UFO Newsletter (Richard Nolane) - No 08-09-10 - 02 avril 1997

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Newsletter, dated April 2, 1997, is a triple number (8/9/10) intended to catch up on accumulated delays and prepare for a potentially eventful 1997. Editor Richard D. Nolane explains the necessity of this combined issue.

Mauvais Plans sur la Comète (Bad Plans for the Comet)

The lead article critically examines recent events that have, in the magazine's view, negatively impacted ufology. It dismisses the "Ordre du Temple Solaire" incident as unrelated to UFOs, attributing it to financial and power struggles within a sect. The article then delves into the Heaven's Gate cult, noting the unusual serenity of their mass suicide and their belief that their true selves would ascend to the Hale-Bopp comet. The magazine highlights that Heaven's Gate was not a typical sect, allowing members to leave, which makes their collective suicide particularly disturbing. It suggests that this tragedy might also be uncomfortable for a certain segment of the ufology community. Marshall Herff Applewhite, the cult leader, is described as a known figure in American contactee circles since the 1970s, along with Bonnie Lu Nettles, collectively known as "The Two."

The article explores the idea of extraterrestrial constructions within the solar system, referencing artifacts like the "Face on Mars" and Cydonia. It notes that while these are speculative, some people believe in the presence of gigantic cosmic vessels. The Hale-Bopp comet's visibility in 1995 led to photographs suggesting a bright object in its tail. This fueled speculation on the internet and in the media that a massive extraterrestrial ship might be approaching Earth. Amateur astronomer Carl Shramek's 1996 photo of a Saturn-shaped object near the comet further amplified these claims. Dr. Courtney Brown of the Farsight Institute claimed the object was a spaceship, and that his mediums had contacted its occupants. However, astronomers identified the object as the star SAO 141894. The article concludes that the Hale-Bopp comet was not a cover for an alien craft, and that claims by Brown and others were fictional, but likely activated unstable individuals with millenarian beliefs.

The magazine expresses concern about the responsibility of the "lunatic fringe" and conspiracy theorists, noting that the internet has amplified extreme ideas. It argues against censorship but calls for greater accountability from those making irresponsible statements that could damage the credibility of the UFO community.

Sevices de Presse (Press Abuses)

This section criticizes two publications for their negative coverage of UFOs. "L'Echo des Savanes" is accused of publishing an article titled "OVNIS: 50 ans de conneries sur les Extraterrestres" (UFOs: 50 years of bullshit about Extraterrestrials), while "ENTREVUE" published "OVNI: l'arnaque de la Zone 51" (UFO: the Zone 51 scam). The article claims "L'Echo" deliberately distorts information, while "ENTREVUE" relies on debunkers like Philip Klass and Pentagon spokesperson Gloria Calis, who deny the existence of anything special at Area 51. The author sarcastically compares Klass to Sherlock Holmes, suggesting he is more like Professor Moriarty.

Le (Petit) Coin du Debunker (1) (The Debunker's Little Corner)

This section critiques Pierre Lagrange's investigation into the Roswell incident, calling it a "pseudo-enquête" (pseudo-investigation) that was vitriolically attacked by the ufological press and praised by the media. The author, along with Gildas Bourdais, recalls their own struggles to get their books on Roswell published, contrasting their views with Lagrange's "scientifically correct" approach, which they accuse of manipulating testimonies and historical truths to fit a US Air Force narrative.

It also criticizes TV host Christophe Dechavanne and his show "TELE QUA NON (A2)" for its superficial and sensationalist treatment of UFO topics, particularly in relation to the movie "Mars Attacks." The author urges readers to boycott Dechavanne's programs.

3615 UFO

A new Minitel service, "3615 UFO," is presented as an antidote to debunker narratives, offering information on UFOs, cryptozoology, and the paranormal. The author recounts a personal experience of being contacted by the show for information, which he found unprofessional.

Le Bourret Nouveau: Plutôt Mauvais Vin de Coupage que Grand Cru (The New Bourret: More Bad Blended Wine than Great Vintage)

This section reviews J.C. Bourret's new book "OVNIS, LA SCIENCE AVANCE," criticizing it as a compilation of his previous works, lacking new insights. The author argues that Bourret, once important in the 1970s, has become outdated and is no longer well-informed about UFOs. The review also mocks the book's suggestion that Nostradamus's quatrain about 1999 might relate to extraterrestrial contact, and criticizes the publisher for its association with sensationalist authors.

Le Bresil, l'Autre Pays des Ovnis (Brazil, the Other Land of UFOs)

This article highlights Brazil's extensive history of UFO activity since 1947, mentioning cases like Antonio Villas Boas and Varginha. It notes that UFO phenomena in Latin America, including Brazil, often appear more aggressive than elsewhere. The piece praises the work of ufologist Bob Pratt and mentions the active ufological community in Brazil, led by the "Centro de Pesquisas de Discos Voadores (CBPVD)," which publishes the professional magazine "UFO." The article contrasts the quality of Brazilian ufological publications with the perceived indigence of French ones. It also touches upon the esoteric aspects of ufology in Brazil and mentions the government's efforts to conceal information, citing the Varginha "alien" recovery as an example of potential US involvement.

Quelques Petites Nouvelles du Front (A Few Little News from the Front)

This section provides brief updates:

• The production of the film "Roswell, Le Mystère" has donated props and photos to the Roswell museum.
• A spherical UFO was filmed escorting a Brazilian Air Force T-27 aircraft in Sao Paulo.
• A 1943 encounter with a large, luminous orange ball over the English Channel by a RAF bomber crew is revealed.
• Two unusual photos taken in Hungary in 1992 show a metallic, dome-topped object.
• Statistics from China indicate approximately 5,000 UFO sightings since 1978, with the Chinese UFO Research Society operating under government/military oversight.
• A planned UFO museum in Hakui, Japan, turned out to be a space exploration museum, with local politicians having misled the public.

Le (Petit) Coin du Debunker (2) (The Debunker's Little Corner)

This section criticizes the CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) and its "Council for Media Integrity," viewing it as a form of "media inquisition" aimed at combating paranormal and "pseudoscience" narratives on television, particularly citing shows like "X-Files."

C'etait Il Y A Cinquante Ans (It Was Fifty Years Ago)

This piece discusses the release of the book "1947, les 'Soucoupes Volantes' arrivent" by CGR Editions, which focuses on the Roswell incident and the subsequent US military cover-up. It also mentions the author's own book, "Extraterrestres: La Vérité sur Roswell."

Abductions Plat-Pays (Abductions in Flatlands)

This section presents statistics from a study of 52 individuals in Holland who reported alien abductions, examined by Dr. Hilda Musch. The findings show similarities to US abduction cases, including seeing non-human beings, being taken inside UFOs, and experiencing missing time.

Comment On Devient Un Contacte... (How to Become a Contactee...)

This article uses the case of Tim Edwards, who filmed an object in the sun in Colorado, as an example of how an interesting observation can lead to "overflows" where UFOs are not solely responsible. Edwards was contacted by Michael Tanner, who became his agent, and subsequently began promoting his own teachings about "purification" and extraterrestrial contact, allegedly having connections to Billy Meier. The analysis by Dr. Bruce Maccabee confirmed the object's authenticity but the author uses this case to illustrate how individuals within the UFO community can sometimes be their own worst enemies.

Quand Veillent Les Sentinelles (When the Sentinels Watch)

This section introduces "SENTINEL NEWS," a publication from the "Groupe Sentinelle" in Reims, France, which covers UFOs and other related topics. It notes a tendency towards conspiracy theories but deems it a valuable resource.

Chers Disparus... (Dear Departed...)

• Clyde Tombaugh: The discoverer of Pluto died at age 90. He was an astronomer who had admitted to seeing a formation of flying rectangles and later a bright object over White Sands, becoming a proponent of extraterrestrial life.
• Martin Redmond: A British Labour MP who died of cancer at 60. He had been actively investigating UFO-related questions with government ministers.

Roswell, Source d'Inspiration Sans Fin... (Roswell, Source of Endless Inspiration...)

This section discusses the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Roswell incident and its impact on book releases. It criticizes Philip Klass, a debunker, and his book "The Day After Roswell," suggesting it will be filled with questionable content. It also mentions Joe Nickell's anti-UFO book "The UFO Invasion."

Bientot en Librairie... (Soon in Bookstores...)

This section previews upcoming books:

• "UN TERRESTRE EXTRA" by Jimmy Guieu, a humorous science fiction novel.
• "LE DOSSIER 1954 ET L'IMPOSTURE RATIONALISTE" by Jean Sider, an ambitious work detailing the 1954 UFO wave.
• "OVNIS : LE SECRET DES ALIENS" by Jean Sider, to be published by Editions du Rocher.
• "L'EURE DES OVNI" by Didier Gomez, whose publication has been delayed by Editions Osmondes.

Du Cote de M6 (On the M6 Side)

This section mentions that the TV channel M6 plans to air two reports on the paranormal and UFOs as part of its "ZONE INTERDITE" program, potentially supervised by Nicolas Maillard, who previously investigated the Roswell case for Jacques Pradel's show. Concerns are raised about potential bias due to Maillard's past associations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards media coverage of UFOs, often highlighting sensationalism and lack of serious investigation. It frequently targets debunkers, portraying them as self-serving individuals who manipulate information to discredit the UFO phenomenon. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing genuine research from speculation, conspiracy theories, and the actions of cults. The publication champions a more rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology, while also acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena and the importance of open inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of defending the credibility of ufology against what it perceives as attacks from the scientific establishment and biased media.