OMNI

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue: APRIL 1989
Date: April 1989
Price: $3.50

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated April 1989, features a prominent cover story on "CREATIVITY: THE SOURCE, THE SECRETS, THE EXERCISES." The cover art depicts colorful ribbons swirling in a sky viewed through an arched window, symbolizing creativity.

Anti Matter: UFO Update

The "Anti Matter" section includes an article titled "UFO UPDATE" which explores the possibility that the newly developed, supersecret B-2 Stealth bomber is responsible for a surge in reports of large, wing-shaped UFOs. Dan Gordon, a news director from Wythe-ville, Virginia, claims to have seen the Stealth bomber flying, and notes over 3,000 UFO reports in his area, most describing dark, wing-shaped craft.

The article notes that similar reports of V-shaped or wing-shaped craft have emerged in other locations, including Lumberton, North Carolina, central Ohio, and Westchester County, New York. The Air Force, through Major Pat Mullaney, denies that the B-2 has flown, stating, "The B-2 has not flown, period."

UFO activist Peter Gersten, a New York attorney, is investigating a link between the development of early Northrop flying wings, such as the XB-35 and YB-49 tested in the late 1940s, and the early UFO era. Gersten theorizes that Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of nine "bright objects" without tails might have been one of these experimental flying wings. He points to a photograph of nine such aircraft on a runway and Arnold's own illustration, which depicted a crescent-shaped craft.

Anti Matter: Parapsychology Controversy

Another "Anti Matter" article discusses a controversy surrounding parapsychology research, stemming from the National Research Council (NRC) committee's results announced in December. The committee concluded there were no easy ways to make better soldiers and no solid scientific evidence for psychic phenomena.

Parapsychologists, including Dean Radin, president of the Parapsychological Association, claim the NRC committee was biased and attempted to suppress evidence. Radin alleges that two principal evaluators, Ray Hyman and James Alcock, have a public history with CSICOP, an organization known for its opposition to parapsychology. Radin also claims committee chairman John Swets asked Harvard psychologist Robert Rosenthal to withdraw his paper on parapsychological experiments, which found compelling evidence for a phenomenon needing explanation.

Rosenthal refused to withdraw his section but agreed to respond to critiques. The committee's final report, however, allegedly relied heavily on critics of parapsychology and did not mention Rosenthal's conclusions. Swets, chief scientist at Bolt Beranek and Newman, admits asking Rosenthal to withdraw the section but claims it was because Rosenthal was not asked to write it in the first place. Rosenthal disputes this, stating the committee attempted to avoid controversy. Swets denies bias, asserting the report treated the field fairly.

Radin expresses frustration, stating, "Trying to play the normal science game in this particular field is impossible."

Anti Matter: Klassified

Philip Klass, author of the new book "UFO Abductions: A Dangerous Game," offers alternative explanations for abduction experiences. He suggests that Betty Hill's experiences might stem from bad dreams and Whitley Strieber's accounts in "Communion" could be linked to temporal lobe epilepsy. Klass describes UFO investigator Budd Hopkins as "terribly credulous, terribly sloppy."

Klass argues that abduction films and books have exposed the public to abduction narratives, contaminating potential witness accounts. He also suggests that hypnosis, often used in investigations, can implant "pseudomemories."

Budd Hopkins disputes Klass's claims, stating Klass has never interviewed him or major abductees, calling it "shoddy journalism." Hopkins dismisses hypnosis as an issue, noting many cases occurred without it. Regarding Strieber's potential temporal lobe epilepsy, Strieber has undergone extensive medical testing, including EEGs, a CAT scan, and an MRI, which revealed some abnormalities but did not rule out the condition. Strieber believes these spots are consistent with needles being pushed into his brain.

Klass admits he has been metaphorically "abducted" by the UFO field, wanting to retire but being drawn back by new developments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The "Anti Matter" section of OMNI consistently presents skeptical yet investigative reporting on paranormal and fringe topics. The magazine appears to favor exploring controversial theories and presenting multiple viewpoints, even when those viewpoints are contradictory. There's a clear interest in debunking or providing rational explanations for phenomena like UFOs and psychic abilities, as seen in Philip Klass's contributions and the critical examination of parapsychology research. However, the magazine also gives space to those who believe in these phenomena, such as UFO activist Peter Gersten, creating a dynamic tension between skepticism and open inquiry. The overall stance seems to be one of critical examination, encouraging readers to question and analyze claims rather than accepting them at face value.