 Welcome to the May 2008 round up of news and views on UFOs, alien abductions, crop circles, ghosts, the paranormal, the unexplained, the weird and the wonderful.
First MoD UFO Files Released This Month
If all goes to plan, the process of releasing the Ministry of Defence UFO files will almost certainly commence at some stage this month. Many of the older files have been available at the National Archives for some years, but the MoD confirmed to me just before Christmas that a policy decision had been taken to release all remaining files. There are 160 files dating back to the 1970s and it has been decided to place them in the National Archives. The release will be undertaken on a rolling programme in chronological order, starting with the oldest files first. A few new files will be released each month and the entire process is expected to take around 3 years to complete. The files cover a wide variety of areas, ranging from policy and UFO sighting reports, through to public correspondence and the way the subject is handled when raised in parliament or covered in the media. There is massive interest in this, so expect to see extensive media coverage. The MoD receives more Freedom of Information requests relating to UFOs than on any other subject, including the war in Iraq or Afghanistan. I understand that this is the largest proactive release of files on any subject since the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act. This is a good news story. Both the Ministry of Defence and the National Archives are to be commended for having undertaken such a major programme of disclosure, underpinning their commitment to open government and freedom of information.
UFO Data
The latest issue of UFO Data Magazine has been published and contains a wide range of articles and features on the UFO phenomenon. The current issue contains a 2 page tribute to former Hot Gossip Editor In Chief Georgina Bruni, who is gone but very definitely not forgotten. Check out www.ufodata.co.uk for details of the magazine and information on how to take out a subscription.
Alien Worlds
While on the subject of magazines, those with an interest in UFOs, SETI and related issues should check out Alien Worlds Magazine. Issue 2 has just hit the news stands and is available from W H Smith and other major retailers. Check out www.alienworldsmag.com for more information and details of how to take out a subscription. In an environment where so much information is available free on the internet, new magazines like this should be supported.
Beyond
To illustrate how unforgiving the market for magazines can be in the internet age, I am sad to report that Beyond Magazine has folded after 14 issues. The magazine ran articles, features and news stories on UFOs, crop circles, ghosts, cryptozoology and a wide range of other mysteries and paranormal phenomena. This sad news follows the earlier demise of Paranormal Magazine.
Now That's Weird
The summer conference season will soon be upon us and one of the major events of 2008 is fast approaching. Organised by author and Glastonbury Radio host Ross Hemsworth, the Now That's Weird Conference is scheduled to take place on the Summer Solstice weekend, 21 and 22 June. The conference will take place in the Assembly Rooms on the High Street in Glastonbury. Speakers will include Professors JJ and Desiree Hurtak, Paola Harris, Andrew Collins, Malcolm Robinson and Adrian Gilbert. Topics will include the Keys of Enoch, UFOs, Mayan prophesies, stargates, ghosts, Rosslyn Chapel and EVP. I will be giving a new presentation entitled Spinning The Saucers, detailing how news management techniques are used by the government to ensure the subject is presented in a way that best suits the MoD. Check out www.nowthatsweird.co.uk for more details, but book quickly and be aware that if you need accommodation you will need to get in fast, as hotels and guest houses can be hard to come by on the Solstice weekend.
MUFON 39th International UFO Symposium
On the other side of the pond, details of the Mutual UFO Network annual conference this summer were recently announced. The event will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose and speakers include General Wilfried De Brouwer, Dr. Anthony Choy and Captain Rodrigo Garrido. I will also be giving a presentation which will include an update on the release of the MoD archive of UFO files. The event lasts from July 24 - 27. Check out http://www.mufon.com/symposia.htm for further details. Additional speakers may be announced over the next few weeks.
Crash Con 2008
Details of Crash Con 08 have just been announced. The conference is organised by Ryan Wood and will take place at the Tuscany Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on 7 - 9 November 2008. The speakers already announced are Linda Moulton Howe, Don Scmhitt, Stephen Bassett, Richard Dolan, Ryan Wood, Dr Robert Wood, James Clarkson and myself. More names are likely to be added in the next few weeks. Check out www.ufoconference.com for further details, including discounts and special offers for early registration. Ed's Note:
Nick Pope has written four books. Open Skies, Closed Minds is an overview of the UFO phenomenon with the emphasis on his official Ministry of Defence research and investigation. The Uninvited is an overview of the alien abduction mystery. Operation Thunder Child and Operation Lightning Strike are science fiction novels about alien invasion, incorporating UFO and abduction data. All four titles are available from most good bookshops and all the usual Internet book sites.
Nick Pope has a website, which can be accessed at www.nickpope.net |
