The Swamp Gas Journal

Magazine Overview

Title: The Swamp Gas Journal
Issue: Volume 1, No. 8
Date: July, 1980
ISSN: 0707 - 7106
Publisher: The Swamp Gas Journal
Country: Canada
Language: English

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal features a collection of reviews and articles related to UFO phenomena, theoretical physics, and related topics. The cover highlights "Tomes" by Thomas E. Bearden, a series of technical papers and reports.

Reviews of Thomas E. Bearden's Works

The issue begins with a review of four works by Thomas E. Bearden, published by the System Development Corporation (now Computer Sciences Corporation) and available on microfiche. These include "Writing the Observer Back into the Equation," "An Approach to Understanding Psychotronics," "The One Human Problem, Its Solution, and Its Relation to UFO Phenomena," and "A Mind/Brain/Matter Model Consistent With Quantum Physics and UFO Phenomena."

The reviewer describes Bearden's field as quantum physics, noting the speculative and paradoxical nature of discussions among "free thinkers." Bearden is presented as an individual with a background in physics and martial arts, whose writings offer a unique perspective. His work paints a "dismal scenario" for mankind's future, suggesting civilization may destroy itself due to violence and unrest. As a solution, Bearden proposes electronically and physically linking every person on Earth via wireless electrodes attached to the brain, forming a single "entity" to eliminate conflict. The reviewer notes that while this might prevent an entity from harming itself, a psychopathic entity might still inflict harm, drawing a parallel to self-grooming.

Bearden's ideas are compared to science fiction, specifically John Christopher's "White Mountains" trilogy, which depicts aliens using "caps" to control Earthlings. The reviewer questions whether Bearden's suggestion would constitute "slavery" but acknowledges potential personality changes. Bearden views UFOs as projections of an extraterrestrial society with a unified consciousness. His latest work, "Mind/Brain/Matter Model...", discusses a Soviet "psychotronic" weapon capable of affecting matter, energy, and rational thought. Bearden suggests the Soviets use Jungian symbolism, such as the "ghost rockets" over Sweden (1946) and "mandala" symbols (flying saucers) over the U.S. (1947), to weaken America. He warns that cattle mutilation is a tactic to symbolize castration and that the next step might be the mutilation and killing of American women. The reviewer notes that microwave radiation beamed at American embassies might be an example of such tactics.

Despite the "far-out" nature of his ideas, the reviewer acknowledges Bearden's background as a tactical weapons analyst for the U.S. government, a member of AAAS, a military nuclear engineer, and a MENSA member. The reviewer concludes that Bearden's works, while speculative, contain enough truth and supporting physics to warrant consideration by serious researchers.

Correlation Techniques for Deep Space "Uncorrelated Targets"

This section reviews a report by R. Sridharan, W.P. Seniw, and A. Freed from MIT Lincoln Laboratory. The report details NORAD's efforts to identify "UnCorrelated Targets" (UCTs) using its SPACETRACK network, which includes various radars and optical sensors. The network registers 45 to 70 UCTs daily, which are almost always identified as lost satellites or rocket boosters. The report points out "errors" in detection and the need for "fudging" to positively identify objects. Significantly, the report was listed under "Unidentified Flying Objects" in NASA's STAR abstracts, despite never using the term "UFO" itself. The reviewer questions why it wasn't categorized under "Radar Targets" or "Radar Networks."

The Encyclopedia of UFO's by Ronald Story

Ronald Story's "The Encyclopedia of UFO's" is highly recommended as an indispensable resource for UFO researchers. The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage, including biographies of prominent ufologists, case studies, and theory overviews. Many entries are written by experts, with Story providing his own discussions where necessary. The volume is noted for its objectivity and impartial handling of controversial subjects. Biographies often include photographs and position statements. The paperback price is $12.95 ($15.95 Can.). While some improvements could include more first-hand accounts, the reports are generally accurate and well-researched. The encyclopedia is recommended for both skeptics and believers seeking to become better informed, and it includes a valuable, though not entirely exhaustive, bibliography of UFO-related publications.

The Return of the UFO's

This section reports on UFO sightings in Winnipeg during June 19-21, 1980. On the 19th, a domed object with windows and flashing lights was reported, later identified as an advertising plane. The 20th and 21st saw reports of moving glows and lights, attributed to searchlights and high-intensity lights at the Red River Exhibition. These reports were noted by MCUFOS but not filed.

Light Reading

Bruce Maccabee defends his report on New Zealand UFO films from New Year's Eve 1978 in the June 1, 1980, issue of Applied Optics. He refutes the theory that the lights were from squid boats, re-examining the flight path. However, the editor of Applied Optics cautiously closed the discussion, stating it moved beyond the realm of technical optics. The reviewer laments that reports of lights in the sky cannot be critically examined in a journal devoted to optical phenomena.

UFO Street

This brief item notes that a street in Winnipeg named "Betty Hill" exists in the community of Bird's Hill. The name was not derived from the ufologist Betty Hill, but from a mound in Scotland. The reviewer finds it fitting that Mrs. Hill shares a name with mysterious Scottish mounds related to menhirs and UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of theoretical physics (quantum physics) with unexplained phenomena (UFOs, psychotronics). There is a strong focus on analyzing and reviewing works that delve into these subjects, particularly those by Thomas E. Bearden, whose theories are presented as both speculative and potentially significant due to his background. The publication appears to cater to an audience interested in ufology and fringe science, providing reviews of key literature and reporting on contemporary sightings. The editorial stance, as reflected in the reviews, is one of encouraging critical examination of these topics, even when the ideas are unconventional, acknowledging the potential for truth within "far-out" concepts. The issue also touches upon geopolitical undertones, referencing Soviet technological and psychological warfare strategies in relation to UFO phenomena.