Repas Ufologiques - 2009.11

Magazine Overview

This document is the monthly newsletter for November 2009 from the "Réseau des Repas Ufologiques" (Ufological Meals Network), a French organization that facilitates local meetings and discussions about UFOs and related phenomena. The newsletter details the network's activities, upcoming events, and articles on various ufological topics.

Network Activities and Restructuring

The network reports a busy October with numerous free information evenings and media appearances, including a documentary on the TV channel Planète. There have been some organizational changes, including the closure of the Toulon meal due to issues with sectarian influence and the establishment of a more scientifically oriented team. New meals are being considered for Annecy. The newsletter emphasizes that it is easy for individuals to start their own Ufological Meal group, requiring only a location, a schedule, and a desire to discuss UFOs.

The guiding principle for the Ufological Meals is a serious and scientific approach, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the subject and the need for vigilance. The network collaborates with authorities and advises members to report any suspicious organizations to the MIVILUDES commission, which monitors sectarian dangers. Christian Comtesse has taken over the coordination of the Strasbourg meals and will be organizing a meeting of all meal coordinators in Paris in November. The editor, Gérard Lebat, will now have more time to focus on the network's website and blog.

Conferences and Events

The newsletter highlights several significant conferences and events:

• Rennes Conference: An event in October featured Stephen Basset from the USA, with Laurent Duval presenting the "Virtual Radar" project. The conference was held in the Descartes amphitheater at the University of Bretagne.
• Paris Conference: Another conference in Paris, also featuring Stephen Basset, included a video conference with astronaut Edgar Mitchell. This event was attended by over 330 people.
• Rodez Meal (November 14, 2009): This event was promoted as a significant upcoming gathering, featuring a presentation by Dominique Rousseau, a storyteller and double bassist, on her show themed around UFOs.
• Parisian Ufological Meals (November 3, 2009): Jean Luc Rivera presented on the history of airships and the 1896-1947 wave of UFO sightings in the United States, discussing over 1500 testimonies of dirigible-shaped UFOs.
• Albi Ufological Meal (November 7, 2009): This meeting marked the resumption of activities in Albi, featuring a presentation by François on a specific pilot/UFO case and JP Varenne discussing multi-witness observations from the 1954 wave, comparing them with modern scientific advancements.
• Montpellier Ufological Meals (November 20, 2009): This meeting announced a change in venue and a focus on unexplained cases.
• Clermont Ferrand Ufological Meal (November 6, 2009): Held at Cafétéria Casino, this meeting encouraged open discussion among specialists about UFOs.
• Nice Ufological Meal (Second Event): This event was a great success, attracting over 100 people, exceeding expectations. The venue was spacious, offering a diverse menu at an affordable price.
• Toulon Ufological Meal (November 18, 2009): This meal focused on the Plateau d'Albion, with a speaker who was formerly in the military there, aiming to shed light on the events and rumors surrounding UFO sightings near the base.

Projects and Publications

• FOTOCAT Project: The FOTOCAT Project by Juan Ballester Olmos has been updated, featuring a database of 9,650 cases, new publications, videos of solved cases, military documents, and archives from Michel Monnerie.
• "OVNI, L'AFFAIRE VARGINHA" (UFO, The Varginha Affair): A graphic novel by Philippe Auger is announced, detailing the Varginha incident in Brazil from 1996. The book is described as a significant work in modern ufology, comparing it to the "Brazilian Roswell."
• "Portuguese And Extraterrestrials In The XX Century": An anthology featuring 19 Portuguese researchers and academicians, analyzing UFO and ET evolution in Portugal based on around 800 reports from the CTEC archives.

Operation Suricate

Operation Suricate is a citizen initiative for sky observation across Europe, aiming to document UFO sightings. Participants register and report any unusual objects via SMS or phone. The initiative, active since 2005, involves 150-300 people per operation and has included up to 15 countries. The next operation was scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2009.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes a serious, scientific, and non-sectarian approach to ufology. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous research, evidence-based analysis, and open discussion among enthusiasts. The network acts as a platform for sharing information, organizing local meetings, and disseminating research findings. There is a clear stance against pseudoscientific or cult-like influences within the ufology community. The editorial stance is one of promoting informed public awareness and encouraging further study of the UFO phenomenon.