24th, 2009, at 73, from terminal brain cancer. He authored "ALIEN INVESTIGATOR" and had a personal UFO sighting in 1978.
• John Michell: A renowned "Fortean" writer and investigator who died from lung cancer on April 24th, 2009, aged 76. He wrote over 40 titles, including "The Flying Saucer Vision" and "View Over Atlantis," and was associated with the study of ancient phenomena and the "New Age" movement.

The editorial concludes by lamenting the difficulty of replacing the contributions of these individuals in an era where much effort seems computer-controlled.

Latest News Stories

This section reports on the cessation of the "UFO DATA" magazine, with editor Russel Callaghan citing difficulties in producing a full-colour, glossy magazine with a circulation below five figures. The credit crunch and a perceived low interest in the subject are blamed. Callaghan notes that personal costs have been significant, and despite enjoying the work, he had no option but to cease publication. He also mentions the efforts of Philip Mantle and thanks Steve Johnson for his support.

Personal UFO Experiences

Hemel Hempstead UFO Sighting (June 7, 2003): Roy Rowlands recounts an experience with his wife where they heard a loud "boom" sound. Investigating, Roy saw a large, intense red to orange, diffusing object above the houses, estimated at 1000 feet, which appeared to be tumbling or rotating. His wife also saw the object as it receded. Roy definitively states it was not a helicopter, balloon, aircraft, or Chinese lantern, and believes it was an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO). He notes similarities to other sightings reported in the local press. The object's behavior was judged to be under intelligent control.

Torquay UFO Sighting (August 2006): The author, writing with Roy Dutton, describes a strange experience while sleeping in a bungalow overlooking Torbay. Woken around 2 am, the author saw five bright orange/amber lights rise from the water, move smoothly at an angle, and then disappear. The objects moved at a speed comparable to jet aircraft and were silent, leading the author to believe they were intelligently controlled and not Chinese lanterns or meteors. Roy Dutton, who worked in the aircraft industry, confirmed the unusual nature of the sighting.

Chinese Lanterns - Menace to UFology?

Geoff Ambler discusses the increasing prevalence of "Chinese Lanterns" being reported as UFOs. These miniature hot air balloons, originating from China, are now popular for parties and weddings. Ambler explains how they are launched and their behavior in varying atmospheric conditions. He notes that many reported UFO photographs, showing glowing elongated shapes, could be misidentified Chinese Lanterns. The article suggests that as the public becomes more familiar with these lanterns, the number of UFO reports may decrease. However, it also raises concerns about the metal components of the lanterns posing a risk to livestock if ingested.

Crop Circle Eruption 2009

Geoff Ambler reports on the 2009 crop circle season, noting the early arrival of formations, particularly in rapeseed crops near Avebury, Wiltshire. He highlights the sophistication of the formations, some spanning up to 900 feet. The concentration of circles in the Avebury area is noted as a continuation of a trend from 2008. The article discusses the historical context of crop circles, linking them to ancient sites like Wayland Smithy, West Kennet longbarrow, Silbury Hill, and Avebury stone circles, suggesting a possible connection to ancient neolithic phenomena.

Other Articles and Sections

• Is There a "Hum" Near You?: This section explores the phenomenon of unexplained humming or buzzing sounds experienced by citizens, referencing the "Bristol Hum" and suggesting possible causes ranging from personal sensitivities to electronic inputs or even covert terrorist activity.
• Sun Goes "Quiet": Reports on the Sun recording record lows in sunspot activity, solar wind, and radio emissions, raising questions about its potential impact on climate and the predicted 2012 maximum.
• NASA Pictures Reveal Apollo Landing Sites: Discusses how NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has captured images of Apollo landing sites, potentially providing evidence to counter conspiracy theories about the Moon landings being faked.
• Gary McKinnon - Rescue Bid: Covers the ongoing case of Gary McKinnon, who hacked into US computers, and the campaign to prevent his extradition to the US, highlighting his Asperger's syndrome.
• Swine Flu - Pandemic or Conspiracy?: Examines the outbreak of Swine Flu, discussing its origins, spread, and the potential for panic, while also touching on the pharmaceutical industry's role.
• Torture Claims True: Reports on the release of documents confirming the CIA's use of "black sites" and "extraordinary rendition," referencing the controversial interrogation of Abu Zubaydah.
• Dr Kelly - Evidence Stacks Up: Investigates further revelations concerning the death of Dr. David Kelly, suggesting it may not have been suicide and exploring potential links to his work on biological defense and a book he was allegedly writing.
• Jacko - Please No Conspiracy!: Briefly acknowledges the death of Michael Jackson, cautioning against the proliferation of conspiracy theories surrounding it.
• Low Energy Light Bulbs Poison Workers: Warns about the potential dangers of low-energy light bulbs, particularly mercury poisoning among Chinese factory workers involved in their production.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Awareness" magazine include the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, the analysis of unexplained aerial sightings, and the examination of crop circle formations. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking and debunking misidentifications, particularly concerning Chinese Lanterns. The magazine also engages with contemporary issues such as public health concerns (Swine Flu), political controversies (Gary McKinnon, Dr. Kelly), and the potential dangers of new technologies (low-energy bulbs). The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent research, a commitment to uncovering the truth, and a critical approach to sensationalism, while also acknowledging the significant losses within the ufology community. The magazine's longevity and its focus on detailed analysis suggest a dedication to providing in-depth coverage of its chosen subjects.

Title: Awareness
Issue: Vol 29 No 4
Date: April-June 2009
Publisher: Parchments of Oxford
Country: UK
Price: £1.50

This issue of Awareness magazine focuses on crop circles and unidentified sounds, presenting a mix of contemporary reports and historical investigations into UFO phenomena.

Crop Circle Reports

The magazine features several crop circle reports from the 2009 season. A prominent article highlights a "Jellyfish" formation, described as a 600ft monster, discovered near Kingstone Coombes, Oxfordshire. Crop circle expert Karen Alexander calls it the first of its kind globally and notes its immense size. Smaller reports detail a formation in rape at Peaks Down, near Swindon, on May 9th, and a huge 900ft formation in rape at Clatford, Wiltshire, on May 4th. The issue also mentions a "warm welcome" at the Martinsell Hill formation on July 14th.

However, the crop circle season also had its "bad and ugly" aspects. An incident in Wiltshire involved Kenneth Wilson being arrested by police after firing shots at Norwegian crop circle researchers who were approaching a design near Devizes on July 14th. Wilson claimed he was hired by farmer Richard Oram to prevent visitors, but Oram stated Wilson was shooting at pigeons. The article notes that some farmers have "lost it" and destroyed designs quickly, preventing aerial photography, while others have been more accommodating, allowing visitors with honesty boxes.

Unidentified Sounds: A 1958 Investigation

A significant section, "FROM THE ARCHIVES - 'UNIDENTIFIED SOUNDS'" by Philip Rodgers, revisits a 1958 investigation into sounds believed to be from extraterrestrial sources. The author recounts a researcher's conviction of alien contact through tape recordings and UFO sightings. Rodgers presents 19 assertions about these beings, including their unknown race or nation, a musical language with few consonants, indistinguishable voices from humans, high civilization, happiness, friendliness, and a desire to communicate. He notes their use of advanced electronic devices capable of simulating human voices and projecting transmissions. The researcher's hypothesis is that these sounds are connected with interplanetary spaceships, with small ships used for reconnaissance and a larger "Mother Ship" for transmissions.

The article details several UFO sightings linked to the recordings. On July 10th, 1958, Michael Lines and Ronald Lindsey witnessed two metallic discs hover and shoot upwards near Sheffield. On May 16th, 1958, George Arthur Wild saw a brilliant star-like object move at high speed. On August 2nd, 1958, Mr and Mrs Cadwallender saw a bright spinning object. On August 10th, 1958, recordings revealed the word "Giggleswick" multiple times, leading to a visit where a singing note was heard in the sky, and a witness reported a flying saucer. A later incident on November 18th, 1958, involved Mr. Osguthorpe and the author seeing a red light flash across the road at high speed.

Rodgers concludes that the evidence points to a definite connection between flying saucers and his recordings, suggesting that small ships are sighted because they cannot reach the planet alone.

Diverse Angles on the UFO Scene

Michael Soper contributes an article titled "SOME DIVERSE ANGLES ON THE CURRENT AND PAST UFO SCENE." He reports on a 2009 radio segment about the scrambling of two Meteor NF14s jet fighters in May 1955 in response to a triangular formation of three coloured lights hovering over a secret UK reconnaissance base. The lights dispersed as the jets approached. Soper also raises concerns about the use of SODIUM HEXACYANOFERRATE (sodium ferrocyanide), a smelting byproduct with a cyanide linkage, as an anti-caking agent in table salt sold by major supermarkets. He questions why this potentially harmful substance is used and contrasts it with public opposition to fluoride in tap water, suggesting a disconnect between government actions and public welfare.

Soper speculates on the reasons for potential UFO disclosure, suggesting governments might deem the phenomenon non-threatening, be withholding key cases, or be actively researching it. He also reviews recent films with UFO themes: Steven Spielberg's "Race to Witch Mountain," praised for its believable aliens and engaging plot, and "Knowing," described as a thought-provoking film with a serious implication.

Forum and Letters to the Editor

The "FORUM AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR" section features correspondence from readers. One letter discusses the likelihood of new information emerging from Barack Obama's presidency, suggesting that historical UFO material from the 1940s and 50s is likely deeply buried. Another letter speculates on a hypothetical meeting between "Ike" (Dwight D. Eisenhower) and "space or cross-dimensional visitors" in 1954, touching on atomic power and global warming as potential discussion topics.

Ray Martin from Modder River, RSA, thanks the editor for the March issue and finds the article about UFOs at President Obama's inauguration interesting. Vera L. Perry from Norwalk, Ohio, USA, also expresses interest in the magazine.

A. Strider writes critically about Ufology, expressing dissatisfaction with groups like BUFORA and Andy Roberts, whom he refers to as the "self proclaimed God of Ufology." He hopes for a breakthrough in secrecy, suggesting that British Ufology needs to shed these figures to gain a foothold.

Steve Gerrard, founder of the Southampton UFO Group and editor of UFONews UK, announces the closure of his publication and group in June 2010. He cites the death of the "UFOlogical dream" with the closure of his local group, the lack of support from British UFO groups, the difficulty of publishing alone, and the impact of the internet as reasons for his decision.

Reviews and Notices

The issue includes a review of the "GARSTON MANOR UFO CONFERENCE, 31/5/09, 'INTO THE UNKNOWN'" by Geoff Ambler. Ambler describes the event held at Garston Manor, Watford, noting the presence of approximately 60 attendees, including "aliens." He mentions that two main speakers were absent due to illness, but an abductee, Kevin Goodman, presented on events at Warminster. Steve Jones, an abductee, gave an emotionally charged talk. Alan Foster presented on crop circles with numerous photographs. A planned workshop on remote viewing was cancelled due to the absence of practitioner Duncan Campbell. Ambler congratulates Nadine O'Neill on organizing the conference.

Notices include calls for contributions of articles, book reviews, UFO sightings, and letters to the editor. Advertisements are present for the "UFO/ET/SCI-FI WORLD PENFRIENDS CLUB," "UFO AND SPACE AGE PUBLICATIONS," and "AWARENESS BACK ISSUES." Information is also provided for "TEMS: The Travel and Earth Mysteries Society."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, crop circles, and related phenomena, often with a critical or investigative approach. There's a recurring theme of government secrecy and the potential for disclosure, as well as an interest in historical cases and personal testimonies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, while also acknowledging skepticism and providing a platform for diverse viewpoints and reader contributions. The inclusion of historical accounts, such as the 1958 'Unidentified Sounds' investigation, suggests a commitment to documenting the evolution of UFOlogy.