SUFOG Newsletter No 111-112

Magazine Overview

SUFOG, Issue Numbers 111 and 112, published in January/February 2000, is a UK-based magazine focused on UFO research and paranormal phenomena. The issue highlights the challenges faced by the Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG) in maintaining its activities, discusses international UFO research initiatives, and features articles on recent sightings and historical investigations.

European FT Initiative

The magazine details the ongoing 'European FT Initiative,' which aims to track black triangular-shaped UFOs across Europe between 1993 and 1997. This project utilizes Project FT's database, containing approximately 7,000 sighting reports. Additional reports are being sought to potentially identify the origin of these phenomena. The initiative is described as an attempt to track these UFOs across Europe.

SUFOG Group Operations and Website

The editorial section addresses the delayed publication of the newsletter due to the editor's illness and personal bereavements. The editor expresses concern about the group's future, stating it is struggling to stay afloat and is seeking volunteers to help. Ernie Sears has offered to attend meetings in the editor's absence, and Steve Rider is also willing to assist. The SUFOG website is reported to be growing, with statistics showing a significant number of hits on its various sections, including photos from a mini-conference and links to other groups. The group has received emails from groups in Ukraine and Mexico, with an offer to exchange publications and information.

New NASA Footage

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the acquisition of 520 video tapes, totaling over 2,500 hours, of NASA space shuttle transmissions by UFO Magazine. These tapes, recorded by a Canadian TV station manager, are believed to contain evidence of extraterrestrial activity. Segments of this footage have been screened at conferences in Mexico and Australia. Several respected figures in UFO research and SETI have viewed the material, with some describing it as 'historic.' A timetable for disseminating this footage to the public is announced, including a 3-hour presentation by Graham W. Birdsall and Russel Callaghan at the 9th Annual International UFO Congress Convention and Film Festival in Laughlin, Nevada, on March 11th. The article notes potential legal issues for Birdsall and Callaghan regarding the dissemination of the footage, as another magazine has produced a video of it for sale.

'The Dawn Of.......?' by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears contributes an article reflecting on the events and atmosphere surrounding Millennium Night. He notes widespread hype, uncertainty, and people making extreme preparations. Sears questions the appointment of Lord Sainsbury as 'Minister for Meteorites' and suggests that unusual occurrences since the Millennium date might indicate something significant. He touches upon a 'flue epidemic' linked to comets, energy surges affecting the atmosphere, and personal experiences with power outages and malfunctioning systems. Sears also discusses the potential connection between spirit phenomena and ET phenomena, suggesting they are interdimensional and share aspects of consciousness. He recounts a disturbing experience in a cafe where he and a friend felt disoriented and sensed Victorian-era figures, leading him to question the thinning of barriers between spirit worlds and ET phenomena.

Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears Esq.

Ernie Sears provides a selection of newspaper clippings. A Daily Mail article quotes astronomer Sir Martin Rees expressing skepticism about alien visitation and the evidence for UFOs being no better than that for ghosts. A Daily Telegraph report mentions campaigners accusing ministers of avoiding debate on freedom of information, with a reply from the Home Office calling protestors 'paranoid.' Sears also notes a letter from MP David Chidgey regarding an inquiry into the MoD and the Bilderberg Group. Another Daily Telegraph item discusses 'Crop Circles' and their connection to a beer company. A Daily Mail article theorizes that pyramids are shelters from meteorites, linking it to the current appointment of Lord Sainsbury and suggesting a potential societal control mechanism involving money and credit.

Psychic News and The Scole Experiment

Sears includes a section on 'Psychic News,' highlighting its relevance to paranormal topics and UFO contactees. He mentions 'The Scole Experiment' and the Society for Psychical Research's investigation into it, noting refutations of fraud allegations. He also references a book about 'The Scole Experiment' which contains photos that appear to show other worlds and inhabitants, suggesting a connection between spiritual and ET phenomena.

UFO Sighting Over Basingstoke 3.3.2000

Details are provided of a UFO sighting over Basingstoke on March 3rd, 2000. The sighting involved two rows of lights in a 'V' formation, with 20-30 objects. Group investigator Steve Rider is taking on the case.

European FT Initiative: 1st Interim Report June 1st 1999

This report compares Flying Triangle (FT) sightings from the European Mainland and Scandinavia with those in the UK between 1993 and 1997. Out of 93 European/Scandinavian reports, 62 had a corresponding UK report within three hours, and 35 were within 60 minutes of each other. The report analyzes the speeds and locations of these FTs, noting that they often travel at higher speeds when coming from or going to Mainland Europe and tend to cluster around specific speeds. It also identifies 'pairings' of sightings that would require speeds exceeding 1,500 mph if the same craft was involved, leading to their discard. The report details the frequency of FTs visiting UK Nuclear Power Stations (NPS), with Bradwell NPS in Essex being the most frequently visited.

NASA Facts: The US Government and Unidentified Flying Objects

This section reviews the US government's involvement in UFO investigations. It states that no branch of the US government is currently involved in investigating alien life or UFOs. The US Air Force investigated UFOs from 1947 to 1969 under Project Blue Book, which concluded that no UFOs posed a national security threat and that there was no evidence of extraterrestrial vehicles. NASA was asked in 1977 to examine the possibility of resuming UFO investigations but determined that nothing would be gained due to a lack of tangible evidence. Congress directed NASA in 1992 to search for artificial radio signals from other civilizations (SETI project), but this was ended in 1993 due to budget pressures. The SETI Institute in Mountain View, CA, continues similar work. The article concludes that neither NASA nor the Air Force is currently engaged in day-to-day UFO research.

SUFOG Diary - 2000

The diary section announces the cancellation of Sunday afternoon lectures due to lack of support. The editor explains this decision is to save time, effort, and group money, citing a lack of member participation in arranged functions. The editor plans to discuss this further at the next group meeting and mentions personal ill health as a factor. Contact details for questions or comments are provided.

Next Months Newsletter

The upcoming newsletter will detail decisions made at the March 16th group meeting, aimed at ensuring the future of the Southampton UFO Group. It will also include SUFOG's 1999 report, covering group successes, failures, monthly sightings, funding, and other relevant information.

Night Lights Mystery (New Zealand)

A report from Auckland, New Zealand, describes a series of UFO sightings on Saturday night, involving fast-moving, colored lights. Police received six calls over two hours, with witnesses describing the lights as 'huge' and moving erratically. The police communications center acknowledged something was in the sky but could not identify it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG include the ongoing efforts to document and analyze UFO sightings, particularly the 'Flying Triangle' phenomenon, and the challenges faced by UFO research groups in maintaining operations and public engagement. There is a strong emphasis on international cooperation and information sharing among different research organizations. The magazine also explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with paranormal experiences, spirit phenomena, and broader societal shifts, particularly in the context of the Millennium. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and sharing of experiences, while also acknowledging the difficulties and personal sacrifices involved in such research. The editor's personal health and the group's sustainability are presented as significant concerns.

This issue of SUFOG (pages 11-19) provides a comprehensive look at the UFO landscape through magazine reviews, incident reports, and group news. The publication itself appears to be a newsletter or journal for a UFO research group, likely based in the UK given the postal addresses and references.

Magazine Reviews

The Australian Ufologist (Vol. 3 No. 4, late 1999): This 73-page glossy magazine is praised for its interesting articles, photos, and sightings, particularly those from 'Down Under' but also relevant worldwide. It covers a range of topics including Amazing Implants, Sentient Communication, The Father Gill Sightings, Australian UFO History, and the September Sydney UFO Conference. Subscription prices are £35 seamail and £45 airmail.

UFO Magazine (January/February 2000): This issue maintains high standards with articles on UFOs on Radar, Foo Fighters, near misses, media censorship, and new powers granted to Groom Lake Area 51. It also includes news items from the past and present, possibly aimed at new subscribers. Specific mentions are made of articles by Nick Pope and Nick Redfern, with Pope's 'Operation Thunderchild' and Redfern's appearances on GMTV being highlighted. The issue also touches on the mystery of lost UFO footage and unidentified 'men in grey suits' seen at GMTV.

UFO Magazine 'Unopened Files' (Autumn '99): This periodical publication is noted for its diverse content, including articles on the hunt for Adolph Eichmann, Nazi death camps, the hunt for SS man Alois Brunner, a government secret plan for Y2K civil unrest, a Ukrainian serial killer, and the 'Mercy Killing' in Holland. The review suggests that while not strictly UFO-related, these topics highlight ongoing secrecy establishments.

UFO Magazine (March/April 2000): Described as a 'stunner', this issue details alleged NASA downloaded videos of strange objects around space shuttles. It also provides updated details from Rendlesham and features controversial photos from Paul Villa, along with a new series from 'The Experiencers'. The issue is priced at £2.50.

E.J.U.F.O.A.S. Journal: This is the journal of a Totton-based group headed by Craig Roberts, focusing on abduction and general UFO investigation. The journal is described as well-intentioned and well-produced, with a single issue costing £4.75.

UPRI NEWSLETTER (Irish based): This newsletter features a November 29th, 1999 'Fireball' incident, with varying witness reports of a 'crash' scenario and 'bits of debris'. It also mentions a million-dollar rock from outer space and old New Zealand aerial events, ghosts, and lake monsters. Subscription is by Irish postage stamps.

OVNI: This 14-page publication from Omar Fowler's PRA group features articles on 'expectations' phenomena, wartime Foo Fighters, and reports of 'amazingly' similar objects to present-day sightings. It includes reports of triangle sightings in Spain and the UK, and police sightings of stealth triangles in the USA. The bi-monthly issue costs £1.

Awareness (Autumn '99): This pocket-sized magazine from Contact International UFO Research covers the 'Total eclipse' '99, black triangle reports, and contactee reports. It also discusses Oxford University's laser demonstrations and features a commemorative piece on Graham Knewstub. Subscription is £9 for 4 issues.

NUFON (Northern UFO News): This is Jenny Randle's regular contribution, described as compact and featuring interesting cover cartoons and reviews of various magazines. Subscription is £6 for 5 issues.

Items for Sale

The SUFOG group offers various video recordings for sale, including lectures by Busty Taylor and Paul Vigay, and interviews. They also sell press cuttings and crop circle books. Plans are underway to convert SUFOG records to CD-ROM, including press cuttings, back issues, and case records.

Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP)

Alexander Beletsky, Vice-Director of RIAP in Kharkov, Ukraine, describes the institute's work in UFO and SETI research. RIAP collaborates with Russian and Ukrainian scientific bodies and publishes a newsletter, 'RIAP Bulletin RB', which is the only serious anomalistic periodical in English from the Commonwealth of Independent States. The bulletin covers research on post-Soviet ufology, alternative science, UFOs as objects of study, alien artefacts on the Moon, the Tunguska explosion, and more. Subscription rates vary, with a life-long subscription costing $100.

UFO Opinion

A new publication, 'UFO Opinion', is introduced, aiming to feature letters from enthusiasts. The reviewer expresses skepticism about its success, given the difficulty in soliciting contributions.

The Australian 28th December 1999: 'ET, no need to call home...'

This section reviews an exhibition in Freemantle, Australia, featuring alien implants, mysterious metal objects, and bizarre encounters. Exhibits include video footage of UFOs, abduction experiences, and a metal sphere found on a Mexican farm. Project director Brian Borshoff notes the growing fascination with UFOs and their crossing into mainstream science.

Steve Rider's Column: 'SUFOG's Man in Black !!!'

Steve Rider shares a personal account of a ghostly dog encounter that occurred at his family home during a stressful period when his mother was dying of cancer. He speculates that the dog may have returned as a guide for his mother.

Down Under in Australia

Mike Farrell reports on new UFO pictures and stories from Mexico, including 'white balls of lights' reminiscent of the 'Phoenix Lights'. He also mentions the upcoming 'Phenomena Travelling Exhibition' and the planned showing of new NASA UFO footage during the Sydney Olympics.

Dr Heather Anne Harder U.F.O Statement as Presidential Candidate for the USA

This section discusses Dr. Heather Anne Harder's political stance on UFOs, including her statement that 'UFO's exist and have always existed' and that the Nazca Lines are proof. Her views on extraterrestrial contact and the role of divinity are also mentioned.

A Few Good Ideas

Group member Steve Rider is exploring projects for the group, including designing a group logo for T-shirts and other merchandise. Ernie Sears is handling the PR side, placing adverts for future meetings.

SUFOG Meetings and Events

The newsletter reports on a recent SUFOG meeting with low attendance, raising £8 in subs and making a £5 profit after room hire. The group watched a video of the 1997 Phoenix light incident and Mexican UFO footage. Plans for the group's diary and accounts are mentioned, with a goal of a healthy budget. A Christmas Draw is also being organized.

UFO Sightings Recorded Information Line

A telephone number (0906 701 0031) is provided for hearing information on the latest UFO sightings, costing 50p per minute.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the review and discussion of UFO-related publications, the reporting of numerous UFO sightings and incidents from around the world, and the activities of UFO research groups and institutes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and sharing of information, encouraging readers to form their own conclusions. There is a clear emphasis on the growing mainstream interest in UFOs and the potential for official disclosure.