New BUFORA Journal - No 10 - Oct 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: No.10
Date: October 2003
Publisher: Bufora Ltd.
ISSN: 1476-5314

This issue of the New Bufora Journal, published by Bufora Ltd., focuses on the multifaceted topic of extraterrestrial intelligence and the critical examination of UFO reports. The cover features an illustration of Earth with a flying saucer, hinting at the central themes of the publication.

Editorial

The editorial section introduces the new editor, Steve Gamble, who takes over from Norman Oliver. Gamble acknowledges the continuous nature of editing a journal and offers to serve for approximately eight issues to allow time for a new editor to be recruited. He outlines his plans to maintain the journal's format while incorporating reprints of earlier articles, material from other journals, and retrospective looks at past events. He also emphasizes the importance of reader contributions and expresses a desire to explore various theories beyond the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Contents

The issue's table of contents lists the following articles:

• Editorial
• Where we are at
• ET Intelligence
• From Here and There
• Mindfields
• Investigations Diary
• Book Reviews
• In Memoriam
• Zen & Art of Debunkery
• The Warminster Events
• BUFORA Meetings

Where Are We At?

Authored by Steve Gamble, this article addresses the contribution of UFO groups to the study of UFOs by returning to basics. Gamble defines a UFO as an unidentified object capable of flight, observed by a witness and reported to an investigating body. He notes that BUFORA receives about 200 reports annually, with roughly 10% containing paranormal information and another 10% lacking sufficient detail for analysis. He categorizes reports into Level 1 (unidentified objects) and Level 2 (unexplained after investigation). Gamble proposes four main groups of theories to explain UFO reports: advanced technology (including misidentification, secret weapons, or extraterrestrial craft), natural phenomena (ball lightning, earthlights, mirages), physiological or psychological effects, and psychic phenomena (apparitions, materialisations). He concludes that when multiple explanations exist, it often signifies a lack of definitive knowledge.

ET Intelligence?

Geoff Falla examines the evidence for extraterrestrial intelligence. He discusses the SETI project and its ongoing search for radio signals, noting that while no definite results have been announced, promising signals have been identified. Falla references early estimates from scientists like Dr. Frank Drake and Dr. Carl Sagan, who believed in the high probability of extraterrestrial civilizations. He highlights Professor Peter Sturrock's survey of astronomers, which revealed that a small percentage had experienced unexplained observations, and his subsequent establishment of the Society for Scientific Exploration. The article mentions a 1997 study of UFO reports with physical evidence, which concluded that UFOs likely have complex explanations and that further study should focus on reports with independent physical evidence. It also touches upon photographic evidence, radar-visual cases, interference effects, and physical traces as potential indicators.

From Here and There

This section appears to be a collection of brief reports or summaries of various UFO sightings and related phenomena from different times and locations. It includes:

• August 18, 1783: A sighting near Windsor Castle of a stationary, brilliantly lit object that changed direction.
• January 12, 1836: A bright object seen near St Martins, Guernsey, moving westwards at speed, and a similar sighting in Cherbourg, France, of an object with a dark cavity.
• December 6, 1952: A B 29 aircraft crew observed disc-shaped objects on radar and visually over the Gulf of Mexico, maneuvering at high speeds.
• November 1957: A series of incidents in Texas and New Mexico involving luminous objects and vehicle engine failures.
• November 6, 1967: A luminous object near Avon and Sopley, Hampshire, caused vehicle lights and engines to fail.
• March 10, 1969: A motorist in Lancaster, Missouri, reported a grey disc-shaped object emitting a light beam that affected the car's speed.
• September 17, 1976: A car engine and lights failed near Wingen, Australia, after a large blue ball of light passed overhead.
• December 28, 1980: Personnel investigated lights in Rendlesham Forest and saw a triangular metallic-looking object.
• January 8, 1981: An investigation at Trans-en-Provence, France, of a reported landing found plant effects, heating evidence, and an electromagnetic field.
• September 25, 1988: A motorist in Lorraine County, Ohio, experienced a stalled car, along with three others, near lights in the woods from a silvery triangular object.
• July 31, 1995: An airliner near San Carlos de Bariloche Airport, Argentina, encountered an object that halted in front of it, causing airport lights and control tower instruments to fail.
• November 28, 2002: Two policemen in Buenos Aires, Argentina, saw a large light that caused their car engine and lights to fail.

Mindfields

This section likely contains shorter articles or pieces related to UFO phenomena, possibly including book reviews or other miscellaneous items. The specific content is not detailed in the provided OCR.

Investigations Diary

This section likely details ongoing investigations or case studies undertaken by BUFORA or related researchers. The specific content is not detailed in the provided OCR.

Book Reviews

This section likely contains reviews of books related to UFOs and related topics. The specific content is not detailed in the provided OCR.

In Memoriam

This section is likely dedicated to remembering individuals who have passed away and were significant within the UFO research community. The specific content is not detailed in the provided OCR.

Zen & The Art of Debunkery

This article, likely related to the editorial's theme, explores methods and perspectives for debunking or critically analyzing UFO claims. It may delve into logical fallacies, scientific explanations, and psychological factors that contribute to the perception of UFOs.

The Warminster Events

This article focuses on specific UFO incidents that occurred in Warminster, likely detailing witness accounts, investigations, and any proposed explanations or theories related to these events.

BUFORA Meetings

This section provides information about upcoming or past meetings of BUFORA, including details for members and potentially summaries of discussions or presentations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the critical analysis of evidence. The journal adopts a stance that encourages open-mindedness while also emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation and the exploration of multiple explanatory hypotheses beyond the simple extraterrestrial explanation. The editorial highlights a commitment to providing a platform for diverse viewpoints and reader contributions, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the complex subject matter.

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 10
Date: October 2003

This issue of the New Bufora Journal delves into the complex relationship between electromagnetic fields, human consciousness, and reported anomalous phenomena, offering a critical examination of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and proposing alternative explanations.

From Here and There

The "From Here and There" section opens with a discussion of potential future lectures outside London and announces a reshuffling of BUFORA council jobs. Tony Eccles has rejoined the council as Director of Research, while John Spencer has become vice-chairman, sharing his time between research and his new role. The section notes an apparent increase in UFO reports over the summer, both in the UK (with at least one videoed incident in the Midlands) and worldwide, particularly in the Ontario region of Canada. A report from UFO Roundup details a sighting of a "bright silver round object" over Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, UK, described as moving at incredible speed. The section also notes the passing of long-time BUFORA council member Manfred Cassirer.

Case References

The issue lists several significant case references, including:

• Gulf of Mexico, December 6, 1952 (Jacques Vallee)
• Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk, December 28, 1980 (Nicholas Redfern)
• Trans-en-Provence, France, January 8, 1981 (Don Berliner)
• San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, July 31, 1995 (Timothy Good)
• Interference Effect Cases - Vehicle Interference Report (British UFO Research Association, 1979, and updated cases)

UFOCALL Advertisement

A prominent advertisement introduces UFOCALL, hosted by Norman Oliver, offering a new menu system for news, lectures, special events, reporting sightings, and joining Bufora via a phone service.

Mindfields

This extensive section, adapted from an essay by Albert Budden, explores the hypothesis that electromagnetic fields and systematic childhood abuse may contribute to CEIV (Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind) encounters and other paranormal events. Budden, a researcher who has faced resistance for challenging the ETH, posits that electrochemical imbalances and common neural hardwiring in the human brain can explain abduction scenarios. His work draws parallels with earlier research into ghost and poltergeist phenomena. The article references the work of neurobiologists like Dr. Michael Persinger and Professor Kenneth Ring. It explains how artificial EM fields can induce hallucinations, particularly affecting the temporal lobes, which are electrically unstable areas of the brain. A recent neurosurgical procedure in Sweden is cited, where touching specific brain areas with electrodes induced sensory impressions like out-of-body experiences and the sensation of a tunnel of light. The article emphasizes that naturally occurring geological elements also contribute to EM energy, influencing perceptions of sensitive individuals. Modern 'hotspots' of artificial EM fields are attributed to sources like power lines, radar, cellphones, and domestic appliances. The concept of CEIV is defined, and the article suggests that marks on the body and 'implants' attributed to aliens might be explained by allergic reactions to EM radiation or the presence of 'magnetosomes' in the sinus cavity, which can cause a 'gyromagnetic disturbance' leading to tissue tearing and nosebleeds. The research of Professor Ring is mentioned, linking CEIV experiencers to childhood abuse, as detailed in "The Omega Project." The neurobiological impact of childhood abuse is further explored, with research by Dr. Martin Teicher showing significant brain-wave abnormalities in children with a history of trauma, particularly in the frontal and temporal regions. This stress can lead to the release of cortisol, sculpting the brain and creating an electrically irritable limbic system prone to hallucinations. The article concludes that while direct proof of alien visitation is lacking, anecdotal evidence from credible sources warrants consideration, alongside a thorough exploration of alternative explanations.

Investigations Diary

This section provides an update on BUFORA's investigations and training. Malcolm Stroud is congratulated for completing the Postal Training Course to an excellent standard. The article highlights that UFO investigation is a mundane process requiring accurate and objective information, often revealing rational explanations for sightings. It emphasizes the need for investigators to be aware of how witnesses' beliefs can influence their accounts and the challenges of investigating "high strangeness" cases. BUFORA currently has a moratorium on the use of hypnosis in investigations. Judy Jaafar's interview in "Strange Times" magazine is recommended for insights into investigating high strangeness cases.

Sightings

Sightings are reported to have fluctuated but are increasing. The section includes:

• Iceland, 1994: An RAF movement controller recounts an incident involving the secure transport of a crate containing "Non terrestrial material" from Iceland to England, raising questions about its origin.
• Tenerife to Bristol flight, January 31, 2003: An object observed from an aircraft changed shape from a black smoke-like mass to a diamond, then a flat orange/yellow line.
• Isle of Wight, April 2000: A report of bright star-like lights observed in an "invisible rectangle" during a walk, possibly a meteor shower.
• Hampshire: Video footage exists of a gold ball of light in a field that changed shape, with the friend of the witness reportedly suffering burns.
• Barry, Wales, December 11, 2002: A black triangular shape with white and red lights was observed moving rapidly.
• A339, November 15, 2002: A large white sphere was observed hanging low over the road, appearing static while traffic moved.

Alternatives to the Extra-terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH)

This section, drawn from a previous article in "Strange Times" magazine, explores possibilities beyond the ETH. It discusses unidentified atmospheric phenomena (UAP) like ball lightning and earthlights, citing research in Hessdalen Valley, Norway, and Longendale Valley. The powerful effects of electromagnetic fields on the brain are reiterated as a potential cause for hallucinatory effects and misinterpretations of events. The article also touches upon sleep disorders such as hypnagogia and sleep paralysis, and "awakening dreams," which can lead individuals to mistake dreams for reality. The author suggests that many high strangeness UFO cases may be misunderstood paranormal phenomena or misinterpretations of altered states of consciousness.

Conclusion

The issue concludes by posing questions about definitive proof of alien visitation, contrasting it with mounting anecdotal evidence. It questions whether claims could be the result of the discussed alternative explanations rather than extraterrestrial contact. The article emphasizes the importance of researchers and witnesses in defining the UFO subject and acknowledges the complexities and speculative nature of the field, suggesting that mysteries are essential for understanding existence and reality. The final sentiment expresses a hope for connection with a vast universe and the possibility of not being alone.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on exploring alternative explanations to the traditional Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). The journal consistently promotes a scientific and evidence-based approach, encouraging critical thinking and the consideration of psychological and environmental factors, particularly electromagnetic fields and their impact on human perception and consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to demystify UFO reports by examining them through multiple lenses, including neuroscience, psychology, and physics, while acknowledging the enduring mystery and the need for continued research.

New Bufora Journal - Issue 10 - October 2003. This issue features book reviews, tributes to prominent ufologists, and an essay on debunkery.

Book Reviews

The Talk of the Galaxy

This review by Brian Allan discusses Paul La Violette's book, which is the third in a trilogy about 'Galactic Superwaves' – bursts of high-velocity cosmic rays from the galaxy's core. La Violette draws on ancient legends and interprets zodiac and tarot cards to support his theories. The book is information-dense, making it more of a reference than an easy read. A key hypothesis presented is that some radio signals detected on Earth are from extraterrestrial civilizations attempting communication, possibly using pulsar emissions as galactic superwave warnings or spacecraft navigation beacons. The review highlights the book's use of university data and mentions cutting-edge technologies, including work by Nikola Tesla and Thomas Townsend Brown on microwave transmissions that mimic gravity and suggest faster-than-light communication. It also touches on forcefield beaming technology and the possibility that UFO sightings are 'plasmoids' from covert tests, with potential UFO power plants and advanced 'black' aircraft possibly utilizing similar technology. The author is linked to the 'Starburst Foundation'.

UFOs and the PSI Interface

This publication, edited by Manfred Cassirer, Stephen Gamble, Elsie Oakensen, and John Spencer, explores the interaction between UFO reports and psychic experiences. Manfred Cassirer presents a research paper on the topic. Stephen Gamble compares UFOs and Psychic Entities. Elsie Oakensen shares her experience of a UFO close encounter and its life-changing events. John Spencer, Director of Research for BUFORA, examines UFOs and the Paranormal Interface. Copies are available for £7.50.

In Memoriam

This section marks the passing of two significant figures in British ufology.

Gordon Creighton

Gordon Creighton, editor of Flying Saucer Review, passed away at age 95. He was BUFORA President in the late 1960s and early 1970s, a master of several languages, and used his skills to study cases from South America and the Far East, translating material for the Flying Saucer Review. He had a love for Arab culture and interpreted entity contact as a manifestation of 'djinn'.

Graham Birdsall

Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine (UK), died on September 19th after surgery for a cerebral hemorrhage. The author notes the poignancy of this event, having recently experienced a similar personal health crisis. Birdsall's publication and BUFORA occupied different niches, with UFO Magazine serving as a public dissemination vehicle for ufological research. The author acknowledges potential clashes due to differing approaches but expresses hope that Birdsall's team will continue his work.

Tributes to Graham Birdsall

Graham Birdsall - An Appreciation by Norman Oliver

Norman Oliver recounts his relationship with Graham Birdsall, starting when he contacted the Yorkshire UFO Society, which Birdsall ran. Oliver became the Lincolnshire representative and helped distribute UFO Magazine, then known as QUEST INTERNATIONAL. He notes Birdsall's dream of a news-stand magazine becoming a reality through years of hard groundwork with his brother Mark. Oliver remembers Birdsall as knowledgeable, patient, genial, and always open to different viewpoints, even considering the role of WWII experimental craft in UFO reports. He expresses deep respect for Birdsall's personality, drive, and enthusiasm, calling him one of the best-known ufologists worldwide.

GRAHAM W. BIRDSALL by Graham W. Birdsall (sic - likely meant to be by another author, possibly Judith Jaafar, Norman Oliver, or Roy Rowlands, based on context)

This tribute expresses shock and sadness at Graham W. Birdsall's untimely death at age 49. It acknowledges the profound impact his passing would have on his family and friends, and the wider ufological community in the UK, Europe, USA, Brazil, and Mexico. Birdsall is remembered for his dedication to making people aware of the UFO phenomenon and for his hard work in keeping UFO Magazine 'alive and interesting' and organizing the International UFO Conferences in Leeds. The author hopes his team will continue his legacy.

TEMS: Travel and Earth Mysteries Society

This section describes the TEMS society, founded in 1992, for individuals interested in unexplained phenomena and earth mysteries. TEMS is a social and study group based in West and South-West London, covering areas like ancient sites, crop circles, folklore, ghosts, and UFOs. Meetings are held on Sunday afternoons and include a social tea-break. The society is non-profit and non-political, with a 2003 subscription of £8.00. They publish a newsletter, TEMS NEWS, several times a year. Contact information for Ann Hopkins and Lionel Beer is provided.

Zen... And the Art of Debunkery

This is a revised and expanded edition of an essay by Daniel Drasin, originally published between 1991 and 1997. The essay critiques the current state of science, suggesting it has become institutionalized and disconnected from broader reality, often resorting to denial and reductionism. Drasin introduces the concept of 'debunkery' as the use of scientistic propaganda to invalidate new information, contrasting it with the scientific method. He then presents a satirical 'how-to' guide for debunkers, offering numerous strategies for discrediting unorthodox claims. These strategies include using a condescending tone, employing vague terms, portraying science as a 'holy war', keeping arguments abstract, using authority figures, avoiding actual evidence, and accusing opponents of being 'zealots' or 'uncritical believers'. The guide also suggests tactics like misquoting, creating 'straw men', trivializing fields of study, and labeling phenomena as 'occult' or 'paranormal' to deter investigation. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining ambiguity between evidence and proof and questioning the completeness of current scientific knowledge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on ufology and unexplained phenomena, providing a platform for research, reviews, and personal accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, while also critically examining methods of investigation and dismissal, as exemplified by the satirical debunkery guide. There is a clear emphasis on honoring the contributions of individuals within the ufological community.

Title: New Bufora Journal
Issue: 10
Date: October 2003
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 1476-5314

This issue of the New Bufora Journal, published in October 2003, delves into various facets of UFO research and related topics. It features a comprehensive guide on debunking UFO claims, a historical examination of the Warminster events, a report on UFO sightings over Baku, and details about BUFORA's organizational structure and activities.

Debunking Extraterrestrial Intelligence

This section provides a detailed, multi-part strategy for debunking UFO claims and the concept of extraterrestrial intelligence. It outlines tactics such as:

• Misrepresenting and avoiding replication of experiments: Suggesting that experiments are too ridiculous to fund or simply avoiding them.
• Attacking claims based on media reports: Using media sensationalism as proof of a claim's lack of substance.
• Dismissing claims based on scientific imperfection: Arguing that any scientific flaw invalidates the entire claim, and that non-credentialed witnesses' perceptions are not objective.
• Fabricating supportive expertise: Quoting individuals in unrelated fields as experts.
• Fabricating confessions: Creating stories of hoaxers to discredit genuine phenomena.
• Fabricating sources of disinformation: Claiming to have found the origin of rumors.
• Fabricating research projects: Asserting that claims have been discredited by non-existent experts.
• Equating nature's laws with current understanding: Dismissing phenomena that science cannot currently explain.
• Dismissing the possibility of extraterrestrial life: Arguing against life in outer space and ignoring Earth's own abundant life.
• Invalidating SETI assumptions: Using SETI's focus on distant intelligence to dismiss terrestrial reports.
• Providing voluminous irrelevant information: Overwhelming with details of unrelated secret military projects.
• Discrediting physical evidence: Arguing that digital manipulation makes all photographic evidence suspect, regardless of its age or origin.
• Challenging humanoid extraterrestrial reports: Using Earth's evolutionary history to dismiss the possibility of alien forms.
• Stereotyping contact claims: Dismissing claims based on simplistic, pre-established scenarios and accusing witnesses of seeking attention or suffering from hysteria.
• Dismissing medical evidence of alien infections: Rejecting the possibility of alien microorganisms interacting with human biology.
• Using geographical arguments: Suggesting that UFO reports are only prevalent in countries exposed to science fiction.
• Discrediting hypnotic regression: Arguing that hypnosis is unreliable, especially when conducted by non-credentialed practitioners or when subjects are familiar with ET literature.
• Attacking conspiracy theorists: Accusing them of believing in conspiracies and promoting only 'accidentalist' theories.
• Managing worst-case scenarios: Dismissing significant events as having short public memory.

The Warminster Events

This article, authored by Steve Gamble, revisits the significant UFO events that occurred in the Warminster area of Wiltshire in the 1960s, coinciding with BUFORA's formation. The author notes the prevalence of repeated phenomena and the extensive discussion of these events in UFO literature. The article highlights the famous "Warminster Thing" photograph taken by Gordon Faulkner in 1965. It details the controversy surrounding the photograph, including claims by Roger Hooton that he helped fake it, and Faulkner's subsequent denial. The article also mentions other reports from the area, including aerial noises and lights potentially linked to military exercises. The author emphasizes that the Warminster area continues to be a target for UFO research, with BUFORA working to establish instrumented observation stations.

UFOs over Baku

This section reports on an unusual flying object witnessed over Baku, Azerbaijan, on May 19, 2003. The object, described as white and stretched, reportedly hung in the sky for over two hours. The article quotes Fuad Gasimov, head of the space seismology sector, who confirmed the sighting and suggested it was an extraterrestrial apparatus. Gasimov also discussed the historical secrecy surrounding UFO data, the existence of alien bases in Azerbaijan, and the alleged recovery of a crashed UFO in the Caspian Sea. He suggests that Azerbaijan should establish its own research facilities and hangars for downed UFOs.

BUFORA MEETINGS

This segment provides a schedule of upcoming BUFORA meetings, including dates, speakers, and topics. The lectures are held at the Sols Arms public house in London. Ticket prices are specified for members and non-members, and contact information for Judy Jaafar and John Wickham is provided for further details.

About BUFORA

This section details the history and aims of BUFORA, a federation of regional UFO groups founded in 1962. It outlines BUFORA's objectives, which include promoting scientific research, collecting and disseminating UFO-related evidence, and coordinating research efforts. The organization is run by volunteers and funded by its members. It also mentions the 'UFOCALL' information service and available publications.

UFO Books @ BARGAIN Prices!

This page is an advertisement for UFO books offered by Lionel Beer (Spacelink Books) at discounted prices. It lists various titles with their original prices, page counts, and the sale price, including postage and packing. Contact information for ordering and inquiries is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination and debunking of UFO claims, historical UFO events (specifically Warminster), contemporary sightings (Baku), and the organizational activities of BUFORA. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalized UFO claims, advocating for rigorous scientific investigation, and providing a platform for discussion and research within the UFO community. The detailed guide on debunking suggests a proactive approach to countering what the journal might consider unsubstantiated or fraudulent reports.