EN DIRECT

Magazine Overview

Title: EN DIRECT
Issue Date: November 1990
Issue Number: 23
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue marks the penultimate publication of the French ufology magazine "En Direct." The editorial explains that due to the significant resources and infrastructure required for in-depth information analysis, the magazine will cease publication. It announces the upcoming launch of a new, more comprehensive bimonthly magazine titled "Phénomèna," which will replace "En Direct" starting in January 1991. The new publication aims to provide faster, more detailed, and better-illustrated ufological information, catering to both the general public and dedicated researchers.

Editorial and New Magazine Launch

The editorial, addressed to "Chers Amis," expresses gratitude for reader support over the past two years and announces the decision to launch "Phénomèna." This new magazine, to be published in offset format every two months, will be similar in format to "Ovni-Présence" but will have its own unique characteristics. It will feature more in-depth articles, illustrations, and cover current ufological news directly and concisely, unlike the more structured "Ovni-Présence." The editorial reassures subscribers that their existing subscriptions to "Ovni-Présence" will remain valid, and future renewals will cover both "Phénomèna" and "Ovni-Présence." The goal is to strengthen their presence in ufological research and information, and they appeal for continued financial and editorial support.

News and Observations

The issue includes several short reports on recent ufological events and related media:

• Speed Calculation Correction: A clarification regarding a previous calculation of nautical miles per second to km/h, with the editor admitting a mistake.
• BIDU Conference: A report on a conference organized by BIDU in St-Maur (Val de Marne) on September 14th, titled "Learn More About UFOs."
• 'Les Cahiers de l'Express': An article on UFOs is mentioned in the "Nos origines" special issue, though it was originally published in 1979.
• Jimmy Guieu on Radio: Jimmy Guieu was interviewed on the radio station "Ici et Maintenant" on July 30th, discussing "little green men."
• UFOs in Belgian and Aquatic Reports: "Horoscope" magazine featured an article on Belgian UFOs, while "L'inconnu" published an article on unidentified aquatic objects signed by Michel Granger.
• Pif Gadget Special: The comic magazine "Pif Gadget" released a special issue on E.T. and UFOs in early October.
• Romans Incident: The phenomenon observed over Romans (Drôme) on August 19th was identified by SEPRA as a NORAD-cataloged fragment (matricule 20732), possibly debris from Cosmos satellites.
• SEPRA Detection: SEPRA is investigating a detection made on September 2nd by an Air France Boeing.
• La Poste Advertising: A new advertising campaign by La Poste features an extraterrestrial character, with actor Michel Blanc as the face of the campaign.
• Aérospatiale Advertising: An advertisement from Aérospatiale in "Le Point" magazine discusses readiness for extraterrestrial contact, even from other galaxies.
• Led Zeppelin Album: A compilation album by Led Zeppelin features a cover with a famous crop circle discovered in Great Britain.
• Air Traffic Controller Sighting: An air traffic controller in Perpignan (Pyrénées Orientales) observed a white trail descending vertically on October 5th.
• Airbus Near Miss: An Air France Airbus en route from Roissy to Nice was reportedly narrowly missed by a multicolored, kite-like phenomenon on August 31st, at 30,000 feet.
• Biokovo Sighting: A UFO was observed over the Biokovo massif in Yugoslavia on September 1st and 2nd, leaving visible traces and described as house-sized.

Media Reviews

• TV Section:
• "Sherif fais-moi peur" (La Cinq) featured a plot involving farmers reporting a UFO sighting.
• "Les Goonies" was shown on La Cinq.
• "Ralph, super héros" aired on La Cinq.
• Patrick Poivre d'Arvor's show on TF1 (Ex-Libris) dedicated an episode to "God, death, reincarnation, etc.," with guests including Michel Bounias.
• "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai" was broadcast on La Cinq.
• "Miami Golem" aired on M6.
• "Back to the Future" was shown on TF1.
• "Les Nuls" on Canal Plus parodied a UFO debate, and TF1 featured a "flying saucer"-themed advertisement for Mc Donald's.

• Cinema Section:
• Michael Nouri will play ufologists in the Australian film "Fatal Sky."
• "Aliens 3" is in production, directed by Vincent Ward.
• "Dark Angel" (ET involved in drug trafficking) was released.
• "Desert Alien" (a horror film about friends hunting in the desert) was released on video.
• "Metamorphosis: The Alien Factor" (genetic mutations and extraterrestrial bacteria) was released in the USA.

• Books Section:
• A new book by Jean-Claude Ribes and Guy Monnet, "La vie extra-terrestre," was published by Larousse. The review notes that while it covers extraterrestrial life, it omits mention of SOS OVNI or the Lyon Encounters, which Ribes participated in.
• The book "Out There" by Howard Blum is reviewed. The review quotes the publication as finding the book repetitive, like eating Chinese food – a lot, but unsatisfying after a short time.

Press Review

The "Revue de la presse spécialisée" section lists various ufological publications from different countries, including:

• *Le Sablier* (France), *Cenap Report* (Germany), *The Journal of Meteorology* (UK), *Ufo* (Italy), *NOL* (Portugal), *Sobeps-Flash* (Belgium), *Just Cause* (USA), and *Bulletin d'Information Ufologique* (Romania).

*Le Sablier* is described as astonishing, covering poetry, mysticism, esotericism, and ufology. A divergence of views has reportedly led to Patrick Vidal leaving the group. The review notes Michel Bougard's comment that some associations prioritize data collection over their publications, unlike magazines like "Ovni-Présence" or "FSR."

The proliferation of magazines titled "UFO" is noted, with a new Portuguese publication from NOL (now called UFO) being highlighted. The Italian "UFO" (from CISU) is also mentioned for its two interesting dossiers on the Soviet UFO wave and crop circles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "En Direct" revolve around the transition to a new, more professional ufology magazine ("Phénomèna"), the reporting of recent UFO sightings and related media (films, books, advertisements), and a review of specialized ufological publications. The editorial stance is one of commitment to ufological research and information dissemination, acknowledging the challenges of resource management and the need for reader support. There is a clear effort to keep readers informed about the broader ufological landscape, including international reports and media coverage, while also managing the practicalities of publishing.