SUFOG Newsletter No 157-158

Magazine Overview

This is the November/December 2003 issue of the "SOUTHAMPTON UFO GROUP" newsletter, identified as Number 157 & 158, and marking "12 Years of Investigation". The cover features the group's logo and contact information, including an email address and website.

Editorial and Group News

The editorial section begins by acknowledging the tragic loss of Graham Birdsall, the editor of UFO Magazine, and expresses hope that the magazine will continue in his memory as a family-run concern. The Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG) anticipates an exciting next 12 months with planned TV interviews, radio appearances, and lectures by their Public Relations Officer, Ernie Sears. They are also seeking contact with other UFO groups for potential talks.

A new member, Tom Trubridge, is welcomed as the group's video and photographic expert. Readers are encouraged to send any relevant video footage or photographs to the editorial address for hand-delivery to Tom.

The editor, Ernie Sears, expresses frustration with certain "spineless" UFO researchers who make judgments about individuals without meeting them. He asserts that SUFOG will continue regardless of such criticism.

Contents

The issue includes a detailed table of contents, listing articles on various topics such as editorials, interviews, media reviews (Channel 4, New York Times), lectures, documentaries, and specific UFO cases.

Article: 'Orbs' and Digital Photography

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to discussing the phenomenon of 'orbs' captured in photographs, particularly with the advent of digital cameras. The author, likely Steve Gerrard based on later references, argues that these are not new life forms but rather artifacts of photography. He explains that the increased use of digital cameras, where film and processing costs are negligible, leads people to take many more photos. This, combined with the use of flash, makes it easier to capture particles like dust, smoke, pollen, and moisture, which appear as orbs. The author contrasts this with older film cameras where such photos were rarer due to cost and the use of flash bulbs.

Article: Channel 4 Documentary - "The Great British UFO Hoax"

This section discusses a Channel 4 documentary aired on October 7th, 2003, which was reportedly titled "The Great British UFO Hoax". It is suggested that the documentary focused on a "childish spoof" near Avebury, which was allegedly a poorly contrived hoax by Chrysalis TV. The author contrasts this with a planned documentary by the late Graham Birdsall, which was to be a more serious "The Believers" program. Confusion arose as Channel Four reportedly pulled the plug on the "Believers" documentary in favor of the "Hoax" one, a decision that some felt was insensitive given Graham Birdsall's recent death.

Area 51 and Government Secrecy

The newsletter reports on President Bush extending the secrecy surrounding Area 51 for another year. The article notes that since its establishment in 1954, Area 51's cloaked existence has fueled speculation about its purpose beyond testing the U-2 spy plane. It mentions a lawsuit filed by former workers and widows alleging exposure to toxic materials and the government's continued denial and use of annual exemptions to avoid disclosures. The article suggests that Area 51 might be used for testing military hardware rather than alien autopsies, but questions the government's ability to break laws and abuse workers' rights.

Russian UFO Case: Pavel Zelenin's Account

This section features an extensive correspondence from Pavel Zelenin, who lives in Perm, Russia. He describes finding a strange metal object in a forest near Molebka. The object is described as two cylinders with disks, with figures on them, and it does not sink in water. It warms up when touched and cannot be disassembled. Pavel also mentions that nearby electronics, like TVs and radios, do not work. He offers the object for research, requesting to be informed of the findings. He later details the difficulties and high cost of sending the object to Steve Gerrard, suggesting a shared payment of $150 from his side. Pavel also expresses his belief in UFOs, having seen them himself, and offers to share local stories and hospitality if Steve visits Perm.

Steve Gerrard responds with suspicion regarding the request for money for shipping, citing concerns about scams. He notes the object's characteristics, including its weight (3090g), dimensions, and the fact that it doesn't conduct electricity or attract magnets. He also mentions that people near UFO landing sites sometimes feel unwell, which concerns him for his family.

Article: "Is the world going mad?"

This short piece questions the sanity of recent claims, referencing a report from Peru suggesting a link between alien abductions and bedwetting. The author expresses skepticism, suggesting that if this were true, most people would have been abducted.

Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears provides a review of recent UFO-related articles, primarily from The Daily Mirror. He notes the Jonathan Cainer Psychic Team's coverage of UFOs and the Harmonic Convergence, including a 1953 sighting over Sheffield and a 1971 Glastonbury festival encounter. He also discusses a report about a large oval object with flashing lights and a mass sighting over Fraserburgh. The reviews touch upon a crop design at Chilbolton, astrological forecasts related to planetary alignments, and a Channel 4 documentary about the Kecksburg incident.

SUFOG Diary and Meetings

The newsletter includes a diary of upcoming SUFOG meetings and events for 2003 and 2004, with details on meeting times, costs, and contact information for confirmation. The Christmas meeting is scheduled for December 17th, 2003.

Radio Solent Broadcast

Steve Gerrard mentions catching a brief item on Radio Solent discussing a UFO website and their past program made with SUFOG's help. He notes that while SUFOG was not explicitly mentioned, the topic of UFOs is still being discussed on the radio.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes UFO research and investigation, encouraging the sharing of information and experiences. There is a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those related to paranormal or spirit phenomena, and a skepticism towards what the authors perceive as sensationalized or hoax-driven media coverage. The group emphasizes its continued commitment to UFOlogy despite challenges, including the loss of key figures. There's a strong interest in media coverage of UFO topics and a desire to debunk hoaxes while exploring genuine cases. The newsletter also highlights the importance of scientific inquiry and expresses concern over government secrecy related to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded but critical investigation, prioritizing evidence and factual reporting.

This issue of SUFOG, dated February 8-14, 2004, focuses heavily on the 13th Annual International UFO Congress held in Laughlin, Nevada. The magazine features a comprehensive list of invited speakers for each day of the convention, including prominent figures in ufology such as Budd Hopkins, Riley Martin, Jim Marrs, and Joe McMoneagle, alongside international researchers from Brazil, Turkey, Israel, and the UK. The content also includes a 'Sad news to hear' section mourning the passing of crop circle and UFO researcher Dave Probert.

Congress and Speakers

The convention program highlights a diverse range of topics. Jim Marrs was scheduled to discuss the truths behind 9-11 and the Iraq war, as well as contact cases in Montana. Monday's speakers included Ed & Kris Sherwood on Crop Circle answers and UFO footage, Matthew Hurley on 'The Alien Chronicles,' and Joe McMoneagle, a leading Remote Viewing expert. Tuesday featured Wynn Free & David Wilcock on 'The Reincarnation of Edgar Cayce,' Prof. James McCanney on 'Atlantis to Tesla,' Dr. Claude Swanson on 'The Synchronized Universe,' Adrian Dvir on 'Healing Entities & Aliens,' and Russell Callaghan presenting new UFO footage from Europe. Wednesday's lineup included George Filer discussing his 'Filers Files' cases, Rich Dolan on humanity's impending flame-out, Haktan Akdogan on UFO activity in Europe and government involvement, and Stan Gordon on 'Kecksburg - The Untold Story.' Thursday was dedicated to an 'Open Mic Session for Experiencers' led by Mary Rodwell.

Personal Accounts and Events

Ernie Sears contributes an account of the 'Hourne Farm Weekend,' a UFO and ghost event in Kent, detailing his experiences and observations, including the logistical challenges of hosting the event. He also shares his participation in a BBC Radio Solent program answering UFO-related questions. Rachel Fox writes about a research project at Goldsmiths College London, led by Prof. Chris French, investigating common profiles among abduction experiencers.

Magazine Reviews

The issue includes several magazine reviews. 'UFO Magazine' for November/December is reviewed, noting its tribute to the late editor Graham Birdsall and articles on underground installations, crop circles, and UFOs caught on camera. 'OVNI' magazine is also reviewed, highlighting its coverage of UFO sightings in the UK and New Zealand, and a 'strange creature' report from the UAE. 'RAPPORT,' the Ken Phillips Witness Support Group magazine, is described as a bi-monthly publication written by experiencers, featuring articles on various UFO-related topics and a 'CRY FOR HELP' letter. 'Flying Saucer Review' for Summer 2003 is also mentioned.

Documented Sightings and Cases

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to detailing specific UFO sightings and cases, often with photographic evidence. These include:

• Mantell Incident (1948): Discussed in the context of 'Popular Mechanics,' this case is presented as an example of how a UFO sighting was later explained away as a military aircraft incident.
• McMinnville Photos (1950): The iconic Trent photos are analyzed, with sceptics like Philip J. Klass offering explanations, while others, like Jerome Clark, find the evidence compelling.
• Sheraz, Iran (1978): Two photos taken by Iranian teenagers are examined, with a resemblance noted to the stealth aircraft Tacit Blue.
• Trinidad, Brazil (1958): Six photos taken by Almiro Barauna of a 50-ft.-dia. object moving at 600 mph are presented, with explanations from Donald H. Menzel and Philip J. Klass.
• Bentwaters, England (1980): The Rendlesham Forest incident is detailed, with Nick Pope, a former MOD investigator, sharing his experience and findings, including unusual radiation levels.
• Zanesville, Ohio (1966): Two UFO photos taken by Ralph Ditter are discussed, noting their similarity to other sightings in Ohio that year.
• Hillsdale, Michigan (1966): A sighting that reportedly converted sceptic Josef Allen Hynek is described, with evidence of radiation and boron contamination at the landing site.

Government Secrecy and UFOlogy

The article 'Government Really Knows About UFO Sightings' explores the public's belief that the government is hiding UFO evidence. It references historical projects like Blue Book, Grudge, and Sign, and discusses how standing orders under the Espionage Act made it a crime to share UFO reports, effectively controlling the flow of information. The article also mentions a lawsuit filed under the Freedom of Information Act that led to the release of NSA documents, which were classified as damaging national security.

UFO Hoaxes

A program titled 'UFO Hoax: CH 4' is reviewed, detailing how a hoax UFO was created by special effects professionals. The reviewer notes the impressive method used to create the hoax and its subsequent broadcast on major news channels. The program is seen as a demonstration of how easily the public can be hoaxed, and a lesson for UFOlogists not to jump to conclusions too quickly.

Skywatch Event

Steve Gerrard recounts a 'Skywatch' event on September 11th/12th, held in an isolated area. The event included a spectacular meteor sighting and the observation of a UFO, described as a ball of orange light, which appeared and then shot off at high speed. The experience reinforced Gerrard's belief in the importance of active observation for true UFOlogists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SUFOG strongly advocates for the serious study of UFO phenomena, presenting numerous documented cases and witness testimonies. While acknowledging the existence of hoaxes and the need for critical analysis, the magazine leans towards the belief in genuine unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging open-minded investigation, challenging government secrecy, and promoting the work of UFO researchers and experiencers. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of firsthand accounts and photographic evidence, while also cautioning against premature conclusions and the dismissal of credible witnesses. The magazine also highlights the ongoing efforts of UFO groups and researchers to uncover the truth, even in the face of skepticism and official obfuscation.