Science Frontiers 2003 Conference

Science Frontiers 2003

Posted online on December 14, 2006

Readers have informed me that the recording of the lecture I gave during the Science Frontiers festival, held in 2003 in Cavaillon, is now available online. For once, the video quality is acceptable. Here it is:

http://www.dailymotion.com/group/24106/video/xsd0f_conf-jp-petit

This was around the time of the release of my book "UFOs and American Secret Weapons." I am currently working on a new comic book, the sequel to The Wall of Silence, which will essentially reconstruct the Aurora and the B-2, revealing all their technical secrets. I realize, however, that very few people truly understand why, through MHD (magnetohydrodynamics), shock waves can be neutralized. This is a crucial research topic, but poorly understood and poorly communicated. There’s clearly a comic to be made—work is underway.

At the end of this 2003 Science Frontiers lecture, I mentioned the creation of a 1901 law association: "Operation Don Quixote." For months, people kept telling me, "Mr. Petit, if you start something, I’ll follow you."

Of course... from a distance.

It’s fine to be the one standing bare-chested on the barricade, cheered on by a crowd of followers. But this time, I said, "Start something yourselves—organize, create a 1901 law association, and I’ll just be a regular member" (which in fact happened).

And then—what a fiasco! What inefficiency! Months spent producing vague, endless statutes. In six months, the association issued membership cards and bought a stapler. It had an interim president who resigned quickly. Then came the defamation lawsuit brought against me by Antoine Giudicelli over the underground nuclear tests affair. Acquittal at first instance, but a conviction on appeal.

When the conviction was handed down (5,000 euros), some tentatively suggested, "Isn’t this an opportunity to support someone fighting for the public good?" But our brave Don Quixotes scattered, fearing "going to prison" (…). The president resigned promptly.

Shortly after, ufologist Robert Alessandri faced the wrath of the "justice system." Another defamation conviction. The plaintiff: Jean-Jacques Vélasco from CNES. Once again, the Don Quixote association made a lamentable resignation. I finally said:

"Good heavens, your association is useless. It doesn’t even have a president, and none of you want to run. There’s only a secretary. Let him send a circular letter to members suggesting that the funds be donated to the Restaurants du Cœur and the association be dissolved. At least the money would serve some purpose."

I don’t even know if that ever happened.

Some mountains give birth to mice.

By the way—who first put us on the trail of the Gardanne site near Aix-en-Provence? Jean-Yves Casgha, courageous journalist, who didn’t attend either the first-instance hearing or the appeal. He also didn’t show up for the funeral of our dear friend Jacques Benveniste, who died of exhaustion, dying from always fighting against the pack (and who had, in the process, significantly contributed to the festival’s success through his constant presence). Jean-Yves could have, exceptionally, told his radio show’s producer, "Today, play this tape. I won’t be able to answer live. My listeners will understand."

Biologist Testard, Jacques’ loyal friend, also didn’t attend, but had someone else read a text. Strange behavior. Yet just days later, both sang praises to the deceased comrade on the airwaves with warmth and fervor.

Good heavens, if there’s ever been a funeral I’d have traveled thousands of kilometers with a 40-degree fever, canceling any appointment, it’s this one. No one will be surprised if I no longer participate in this annual "Science Frontiers" event.

Poor Jacques. In the press, on forums, under the cautious cover of pseudonyms—even in death, people continue to slander you.

I’ve received the proofs of the article to be published in the December issue of the Palais de la Découverte magazine. It’s… pleasant. The public exhibition opens on Tuesday, December 19. You’ll be able to see an animation created by Jean-Stéphane Beetschen (note: 110 megabytes).

****Animation illustrating my theory on pyramid construction (110 MB)

(If it doesn’t play smoothly, manually adjust the slider to step through the phases.)

There will also be models. A rather peculiar detail: an exhibition about Egyptian pyramids—but without Egyptologists!

I’ll be participating in a conference-debate on Wednesday, January 17, 2007, in the afternoon, alongside Davidovts and Crozat.

On my website, you’ll find the result of ten months of effort: an open letter to politicians, and to those who support them, attempting to draw their attention to the breakthrough achieved in 2005 on the American "Z-machine." For me, this is the climax. I have no shame in stepping back. Nobody cares. There’s only one last bottle to throw into the sea. To the impossible, no one is bound. I’ll be more effective by adding a few lines to one of my books—now out of print and ready to join the free downloads. I’ll also be more effective using comics to spread ideas and techniques, since thanks to http://www.savoir-sans-frontieres.com, I can now reach many people in 32 different languages.

I’m touching people. People are responding. It’s true. Thanks to 300 donors, 77 translations into an unimaginable number of languages were possible. Things are moving—slowly, thanks to small wallets opening, donations from ordinary people, while at UNESCO they travel at the princess’s expense, congratulate themselves, and pop champagne at every opportunity. These donations resemble candle flames glowing in a cold night. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.

There’s also the GESTO report, very delayed. Our members won’t be disappointed. It will be substantial and comprehensive.

The best thing is not to overthink. Sam found me a T-shirt and a drawing board. I’m going to get to work. No need to linger over the mundane and the mediocre.