En Direct - No 03 - mars 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: EN DIRECT
Issue: 3
Date: March 1989
Publisher: Ovni-présence
Language: French

This issue of "EN DIRECT" serves as a precursor to the upcoming European UFO conference in Lyon, aiming to provide readers with the latest developments. It is the third issue and is expected to be followed by a fourth before the end of March to keep readers informed.

L'association en vrac (The association in brief)

SOS-OVNI and the Lyon Conference

The magazine highlights SOS-OVNI's active role in investigating UFO observations, citing an example in Brest where an observation at 9:45 AM led to a prompt investigation involving GEPSI and air traffic control. This demonstrates the effectiveness of SOS-OVNI's reach.

Preparations for the Lyon conference are a major focus. The conference is described as a unique gathering of European ufology, bringing together diverse viewpoints. AESV members are tasked with crucial organizational roles, including regulating discussions, managing logistics, and ensuring firm oversight. Specific tasks for volunteers include guiding participants between rooms (like the cafeteria), directing English speakers to Perry, orienting press inquiries to the AESV office (Yves, Perry, Dominique), distributing meal tickets, assisting with book and magazine sales, handling public slideshow ticket sales, and managing room setup.

Approximately ten AESV members are expected to be present to manage the event.

OFUP and ORPHE Collaboration

Efforts by Renaud to include "Ovni-présence" in the OFUP (Office Universitaire de Presse) catalog were unsuccessful. OFUP offers preferential subscriptions to nearly a million students, high school students, and teachers.

In a separate development, ORPHE, a group based in Lyon, has been enlisted to distribute 300 posters announcing the public slideshow of the conference. The association has also secured a venue for the slideshow, though its suitability is questioned as it may not be easily concealed.

International Participation at Lyon

François Bourbeau, a well-known ufologist and TV presenter, is expected to cover the Lyon event for his channel, deliver a presentation on the Canadian situation, and showcase recent UFO films. Additionally, members of CENAP (Germany) will attend for the first time in France, along with British researcher Nigel Watson.

A noter (Notes)

Reagan and UFOs

The French tabloid "Scandal" reported in its January 1989 issue that Ronald Reagan believed in flying saucers and had kept this belief private during his presidential campaign. According to Reagan's collaborators, he had observed a UFO and subsequently reviewed military files on the subject while in the White House.

Comics and UFOs

The Angoulême Comics Festival (1989) awarded a special prize to journalist Jean Teulé for "Gens de France," a work previously discussed in "OP." A new comic album by Frémond, "Opération du 3ème type," featuring a journalist contacted by an extraterrestrial, is also mentioned.

Persinger's Controversial Views

Michael Persinger, in the February 1989 issue of "OMNI," reiterates his assertion that ufologists are exposed to risks, including potential health issues like brain tumors and leukemia due to prolonged exposure to "extremely energetic geophysical effects." He questions whether the ufological community, with its increasingly sedentary members, is a suitable or representative sample for proving UFO hypotheses.

UFO Experience Survey

An article by Pamela Weintraub in "OMNI" (February 1989) discusses a survey of readers to determine the percentage of people who have experienced a UFO encounter. A comprehensive questionnaire, developed with Budd Hopkins and sent to 450 individuals, revealed that 75% had seen a UFO, 42% reported missing time, and 33% had unexplained scars or injuries. The ongoing debate in the USA centers on distinguishing genuine witnesses from hoaxers.

Du côté des livres... (From the books...)

Whitley Strieber has released a new book in the USA titled "Transformation: The Breakthrough." Mr. Ed, an anonymous author known for controversial UFO photos and films, is reportedly preparing a book about his experiences.

...du cinéma... (...from the cinema...)

The film "Alien Nation" will be released in France under the title "Futur immédiat."

et de la TV (and from TV)

Several films and programs related to the paranormal and science fiction are listed with their broadcast dates and channels:

• "L'emprise" (A2, Feb 13)
• "La 4ème rencontre" (M6, Feb 13)
• "Les entrailles de l'enfer" (Canal+, Feb 14)
• "Deep Space" (La Cinq, Feb 15)
• A debate on parapsychology (TF1, Feb 14) is described as "lamentable."
• "L'éclosion des monstres" (M6, Feb 22)
• "Howard" (Canal+, Feb 23)
• "Les prédateurs du futur" (La Cinq, Feb 26)
• "Maléfices" (La Cinq, Feb 27)
• "La soupe au choux" (A2, Feb 28)
• "L'hybride infernale" (La Cinq, Mar 9)

Les ovnis dans tout ça ? (What about UFOs?)

Plounevez Moedec Sighting

A witness contacted SOS-OVNI on February 7th reporting a strange craft near Plounevez Moedec that followed a plane's trajectory. The witness noted the absence of wings and only the sound of a plane. Investigation by GEPSI suggested it was likely a plane viewed from an unusual angle.

Saint Martory Sighting

On the night of February 6th-7th, multiple individuals near Saint Martory witnessed the landscape suddenly illuminated by a blue-green light.

Marseille Sighting

An unidentified light was observed in the sky over Marseille on February 14th around 8:15 PM. The phenomenon, lasting about 6 seconds, appeared as a pale, undulating light.

Guatemala Sightings

Hundreds of people in Guatemala, including the Prime Minister and government officials, have been observing strange balls of light in the sky for several days around 8:00 PM.

Revue de la presse spécialisée (Review of the specialized press)

Addresses for the following specialized magazines are available upon request from the editorial staff:

• Ciel et Espace (France), No. 233 (Feb 1989) and No. 234 (Mar 1989)
• Giornale dei Misteri (Italy), No. 207 (Jan 1989)
• Australian Ufo Bulletin (Australia), Dec 1988
• Ufo chronicles (Italy), No. 3 (Jan 1989)
• UFO (Italy), No. 5 (June 1988)
• Ufo brigantia (Great Britain), No. 36 (Jan 1989)

Italian UFO Magazine

The Italian magazine "UFO" is highlighted as the best in its language, despite being late in publication. Issue No. 5 features a special section on "abductions," including historical perspectives, personal experiences, comparative studies, and folklore related to the phenomenon. The magazine also includes "Italian Ufo Reporter," a supplement with English summaries of articles from "UFO 4," and a booklet titled "Myths and realities in Italian ufological research" which refutes arguments against the CISU.

The article also mentions a new piece by John Lear in "Ufo brigantia" No. 36, which is presented as a significant, albeit potentially extreme, read.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader field of ufology. There is a strong emphasis on reporting events and research from France and internationally. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement with the subject, providing information on conferences, media coverage, and new publications. The inclusion of diverse perspectives, from scientific investigations to personal accounts and even controversial theories, suggests an open yet critical approach to the topic. The magazine also highlights the organizational efforts within the ufological community, particularly concerning the upcoming Lyon conference.