EL OJO CRÍTICO

Magazine Overview

Title: EL OJO CRÍTICO
Issue: nen (Circular Informativa Independiente Sobre Los Supuestos Fenómenos Anómalos)
Date: June 1995
Publisher: EL OJO CRÍTICO
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

Article 1: Filología y Contactos ETs

The lead article, "Unos extraterrestres muy humanos... FILOLOGIA Y CONTACTOS ETS," by Manuel Carballal, explores the linguistic implications of alleged UFO encounters. The author questions the common assertion that extraterrestrials (ETs) speak the witness's native language perfectly, suggesting that such cases might be less authentic than they appear. Drawing on linguistic theory, Carballal posits that while the capacity to emit and interpret sounds is fundamental to human language, the complexity lies in the shared code of signs and the underlying concepts. He argues that if an ET were to communicate verbally, it would require not only the ability to process and represent concepts but also the capacity to receive and interpret linguistic signs. The article touches upon Noam Chomsky's theories on innate language acquisition and the role of environmental input. Carballal concludes that while the idea of an ET learning a human language is not inherently impossible, the reported fluency in many cases seems improbable, suggesting that perhaps these are not genuine extraterrestrial encounters but rather misinterpretations or hoaxes.

Article 2: OVNIS Y PILOTOS: INFORME SOBRE 200 CASOS ESPAÑOLES (3ª Parte)

This investigative report details findings from a study of 200 UFO sightings by Spanish pilots and aviation professionals. It reveals that only 19% of these cases involved a 'radar/visual' confirmation, where an unknown radar trace was visually confirmed by civilian witnesses. The study breaks down the witnesses' professions: 29% were military, 47% were civilian pilots, controllers, or radarists, and 24% involved both civilian and military personnel. The article debunks the myth that UFOs are only seen at night, stating that 34.5% of observations occurred during the day. It also addresses the 'Electromagnetic Effect' (EEM), noting that while many reports describe interference with aircraft systems (radio, compasses, radar), these instances are rare but significant due to their potential impact on flight safety. The report highlights that while some pilots attribute sightings to unusual atmospheric phenomena or experimental aircraft, a small percentage (5.39%) consider them to be non-human craft.

Article 3: EL OJO CRITICO EN GARABANDAL: CRONICA DE UNA VIRGEN ANUNCIADA

This article recounts the events surrounding a reported apparition of the Virgin Mary in Garabandal, Spain, on April 13, 1995 (Maundy Thursday). Thousands of people gathered for the event, which was preceded by alleged messages from Archangel San Miguel to four young girls in 1961. The report describes the scene as one of "hysteria mística" with devotees praying and seeking miracles. It notes the presence of a parish priest and a psychiatrist who medically authenticated the girls' mystical trances. The article mentions a final apocalyptic message from one of the visionaries in 1965. It describes the final event where the Virgin supposedly spoke in English, then switched to a "crude Mexican" dialect, leaving many disappointed. The author concludes that the Garabandal phenomenon is a significant social event that demonstrates how "mountains move faith."

Book Reviews:

"OVNIS Y PILOTOS" by Manuel Carballal:
This book, part of the "Nueva Biblioteca de los Temas Ocultos" collection, is described as a comprehensive study of secret prototypes, secret weapons, and unconventional aircraft often mistaken for UFOs. Despite some errors and a misleading original title, the book is praised for its technical information derived from military and aeronautical sources. It differentiates between documented historical events and UFO myths, particularly regarding 'Nazi UFOs,' and includes speculative theories in its final chapter.

"LOS PELIGROS DEL ESOTERISMO" by Manuel Carballal:
This review highlights the book's compilation of risks associated with paranormal practices. It covers obsessions, dependencies, esoteric scams, false psychics, suicides linked to contactees, and crimes stemming from esoteric practices. Carballal bases his work on personal investigations, detailing notable cases like the 'suicides of Tarzasa,' the 'Palacio de Linares' fraud, and the Almansa crime. The review particularly commends the chapter on 'Frauds, scams, and tricksters,' where the author criticizes both the credulous and the skeptical. It is recommended for those new to these subjects and for veteran investigators.

Other Sections:

• VARIOS:
• CREAN FUNDACION SOBRE OVNIS: An announcement about the creation of the "FUNDACION ANOMALIA" in Santander, dedicated to the rational and scientific study of UFOs. Its objectives include promoting research, preserving archives, and disseminating information.
• UFOLOGIA PORTUGUESA: A brief mention of the second issue of the Portuguese publication ANOMALIA, which features articles on UFOs from a scientific perspective and proceedings from a conference in Oporto.
• EL OJO CRITICO Y LA POLICIA: This section states that "EL OJO CRÍTICO" collaborates with the Spanish National Police's Intelligence Brigade, providing information on phenomena like UFOs, cults, and sects to assist in their investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on anomalous phenomena, particularly UFOs, approached from a critical and investigative perspective. There is a strong emphasis on debunking myths and separating fact from speculation, especially concerning pilot sightings and alleged alien communications. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous analysis and scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. The magazine also covers related topics such as esotericism and religious anomalies, maintaining a critical yet open-minded approach. The publication actively engages with its readership through letters and subscription offers, positioning itself as a source of genuine, unadulterated information.