OMNI

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: March 1989
Publisher: OMNI PUBLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL LTD
Theme: The Ultimate Travel Guide

This issue of OMNI magazine positions itself as "The Ultimate Travel Guide," offering a diverse array of articles that blend adventure, science, and the unusual. The cover art depicts a futuristic, elongated vehicle, hinting at unconventional modes of transportation or exploration. The issue delves into a variety of topics, from the mysterious depths of Haiti's Voodoo underground to the paleontological pursuit of mammoths in South Dakota, and even a glimpse into the operational world of a robot factory. For thrill-seekers, it explores the world's most terrifying roller coasters, while nature enthusiasts can follow an orangutan watch in Borneo. The magazine also promises "20 Other Dream Vacations," broadening its scope to cater to a wide range of travel interests.

Editorial and Staff

The editorial team is led by Editor & Publisher Bob Guccione and President Kathy Keeton. The extensive masthead lists numerous editors and staff members across various departments, including editorial, art, advertising, marketing, and administration, reflecting a substantial publication operation. Key personnel include David J. Myerson as Chief Operating Officer and Patrice Adcraft as Editor.

Letters and Communications

The "Letters" section features reader correspondence addressing various topics covered in previous issues. Jim Allison expresses his continued loyalty to OMNI, praising the December 1988 issue. Ellen Crystall writes about Michael Persinger's theories on paranormal experiences, asserting that geological disturbances do not explain UFO phenomena and recounting her own experiences photographing spacecraft. Ron Jackson comments on Herbert Fingarette's views on alcoholism, distinguishing between the concept of alcoholism and the presence of heavy drinking. Russell E. Shaw discusses an article on Candida albicans, referencing Dr. William Crook's book "The Yeast Connection." Michael Wescott provides a correction regarding character identification in a piece about robots, clarifying that C-3PO is human-like, not R2-D2.

UFO UPDATE: The New Project Blue Book

A significant feature in this issue is the "UFO UPDATE" section, which introduces a new private enterprise, dubbed "Project Blue Book," spearheaded by Arkansas industrialist William Pitts. This initiative aims to re-examine UFO cases that remained unexplained by the original U.S. Air Force Project Blue Book, which closed in 1969. Pitts claims the new project will be free of official constraints and will utilize a large network of anonymous advisory consultants, including retired military and intelligence professionals. The project has already gathered details on over 120 cases since its inception in September 1988. However, the initiative faces skepticism from some researchers, who question Pitts' ties to the military and intelligence communities and worry it might be a government ploy or a continuation of a cover-up. Jerry Clark, codirector of the Center for UFO Studies, advises caution, emphasizing the need for Pitts to assure transparency regarding his reporting to government authorities.

Vicki Cooper reports on this new endeavor, noting that the project's insiders may help identify experimental aircraft like the Stealth fighter, which witnesses might mistake for UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OMNI showcases the magazine's consistent focus on the intersection of science, technology, the unexplained, and adventurous exploration. The "Ultimate Travel Guide" theme allows for a broad exploration of human curiosity, whether directed towards the paranormal, the frontiers of science, or exotic destinations. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded yet critical stance, presenting diverse theories and experiences while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation, as evidenced by the discussion surrounding the new "Project Blue Book."