El Ojo Critico - No 58 - Jul 2008

Magazine Overview

'El Ojo Critico', issue number 58, dated July 2008, is a publication from GRUPO FENIX, based in La Coruña, Spain. The magazine focuses on investigative research into paranormal and anomalous phenomena, with this issue's cover headline highlighting the identification of authors behind declassified UFO files. The publication is presented as a 'CUADERNOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN PARA INVESTIGADORES' (Research Notebooks for Investigators).

Key Articles and Features

Identifying the Authors of Declassified UFO Files

The lead article, 'Los expedientes perdidos (6) Identificamos a los jueces de los OVNIs en España' (The Lost Files (6) We Identify the Judges of UFOs in Spain), reveals the identities of Spanish Air Force military personnel who investigated UFO cases. It details the process of these investigations, which involved interrogating witnesses, consulting military radar and meteorological data, and compiling reports. The article highlights specific judges like Colonel Fernando Zamorano Martínez, who investigated the controversial Bárdenas Reales case in 1975, and Commander Antonio Munaiz Ferro-Sastre, who authored four significant UFO case files in the Canary Islands. It emphasizes the challenges faced by civilian investigators compared to military judges who had access to more resources.

Psychology of Perception and Witness Reliability

Several articles touch upon the psychology of perception and the reliability of human witnesses. One article, 'Psicología de la percepción ¿Podemos confiar en los testigos humanos?' (Psychology of Perception: Can We Trust Human Witnesses?), questions the accuracy of eyewitness accounts. Another, 'Psicología del testimonio y anomalías' (Psychology of Testimony and Anomalies), further explores this theme. Commander Munaiz Ferro-Sastre, in his interview, discusses the reliability of witnesses, noting that farmers and Civil Guards were among the most dependable, especially when their testimony was given under official orders.

The Evolution of Sects in Spain

An extensive interview with Juantxo Domínguez, president of RedUNE (an association for the prevention of sectarian manipulation), discusses the changing landscape of sects in Spain. Domínguez explains that sects have evolved from traditional 'new religiosities' to more complex forms, often disguised as NGOs, 'underground economies,' or therapeutic centers. He notes their exploitation of immigration and economic hardship, and their increasing sophistication in using psychological manipulation. The interview also touches upon the legal and judicial challenges in combating these groups and the need for a dedicated observatory.

UFO Cases and Investigations

The magazine features several specific UFO cases. The Bárdenas Reales incident of January 2, 1975, is detailed, including Colonel Zamorano's conclusion that two unknown objects were involved, despite a public explanation suggesting a lunar halo. The article 'OVNI fotografiado en el valle de San Luis' (UFO Photographed in the San Luis Valley) presents a photograph of an unidentified object taken in Colorado. Another piece, 'OVNIS made in... helio' (UFOs Made in... Helium), debunks a sighting in Córdoba, Veracruz, attributing it to silver balloons released by children. The interview with Commander Munaiz Ferro-Sastre also revisits cases like the 'giants of Galdar' and 'ovni-misiles' from the Canary Islands, and a mysterious case in Tenerife that he concluded was an Unidentified Flying Object.

Historical Figures and Phenomena

The issue includes a historical piece titled 'Viajamos a Francia para reconstruir la vida del astrólogo más famoso Juicio a Nostradamus' (We Travel to France to Reconstruct the Life of the Most Famous Astrologer: Trial of Nostradamus). This article explores the life and legacy of Michel de Nostradamus, examining his prophecies and the historical context of his work, questioning his status as a prophet or charlatan.

Other Topics

Other articles cover a range of subjects, including 'La teoría Aerostática' (Aerostatic Theory), 'El síndrome del peregrino' (The Pilgrim Syndrome), 'Ariño: el caso del humanoide verde' (Ariño: The Case of the Green Humanoid), and 'Los monumentos a los OVNIS en el mundo' (UFO Monuments Around the World). There is also a section on 'Operaciones Psicológicas del CNI-CESID' (Psychological Operations of CNI-CESID), and a piece on J. Maskelyne, a magician against the Third Reich.

Social and Health Issues

Two shorter pieces address contemporary issues: 'Condenado por “curar” el SIDA con magia' (Sentenced for 'Curing' AIDS with Magic) reports on a case in South Africa where a doctor was prosecuted for promoting unproven treatments for HIV/AIDS. 'Llega el “vudú” político y deportivo' (Political and Sports 'Voodoo' Arrives) discusses the sale of voodoo dolls representing political figures like Hugo Chávez and Álvaro Uribe in Colombia, and a similar phenomenon related to the Eurocopa 2008 in Europe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

'El Ojo Critico' consistently maintains a critical and investigative stance, aiming to uncover hidden information and challenge official narratives, particularly concerning UFO phenomena and psychological manipulation. The magazine champions rigorous research and provides a platform for investigators who often operate outside mainstream channels. There is a clear emphasis on debunking hoaxes while also acknowledging genuinely unexplained events. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards simplistic explanations and a commitment to seeking deeper truths, often by identifying the individuals and organizations behind information or disinformation campaigns. The publication also shows a strong interest in the psychological aspects of belief and perception, and in social issues related to manipulation and control.

This issue of CRITICO magazine, dated January 2006, delves into a diverse range of topics, from the controversial prophecies of Nostradamus to theories of ancient aviation and a newly identified psychiatric condition related to the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

Nostradamus: Prophecies or Coincidences?

The magazine opens with an examination of Nostradamus, questioning the validity of his prophecies. It discusses the epitaph of Nostradamus, his life, and his alleged medical skills. The article highlights his most famous prophecy, the death of King Henry II, and notes how many of his predictions are seen as coincidental or interpreted 'a posteriori.' The text references James Randi's skepticism, who suggests Nostradamus manipulated past events to appear prophetic. The article also explores alleged prophecies concerning historical events like the execution of Charles I, the death of Marie Antoinette, the Normandy landings, and the papacy of John Paul I. It even touches upon the mention of 'Americh,' possibly referring to America. However, it also points out instances where Nostradamus' predictions, like the 1999 doomsday prophecy, were inaccurate. The debate is framed as a 'singular duel' between defenders and adversaries of the French astrologer.

Further sections analyze specific historical events through the lens of Nostradamus' quatrains. The rise of Napoleon is linked to verses describing an emperor from Italy who would be sold dearly and considered more of a butcher than a prince. The Spanish Civil War is purportedly predicted in a quatrain mentioning 'castel Franco' and 'Ribera,' though an alternative interpretation links 'Castelfranco Emilia' in Italy to the verse. Adolf Hitler is suggested as the 'second Antichrist' based on a prophecy about a child born in Western Europe who would seduce the masses and gain fame in the East, with 'Hister' being phonetically linked to Hitler, despite also being the Latin name for the Danube River. The assassination of John F. Kennedy is explored through quatrains describing a 'sudden death of the first personage' and a 'great ruin falling from the ceiling,' with Lee Harvey Oswald potentially being the 'innocent made dead' and scapegoat. The controversial 9/11 attacks are also analyzed, with verses about a 'garden of the world' near a new city and 'hollow mountains' being interpreted as references to New York and skyscrapers, and an attack. A prophecy about a powerful figure from 'happy Arabia' is also mentioned. Finally, the 11-M attacks in Madrid are tentatively linked to a quatrain describing a 'false message' and a 'chapel stained with blood,' with interpretations involving political propaganda and electoral gains.

The Aerostatic Theory: "The Ancients Could Fly"

This section shifts focus to archaeology and ancient technologies, proposing the 'aerostatic theory' that ancient civilizations possessed the ability to fly. It begins with the discovery of large, star-shaped stone formations near Lake Uureg on the border of Siberia and Mongolia. These formations, visible only from the air, are described as having a central circle and radiating 'spokes,' reminiscent of the Nazca lines. The author, Manuel Carballal, recounts his personal experience of discovering these formations and their scale.

Further exploration into similar archaeological sites worldwide, visible only from the air, such as the 'giant' of Cerne Abbas, the 'tall man' of Wilmington, and various geoglyphs in Africa and America, supports the theory. The article discusses the 'Vimana' from ancient Indian texts, which are described as spectacular flying machines. While some attribute these to extraterrestrial technology, the article proposes an alternative: ancient terrestrial aviation.

It highlights the work of Bartolomeu Lourenço de Gusmão, a Portuguese Jesuit priest who, in 1709, presented a hot-air balloon called the 'Passarola,' predating the Montgolfier brothers' invention. His work, however, was largely overlooked and he faced persecution. The article also mentions other early pioneers of flight, including Leonardo da Vinci, John Wilkins, Hazarfen Selebi, and Roger Bacon, who conceived of various flying devices.

The Nazca lines in Peru are presented as a key piece of evidence. Pilot Eduardo Herrán, who discovered many of the Nazca geoglyphs, suggests that the ancient Paracas people may have used large textiles, similar to those found in tombs, to create hot-air balloons for flight over the lines. Jim Woodman, a member of the International Explorers Society, conducted an experiment in 1975, constructing a tetrahedron-shaped balloon using indigenous materials and successfully flying it to an altitude of 130 meters, demonstrating the feasibility of ancient Nazca flight.

The Pilgrim's Syndrome

The final section introduces a new psychiatric pathology: 'the pilgrim's syndrome,' identified by psychiatrist Jesús de la Gándara. This syndrome affects some pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago and is characterized by intense mysticism, fatigue, and a history of mental health issues. The article notes that 70% of those affected are male, with an average age of 40. Symptoms include acute psychotic episodes, behavioral disorders, hallucinations, and delusions. The writer also mentions the writer Paulo Coelho, whose book 'Diario de un Mago' (republished as 'El peregrino de Compostela') popularized the Camino de Santiago, and suggests he bears some responsibility for the emergence of this syndrome.

The syndrome is compared to other conditions like Stendhal syndrome and Jerusalem syndrome, which involve intense emotional or psychological reactions triggered by art or specific locations. The article provides brief case examples of individuals affected by the pilgrim's syndrome.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of history, mystery, and speculative theories. It questions established narratives by presenting alternative explanations for historical events and phenomena, often drawing on archaeological evidence and ancient texts. The editorial stance appears to favor critical examination of claims, presenting both supporting arguments and counterarguments, and leaving the reader to draw their own conclusions. There is a recurring theme of challenging conventional wisdom and exploring the possibility of lost ancient technologies and forgotten knowledge. The magazine also touches upon the human fascination with the unknown, whether it be through prophecies, ancient mysteries, or psychological phenomena.

This issue of CRITICO, identified by its issue number 26, focuses on the intersection of the paranormal, espionage, and architecture, with a particular emphasis on UFO phenomena. The cover story, "El factor emocional en la experiencia OVNI y su repercusión en la arquitectura" (The emotional factor in the UFO experience and its repercussion on architecture), sets the tone for the magazine's exploration of these themes.

Articles

The Camino de Santiago and Mental Health

The article "Un gran manicomio ambulante" (A great walking asylum) by Joel Gómez discusses a study by psychiatrist Jesús de la Gándara on the mental health of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. While the Camino has a tradition of healing, Gándara's research suggests that there might be a higher proportion of individuals with mental health issues among pilgrims compared to the general population. The study is presented as the "tip of the iceberg," with plans for further investigation. The Camino is described as a "great walking asylum" by experts.

Near-Death Experiences (NDEs)

An article titled "Una publicación analiza las experiencias cercanas a la muerte. ¿Existe consciencia tras la muerte?" (A publication analyzes near-death experiences. Does consciousness exist after death?) explores the phenomenon of NDEs. It references Edgar Allan Poe's "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar" and highlights research by Penny Sartori, an intensive care nurse, who documented around 300 cases of NDEs, particularly in cardiac arrest patients. These experiences often involve out-of-body sensations, tunnels of light, and reunions with loved ones. The article also mentions the work of the late Dr. Enrique Vila in Spain, who collected testimonies of patients who had experienced clinical death.

The Green Humanoid of Huesca

"Encuentro Cercano inédito en Huesca: Ariño: el caso del humanoide verde" (Unprecedented Close Encounter in Huesca: Ariño: the case of the green humanoid) details a sighting in 1993 near Barbastro, Huesca, Spain. A couple witnessed a green humanoid figure, approximately 1 to 1.5 meters tall, wearing a green suit with rectangular extensions. The figure moved rapidly and floated away. Another incident in 1995 at the same location involved a large, bright white light that caused a car to stop and its occupants to experience fear until the light departed.

UFOs and Architecture

The section "Los Monumentos al OVNI en el mundo" (UFO Monuments around the world) explores the phenomenon of "ufological architecture." It begins with the story of Juan Minguela, a hairdresser from Vigo, Spain, who, after a close encounter with a UFO in 1974, built a small monument from scrap metal. The article then showcases various buildings and monuments globally inspired by UFOs, including a journalist's chalet shaped like a flying saucer, a project by architect Mario Rangel to compile such structures, a UFO museum in the US, a monument in New York commemorating Orson Wells' "War of the Worlds" broadcast, a UFO crash site memorial in Roswell, New Mexico, and a flying saucer-shaped gas station in Ohio. It also features memorials for pilots who died while pursuing UFOs, such as Thomas F. Mantell Jr. and Felix Eugene Moncla Jr., and various other UFO-themed sites and memorials in Brazil, Canada, France, Australia, and Poland.

Espionage and the Paranormal

"Los Expedientes X del Servicio Secreto español: Operaciones Psicológicas: lo paranormal al servicio del espionaje" (The X-Files of the Spanish Secret Service: Psychological Operations: the paranormal in the service of espionage) reveals how secret services have used paranormal phenomena for intelligence gathering. The article describes how agents have recruited psychics, astrologers, and mediums. It cites examples of Ronald Reagan's reliance on astrologer Carroll Righter and François Mitterrand's consultations with psychic Elizabeth Teissier. The core idea is that the faith leaders place in such individuals provides secret services with access to their thoughts, concerns, and political weaknesses, allowing for potential manipulation.

Fraudulent Psychics

"Un conocido contertulio en varios programas de televisión: Identificado y procesado otro falso vidente" (A well-known panelist on various television programs: Another false psychic identified and prosecuted) details a case of esoterical fraud. The article describes how a victim was scammed out of money by a man posing as a psychic named "Miguel Angel Hervás" (real name Miguel Angel García Lemos). The fraudster, who had appeared on TV, promised a ritual for luck and a trip to Israel, ultimately disappearing with the victim's money. The article calls for other potential victims to come forward.

The Roldán Case and UFOs

Another article, "BUSCANDO A ROLDAN DESESPERADAMENTE..." (Searching for Roldán Desperately...), discusses the fugitive Luis Roldán. It highlights how the newspaper "El Mundo" found him before the secret services did. The article speculates that Roldán's transport back to Spain might have involved an unidentified flying object detected on radar, suggesting a connection between the Roldán case and the broader mystery of UFOs and government secrecy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained, the paranormal, and their intersection with human experience, including psychology, espionage, and even architecture. The magazine presents a critical yet open-minded approach, documenting alleged sightings, research, and even instances of fraud. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigating and reporting on these phenomena, often highlighting the potential for manipulation and deception, while also acknowledging the genuine curiosity and emotional impact these events can have on individuals and society. The use of "CRITICO" as the magazine title suggests a critical analysis of the information presented.

This issue of "Espías y OVNIS en España" (Spies and UFOs in Spain) delves into the complex relationship between intelligence agencies, secret services, and the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), particularly within the Spanish context. The publication date is inferred to be around 1997, based on the content referencing a 1997 book by Pilar Urbano.

Espionage and the Paranormal

The magazine explores how intelligence services, including the CIA, KGB, and MI5, have historically shown interest in individuals with psychic abilities and the paranormal. It is argued that such abilities can be exploited for espionage, regardless of their actual reality. The article highlights the case of Lobsang Jigme, a medium who allegedly convinced the Dalai Lama to flee to India, but whose 'spirit' was reportedly a CIA agent.

CESID and UFOs

Spanish secret services, specifically CESID (now CNI), are examined for their involvement with the paranormal and UFOs. It is suggested that CESID agents infiltrated circles of psychics and mediums to gain influence and information. Pilar Urbano's book, "Yo entré en el CESID," is cited as a source for how CESID agents used a psychic to gain the confidence of a Polish diplomat.

Javier Calderón, then Director General of CESID, is quoted as stating that while 'little green men' are not a CESID concern, any invasion of airspace, regardless of its nature, affects national security and thus falls under the purview of secret services. However, a letter from former CESID Director General Emilio Alonso Manglano to J.J. Benítez is mentioned, suggesting a potentially contradictory stance.

Psychic Involvement in Intelligence

Former FBI agent Robert Ressler, known for his work on serial killers, is quoted as saying that his agency considers any form of information gathering useful, even from psychics. The article notes that Ressler had invited psychics to the FBI headquarters. Similarly, it is suggested that the Spanish '007,' Colonel Juan Alberto Perote, also showed interest in the paranormal and attempted to recruit psychics for CESID.

Perote himself explained that when conventional methods fail to extract information, especially in cases like ETA kidnappings, secret services might resort to unconventional means, including consulting psychics.

UFO Incidents and Recovered Objects

The magazine presents several alleged UFO incidents in Spain:

• Lora del Rio, Sevilla (December 1965): Multiple 'fireballs' were observed falling from the sky, creating a crater. Three hollow spheres, weighing 14 kg and 38 cm in diameter, were recovered and sent to INTA for analysis. The material was identified as titanium alloy. The report suggested these objects might not be from a publicly announced Soviet launch but from a later, unannounced one. The CIA reportedly requested the spheres for analysis at the Battelle Memorial Institute.
• Fuentes de Cantos, Badajoz, and Montemolinos (around 1965): Other spheres were reportedly discovered and recovered.
• El Coronil/Montellano (August 1989): North American troops from the Rota air base collected the remains of a UFO that had been sighted and filmed by witnesses.
• Barbate, Cádiz (1996): A triangular craft allegedly crashed, and US troops from Rota collected the debris. Witnesses reported the presence of American troops.
• Cando, A Coruña (January 1994): An object crashed, leaving a large crater. Military personnel appeared at the scene. An official report suggested it could be a secret military test.

Soviet and Italian Origins

The spheres recovered in Lora del Rio had Cyrillic inscriptions, pointing to a Soviet origin, possibly related to the Vostok spacecraft. However, the INTA experts suggested they might be from a later, unannounced launch. The object recovered near Barbate was identified as a possible Italian military artifact.

Jasper Maskelyne: Illusionist and WWII Operative

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Jasper Maskelyne, a magician who served in the British army during WWII. His contributions focused on deception and camouflage techniques to mislead the German forces.

• Defense of Alexandria (1941): Maskelyne created a replica of the port of Alexandria in a nearby bay (Maryut) to divert German bombers. This involved using lights, illusions, and controlled explosions.
• Suez Canal (Autumn 1941): He developed a system of 'rotating pulverizers' for searchlights to blind enemy pilots, effectively protecting the Suez Canal.
• Battle of El Alamein (1942): Maskelyne orchestrated a large-scale deception operation, codenamed 'Pie Ligero,' by creating fake military installations (tanks, cannons, planes) in the south to draw German forces away from the actual attack point in the north. This involved using the 'solar shield' technique to disguise tanks as trucks.

Maskelyne's work extended to other countries, and he continued to use his skills in espionage and deception throughout the war.

Other Cases and Investigations

• Espionage and UFOs: The article mentions a case where a Spanish agent, 'Soledad,' was allegedly murdered by the CIA in 1975 while investigating UFOs and the Sahara issue. Her investigation reportedly involved a UFO incident detected on radar near the Canary Islands.
• Scientology Case: A legal case is detailed where a young man from Galicia is being sued by the Church of Scientology for sending an email that the church considered a death threat. The FBI was involved in the investigation.

Psychology of Testimony

The issue includes an extensive section on the psychology of testimony, discussing the reliability of eyewitness accounts. It explores how perception and memory can be influenced by various factors, including the nature of the event, the witness's characteristics (age, gender, race, stress levels), and the interview process. The article uses examples of convicted criminals like Ted Bundy and Peter Sutcliffe to illustrate how witness descriptions can be flawed.

Factors Affecting Testimony Accuracy

• Event Variables: Factors like object size, speed, color, luminosity, duration of exposure, and the level of violence can affect perception and memory.
• Witness Variables: Gender, race, age (children and elderly being more prone to errors), and stress levels can influence testimony.
• Evaluation Variables: The witness's role, group pressure, preparation of statements, and the time elapsed since the event all play a part.
• Interview Method: The way questions are asked and the interviewer's approach can significantly impact the accuracy of a witness's statement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of espionage, intelligence agencies, and the paranormal, with a particular focus on UFO phenomena in Spain. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that secret services have a vested interest in investigating and potentially exploiting psychic abilities and UFO sightings for their own purposes. There is a critical undertone towards official denials and a suggestion that hidden truths about UFOs and intelligence operations are being suppressed. The detailed examination of psychological factors affecting testimony suggests a concern for the reliability of evidence, especially in cases involving anomalous phenomena and intelligence activities.

This issue of EOC magazine, titled "Reflexiones sobre el Mal" (Reflections on Evil), delves into profound questions about the nature of evil, human behavior, political corruption, and the manipulation of information. The magazine presents a critical view of society, questioning the origins of malice and injustice on Earth.

The Nature of Evil and Human Evolution

The issue begins by referencing the belief of the seer Parravicini that Earth is a "planet of punishment" where individuals who behaved poorly in previous cosmic lives are sent. The author finds this idea increasingly plausible given the chaotic and self-destructive state of human society. A distinction is made between "evolved" and "un-evolved" individuals. Evolved individuals are described as peaceful, responsible, and focused on personal growth and helping others. Un-evolved individuals, conversely, are portrayed as more audacious, prone to causing conflict, and less sensitive to genetic deficiencies related to power and money.

The core of the discussion revolves around the persistent question of why evil, war, irrationality, and violence plague humanity. The author dismisses traditional explanations from theologians (Satan, free will) and scientists (brain mechanisms, neurosynapses) as inadequate. Instead, the magazine proposes a more audacious search for alternative explanations for the "deceptive and belligerent mentality" affecting millions.

Political Corruption and Media Manipulation

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a scathing critique of political leaders worldwide. The author describes them as a "governing riffraff" – thieves, mafiosi, criminals, liars, psychotics, and traitors. The article lists numerous historical and contemporary figures, including Stalin, Mao, Hitler, Idi Amin, Pol Pot, Kim Il Sung, Fidel Castro, Yeltsin, Milosevic, Pinochet, Franco, and many others, accusing them of corruption, deceit, and abuse of power. The author argues that the presence of such individuals at the helm of nations logically leads to the current state of the world.

The magazine questions how such individuals attain power, even in seemingly democratic regimes. It attributes this to the manipulation of the masses by media, the scarcity of honest politicians, and the pervasive corruption that has infiltrated democratic institutions. The concept of the "Fourth Power" (the press and mass media) is presented not as an instrument for informing citizens but as a tool for manipulation by politicians and the powerful.

The Case of John Swinton and the Free Press

The issue includes a powerful anecdote about John Swinton, a prominent journalist from the late 19th century. Swinton, at a dinner honoring the free press, declared that a truly free press does not exist. He argued that journalists are paid not to express their honest opinions, and that to do so would lead to their dismissal. He famously stated, "We are the tools and servants of the rich who are behind the scenes. We are just puppets; they pull the strings and we dance. Our talents, our abilities, and our lives belong to them. We are intellectual prostitutes."

Crop Circles and Advertising

The magazine investigates the phenomenon of crop circles, distinguishing between genuine anomalies and hoaxes. It reveals that a recent series of crop circles in Spain, which initially generated mystery, were actually part of an advertising campaign for a rum brand called "Seven Tiki." The article details how the company orchestrated the creation and dissemination of these circles, using media to generate publicity. It criticizes the ease with which many people are fooled by such manufactured mysteries, while also acknowledging the efforts of genuine investigators.

Other Briefs and Book Reviews

Several other short articles and reviews are included:

• "Luis Roldán... teleplásmico": A review of a novel by Eladio Romero that parodies popular mystery novels and features the former Civil Guard director Luis Roldán and the "faces of Belchite."
• "Raudive repite experimento en España": Reports on a Spanish TCI association attempting to replicate Konstantin Raudive's experiments with electronic voice phenomena (EVP).
• "Magdalena del Amo antiabortista": A brief mention of Magdalena del Amo-Freixedo, a figure in the mystery world in Spain, who is finishing a new book.
• "6ª generación, 7ª generación... ¿?": Highlights young individuals, like Anaïs Madera Roldán, who are emerging as new investigators in the field of mystery.
• "Benitez se retira... en 2 años": Announces that J.J. Benítez will progressively retire starting in 2010.
• "'Curanderos', de L Alba, reeditado": Mentions the re-edition of Luisa Alba's book "Sanadores. Mensajeros de la Conciencia."
• "Guía del Aragón misterioso": A review of Carlos Gutiérrez Tutor's book on mysterious phenomena in Aragón.
• "Reinvestigan el caso Ballesteros": Reports that the case of the alleged healer Ballesteros is being reinvestigated due to suspected fraud.
• "Vuelve Espacio en Blanco": Announces the return of the radio program "Espacio en Blanco" hosted by Miguel Blanco.
• "Madeleine esta muerta...": A brief note about a psychic's claim regarding the Madeleine McCann case.
• "La foto:": Discusses an architectural carving in Salamanca Cathedral that some interpret as a modern astronaut, explaining it as a modern addition during restoration.
• "La noche de los Orbes": An account of a witness who photographed unusual spheres around the moon, with the magazine suggesting a plausible explanation involving light refraction within the camera lens.
• "Benitez nos regala el archivo grafico de Hynek": Announces that J.J. Benítez is making Dr. Hynek's graphic archive available online.
• "La Biblioteca del Investigador": Reviews of "Diccionario Temático de Ufología" and "13 escalones del mentalismo."
• "El 'ovni de Cacheiras' volvió...": A call for testimonies regarding a sighting in Cacheiras, Spain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive nature of evil and corruption in human society, the manipulative power of political leaders and the media, and the debunking of manufactured mysteries. The magazine's editorial stance is critical and skeptical, particularly towards claims of paranormal or extraterrestrial phenomena that are not supported by rigorous investigation. It advocates for a scientific and rational approach to understanding mysteries, while also acknowledging the human desire for wonder and the potential for genuine unexplained events. The publication seems to position itself as a voice of reason against sensationalism and deception, encouraging readers to question and seek verifiable evidence.

This issue of the magazine focuses on the 50th anniversary of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), Spain's oldest ufology organization. The main article, written by Ramón Alvarez, traces the history of the CEI, its founders, publications, and significant figures.

Bodas de oro en la ufología española: 50 años de CEI

The article details the founding of the CEI by four friends: Eduardo Buelta, a postal worker; Antonio Pelegrí, a lawyer; Antonio Ribera, a ufology patriarch; and Marius Lleget, a scientific journalist. The organization was legally established on October 9, 1958. Early meetings took place at Eduardo Buelta's home in Barcelona.

Eduardo Buelta and the 'Ciclo Bienal'

Eduardo Buelta, the first President of the CEI, had previously published a 28-page booklet titled "Astronaves sobre la Tierra" in 1955. In it, he presented his theory of the 'Ciclo Bienal', a period of two years and two months that occurs when Mars is closest to Earth, coinciding with UFO waves. While Buelta's theory was supported by Aimé Michel, Jimmy Guieu, and Jacques Vallée, the discovery of the 'Ciclo Bienal' is attributed to Oscar Rey Brea, who published it in 1954.

Ribera described Buelta as a complex figure: "dogmatic, extravagant, intransigent, but a genius." Buelta died on February 13, 1973, having withdrawn from his friends and the subject in his later years.

Publications

The CEI launched its first publication, 'Boletín del CEI', in January 1959, dedicated to unidentified phenomena. Nine issues were published. Between 1970 and 1981, 45 issues of the magazine 'Stendek' were published, along with a special issue on landings in the Iberian Peninsula. Key figures behind these publications included Joan Crexell, Josep Serra, and Pere Redón. In 1994, they launched 'Papers d'Ovnis', which ceased publication in 2005 but has since been revived, with a new phase beginning in July 2008.

The CEI Archives

The CEI's data archive serves as the foundation for the CATIB (Catálogo Ibérico), the most comprehensive UFO catalog in Spain, containing over 3500 reports from the Iberian Peninsula. The CEI also maintains a significant library with hundreds of volumes on ufology, a hemeroteca with thousands of magazines and newspapers, a videotheque, and an audio archive of testimonies.

'El Manual del Ufólogo'

In 1979, Catalan investigator Alberto Adell, who was vice-president of the CEI and a member of Stendek's Consulting Council, published "Manual del Ufólogo." This book focused on field investigation methodology, including the study of material evidence and effects left by UFOs. Adell provided guidelines for interviews and a chapter on identifying phenomena that could be mistaken for UFOs, such as meteorological events, natural occurrences, or terrestrial technology like meteorites, ball lightning, or space debris. The book had poor sales due to distribution issues. Alberto Adell passed away on September 6, 1983.

Presidents of the CEI

Over the years, several individuals have presided over the CEI, including Eduardo Buelta (1958), Mariano Velasco (1968), Luis María Vallés Tuset (1969), José Mª Casas Huguet (1972), Ramón Simó (1978), Pere Redón (1980), and Martí Fló (2002). Antonio Ribera served as honorary president since 1968 until his death on September 23, 2001. The CEI's headquarters moved from Calle Balmes, N° 86, to Calle Bruc, N° 88, in Barcelona.

The issue congratulates the CEI on its 50th anniversary and the relaunch of 'Papers d'Ovnis'.

El Ojo Crítico - Other Content

Page 2 of the scanned document shows covers and content listings for "El Ojo Crítico," a publication that appears to be related to investigative research, possibly including ufology and other mysteries. One cover headline reads "La alternativa razonable" (The reasonable alternative), and another mentions "En el Egipto faraónico no hay extraterrestre" (In pharaonic Egypt there are no extraterrestrials). The publication also notes its upcoming 15th anniversary and 60th issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the historical significance and longevity of ufological research in Spain, exemplified by the CEI's 50 years of activity. The magazine appears to support and document the history of ufological organizations and their contributions to the field, while also presenting critical perspectives through "El Ojo Crítico."