UFOmania - No 33 - 2002 06

Magazine Overview

UFOmania issue #33, dated June 2002, is a French ufological publication priced at 4.5 Euros. The cover prominently features a "military prototype and hypothesis: LIGHTCRAFT..." alongside a striking image of a metallic, diamond-shaped object. Other cover elements include a section on "The Prophecy of Shadows" related to a book by John Keel, and a report on the "Cash-Landrum affair."

Editorial

The editorial section begins with a quote from Jean-Claude Sidoun's "Study and reflections on UFOs and their occupants" (1980), questioning the seemingly rudimentary yet highly advanced nature of UFOs and their occupants' capabilities. The editorial then shifts focus to the Cash/Landrum case, occurring on December 29, 1980, highlighting its connection to US military involvement and its potential to clarify past events. The publication acknowledges the ongoing debate about the intelligence behind UFO phenomena, considering both extraterrestrial and potentially human-derived origins. The editorial also touches upon the magazine's own development, including preparations for new projects and the search for a national distributor for their CD-ROM released in February 2002. It expresses hope that their efforts to promote ufology are fruitful and announces the establishment of an online presence with Frédéric Praud-studiovni.

Articles and Features

The Cash/Landrum Affair: UFO or Military Prototype?

This article revisits the well-known Cash/Landrum case from December 29, 1980. It details how Betty Cash (60), Vickie Landrum (50), and her grandson Colby witnessed a diamond-shaped object emitting a cone of fire. The object's intense light and heat caused physical distress, including burns, to the witnesses. Following the object's departure, approximately twenty-three black helicopters (Chinook CH-45) appeared, escorting the object. The incident led to a lawsuit against the US government by lawyer Peter Gersten, seeking $20 million in damages, alleging responsibility for cancers attributed to radiation exposure from the incident. However, the lawsuit was ultimately unsuccessful, with officials denying any military involvement. The article notes that John Schuessler, an aerospace engineer, proposed that the helicopters belonged to military units and that the object might have been part of the "Redlight" project.

From Earth to the Moon... via Houston!

Written by Pierre Molinier, this article discusses the US military's 1997 public disclosure of the "lightcraft" project, a concept developed by Professor Leïk Myrabo in 1987. This project, which involves bombarding a spinning object with laser pulses, is presented as a revolutionary concept for space travel, aiming to reduce orbital costs. The article questions the timeline, suggesting that the revelation of the lightcraft project might offer a solution to the Cash/Landrum case, which occurred in 1980. It highlights the physical effects experienced by the Cash/Landrum witnesses, such as diarrhea, vomiting, hair loss, and burns, and mentions their unsuccessful lawsuit against the US government for alleged secret testing.

Recent Observations: UFOs in the Sri Lankan Sky

This section reports on a July 4, 2002, article from the Sri Lankan newspaper "Daily News" detailing numerous UFO sightings over Sri Lanka. Professor Chandana Jayaratne of the University of Colombo studied these observations, confirming hundreds of reports from villagers. The article describes a mysterious blue-white light, emitting a V-shaped beam, that was observed for three consecutive days. The object reportedly moved at high speed, changed direction, and emitted a buzzing sound.

Strange Tremors from the Sky

Authored by Christian Macé, this article investigates phenomena involving vibrational detonations and other aerial events. It references a report from the French UFO review "Lumières Dans La Nuit" (March-April 1997) about an extraordinary sound heard on June 6, 1850, in France, which was described as a powerful explosion followed by a prolonged rolling sound. The article also details a panicky event in Madrid on February 10, 1896, involving a bright flash, a deafening explosion, and vibrations. Further historical accounts include explosions in Glancove (New York, 1952), Grymouth (New Zealand, 1955), and incidents in the North of Wales (1974), the Paris region (1975), and Portugal (1977). The article also touches upon phenomena in Cuba, referred to as the "Indian's cannon," and mentions Jacques Bergier's accounts of UFO-related sonic booms.

UFO News

This section includes "Didier Gomez in Toulouse Mag n°9," "The Prophecy of Shadows: Finally a book by John Keel translated into French," and "UFOs on the Net."

Special Interview: David Dubois, author of "God and Extraterrestrials"

This interview with David Dubois explores his book, which discusses the connection between divinity and extraterrestrial life.

Letters to the Editor

This section contains correspondence from readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFOmania consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with military projects, government secrecy, and historical unexplained events. The magazine aims to present independent research and analysis, encouraging reader participation in verifying information. There's a clear stance on promoting ufology and disseminating information, with a growing emphasis on online presence and archival efforts. The editorial tone suggests a critical yet open-minded approach to the subject matter, seeking to uncover truths and challenge official narratives.

Title: UFOmania
Issue: n°33
Date: July-August 2002
Publisher: UFOmania
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of UFOmania, titled "Les NEWS d'UFOmania," focuses on recent UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports, investigations, and related topics. It includes a variety of articles detailing sightings, mysterious events, and analyses from the ufology community.

Key Articles and Reports

Mysterious Vibrations and Explosions:
The issue begins by recounting several incidents of unexplained phenomena. On January 14, 1978, a violent tremor shook Freyming-Merlebach, France. Strange vibrations were also reported in Dijon. In Provence, on January 18, 1981, a luminous orange mass was observed for an extended period. Further events in Provence are noted for August 24-26, 1993, November 29, 1993, and December 21, 1993. A strong tremor accompanied by an explosion was reported off the coast of Porto Rico on May 31, 1987, with associated UFO activity and ground traces.

The Morvan Detonation (September 5, 1988):
A significant event occurred in the Morvan region of France on September 5, 1988, involving numerous witnesses observing an immense, unusual light (red, green, and blue) followed by a formidable detonation. Reports detail the event in various towns including Saint-André-en-Morvan and Lichères, where a windowpane shattered due to the blast. A witness, Mme T., observed a magnificent spectacle in the sky near La Loge, with a red ball ascending and descending for 20 minutes. Later that night, near Nitry, Alain Brulay witnessed a large, orange-red cigar-shaped object, described as "high as a house" and 80-100 meters long, resting on the ground. It emitted a powerful, non-blinding light and intense cold. The object took off silently, ascending rapidly and disappearing within seconds. The following day, the field showed a perfectly uniform indentation 15 cm deep and 30 cm wide.

The magazine references a report from "Le Populaire du Centre" and "Sud-Ouest" suggesting the phenomenon around 1:20 AM in Yonne was potentially an atmospheric reentry, possibly a meteorite or artificial satellite debris. However, the article questions this explanation for the Nitry events, which occurred earlier (22:30 and 3:00 AM), suggesting a "quasi-coincidence of phenomena of different natures."

TV Interference and UFOs:
Several cases highlight TV interference linked to UFO phenomena. A brochure from "Banque OVNI" details a "huge sphere" observed on November 22, 1993, near Melun and Etampes, potentially a "beacon." Another incident on June 9, 1989, in Marcilly, Seine-et-Marne, involved a powerful explosion and a 30-meter long trace in a field, with TV repair shops noting no specific cause for TV failures during the event. In Carcès, France, on February 10, 1975, a black mass with luminous beams was observed, causing significant TV parasites for a month, affecting sound and screen display, which ceased daily at 9 PM. The article notes the common theme of "TV perturbation" between Carcès and Breux-Jouy. A "mysterious black screen" incident in Breux-Jouy, Essonne, is also mentioned, where residents were unable to receive France 2 for eight days. The magazine finds it "astonishing" that only France 2 was affected in both Marcilly and Breux-Jouy incidents.

Other Sightings and Events:
Reports include an observation on July 5, 2002, near Mulhouse, France, of a large triangular object with white lights and a red center, moving slowly and silently. The witness reported it was about 100 meters in size and at an altitude of approximately 100 meters. The issue also mentions observations of aerial phenomena in the Mouscron region of Belgium in late 2001, including a dozen luminous spheres. A video of this event is under study.

Book Reviews and Features:

• "La prophétie des ombres" by John A. Keel: This section reviews the French translation of John A. Keel's book, "The Mothman Prophecies." Keel's work is described as a classic of Anglo-Saxon ufology, exploring "supernatural" events and proposing that UFOs are not from distant galaxies but are "ultra-terrestrial" forces coexisting with us. The book discusses the Mothman phenomenon in Point Pleasant, Virginia, and Keel's concept of "men in black." The review highlights Keel's intuition that "something, somewhere, does not want us to understand the true nature of this phenomenon and its real purpose."
• "TOP SECRET N°3": An upcoming issue of the magazine "TOP Secret" is announced, featuring an article by Didier Gomez on the phenomenon of abductions.
• "Phénomènes Spatiaux": A compilation of 51 issues of this publication from 1965-1977 is in preparation.
• "VSD Hors-série n° 4": This special issue is reviewed, with the author expressing disappointment with its content, finding it lacking in substance regarding UFO phenomena and military prototypes.
• "Collection des prodiges": This collection is launching with the French translation of Gray Barker's "They know too much about flying saucers" and Michel Granger's analysis of "Mothman Prophecies."

Ufology Resources:

• Studiovni Website: The issue promotes the new website "studiovni.ifrance.com," which serves as the parent site for UFOmania, offering articles, dossiers, and a forum.
• Internet Sites: A list of recommended ufology websites is provided, including "Le Journal de l'Ufologie," "OVNI ALERTE," and others.
• Bookstores: Information is given for "Editions Jean-Michel Grandsire (JMG)," "Golden Books" (specializing in English UFO books), and "Librairie Esoterique La Rose et Le Lotus."

Didier Gomez's Research in Tarn:
A feature article profiles Didier Gomez, who has been passionately researching UFO sightings in the Tarn region of France for ten years. He meticulously collects witness testimonies, cross-references information, and has documented 73 cases since 1952. Gomez believes that UFO phenomena might represent a different manifestation of intelligence rather than extraterrestrial visitors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the mysterious and unexplained nature of UFO phenomena, often questioning official explanations and highlighting the importance of witness testimonies. There's a focus on detailed case studies, often involving unusual lights, sounds (detonations), and physical traces. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious, investigative approach to ufology, encouraging readers to remain open-minded and critical of mainstream media narratives. The publication also serves as a hub for the French ufology community, promoting related books, websites, and events.

The magazine frequently links UFO sightings with other unexplained phenomena like strange vibrations, explosions, and even TV interference, suggesting a complex and interconnected nature to these events. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of aerial phenomena and the ongoing efforts to understand them, often contrasting with dismissive or simplistic explanations.

Title: UFOmania
Issue: n°33
Date: February 23 - March 1, 2002
Content Focus: The intersection of religion, God, and extraterrestrial life, alongside discussions on ufology and related phenomena.

Interview with David Dubois: "Dieu et les extraterrestres"

This issue prominently features an in-depth interview with David Dubois, author of "Dieu et les extraterrestres" (God and Extraterrestrials). Dubois, an academic with expertise in intercultural and interreligious dialogue, presents his views on the existential questions facing humanity in light of scientific advancements in astrophysics, exobiology, and quantum physics.

Dubois argues that the increasing evidence for extraterrestrial life challenges traditional religious frameworks, particularly Christianity. He suggests that religions must evolve from dogmatic pronouncements to symbolic interpretations of meaning to remain relevant. He posits that the affirmation of extraterrestrial life offers humanity a chance for a new dialogue and a deeper understanding of the universe, where every individual has a place.

He believes that the concept of God transcends religious definitions and represents a universal principle of creation and logic. While acknowledging that religions can be manipulated or be a form of manipulation themselves, he distinguishes this from the fundamental spiritual quest that he sees as universal.

Dubois asserts that UFOs are evidence of highly advanced technologies, almost certainly of extraterrestrial origin, and that the question of their existence is no longer one of doubt but of reality. He also touches upon paranormal phenomena, suggesting they might represent contacts with other dimensions of reality.

Regarding the potential for extraterrestrial beings to have influenced human religions, Dubois finds the idea conceivable, particularly if religions are seen as a form of 'evangelization' from more advanced beings. However, he strongly differentiates between the concept of God and the institutions of religion, emphasizing that God is beyond any specific religious doctrine.

He advocates for a "post-Christianism" where religious discourse becomes symbolic, allowing for a broader understanding of the universe and humanity's place within it. This includes a greater respect for animal life and other forms of consciousness, moving away from anthropocentrism.

Reader's Correspondence: Bruno Bousquet

The issue also includes a significant exchange between reader Bruno Bousquet and the magazine's editor, Didier Gomez. Bousquet expresses concern that UFOmania might be stagnating, lacking new developments and falling into the trap of inter-association rivalries that plague ufology.

Gomez responds by defending UFOmania's efforts to present a distinct image, tackle various UFO-related topics objectively, and publish new material. He acknowledges that some texts may not be published due to format or other reasons, and addresses Bousquet's comments on the challenges of publishing ufological material, including the difficulties of relying on handwritten texts and the perceived unreliability of internet information.

Bousquet argues that many people are not computerized and prefer paper support, while Gomez counters that the internet offers real-time information and is crucial for disseminating knowledge. They discuss the precarious state of ufological publications, with Gomez noting that ufology, in general, does not sell well, making the existence of UFOmania legitimate but challenging.

Bousquet also shares an observation of an ovoid object on April 22nd, which was later identified as a weather balloon. This highlights the magazine's commitment to investigating and, when possible, debunking cases.

Other Content

• Book Review: A brief mention of Bruno Bousquet's book "Mystères en pays d'Oc," a chronological account of UFO testimonies in the Hérault region.
• Advertisement: An advertisement for Didier Gomez's book and CD-ROM, "L'Eure des Ovnis," detailing a specific UFO sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme of this issue revolves around the profound implications of extraterrestrial life for human understanding of God, religion, and our place in the universe. The magazine, through its interview with David Dubois, champions a progressive, interreligious dialogue that embraces scientific findings and moves beyond rigid dogma. The editorial stance, as reflected in Didier Gomez's responses, is one of serious, objective investigation into UFO phenomena, acknowledging the challenges of ufology as a field and the need for clear, well-researched information. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between evidence-based study and unsubstantiated claims, while also recognizing the limitations of current human knowledge and the potential for phenomena beyond our complete understanding.