The Canadian Ufologist - 1996 11 - vol 3 no 5

Magazine Overview

Title: The Canadian Ufologist
Issue: Volume 3.5, November/December 1996
Publisher: The Mutual UFO Network of Ontario
Country: Canada
Price: $3.50

This issue of The Canadian Ufologist presents two compelling UFO sighting reports and delves into critical aspects of ufology, including investigative protocols and media relations.

UFO Caught on Video Near Pearson International Airport, Toronto

This article details a sighting on Thursday, July 17, 1996, by individuals in a high-rise apartment overlooking Toronto. The object, observed for about 40 minutes, was described as bright white, slanted at a 45-degree angle, and moving too slowly to be a conventional aircraft. It lacked flashing lights or a 'con' trail. When it stopped near the landing approach to Toronto International Airport, a bright light shone from it. The object maintained its position as the moon moved, eventually becoming a dark silhouette against the twilight sky. The witnesses noted it moved in a counter-clockwise direction and did not have the profile of a known helicopter. Air traffic radar reportedly showed no anomalies.

CN Train Crew Encounter UFO in Northern Ontario

Reported by Todd Fraser, this incident occurred at approximately 2 a.m. on Friday, November 29, 1996. A northbound Canadian National (CN) freight train crew encountered a UFO near Ardbeg, Northern Ontario. The two-man crew observed an orange and green light descend from the sky. They described the object as being the size of a street light at 600 yards, hovering 45 degrees above the tree line. The object then flew off to the west. Michel Deschamps and Todd Fraser are investigating this case.

From the Editors

The editors express gratitude to Victor Lourenco for his three years of establishing and editing the magazine. They acknowledge the challenges of producing the publication while managing other responsibilities. The issue includes images from the year's MUFON Ontario activities, including a trip to a CSICOP convention in Buffalo, New York. The editors humorously note the organizational issues and perceived dogmatism of CSICOP speakers. They also apologize for the tardiness of this issue.

MUFON Ontario General Meetings

Information is provided that MUFON Ontario General Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month at The Unitarian Church, 175 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, starting at 7:30 pm.

Ufological Protocol?

By Hugh F. Cochrane, this article discusses the need for a clear ufological protocol, referencing a MUFON Journal editor's call for rationality and a letter suggesting a benchmark event. Cochrane notes that a UFO Survey found no incontrovertible evidence of extraterrestrial contact, though many UFOs are lights with definite shapes. He highlights that the level and quality of UFO report investigation vary due to a lack of explicit standards. The article quotes Dr. Allen Hynek on the definition of a UFO and discusses the MUFON Field Investigator's Manual's approach to extraterrestrials and conspiracies, including instructions for dealing with crashed UFOs and alien entities. Cochrane questions whether 'lights in the sky' are transient events or something more, and explores the possibility of material effects at landing sites. He also touches upon Persinger's theories regarding brain-invading radiations and the potential for natural energy phenomena to cause UFO manifestations. The article concludes by suggesting that UFOs might be unidentified objects representing an unknown natural energy phenomenon rather than solely alien craft, and that solving the UFO enigma could lead to significant technological advancements.

Notes on the Issue of Fiction And Truth

By Budd Hopkins, this piece addresses the common perception that truth is stranger than fiction, particularly in the context of UFO abduction narratives. Hopkins argues that the bizarre and complex details often found in abduction accounts are characteristic of genuine experiences, unlike fiction which tends to be more polished and logical. He uses examples of abduction cases with seemingly preposterous details, asserting that such elements, when genuinely reported, are signs of authenticity. Hopkins contrasts this with fiction, which must be composed to avoid irrelevant details and non-sequiturs. He suggests that experienced abduction researchers recognize these 'crazy' details as indicative of alien behavior and traumatized witness accounts, finding them more credible than neat, predictable fictional narratives.

Handling the News Media: What MUFON Members Need to Know

By Joe Lewels, Ph.D., this article addresses the frustrations MUFON members often face with media coverage of UFOs. Lewels, a former journalist, explains that media outlets prioritize ratings and that UFO stories, while often covered superficially or with jokes, can sell newspapers and boost ratings. He advises MUFON members to be aware of this, suggesting that media contact is optional and should be on their own terms. Key recommendations include designating a spokesperson, cultivating relationships with knowledgeable reporters, being prepared for badgering, clearly defining 'off the record' comments, tape-recording interviews, and not assuming reporters are knowledgeable or objective. The article emphasizes the need for caution in word choice, using conservative language, and qualifying statements. It also suggests strategies for maximizing publicity, such as arranging lectures during 'sweeps week' and hand-carrying news releases.

How To Really Handle The Media

By Michael J. Woods, this article offers a critical perspective on handling media interactions, particularly concerning UFOs. Woods, with extensive news business experience, challenges the notion that UFO research is solely about knowledge expansion, suggesting that some articles rehash tired horror stories and stereotypes. He critiques the media's focus on ratings and 'sweeps week' as the primary driver for UFO coverage, noting the decline of dedicated UFO programs. Woods recounts instances of reporters showing a lack of basic knowledge about UFOs and the cases they cover, highlighting the need for MUFON members to be prepared and cautious. He emphasizes that while the media may cover UFOs for ratings, UFO researchers are dedicated to knowledge and do not profit from their work. The article suggests that the public's thirst for UFO information may be less than perceived, citing the cancellation of shows that featured UFO content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO evidence and investigation, the distinction between factual accounts and fictional narratives, and the challenges of communicating UFO information to the public through the media. The magazine adopts a stance that encourages critical inquiry into UFO phenomena, advocating for rigorous investigation and a rational approach while acknowledging the persistent mystery. There is a clear emphasis on the need for established protocols in ufology and a pragmatic approach to media engagement, recognizing the media's commercial interests.

Title: The Canadian Ufologist
Issue Date: November/December 1996
Volume: 3.5

This issue of The Canadian Ufologist delves into the complex relationship between UFO researchers and the media, critically examines a historical USAF publication on UFOs, and presents recent UFO sighting evidence.

Handling the News Media: A Critical Perspective

The issue begins with a critique of how news media interacts with UFO organizations, particularly MUFON. The author expresses amazement at the perceived lack of professionalism among reporters, citing an anecdote where a reporter allegedly knew nothing about the Gulf Breeze case or its key figures, despite being assigned a series on UFOs. The article questions the news director's decision-making and MUFON's uncooperative stance, suggesting that MUFON's refusal to educate the reporter is a missed opportunity to inform the public.

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to dissecting a ten-step program on media handling, likely from another publication. The author strongly disagrees with several points, particularly the advice to treat all news personnel as adversaries. Drawing on fifteen years of journalistic experience, the author argues that such an approach leads to hostile coverage and that reporters are more likely to investigate further if they perceive something is being hidden. The advice to avoid interviews if uncomfortable is acknowledged, but the author warns against complaining later about lack of coverage. The piece also refutes the idea that reporters solely focus on ratings, stating that the managing editor or news director is primarily concerned with sales and ratings, while reporters focus on story placement and airtime.

Further points of contention include the advice to keep meetings off-the-record when media are present, which the author views as counterproductive to uncovering secrets. The author also disputes the notion that media interviews are always taken out of context, suggesting that this is an oversimplification and potentially libelous. The article emphasizes the importance of honesty and accuracy when dealing with the media, warning against guessing or fabricating information. The author also points out that media outlets often have limited time and resources, especially during 'sweeps weeks' when audience numbers are measured for advertising rates.

Review: 'Flying Saucers and the U.S. Air Force' by Lt. Col. Lawrence J. Tacker

The issue features an in-depth review of Lt. Col. Lawrence J. Tacker's 1960 book, 'Flying Saucers and the U.S. Air Force.' The reviewer notes that the book was one of three approved by the USAF for public distribution, alongside Ruppelt's Report and the Condon Committee's study. Tacker, a decorated combat veteran, presented the book as 'The Official Air Force Story.'

The review highlights that by 1960, significant public pressure existed regarding UFOs, and the Air Force was actively working to avoid congressional hearings. Tacker, acting as an Air Force spokesman, appeared on media tours to promote his book and defend USAF policy. The article recounts Tacker's appearance on NBC's 'Today Show' where he debated Major Donald E. Keyhoe of NICAP, who challenged Tacker's defense of Air Force UFO policy. The reviewer notes that CBS had previously censored Keyhoe under Air Force direction.

Tacker's book is criticized for its brevity in covering 13 years of USAF investigation (only 87 pages of text), with a significant portion dedicated to reproducing 'crank letters' from the public. The reviewer finds Tacker's assertion that the USAF was not withholding information to be misleading, as the term 'Flying Saucer' was not used in the Twining Letter, which Tacker referenced. Furthermore, Tacker's claim that the 'Estimate of the Situation (1948)' never existed is disputed, with references to Ruppelt and Dr. J. Allen Hynek verifying its existence.

Despite finding the book biased and containing factual errors, the reviewer acknowledges that chapter 5, 'It's Easy To Be Fooled,' offers interesting insights into natural phenomena that are often mistaken for UFOs. The book also reproduces Air Force Regulation 200-2 and a USAF Technical Information sheet. However, the book was poorly received by the UFO community and is considered by Jerome Clark to be 'largely forgotten,' valued more as a commodity than for its substantive contribution to the subject.

From the Internet & World Wide Web

This section presents recent UFO-related content found online. One item discusses 'The Most Authentic Alien Image Ever' from Whitley Strieber's 'Communion' homepage, describing a photograph that appears to reveal anatomical structures and highly reflective eyes.

Another segment details UFO video footage from a Brazilian newscast in 1991, where an object remained stationary for over an hour, winking on and off. The footage is noted as being identical to UFO footage captured by security cameras at Nellis Airforce Base in 1995, prompting a question about why the same UFO is not photographed more often.

Other Items

The issue also includes a brief mention of MUFON Ontario General Meetings, held on the last Wednesday of each month.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges of UFO research in the public sphere, particularly concerning media relations and the dissemination of information. The editorial stance appears critical of both the media's handling of UFO stories and the perceived defensiveness or lack of transparency from official sources like the USAF and organizations like MUFON. There is a strong emphasis on journalistic integrity and the importance of accurate reporting, contrasted with what the authors perceive as sensationalism or obfuscation from various parties involved in the UFO phenomenon.