"EN DIRECT"

Magazine Overview

"EN DIRECT" is a supplement to Ovni-Présence, with issue number 11 published in November 1989. The editor is Perry Petrakis. The publication is based in Aix-en-Provence, France. This issue focuses on recent UFO news, investigations, media coverage, and association activities.

Association News and Activities

The editorial begins by thanking readers for their increased participation and announces that this issue, the penultimate of 1989, will include a report on the General Assembly held on October 7, 1989. The association, AESV, is facing financial difficulties due to the loss of regular income sources. The General Assembly confirmed the existing bureau and adopted new statutes, though a name change was postponed. The treasurer's report indicated that for AESV France, 53,072.70 francs passed through the accounts in 1988, resulting in a deficit of 6,811.70 francs by December 31, 1988. The largest expenses were the 'Rencontres de Lyon' and the 'Ovni-Présence' publication. Efforts are underway to present a transparent financial dossier to tax authorities. There is a discussion about providing increased support to the 'Ovni-Présence' review and its editorial committee to better cover current observations. The organization of the 'Rencontres de Lyon' is being considered for relocation to another city, such as Aix-en-Provence, but the preference is to keep it in Lyon, even if it means higher participation costs. The association is actively exploring accommodation and financing options.

UFO Reports and Investigations

This issue details several UFO-related events and observations:

• Baugy (18) Observation: The final report confirmed that the observed phenomenon was a large firecracker, not a UFO, thrown by revelers onto the witnesses' house.
• Estepona (Spain) Incident: A vague report from the Netherlands mentions a psychologist from the Ministry of Defense allegedly filming a UFO with a camcorder, witnessed by thousands on August 10, 1989. An investigation has been opened.
• Voronej (Soviet Union) RR3 Event: The Tass agency reported a significant event on September 27, 1989, where a 10-meter wide fireball was seen landing in a park. Three 4-meter tall creatures with three eyes and a robot reportedly emerged before re-entering the craft. Tass cited specialists like Genrikh Silavov, who claimed to have found traces and two stones of non-terrestrial origin. However, the article expresses skepticism about Tass's reporting, suggesting it might be an excessive attempt to rehabilitate 'perestroika' by releasing sensational news. A later Tass dispatch mentioned abnormal radioactivity at the site, though without citing sources.
• Southeast France Noises: Around thirty people reported hearing noises resembling jet planes on October 1, 1989, which are likely attributable to discreet NATO maneuvers.
• Saint-Etienne-les-Orgues (04) Sighting: A witness observed a luminous beam scanning the sky and an oval, cloud-like shape around 9:30 PM on October 11, 1989, followed by a 'ballet of lights' later that evening.
• Perm (Soviet Union) Observation: The 'Komsomolskaia Pravda' published photos of enormous, bright orange globes observed in July 1989.
• Greek Pilot Sighting: A pilot from Olympic Airways reported seeing a UFO with white, blue, and red lights on March 29, 1989, while flying near Sorrento, Italy, at 35,000 feet.
• Omsk (Soviet Union) Sighting: A local Soviet newspaper reported an object hovering over Omsk on October 17, 1989, which reportedly descended near the airport, observed by pilots but not radar. Major Vladimir Loginov claimed colleagues also observed it 5 minutes later 600 km away, suggesting a speed of 7000 km/h.
• Kecksburg (Pennsylvania) Crash: According to the Mufon UFO Journal, a mysterious craft crashed in a forest on December 9, 1965, with government documents suggesting military interest in the wreckage.

Media and Literature

The issue reviews various media appearances and publications related to UFOs:

• Magazines: L'Express featured an article on crop circles in Great Britain. Figaro Magazine covered UFOs and the SETI program. OMNI's October 1989 issue discussed folklorist Thomas E. Bullard's work on categorizing UFO waves and sociologist Marcello Truzzi's views on sociological factors.
• Television: Mentions include 'Futurs' on TF1 discussing SETI, and various films like 'Mutants de la St Sylvestre', 'La folle histoire de l'espace', 'Zardoz', 'Ralph super héros', 'L'invasion des cocons', and 'Hidden'.
• Books: A chapter on ufology is included in "Les portes du 3ème millénaire" by Jean-Marie Bernard.
• Films/Videos: 'Moontrap', 'La chose venue d'ailleurs', 'Games of survival', 'Communion' (based on Whitley Strieber's book), and 'Abyss' are mentioned.

Special Interest Articles

• UFO Insurance: A US company, "UFO Abductions," offers insurance against ET abductions for $60.
• Rennes-le-Château: Jean de Rigni, a contactee, believes an ET base is located under his property, a topic also covered in VSD.
• 'Against the Charlatans of the Irrational': L'Evénement du jeudi published a dossier on this topic.
• UFOs and Freemasonry: A reader suggests a connection between UFO phenomena and Masonic rituals, seeking input from specialists.

Specialized Press Review

A list of UFO-related journals and bulletins is provided, including Mufon UFO Journal, Italian UFO Reporter, Bulletin de liaison pour l'étude des sectes, Afis Science et pseudo sciences, Ruh ve Madde, La ligne bleue survolée, Australian UFO Bulletin, and La fontaine Romaine.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, investigations, and related media coverage. There is a critical approach to official statements, particularly from Soviet sources, highlighting the potential influence of political factors like 'perestroika'. The publication also serves as a platform for reader contributions and association news, emphasizing the challenges of funding and organizing events in the field of ufology. The recurring themes include the analysis of specific UFO cases, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the exploration of fringe theories and connections, such as the one linking UFOs to Freemasonry. The association's financial precariousness is a significant concern, indicating a struggle to maintain operations and activities.