SUFOG Newsletter No 121-122

Magazine Overview

SUFOG, issue number 121-122, dated November/December 2000, is a UK-based magazine focused on UFO phenomena and related topics. The cover prominently features a headline about a crop circle hoaxer being fined, and also announces the European FT Initiative. The magazine is priced at 50p.

Editorial Content

SUFOG Group Matters

The magazine opens with reflections from the SUFOG Chairman, Steve Gerrard, expressing disappointment over low attendance at recent group meetings and the AGM. He questions the commitment of some members who only seem interested in the newsletter and highlights that a recent open meeting resulted in a financial loss for the group. Gerrard contemplates the future of SUFOG, considering whether to continue beyond January 2001.

Timothy Good Lecture

A detailed report covers a talk by author Timothy Good at Waterstones Book Shop on October 25th, 2000. Good discussed his new book, 'Unearthly Disclosure,' which includes new material and cases, such as Graham Sheppard's 'Displacement' incident and the Filiberto Caponi photos. The talk also touched upon cattle mutilations, the Chupacabra, and the Varginha incident. A Q&A session followed, covering topics like Roswell and government cover-ups. The report notes an incident where the author was challenged about taking photographs.

SUFOG Open Day Report

Steve Gerrard also reports on the SUFOG Open Day held on October 21st, 2000. He describes the event as having poor weather and very low attendance, with only 16 people present, including 4 non-members. Gerrard expresses frustration that despite advertising and advance notice, members failed to support the event, which cost the group £58. He praises the speakers, Ernie Sears and Chris Martin, for their lectures. The report emphasizes the significant effort involved in organizing such events.

Other Magazine News

There is a brief mention of 'SC' magazine ceasing publication and transitioning to a website, with a note that SUFOG will continue its newsletter and website to cater to those without internet access.

Crop Circle Debate

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the crop circle phenomenon, particularly the case of Matthew Williams being prosecuted for creating a hoaxed formation. The articles discuss the ongoing bickering and accusations within the crop circle research community, referencing figures like Professor Michael Glickman and Colin Andrews. The author expresses skepticism about the claims of 'superior intelligence' creating crop circles and suggests that many are man-made. The report highlights an instance where Glickman's own wall displayed a formation that had been proven to be a hoax.

Newspaper Reviews

Ernie Sears provides a review of recent newspaper articles concerning crop circles and UFOs. This includes reports from the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, The News of the World, and the Daily Express. Topics covered range from 'shredded wheat' formations and hoaxing techniques to alleged alien encounters and the Rendlesham Forest incident. The reviews often express a critical or skeptical stance towards sensationalized reporting.

Leeds International UFO Conference

Steve Rider reports on the 19th Leeds International UFO Conference held from September 15th-17th, 2000. The trip to Leeds involved a train journey, and upon arrival, the SUFOG contingent attended various talks and met with researchers. Speakers included Dr. Steven Greer, who discussed 'Disclosure,' and David Cayton, who presented on mutilation phenomena. The report details a studio debate with Nick Redfern and Nick Pope, noting an apparent lack of attention from Pope towards Redfern's presentation. The conference also featured talks by Larry Warren and Peter Robbins, discussing the 'Zigmund Adamski case' and 'Left at East Gate.' The report mentions the sale of Dr. Greer's book 'Extraterrestrial Contact' selling out quickly.

Human Origins Article

L. Mason Jones contributes an article titled 'Beyond The UFO Phenomena, or ‘The Third Alternative' For Human Origins.' The author explores the theory of ET involvement in human origins, questioning the scientific evidence for Darwinian evolution and suggesting an alternative explanation. The article critiques the scientific community's acceptance of theories with limited fossil evidence and discusses the anatomical differences in hominid skulls.

SUFOG Contact Corner and Newsletter Subscription

This section lists contact details for various UFO research groups and individuals. It also provides details for subscribing to the SUFOG newsletter, which costs £6.50 per year and is published bi-monthly. A note from Steve Gerrard apologizes for the late publication of the previous issue due to health concerns.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG include the challenges faced by local UFO groups in maintaining membership and financial stability, the ongoing debate and controversies surrounding crop circles, and the reporting of UFO sightings and conferences. There is a critical stance towards sensationalized media reporting and a focus on detailed accounts from researchers and conference attendees. The magazine also delves into more speculative topics, such as the origins of human life, suggesting an openness to alternative theories beyond conventional scientific explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging members to support the group and providing a platform for diverse perspectives within the UFO community.

This issue of SUFOG magazine, identified as PAGE 11 and dated October/November 2000, is published by Quest Publications International LTD and priced at £2.50. The cover headline is 'SUFOG (PAGE 11)'.

Content Summary

Editorial and Publication Reviews

The magazine opens with a review of 'excellent latest UK sightings' and notes that Electrographics is making big news. It mentions the British Government warning about an asteroid strike and Colin Andrews' assertion about magnetic signatures in crop circles. The review highlights a part two article on the Roswell witness Max Brazel and an interview with Nick Pope about his book 'Operation Lightning Strike'. The issue is lauded as the UK's leading UFO publication.

CUFORG Magazine: The Cornwall UFO Research Group's Autumn Issue 30 is reviewed as 'always interesting', featuring an article by Whitley Strieber titled 'The Reason For The Secrecy'. The magazine is available quarterly for £12 a year.

THE UNOPENED FILES: This October/November 2000 issue is highlighted for including a free video on the Alan Godfrey / Zigmund Adamski incident in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, from June 1980. The review details oddities of the incident, such as Adamski's body placement and the lack of clothing, and questions the secrecy surrounding it. Other stories include the Lindberg Mystery, the Klu Klux Klan, and the Russian sub disaster. This periodical is an 'extra' to UFO Magazine and costs £2.95 with the video.

OVNI Magazine: Edited by Omar Fowler, this issue features an editorial from Derbyshire. It recounts a sighting on October 5th where a lady and her husband saw a bright circular light over a wood near Matlock. The object moved towards their cottage, pulsed with light, and disappeared. The witnesses, initially skeptical of UFOs, were filmed by Mrs RD, but later refused to share the video publicly, despite a mention in the Matlock Mercury.

SUFOG Group Activities and Reports

SUFOG Group Meeting Report (16th November 2000): The report details a meeting with usual and new faces. The group update explained the newsletter's delay due to a heart attack scare. The meeting included a video from Australia showing abduction scenarios and a computer-generated clip. Audio tapes of interviews with Chris Martin, Larry Warren, and Peter Robbins from the 19th International UFO Conference were played. A 10-minute segment of Bill Smith's interview with Timothy Good was also heard. The meeting raised approximately £13.00, with £18.00 from video sales.

SUFOG PRO Ernie Sears Shares Sixty Odd Years of the Paranormal (6th November 2000): Ernie Sears gave a talk in London, preceded by a flood-stricken journey. He met with James Millen of the London Witness Support Group. Sears' talk covered his initiation into the subject, his experiences, and his book 'The Human Question'. He also discussed a 1993 OOBE and childhood encounters, mentioning a 1999 photo that appeared to show a superimposed figure.

SUFOG Open Day (21st October 2000): Reported by SUFOG Secretary Steve Rider, the event at Woolston Community Centre featured Steve Gerrard showing video footage of sky watches, including abduction scenarios. Chris Martin also presented. Ernie Sears gave a shortened version of his presentation on his initiation and exploits. Lunch was prepared by Ann Gerrard. The event included presentations by Dr. Bob and Ryan Wood on Majestic 12 documents, Graham Birdsall, and Russel Callaghan. Martyn Stubbs, who had risked his life due to a brain tumour to attend, discussed the Secret NASA Transmissions footage. The report notes a poor turnout, which cast a shadow over the event and raised concerns about future group events.

Articles and Discussions

Circumstantial Evidence in Support of 'The Third Alternative' or E.T. Biogenetic Human Creation Thesis: This article presents arguments for the theory that human evolution was influenced by extraterrestrial intervention. It cites creation legends, the lack of transitional fossils, A.R. Wallace's 'unknown variable', genetic research indicating a recent origin for humankind, and UFO manifestations. It suggests that E.T. intelligence may have modified human form to accept expanded brains and that ongoing abductions imply an interest in human genetic development, possibly to 'breed out' negative genes.

Matthew Williams In Court over Crop Circle Hoaxing: The article reports that Matthew Williams was the first person prosecuted for crop circle hoaxing. He was charged with criminal damage and appeared in court on November 6th. The NFU expressed happiness at the prosecution. Williams' home was searched, and items including computer equipment were recovered. The author questions why other crop circle hoaxers like Lundberg and Doug Bowers are not being prosecuted and if the NFU will act against them. It also questions if newspapers that have 'PAID' people to hoax circles will face repercussions, suggesting Matthew Williams might be made a scapegoat.

SUFOG AND THE TV: Steve Gerrard (Chairman) is to be interviewed for a 24-minute Discovery Channel program about his interest in UFOs. Filming is expected in December 2000/January 2001. The program aims to explore how he got involved in the subject, and other group members may be involved. The TV crew might join a sky watch or a group meeting.

The 2001 Group Calendar: The calendar for 2001 includes planned events such as a trip to Toot Hill observatory in April, a talk at the Dorchester conference on April 8th, a talk to BUFORA in London in October, and a talk in Norwich on November 19th. The group is also planning to sell SUFOG merchandise.

Other Mentions

Radio 4 - 17th November 2000: A snippet from Dave Probert mentions Georgina Bruni's new book 'You can't tell the people' about the Rendlesham Forest UFO Mystery, and her interview on Woman's Hour where she discussed new information and an interview with Maggie Thatcher. The book reportedly uncovers secrets and includes a report from a British officer at the time of the incident, suggesting a continued cover-up.

BUFORA PRESS CUTTING SERVICE: Information is provided for a subscription service for press cuttings, costing £7.00 for 6 issues or £13.00 for 12 issues, available from Mr Michael Hudson.

UPN Investigations: Contact details are provided for UPN Investigations, offering monitoring services and recruiting new investigators.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena, with a strong emphasis on UK-based events and researchers. There is a clear interest in historical cases, government secrecy surrounding UFOs, and alternative theories regarding human origins and extraterrestrial influence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the circulation of knowledge and personal experiences, while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation of evidence, as seen in the discussion of potential hoaxes and fraud. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting group activities and the work of its members and associated organizations.

This document appears to be a promotional flyer or a section from a newsletter for the Society for the Unexplained (SUFOG), advertising items for a Christmas sale and outlining proposed events for 2001. The content is primarily a list of available video recordings and a CD ROM, along with a schedule of upcoming meetings and lectures.

SUFOG Christmas Sale - Videos

The sale features several video recordings of lectures and conferences:

• Chris Martin SUFOG Lecture 21.10.00: Priced at £10.00 (including postage).
• Southampton UFO Group Conference 24.10.99: A 2-video tape set, priced at £15.00 (including postage).
• Paul Vigay SUFOG Lecture 1997 & 1995: Covering Crop Formations, priced at £10.00 (including postage).
• Busty Taylor SUFOG Lecture 28.3.99: Titled "Crop Circles - A History."
• SUFOG Field Trip to Wiltshire 31.7.99: Also listed.
• The Why Files - SUFOG Interview: Listed alongside Busty Taylor's lecture.
• The combined price for Busty Taylor's lecture, the field trip, and the interview is £10.00 (including postage).
• Portsmouth UFO Conference 22.4.95: Featuring speakers Roy Lake, Gordon Millington, and Busty Taylor, priced at £10.00 (including postage).

All video recordings are stated to come in their own video cases with colour sleeves.

SUFOG CD ROM

A SUFOG CD ROM is available for £7.00 (including postage) and includes a variety of content:

• Australian Aircraft Encounters (Scanned JPEG images).
• Australian Cases 1978 (Scanned JPEG images).
• UFO Video clips.
• Moonrakers Project (Scanned JPEG images).
• UFO Audio Material.
• UFO Photographs (JPEG Files).
• UFO Text Material (TxT Files).
• "And much much more."

Proposed Dates for 2001

The document also outlines a schedule of proposed events for 2001:

Group Meetings

• January 18th
• February 15th
• March 15th
• April 19th
• May 17th
• June 21st
• July 19th
• September 20th
• October 18th
• November 15th (AGM)
• December 20th

Special Lectures and Events

• Dorchester Lecture: April 8th.
• Avebury Trip: August 4th / 5th.
• BUFORA Lecture: October 2nd.
• One Day Conference / Lecture: October 27th. A note indicates there is a possibility this could be cancelled in mid-2001.
• Norwich Lecture: November 19th.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are clearly UFOlogy, with a focus on lectures, conferences, and data dissemination through video and digital formats. The editorial stance appears to be promotional, aiming to sell SUFOG's merchandise and inform members about upcoming activities. The inclusion of specific dates and detailed content for the CD ROM suggests a commitment to documenting and sharing UFO-related information.