OVNI - 2004 07 - July-August

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: July/August 2004
Publisher: Journal of the Phenomenon Research Association
Country: UK
Price: £1 +pp UK: 2 Euros incl.pp

This issue of OVNI magazine, published by the Phenomenon Research Association, focuses on contemporary UFO phenomena, with a significant emphasis on crop circles, recent sightings in the UK, and an in-depth investigation into alien contact and abduction cases in France.

Crop Circles: Is This the End of the Line?

This report by Kate Burt highlights the commercialization of crop circle creation. Rod Dickinson, an artist who has created approximately 500 crop circles, discusses how the practice has evolved from a hobby to a lucrative enterprise. Dickinson and his partner John Lundberg have undertaken commissions for major companies like AMD, creating 'eco-paint' designs on grass and sand, photographed by satellites. Their business, promoted through their website circlemakers.org, has attracted clients such as Weetabix, O2, Big Brother, Mitsubishi, and Hello Kitty, with the 'Big Brother' campaign reportedly costing a quarter of a million pounds. The Phenomenon Research Association (PRA) had previously ceased investigating crop circles, concluding that 'Pictograms' were intelligently produced, likely by computer-equipped experts, rather than natural phenomena.

UFO Over Newthorpe, Nottingham 5th June 04

A report from Mrs 'LM' of Newthorpe describes a sighting at 5:55 am on June 5th, 2004. She observed an object that initially appeared to be an aeroplane but lacked wings and tapered off towards the tail. A bright light, like a star, moved alongside the main craft. The main object was described as cylindrical, or 'cigar-shaped', with a nipped-in center. It was silvery and made no noise. The 'star-like' light disappeared suddenly, while the main object moved towards the North East. The editors comment on the difficulty of distinguishing aircraft reflections from actual objects, but note that the object's shape did not change despite movement, and the accompanying 'star-like' light remains a puzzle, leading to the conclusion that it was a UFO.

'AL' The Messenger

This section introduces Alan May ('AL'), an Ontario farmer who claims to have been harassed by 'Flying Triangles', Men in Black, and helicopters for 12 years. The article features some of AL's photographs, including one showing triangular light formations. A photograph, color-enhanced by the PRA, appears to show a glowing power source. A recent report from June 22nd describes AL spotting a pair of bright white lights, followed by a 'Flying Triangle' with a red nose light and white rear lights, which sounded like a jet. He also noted a strange silence and lack of activity in Marseilles during a taxi journey, a phenomenon described by investigator Jenny Randles as the 'OZ Factor'.

Mystery Object Seen Over Spondon, Derby On 22nd May 04

A report from PRA member 'Ziggy' details a sighting on May 22nd, 2004, around 2 pm. Mr and Mrs PH observed a strange silver object travelling from NE to SW. Using binoculars, they saw lights on the top, bottom, and sides. Three neighbours also witnessed the object. It was described as a cylinder with an attachment at the base, extremely bright, and made no sound. It appeared to revolve as it moved. A 12-year-old boy described it as 'egg-shaped, with something coming down from it.' The report also mentions bright lights seen over Stoke-on-Trent the same evening, where two lights merged and disappeared.

UFO's - 'The French Connection'

This extensive article by Paul Ponssot investigates 'contactee' incidents in France between April and June 2004, as part of his university course and work for the PRA. France, known for the 'COMETA' report acknowledging ET origin of UFOs and for close encounters like Valensole, is explored for its abduction cases.

Part 1: The Witnesses

Ponssot presents three cases:

1. Mr JC: A 40-year-old man who, since the age of three, has experienced encounters with shadowy figures with piercing eyes, initially perceived as benevolent but now viewed with wariness. He believes these beings control his thoughts and have compelled him to do harmful actions.
2. Edmonde B: A 57-year-old woman from Paris who has had numerous contacts and developed psychic abilities. In 1972, she experienced three hours of missing time near Montebeliard after encountering a landed saucer, which was later revealed under hypnosis to be an abduction examination by beings with greenish scaly skin. In 1978, in Orange, she was warned by a voice to change hotels, avoiding a shootout that killed 17 people. In 1984, in Marseilles, she and her taxi driver encountered a strange 3-wheel car with a green-skinned driver and experienced a shift in space and time, after which Edmonde's health improved.
3. Mr D: A 62-year-old senior technician who, on January 10th, 1998, witnessed a gigantic saucer shape hovering over him and his hunting party near Harivilliers. This was followed by a 3-minute blackout. Mr D experienced bizarre impressions, including thoughts on advanced physics and a sense of mission. He developed 'kerato-conjunctivitus', possibly caused by high-energy ultra violet radiation, and a bluish growth between his toes, which he believes is an implant. His family had also sighted UFOs prior to his encounter.

Part 2: Analysis and Theories

Ponssot posits that the UFO contact phenomenon is widespread in France and worldwide, with multiple origins. He suggests some UFOs are physical and tracked by radar, while others overlap with psychic phenomena. He considers the possibility of aliens from other dimensions or from underground/undersea bases, citing Edmonde's experience with reptilian beings and messages about a subterranean race. The purpose of alien presence is questioned, with intentions ranging from benevolent to indifferent or hostile. The lack of compassion shown by some 'Greys' and the cold, emotionless nature of others are highlighted. A 'silent invasion' through genetic modification is a frightening possibility. Health reports of abductees, such as Mr D's rare blood disorder and the prevalence of psychic powers, are noted as potential indicators.

Ponssot also addresses government awareness and censorship, suggesting that governments know about the unearthly presence but are powerless and impose censorship, as seen with the handling of GEPAN and SEPRA in France. He questions the ridicule of the UFO subject in the media and the lack of coverage for certain incidents.

Omar Fowler Comments

Omar Fowler, Group Leader of the PRA, commends Paul Ponssot's research, noting that this is his first foray into 'Ufology'. Fowler acknowledges that while the first case might seem like psychosis, Ponssot persevered. He confirms that the discoveries align with patterns found in contactee cases worldwide, including early childhood experiences, missing time, and encounters with 'Reptilians'. He also recognizes the 'OZ Factor' phenomenon described in the Marseilles incident and the consistent observation of aliens exhibiting a lack of compassion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, crop circles, and alien abduction phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, presenting witness accounts and researcher analysis without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the complexities and potential for misinterpretation or deception. There is a clear interest in the 'French Connection' and its implications for understanding the global UFO phenomenon. The publication seems to lean towards the belief that governments are aware of UFOs but are unable to act, leading to censorship and public ridicule of the subject.

This issue of OVNI magazine, dated July 2004, features a prominent article on 'Coral Castle,' a mysterious monument built by Edward Leedskalnin in Florida. The issue also includes a section on astronomical observations for July 2004, titled 'The Evening Sky,' and a 'Tale Enders' section reporting on various UFO-related news, personal tragedies, and upcoming events.

Coral Castle: A Modern Mystery

The main feature, 'A Lost Love, Coral Castle, and the Case for Anti-Gravity,' by Andrew Johnson, explores the enigmatic Coral Castle built by Edward Leedskalnin. Leedskalnin, born in Latvia in 1887 and emigrated to North America around 1913, moved to Florida after contracting tuberculosis. His personal life was marked by a broken engagement to Agnes Scuffs, whom he affectionately called 'Sweet Sixteen.' It is suggested that Coral Castle, originally called 'Rock Gate Park,' was built as a testament to his lost love.

The article draws parallels between the construction of Coral Castle and the ancient Egyptian pyramids and sarcophagi, questioning whether such monumental structures could have been built using only brute force and primitive tools. Leedskalnin's own work is presented as evidence that alternative methods might have been employed.

Coral Castle is described as a tourist attraction, with its construction beginning in Florida City around 1924 and later moved to a 10-acre site in Homestead, Florida, a process that took three years. The blocks used in construction are made of coral and can weigh up to 30 tons, with walls being 8 feet tall, 4 feet wide, and 3 feet thick, weighing over 58 tons per section. An estimated 1,000 tons of coral rock were used for the walls and towers, with an additional 100 tons for furniture and art objects.

The article highlights several puzzles: how Leedskalnin, a man of 5 ft. tall and weighing about 100 lbs, single-handedly carved and moved these massive blocks without heavy-duty equipment. A comparison is made to a modern construction project where a 65-ton hydraulic press required a special crane transported over five days. The article also questions how Leedskalnin moved the blocks 10 miles from Florida City to Homestead, reportedly using an old truck chassis with rails and a friend with a tractor. Leedskalnin himself lived a simple life, riding his bike to town for shopping.

Further theories are explored regarding Leedskalnin's methods, including the possibility of anti-gravity. His tool room reportedly contained an AC generator, though its use is unknown. Christopher Dunn suggests it was an 'alternating magnetism' generator, proposing that gravity might arise from an object's magnetic field interacting with Earth's. Leedskalnin is said to have wrapped blocks with a copper wire grid connected to his generator, potentially levitating them. The article also mentions the 'Hutchinson Effect' and the work of Wilbert Smith and John Hutchinson, who experimented with magnetic fields influencing weight. Thomas Townsend-Brown's work on similar theories is also noted, potentially leading to 'ARV's' (Alien Reproduction Vehicles).

Edward Leedskalnin died in December 1951 at the age of 64, reportedly of malnutrition and kidney failure, after going to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. His life savings were discovered after his death. The article concludes by pondering whether Leedskalnin was onto something significant or if he perpetrated a great hoax.

The Evening Sky: July 2004

This section, written by Walter Berg, provides an astronomical guide for July 2004. It highlights the contrast between the stars Vega and Antares. Jupiter is noted as being high enough for easy viewing in the western sky, while Mercury is low in the west-north-west early in the month. Mars can be seen near Mercury in the early evening but disappears as July progresses. Venus shines brightly in the eastern dawn sky, and Saturn rises to the lower left of Venus on the last few mornings of July.

A significant event mentioned is the occurrence of two Full Moons in July, with the second one on the 31st being a 'Blue Moon.' A mystical sight on the 13th is a fine crescent Moon hanging above the planet Venus. The article also notes the Moon's movement across the sky on the 20th and 21st.

The section connects astronomical events to historical and cultural celebrations. The Greek Olympiad, held in July, is mentioned, along with its astronomical connections and the tradition of safe conduct for participants. The Egyptian year, measured by the Nile's floods, saw the Egyptian New Year and the Opet Festival in July, commemorating the marriage of Isis and Osiris. In Rome, the love of Venus and Adonis was celebrated around the same time.

The author concludes with a message of understanding, valuing difference, and celebrating July as a month of love for each other, the planet, and the universe.

Tale Enders

This section provides brief news items:

• Personal Tragedy: OVNI editor Omar Fowler's son, Michael, died after a motorcycle crash in Spain.
• New UFO Magazine: Russell Kellett has launched an on-line UFO magazine called 'ufoparanormal.com.'
• Books for Sale: PRA member Kevin Owen is selling 'UFO A Deadly Concealment' by Derek Sheffield and 'The Worlds Greatest UFO Mysteries' by Nigel Blundell & Roger Boar.
• Mystery Bang: A loud 'bang' was heard in the Spondon area (near Derby) on May 15th, accompanied by barking dogs, with no clear explanation.
• International Co-operation: David Marler, Illinois State Director of MUFON, is collaborating with Omar Fowler on investigating 'FT' (Flying Triangle) incidents.
• Obituary: Sybille Beyer, wife of the late Victor J. Kean, a UFO researcher, met Omar Fowler in Nottingham.
• Obituary: Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill-Norton, former Chief of the Defence Staff and Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, died on May 16th. He had an interest in UFOs and tabled parliamentary questions on the subject.
• 'Flying Cigars': These are reported to be 40-foot long, 4-foot diameter plastic balloons, filled with air and heated by the sun, imported from the USA and costing about £12.00.
• Next PRA Meeting: A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 27th, at the Royal British Legion, Allenton, Derby, featuring a presentation by Andrew Johnson on 'Mars, Pyramids and Changes in the Solar System.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained mysteries of human history and engineering, particularly exemplified by Coral Castle and its potential connection to ancient technologies and phenomena like anti-gravity. The magazine also maintains a strong interest in UFO sightings and related research, as evidenced by the 'Tale Enders' section and the mention of organizations like MUFON and PRA. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unconventional subjects, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations beyond mainstream scientific consensus, while also acknowledging personal news and astronomical observations. The publication emphasizes that articles and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the PRA.