MUFON Ontario Newsletter - 1994 07 - vol1.3

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MUFON ONTARIO Newsletter, dated July 1994, Volume 1.3, is a 20-page publication focusing on UFO investigations and related topics within Canada. The cover story, "UXBRIDGE - Anatomy of a "UFO"" by Drew Williamson, details a sighting by David Caskie and subsequent investigation. The newsletter also includes a review of John Mack's book "Abduction: Human Encounters With Aliens", a summary of UFO and abduction reports from May 1994, and a preview of the next issue's focus on abduction reports.

UXBRIDGE - Anatomy of a "UFO"

This article by Drew Williamson recounts the investigation into a UFO sighting by David Caskie in Uxbridge, Ontario. Caskie, an aspiring UFO investigator, was prepared with his camera when he observed an intense orange glow and then an orb of light in the night sky. He managed to capture three frames with his telephoto lens, one of which is shown on the cover. The object appeared small in the photograph, requiring significant magnification.

Further investigation revealed that another family, the Colbys, living 10 kilometers away, also witnessed a similar phenomenon the following night. The women in the Colby family reported seeing a cellular, honeycomb-like structure, while the men observed a long, curving tail. The article highlights the difficulty in establishing the exact timing of the events, with initial reports suggesting Tuesday morning at 12:40, but later clarification indicating Wednesday morning.

To gather more witnesses, the investigators placed ads in local papers. This led to a call from a man in Manila who had videotaped the event. The investigation also uncovered reports of a search and rescue operation over Lake Simcoe on the night in question, involving parachute flares. Sgt. Goudreau from CFB Trenton confirmed that the OPP had requested a search over Lake Simcoe at the time of the sightings. Sgt. Bill Rands of the Orillia OPP also confirmed this, noting the cost of the operation.

The article concludes that the lights observed were likely parachute flares from the rescue mission, and that the initial interpretation as a UFO was a result of "UFOria." The author emphasizes the importance of eliminating known phenomena before concluding a sighting is extraterrestrial.

Review: "Abduction: Human Encounters With Aliens" by John Mack, M.D.

This review by David Gotlib, M.D., critically examines John Mack's book on abduction experiences. Gotlib acknowledges Mack's credentials as a Harvard professor and Pulitzer Prize winner but finds the book disappointing for critical readers and skeptics. The review identifies two central flaws: the reliance on hypnosis for abduction accounts without sufficient discussion of the reliability of "recovered" memories, and Mack's dismissal of criticisms as stemming from "Western worldview" or "separation of spirit and physical world."

Gotlib argues that the scientific literature indicates no objectively reliable method for distinguishing real memories from confabulations, and that "affective appropriateness" and narrative consistency are not reliable indicators of accuracy. He criticizes Mack for not addressing how memories can be contaminated or influenced by the investigator or the subject's own experiences.

The review also points out Mack's acceptance of abduction scenarios developed by Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs as axiomatic, despite disagreements within ufology. Mack's methodology is questioned, including how subjects were found and how many were interviewed versus those who were actually abductees. The lack of psychological profiles is also noted, with Mack citing time and expense as reasons.

Gotlib refutes Mack's claim that studies show no personality type associated with abductions, citing a study by Rodeghier, Goodpaster, and Blatterbauer that suggests two distinct groups of abductees, one with higher fantasy-prone scores and PTSD. The review also critiques Mack's misrepresentation of Kenneth Ring's "encounter-prone personality" hypothesis by omitting the reference to childhood abuse and trauma.

Furthermore, the review criticizes Mack's interpretation of physical manifestations of abductions, noting contradictory statements about whether phenomena exist literally on the material plane. Mack's view of abductions as potentially leading to the "expansion of human consciousness" is contrasted with Hopkins and Jacobs' view of them as traumatizing assaults.

The review concludes that Mack's simplistic dichotomies and dismissal of Western science undermine his advocacy for a paradigm shift, suggesting that scientific wonder is a more effective approach.

Across the Great White North

This column by Michael Strainic, MUFON's Canadian National Director, provides an overview of UFO activity in Canada and highlights the quality of the MUFON ONTARIO Newsletter. Strainic mentions a recent "amazing rash of UFO encounters" in British Columbia, specifically Vancouver, within a three-week period. These cases included multiple-witness daylight sightings, videotapes, physical effects, ground traces, electrical anomalies, probable abductions, and entity encounters. The activity was significant enough to attract the attention of the producers of the TV show "Encounters."

The column details the filming process for the TV show in Vancouver, involving extensive shooting and a subsequent return visit for additional footage. Strainic expresses concern that the vast amount of footage, including an interview with an abductee, will be reduced to short sound bites and that the tapes will eventually be erased and reused, calling it a "sad fact of life" in "Hollywood."

Summary of UFO and Abduction reports since May 94

This section provides a table summarizing UFO and abduction reports from May and June 1994 in Ontario. Locations include Toronto and Mississauga. Report types are categorized as 'NL' (Nocturnal Light) and 'ABDT' (Abduction), with varying numbers of cases reported for each.

Editorial Notes

Victor Lourenco, in his editorial notes, explains that the current issue was expanded to 20 pages to accommodate Chris Rutkowski's report on the 1993 Canadian UFO Survey. He encourages readers to submit articles for publication in computer format. Brian Bower is announced as a new Field Investigator. The notes also highlight the need for more Field Investigators and Provincial Section Directors in specific areas like Ottawa, Hamilton, St. Catharines, Burlington, and Brantford.

Next Issue

The next issue of MUFON ONTARIO Newsletter will focus on "Abduction reports in Ontario."

The Carp Case - Part III

This installment by Errol Bruce-Knapp continues the MUFON Ontario version of the Carp Case. It details interviews conducted by Leanne Cuzak with Bob Oechsler and Diane Labanek for CJOH-TV. Labanek claimed that "a lot of others" had seen the event, but MUFON Ontario was unable to find other witnesses in the Manion Corner area. Oechsler also claimed to have received calls from witnesses.

The article also mentions Graham Lightfoot and Oechsler meeting with high school girls who identified someone named "Guardian" (not Charlebois'). Later, Labanek reported her mother seeing a 'craft' hovering near the house, and her husband seeing a 'craft' in the same location as a previous August '91 sighting. The article questions why Oechsler did not investigate these events if they were "real."

The section also discusses complaints from Labanek about "low-flying" helicopters allegedly causing damage. Investigations with neighbors only revealed regular Air Ambulance, military, or Mountie aircraft, not low-flying choppers. A white helicopter seen by Labanek's mother was identified as a NATO training aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes UFO investigation and reporting within Canada, particularly through the MUFON ONTARIO organization. There is a strong emphasis on documenting sightings, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, as demonstrated by the detailed review of John Mack's book and the debunking of the Uxbridge sighting as likely parachute flares. The newsletter also aims to keep members informed about national and regional UFO activity and encourages participation in investigations. The "Across the Great White North" column serves to broaden the scope to national UFO news and media involvement, while the "Carp Case" continues to explore a specific ongoing investigation.

This issue of MUFON ONTARIO, dated 1993, focuses on UFO investigations within Canada, particularly in Ontario. It includes a detailed look at the Labanek case, the involvement of the RCMP, and a comprehensive statistical analysis of Canadian UFO reports from 1989 to 1993.

The Labanek Case and RCMP Involvement

The issue begins with a letter from Graham Lightfoot to Bob Kiviat, producer of 'Unsolved Mysteries,' regarding the Labanek case. Lightfoot expresses concerns about the methods of investigator Oechsler, who he believes is overly focused on his own ego and tunnel vision. Oechsler is described as having chaotic behavior and attempting to involve 'Unsolved Mysteries' in funding a 24-hour surveillance operation at the Labanek's property. Lightfoot also notes that MUFON is distancing itself from Oechsler due to past credibility issues.

Further details emerge about the RCMP's involvement, initiated by a complaint from the Labaneks about being 'harassed' by helicopters flying below the federally mandated 500 feet. Oechsler had apparently asked the RCMP to charge 'Guardian' suspect Bobby Charlebois with forging DND documents, a move Graham felt was intended to scare Charlebois into an admission. However, the RCMP report, obtained by Christian Page of MUFON Quebec, revealed the complaint was filed on February 10, 1993, with the purpose of determining if sufficient evidence existed for prosecution under the Aeronautics Act, if the object was an aircraft, and if it was a UFO. Constable De Haitre's investigation included interviews with neighbours and examination of signs with 'Defence Canada' and 'Killing Fields' markings, noting similarities to 'Guardian' documents. Oechsler also presented findings about Titanium and Strontium residue to De Haitre.

Oechsler later wrote a rebuttal to an RCMP report posted by Mr. Leblanc, stating he was unaware of the final RCMP report until recently. He claims his investigation into potential illegal helicopter operations led the RCMP to contact him regarding the 'Guardian' videotape. Oechsler believed the video showed military pyrotechnic flare residue, but laboratory results were negative, leading the RCMP to favor a helicopter explanation. When Oechsler proposed a meeting with technical experts, the RCMP declined and terminated the investigation.

Further analysis of the 'Guardian' video by RCMP suggested it was a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter, based on a presumed relationship between a strobing blue light and the masthead light of a helicopter. The article refutes this, pointing out inconsistencies with rotor speed and the lack of visible effects on the pyrotechnics smoke. An audio analysis also failed to find sounds consistent with rotating chopper blades, attributing any audible noise to video noise.

The 1993 Canadian UFO Survey - Part I

This section, compiled by Chris A. Rutkowski and published by Ufology Research of Manitoba, presents a statistical analysis of UFO reports in Canada from 1989 to 1993. The survey aims to provide a systematic collection and analysis of raw UFO report data. The introduction acknowledges the limitations of statistical studies, quoting Allan Hendry on the challenges of comparing disparate cases.

The 1993 survey received 489 reports, a significant increase from previous years, partly due to a major fireball event on October 30, 1993, which generated over 120 reports. The data sources included investigators' files, press clippings, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), and reports from geophysicists and astronomers. The NRC receives reports from various sources, including private citizens, RCMP, police, and military personnel.

Several issues were encountered in data acquisition, including localized flaps preventing follow-up and a lack of detailed information for some reports, potentially raising the true number of 1993 reports to around 700. Only one Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind (CE4) was included and subsequently excluded due to its nature as an 'abduction' case, which is considered difficult to quantify and potentially psychological. Approximately 30 reports were received after statistical analysis, highlighting the need for prompt data submission from ufologists.

The methodology involved coding data into a WordPerfect file, then converting it to ASCII text for analysis in a SAS statistical package. A detailed coding key is provided, outlining fields such as Year, Month, Date, Time, Location, Province, Type of Report, Duration, Color, Number of Witnesses, Shape, Sound, Quality, Source, and Evaluation.

Analyses of the Data

Analysis of the data revealed significant increases in reports from Manitoba in 1993, while Alberta and Quebec saw decreases. British Columbia consistently represented the largest fraction of UFO reports, attributed to an efficient reporting system and a large number of active investigators. When considering only NRC reports, Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec showed higher numbers, influenced by the major fireball event.

Monthly breakdowns showed that while previous years often had summer peaks, 1993 saw peaks in winter and troughs in summer, with an October peak explained by the fireball. This contrasts with historical analyses of Manitoba and Project Blue Book data, which showed June peaks and December troughs.

Table 3 details report types based on modified Hynek classifications, showing a significant increase in Nocturnal Lights (NLs) in 1993, comprising 76% of reports. The category of Nocturnal Disc (ND) was created by UFOROM for differentiation. Table 4 presents the evaluation of Canadian UFO data, with 'Explained' cases at 31.5%, 'Insufficient Information' at 34.8%, 'Possible or Probable Explanation' at 23.5%, and 'Unknown' at 10.2% for 1993. The average proportion of 'Unknowns' over five years was about 14.5%, with the subjective nature of evaluations noted.

The average proportion of Unknowns was analyzed further, focusing on high-quality cases. In 1993, there were 26 high-quality Unknowns (5.3%), comparable to previous years. Eliminating NLs from the 1993 Unknowns resulted in 16 cases (3.3%), aligning with USAF Blue Book findings.

The average Quality rating of reports was 6.36, indicating useful information was available for most cases. The Quality of Nocturnal Lights varied, while NDs, DDs, and CEs had higher ratings. It is emphasized that high-quality Unknowns do not imply alien visitation, and cases remain unexplained but not incontrovertible proof of extraterrestrial intervention.

Hourly distribution of cases showed a continuous curve with a peak at 2200 hours and a trough around 1100 hours, with most sightings occurring between 9:00 p.m. and midnight. The average number of witnesses per case in 1993 was 2.07, indicating typical UFO experiences involve more than one witness.

The category of Duration showed an average of about 12 minutes for 1992 and 1993. Long-duration sightings tended to occur in the early morning hours and were likely astronomical objects. The duration of sightings decreased with the number of reports, with most lasting only a few seconds.

In terms of color, white was the most common (36.3%), followed by red (15.7%). Green and orange were less dominant than in previous years. Shape was a good predictor of UFO type, with fireballs and point sources usually being Nocturnal Lights, and cigars, discs, and triangles being Nocturnal or Daylight Discs.

The summary of results states that the 1993 Survey does not offer positive proof of the physical reality of UFOs but confirms that phenomena called UFOs are continually observed. The typical sighting involves two people observing a distant light for several minutes, often identified as a conventional object. However, a small percentage remain unexplained.

Malden Centre Pictogram

This section reports on a pictogram discovered by farmer Jon Parks in a wheat field in Malden Centre, Ontario, during the week of July 11, 1994. The pictogram featured a central corridor, large circles, and T-shaped figures. The editor notes that Tom & Lise Theofanous, Sue Kovios, and Peter Avramidis visited the site to assess the situation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges and methodologies of UFO investigation, the role of official bodies like the RCMP, and the importance of data collection and statistical analysis in understanding the phenomenon. The magazine appears to maintain a stance of critical inquiry, presenting different perspectives and concerns regarding UFO research and the individuals involved. There is an emphasis on rigorous analysis and a cautious approach to conclusions, particularly regarding the nature of 'unknown' cases.