La Nave de los Locos - No 19

Magazine Overview

Title: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Issue: No. 19
Volume: Year 3
Date: November 2002
Publisher: La Nave de los Locos
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish
Cover Price: $ 400

This issue of "La Nave de los Locos" (The Ship of Fools) delves into Argentine ufology, focusing on its "great and small protagonists." The cover highlights a critical article debunking alleged plagiarism by Benítez, and touches upon UFOs and atomic bombs, alongside a promotion for the book "Elementos de Ovnilogía."

Editorial

The editorial, titled "EDIT EDITORIAL," posits that the primary issue in ufology is not the existence of mysteries but the human responses to them. It criticizes individuals who become overly engrossed in the subject, making it their sole focus. The magazine aims to inject humor into its reporting to offer a distinct perspective on topics often treated with excessive seriousness. This issue features an interview with Diego Viegas, a key figure in the now-defunct CIFO of Rosario, and an article by Guillermo Roncoroni about Jacques Vallée's visit to Buenos Aires in the early 1980s. A special feature is the book "Elementos de Ovnilogía" by Milton Hourcade, noted as difficult to find.

Articles and Features

OVNIS, MENTIRAS Y VIDEOS (UFOs, Lies, and Videos) by Alejandro Agostinelli (Argentina):
This article critically examines the actions of ufologist Antonio Las Heras, accusing him of promoting fraudulent claims. Agostinelli recounts Las Heras's appearance on the TV show "Hola Susana" where he presented a video filmed in Mar del Plata on April 14, 1993, claiming it was an analysis of an extraterrestrial craft. Las Heras asserted the object was metallic, moved slowly, and was not a known phenomenon. He also criticized those concerned about the "disappearance of UFOs." However, the article reveals that the video was likely of Jupiter, observed at a low elevation on the evening it was filmed. The author details his efforts to have his critique aired on the program, facing resistance from the production team.

EL OVNI QUE SE PARECÍA TANTO A JÚPITER (The UFO that Looked So Much Like Jupiter):
This section details the Mar del Plata UFO incident presented by Antonio Las Heras. Las Heras claimed the video, filmed by Rubén Lamattina, showed an unidentified object. However, the analysis presented suggests the object was Jupiter, visible shortly after sunset. The article questions Las Heras's technical analysis and his claims about the video being a prime piece of evidence.

EL ÁNGEL CHUSMA (The Gossip Angel):
This section introduces Juan Guillermo Aguilera (J.G.A.), who presented himself as a UFO "investigator." Aguilera allegedly spread gossip about other ufologists, including Fabio Zerpa and Antonio Las Heras. He claimed to have information that could debunk them. However, it's revealed that Aguilera was likely still aligned with Las Heras, attempting to gather information for him. He reportedly offered data to the CAIRP (Center for Ufological Research and Studies) to correct their perceived errors and proposed a network called "CIELO" (Center for Investigation and Study of UFOs) to be funded by Las Heras's program.

EL FRAUDE POR DENTRO (The Fraud from Within):
This part of the article details a meeting with Aguilera, who claimed to have left Las Heras's "Instituto" and wanted to share information. Aguilera recounted how the Lamattina video was allegedly staged, with the narrative about the filming being fabricated. He also claimed that Las Heras's reputation suffered after the TV appearance, leading to a decline in clients and financial difficulties. Aguilera admitted his intention was to convince people to fund a congress and bring in foreign ufologists.

Diego Viegas: "HAY UNA CLAVE EN LOS ESTADOS NO ORDINARIOS DE CONCIENCIA” (Diego Viegas: "There is a Key in Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness") by Sergio Sánchez R. (Chile):
This is an interview with Diego Rodolfo Viegas, an Argentine ufologist, co-founder of CIFO (Circle of Investigators of the UFO Phenomenon) in Rosario. Viegas holds heterodox and demythologizing views on ufology, critical of traditional extraterrestrial hypotheses. He discusses the origins of CIFO in Rosario, a city with a rich history of UFO research. CIFO was founded in 1991 by a group of researchers aiming for a rational and scientific approach to ufology, distinct from religious or purely speculative groups. Viegas emphasizes the importance of integrating ufology with a broader understanding of science, including quantum physics, epistemology, and mythology, and highlights the role of non-ordinary states of consciousness.

Ufología Racional's Theoretical Frameworks:
Viegas explains the theoretical foundations of "Ufología Racional" (Rational Ufology). This approach seeks to move beyond the "Romantic" (Etista) and "Scientific" schools of thought. It incorporates concepts from epistemologists like Gastón Bachelard and the idea of an "emerging paradigm." Key concepts include "EVI" (Indeterminate Visual Stimulus) as a replacement for OVNI, "THAT" or "The It" for verifiable hypotheses, "psycho-ortoteny" for spatial-temporal significations, and "Calfet" (Skull-Fetus) linking abductee grays with death symbolism. The approach views the UFO phenomenon as an indeterminate aspect of human reality, inherent to humans, and suggests that terms like "UFOs" and "Extraterrestrials" have become epistemological obstacles.

The Evolution of Ufology and CIFO's Role:
Viegas describes how "Ufología Racional" attempts to create a new vocabulary and framework for understanding UFO phenomena, distinguishing itself from both simplistic "paraufological" ideas of the 1970s and the dogmatic beliefs of other groups. CIFO organized "Jornadas de Ufología Racional" (Rational Ufology Conferences) to foster debate and refine their approach. They faced criticism from both believers and skeptics, being labeled as "skeptics" or "believers" depending on the audience. The core tenets of "Ufología Racional" are summarized as:
1. Romantic/Naive Ufology: Believes in the extraterrestrial dogma, seeking to confirm it rather than discover facts, leading to stagnation.
2. Witness Reports: While providing perceptions of visual stimuli, these reports are insufficient for objective scientific knowledge, as ufology cannot solely rely on empiricism.
3. Rational Ufology: Offers a global, holistic view, embracing a more advanced epistemology. It speculates intuitively, distancing itself from extraterrestrial hypotheses and from "explanicacionistas" (skeptics) who deny the phenomenon. It views the phenomenon as unique, original, and influenced by subjectivity.
4. The Phenomenon's Nature: The phenomenon is inherent to humans and an indeterminate aspect of reality.
5. Obstacles to Understanding: The terms "UFOs" and "Extraterrestrials" have become loaded with meaning and act as epistemological barriers. Witnesses perceive "Indeterminate Visual Stimuli" (EVI), and the true nature of the phenomenon is not necessarily linked to extraterrestrial origins.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards sensationalist claims in ufology, particularly those promoted by figures like Antonio Las Heras. It advocates for a more rational, scientific, and nuanced approach to the study of UFO phenomena, emphasizing critical thinking and the examination of evidence. The editorial stance is one of intellectual rigor, seeking to debunk fraud and misrepresentation while exploring the complexities of the subject from a grounded perspective. There's a clear disdain for what the magazine considers "foolishness" or "trivialities," preferring to focus on reasoned analysis.

'La Nave de los Locos' Nº 19, published in November 2002, is an issue dedicated to exploring the landscape of ufology, particularly within Argentina, and features a critical look at prominent figures and historical developments in the field. The magazine delves into theoretical frameworks, personal journeys of researchers, and the evolution of the study of UFO phenomena.

The 'THAT' Hypothesis and the Limits of Ufology

The issue begins by discussing the 'THAT' hypothesis, which posits a larger, informational system beyond ordinary perception, of which UFO phenomena are a subsystem. This hypothesis suggests that understanding the phenomenon might be possible by identifying determining variables, rather than passively waiting for sightings. The author reflects on whether this theoretical model is still subscribed to, affirming its verifiability despite incomplete experimental efforts.

Several cases are cited as evidence for the 'THAT' hypothesis, including abductions studied in Argentina and statistical correlations between Mars and UFO waves in the 1950s. The concept of cultural preparation and the role of human consciousness in shaping UFO manifestations are highlighted. An example is given of spiritist communication with 'beings from Ganymede' that coincided with a reported UFO sighting over Buenos Aires, suggesting that the interpretation of such events is complex and influenced by cultural context.

The article questions the sufficiency of traditional ufology, suggesting that as researchers delve deeper into the study of society, culture, reality, and consciousness, they may find ufology too limiting, leading them to seek answers beyond its scope. This broader perspective aligns with a shift towards disciplines like anthropology.

The Dissolution of CIFO and the Rise of Fundación Mesa Verde

Guillermo Roncoroni recounts the factors leading to the dissolution of the Comisión de Investigaciones Ufológicas (CIFO). He attributes it to the realization that the study of UFOs expanded into broader areas of consciousness and culture, making traditional ufology insufficient. Many members, including Roncoroni, moved towards a more encompassing field, contributing to the creation of Fundación Mesa Verde. This foundation focuses on the study of non-ordinary states of consciousness, ancient myths, and contemporary phenomena, aiming to understand the human experience of transcendence.

Roncoroni reflects on the role of CIFO in Argentine ufology, comparing its impact to that of earlier influential groups. He notes a renewed interest in the CIFO's postulates, suggesting they are more relevant to the current historical moment than when they were first proposed in the early 1990s.

The Panorama of Argentine Ufology

Roncoroni expresses a degree of detachment from contemporary ufological discussions, relying on international sources like 'La Nave de los Locos' and translated articles for information. He mentions the book 'Los Extraños' by Acevedo and Berlanda as a significant recent contribution to Argentine ufology, highlighting its field studies and innovative ideas developed during the CIFO era.

He engages in an association of ideas exercise, linking concepts like 'End of the world' to 'Judeo-Christian control trap', María Sabina to a 'great Mazatec shaman', Fabio Zerpa to a 'charming charlatan', Teotihuacán to 'ancient states of expanded consciousness', Sixto Paz to a 'very intelligent liar', Nagual to the 'Jaguar', Ale Agostinelli to a 'great friend and informed journalist', Malinowski to an 'anthropologist', and Amazonas to a region that 'changed my life'.

Guillermo Roncoroni's Trajectory and Legacy

Guillermo Roncoroni is presented as a key figure in Argentine ufology, particularly for his pioneering use of computers in UFO case analysis. His career included founding the CIU and the magazine Ufo Press, collaborating on books, and compiling the 'Argentine Catalog of Type 1 Manifestations'. Despite his initial involvement, Roncoroni eventually distanced himself from ufology, feeling that the field was becoming commercialized and that the core questions about UFOs remained unanswered. He transitioned to studying anthropology and became involved with Fundación Mesa Verde.

The article details Roncoroni's personal life, including his education, career at IBM, marriages, and his entrepreneurial venture in internet services. His sudden death in 1999 is noted with sadness, emphasizing his dedication to genuine research and his disdain for those who exploited the UFO topic for commercial gain.

Roncoroni's perspective on ufology is characterized by a critical and scientific approach. He believed that the importance of UFOs lay in their sociological and psychological implications, and that the phenomenon deserved study by social scientists rather than just ufologists. He saw UFOs as a modern myth, akin to fairies or elves, that would continue to capture human imagination.

Jacques Vallée's Visit to Argentina

Guillermo Roncoroni provides a critical account of Jacques Vallée's 1980 visit to Argentina. Vallée, an astrophysicist and advisor to NASA, was presented with significant publicity. However, his conference in Buenos Aires was met with disappointment by attendees, including many Argentine researchers. The presentation was criticized for being unscientific, relying on superficial content, and making irrelevant connections, such as to the music of the Electric Light Orchestra.

The audience's questions were also deemed to be of a low level, focusing on conspiracy theories and esoteric topics rather than scientific inquiry. The organizers, including actor Fabio Zerpa, were accused of moderating the event to avoid uncomfortable questions. The visit concluded with a sense of anticlimax and disillusionment for the Argentine ufological community, despite Vallée's reported substantial earnings from the tour.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards ufology, questioning sensationalism and commercialization. There is a clear emphasis on the need for scientific rigor and a broader interdisciplinary approach, incorporating fields like anthropology and consciousness studies. The publication highlights the personal journeys of researchers, their disillusionments, and their eventual shifts in focus. The editorial stance appears to favor a more grounded, albeit still open-minded, exploration of phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, while remaining wary of unsubstantiated claims and exploitative practices within the UFO community. The legacy of figures like Guillermo Roncoroni is celebrated for their dedication to honest research and their contributions to the field, even as they moved beyond its traditional boundaries.

This issue of "La Nave de los Locos" (No. 19), dated November 2002, delves into critical analyses of prominent figures and books within the ufology community. The magazine features a significant portion dedicated to the works and methodologies of ufologists, with a particular focus on critiques of their research and writing.

Jacques Vallée: A Critical Examination

The issue begins with an in-depth look at the work of Jacques Vallée, a key figure in ufology. It discusses his early books, such as "Pasaporte a Magonia," noting his transition from physical explanations to a focus on human psychology and sociology. The article highlights that "Pasaporte a Magonia" was seen by some as a revisionist compilation of ancient legends and beliefs from a ufological perspective, comparing them to modern UFO incidents, many of which are deemed dubious. Michel Fouré's critique, calling it a "passport to nowhere," is cited. Vallée's subsequent book, "El colegio invisible," is described as marking a near-complete break from physical hypotheses, embracing what he termed the "psychic component" of UFO incidents. The author expresses skepticism about Vallée's reliance on a few, seemingly weak incidents to construct his "control system" hypothesis, citing the Ventura Maceiras case as an example of questionable sourcing. The article questions the reliability of Vallée's theories due to his use of unverified information.

"El colegio invisible" reportedly unleashed a torrent of criticism, particularly from "scientificist" ufologists. Michel Fouré labeled it "a nefarious work," and Spanish ufologist Antonio Ribera presented a lengthy argument against its theories. Vallée's involvement in founding a parapsychological research center in Palo Alto, California, and his participation in Uri Geller's tests at Stanford University are noted, indicating a growing interest in parapsychology over direct UFO investigation. His 1979 book, "Messengers of Deception," which analyzed marginal ufological groups in North America, is also mentioned, receiving harsh reviews such as "horrenda" and "a slap in the face to scientific UFO investigation."

The magazine poses the question of Vallée's ultimate objective, suggesting his hermetic personality makes his motivations difficult to decipher.

"Elementos de Ovnilogía" by Milton Hourcade

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the serialization of Milton W. Hourcade's book, "Elementos de Ovnilogía." The magazine announces that it will publish a renewed, chapter-by-chapter version of this work over the course of at least a year, noting that the original book is currently hard to find. The current installment includes the book's table of contents and preface. Hourcade explains that "Elementos de Ovnilogía" refers to the basic foundations and principles of ufology, analogous to elements in physics or chemistry. The preface defines an "ovnílogo" as someone dedicated entirely to the research, study, and resolution of the UFO problem. It traces the development of ufology over 55 years, acknowledging its multidisciplinary nature and its controversial status within scientific circles. Hourcade identifies three "obscurantist" currents that hinder ufology: the "scientificists" who deny the phenomenon, those who commercialize it with spurious material, and those who create mystical cults around it. He emphasizes the need for a rational, logical, and honest approach, free from emotional bias, to bridge the gap between ufologists and scientists. The preface also stresses the importance of a consensual methodology, scientific philosophy, and a system for classifying and valuing UFO cases.

Book Review: "¡Atención Tierra!" by Marcelo Cal

The magazine reviews Marcelo Cal's book "¡Atención Tierra!: ¡Llegan los Discos Voladores!" with a prologue by Pedro Romaniuk. The review expresses skepticism from the outset, given the book's premise. It describes the book as presenting unsubstantiated claims as factual, calling it a poorly written work of fiction. The review highlights the book's focus on the "complete blackout" of November 9, 1965, in New York, which Cal attributes to "Extraterrestrial 'Powers'" rather than conventional explanations like transmission line failures. The review criticizes the sensationalist narrative, the portrayal of a city in chaos, and the author's depiction of the public as "fanciful and imaginative." The review also notes the book's discussion of "the Government" and conspiratorial theses, questioning which government is being referred to.

Dossier: Ufología Argentina

This section includes a critical commentary on "Ovnivisión" (Cristián Riffo Morales and Jaime Tamayo), specifically their recommendations for choosing UFO books. The commentary mocks Ovnivisión's basic advice, such as the importance of the author's known status in ufology and the genre of the book. It sarcastically points out the hypocrisy of Ovnivisión's advice on avoiding plagiarism, given Riffo Morales' own alleged practices.

Juan José Benítez: A Plagiarism Allegation

A substantial part of the issue is dedicated to a detailed exposé of alleged plagiarism by Spanish author Juan José Benítez. The article traces Benítez's career, from his early work influenced by Peruvian contactees to his prolific writing on UFOs. It highlights his claims of telepathic contact and visual encounters, and his extensive travels to document UFO phenomena. The review points out that books like "Existió otra Humanidad" appear to be heavily influenced by or direct copies of works by Robert Charroux and Peter Kolosimo. The article then focuses on Benítez's "Caballo de Troya" series and "La Rebelión de Lucifer," accusing him of plagiarizing "The Urantia Book." The magazine presents evidence, including direct comparisons of text passages, to support these claims. It details how Benítez allegedly copied entire sections, including specific details, numbers, and even adjectives, from "The Urantia Book" without proper attribution. The article includes statements from Benítez's editor, Francisco Mora, and others, acknowledging the copying but attempting to downplay it as "inspiration" or "transcription." Benítez's defense, that "The Urantia Book" was written by extraterrestrials and thus has no author, is presented as an attempt to evade responsibility. The article concludes that Benítez has engaged in a wide range of plagiarism, from vulgar copying to the appropriation of essential elements of other works.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical analysis of ufological literature and the credibility of its authors. The magazine adopts a skeptical and investigative stance, questioning sensationalist claims, unsubstantiated theories, and particularly, instances of plagiarism. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous research, factual accuracy, and the importance of distinguishing between genuine investigation and speculative or fabricated content. The editorial stance appears to favor a more grounded, scientific approach to ufology, while exposing what it perceives as charlatanism and intellectual dishonesty within the field. The critique of Vallée's shift towards parapsychology, the questioning of Cal's narrative, and the detailed exposé of Benítez's alleged plagiarism all underscore this critical and discerning editorial perspective.

This issue of "La Nave de los Locos" (Number 19), published in November 2002, delves into controversial aspects of ufology, primarily focusing on accusations of plagiarism against prominent Spanish ufologist Juan José Benítez and exploring the potential connection between UFO phenomena and nuclear weapons.

Accusations Against Juan José Benítez

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to scrutinizing Juan José Benítez's work, particularly his popular "Caballo de Troya" series. The article asserts that Benítez has a history of plagiarism, citing critics like Luis Hernández Franch, who describes Benítez's methodology as "exclusively testimonial ufology, very prone to subjectivism, errors, frauds, mercantilism, esotericism, ignoring the scientific aspect." The text details how Benítez allegedly plagiarized from sources such as the Urantia Book, referencing specific passages and their corresponding pages in Benítez's works. For instance, it points out similarities in descriptions of Jesus's life, including his time in Damascus and the story of Rebeca's infatuation, as well as the origin of the "Our Father" prayer, all allegedly lifted from the Urantia Book.

Further accusations include Benítez's claim that Steven Spielberg proposed adapting "Caballo de Troya" for film. The article casts doubt on this, noting that no film materialized and quoting Spielberg himself denying knowledge of such a project in an interview from 1988. The magazine also mentions other individuals, such as Antonio Ribera and Roberto López, who have accused Benítez of plagiarism.

Benítez is interviewed, defending himself against accusations of plagiarism by stating that his work involves "inspiration" rather than direct transcription, though he admits to some transcribed aspects in "La Rebelión de Lucifer." He also addresses accusations from various authors, including Fernando Sesma, Leoncio García, Edmundo González Blanco, Carlos Salinas, Manuel de la Mora, Robert Charroux, Peter Kolosimo, Jean Claude Bourret, and Kenneth E. Stevenson & Gary R. Habermas, often dismissing them or providing brief explanations.

UFOs and Nuclear Weapons: A Critical Analysis

Another major article, "OVNIS NUCLEARES" by Marcelo Kunimoto (Brazil), critically examines the common association between UFO sightings and nuclear explosions, which began around 1947. Kunimoto challenges the "post hoc ergo propter hoc" fallacy, arguing that the timing of UFO appearances after nuclear tests does not necessarily imply a causal relationship. He suggests that the association might be a coincidence or a misinterpretation.

The author explores the idea that extraterrestrials might be warning humanity about the dangers of nuclear weapons, but dismisses this as escapist and potentially dangerous, suggesting that relying on extraterrestrials for salvation is unwise. Kunimoto argues that if extraterrestrials were concerned about nuclear explosions, they would have shown interest much earlier, when nuclear energy was first being mastered, not just after the first atomic bombs were detonated.

He posits that nuclear explosions, while significant to humans, are not necessarily unique on a cosmic scale and might not trigger a "cosmic alarm." The article also touches upon the Tunguska event and the Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts, noting that these powerful natural events did not coincide with the rise of ufology. Kunimoto concludes that the link between UFOs and nuclear bombs is based on weak associations and inconsistencies, and that more sophisticated explanations might be needed to resolve these incongruities.

Other Topics

The issue also includes a brief mention of the "Caso Tamayo" in Chile, reporting on Tamayo's return to ufology and his plans to publish a book on military UFO cases. There is also a discussion about the Ica stones, questioning their origin and the depiction of animals like stegosauruses, and whether they were created by a superior culture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards ufological claims, particularly those made by Juan José Benítez. It emphasizes the importance of scientific methodology, evidence-based investigation, and the fallibility of witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of debunking sensationalism and promoting a more rational and critical approach to the study of unexplained phenomena. The recurring theme is the need for rigorous investigation and the exposure of potential fraud or misrepresentation within the ufology community.

Title: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Issue: Nº 19, Año 3
Date: Noviembre de 2002
Publisher: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Country: Chile
Language: Spanish
Directors: Sergio Sánchez, Diego Zúñiga

This issue of "La Nave de los Locos" features a critical review of Eugenio Bahamonde Pérez's book "Contacto en Río de los Ciervos," which chronicles an alleged alien contact experience by Juan Maldonado Oviedo in the remote region of Río de los Ciervos, south of Punta Arenas, Chile. The magazine also delves into the "Toy Story" case, where a supposed alien was identified as a terrestrial marsupial fetus.

Review of "Contacto en Río de los Ciervos"

The review, penned by Sergio Sánchez R., expresses skepticism towards Bahamonde's book, labeling it as "markedly contactist" and lacking in critical investigation. Sánchez notes that the book transforms a potential field investigation into a narrative focused on "Them," their "fantastic ships," humanity's "blindness," "prophetic messages," and their "definitive epiphany." The reviewer acknowledges Bahamonde's personal experience but criticizes the book's methodology, which relies on the reader's willingness to believe or disbelieve the anecdotal accounts.

The central figure, Juan Maldonado Oviedo, is presented as a protagonist with an "astonishing alien contact experience." The reviewer finds Maldonado's reported messages from extraterrestrials to be predictable and unoriginal, stating, "What Maldonado says that They say is, as always, exactly what you and I would expect them to say." The extraterrestrials are claimed to originate from "twenty-five million light-years" away, having fled a disintegrating galaxy. Sánchez sarcastically remarks on the author's enthusiasm, quoting a passage where Bahamonde expresses joy at the amount of information received, contrasting it with a hypothetical "untenable astronomical vulgate."

The review highlights the book's lack of investigative rigor, describing it as a collection of anecdotes. It suggests that Maldonado's narrative, filled with references to "Masters, the Bible, Atlantis, the collapse of the planet, and Egypt," is typical of "contactist ufology." The reviewer questions the originality and substance of such accounts, comparing Maldonado to other contactees like Truella, Adamski, Sixto Paz, and Räel, noting that their stories often contradict each other or are repetitive.

A surprising element mentioned is a "channeled" message within the book concerning the "Valdés case," where it is claimed that Valdés's "spermatozoa were extracted naturally" and used to reproduce with "our women." The reviewer finds this detail to be an example of "unlimited fantasy."

Bahamonde concludes the book with an admiring comment on how "so much information and so varied" could be gathered from a "telepathic contact." Sánchez, however, expresses doubt about the information's validity and variety, while agreeing that the situation is "incredible."

"Toy Story": The Absurdity as a Way of Life

This section, also by Sergio Sánchez R., critiques the media and ufological response to the "Toy Story" case. The case involved a small, 8-centimeter creature, initially dubbed "Toy" and speculated to be an alien. However, a veterinarian identified it as a fetus of a terrestrial marsupial, likely a "monito del monte."

Sánchez criticizes how the media, particularly the television channel "Mega," presented the semi-mummified fetus not just as a curiosity but as an enigma worthy of public debate. He notes the "sensationalist" ufologists who became preoccupied with the story, despite the initial identification. The reviewer argues that the case should never have been taken seriously from the outset, attributing the ufologists' interest to a lack of critical thinking or a desire for sensationalism.

He contends that ufologists who claimed the case was "not ufológico" were correct, questioning why some individuals linked the discovery of a rare animal to UFOs. Sánchez criticizes the "uncritical ufologists" for taking the "story" too seriously, including it on their websites and discussing it in meetings. He finds the situation absurd and a source of amusement for the non-ufological world.

The reviewer anticipates that ufologists might keep the case "open" and "continue investigating," potentially labeling it "controversial" as they do with other debunked cases like Billy Meier's photos or J. J. Benítez's "Caballo de Troya."

Sánchez expresses frustration that even when a veterinarian provides a conventional explanation, some ufologists challenge it, prolonging the mystery for media attention. He questions how people can believe that extraterrestrials would leave such "objects" lying around and how such an anecdote could become a public discussion topic.

He also questions the biological understanding of ufologists who seriously consider the "ET hypothesis" for the "Toy" case with the same probability as a prosaic explanation. Sánchez concludes by warning that as long as the image of "greys" is constructed from "perinatal imagery," any fetus found will be quickly transformed into an "alien."

Editorial Information and Collaborators

The magazine provides contact information for "La Nave de los Locos," including its postal address in Santiago, Chile, and an email address. It also announces the next issue (Nº 20, January 2003) will feature a dossier on UFOlogy in Argentina, including the case of a giant UFO that "overflew two continents" and the Acámbaro figurines.

The issue lists numerous collaborators from Chile, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Spain, the United States, France, England, Italy, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Sweden. The editors state that they do not necessarily agree with their collaborators' opinions and are not responsible for them, except when explicitly stated. "La Nave de los Locos" is described as a bimonthly bulletin, independently edited and non-profit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "La Nave de los Locos" demonstrates a critical and skeptical approach to ufology, particularly concerning contactee accounts and sensationalized cases. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions over anecdotal testimony and speculative theories. The magazine actively debunks or questions claims that lack substantial proof, as seen in the reviews of "Contacto en Río de los Ciervos" and the "Toy Story" case. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and media-driven sensationalism or uncritical belief within the ufological community. The recurring theme is the need for a more grounded and rational approach to the study of UFOs and related phenomena.