KPUFO Informacni bulletin - 2001 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Newsletter KPUFO
Issue: 3/2001
Date: 2001
Publisher: Klub psychotroniky a UFO (KPU)
Country: Czech Republic
Language: Czech

This issue of the KPU newsletter focuses on the organization's 10th anniversary and its decision regarding a proposed international UFO event, alongside various other news items and research updates.

10th Anniversary and CD-ROM Release

The newsletter begins by commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Klub psychotroniky a UFO, which occurred in May 2001. To celebrate this milestone and provide access to its materials for those without internet access, the organization has prepared a CD-ROM containing information from its branches and internal server as of June 30, 2001. The CD-ROM costs 100 CZK and will be sent with the next information bulletin to KPU members. Orders are to be submitted in writing or via email.

Stance on "World UFO Day"

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to the KPU's response to a proposal from the Turkish UFO organization Sirius. Sirius suggested establishing an annual "World UFO Day" on July 2nd, the anniversary of the Roswell incident, to consolidate UFO activities and conduct a media campaign, potentially including peaceful demonstrations. The KPU leadership, after considering the proposal and internal discussions, decided not to participate and to distance itself from the event this year. The KPU's official statement, titled "Prohlaseni Klubu psychotroniky a UFO k vyhlaseni 'Svetoveho dne UFO'" (Statement of the Club of Psychotronics and UFO on the declaration of 'World UFO Day'), outlines their reasoning.

The KPU's committee concluded that the proposed event would not contribute to the main goals and activities of the KPU, particularly its research work. They stated that bombastic actions and loud media campaigns are alien to the club. The KPU believes that understanding UFOs and other anomalous phenomena should primarily come from careful and critical analysis of information obtained through their own research. They suspect the Turkish colleagues approached the proposal from the perspective of their own social conditions, which differ from those in the Czech Republic. The KPU fears that such events in their context would not foster a serious view of the UFO issue but would rather serve to publicize individuals who exploit this topic commercially, potentially discrediting the field. They also noted the inappropriate timing of the event, coinciding with the 'silly season' when tabloid media seek sensational stories. The KPU asserts that promoting UFOs and anomalous phenomena through public demonstrations and media stunts is incompatible with serious research and that sensationalized, commercialized actions would primarily benefit opponents of these phenomena and movements.

Consequently, the KPU will not support the event, will not forward the "Call" text to media, will not organize peaceful demonstrations, nor will it place banners on websites to promote "World UFO Day." The club officially distances itself from such actions. However, the KPU emphasizes that it does not reject cooperation with anyone who works seriously in the field of anomalous phenomena and maintains contacts with foreign organizations through personal interactions and KPU members abroad. They will send a letter to their Turkish colleagues to gain more information about their intentions.

Incident with Jiri Wojnar

The newsletter reports on an incident involving writer Jiri Wojnar. Some of his partial opinions, shared during an ongoing discussion, were published on his website without permission, accompanied by an offensive commentary, and declared as the official stance of the KPU. Wojnar reportedly did not remove the content despite being informed that he had no right to publish it. As a result, the KPU has severed all contact with J. Wojnar.

Membership and Support

Members who have not yet fulfilled their membership requirements are urged to pay their membership fee to support the KPU's work. They are also encouraged to donate surplus office supplies, such as A5 envelopes. For correspondence, members should include their date of birth, and if they don't know their membership number, they should request it. Submitting a photo for an ID card is also requested if not already done.

The membership fee for 2001 is 285 CZK, which includes the ZAZ magazine. This is considered a minimum, and higher contributions are welcome. The newsletter invites those who maintain friendly relations with the club to formalize their commitment by joining the KPU, describing it as a serious research organization that has never compromised its mission or reputation.

Club Server and Advertising

The club server, KPUFO 2000, now features initial advertisements from KPU members, showcasing their work and business activities. The newsletter notes that this initiative is already showing promise. Members are encouraged to post information about their companies, including contact details and detailed descriptions of their work. A fee of 300 CZK is charged for an advertisement, which includes a year-long listing on the server. However, free listings will be provided to companies and entrepreneurs who significantly assist the KPU's activities.

The KPUFO 2000 server operates on weekdays from 7:00 to 15:30, with extended hours on Thursdays and by arrangement on weekends. Access rights can be requested individually via email at [email protected].

Anniversary Merchandise and Archival Work

To mark the KPU's 10th anniversary, commemorative stickers and other promotional items like glasses and t-shirts will be distributed with correspondence. The newsletter expresses gratitude for assistance in processing and transcribing cases and materials from the club archive, particularly those related to UFOs and anomalous psychotronic phenomena.

Member Updates and Internet Presence

Members are asked to update their contact information, including new email addresses and mobile phone numbers, and to report any changes promptly. This is important for direct participation in the investigation of anomalous phenomena, especially during the summer months. The newsletter acknowledges the recent online presence of KPU members from Hradec Kralove and KPU Trutnov, thanking the creators for making information and solved questions from those regions available.

Other News and Announcements

Petr Chobot Incident: The newsletter mentions a poisoning incident involving 38 people during a "meditation" led by Petr Chobot in June 2001. Given their experiences with him since 1993, the KPU intends to state its position on his activities and role.

Hyperion Club Expedition: The Hyperion Club is organizing an expedition to Slovakia from July 28 to August 5, 2001, to investigate stone mounds and Muran Castle. Interested individuals can write to the KPU or directly to the Hyperion Club.

Fantastic Facts Club Conflict: An event by the Fantastic Facts Club in Prague on April 21, 2001, reportedly caused friction between them, Magazin 2000, and the Sirius group, which had previously engaged in destructive actions against the KPU.

Documentation Center of Czech Hermeticism: A new "Documentation Center of Czech Hermeticism" has been established with the goal of collecting written materials from various private archives and supplementing data on Czech hermeticism since 1948.

"Call for the 21st Century": The newsletter mentions a "Call for the 21st Century" that promotes unity among spiritual forces and movements. It advises caution regarding who one associates with when signing such calls.

Czech Skeptics' Association: An association is being formed within the ranks of the Czech Skeptics' Club Sysifos to defend patients against healers.

Trip to Austria: In May 2001, a trip to Austria was made to visit megalithic sites. A report on the visit to the "Central European Pyramid" by members of the 2000 Kutna Hora Club will be published in the magazine "Skryte skutecnosti" and will also be available on the KPU website.

Crop Circles: Readers are urged to report any sightings of crop circles or patterns in fields immediately by writing or calling the KPU address, or to conduct their own investigation if the pattern is at risk of being damaged. Instructions for investigation were previously sent and are available on the website http://kpufo.namodro.cz.

Tombstone in Paris: A request is made to help locate a specific tombstone in Paris, near the Pere-Lachaise cemetery, with an inscription for ANNE 1920-1971 BARBARIA ATQUE RETICENTIA ADIUNCTUM BARBATI BASIS ATRII SACRI.

ZAZ Magazine: The Vcelka publishing house thanks the KPU for their recognition of the new ZAZ magazine, which will now permanently have 50 pages. Issue No. 3/2001 is out. Members who have not received it should inquire about their subscription status.

Specialized Publication on Dowsing: A specialized publication titled "Fenomeny ingerence a prestace" (Phenomena of Interference and Performance) by Ing. Vlastimil Baumgartl, focusing on dowsing and the phenomena associated with it, is now available. It is in A4 format and costs 70 CZK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter include the KPU's commitment to serious, evidence-based research over sensationalism, its organizational activities and membership drives, and its engagement with the broader UFO and paranormal community, both domestically and internationally. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical analysis, skepticism towards media hype, and a focus on empirical investigation. The KPU positions itself as a serious research organization dedicated to understanding anomalous phenomena through rigorous methods, distinguishing itself from groups that prioritize public spectacle or commercial gain.