SUFOG Newsletter No 171-172

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG) newsletter, Number 171 & 172, dated January/February 2005, marks a significant transition for the publication. The editorial highlights upcoming changes, including the expansion of the newsletter to 24 pages, with an additional four pages dedicated to 'Paranormal' content alongside the existing UFOlogy material. These changes are set to take effect from June 2005, with the aim of moving with the times and embracing the broader 'Paranormal' field. The publication is described as a magazine rather than just a newsletter, and readers are urged to support these changes.

Editorial and Content Introduction

The editorial emphasizes the reader-driven nature of the newsletter and solicits contributions, including UFO reports, newspaper articles on UFOs and Ghosts, and any paranormal events. The editor expresses a desire to include reader views and suggestions to help fill the upcoming 24-page editions. This edition features part two of an article by Malcolm Robinson on 'Cellular Memory,' a look at newspaper articles following the new Freedom of Information Act in January 2005, UFO activity in the UK, and UFO reports from around the world.

Cellular Memory: A Controversial Topic

The article "CELLULAR MEMORY (Part 2)" by Malcolm Robinson delves into the phenomenon of characteristics and behaviours being transferred from organ donors to recipients. It presents several case studies:

• Case Study 4: A 29-year-old lesbian recipient of a heart from a 19-year-old vegetarian woman reported developing aversions to meat and a change in sexual orientation, becoming engaged to a man.
• Case Study (Claire Sylvia): A recipient of a heart and lung transplant began craving beer and chicken nuggets, foods she had no prior taste for. Her donor's favourite food was indeed chicken nuggets.
• Case Study 5: A young man, after transplant surgery, began using the phrase "Everything is copastic," a phrase previously used by the donor to signal reassurance to his wife after arguments. The donor's wife confirmed this.
• Case Study 6: An eight-year-old girl received the heart of a ten-year-old girl who had been murdered. The recipient experienced vivid nightmares of the murder, including the face of the killer, the weapon, and the location. This information, provided to the police, led to the arrest and conviction of the murderer.

The article also touches upon the potential inherent dangers of cellular memory, questioning how it might be perceived in a court of law if a recipient committed a crime influenced by a donor's 'inherited memories.' It also notes that hospitals often do not reveal the donor's identity, making it difficult for recipients to understand the source of new behaviours or desires.

Cloning and Ethical Considerations

Extending the discussion on biological inheritance, the article briefly touches upon cloning. It poses questions about whether a cloned life form would possess a soul, mind, or memories, and whether human cloning represents 'playing God' or venturing into improper areas of medical science.

Kirlian Photography

The article introduces Kirlian photography as a process that captures auras or biofields using a high-frequency electrical field. It explains that this technique, pioneered by Seymon Kirlian in the 1940s, shows glowing emanations from subjects. The author posits that this might be a way of photographing a 'bio field' or human energy, and that fringe science often faces skepticism from mainstream medical science, drawing parallels to pioneers like Marconi and the Wright Brothers.

UK UFO Roundup News and Sightings

This section compiles recent UFO-related news from various UK publications:

• Scarborough Today (February 1st): Reports of moving bright lights, described as about 14 objects the size of light bulbs, seen flying in a group off Scarborough, cementing its reputation as a UFO capital.
• The Wisbech Standard (February 10th): Strange, bright lights seen in Chatteris were reported to the Ministry of Defence, marking one of Britain's first reported UFO sightings of the year, revealed from MoD UFO unit records.
• Glasgow Herald (January 14th): Plans to twin Bonnybridge (UK) with Roswell, New Mexico (USA) are discussed, with a councillor leading a fact-finding mission to foster a long-term partnership related to UFO activity.
• The Shropshire Star (January 21st): Experts are joining residents to identify a mysterious beam of light spotted in the county's skies, which lit up the early morning gloom but remained unexplained.
• Crowborough, East Sussex (January 21st): A witness reported seeing four red lights in a straight line moving across the sky, followed by two more, with no noise, unlike planes.
• The Sunday Express (January 30th): An article featuring James Millen, a 'Witness Support Group' member, discusses UFOs and abduction experiences. It quotes Nick Pope, an ex-MOD UFO 'expert,' stating that some sightings defy explanation.
• The Daily Mail (February 2nd): An article by Nick Pope highlights RAF pilots' sightings of advanced craft, including a massive craft that overtook a jet at high speed and a triangular craft with a searchlight beam. A reader suggested it might be a police helicopter using a 'NiteSun' beam.
• The Daily Express (January 26th): Features Nick Redfern, author of "A COVERT AGENDA," discussing government files on UFOs and paranormal phenomena spanning over 90 years.
• The Sun (January 24th): Includes alleged UFO photos, mentions Rendlesham Forest, and discusses a 'hoax' incident involving a lighthouse.
• The Daily Mail (Headline: THE GREAT CLIMATE CONSPIRACY): Discusses the Sri Lanka disaster and global warming, quoting Michael Crichton.
• The Psychic News (January 29th): Reports on preliminary results from a 'ghost watch' at Plymouth's Royal Naval Dockyard.

Additionally, the article mentions the arrest of Raymond Czechowski in connection with the death of Dr. John Mack, charged under the Road Traffic Act.

Changes within SUFOG

Starting in 2005, SUFOG is implementing several changes. The group will introduce a new logo but retain its name. The newsletter will expand to include the new 'Paranormal' section and new headings like 'Vintage UFO Cases 1950-1970' and 'Global UFO News.' Membership fees are set to increase in June 2005: single membership from £8.50 to £10, joint from £12.00 to £15.00, and family from £15.00 to £20.00. Outside Europe membership will be £30.00. The group aims to concentrate more on advertising and has outlined more structured group meetings, including business, video viewings, and discussions. Future plans include a SUFOG table at Fetes, handouts, more talks, shop advertising, arranging talks in Winchester, and group displays.

SUFOG Diary - 2005

The diary lists scheduled events and topics for 2005, including TV-based UFO Specials, UFO Footage, Ghosts, SUFOG Material, Abductions, Area 51, Crop Circles, a SUFOG Avebury Trip, Anti Gravity, Mystery Animals, Famous Cases, and Cattle Mutilations in January 2006.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the expansion of the SUFOG's scope into the paranormal, the exploration of unexplained phenomena like cellular memory and UFO sightings, and the practicalities of running a membership-based organization. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and support for the group's evolution. There's a clear effort to balance UFOlogy with broader paranormal topics and to adapt to changing times and reader interests. The article implicitly advocates for the acceptance of fringe subjects by drawing parallels to scientific pioneers who faced initial skepticism. The overall tone is informative and community-oriented, seeking to engage members and the wider public in discussions about the unexplained.

This issue of SUFOG magazine, identified as page 11, focuses on UFO sightings and related news, with content spanning from January to February 2005. The magazine features a mix of news reports, personal accounts, and reviews of other publications.

Content Highlights

UK News and Reports

The issue begins with a letter from the editor, Steve Gerrard, who is attempting to acquire a 132-page report that allegedly covers mysterious orbs, child's screams, and allegations of 'dead' people being 'helped' to leave haunted areas. He also mentions a forthcoming paranormal section and welcomes reader stories.

A report from the Northumberland Gazette on January 28th discusses how reports of UFO sightings near Boulmer were allegedly hushed up. The Financial Times, London Evening Standard, and The Independent all published articles around February 3rd regarding the release of MOD's alien files and declassified UFO reports.

Several newspapers, including The Times and Daily Star, published articles on UFOs in early February 2005. The Times' editorial, 'Flying Saucers are close encounters with the human imagination,' is noted, alongside an article suggesting UFOs come in various colors. A letter to the DAILY MAIL on February 8th, 2005, asserts that 'IT WAS A UFO, HONEST.'

A specific incident from March 31, 1993, involving a supposed UFO sighting at RAF Shawbury, is clarified as a police helicopter. The observer's use of a NiteSun and potential overactive imagination fueled by alcohol are cited as explanations.

The Independent's January 22nd edition is mentioned for uncovering sightings of strange flying objects in Britain's 'X-Files.' The Mail on Sunday's January 23rd edition is noted for a close encounter story. The Newcastle Journal and Daily Mail reported on January 24th and 25th respectively about UFO sightings being kept secret for decades by the Ministry of Defence.

Analysis of Declassified Files

An article discusses the impact of Britain's Freedom of Information Act, which came into force on January 1, 2005. While it has led to the release of numerous UFO documents, the author expresses skepticism, stating that the information released has not significantly advanced UFOlogy. The author believes the government has always investigated UFOs and only releases information it deems non-sensitive, suggesting a deliberate control over what the public sees.

International Sightings and Reports

Mexico: An important sighting was recorded on January 9, 2005, by professional cameramen in Mexico City, involving a UFO over the Plaza Mexico bullring. Mexican researcher Pedro Avila Rubio obtained video evidence of a similar object at an altitude of 4000 meters. The object was described as a sphere with protuberances and flew slowly, ruling out viewer error or weather balloons.

Chile: On February 4, 2005, near Iquique, Carlos Bruna photographed a lens-shaped object expelling white energy. The AION CHILE organization is analyzing the image, with their director, Rodrigo Fuenzalida, noting interesting details and clarity. Mario Pizarro of AION stated the object had a diameter of 3 to 4 meters.

Arizona, USA: On January 20, 2005, a witness saw a slow-moving object that later appeared to be two objects.

California, USA: On January 16, 2005, two friends observed two white specks that resolved into circular disk-like objects, one with a blue disk-like component.

Canada: On January 12, 2005, two witnesses in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, saw a round ball of light that hovered and then rapidly disappeared. On January 11, 2005, in Calgary, Alberta, a witness and their mother observed a greyish cigar-like shape moving upwards.

Cyprus: On January 26, 2005, near Limassol, observers saw a bright flash of light that appeared and disappeared repeatedly.

Vintage UFO Report

A report dated April 25, 2004, details sightings of a white object with a single round light over Portsdown Hill, UK. The object moved slowly and was observed through binoculars. The witness, Bob, questions if it could be a low-flying satellite.

Another report mentions a sighting and photograph taken on April 25th, 2004, over Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth, Hampshire, involving the same object seen in Nottingham. The connection between these sightings is questioned.

An investigation into the Portsdown Hill sighting concluded it was a 70 ft black balloon released from Northern France.

Magazine and Book Reviews

The New BUFORA Journal (January 2005): This journal features articles on 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' John Mack's death (attributed to accident), Rendlesham Forest, Men in Black, UFO reports, crop circles, and more. It is noted that BUFORA is widening its scope.

AWARENESS (Winter 2004-5): This journal from Contact International UFO Research includes sighting reports, 'Cellular Memory,' 'Crop Circles,' and 'Historical Humanoid Reports.' It also features an account of the disappearance of Russian Egyptologists.

OVNI magazine: This bimonthly journal covers the Tsunami disaster, coincidences with the Iran earthquake, aliens, triangles, and underground caverns. It also includes sighting reports from BBCRADIO DERBY.

NEXUS (February/March): Contents include 'Global News,' 'Phantom Disease,' 'Truth About Vaccines cover-up,' and 'The Tall White Extraterrestrials.'

UFO Monthly.com: Gary Heseltine's bi-monthly publication features reports from UK police forces, famous and unknown encounters, Todmorden sightings, mutilated ponies, and the experiences of researcher Robert Hulse.

Spanish Sighting by SUFOG Member: Gillian and her husband Malcolm reported seeing a huge black object over Spain on January 19, 2005. The object changed from a rectangle to a tube and vanished. Malcolm, who worked for British Aerospace, had never seen anything like it.

UFO's Over Hampshire (Part 1): This section lists several historical UFO sightings from 1950 to 1957 in the Hampshire area, including descriptions of lights, oval shapes, cylinders, and discs.

Video Sale: A list of available videos is provided, covering topics such as UFO conferences, Roswell, alien encounters, and the Apollo moon landing.

Paperback UFO Books for Sale: An extensive list of UFO-related books is offered for sale, with prices and authors listed. Hardback books are also available, with discounts for SUFOG members.

Finland - UFO Seen on Field: On January 17, 2005, near Helsinki, witnesses saw strange lights that appeared to be a spotlight, followed by a 'craft' that barked and moved away rapidly.

Kenya - Two Orange Flashes: On January 7, 2005, in Nairobi, observers saw two orange flashes that dissolved into faint tail lights moving into the earth's atmosphere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are UFO sightings from various locations, the release and analysis of declassified government documents, and the critical examination of official narratives. The magazine appears to maintain a stance that UFO phenomena are real and warrant investigation, while also being skeptical of government transparency and encouraging readers to question official explanations. The inclusion of numerous book and magazine reviews suggests an effort to provide a comprehensive resource for UFO enthusiasts.