La Nave de los Locos - No 20

Magazine Overview

Title: La Nave de los Locos
Issue: No. 20
Volume: Año 3
Date: Enero 2003

This issue of La Nave de los Locos, a magazine focused on rational debate about ufology, parapsychology, and other related topics, presents a significant dossier on Argentine ufology, with the cover headline proclaiming its end. The magazine features a striking cover image of an alien figure in traditional Argentine attire.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the year 2002, criticizing the sensationalism and lack of critical thinking prevalent in television, citing examples like reality shows and dubious UFO-related news. It also touches upon the Raelian movement's claim of human cloning, questioning its veracity and ethical implications. The editorial expresses optimism for 2003, highlighting the magazine's growing support and commitment to producing original material.

Key Articles and Features

Interview with Alejandro Agostinelli: "I like being called 'ufologist' less and less"

This extensive interview with journalist Alejandro Agostinelli, conducted by Diego Zúñiga, explores his career in journalism and his evolving perspective on ufology. Agostinelli recounts his early experiences in journalism in the 1980s, his involvement with ufological groups like GAIFE and CEFANC, and his eventual shift towards a more critical and skeptical stance. He discusses the challenges of investigating UFO cases, the tendency for witnesses to 'legitimize' their experiences, and the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine phenomena and self-deception. Agostinelli also touches upon the influence of figures like Charles Fort and the importance of methodological skepticism. He critiques the tendency of some ufologists to create 'unidentified' cases without rigorous investigation and discusses the formation of CAIRP as a movement promoting ethical skepticism.

The Acámbaro Figurines

The magazine lists "Las figurillas de Acámbaro" (The Acámbaro Figurines) as a topic, indicating a discussion or analysis of these controversial artifacts, which are often presented as evidence of ancient alien contact.

OVNI: S.O.S. to Humanity & Conference by Sixto Paz Wells

A public conference by Sixto Paz Wells on the topic "OVNI: S.O.S. to Humanity" is announced, with details of the date (November 11, 2002), location (Aula Magna of the Faculty of Law, University of Valparaíso), and admission fee. This suggests an exploration of Paz Wells's contactee theories and his views on UFOs as a message to humanity.

Crop Circles: History of the Enigma

The issue includes content on crop circles, covering their history, the first circles in England, their nature as 'agriglyphs', potential messages, and responses or hopes associated with them.

"Elements of Ufology" - Chapter 1

A serialized feature, "CAPÍTULO 1 DE 'ELEMENTOS DE OVNILOGÍA'" (Chapter 1 of 'Elements of Ufology'), is presented, indicating an in-depth exploration of ufological concepts.

Interview with Alejandro Agostinelli

This appears to be a continuation or a separate segment of the interview with Alejandro Agostinelli, focusing on his views and experiences.

"Tres Arroyos, B. Aires: A Rejuvenating Encounter"

This article by Roberto Banchs likely details a specific UFO sighting or encounter in Tres Arroyos, Argentina.

The Vidal Case... or the Teleportation That Never Happened

Authored by Alejandro Agostinelli, this piece likely investigates the 'Vidal case,' examining claims of teleportation and offering a skeptical analysis.

"Recibimos: The Identified" by Luis Ruiz Noguez

This section, "Recibimos" (We Receive), suggests reader contributions or reviews, with this specific piece focusing on 'The Identified' by Luis Ruiz Noguez.

"OVNIS. Los ET entre nosotros" Book Review

Diego Zúñiga reviews the book "OVNIS. Los ET entre nosotros" (UFOs. The ETs among us), offering an analysis of its content.

"What is a UFO?" by Mark Moravec

Mark Moravec provides a definition or exploration of what constitutes a UFO.

"Taken: Spielberg's New Approach to ETs" by Milton Hourcade

Milton Hourcade discusses Steven Spielberg's film "Taken" and its portrayal of extraterrestrials.

"Ufology in the Style of Sixto Paz" by M. González – R. Jofré

This article critically examines the ufological approach of Sixto Paz.

"Encuentro OVNI En Putre" Book Review

Diego Zúñiga reviews the book "Encuentro OVNI En Putre" (UFO Encounter in Putre).

"Principle and End of Leading Ufological Institutions in Argentina" by Luis A. Pacheco

Luis A. Pacheco provides a historical overview and analysis of significant ufological organizations in Argentina.

The "Superufólogo" of Hendry

An ironic vision of the pretensions of some "investigators," illustrated by a drawing titled "El 'superufólogo' de Hendry." This piece likely critiques the methods and claims of certain figures in the ufological community.

The Argentine Skepticism Movement: CAIRP

This section details the origins, purpose, and eventual dissolution or transformation of CAIRP (Centro de Estudios de Fenómenos Aéreos No Convencionales), an Argentine organization focused on investigating UFO phenomena with a skeptical approach. It discusses the internal dynamics, legal responsibilities, and eventual fragmentation of the group.

New Skeptical Movements in Argentina

The magazine discusses the emergence of new skeptical movements in Argentina, specifically criticizing the "Asociación Argentina para la Lucha contra las Pseudociencias" (ASALUP) and its founder, Christian Sanz, for alleged plagiarism and unscientific methods. It contrasts this with the more established and rigorous approach of CAIRP.

The Role of 'UFO Press'

Alejandro Agostinelli reflects on the historical impact of 'Ufo Press,' a publication that significantly influenced ufology in Argentina, reaching a considerable audience and fostering interest in the subject, even among those who later became skeptics.

The Psicosociological Hypothesis (HPS)

Agostinelli discusses his interest in the Psicosociological Hypothesis (HPS), which seeks to understand UFO experiences by considering psychological, anthropological, and sociological factors, rather than solely focusing on extraterrestrial explanations. He mentions collaborations with researchers like Pierre Lagrange and Betrand Mehéust.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational and critical approach to ufology, encouraging skepticism while remaining open to investigation. It critiques sensationalism in media and popular culture, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of intellectual honesty, encouraging readers to question and analyze information rather than accepting it uncritically. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of rigorous research and the avoidance of dogma, whether from ufologists or overly rigid skeptics.

Title: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Issue: 20
Date: Enero de 2003

This issue of 'La Nave de los Locos' delves into various aspects of ufology, with a particular focus on Argentine cases and perspectives. It features interviews, case analyses, and critical reflections on the phenomenon and its community.

Interview with Agostinelli

The magazine opens with an interview with Agostinelli, who discusses his evolution from a strict skeptic to a more nuanced investigator. He recounts his past involvement with CAIRP and his experiences with various stages of ufological and religious exploration, including his time with the 'new age' community. Agostinelli expresses a desire to move beyond the label of 'ufologist' and 'skeptic,' seeking new initiatives. He also touches upon the visceral reaction he sometimes provoked within the ufological community, attributing it to his critical stance.

The Ventura Maceiras Case

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the case of Ventura Maceiras, a 73-year-old man from Tres Arroyos, Argentina. The article details his alleged encounter with UFOs and extraterrestrial beings on December 30, 1972. Maceiras claimed that the encounter led to a remarkable rejuvenation, including improved physical health, enhanced intellectual abilities, and new artistic aptitudes. The report includes details of the alleged sighting, the description of the beings, and the supposed effects on Maceiras. The article also presents a critical analysis of Maceiras's account, deeming it unsustainable and noting the absurd details within his narrative, such as the description of the alien's attire and the supposed effects of radiation on animals.

The 'Vidal Case' Debunked

Another major section addresses the 'Vidal case,' a sensational story that circulated in the Argentine media in 1968. The case involved a couple, the Vidals, who reportedly lost consciousness in a fog bank and reappeared in Mexico City. The article reveals that this incident was a fabricated publicity stunt orchestrated by filmmaker Anibal Uset to promote his film 'Che, Ovni.' The story was spread through media channels, including the popular TV show 'Sábados Circulares de Mancera,' using actors and staged interviews.

Fundación Anomalía and FOTOCAT Project

The issue also highlights the work of the Fundación Anomalía, an organization dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of UFO-related information. It details their 'FOTOCAT' project, an advanced IT system designed to process millions of UFO sighting data from Spain. The article mentions recent contributions to the project from international researchers and organizations, including catalogs of photographic evidence from Sweden, Poland, and Australia.

Review of 'Los Identificados'

Finally, the magazine includes a review of 'Los Identificados,' a publication by Roberto Banchs, described as one of the few UFO investigation magazines with a grounded approach. The reviewer praises Banchs's meticulous and ironic style, noting that his work aims to critically dismantle Argentine ufology case by case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'La Nave de los Locos' consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance towards ufological claims. It demonstrates a commitment to debunking sensationalist stories and examining phenomena with a rational and scientific perspective. The magazine appears to value journalistic integrity and critical thinking, as evidenced by the interviews and case analyses presented. The editorial stance leans towards skepticism while remaining open to genuine investigation, distinguishing between credible evidence and unfounded speculation or fabrication.

Title: La Nave de los Locos
Issue: 20
Date: Enero de 2003
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish

This issue of 'La Nave de los Locos' delves into the complex landscape of ufological institutions in Argentina during the 1990s, a period marked by both the establishment of new entities and the dissolution of others. It also critically examines the work of Antonio Las Heras, a parapsychologist and ufologist, through a review of his book "OVNIS. LOS EXTRATERRESTRES ENTRE NOSOTROS". The magazine also dedicates significant space to defining ufology as a science, drawing upon the principles of Mario Bunge.

Capítulo I: LA OVNILOGÍA COMO CIENCIA

The first section of the magazine addresses the scientific validity of ufology. It argues that for ufology to be taken seriously, it must adopt the characteristics of scientific inquiry. The text references the definitions of science provided by Professor Mario Bunge, an academic authority. Bunge's criteria for scientific knowledge are presented:

1. Factual: Science is based on facts, describing them objectively without emotional or commercial bias.
2. Transcends Facts: Scientific knowledge goes beyond mere observation, seeking to understand underlying realities and selecting relevant information.
3. Analytical: Science breaks down phenomena into their components to understand their internal mechanisms and interconnections.
4. Specialized: While the scientific method is unified, its application is specialized according to the subject matter, leading to diverse techniques and relative independence among scientific sectors.
5. Clear and Precise: Scientific problems and results are distinct, clear, and precise, unlike ordinary knowledge which can be vague.
6. Communicable: Scientific knowledge is expressible and public, not private or ineffable.
7. Verifiable: Scientific knowledge must be empirically verifiable, though not necessarily experimental or limited to laboratory sciences.
8. Methodical: Scientific research is planned and systematic, not erratic.
9. Systematic: Science is not a collection of disconnected information but a logical system of interconnected ideas.
10. General: Science places singular facts within general patterns and particular statements within broad schemes, seeking universal principles.
11. Legal: Science seeks and applies laws of nature and culture. The text notes that ufology has historically lacked such laws but aims to establish them.
12. Explanatory: Science explains facts in terms of laws and laws in terms of principles, with explanations subject to correction or discard.
13. Predictive: Science imagines past and future possibilities, with predictions characterized by perfectibility rather than absolute certainty.
14. Open: Science is not dogmatic or closed but controversial and open, recognizing no a priori barriers to knowledge and embracing paradoxes.
15. Useful: Science is useful because it seeks truth.

The author emphasizes that by adhering to these principles, ufologists can genuinely be considered scientists.

DÉCADA DEL '90: PRINCIPIO Y FIN DE INSTITUCIONES UFOLÓGICAS RECTORAS EN ARGENTINA

This extensive article, authored by Luis Alberto Pacheco, chronicles the turbulent period of the 1990s for ufological institutions in Argentina. The decade is described as one of national decline under the Menem administration, which also affected the ufological community, leading to increased mediocrity, the proliferation of UFO cults, and the decline of FAECE.

Despite this, the birth of RAO and CIFO, and the final grand Congress of Ovnilogía in December, sponsored by FAECE, are highlighted as significant events. The 12th National Congress of Ovnilogía in particular is noted for bringing together Argentina's most representative researchers and presenting high-quality work.

FAECE (Federación Argentina de Estudios de la Ciencia Extraterrestre): The article recounts FAECE's legacy, including 13 national and 8 international congresses, the unification of Argentine researchers, and the creation of a vast central archive in Rosario, which became one of Latin America's largest UFO archives. The congress held in Rosario in 1982 is considered the most significant, with notable foreign attendees like Drs. Joseph A. Hynek and Willly Smith. Eduardo Ficarotti is credited with skillfully leading FAECE during its golden age in the 1980s.

RAO (Red Argentina de Ovnilogía): Formed in 1991, RAO aimed to create an agile communication network for UFO researchers, with a central reception point in Mar del Plata. With 10 years of operation, RAO has focused on scientific workshops led by professionals from various fields to expand researchers' knowledge. Carlos Ferguson is recognized as the general coordinator, leading the organization democratically.

CIFO (Círculo de Investigadores del Fenómeno OVNI): CIFO emerged as a valid alternative to a perceived outdated ufology, originating in Rosario. It aimed to be a reference point in national ufology. The article details the eventual dissolution of CIFO in late 1999, a topic that caused significant pain and reflection among its members and friends.

The article explores the reasons behind CIFO's dissolution, attributing it to multiple factors including personal differences, disagreements, and the parallel creation of Fundación Mesa Verde. It highlights that while CIFO was dedicated to ufology, Fundación Mesa Verde initially focused on psychotherapy, mental health, and human potential, though points of overlap emerged, particularly concerning non-ordinary states of consciousness.

Fabio Zerpa, an actor and pioneer in UFO divulgação in Argentina, is mentioned as a key figure in the initiative to form a national federation. The article also touches upon earlier attempts at federation, such as ONIFE in the 1970s.

The Dissolution of CIFO and Fundación Mesa Verde: The article presents an interview with Luis Alberto Pacheco, who clarifies that Mesa Verde was not intended as a successor to CIFO but as a separate project. He expresses his sadness over CIFO's demise, stating that its end was marked by intolerance, friction, vanity, and hypocrisy, but that nobility ultimately prevailed in its dignified dissolution. He also refutes the idea of a direct succession, stating that while he, Pacheco, and Alemanno were key to CIFO, its legacy is distinct from other projects.

Book Review: OVNIS. LOS EXTRATERRESTRES ENTRE NOSOTROS by Antonio Las Heras

This section provides a critical review of Antonio Las Heras' book, which is described as a second edition of "Naves extraterrestres en la Tierra" (1978). The reviewer, Diego Zúñiga C., characterizes Las Heras as a parapsychologist who sells talismans and writes prediction books, and who claims to be a licensed parapsychologist (a title the reviewer states does not exist). Las Heras' extensive ufological bibliography is noted, including titles on alien encounters, astronaut documents, Nostradamus, and parapsychology.

The reviewer finds Las Heras' approach to ufology to be credulous, often opting for complex explanations over simpler ones (like Occam's razor). The book asserts that extraterrestrials are among us, relying on dubious accounts, photographs, and sightings. Las Heras' premise that aliens visit Earth is accepted without question, and his claims about human difficulty in producing comparable technology to alien vehicles are questioned.

Specific points of criticism include:

• Statistical Claims: Las Heras' assertion that only 10-17% of reported UFO sightings are non-terrestrial is questioned, with no source provided.
• Submarine Bases: The book suggests the existence of submarine UFO bases in the Viedma and Comodoro Rivadavia areas.
• Cabo Valdés Case: Las Heras' parapsychological explanation for the Cabo Valdés case, involving somatization and teleportation, is deemed far-fetched.
• Egocentrism and Credulity: The reviewer criticizes Las Heras' self-promotion and his tendency to mix parapsychology with ufology, claiming parapsychology is a recognized science.
• Comparison to Galileo: Las Heras controversially compares a contactee claiming to be a Martian commander to Galileo.
• Alien Forms: Las Heras suggests aliens disguise themselves as humans to avoid panic.
• Declaration of Principles: The reviewer questions Las Heras' statement about adhering exclusively to demonstrable facts and the scientific method, given his other claims.

Despite the criticisms, the reviewer notes that the book is a quick read and can be entertaining, particularly when Las Heras recounts his personal experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards ufology. It champions the application of the scientific method, as defined by scholars like Mario Bunge, to the study of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly against pseudoscientific claims, cult-like thinking, and the commercialization of ufology. There is a strong emphasis on rigorous research, objective analysis, and the importance of clear communication within the scientific community. The magazine also highlights the historical development of ufological organizations in Argentina, often critically examining their successes, failures, and internal dynamics. The review of Antonio Las Heras' book exemplifies this critical approach, dissecting his work for its lack of scientific rigor and its reliance on speculative and unsubstantiated claims.

Title: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Issue: 20
Date: Enero de 2003

This issue of 'La Nave de los Locos' explores various facets of the UFO phenomenon, from defining what constitutes a UFO to examining specific cases and the people involved in their study and reporting.

¿QUÉ ES UN OVNI?

The lead article, "¿QUÉ ES UN OVNI?" by Mark Moravec, addresses the challenge of defining Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). It presents definitions proposed by researchers like Condon and Hynek, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. Condon's definition is criticized for being too general, potentially including cases with insufficient information, while Hynek's definition is seen as excluding inexplicable phenomena not appearing as solid objects or emerging from water. The article also introduces a definition suggested by the British 'Working Party in Standards in UFO Research,' which defines a UFO report as a description of a perceived phenomenon not identifiable as a known object, process, or psychological reaction. The author proposes a refined definition for a UFO as 'the stimulus behind a reported observation of an object, light source, or presence of something in the sky, on the ground, or underwater, whose appearance, trajectory, and general dynamics, luminosity, or reflective qualities do not suggest an answer that conforms to conventional and logical explanations and which remains unexplained after all available evidence from a sighting has been studied by technically capable persons.' The article also touches upon the definition of 'Ufology' as the scientific study of UFOs and related phenomena.

SIGUEN LOS PLAGIOS

This section reports on a plagiarism accusation made by Spanish scientific journalist Luis Alfonso Gámez against journalist Walter Goobar. Goobar allegedly published a report in the Argentine magazine 'Revista Veintitrés' that was almost entirely composed of paragraphs copied from articles by Gámez and Santiago Camacho published in Spanish newspapers 'El Correo' and 'El Mundo' a week earlier. Gámez expressed his intention to denounce the plagiarism.

LLUEVEN PECES EN GRECIA

A brief news report from Athens details an unusual event where hundreds of small fish fell from the sky in the town of Korona, Greece, on December 12, 2002. Meteorologists suggested that a mini-tornado may have absorbed the fish from a nearby lake and deposited them over the land.

TAKEN: LA NUEVA APROXIMACIÓN DE SPIELBERG A LOS ET

Written by Milton Hourcade, this article reviews Steven Spielberg's miniseries 'Taken.' The miniseries, which premiered on SCI-FI Channel in December 2002, tells the story of three families whose lives are intertwined with alien abductions across multiple generations. The narrative begins with Russell Keys during World War II and follows the Crawford and Clarke families, exploring themes of government cover-ups, extraterrestrial encounters, and the evolution of belief from skepticism to conviction. The article highlights Spielberg's long-standing interest in extraterrestrial life and his choice of the SCI-FI Channel for its commitment to the genre. It also mentions the critical reception from CSICOP, a skeptical organization, which noted the series' protagonist's journey from skepticism to belief.

LAS OBSERVACIONES DEL CSICOP

This section briefly discusses an article published by the skeptical organization CSICOP on its website. The article, written by Chris Mooney, points out the interesting aspect of the protagonist in 'Taken' being a skeptic who eventually becomes a believer due to his family's experiences with alleged alien heritage. The article also notes the character Tom Clarke creating crop circles and criticizes the series for its light treatment of skepticism.

LAS MISTERIOSAS FIGURILLAS DE ACÁMBARO

Authored by Luis Ruiz Noguez, this extensive article investigates the controversial Acámbaro figurines found in Mexico. The author recounts a visit to Acámbaro with ufologist Alejandro Chionetti, seeking the famous statuettes. The article details the discovery of over thirty thousand objects by Waldemar Julsrud, who believed they were ancient artifacts, some even predating humanity and linked to Atlantis. The figurines, made of baked clay, depict various animals, including dinosaurs, and human-like figures, with styles compared unfavorably to the Chupícuaro culture. Despite Julsrud's claims and the support of some researchers like Charles Hapgood, most archaeologists, including Dr. Eduardo Noguera and Dr. Charles C. DiPeso, consider the collection a fraud, attributing their creation to a local bricklayer named Odilón Tinajero. The article also touches upon Julsrud's mystical beliefs and his theories about human migration and ancient civilizations. It notes that the Acámbaro region's geological formation postdates the extinction of dinosaurs, contradicting Julsrud's timeline. The article also mentions the possibility of a connection between the Acámbaro figurines and the Ica stones, suggesting a mystery even greater than the Acámbaro find itself.

GÉNESIS DE ACÁMBARO

This section delves deeper into the origins and context of the Acámbaro figurines. It reiterates Waldemar Julsrud's discovery in 1945 and his collection of over thirty thousand objects. Julsrud's mystical beliefs, including theories about human origins and ancient civilizations, are discussed. The article highlights his conviction that the American continent was the cradle of humanity and that primitive humans coexisted with giant flying beasts. Julsrud also believed in the theory of continental drift and the supercontinent Gondwana. His claims about the presence of camels and elephants in ancient America, supported by the figurines, are presented. The article questions whether Julsrud's obsession led to the creation of the dinosaur figures. It mentions Julsrud's belief that the collection was originally in an Aztec museum and came from Atlantis before its destruction, with the Aztecs transferring the pieces to Acámbaro during the Spanish conquest. The geological timeline of the Acámbaro region is presented, showing it formed millions of years after the extinction of dinosaurs, thus challenging the authenticity of dinosaur figurines from that era. The article also notes that the Chupícuaro culture, which is ancient and significant, has no archaeological findings of the Julsrud type in the area.

CRÉDULOS Y ESCÉPTICOS

This section presents contrasting views on the Acámbaro figurines. Charles Hapgood, an investigator of 'unusual archaeology,' deemed the figurines authentic and noted that a zoology professor from Harvard believed they did not correspond to any known dinosaur species. Hapgood also reported on a man named Ferro who had found and sold thousands of figurines. The Soviet historian G. Buslaiev suggested the pieces were inspired by caimans, citing an ancient cult in Mexico. The article then presents the skeptical view, with Dr. Mota, director of the Acámbaro museum, stating that the figurines were a fraud made by a bricklayer with poorly crafted details. Dr. Charles C. DiPeso also concluded that the entire Julsrud affair was a fraud, noting that the unearthed objects showed no signs of being buried for a long time. The article also mentions the possibility that a Peruvian doctor who insisted on knowing how the dinosaurs were made might have been Javier Cabrales, potentially linking him to the Ica stones.

LA MALDICIÓN DE LAS FIGURILLAS

This section explores the alleged 'curse' associated with the Acámbaro figurines. It references Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird's book 'The Secret Life of Plants,' which suggests that the figurines can absorb and retain 'malevolent energy' for long periods. The article quotes Professor Charles Hapgood's manuscript, which describes experiments where some animals died after being placed near the figurines, suggesting a 'malevolent energy' associated with witchcraft. The author of this section, however, dismisses these claims, stating that they have possessed some Julsrud pieces for years without experiencing any negative effects and that the collection has been stored at a children's nursery without any reported incidents of mutations.

HABLA COLABORADOR DE JULSRUD

This section features an interview with Luis G. Durán, a former collaborator of Waldemar Julsrud. Durán describes Julsrud as a cultured man who spoke five languages and was passionate about archaeology. He confirms that Julsrud owned a hardware store, which was the source of his fortune, and that he collected books on dinosaurs but denies that these books inspired the figurines. Durán states that he never took any of the figurines himself, even though he had access to them. He confirms that the objects were taken from a well outside Acámbaro, which is now within the city limits. He also mentions that Julsrud claimed the collection originated from Atlantis and was transferred to Acámbaro by the Aztecs. Durán recounts that Julsrud wanted to publicize his discovery widely, arranging programs with the BBC and attracting investigators from the United States. He also mentions that Dr. Mota initially investigated but later declared it a fraud. Durán suggests that a brother of Mota was involved in selling the figures in Mexico City. He also addresses the nickname 'el loco' given to Julsrud, attributing it to a head injury and subsequent cranial trauma.

UFOLATRÍA AL ESTILO DE SIXTO PAZ

This article by Marcos González and Rodrigo Jofré (CIFOV) critiques the beliefs and practices of Peruvian contactee Sixto Paz Wells. The authors recount attending one of Paz Wells' conferences in Valparaíso, Chile, where he discussed alien messages and crop circles. They highlight a previous incident where Paz Wells presented a video of a UFO attacking a helicopter as evidence, which was later revealed to be a montage created for a TV channel. The article criticizes Paz Wells for his uncritical acceptance of such 'evidence' and his adherence to his beliefs despite contradictory information. It also mentions his claims about alien transfusions and spiritual evolution, as well as his explanations for disappearances involving dimensional shifts. The authors express concern over the uncritical following of Paz Wells by some individuals, likening it to being led by a 'furtive rabbit hunter.'

FRASES ALUCINÓGENAS (SIXTO PAZ DIXIT)

This section compiles a series of quotes attributed to Sixto Paz, presented with a sarcastic and critical tone. The quotes cover various claims, including predictions about alien colonization, spiritual evolution through alien blood transfusions, and explanations for disappearances as dimensional shifts. The authors use these quotes to illustrate what they perceive as Paz's irrationality and unscientific claims, labeling him a 'mitomaniac' and criticizing his followers for their gullibility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards extraordinary claims, particularly those related to UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena. While presenting information about these topics, the editorial voice often questions the evidence, highlights inconsistencies, and exposes potential fraud or misinterpretation. The articles on Sixto Paz and the Acámbaro figurines exemplify this critical approach, contrasting alleged evidence with scientific or rational explanations. The magazine also touches upon journalistic ethics, as seen in the report on plagiarism. The overall editorial stance appears to favor rational inquiry and critical thinking over unverified beliefs.

Title: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Issue: Nº 20
Volume: Año 3
Date: Enero de 2003
Publisher: LA NAVE DE LOS LOCOS
Country: Santiago de Chile
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "La Nave de los Locos" features a critical review of the book "Encuentro OVNI en Putre" by Cristián Riffo Morales. The magazine is a bi-monthly bulletin, edited independently and without profit motives.

Book Review: "Encuentro OVNI en Putre"

The review begins by detailing the author Cristián Riffo's attempt to promote his book at the International Book Fair in Santiago. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the book's success, noting that many copies seem to be gathering dust in bookstores. A significant point of contention is the book's price of five thousand pesos (seven dollars) for a short, large-print book with many blank pages, which the reviewer deems a "true scam" and an "unprecedented commercial abuse."

The reviewer emphasizes that, unlike Riffo, who allegedly copies book descriptions without reading them, "La Nave" meticulously studies every publication. They express a desire for Chilean ufology to elevate its standards and provide quality material, free from hoaxes. The review acknowledges that criticism can be constructive if taken correctly and praises the cover design of "Encuentro OVNI en Putre" as "very good."

The Valdés Case and its Narratives

The review delves into the content of the book, highlighting what it perceives as "shocking credulity" in many passages. It criticizes the introduction by "professor-investigator" Ernesto Escobar, who suggests "interdimensional travel" as an explanation for the "enigma" of Valdés, without any critical questioning.

The review focuses heavily on Raúl Salinas, a character presented in the book who seeks prominence in the narrative of the "abduction of Armando Valdés." The case involves eight soldiers witnessing two strange lights on April 25, 1977, and the disappearance of their chief, Valdés. Valdés reportedly returned with a several-day-old beard and his watch 120 hours ahead.

Salinas's claims are scrutinized, including his assertion that he saw a "ship the size of a football stadium" and that he "always had the vision of the ship." The review also points out Salinas's statement about providing Valdés with "implements to shave," linking it to the mystery of Valdés's beard.

The reviewer describes Salinas's narrative as "basic, poor in nuances, and rather crude." They reference an interview in "Las Últimas Noticias" where Salinas claimed to know "much more than Corporal Valdés" and spoke of his experiences with an extraterrestrial named "Maya" (who used to be called Amalia) and an ET named John, described as a "mix of Jacques Cousteau and a lizard."

Salinas's further claims about visiting an alien planet called "Unicornio" via the "reddest star of the Three Marías" are presented with disbelief.

Critiques of Riffo's Methodology

The review criticizes Riffo for uncritically accepting Salinas's story, even when it contradicts Valdés's account, particularly regarding the presence of weapons. The reviewer notes that Riffo cites Juan José Benítez as a source of guarantee and mentions alleged "official reports" about the case, labeling these as "speculations."

Riffo is accused of repeating "vices of Spanish paranormal journalism," starting chapters like intelligence reports. While acknowledging some improvement in Riffo's writing, the reviewer points out errors and a lack of demonstrated expertise.

The review questions the excessive importance given to the official communiqué issued by the military dictatorship regarding the 1977 news about the Valdés case. It notes that under Pinochet's regime, censorship was common, making the communiqué's mention of informing the governor unsurprising.

The review also mentions the alleged involvement of Augusto Pinochet and the "National Enquirer" in the case, dismissing the latter as a sensationalist publication known for its role in UFO hoaxes, such as the Walton case.

Curiosities highlighted include Riffo's inability to find the name of Cabo Roca, who allegedly conducted initial investigations, and Salinas's inability to recall it. The review also finds it odd that Valdés claims the "men in black" who visited him came from a planet behind the Moon.

The reviewer notes the book's tendency towards ambiguous phrases, open endings, and "evidently false" accounts, with Riffo often resorting to vagueness or hearsay when unable to cite sources.

The review concludes that Salinas's contributions are "useless" and "self-serving," aimed at gaining notoriety. The book is described as a "minor work" that contributes nothing to clarifying the case, instead perpetuating a "halo of mystery" to maintain a profitable narrative.

Diccionario Rama

This section provides a glossary of terms and characters from what appears to be a science fiction or speculative fiction context, likely related to a series or ongoing narrative within the magazine. Entries include names like Amon, Antar, Floty, Mardorx, Muslan, Kulba, and Sampiac, with descriptions of their roles, origins, and affiliations within fictional settings such as "Apu," "Alfa Centauro," "Morlen," "Ganímedes," "Xilox," and "Filita."

It also mentions "Maussán, natural de México, encargado de estafar a través de los medios de comunicación," and "Titinac: Guía de Venus, Doctor Mental, y Médico en la nave Tipus. Vive en la base submarina de Chancay."

The section ends with a comment questioning how someone described as a "pathological charlatan" can continue to attract followers. A letter from Jorge Alfonso Ramírez (Paraguay) is included, detailing the disintegration of the "Rama" group after he confronted a charlatan on a radio program.

Errata

An errata note corrects a previous promise, stating that an article by James Oberg about a "giant UFO" that flew over South America in 1980 will be published in the upcoming double issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "La Nave de los Locos" demonstrates a critical and skeptical stance towards ufological claims, particularly those presented in a sensationalist or unverified manner. The magazine aims to provide a more rigorous and analytical approach to the subject, distinguishing itself from what it perceives as unsubstantiated or fraudulent content within the field. The editorial stance is one of promoting quality, evidence-based discussion, and exposing what it considers to be "hoaxes" and "charlatanism" in ufology. The review of "Encuentro OVNI en Putre" exemplifies this by dissecting the book's flaws in research, presentation, and credibility. The inclusion of the "Diccionario Rama" suggests an interest in speculative fiction and alternative narratives, but the critical tone towards its own contributors (like Maussán) and the overall skeptical approach to the main review indicate a commitment to discerning fact from fiction.