En Direct - No 15 - mars 1990

Magazine Overview

This document is issue number 15 of the French publication "EN DIRECT", dated March 1990. It is presented as a supplement to "Ovni-Présence" and is edited by Perry Petrakis. The publication aims to create a link between its members, providing concise information in a telegraphic style on a monthly basis. The editors acknowledge that the publication is largely deficitary but its length is dictated by the volume of information available each month, with past issues ranging from four to twelve pages.

Association News and Updates

The "Association en vrac" section provides several updates. Laurent Toupet has submitted two investigations from his "Cher" catalog: one concerning a reddish fireball observed in 1920 near Chateaumeillant, France, and another from 1897 about a luminous 'shooting star' that disappeared, attributed to Abbé Moreux. There is a report on the planned launch of 36.15 SOSOVNI, expected to be connected by mid-March. The issue also lists some "illustrious" participants for the upcoming European UFO Encounters in Lyon, including Terence Meaden (physicist and meteorologist), Pierre-Marc Geste (ethnologist and psychiatrist), Hilary Evans (author), François Bourbeau (Canadian), and Michel Bounias. The editor mentions his potential attendance at a British congress organized by Ufo Brigantia in Sheffield on July 14-15, possibly accompanied by Renaud Marhic.

Laurent Toupet is also seeking information on UFOs in the 18th department of France and Iceland, particularly concerning sagas. His contact details are provided.

Media and Press Reviews

The "A noter" section reviews recent media coverage of UFO topics. An article in Figaro Magazine reported that ufology has become a profession in the Soviet Union, with "ufology schools" and state-recognized diplomas. The publication questions the seriousness with which the UFO subject is treated in the press, citing Télérama's mention of "flying fries" in Belgium and Science et vie Junior's focus on "flying bananas" observed by Soviets. The February 1990 issue of OMNI is noted for its coverage of the "Marfa Lights" in Texas, presenting both 'pro' and 'anti' viewpoints. Strange Magazine's list of the year's strangest events for 1989 is also highlighted, including a "meeting with an ET" in Voronezh, the observation of a 25-foot giant in Greece, and alleged ET visits to secret US bases in Nevada.

Film and Television

In the "Du côté du cinéma" section, "Mutant Aquatique en Liberté" and "Starman" have been released on video. The section notes a relative scarcity of productions concerning UFO/ET/contact themes but suggests this might change soon. The "...et de la TV" section lists several programs: "Histoires fantastiques 2" on Canal+ (February 26), a sequence from "Alien Nation" on A2 (March 1) featuring an extraterrestrial police officer giving birth, "L'Etoile inconnue" on La Cinq (March 3), "Critters" on Canal+ (March 10), and "Repo Man" on Canal+ (March 29).

UFOs in the Soviet Union

The section "Les ovnis dans tout ça ?" discusses observations from the Soviet Union based on correspondence with ufologists. The Voronezh incident is analyzed, with claims that it was staged by TASS journalists and that local ufologists conducted a sloppy investigation. An excavation supposedly showing a trace was reportedly older than the sighting. Regarding an object landing near a local committee, rumors of a metallic tentacle grabbing children are mentioned, but colleagues found no evidence of children suffering. The case of Galina Sergeevna B. in Konstantinovka is detailed: on the night of October 1-2, 1989, she witnessed a dome-shaped object, about 10 meters in diameter, land on a roof. A creature resembling a man, but much taller (about 4 meters) with a "dome" for a head, emerged. It was followed by a second being. The object then disappeared, leaving no trace. The issue promises further updates from the Soviet Union.

Specialized Press Review

The "Revue de la presse spécialisée" lists several specialized UFO publications: "Austr. Int. UFO Flying Saucer Res." (Australia), "Italian UFO Reporter" (Italy), "Ruh Ve Madde" (Turkey), "Ufo Brigantia" (Great Britain), "Mufon Ufo Journal" (USA), and "Sobeps-Flash" (Belgium). It notes that Ufo Brigantia is skeptical about a UFO crash in South Africa. Sobeps-Flash's first issue covers UFO waves in Belgium and the Soviet Union. The Mufon UFO Journal continues an article by William Moore.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The publication consistently focuses on UFO and extraterrestrial phenomena, acting as a conduit for information exchange among enthusiasts and reporting on sightings, investigations, and media coverage. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and news from around the world, with a particular interest in international reports, especially from the Soviet Union at this time. The magazine acknowledges its financial challenges but remains committed to disseminating information to its readership.