BUFORA Bulletin2 - No.27 - Oct 2001 Final (not numbered)

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue Date: October 2001
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
ISSN: 1466-8017

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated October 2001, opens with an editorial reflecting on the profound impact of the September 11th terrorist attacks, acknowledging the shift in global priorities and the potential implications for 'defense significance' in UFO research. The editorial also announces the sad passing of long-time BUFORA friend and researcher, Bertil Kuhlemann.

Contents

The issue features several key articles:

• Bertil Kuhlemann Remembered: A collection of obituaries by John Spencer, Bob Digby, Steve Gamble, and Roy Rowlands, celebrating the life and contributions of the late researcher.
• Similarities Between 'Meteorite Cults' Of The' Ancient World' And Existing World Religions: An essay by Mark Aquil exploring ancient meteorite veneration and its connections to religious traditions.
• Aerial Intrusions – A New Defence Significance?: An article by Brian P James, likely expanding on the editorial's theme.
• Entity Contact Experiences: Related by Norman Oliver, FRAS.
• Investigations Diary: By Gloria Heather Dixon.
• UFOrum: A section for discussion and opinion.

Editorial Reflections

The editorial by Brian P James begins by addressing the immediate aftermath of the September 11th attacks, expressing solidarity with victims and acknowledging the surreal experience of witnessing the events unfold while on holiday. The editor questions the relevance of UFO research in the face of such global crises but then pivots to consider the implications of 'defense significance,' a concept frequently discussed in UFO reports, suggesting it may have gained new relevance. The editorial also mourns the loss of Bertil Kuhlemann, describing him as an 'old school' researcher who was open to others' opinions and collaborated constructively, contrasting him with some confrontational contemporary researchers.

The editor defends BUFORA's policy of being a 'broad church,' committed to presenting diverse viewpoints without dictating members' beliefs. This policy extends to their London lectures, where speakers' opinions are their own and not necessarily endorsed by BUFORA. The magazine aims to protect members' right to hear differing views and form their own conclusions. Feedback regarding the London lectures has led to considerations for alternative scheduling (e.g., Saturday events) and formats, potentially including more social aspects.

Regrettably, Jenny Randles has stepped down as editor of the BUFORA UFOCall after 13 years due to disagreements with association policy. The editor expresses gratitude for her long service. The issue also thanks members who responded to a questionnaire, leading to the addition of John Wickham and Robert Morrison to the Council, with John Wickham taking over as Treasurer. A significant request from the questionnaire was the introduction of a letters section, which the editor welcomes.

Tributes to Bertil Kuhlemann

Several colleagues share their memories and tributes to Bertil Kuhlemann:

• John Spencer highlights Bertil's enthusiastic support for BUFORA, his willingness to travel from Sweden at his own expense, and his significant contributions to projects like URD, which aimed to prove UFOs as a statistically viable subject. Bertil was part of a research group in southern Sweden and approached abduction claims with a novel methodology. He was also involved with PICUR and believed in its potential for global UFO research. Spencer notes Bertil's engineering background, his grounded yet logical thinking, and his idealistic political endeavors, including founding a political party.
• Bob Digby emphasizes Bertil's international perspective and his role as a founder of PICUR. He recalls meeting Bertil at the first BUFORA International Congress in London. Digby describes Bertil as a 'gentleman' and a calming influence, who took the initiative in making connections. Bertil's final messages stressed the importance of dedicating appropriate time and focus to significant issues, advocating for thorough discussion before reaching conclusions.
• Steve Gamble met Bertil at the 1979 BUFORA International Congress and knew him for over 20 years. He remembers Bertil as a polite, charming, and charismatic individual with a great interest in everything and everyone, inspiring dedication to UFO research. Gamble notes Bertil's happy demeanor and amusing stories, and his respect among BUFORA members. He recounts an anecdote where Bertil humorously responded to a question about his age by stating, "I am just sixty years of youth!"
• Roy Rowlands found Bertil to be polite, charming, and charismatic, always showing great interest in others. He believes Bertil had no enemies and got along well with everyone. Rowlands recalls happy times shared with Bertil, particularly at a BUFORA Conference, and mentions an interview on videotape. He also shares an amusing anecdote about Bertil's response to being asked his age, highlighting his exuberant personality. Rowlands concludes that Bertil's passing is a sad loss to ufology.

Bertil Kuhlemann passed away on September 29th, 2001, at the age of 70, from pneumonia and listeria bacteria, following a period of ill health including rheumatoid arthritis and a heart attack. He is survived by his wife, Ulla, and daughter, Anne-Marie.

An Essay: Similarities Between 'Meteorite Cults' Of The' Ancient World' And Existing World Religions

Part 1 by Mark Aquil

This essay by Mark Aquil explores the ancient veneration of meteorites in the Near East and its deep historical roots, suggesting connections between Judaeo-Christian and Islamic mysticism and traditions predating classical civilizations. The first part focuses on ancient Egypt, specifically the 'House of the Phoenix' at Heleopolis, which housed a sacred, conical stone pillar known as the 'Ben-Ben' stone, weighing several tonnes. The Egyptians believed this stone was the 'seed of the gods,' fallen from heaven. The Semitic word 'Ben' translates to 'seed.' Evidence suggests this stone was worshipped long before Dynastic Egypt, possibly by Neolithic Chaldean inhabitants who revered it as the egg of the 'Phoenix.'

The stone mysteriously disappeared, and while some Egyptologists suggest it may have been used as the pyramidion for the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the author posits that its disappearance was more likely due to the powerful priests of the temple, the 'Magi,' who may have hidden it for safekeeping. The only surviving record of this event is from the reign of Pharaoh Sestrosis I, who ordered the restoration of the sanctuary at Heleopolis and the construction of a massive obelisk to commemorate the event, though it was considered a poor substitute for the original relic.

The article also discusses the significance of the temple's location at Heleopolis in relation to ancient Egyptian stellar religions, referencing the work of Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Bauval ('The Orion Mystery'). They suggest that religious sites were arranged to mirror the night sky. The Phoenix temple at Heleopolis was aligned with the star Sirius (representing Isis, the mother goddess), and the Giza pyramids with Orion's belt, reflecting a symbolic union intended to perpetuate cycles of nature and civilization.

Examples of 'meteoric' cults are also found in other ancient cultures, such as the Greek 'Great stone of Kronos' at Delphi, known as the 'Zeus Baetylos,' which was also revered with awe.

Investigations Diary

Gloria Heather Dixon provides an 'Investigations Diary,' detailing ongoing UFO research and case files.

UFOrum

This section likely contains reader contributions, opinions, and discussions related to UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of BUFORA Bulletin prominently features themes of UFO research methodology, historical perspectives on ancient beliefs (particularly meteorite cults and their religious significance), and personal tributes to researchers. The impact of significant global events, such as the September 11th attacks, on the perception and relevance of UFO research is also a key theme. The editorial stance, as articulated by Brian P James, emphasizes BUFORA's commitment to open discourse, intellectual freedom, and allowing members to form their own conclusions, positioning the organization as a 'broad church' that respects diverse viewpoints.

The passing of Bertil Kuhlemann serves as a poignant reminder of the dedication and collegiality within the UFO research community, with multiple tributes highlighting his gentlemanly conduct, international outlook, and scientific approach. The exploration of ancient religious practices connected to celestial events and meteorites suggests a recurring interest in the historical and mythological roots of anomalous phenomena. The magazine also addresses practical aspects of the organization, such as lecture scheduling and reader feedback, indicating an active and responsive membership.

BUFORA Magazine, October 2001 issue, features articles on ancient meteorite worship, aerial intrusions and defense significance, and personal entity contact experiences. The magazine is published by BUFORA and is written in English.

Meteoric Stones and Ancient Religions

The first section explores the historical significance of meteorites in various ancient cultures. Evidence suggests that sanctuaries, such as the one at Delphi, housed numerous recovered meteorites, indicating their importance in religious practices. These stones were often seen as 'transitive devices' for communicating divine messages. The 'Sun-stone' of Thebes and the 'Palladia' of Greek shrines are discussed as examples of meteoric stones believed to possess inherent powers for bestowing divine protection or oracular sight. The legend of Athena creating a Palladia for Ilium is recounted, and its importance in the state of Athens and its mention in Homer's classical works are highlighted. The story of the Trojan Palladim, stolen by Odysseus and Diomedes, is presented as evidence of the perceived power of these stones. Similar worship of meteorites is noted in Syria, Phoenicia, and Phrygia.

The article then focuses on the 'Black-Stone' of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, considered the holiest relic in Islam. It is described as a large ovular stone of meteoric origin, venerated long before the advent of Christianity or Islam. The influence of the Qurayesh tribe in making Mecca a pilgrimage site is mentioned. The text details the actions of the prophet Mahomet in cleansing the Ka-Ba shrine of idols and effigies, and the instruction for Muslims to face the Ka-Ba during daily prayers. Attempts to remove or damage the Black Stone, such as the theft by the 'Qarmatis', are noted. The ritual of 'Tawaf', circumambulating the Ka-Ba, is described, with the act of kissing the Black Stone symbolizing a connection to the divine.

Similarities are drawn to biblical traditions, citing Jacob using a stone as a pillow and experiencing visions of angels and God, naming the place 'Bethel' ('Gods abode/house'). The book of Joshua also refers to a great stone set up in a sanctuary as a witness against mankind's infidelity. These biblical accounts are interpreted as making direct reference to physical contact with stones and their function as 'transmitter/receiver' to an alternative consciousness. The indestructibility of iron-rich meteorites to ancient tools is mentioned as a reason for their preservation. The text also touches upon the Egyptian concepts of 'Ka' (life force/spirit) and 'Ba' (individuality/thought), suggesting a possible linguistic link to the 'Ka-Ba' name and its ancient Egyptian origins.

Aerial Intrusions – A New Defence Significance?

This section, authored by Brian P James, discusses the implications of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on aviation and defense. The author notes that the events of September 11th, 2001, will significantly alter commercial and military aviation. He suggests that the period immediately following the attacks saw spurious reports of 'phantom aircraft,' echoing the paranoia of December 1942, and questions whether UFO reports from that time were misidentifications of natural objects.

The article contrasts the author's views with those of Nick Pope, who argues that Britain's air defense is threatened by unknown aerial vehicles. James expresses skepticism about the seriousness with which NATO and WARPAC treated unknown incursions during the Cold War, suggesting that known 'intruders' (Soviet reconnaissance aircraft) were part of a ritualized game. He posits that a true unknown aerial incursion would be treated with extreme caution due to the risk of it being a nuclear first strike.

The Belgian Wave of UFO sightings in the late 1980s is cited as an example where the Belgian Air Force scrambled to intercept targets, while NATO did not mobilize its defensive aircraft, suggesting a lack of coordinated response or prior knowledge. The author questions why the RAF did not appear to warrant an alert when unknown targets flew towards British airspace during the Belgian Wave, implying they already knew these were not threats.

The article also references the loss of TWA flight 800 in 1996 and the subsequent conspiracy theories. It then details an incident on February 5th, 1997, where a Boeing 727 was intercepted and buzzed by two F-16 fighters of the USANG. The author highlights the lack of communication between USANG, USN, and civilian air controllers, and questions the actions of the USAF and ANG during the 9/11 attacks, particularly regarding the hijacked airliners' transponders being turned off and the potential for air defense radar to have tracked them. The author concludes that the official stance that UFOs pose no defense significance is inconsistent with events and stated defense policy, suggesting that higher authorities may possess knowledge about these 'clearly structured vehicles of unknown origin.'

Book Review: Disctech

This section reviews 'Disctech (A theory about Alien Technology)' by Robert Kingsley Morison. The reviewer, Malcolm Robinson, finds the book thought-provoking, starting with basic concepts of atoms and the universe before delving into UFO theories. Morison's 'elementary idea' for generating levitational forces, based on vortex theory, is mentioned. The reviewer notes that the author has been researching UFOs since the 1950s and presents numerous UFO cases to support his theories. The book is recommended for serious UFOlogists.

Entity Contact Experiences

This section relates the accounts of Larry Dale, a friend of BUFORA, presented by Norman Oliver. Dale, a former NIC National Investigations Co-ordinator for BUFORA, has had developing contact experiences in Thailand. Oliver recounts that Dale's experiences involve an alien entity with twin pupils, a feature not found in mythology or ancient deities. Dale, described as a 'down to earth' individual, has a keen interest in Taekwondo and has lived in Thailand since his early retirement. The narrative suggests that these contact events are ongoing and intriguing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, ancient beliefs, and modern defense concerns. There is a clear interest in historical accounts of unusual events and objects, particularly meteorites and their perceived supernatural qualities. The magazine also engages with contemporary UFOlogy, questioning official narratives and exploring potential defense implications. The inclusion of personal contact experiences suggests an open-minded approach to various aspects of anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to connect historical evidence with modern-day mysteries.

Title: BUFORA Magazine
Issue: October 2001
Date: October 2001
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of BUFORA Magazine features an in-depth account of the unusual experiences of a man named Larry, a Taekwondo instructor who has had multiple encounters with unexplained phenomena. The magazine also includes a column on investigations and book recommendations.

Larry's Experiences: A Multifaceted Encounter

The central narrative focuses on Larry, who, in addition to teaching Taekwondo and having a fascination with mathematics and calculus, has experienced a series of events that blur the lines between the mundane and the extraordinary.

Early Encounters

The story begins by recounting an incident from Larry's youth in the mid-1950s. While crossing the road in Bow, East London, as a schoolboy, he experienced a peculiar 'slowing-up' sensation, where time seemed to drag. He then saw a 'twin' of himself walking in the opposite direction. This experience was followed by a sudden acceleration and a collision with a lady carrying shopping.

The Crying Baby Phenomenon

Approximately 25 years later, around 1980, Larry, now married with children and living in Petts Wood, Kent, began to repeatedly hear the sound of a baby crying. This phenomenon was localized to him; no one else in his family or neighbors could hear it. The sound would emanate from a specific spot, and as he approached, aspects of a face would appear in his mind. He described this as being outside his control, and believed it to be technologically induced.

Contact with 'MI'

The narrative then jumps to January 2000, when Larry was living in Thailand. He experienced the 'crying baby' phenomenon again, which lasted for several nights. This led to a more direct contact with an entity he refers to as 'MI'. This communication was primarily mental, with 'MI' conveying information through images and what Larry described as 'inserted' answers, feeling like a mental 'download'.

Larry's Taekwondo meditation techniques played a role in facilitating this contact. 'MI' presented itself with a distinctive appearance: a 'Grey'-like head with a flat forehead, a three-tiered mouth, and eyes with two pupils each. The face was light purple, and the head was elongated backwards. Larry's computer graphics depicted the head as resembling a coffin from an overhead view.

Mathematical and Temporal Concepts

'MI' communicated complex mathematical and algebraic concepts, which Larry, with his background in mathematics, was able to partially comprehend and document in a 20-odd page 'illustrated treatise'. The entity indicated it had no numerical systems, which posed a challenge in explaining basic concepts like negative numbers. However, 'MI' found ways to represent their own methods through algebraic and geometric equations.

Time was another significant topic. 'MI' presented a concept of time involving 'passive' future and 'active' past and present, along with a fourth component of 'unused' or 'dead time'. This was further linked to Einstein's General Relativity Theory.

The Mysterious Lady

In early January of the current year (2001), Larry experienced further unusual events. While teaching a Taekwondo class, he saw a woman who then vanished. A week later, he encountered the same 'lady' again, who was not wearing her usual attire and sat in a manner inconsistent with his sister-in-law, Noi. Later that week, Larry found this 'mysterious lady' lying beside him in bed, though his wife, Ratanaporn, was asleep and unaware. His wife later reported a dream of a long-haired lady between them.

Summary of Events and Editorial Stance

The author summarizes Larry's experiences as including seeing his twin as a schoolboy, the crying babies, the contact with 'MI', and the mysterious ladies. Larry's own words are quoted, emphasizing the relationship between 'Brain' and Technology: "When 'Brain' is developed faster than Technology then life will succeed. If Technology is faster than Brain then life will die. Technology alone cannot escape the end, but the Brain or Technology backed up by the Brain, CAN”. The author agrees with this sentiment and suggests that 'MI' might be correct.

Investigations Diary

Gloria Heather Dixon's 'Investigations Diary' column discusses the BUFORA Postal Training Course (PTC) and recommends books for those interested in UFO investigation. Recommended reading includes 'UFO Study' by Jenny Randles, 'The UFO Handbook' by Allan Hendry, and 'The UFO Investigator's Guide' by David Coomer. The latter is described as a user-friendly manual for investigators, offering practical information and a resource section on UFO groups, terms, and internet sites. While Dixon notes some disagreement with Coomer's comments, particularly on abduction, she finds the book comprehensive.

Recollections of Extraordinary Events

This section briefly references a case documented in the July/August 1998 BUFORA Bulletin by Paul Ascough, concerning a significant high strangeness case involving missing time in West Yorkshire, investigated in 1995.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around personal encounters with unexplained phenomena, the nature of consciousness and intelligence (particularly in relation to technology), and the methods of investigation within the UFO field. The editorial stance, as expressed through the author's agreement with Larry's quote, suggests a belief in the primacy of human intellect ('Brain') over pure technology, and an openness to the possibility of advanced or alien intelligences.

This issue of BUFORA Magazine, dated October 2001, features a detailed case study of a UFO sighting that occurred in July 1995, alongside an in-depth discussion on the controversial use of hypnosis in UFO investigations. The magazine highlights the importance of witness testimony, memory reliability, and the potential psychological impact of anomalous experiences.

Case Study: A 1995 UFO Sighting

The main article details an incident experienced by a husband, wife, their niece, and her boyfriend during a barbecue in July 1995. The events unfolded as the husband observed flashing lights and then a distinct object with a black door, which emitted a beam of light. The object was described as being triangular on top with four lights on the bottom, with the top lights moving in the opposite direction to the lower lights. The object then appeared to move down the valley and disappear.

The witnesses reported a sense of "missing time" and a strange, altered state of perception. The husband described the experience as if it were a "funny moon" and noted a peculiar silence, a feeling of being "somewhere else," and a slight warmth. The wife recalled the object moving down the valley and appearing to merge with what they initially thought was a large moon, which she found unreal due to the daylight-like illumination.

Following the sighting, the family experienced confusion, with memories feeling mixed up and time seeming to have passed erratically. The husband reported feeling violently sick, and both women experienced headaches. The wife developed a persistent fear of closing her bedroom curtains. Notably, the husband's severe psoriasis, which had been diagnosed as lifelong, completely cleared up after the incident.

Investigator Paul Ascough, a paramedic, interviewed the family in 1995 and later in 2001. He found both the husband and wife to be honest and truthful, with their story remaining consistent and unembellished. They sought an honest explanation for the events, not personal gain. Ascough noted that the couple were happily married, intelligent, down-to-earth, and had no prior interest in UFOs. He concluded that conventional aircraft or hallucinatory experiences were unlikely explanations.

Background information gathered by Ascough included details about the local area, weather conditions (clear sky with excellent visibility), and nearby civilian and military airfields, none of which provided relevant reports. Astronomical information confirmed that the moon would not have been visible at the time of the sighting, ruling out misidentification.

The Debate on Hypnosis and Memory

The latter part of the magazine issue features an addendum discussing the use of hypnosis in UFO investigations, based on an interview with Judy Jaafar, BUFORA AI and Vice Chairman. The discussion highlights the controversial nature of memory retrieval through hypnosis, particularly in cases of alleged alien abduction.

Jaafar expresses discomfort with the transcripts of hypnotic regressions, feeling that the process is not always right. She emphasizes that witnesses often lack understanding of hypnosis, which is a powerful tool that can be misused. The concern is that under hypnosis, imagination and fantasy can be amplified, leading to the creation of a "truth" as perceived by the witness, rather than an objective truth about the event.

The article distinguishes between therapeutic hypnosis, used to help individuals cope with trauma by manipulating or substituting memories, and hypnosis used in investigations to elicit objective facts. Jaafar argues that the former, while effective for severe trauma, raises ethical questions when applied to UFO research, as it can easily alter perceptions and feelings about an event.

She explains that memory is stored in the unconscious mind and retrieved through symbols, metaphors, and emotions, not logical language. When retrieving memories under hypnosis, especially in cases of "missing time," the process is complex and can lead to confabulation, where the mind fills in gaps with imagined scenarios, often influenced by pre-existing fears or beliefs, such as those related to alien abduction.

Jaafar also discusses "missing time" as potentially being a misperception of time or a result of environmental factors, such as electromagnetic anomalies, that can disrupt brain activity. She criticizes the tendency to attribute such experiences to alien abduction when more logical scientific explanations might exist.

Concluding Comments and Editorial Stance

The author of the main case study notes the administrative delays in investigating the 1995 incident, with BUFORA Investigator Paul Ascough only able to visit the site two months after the event. Despite the time lapse, the witnesses' memories remained vivid and unchanged.

The magazine concludes by reiterating the unexplained nature of the 1995 case and reinforces BUFORA's stance against the use of hypnosis in UFO investigations. The editorial emphasizes that memory is a natural process of selection and forgetting, and that repeated questioning or hypnotic regression can interfere with this natural healing process, potentially causing more harm than good.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of BUFORA Magazine strongly advocates for a cautious and critical approach to UFO research, particularly concerning witness testimony and memory. The magazine highlights the potential pitfalls of using hypnosis for memory retrieval, emphasizing its unreliability and the risk of creating false memories or confabulations. The editorial stance is that while anomalous experiences may occur, they should be investigated with rigorous methodology, prioritizing objective evidence over subjective accounts that may be influenced by psychological factors or investigative techniques. The magazine also underscores the importance of considering mundane explanations and the psychological impact of such experiences on individuals.

Title: UFOrum
Issue Date: October 2001
Publisher: BUFORA Ltd.
Country: UK

This issue of UFOrum magazine delves into the intersection of UFO phenomena and paranormal events, with a particular emphasis on vehicle interference (VI) cases. It features reader contributions and discussions on the nature of these occurrences, alongside astronomical observations and information on available books and publications.

Vehicle Interference and Paranormal Links

The issue opens with a letter from Geoff Falla, responding to previous articles by Gloria Dixon and Brian Allen concerning events at Windwhistle Hill, Somerset. Falla proposes that localized electromagnetic phenomena could be the trigger for strange events. He recounts an incident in September 1977 where a family observed an orange light, experienced their car engine stalling and lights failing, and noted a humming vibration and a period of unaccounted time. Later, they encountered figures, one of which crossed the road. Falla also draws parallels to a case in Draguinan, France, in October 1973, involving a motorcyclist and his girlfriend who witnessed a ball of light, experienced heat, and encountered figures. In this French case, the car was inexplicably thrown sideways off the road.

Falla suggests that there are links between UFO reports and paranormal events, describing certain locations as focal points for 'materialisation phenomena' possibly connected to energy sources and temporal anomalies. He quotes Arthur C. Clarke, who stated that advanced technology manifestations could appear as magic. Jenny Randles' book 'Time Storms' is mentioned as including case reports on vehicle effects, referencing an earlier BUFORA report from 1979.

Geoff Falla is noted to be working on an update to the 1979 BUFORA Vehicle Interference Report, with publication anticipated in early 2002. He raises a question about the mechanism of 'car stops' in VI cases, suggesting that purely electromagnetic effects might not fully explain why an engine would stall and then restart without the ignition switch being turned back to the 'start' position. He posits that an internal combustion engine requires more than just HT electrical current to start, needing compression and starter motor engagement, and questions if another factor beyond electromagnetic fields is at play.

Astronomical Observations: Mars Approach

A separate article, 'The Chances Of Anything Coming From Mars...', discusses the upcoming close approach of Mars to Earth in August 2003. The planet was noted to have produced UFO reports in May and June of the same year due to its low and bright position in the southern skies. The article highlights that in August 2003, Mars will be at its closest approach in recorded human history, reaching conjunction on August 28th. It will be visible in the British summer skies, rising at 8:30 pm and appearing at -2.66 magnitude. On the 28th, it will be a beacon-like 2.83 magnitude. The article contrasts this with Jupiter's current magnitude of -2.5. The author advises readers to look for Mars as a 'red-orb' in the night sky and warns of potential misidentifications. The article also notes that the moon will be on either side of Mars on September 8th and 9th, though the occulation will occur during daytime. This event is being celebrated with the 2003 British National Astronomy Week, with public viewing events organized by local astronomy societies. The author humorously anticipates cloudy British skies hindering the viewing of this spectacle.

BUFORA Bookshop and Bulletin Information

The magazine includes sections detailing the BUFORA Bookshop and BUFORA Bulletin. The bookshop lists various research reports, conference proceedings, and back issues of magazines for sale, including titles like 'Man in Black', 'BOLIDE Report', 'Vehicle Interference', 'UFOs - Examining the Evidence', and 'UFO Times'. Prices are listed, and postage and packing are included. Orders are to be sent to BUFORA (Pub), BM BUFORA, London, WC1N 3XX.

The BUFORA Bulletin is published by BUFORA Ltd. Membership is open to those supporting the association's aims. The views expressed in contributions do not necessarily represent the policy of BUFORA Ltd. The bulletin is copyrighted © BUFORA Ltd 2000. Submissions for the bulletin are welcomed and can be sent via email to [email protected] or posted to the head office. Contributions should be in typewritten copy, preferably OCR-compatible, or on a 3.5" disk in IBM format (DOS Text, Rich Text, or MS Word).

Book and Product Listings

Page 4 of the magazine features 'August 2001 Offers - SPECIAL ONE-OFF LIST OF BARGAINS' from Spacelink Books, run by Lionel Beer. This list includes a wide array of softcover and hardback books related to UFOs, paranormal subjects, history, and esoteric topics. Titles range from 'The BOOK OF DZYAN' and 'FANTASTIC INVENTIONS OF NIKOLA TESLA' to 'The MYSTERY OF EASTER ISLAND' and 'The ASTROLOGY OF DEATH'. Prices, including postage and packing, are listed for each item. There is also a section for 'Full Price Additions to Stock' and a list of other available catalogues covering topics such as Close Encounters, Crop Circles, and Cryptozoology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly vehicle interference, and the potential connection to broader paranormal occurrences. The magazine adopts an investigative and open-minded stance, presenting case studies, expert opinions, and reader contributions. There is also an interest in astronomical events that might be mistaken for UFOs, as seen in the Mars article. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging research, discussion, and the sharing of information within the UFO community, as evidenced by the call for submissions to the BUFORA Bulletin and the provision of book sales.