UFO Times - No 39 - Jan Feb 1996

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Times, number 39, dated January/February 1996, is a BUFORA publication that delves into various aspects of UFO research and related phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline 'ABDUCTIONS...' and an article titled 'Alien Aftershock' by Carla Turner, Ph.D. The magazine also includes sections on news, research reviews, investigations, and reader contributions.

Editorial: Data Sharing

The editorial, titled 'Data Sharing: The Benefits to British Ufology,' by Mike Wootten, addresses the critical need for information sharing within the ufology community in Britain. Wootten expresses doubt about the seriousness of objective UFO research due to a prevailing reluctance to share information and a lack of trust. He highlights BUFORA's archive of over 6000 reports, noting that this is a fraction of the total case files held by individuals and local groups across the UK. The editorial imagines the potential of a consolidated, computerised database of all this evidence. It laments that case reports are often treated like personal collections rather than shared resources, citing the past debate over the ownership of UFOIN case files as an example. Despite these challenges, BUFORA is making a positive move by making its archive accessible and offering a 22-field summary of each case. Wootten calls for a national depository for reports and evidence, emphasizing that it is logistically feasible with dedication. He advocates for local efforts to support BUFORA in networking data and information nationally, idealistically seeking others to join this vision.

Cover Features and Articles

Alien Aftershock by Carla Turner Ph.D: This is the lead article, exploring the phenomenon of compulsions experienced by alien abduction witnesses. Turner discusses how these compulsions can manifest in various ways, including sudden urges to travel, leave companions, or even engage in specific behaviors. She notes that these compulsions often occur in the aftermath of contact and can significantly disrupt abductees' lives, sometimes leading to romantic obsessions, changes in lifestyle, or even a complete breakdown of personal relationships. Turner also touches upon the debasing nature of these compulsions and how they might serve an alien agenda, potentially programming humans to think or feel in certain ways. The article references 'TAKEN: INSIDE THE ALIEN-HUMAN ABDUCTION AGENDA' for further examples.

A Day of Abductions...: This section appears to be a collection of articles and features related to abductions, as indicated by the cover.

Santilli Q&A: Philip and Sue Mantle take on 'the man himself' in this Q&A segment, likely discussing Ray Santilli and his controversial Roswell footage.

Playing the Percentages: Rob Bull examines the 'IFO numbers game,' suggesting an analysis of unidentified flying object (UFO) statistics.

Investigations Diary: This feature provides the latest UFO cases from around the UK and beyond.

Research Review: A regular feature reviewing the work of BUFORA's Research Department.

UFO Snapshots: This section presents UFO sightings from the files of Ken Phillips.

Compulsions in the Aftermath of Alien Abduction Experiences by Karla Turner, PhD: This article, appearing on pages 6-8, expands on the theme of abductions. Turner discusses the 'little secrets' of ufology, such as the high percentage of women abductees with gynecological problems and abusive sexual experiences. She focuses on compulsions, detailing how they can affect abductees' lives, leading to relationship problems, obsessions, and radical life changes. The article provides examples of men compelled to have sex with strangers, women compelled to use tampons, and individuals with sudden urges to move to remote areas. Turner also shares a personal experience of a compulsion to move her family. She questions the purpose of these compulsions, suggesting they might be part of an alien agenda to program humans or elicit specific emotional responses. The article also touches upon the programming of children abductees, who are told they belong to aliens, leading to obsessive attachments. The author notes that while some compulsions can be beneficial (e.g., quitting smoking), many are harmful, causing emotional damage and downward spirals into abuse.

UFO Filmed above Nellis AFB: This report details an incident where unidentified lights buzzed the top-secret Nellis Air Force Base, captured by a remote-controlled video camera. Four globes of light were seen merging and parting while hovering.

Changes in Abductees: This short piece, referencing Kenneth Ring's book 'The Omega Project,' discusses physical and psychological changes in individuals who have experienced UFO and/or Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), including increased sensitivities, expanded mental awareness, and paranormal functioning.

Case Evaluation by T.R.Dutton: This section provides an analysis of a UFO sighting case, possibly related to the 'UFO Snapshots' section.

Glastonbury Sighting: A personal account from Glastonbury describing a sighting of a circular object with twirling lights of yellow, red, and green.

Nikki's Account: A related account of the Glastonbury sighting, detailing the visual and emotional impact of the lights.

Letter from America: A personal account of a UFO sighting on the 101 Freeway in Los Angeles.

Brentwood Blvd Incident: A detailed account of a UFO sighting and subsequent experiences, including strange tones and a feeling of being watched.

BUFORA News and Initiatives

BUFORA Makes Donations: Following a successful financial year, BUFORA directors decided to financially support worthwhile causes that enhance British UFO research. Donations were made to Shane Nolan's UFONet Bulletin Board for its contribution to distributing UFO information rapidly, and to John Holman's British Operation Right to Know campaign to release MoD UFO documents. BUFORA aims to use profits from its August '95 Congress to support research and investigation, not only within the association but also on a wider scale for the benefit of other UK ufology groups.

BUFORA's Internet Investment Puts Other Groups On-Line: BUFORA is actively encouraging other UFO and paranormal groups to join the Internet by providing free World Wide Web (WWW) space. Several groups, including ASSAP, the Wales Federation of Independent Ufologists, the Northamptonshire UFO Research Club, and the Cambridge UFO Group, have benefited. BUFORA offers further free web space to highlight group activities and investigations.

BUFORA AGM Notice: The Twenty-First Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd. is scheduled for Saturday, 1st June 1996, at the University of Westminster. The agenda includes receiving reports from the President, Chairman, Treasurer, Director of Research, Director of Investigations, and Director of Publications, as well as the adoption of the Council of Management's report and accounts. Several members are standing for re-election, and new council members are to be ratified.

Other Content

Paranormal Magazines Explosion: The article notes a surge in paranormal magazines, partly driven by the popularity of 'The X-Files' and the Roswell footage. It mentions the expansion of Nexus Magazine and Fortean Times, and the launch of new publications like UFO Reality by Ark Soundwaves, and NARO Minded by the Northern Anomalies Research Organisation.

Exclusive discounts to BUFORA members: Advertised offers include PIPEX Connectivity services and internet access, as well as high-speed modems.

Eclipse Internet Solutions: An advertisement for web services and community platforms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around alien abductions, the psychological impact on witnesses (particularly compulsions), and the importance of rigorous research and data sharing within the ufology community. BUFORA is presented as a proactive organization, investing in the internet, supporting research initiatives, and encouraging collaboration. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a more open and scientific approach to UFO research, emphasizing the need to overcome distrust and share information for the collective advancement of the field. There is a clear focus on the personal experiences of abductees and the challenges they face, highlighting the often-debilitating effects of these encounters.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 11
Date: November 1995
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Playing the Percentages: A Research Report by Rob Bull

Rob Bull's research report investigates the commonly cited figures for identified flying objects (IFOs) versus unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in reported sightings. He initiated a survey of 18 UFO groups worldwide and newsgroups to gain a clearer understanding of what constitutes 'identified,' 'unidentified,' and 'report.' The survey posed questions about the percentage of IFOs, the number of reports this percentage is based on, the thoroughness of investigations, and how 'insufficient data' cases are handled.

Bull notes that while figures like '95% IFOs' are generally accepted, he had encountered much lower figures. He highlights that the definition of 'insufficient data' cases can significantly impact reported percentages. For instance, the Blue Book's IFO percentage drops from 5.5% to 23.5% if 'insufficient data' cases are counted as UFOs, or to 6.7% if they are not counted at all.

He received six replies from organizations including CUFOS, MUFON, SOS OVNI, UFO Research Australia, UFOROM, and VUFORS. CUFOS had no statistics available. MUFON stated that IFO reports are not archived if they can be decided at the State Director level and that the proportion of IFO reports is decreasing as the public becomes more 'educated.' SOS OVNI reported 98% IFOs since 1974, counting 'insufficient data' cases as IFOs. UFO Research Australia claimed to have investigated 60 cases since 1952, counting 'insufficient data' cases as UFOs. UFOROM reported 31.5% IFOs in 1993, noting a higher proportion due to a significant fireball event. VUFORS reported 90% IFOs.

Bull emphasizes the considerable variability in investigation and reporting methods, suggesting that statements like '95% of UFO reports turn out to be reports of identifiable objects or phenomena' should not be accepted unreservedly. He identifies two particularly interesting points: the differing treatments of 'insufficient data' cases and variations in the breakdown of IFO types.

He recommends the adoption of standard definitions for 'identified,' 'unidentified,' 'insufficient data,' and 'report' to make future analysis of evaluation patterns more meaningful. He suggests definitions for 'Positively Identified' (100% certainty) and 'Probably/Possibly Identified' (characteristics of probable/possible identification).

Investigations Diary

Gloria Dixon's column details several UFO sightings and close encounters reported in Britain during 1995. She attributes the increase in reports partly to media coverage, such as the Roswell footage, which makes people more aware of UFOs and comfortable reporting sightings. However, this also leads to more reports of explainable phenomena.

Notable entries include:

• A Cattle Mutilation from Camlough, Co. Armagh: Miles Johnston reported an unusual light and a cattle mutilation case. The carcass showed severe injuries, and claims were made of vital organs being removed. The photographer wished to remain anonymous, and the investigation was ongoing.
• Rochester, Kent (22nd November 1995): A bright white light moving extremely fast was observed over the Thames, shooting upwards at a right angle. This was later identified as the Kent Air Ambulance service using its 'Nite-Sun' search lamp, though there was a timing discrepancy.
• Keighley, West Yorkshire (27th September 1995): A bright rotating light was seen hovering and then speeding off towards the trees. While the area has several airports, the object's conclusive identification as an aircraft was not established.
• Inchkeith Island, Firth of the Fourth (9th October 1995): A 'U' shaped object, described as large and square with clipped corners, was observed hovering over the water at approximately 40 knots. The witness, C.M., found no marine or aviation machine that matched the description, and local coast guard and RAF Lossiemouth had no identification.
• A5, approx. 2 miles from Oswestry (17th October 1995): A witness, I.A., observed a round object with a cloud around it, spinning in different directions, hovering above her car before disappearing. This sighting was potentially explained as a laser light display from a local nightclub.
• Lincoln (1965): A witness, C.F., reported seeing 'spaceships' in the sky and communicating with a tall blond being in blue.
• Tyne & Wear (June 1992): Victoria Gray reported seeing a bright light and three pale children with an adult in a dark suit in her garden. She later experienced a vivid dream of being led along a tunnel by two small entities and then in a white room.

Dixon also notes that Venus was extremely brilliant and low in the sky, and mentions the Geminids and Quadrantids meteor showers.

Research Review

Steve Gamble, Director of Research, provides an update on the BUFORA research programme. He mentions an expanded programme underway and the upcoming publication of a review of progress. He is seeking a volunteer Secretary for the Research Committee.

MIBS (Men-In-Black) and Cover-Ups: A proposed study on MIB reports aims to determine if they still occur, expanding to include 'Men-in-White' reports. The study is seeking a co-ordinator. A separate project on alleged cover-ups is also hoped for.

The MJ-12 Papers: Gamble discusses the controversial MJ-12 papers, which suggest the US government recovered crashed flying saucers. He notes the similarity to a group called '54-12' mentioned by Brinsley Le Poer Trench.

Repeat Events: Gamble highlights the importance of investigating repeat events, citing Warminster in Wiltshire as an example of an area with significant UFO-related activity.

Sky Watches: He discusses the need for systematic data collection and proposes instrumented observation points and organised skywatches.

The Roswell Footage: Gamble identifies at least three sources of alleged Roswell Incident footage: Tent Footage 1, 2, and 3; Autopsy 1 and 2; and Hessman's Footage. He dismisses a German TV company's hoax footage as fake.

Computer Index: BUFORA has established a World Wide Web site, and data on over 1500 cases is being made accessible. Michael Hudson is thanked for his work on computerizing BUFORA's records.

Meetings: The Research Committee meets approximately three times a year. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for May 4th and October 5th, 1996.

Merseyside's Second UFO Mini-Conference

Anthony Eccles reports on the Merseyside UFO Mini-Conference held on 25th November 1995. The event featured talks by Peter Hough on UFO investigation aspects (witness, object, 'umbrella of perception'), Steve Gamble on UFO cases from Northamptonshire and future skywatch plans, and Ken Phillips on the Witness Support Group, highlighting the prevalence of 'hidden' psychic experiences among witnesses.

Internet Debate

Information is provided on how to obtain disks containing internet debate on Roswell, UFO Update, X-Files, and Babylon 5.

Advertising in UFO Times

Rates for display and classified advertisements in the bi-monthly UFO Times magazine are listed.

UFOS: THE EVIDENCE

Information is provided about the proceedings of the 8th BUFORA International UFO Congress, available for £5.00.

Exclusive Discounts to BUFORA Members

Various discounts are offered to BUFORA members on books, videos, T-shirts, ghost tours, sculptures, and UFO detectors from different suppliers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rigorous investigation and analysis of UFO reports, the challenges of classification (IFO vs. UFO), the importance of standardized definitions, and the presentation of case studies. The magazine also touches upon the cultural impact of UFO phenomena, such as media coverage and the ongoing debate surrounding the Roswell incident and related documents like the MJ-12 papers. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging thorough research, critical evaluation of evidence, and open discussion within the UFO community, while also acknowledging the limitations of current data and the need for more systematic approaches to data collection and analysis.

This issue of UFO Times, number 21, presents a Q&A session with Ray Santilli concerning the alleged Roswell film footage, authored by Susan and Philip Mantle. The magazine also features reports on UFO sightings in Argentina and Chile, and includes a 'Readers Write' section with letters to the editor.

Ray Santilli: Frequently Asked Questions

The core of this issue is an interview with Ray Santilli conducted at the end of 1995, aiming to clarify points raised about the Roswell film footage. Santilli addresses several key questions:

• Ownership: Santilli claims ownership of the Roswell footage along with Volker Spielberg, with the cameraman also holding a small amount.
• 'Creature' Footage: He states that releasing footage of the 'creature' would be a last resort due to its value, and he believes it's unnecessary as it's part of the already released material.
• 'Tent Footage': This footage has been disregarded due to past criticism regarding verification, with Santilli prioritizing material they felt safe with.
• Past Statements: Santilli admits it was a mistake to mention seeing President Truman and having film of the crashed UFO in the early days, attributing it to repeating the cameraman's account before processing was complete. The reel in question was too damaged to retrieve an image.
• Film Authenticity: He confirms the film is genuine 1947 stock but is unsure about the identity of the creature depicted.
• Cameraman's Identity: Santilli reveals that 'Jack Barnett' is an alias for the cameraman, adopted for safety, and refuses to give the cameraman's real name at this time.
• Hoax Claims: He dismisses claims that the affair is an elaborate money-making hoax, stating the cost and number of people required would make it impossible and financially unviable.
• Original Labels: Santilli only possesses copies of the film box labels, as the original boxes were returned.
• Future Footage: He confirms there is more film yet to be shown but cannot promise it will be released due to past experiences.
• Autopsy Film: The other autopsy film will be released for public scrutiny 'in time'.
• Cameraman's Actions: Regarding the cameraman sending the bulk of the film to Washington and asking for the remainder to be picked up, Santilli explains it was due to departmental relocation and internal confusion within the army/airforce.
• Video Transfer Claims: He calls claims that the film looks like a video-to-celluloid transfer 'complete nonsense'.
• Debris Footage: Santilli refers to previous answers regarding the release of tent and debris footage.

The article concludes by stating that these questions may clarify some matters while clouding others, and UFO Times will report further developments.

Video Footage from Argentina

Reported by Andy Roberts, this section details a dramatic UFO sighting caught on video in Argentina on Thursday, October 5th, 1995. A local cable-TV employee, Gerardo Ferrero, shot fifteen minutes of 'high quality video footage' of a UFO approximately 2 to 3 miles south-east of his position. Ferrero described the UFO as pulsing with 'violet, green and red' light as it turned on its axis, and reported seeing 'small windows in its circumference' when focusing with a tele-photo lens. The object appeared to be a 'plate or saucer' that changed position as if spinning.

The Argentinian Air Force was analyzing the film, their interest heightened by earlier reports from July of the same year. In July, a similar UFO was reported to have touched down on the flight path of Bariloche airport. A witness, Nestor Etcharte, discovered 'three foot deep circular footprints' and a 'gelatine like substance' which solidified into a rock-hard material. This July incident was also witnessed by passengers and crew of an airliner and ground crew at the airport, who reported the UFO pacing the aircraft.

The Air Force has proclaimed Ferrero's video as 'unexplained'. The report hints at government conspiracy, suggesting the government attempted to discourage reporting of the Bariloche sighting due to an upcoming political summit. The article notes that the connection between the alleged UFO, footprints, and the gelatine-like substance is tenuous and awaits official geological reports.

UFO 'Flap' in Chile

The report also details an ongoing 'flap' in Chile, with numerous sightings in the vicinity of Santiago. The country's armed forces issued a security alert following a spate of sightings from Rancagua, where thousands reported seeing UFOs. Witnesses described 'large shining objects, mostly red on top and perhaps 10 feet in diameter, with an elongated oval shape and tail from which multi-coloured sparks flew'. The article expresses skepticism, noting that 'thousands' of witnesses often have mundane explanations.

Readers Write

This section features letters from readers:

• Steuart Campbell responds to Ken Phillips' comments on his previous letter, defending his hypothesis that combines astronomy and atmospheric physics to explain UFOs. He criticizes Phillips' differentiation between seeing an object and seeing its light as nonsensical and rejects the idea of a 'conscious reaction between UFO and observer' as mysticism.
• 'I Gadfly' from Cambridge, a lawyer, introduces himself as an 'expert witness' in ufology. He argues that there is substantial evidence for UFOs being 'nuts and bolts' variety, sufficient to prove their existence 'beyond reasonable doubt' in a court of law. He suggests the UFO community should focus on why this information has been concealed and analyze the validity of suggested reasons, rather than analyzing more reports. He criticizes the lack of formal qualification among many ufologists, citing Stanton Friedman and Anthony Dodd as rare exceptions.
• Martin Lyon from London praises the magazine's recent improvements in production and articles but highlights significant issues with proofreading, citing numerous misprints. He suggests reducing the publication frequency from bi-monthly to quarterly to allow for more thorough proofreading and improve the magazine's serious image.

Editor's Comments: The editor responds to the letters, stating that 'mere enthusiasts' will correct 'rubbish' from 'expert witnesses'. He welcomes a new proofreader for UFO Times, acknowledges the voluntary nature of the magazine's production, and disagrees with reducing the frequency, believing readers want more frequent updates.

Diary

This section lists upcoming BUFORA National UFO Lectures and other events:

• London: Meetings at the University of Westminster on various dates, featuring speakers like Jenny Randles on 'Aliens & Time Travel' and Miles Johnston on 'Video Evening'.
• Newcastle: BUFORA Annual General Meeting and 'UFO Question Time' on June 1st.
• Liverpool: TBA events on May 18th.
• Other Events: Includes a BFSB Meeting on 'Roswell Update' in Bristol on March 14th and 'A Day of Abductions' conference on April 20th, featuring speakers like Whitley Strieber and Philip Mantle.

Advertising

Advertisements include 'UFO Newsfile', a bi-monthly UFO newsclipping magazine, and 'UFOCALL', a phone line for UFO information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing debate surrounding the authenticity and analysis of UFO evidence, particularly the Ray Santilli Roswell footage. There's a clear emphasis on witness testimony and the challenges of obtaining and verifying information. The editorial stance, as indicated by the editor's comments, is to address controversial claims and encourage critical analysis from enthusiasts, while also acknowledging the need for improvement in publication quality. The magazine appears to be a platform for both reporting on sightings and fostering discussion within the ufology community, with a particular focus on UK-based events and researchers.