EN DIRECT

Magazine Overview

"EN DIRECT", issue number 13, published in January 1990, is a newsletter from the "Ovni-Présence" publication, serving as a supplement. The editorial tone is optimistic, anticipating 1990 to be a significant year for UFO phenomena, with increasing public interest and media attention. The publication aims to keep its readers informed about the latest developments in ufology.

Association News and Updates

The "L'association en vrac" section details the ongoing efforts to informatize the SOS OVNI association, which is expected to improve efficiency in tasks like editing labels, managing files, and word processing, potentially saving time and money. Two issues of the "Ovni-Présence" review are in preparation: issue 43 will include an analysis of the "War of the Worlds" panic by sociologist Cantril, an investigation into a strange trace in Valensole, and recent cases. The association also expresses gratitude for well wishes received and reminds readers about the upcoming fourth European UFO Encounters in Lyon, scheduled for April 28-30, 1990. International figures like Edoardo Russo (Italy), Bruno Mancusi (Switzerland), Julio Arcas Gilardi (Spain), Philip Mantle (Great Britain), and Jean-Luc Rivera (USA) are mentioned as having initiated the event abroad. Proposals for assistance with this major European ufological event are welcomed. Renaud is developing a slideshow to help raise funds for the association, with plans for testing in various cities. Discussions are also progressing for SOS-OVNI to provide information to the GEIPIS minitel server and to establish their own server.

Noteworthy Items and Media Mentions

The "A noter" section highlights several media appearances and events. Jacques Vallée's appearance on TF1 on December 14th, discussing his book "Autres Dimensions", is noted. The fifth edition of "Parapsy" is scheduled from February 10th to 18th at the Parc des Expositions in Paris. Reports on UFOs in Belgium were broadcast on TF1's 13h00 news on January 1st, followed by a general report on UFOs on January 3rd. Several new associations have emerged, including the Cercle d'Etudes Ufologiques du Marmandais (CEUM) and SERPA, which has an astronomical focus but is ufological in nature. SERPA will publish a bulletin called AMAS. The December 1989 issue of "OMNI" is mentioned for its coverage of the pro-ET vs. anti-ET debate in the US regarding cattle mutilations, referencing Linda Moulton Howe's book "A Strange Harvest" and the findings of a Denver hematopathologist suggesting high temperatures involved. The "Journal for UFO Studies", previously under Allen Hynek, is set to be revived by Michael Swords of Western Michigan University, aiming to attract scientists interested in UFO phenomena. "Le Provençal" newspaper featured a page on the 25th anniversary of the Maurice Masse affair in Valensole. A significant report details a UFO allegedly shot down by South African authorities on May 7, 1989, in the Kalahari Desert, involving a "Black Horse" operation with international cooperation and classified as TOP SECRET. The article questions whether this is a serious case or a disinformation campaign.

Cinema and Television

"Mac et moi" (an ET film) was released on video. Television programs mentioned include "2001, l'Odysée de l'espace" and "2010" on FR3, "Ma prof est une extra-terrestre" on La Cinq, the finale of "V" on La Cinq, "Apollo 13 ne répond plus" and "Le triangle des Bermudes" on M6, and "Le survivant d'un monde parallèle" on M6. The series "Mon martien favori" is featured in "Samdynamite". An emission on the detection of UFOs by the air force, initially scheduled for January 6th on TF1, was postponed and is to be watched for in the "Reportages" program.

UFOs and Public Interest

The section "Les ovnis dans tout ça ?" reports on a significant UFO sighting on November 29th near Kettenis-Eupen, Belgium, observed by numerous witnesses and two gendarmes. The object, described as a platform with three powerful lights, was flying at an altitude of about 300 meters and was undetectable by radar due to its low altitude. This sighting triggered a wave of UFO reports in Belgium, with over 350 testimonies, putting investigators from SOBEPS to the test. The case gained media attention in France and involved the Prime Minister's office for an evaluation.

Specialized Press Review

A comprehensive list of specialized ufological publications is provided, including their titles, issue numbers, and publication dates. These include "Dornier Post" (RFA), "UFO, Rivista di Informazione Ufologica" (Italy), "Italian UFO Reporter" (Italy), "Apocalypse" (Switzerland), "Il Giornale dei Misteri" (Italy), "AFIS Science et pseudo-sciences" (France), "Réalité ou Fiction" (France), "Sign" (Switzerland), "Spuren" (Switzerland), "Gabbiola" (Italy), "Northern UFO News" (GB), "Ruh Ve Madde" (Turkey), "Les Cahiers Rationalistes" (France), "Inforespace" (Belgium), "Quest International" (GB), "Twenty Twenty Vision" (GB), "UFO Express" (Italy), "Nonsiamosoli" (Italy), and "Fusion N.G. Science et Insolite" (Canada). The review highlights articles within these publications, such as a 40-year UFO bibliography in Italy, discussions on Gulf Breeze and Petrozavodsk, the arrival of ETs in the Raëlian International Movement's "Apocalypse", a dossier on ufological photography in "Gabbiola", and a special issue on abductions in "Inforespace". The review also questions the content of "Quest" and notes the publication of the Canadian magazine promised by François Bourbeau. It expresses a preference for more UFO content over "mancies" and "logies" in some publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the growing interest in UFO phenomena, the activities of ufological associations like SOS OVNI, and the role of media in reporting and discussing these events. The editorial stance is one of cautious optimism, anticipating a significant year for UFO research and public engagement, while also acknowledging the complexities of some cases, such as the potential for disinformation. The publication aims to be a central source of information for its readers, covering both international and local developments in ufology, and encouraging reader participation and support.