OMNI

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: June 1986
Price: $2.50
Cover Headline: WIND WARRIORS TAMING TORNADOES

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated June 1986, presents a diverse range of speculative and scientific topics, headlined by an article on "Wind Warriors: Taming Tornadoes." The cover art depicts a dramatic, cosmic scene with a central glowing orb and surrounding celestial bodies, set against a backdrop of electrical storms.

UFO Update: The Investigations of Gene Austin

The "UFO UPDATE" section introduces Gene Austin, a figure described as a "disruptive" investigator who has transitioned from a career in professional kidnapping to probing UFOs, drugs, and cults. Austin, who claims to have "kidnapped back" children over 400 times to counter legal loopholes in divorce cases, now applies his meticulous, documented approach to these new subjects. His business cards once read "MEAN GENE AUSTIN, THE PALADIN OF POLITICS HAVE MOUTH, WILL TRAVEL." He is characterized by his eclectic interests, ranging from mass murders to cattle mutilation and a newsletter for necrophiles, all heavily documented in computerized files.

Nebraska state senator John DeCamp, who has known Austin for 15 years, praises his "network of sources no one can match" and calls him a "flaky genius" whose fact-gathering is "incredible."

Austin's interest in UFOs reportedly stemmed from his investigation into cattle mutilations. He posits that many UFO sightings, particularly in the western United States, are actually drug-smuggling helicopters, such as Hughes 5000s and Ds, which are exceptionally quiet. He suggests that cattle mutilations are sometimes carried out by drug dealers who, while waiting for shipments or under the influence, mutilate a neighbor's cow.

Austin also believes that some UFO sightings are misinterpretations. He argues that people who see UFOs are often city dwellers experiencing sensory deprivation in quiet rural settings, leading them to misinterpret celestial bodies like Venus as moving lights.

Despite his unconventional past, Austin has found some stability working as an apartment manager, which supports his research. He expresses disdain for being called "Clean Gene" by local radio stations.

Additional Articles

Beyond the UFO and tornado features, the issue promises content on:

• WALL STREET: 2086: A look into the future of financial markets.
• STARSHIPS: Likely exploring concepts of interstellar travel.
• MODERN GHOSTS: Investigating contemporary paranormal phenomena.
• CATCHING COMPUTER VIRUSES: Addressing the emerging threat of digital malware.
• THE BRAIN MASTER: Potentially a profile or discussion related to neuroscience or artificial intelligence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

OMNI magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, technology, the future, and the unexplained. This issue, with its focus on taming natural forces (tornadoes), investigating anomalous phenomena (UFOs, ghosts), and contemplating future technological and societal shifts (Wall Street 2086, computer viruses, starships), exemplifies this broad scope. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse theories and investigations, even those that challenge conventional understanding, as exemplified by the profile of Gene Austin. The magazine encourages readers to consider the bizarre and the cutting-edge, often with a speculative or futuristic lens.