NOUFA - No 08 - 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: NOUFA
Issue: 8
Date: March 2, 2011
Publisher: IIEE
Country: Chile
Language: Spanish

This issue of NOUFA, subtitled 'Sin atadura ni conexiones oficialistas. Libre de pensamiento y acción' (Free from official ties. Free thought and action), presents a collection of articles and reports on UFO phenomena, historical accounts, and philosophical reflections.

Cover Features

The cover prominently displays the title 'NOUFA N° 8' and includes two striking images. The top image is a photograph of a UFO, captioned as being taken in Barrio San Cristóbal, Rio de Janeiro, by Nelson Silva on October 1, 1971 (Archives IIEE of Chile). The bottom image shows Ramón Navia-Osorio and Raúl Núñez of the IIEE standing before the geoglyphs of Pintados in Chile.

Articles and Reports

"UNA EXTRAÑA HISTORIA DE MISSOURI" (A Strange Story from Missouri) - Year 1954 by Buck Nelson

This section recounts Buck Nelson's experiences in May/June 1955, detailing encounters with UFOs near his ranch in Missouri. He describes seeing disc-shaped objects and interacting with tall, strong beings who took him on a tour of their craft. The beings communicated telepathically and indicated that many planets are inhabited, with colonies on the Moon and Venus. Nelson also describes how the beings took away some yellowish-slate-colored stones he had gathered. He later met with two UFO investigators from Chicago who attempted to attract UFOs with a triangle of lights, and he expresses a desire to travel to space with his visitors.

"OVNI EN LA INQUISICION" (UFO in the Inquisition) - Testimony of a UFO Vision in the Form of a Cross - Process of Inquisition in Cuenca (Spain) Year 1555

Heliodoro Cordente Martínez, a librarian from Cuenca, discovered documentation from 1555 detailing an inquisitorial process concerning a UFO sighting by residents of Buendía. Nineteen witnesses reported seeing a brilliant, cross-shaped light in the sky. While the witnesses considered it a miracle, the inquisitors, though finding the testimonies credible, attributed the phenomenon to meteorological causes and closed the case. The report details how the light grew in size and appeared above the wooden cross at the Calvario, with witnesses describing its color variably as brilliant, colored, blue, or rainbow-like.

"GIGANTESCO OVNI EN FORMA DE MURCIELAGO" (Gigantic Bat-Shaped UFO) - Heathrow Airport in London - 1996

This article reports on a sighting of a large, bat-shaped UFO over Heathrow Airport in June 1996. The incident was reported in the English newspaper 'The People' and involved observations by military personnel and civilians. The object was described as having a wingspan similar to a small aircraft and was seen hovering and moving at high speed. The report mentions that the Air Force took three months to release information about the sighting.

"SIR ERIC MATTHEW GAIRY. ¿POLITICO, UFOLOGO, ROMANTICO?" (Sir Eric Matthew Gairy. Politician, Ufologist, Romantic?)

This section profiles Sir Eric Gairy, who dominated Grenadian politics from 1949 to 1979 and served as its first Prime Minister. Gairy was also a prominent ufologist who brought the topic of UFOs to the United Nations in the 1970s, advocating for a UN agency to coordinate UFO research. The article touches on his political career, his union organizing efforts, and his eventual removal from power. It questions his intense focus on UFOs, which led to him being ridiculed by his peers at the UN. The article notes that Gairy's interest in UFOs was reportedly sparked by a memorandum from investigator Dr. Colman Vonkeczky to the UN Secretary-General in 1966.

Letters and Responses

The magazine includes a section for reader correspondence and editorial responses.

• Letter from Roberto Ampuero (Santiago, Scientific Journalist): Ampuero agrees with a previous comment about the controversial journalist Salfate, noting that even 'wayward' individuals sometimes get things right. He emphasizes that neither scientists nor the military 'own' the topic of UFOs and criticizes elements of CEFAA for opposing ufologists, suggesting that many Chilean ufologists are merely 'television artists.'
• Response: The editorial agrees with Ampuero's sentiment regarding the state of UFO topics in the country.

• Letter from an anonymous reader (Equipo Redacción NOUFA): The reader questions why some people involved in UFO research do not collaborate with NOUFA.
• Response: The editorial states that collaboration requires merit, constancy, and sacrifice, distinguishing genuine interest from those who pursue other agendas.

• Letter from Juan Alfaro C. (Cipolletti, Argentina): Alfaro recalls receiving a NOUFA publication in paper form years ago from Spain and asks if they are the same organization.
• Response: The editorial confirms they are the same, older but with the same principles, and welcomes him back.

• Letter from Milton Cadeira R. (Sao Paolo, Brazil): The Brazilian reader apologizes for his Spanish and congratulates NOUFA, having received issue number 3 via the internet. He praises the publication's direct and simple style.
• Response: The editorial reassures him about his writing, mentions having a collaborator who translates Portuguese, and confirms that the requested issues are being sent.

• Letter from José Pedro Ariesties (Colombia): The reader asks why NOUFA is distributed for free.
• Response: The editorial humorously replies, 'Because we are strange... very strange.'

• Letter from Paraguay: A reader congratulates NOUFA and requests issue number 2.
• Response: The editorial confirms it is being sent.

Philosophical Musings

"PECados, Mimesis, Pluralismo y Biodiversidad" (Sins, Mimesis, Pluralism, and Biodiversity)

This section features a lengthy reflection by Luis Beltrán Molina Cazorla, exploring themes of sin, imitation (mimesis), pluralism, and biodiversity. The author contrasts religious perspectives with scientific understanding, questioning superiority complexes and emphasizing shared humanity. He discusses the nature of concepts versus reality, drawing parallels between Jesus, Buddha, and Gandhi. The author also touches on the genetic similarity between humans and chimpanzees and the idea of freedom of expression, questioning societal norms and the 'infrastructure of beliefs.' He provocatively asks if he is considered crazy for writing these thoughts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of NOUFA reinforces its commitment to independent thought and investigation into UFO phenomena, free from official constraints. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging critical thinking and the sharing of diverse perspectives. The publication values genuine interest and dedication to the study of UFOs, distinguishing it from those who seek personal gain or attention. The inclusion of historical cases alongside contemporary reports suggests a broad approach to ufology, encompassing both past and present evidence. The philosophical pieces, like the one by Luis Beltrán Molina Cazorla, add a layer of intellectual depth, connecting UFO phenomena to broader questions about human nature, belief systems, and societal structures.

This issue of the magazine, titled 'UFO = TERREMOTO' and identified as issue number 11, published in November 1978, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, parapsychology, and alleged archaeological hoaxes. The content is primarily in Spanish, with a focus on international discussions and personal accounts.

The UN and the UFO Debate

The magazine details the efforts of Colman Vonkeczky and Sir Eric Gairy, Prime Minister of Grenada, to bring the UFO issue before the United Nations (ONU). Kurt Waldheim, then Secretary General of the UN, transmitted Vonkeczky's memorandum to the organization's Committee on Space Affairs. This led to the creation of archives on the subject, though they were reportedly suppressed due to pressure from major powers. Waldheim himself expressed belief in the possibility of extraterrestrial life, even including a message on the Voyager space probe.

Sir Eric Gairy, from the newly independent nation of Grenada, appealed at the UN for global powers to grant access to the UFO dossier. The interventions from Grenada's delegation were significant, with a two-session debate on November 27, 1978, featuring Sir Gairy, Dr. Allen J. Hynek, and Jacques Vallée.

However, the US government initiated a counter-offensive. Concerned about the global implications, the Pentagon and White House reportedly went on high alert on November 29-30. US officials John M. Faigle and John Kriendler informed Prime Minister Gairy that the Condon Report was the sole scientific basis for UFO study. The US Department of State issued a press release on December 1, 1978, declaring, "WASHINGTON WILL OPPOSE THE CREATION OF A UFO STUDY AGENCY IN THE UNITED NATIONS." Following this, the US employed psychological, sociological, and subliminal advertising techniques to sideline the UFO issue at the UN and attack its proponents.

Despite these efforts, the event brought together prominent ufologists, including Dr. Allen J. Hynek, Dr. Claude Poher, and Jacques Vallée. The article notes that Vonkeczky's strong stance on potential extraterrestrial threats, possibly linked to the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) or 'Star Wars,' caused some unease. There's a suggestion that Vonkeczky may have had information predating Reagan's 1985 statement about a unifying extraterrestrial threat.

J. Allen Hynek stated that a growing international scientific community was analyzing UFO cases, concluding that UFOs are a material phenomenon not explainable as natural or human-made, with profound implications for science.

Jacques Vallée, an astrophysicist and computer scientist, emphasized the need for scientific investigation of UFOs, noting the availability of information and competent scientists. He also described the phenomenon as psycho-physical, with witnesses exhibiting physical and psychological reactions, including long-term sleep disturbances and behavioral changes.

Vallée also posited that belief in space visitors is independent of the physical reality of UFOs, and that something is real if sufficient people believe in it. He suggested that the public's search for answers outside rational knowledge was leading to a new social and religious environment, possibly interpreting extraterrestrial contact as divine intervention.

The article reflects on whether the UN intervention by these pioneers served a purpose, noting that the UFO phenomenon has regained prominence, albeit in a sensationalist manner. It also touches upon the controversial topic of alleged extraterrestrial autopsies and the enduring legacy of cases like Roswell.

Psychography and Mediumship

Another section, "LAPICES QUE ESCRIBEN SOLOS" (Pencils That Write Alone), by Andrés Barros Pérez-Cotapos, explores psychography, or automatic writing. This phenomenon involves a medium in a trance state using a pencil to write messages. The article discusses two main theories: one attributing it to the medium's subconscious, and the other accepting it as genuine communication from beyond.

The case of Italian medium Demófilo Didani is presented, where pencils moved and wrote on their own without him touching them. Lina Brady de Boni, daughter of a renowned paranormal researcher, sought Didani's help to communicate with her deceased father. After initial sessions with indecipherable writing, a third session produced clear handwriting identical to her father's, along with voice recordings matching his. Handwriting experts confirmed the similarity. Witnesses reported collateral phenomena, including white or pale blue lights and humanoid figures.

Didani also exhibited materialization abilities, producing a powder similar to ash (Vibhuti) and, on occasion, green leaves or old coins, similar to phenomena attributed to Sri Sathia Sai Baba. The article suggests this mediumship opened a dimensional door to an unknown world.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The issue includes a report titled "El ovni que presagió el sismo del domingo" (The UFO that Presaged Sunday's Earthquake), detailing a sighting in Victoria, Chile, on January 1, 1978. A dark, disk-shaped object was observed before a seismic event. The article notes that the phenomenon is often linked to seismic activity.

"CRONICA DE SERES INCREIBLES" (Chronicle of Incredible Beings) presents two personal accounts:

1. Vista Nocturna a Dormitorio (Night Vision in Bedroom): Don Mario Alejandro Silva Arriagada described seeing a short, stout, dark-clothed being with loose garments in his bedroom at 4 AM. The being stood motionless and then slid into the room, disappearing. His uncle reported similar experiences.
2. Visitante Resplandeciente (Radiant Visitor): Marcelo Hermosilla Gómez recounted seeing a radiant white being, about 1.20 meters tall, with a hood, in a praying posture in his bedroom. He initially thought it was an angel. This experience reportedly had a positive impact on his outlook.

Hermosilla also recalled childhood experiences of seeing luminous white spheres, about 30-40 cm in diameter, near his bed. His son has also reported similar light phenomena.

A section defines "Foo-fighter" as a term used by WWII aviators to describe aerial phenomena, often metallic spheres or luminous balls, observed during combat missions.

The Ica Stones: A Fraud?

The article "LAS PIEDRAS DE ICA SON UN FRAUDE" (The Ica Stones Are a Fraud) investigates the authenticity of thousands of engraved stones purportedly from an extinct civilization in Peru. The author concludes, after a four-year investigation, that these stones are a modern fabrication. The engravings, depicting figures like reptilian-riding men, are attributed to the imagination of Dr. Cabrera and the skill of local artisans. The stones are described as having a modern, easily produced facture, bearing the mark of modern tools. The article notes that while the stones suggested a highly advanced civilization capable of interplanetary travel, the skepticism of archaeologists fueled the investigation. Dr. Javier Cabrera Darquea is identified as the main collector and proponent of the stones' authenticity, eventually dedicating himself to his museum in Ica.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena (UFOs, mediumship) with societal and governmental responses. There's a critical stance towards official denials and suppression of information, particularly from powerful nations like the US. The editorial perspective seems to favor open investigation and acknowledges the public's interest in these subjects, even when they venture into the realm of the extraordinary or sensational. The recurring theme is the persistent human quest for answers beyond conventional understanding, whether in the skies, through spiritual communication, or in the interpretation of historical artifacts. The magazine appears to champion the underdog, giving voice to those who challenge established narratives, while also acknowledging the potential for personal biases and sensationalism within the fields it covers.

This issue of "El Ojo Crítico" (The Critical Eye) delves into two significant topics: the controversy surrounding the "Ica Stones" and the mysterious "Westchester Boomerang" UFO sightings. The magazine presents investigative journalism, primarily authored by Vicente Paris, aiming to demystify these phenomena.

The Ica Stones: A Case of Forgery

The articles meticulously examine the authenticity of the Ica Stones, a collection of carved rocks purportedly from ancient Peru. The investigation highlights the testimonies of local artisans, such as Basilio Uchuya and Irma Gutiérrez de Aparcana, who claim to have created many of these stones under the direction of Dr. Cabrera, a collector and researcher.

Basilio Uchuya initially claimed to be the author of the stones, later retracting his statement, attributing it to duress. However, he continues to sell these "relics" from his home. Irma Gutiérrez corroborated the story, stating that Dr. Cabrera initially provided drawings for them to engrave, but later distanced himself from her when she insisted on the truth.

The author, Vicente Paris, recounts his own investigations, including visiting Dr. Cabrera's museum filled with thousands of stones. He notes that many appear to be crude drawings that a child could make, questioning their authenticity. A key experiment involved Dr. Cabrera demonstrating the durability of a stone by throwing it, which remained intact, leading Paris to believe it was a fake.

Paris explains that carving on normal stones is difficult, but artisans developed methods to soften the surface. He recounts how Irma demonstrated the process, using a simple stick to carve a dinosaur onto a soft stone. This proved that creating numerous stones with the appearance of age was possible.

Further investigation involved examining stones from different sources. José Antonio Lamich, an archaeologist, found traces of sandpaper on one stone, indicating it was not ancient. Basilio later provided a "flying saucer" stone, which, upon closer inspection, revealed red pencil marks, suggesting it was also a modern creation.

The article details how artisans copied designs from Nazca ceramics and Mochica culture calendars. For example, the famous "flying saucer" design is identified as a plagiarism of Nazca bird and feline drawings. Similarly, "crab-men" figures on some stones are linked to a 1975 Mochica calendar.

Joaquín Mititieri, president of the "Amigos de los Gliptolitos de Ica," provided stones with paint traces, confirming their artificial origin. An exceptional stone unearthed in 1993, considered highly authentic, also showed traces of blue paint, further debunking its antiquity.

The issue concludes that while some authentic Ica Stones might exist, associated with pre-Hispanic tombs, the vast majority, especially those depicting dinosaurs or "gliptolitic men," are likely modern fabrications. The article challenges Dr. Cabrera to allow independent analysis of any purportedly authentic stones he possesses.

The Westchester Boomerang: A Case of Collective Amnesia

The second major section of the magazine focuses on the "Westchester Boomerang" sightings, which occurred in the Hudson Valley, New York, over several years, primarily in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Hundreds of witnesses, including professionals, reported seeing large, silent, V-shaped or boomerang-shaped lights.

The article criticizes the lack of attention given to these events by the media, law enforcement, and scientific communities. Despite numerous witness testimonies and police recordings, the phenomenon was largely ignored, with only brief mentions in local news. This lack of response is termed "collective amnesia" or indifference.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a renowned UFO researcher, is featured through a prologue written by Dr. Willy Smith. Hynek's work, particularly his thoughts on the Westchester Boomerang, is presented. The article suggests that the phenomenon was real and that the authorities and media failed in their duty to investigate and inform the public.

The author posits that this indifference is a manifestation of a human tendency to avoid confronting challenging or traumatic events. The mind, when faced with overwhelming evidence, may shut down, leading to apathy and a dismissal of facts, similar to how people ignored the evidence of the Holocaust.

The article suggests that the official explanation of small planes flying in formation is untenable given the evidence. It highlights that the circuits of collective understanding are closed, and apathy prevails, preventing a thorough investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts a critical and investigative stance, aiming to debunk paranormal claims and expose hoaxes. The editorial emphasis is on rigorous analysis, witness testimonies, and scientific evidence. The publication appears to be skeptical of claims that lack verifiable proof and is dedicated to presenting a more rational explanation for phenomena often attributed to the paranormal or extraterrestrial. The recurring theme is the human tendency towards self-deception, collective denial, and the manipulation of information, whether in the context of ancient artifacts or modern UFO sightings.

This issue of the magazine, identified by the number 31, features a prominent article titled "¿CIRCULOS DE OVNIS EN LA ARENA?" (UFO Circles in the Sand?) by Irene Granchi, President of C.I.S.N.E. (Society for the Investigation of UFOs of Rio de Janeiro). The cover date is indicated as October 19, 1993, though the magazine's publication year is not explicitly stated but implied by the content to be around 1993-1995 and later references to 2010 and 2008.

¿Círculos de Ovnis en la Arena?

The main article by Irene Granchi delves into the phenomenon of unexplained circles appearing in the sand on Brazilian beaches. Granchi begins by acknowledging that most people would dismiss the idea of UFOs making these circles, attributing them to human activity. However, she argues that the circumstances surrounding certain appearances warrant consideration.

The Icaraí Incident (October 19, 1993)

The article recounts the experience of Adelaida Machado, a retired teacher, who discovered numerous concentric circles sculpted in the sand on Icaraí beach in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, before sunrise on October 19, 1993. She immediately associated them with UFOs. Machado's attempt to publicize the event led to media attention, including from the television network EL Globo. However, this also attracted individuals with the intent to deceive. Shortly after, a 62-year-old man named Fernando Teixeira appeared, claiming to be the author of the circles. He demonstrated by making a few circles with his foot, which was filmed by EL Globo and broadcast nationally. Granchi notes that Teixeira's claims were contradictory, and no one had ever witnessed him making such circles before. She also mentions that the media's portrayal convinced most Brazilians that Teixeira's explanation was the true one, disregarding Machado's initial observation.

Granchi expresses sympathy for Machado, who was ridiculed by the press and television and subsequently disappeared from public view. Granchi asserts that Machado's initial interpretation was justifiable and that she deserves support and defense.

Other Witness Accounts and Phenomena

Granchi shares that she received further information, including an account from María Campo, a member of C.I.S.N.E., who was vacationing in Rio de Janeiro. From her 24th-floor apartment overlooking Botafogo beach, Campo witnessed a series of unusual aerial phenomena on the same night the Icaraí circles appeared. These included a flash in the sky above the location where the circles later appeared, followed by an explosion of light and a shower of small, multicolored lights described as "little stars that lit up and went out three times." Campo's brother also witnessed this spectacle. The lights were described as larger, with smaller lights emerging, followed by a red light, and finally, a rectangular white band descending from a larger, brighter light.

Another incident occurred on the night of March 26-27, 1995, in Restinga de Marambaia, Rio de Janeiro, where a woman named Gilda Cunha observed three similar bands descending from the sky.

Granchi also mentions other testimonies, including lights seen over El Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro and a metallic pulsating disc seen by a nine-year-old girl on the outskirts of Rio. She also references a prophecy from two contactees, communicated through engineer José Luis Martins, that something would happen on October 17th that would make Brazil aware of the presence of extraterrestrials. Granchi notes that she learned of this prophecy only a few days after the meeting, making her a witness to its fulfillment.

Furthermore, on the same night the Niteroi circles appeared, a woman in Belem, Amazonia, described as a "sintonizadora" (receiver), drew concentric circles on paper, stating, "This symbolizes the expansion of the Cosmic Man towards new dimensions."

The Maceió Incident (October 20, 1993)

On October 20, 1993, 36 concentric circles appeared on Papucata beach in Maceió, Alagoas, in northeastern Brazil, approximately 1200 miles from Rio de Janeiro. Unlike the Icaraí incident, no one came forward claiming to be the author. A university professor photographed these circles, and these photos were later sent to Granchi by Ricardo de Souza Maia, a psychologist pursuing his master's degree in Sao Paulo, in early 1995. Maia expressed his disappointment that a local newspaper had published a distorted version of his report. He also attempted to forward information to Adelaida Machado, but she had gone into hiding. Maia's opinion was that the circles were created by some superior intelligence.

Editor's Note

The editor adds a personal note about Maceió and Alagoas, recalling them as nearly deserted beaches 46 years prior. He comments on the population growth and potential increase in pollution. He also mentions that only two of the five color photos provided by Ricardo were selected for publication due to their suitability for black and white reproduction.

Humor Ufológico (Ufological Humor)

This section features two cartoons. The first, dated October 8, 1998, from "La Tercera," is titled "¿OVNIS QUE CAUSAN INCENDIOS? ¡NO ME!" (UFOs that Cause Fires? Not Me!) and humorously depicts UFOs denying responsibility for fires in pastures. The second cartoon, from "El Mercurio" on May 12, 2008, shows aliens in space suits around a campfire, with one saying, "Hello, Houston... We have finally found intelligent life in space."

La Frase (The Phrase)

This section presents a quote attributed to Alexander Pope from his "Essay on Man": "As for man, though he here appears the sole principal, perhaps he acts as the second of some unknown sphere. He touches some wheel, or approaches an objective; of this we see only a part, not the whole."

El Sacapuntas (The Pencil Sharpener)

This section discusses a ranking of "charlatans of the year" by the Chilean skeptical association (AECH). Juan Andrés Salfate was named "major charlatan" for his "countless conspiratorial delusions that have made ignorance a good business." Other individuals, including José Miguel Viñuela and actor Marko Zaror, were also ranked for their roles in promoting what the AECH deemed fraudulent or deceptive content, such as the sale of "Biolectik" bracelets. A commentary by Julián Lenguaraz questions who qualifies the AECH and suggests that scientists and "rationalists" also engage in deception and mediocrity.

Índice - Temario (Index - Subject Matter)

This is the table of contents for the magazine, listing articles with their corresponding page numbers. Notable entries include:

• Page 1: Cover photo from Barrio San Cristóbal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1971.
• Pages 2-3: "Pecados, mimesis, Pluralismo e Biodiversidad" by Luis Beltrán Molina.
• Pages 5-7: "Una extraña historia de Missouri" by Buck Nelson.
• Page 8: "Ovni en la Inquisición de España" by Karma.
• Page 9: "Gigantesco ovni en forma de murciélago" by Omar Fowler.
• Pages 10-14: "Sir Eric Matthew Gairy – Curiosidades anómalas."
• Pages 15-16: "Lápices que escriben solos" by Andrés Barros Perez-Cotapos.
• Page 17: "¿Ovni = Terremoto?" from "Las Noticias" of Victoria and La Araucanía.
• Pages 18-19: "Crónica de seres increíbles" by Raúl Gajardo Leopold.
• Pages 20-25: "Las piedras de Ica son un fraude" by Vicente Paris.
• Pages 26-30: "Las raíces de complacencia" by J. Allen Hynek.
• Pages 31-33: "Círculos de Ovnis en la arena" by Irene Granchi.
• Page 34: "Humor ufológico."
• Page 35: "La Frase – 'El sacapuntas'" with Julián Lenguaraz.

Additionally, there is an advertisement for a PDF book titled "EL CHUPACABRAS Y OTROS SERES FANTASTICOS" by Raúl Núñez Gálvez, described as a basic guide to cryptozoology, with pricing for Chile, Europe, and the rest of the world.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on ufology, unexplained phenomena, and related topics, often presenting witness accounts and investigative reports. There is a recurring theme of skepticism towards official explanations and media portrayals, with an emphasis on the need for open-minded inquiry. The inclusion of humorous cartoons and critical commentary on skeptical organizations suggests a nuanced approach, acknowledging both the unexplained and the potential for deception or misinterpretation. The editorial stance seems to favor exploring anomalous events and challenging conventional narratives, while also being aware of hoaxes and sensationalism.