The Swamp Gas Journal

Magazine Overview

Title: The Swamp Gas Journal
Issue: #3
Volume: 1979
Date: April 1979
Publisher: Chris Rutkowski
Country: Canada
Language: English
ISSN: 0707 7106

Content Summary

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal opens with a personal account of the total solar eclipse on February 26, 1979, observed from Hecla Island, Manitoba. The author, part of a group including scientists and eclipse chasers, describes the event and mentions speaking with Dr. and Mrs. J. Allen Hynek. The author expresses a desire to chase future eclipses, particularly aiming for 'Land's End in 1999'.

UFOs and Skepticism

The journal addresses the author's previous mention of James Oberg's writings on UFOs. The author defends his interest, stating that while Oberg might challenge strong beliefs, it doesn't make him a bad guy. He also commends the critical efforts of Menzel and Klass, noting that such scrutiny is rare. The author is pleased that OMNI magazine, featuring articles by Oberg, is now indexed in Current Contents and the Science Citation Index, increasing the visibility of UFO-related entries.

Unreported Cases and Investigations

The author notes a lack of new UFO cases for investigation in recent months, lamenting that unreported sightings are common. He emphasizes the value of investigating 'fresh' cases but acknowledges that older data can still be useful. The Teulon cattle mutilation case, previously mentioned, is dismissed as not being a true case due to a lack of UFO observation, though the location had features conducive to such events (transmission lines, microwave circuits, swampy land, gravel pits, Indian burial sites).

UFO Memorabilia and Conventions

A unique item acquired by the author is a souvenir sheet and three stamps from Grenada, issued in August 1978, featuring various UFO shapes and configurations, including a depiction of the UN building with a flying saucer. The author believes these will become scarce and are a unique addition to UFO collections.

The second Winnipeg Science Fiction Society convention, UN-Con, has been postponed. However, an annual symposium for Junior High students on 'Science Fiction' is scheduled for April 27th at the Manitoba Planetarium. The author is slated to be a keynote speaker on 'Science Fiction and UFO's', intending to discuss topics like the Shaver Mystery, Hollow Earth, and review relevant novels and short stories.

The Michalak Case and Manitoba Sightings

The author plans to write an article or paper on the Michalak case, acknowledging the debate over whether it was a hoax or a genuine incident. He aims to clarify some aspects of this case, which has generated considerable discussion over the past twelve years.

He also expresses a desire to present statistics for the previous year but has postponed it due to various factors, including a need to reinvestigate some cases. A potential CE2 near a small town west of Winnipeg is mentioned, involving marks on the ground from a disc-shaped craft, which the author believes could be a significant case involving physical evidence, pending further investigation after the snow clears.

Meteorite Falls and Canadian UFO Activity

Recent meteorite falls in Manitoba are discussed, with the NRC investigating most. One incident produced a crater-like hole in a field, but an NRC investigator concluded it was not caused by a meteorite or satellite debris, leaving the cause uncertain.

The author expresses concern about the apparent lack of UFO reports from Manitoba, questioning if the province is too conservative to report such phenomena. He speculates if population density or other factors contribute to this lack of reporting, particularly in southern Manitoba's farming regions.

Pages From the Past: Charles Fort

An incident recorded by Charles Fort, a 'Shower of Black Ants' in Manitoba, is presented. The account, sourced from Scientific American and the Winnipeg Free Press, describes a heavy downpour of ants in the city and vicinity on a Wednesday evening in June 1895. These large, black-bodied ants, some with wings, were found throughout the city and were believed to have migrated from the southern part of the province. The author notes that while science often dismisses such phenomena with explanations like Jet Streams or waterspouts, they may not fully account for all cases.

Cattle Mutilations in the States

Tommy Blann of Texas has provided information on cattle mutilation cases in his region. Unlike the Teulon case, these US cases are described as highly unusual. An excerpt from the Torrance County Citizen details a case in New Mexico where a dead Angus calf was found with its ears cut off, scrotum and penis removed, circular patches of hair rubbed off, neck broken, and jugular punctured. The carcass and dissection tools were subsequently burned.

The author wonders if similar events have occurred in Manitoba, noting rumors of bulls being castrated. He mentions that two UFO investigators in 1975 were unable to substantiate these rumors.

Editorial Closing

The author concludes by noting that The Swamp Gas Journal has acquired an ISSN number and is being catalogued in the National Library, marking the establishment of his publishing endeavor. Special thanks are extended to Mrs. T. Oliver and Mrs. R. McLean.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores UFO phenomena, critical analysis of UFO claims, and historical accounts of unusual events. The author adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance, valuing common-sense investigation and critical examination of evidence. There's a clear interest in documenting UFO-related activities, including sightings, alleged mutilations, and even UFO-themed collectibles. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent investigation and reporting, aiming to bring clarity to complex and often controversial subjects, while also acknowledging the broader cultural context of science fiction and unexplained phenomena.