En Direct - No 10 - octobre 1989

Magazine Overview

"EN DIRECT" is a newsletter, issue number 10, published in October 1989 by Ovni-Présence. It is written in French and focuses on UFOs and related phenomena. The publication aims to share information and solicit feedback from its readers.

Editorial Letter

The editorial letter addresses the readers, noting the lack of feedback since the previous issue and questioning the utility of circulating information without reader engagement. It acknowledges that some regular sections are absent in this issue due to current events, while others are more prominent. The editors express a desire to catch up on news and close the issue promptly.

L'association en vrac (The association in brief)

This section provides updates on the association's activities. Laurent Toupet reports on interesting information regarding a case in the Cher region, following an article he published in "La Nouvelle République du Centre Ouest." The association has also collaborated with the J'ADFI (Association for the Defense of Families and the Individual), an organization that combats mental manipulation, particularly concerning "contactees" who create cults with a saucer-like character (e.g., Nicole Callot "Sarah," Les Raéliens, Spirale, Galacteus).

A reminder is issued about the annual general assembly of the association, scheduled for Saturday, October 7th, at 8 PM in Aix-en-Provence. Readers are urged to attend and can call 42.27.26.18 for more information.

M. Oswaldo Ciezar, from Agence France Presse, is preparing a series of articles for Argentine newspapers about UFOs. SOS-OVNI is reportedly well-known in Argentina, leading Ciezar to seek information from the association.

The association participated in a television program about the irrational, titled "L'ame de fond," which was scheduled to air on Saturday, October 7th, at 1 PM on FR3 (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Corse).

A noter (Notes)

Newlook Magazine: The September issue of "Newlook" featured full-page color photos of "rings" – crop circles found in Great Britain.

Project Bluebook and Moonwatch: The article delves into the lesser-known involvement of Dr. Allen Hynek in the "Moonwatch" program, initiated around 1955. This program aimed to create and coordinate an international network of observers to track satellites after their launch.

OMNI Magazine (September 1989): The UFO section of OMNI discusses declarations by John Lear. Lear claims that the US government has recovered at least 30 flying saucers since 1947 and possesses 30 frozen humanoid bodies. He also alleges a pact with living extraterrestrials, where the US government would overlook alien activities (such as animal mutilations) in exchange for technological transfers. These aliens reportedly reside in military bases in Dulce, Datil, and Sunspot, New Mexico. The article quotes Jim Moseley, editor of "Saucer Smear," expressing skepticism about Lear's claims but acknowledging the entertainment value.

"M. Ed." Photos Controversy: OMNI also covers the controversy surrounding photos of "M. Ed." Bruce Maccabee, an ufologist and optical physicist, suggests these photos might be an exception to the rule that photos don't prove UFOs. Philip Klass, however, believes the photos are 90% authentic but the UFOs themselves are hoaxes.

Femme Actuelle Magazine: The September 18-24 issue of "Femme Actuelle" features a mini-article with a photo of a saucer-shaped house built by Patrick Marsilli.

• TV Schedule:
• Saturday, September 9th (La Cinq, 8:35 PM): "Annihilator" (an airplane with passengers experiences a "missing time" event).
• Sunday, September 17th (M6, 8:35 PM): "The Philadelphia Experiment."

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

Tarn Sighting: François Aujoulet, a resident of Bertre (Tarn), reported a mysterious object emitting an "incredible luminous beam" on his roof one night. The object, described as having the shape of a 3m x 3m gas bottle and making no noise, illuminated a nearby field. After about 20 seconds, the light vanished. The next day, the tiles on the affected part of the roof were found to be more brownish and displaced. The Gendarmerie stated that Aujoulet was the only person to report a luminous phenomenon in the region that night. No particular observations were reported to air traffic controllers.

Cher Sighting: On the night of August 26-27, a man in the St Martin d'Auxigny (Cher) region alerted the local newspaper about UFOs. An investigation revealed that the phenomenon was actually reflections of lasers from clouds, originating from a nightclub called "L'Heure Bleue" in Allogny.

Baugy (Cher) Incident: On September 3rd, around 5 AM, residents of Baugy (Cher) were awakened by a scratching noise and saw a strong, reddish, glowing light. Fearing their house was on fire, they evacuated, only to see the light extinguish. The next day, they discovered that the zinc gutter had partially melted, showing a gaping hole. Part of the roof structure was blackened, and a powdery trail was found. While the gendarmerie did not conduct a full investigation, firefighters took samples. Initial findings from sources like firefighters, gendarmes, and insurers suggest it was a firework that accidentally hit the house and burned out without exploding.

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

• Addresses for the following specialized magazines can be obtained by simple request from the editorial office:
• Australian UFO bulletin (Aus), June 1989.
• UFO Contact (DK), No. 3, September 1989.
• Rassegna Casistica (I), No. 4, April 1989.

"EN DIRECT" is a supplement to Ovni-Présence. Editor: Perry PETRAKIS. AESV: B.P. 324 - 13611 Aix Cédex 1. Reproduction strictly forbidden.

Interview: Laurent Toupet

This section features an interview with Laurent Toupet, the regional delegate for the Centre region of A.E.S.V. (Association d'études sur les soucoupes volantes), which is soon to be renamed S.O.S.-O.V.N.I. Toupet, 22 years old and employed at the military establishments in Bourges, describes A.E.S.V. as a small association of about twenty people in France interested in aerospace phenomena. They organize an annual international congress in Lyon and are present on the Minitel service (3615, code LTO).

Regarding his role in the Cher region, Toupet is the only member there, with only three in the entire Centre region. He researches historical and new UFO observations and assures anonymity for witnesses. He attempts to collaborate with national media (AFP, newspapers), air traffic controllers, the Air Force, and the gendarmerie, though the latter are reportedly reluctant and send reports directly to CNES in Toulouse.

Toupet states he has collected 48 cases from 1900 in the Cher region, including several documented by Moreux. He mentions sightings of orange, green, and blue balls in the Levet and Vierzon areas in 1987-1988, but notes that current cases lean towards science fiction. He recalls an event in Nohant-en-Goût in 1973 involving encounters with extraterrestrials. He estimates that less than 8 to 10 out of 100 cases in the Centre region remain unexplained. Toupet believes UFO observation is not a science but rather an act of observing and attempting to explain.

Contact information for Laurent Toupet is provided: residence Aquitaine, 4, rue du Bouillet, Bourges (tel. 48.70.40.86).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "EN DIRECT" revolve around UFO sightings, investigations into alleged extraterrestrial encounters, and the activities of UFO research organizations. There's a focus on debunking some phenomena (like the St. Martin d'Auxigny laser reflections) while highlighting unexplained cases (Tarn, Baugy). The magazine also touches upon the broader context of UFO research, including government involvement, cults, and the challenges of scientific investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and providing information on current events and research in the ufology field, while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards sensational claims, as evidenced by the quote from Jim Moseley.