Magonia Supplement - No 17 - 1999 07

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA Monthly Supplement
Issue: No. 17
Date: July 1999
Publisher: formerly ETH Bulletin
Editor: JOHN HARNEY

This issue of Magonia Monthly Supplement, a publication focused on interpreting contemporary vision and belief, presents a strongly skeptical viewpoint, as articulated in its editorial.

Editorial

The editorial directly addresses reader perceptions of the magazine's skepticism, stating that while they may have occasionally erred on the side of credulity, they have never had to apologize for being too skeptical. This sets the tone for the issue, which critically examines various UFO-related claims and publications.

Open and Closed Minds by Nigel Watson

Nigel Watson critically analyzes a report about UFO hunter Nick Pope's alleged alien abduction, as featured in The Sunday Times. Watson questions Pope's reticence in confirming or denying the story, attributing it to his breakup with his girlfriend and his former position at the Ministry of Defence. Watson argues that Pope's involvement in UFO books and his public belief in UFOs would already make him appear 'cranky' to the MoD. He highlights the common difficulty in obtaining corroborative evidence for abduction cases, where the second witness is often untraceable, forgetful, or indifferent. Watson concludes that Pope's 'coyness' is a form of 'closed-mindedness' that titillates believers without providing concrete answers.

Literary Criticism

Cosmic Crashes: The Incredible Story of the UFOs that Fell to Earth by Nicholas Redfern

Nicholas Redfern's book is reviewed, with the reviewer expressing skepticism about its opening chapter, which links UFO crash investigations to the deaths of Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy. The reviewer characterizes Redfern's work as a mixture of solid research and 'fantastic yarns' from dubious sources. Redfern is criticized for treating all sources equally, dismissing mundane explanations, and relying on anecdotal accounts for cases like the Berwyn Mountain incident. The review points out Redfern's backtracking in a UFO Magazine interview regarding the Berwyn incident, where he grudgingly acknowledges Andy Roberts' 'down to earth explanation'.

A significant portion of the review focuses on an alleged incident on Cannock Chase in January 1974, where a man claimed to have seen a flying saucer and later died of radiation burns. Redfern makes no mention of verifying this death, instead hinting at a cover-up when he couldn't find evidence. The reviewer contrasts this with the approach of more skeptical ufologists who acknowledge memory distortion and pathological lying. The review also notes Redfern's consultation with Nick Pope, who, despite not being a skeptic, believes there is no evidence of extraterrestrial craft crashes in Britain. Redfern is accused of persisting in investigating old reports without consulting skeptics, leading him to overlook convincing natural explanations.

The review specifically addresses the Charlton crater incident of July 1963, which gained significant publicity. This mystery was solved by Alan Sharp, who explained it as a crater caused by a lightning strike, displaying radiating surface marks, material removal, and a central hole, all consistent with a severe thunderstorm. The review concludes that Redfern would have found true explanations for many incidents if he had paid more attention to skeptical investigators rather than those seeking to entertain.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers by Jack Finney

This section reviews Jack Finney's novel, originally published in 1954. The reviewer notes its influence on three Hollywood movies and its reappearance in the UK market. The book is described as having snappy dialogue and 'laughable pulp-fiction earnestness'. The reviewer quotes a passage about 'queer little happenings' and the possibility of their truth. The story of aliens replicating humans is seen as a metaphor for Communism or the numbing effects of modern society. The review also touches upon Abel Ferrara's 1993 film adaptation, which articulates fears of cold, methodical beings infiltrating society, and the broader themes of growing indifference, fear of neighbors, ecological doom, and the spread of AIDS. The book is recommended as a key text on the fear of alien invasion and loss of human identity.

Letter

Christopher D. Allan of Stoke-on-Trent responds to Karl Pflock's selection of three UFO cases. Allan dismisses one case as dubious and questions the thoroughness of Ruppelt's investigation into the Rapid City, South Dakota radar-visual case, citing Donald Menzel, Lyle Boyd, and Gordon D. Thayer as providing adequate explanations. He also scrutinizes the Vermillion, Kansas case, noting the lack of independent witnesses and the limited investigation. Allan expresses skepticism about the RB-47 radar-visual case of July 1957, stating that while difficult, it does not provide enough evidence for the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). He concludes that at least one and a half of Pflock's top three UFO cases fall into the 'IFO' (Identified Flying Object) category.

Special Offer for Magonia Readers

An offer is presented for Dean Conrad's book, 'Star Wars: The Genesis of a Legend', available at a discounted price for Magonia readers. The book is described as surveying the phenomenon of Star Wars, covering George Lucas's biography, literary and filmic influences, science fiction connections, plot structure, comedy, special effects, and sequels.

Contact Information

Information is provided for subscribing to Magonia Monthly Supplement, submitting letters and articles, and contacting the editor, John Harney, via post, fax, or email.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is a critical and skeptical examination of UFO phenomena and related literature. The editorial explicitly champions skepticism, and the reviews and letters consistently challenge claims that lack robust evidence or rely on dubious sources. The magazine appears to prioritize rational explanations and rigorous investigation over sensationalism and unsubstantiated theories. The review of Nicholas Redfern's book, in particular, highlights the magazine's stance against the tendency to invoke 'cover-ups' when evidence is scarce. The inclusion of a review of a book on 'Star Wars' suggests an interest in popular culture and its intersection with themes of alien contact and societal fears, but even this is framed within a critical context. The overall editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, demanding strong evidence and questioning extraordinary claims.