OMNI

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: September 1990
Volume: XII, Issue 09
Price: $3.50
Publisher: Omni Publications International Ltd.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated September 1990, prominently features a striking cover image of a decaying butterfly, accompanied by the headline "DOOMED THE LAST 10 PARADISES ON EARTH." The cover also highlights the "PARAPSYCHOLOGY LAB AT PRINCETON" and teases articles on "THE FUTURE OF ORGAN TRANSPLANTS," "JAPAN'S SPACE HOTEL 2020," and "THE TRAVEL PHOBIAS OF DAVID BRENNER."

Anti Matter: UFO Update

The "Anti Matter" section delves into the "UFO Update," focusing on the newly established Intruders Foundation (IF). Founded by UFOlogist and author Budd Hopkins, IF aims to provide a nationwide help network for individuals who believe they have been abducted by aliens. Hopkins, who has been involved in abduction research for a decade, found himself overwhelmed by the volume of correspondence after his book "Missing Time" and "Intruders" gained popularity. The foundation, funded by donations and memberships, plans to offer support, connect abductees with hypnotherapists and psychotherapists, and maintain a database of information.

Penelope Franklin, editor of the IF newsletter, states that the publication will feature abductees' own stories to combat isolation. Jerome Clark, vice-president of the Center for UFO Studies, acknowledges the potential importance of IF, comparing the plight of some abductees to that of rape victims and emphasizing the value of information.

However, the article also presents a critical perspective from Bill Ellis, a folklore expert at Pennsylvania State University. Ellis argues that IF might be contributing to the construction of a new folklore rather than offering genuine therapeutic help. He suggests that individuals lacking a framework to understand their experiences might be led to believe in the group's abduction hypotheses. Ellis warns that this approach could prevent people from seeking necessary clinical help and that objective researchers might uncover less dramatic explanations.

Other Featured Articles

Beyond the UFO-related content, the magazine touches upon significant future-oriented topics:

• The Future of Organ Transplants: This article likely explores advancements and ethical considerations in organ transplantation.
• Japan's Space Hotel 2020: This piece probably discusses futuristic concepts for space tourism and accommodation, specifically from a Japanese perspective.
• The Travel Phobias of David Brenner: This article focuses on the psychological challenges related to travel, as experienced by comedian David Brenner.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The September 1990 issue of OMNI magazine appears to maintain its characteristic blend of science, the paranormal, and speculative futures. The cover story on "Doomed Paradises" suggests an environmental or societal warning theme, while the extensive coverage of UFO abductions and the Intruders Foundation highlights the magazine's ongoing interest in anomalous phenomena and parapsychology. The inclusion of articles on organ transplants and space hotels points to a forward-looking perspective on technological and scientific progress. The editorial stance, as reflected in the inclusion of critical viewpoints on the Intruders Foundation, suggests a commitment to presenting a range of perspectives, even on controversial topics, rather than solely promoting unsubstantiated theories. The magazine encourages critical thinking by juxtaposing claims with expert analysis and potential alternative explanations.