The Canadian Ufologist - 1996 05 - vol 3 no 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Canadian Ufologist, Volume 3.2, dated May 1996, is published by The Mutual UFO Network of Ontario and priced at $3.50. The cover prominently features a graphic of the MUFON Ontario website, indicating the magazine's focus on UFO phenomena and the growing influence of the internet in disseminating information.

Articles and Features

UFOS ON PARLIAMENT HILL?

By John Dowdell, this article revisits UFO reports from 1969 concerning sightings over Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Dowdell explores various explanations, including pranks by physics students, kites with balloons, or even a civilian statement about the Trudeau administration. He questions why these reports would be classified if they were merely pranks and ponders the possibility of secret technology or misidentification by witnesses. The author also touches upon the idea of a NORAD exercise to gauge public reaction to UFOs and the potential for ancient myths to be interpreted as encounters with extraterrestrial visitors.

EMF AND UFOS?

Patricia Mason investigates the potential link between Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and the UFO abduction experience. The article highlights the presence of magnetite in the human brain and its potential biological function. It draws parallels between reported symptoms of EMF exposure (like memory loss, headaches, and allergic responses) and those experienced by UFO abductees. Mason suggests that EMF might be a fundamental force affecting consciousness and perception, and that abduction experiences could be a clue to future events or a means of spiritual alteration.

THE TRUTH IS OUT WHERE?

Hugh F. Cochrane examines the shift in UFO research focus from landing sites to abduction and contactee reports. He questions the reliability of evidence based on personal memory and hypnosis, comparing it to Near Death Experiences (NDEs) and past-life regressions. Cochrane references Dr. S. Karagulla's work on 'night students' who recall attending lectures while asleep, learning about new science and technology. He also discusses Rupert Sheldrake's theory of morphogenetic fields and how collective consciousness might be influenced by these experiences, potentially preparing humanity for future changes.

KIDNAPPED BY UFOS

Errol Bruce-Knapp profiles John Velez, an abductee whose entire family has experienced UFO encounters. Velez shares his personal journey, his initial rationalization of these experiences as nightmares, and the profound impact of accepting their reality. He criticizes the NOVA documentary 'Kidnapped By UFOs?' for misrepresenting the abduction phenomenon and discrediting researchers like Budd Hopkins. Velez emphasizes the need for objective research and the conditioning of public consciousness to prepare for potential future contact.

UFOS: ARE WE ALONE? (NOVA-1982/VESTRON VIDEO/VHS/1988)

Clay Foley reviews the NOVA documentary, criticizing its focus on skeptical opinions and its omission of evidence supporting UFO phenomena, such as the McMinnville photos. Foley questions the program's methodology, particularly its use of computer analysis and its failure to present findings from researchers like Bruce Maccabee. The article also touches upon the Travis Walton case and the use of polygraph tests, suggesting Nova selectively presented information to discredit Walton's testimony.

UFO IN WALTHAM, QUEBEC?

This short report details a sighting by seven lumber workers of a star-shaped object in Waltham, Quebec. The object reportedly touched down briefly and then took flight. Despite the workers' consistent testimony, the incident was not considered significant by Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.

THE CHUPACABRAS OF PUERTO RICO

This section discusses the 'Chupacabra' phenomenon, a creature blamed for the deaths of thousands of animals in Puerto Rico. The creature is described as four feet tall with a reptilian tail and claws, and it reportedly sucks its victims dry. Authorities suggest stray dogs or other animals as the cause, but the nature of the wounds suggests a more unusual predator.

FROM THE NET...

This segment reports on recent dramatic UFO sightings over Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, observed by State Troopers. It also mentions a sighting over central Pennsylvania involving commercial aircraft and confirmed by radar. The National UFO Reporting Center is soliciting reports from witnesses.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Two letters are included. Dr. Willy Smith critiques the NOVA program, stating it was biased and intended to discredit Budd Hopkins. Robert R. Young suggests that a reported UFO sighting in Fort Resolution was likely the planet Venus, providing astronomical information to support his claim.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from multiple angles, including eyewitness accounts, scientific investigations, and the psychological aspects of abduction experiences. There is a clear skepticism towards media portrayals that dismiss or sensationalize UFO reports, particularly evident in the critique of the NOVA documentary. The publication seems to advocate for more objective and thorough research into unexplained aerial phenomena, while acknowledging the challenges posed by hoaxes and misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various possibilities and to critically evaluate information presented by both proponents and debunkers.