Swamp Gas Journal - 1982 Volume 2 Number 6 and 7

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SWAMP GAS JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 2, Numbers 6/7
Date: June, 1982
ISSN: 0707-7106
Publisher: The Swamp Gas Journal
Country: Canada

Falcon Lake Revisited

The lead article revisits the Falcon Lake Incident, first reported in 1968. The author, Chris Rutkowski, notes that his case review has been published in three parts in Flying Saucer Review. He recounts his personal experiences visiting the Michalak site, emphasizing its difficulty to locate due to the terrain and mosquito-infested swamp. He defends Michalak against criticisms of not being able to find the site, acknowledging his own struggles. A recent CE2 case in Texas involving a diamond-shaped UFO and double-rotor helicopters is mentioned as having some resemblance, along with unsubstantiated rumors of dark, unmarked helicopters overflying the Michalak site shortly after the encounter.

The author highlights the difficulty in identifying the RCMP officer who first encountered Michalak after the incident, as records are not kept longer than five years. A statement from RCAF officer Sgt. Bissky claimed Michalak was drunk and fell onto a barbeque grill, a claim that could be substantiated or negated if the RCMP officer were found. Brian Cannon, founder of CAPRO, reportedly interviewed the officer, but this interview has not been produced.

Rutkowski expresses sympathy for the Michalak family's aversion to publicity due to persistent pestering and incorrect reporting. He states his case review was written to consolidate the facts.

Stephen Michalak is also noted as an excellent painter whose artwork is visually appealing, with the author wondering why he had to endure such a traumatic experience. Rutkowski continues to seek more information on the Michalak case and believes that if true, it proves the existence of unidentifiable disc-shaped craft.

New Zines and Books Received

The journal lists new zines received as of May 1982, including Mapit Skywatch, Potpourri News, International UFO Reported, Each Time, AFU Nyhetsblad, New Canadian Fandam, The Probe Report, Cambridge UFO Research Group, Close Up on the Far Out, Aea, Neology, UFO Newsclipping Service, Center Investigators? Quarterly, and mailings from John Musgrave. A hearty hello and thanks are extended to those who exchange zines.

Several new books received in the UFOROM Library are reviewed:

• By Space Ship to the Moon by Gavin Gibbons (Fiction): A British-made boys' adventure featuring Adamski saucers.
• Inside UFO 54-40 (Choose Your Own Adventure #12) by Edward Packard (Fiction): A choose-your-own-adventure story about an abducted young hero.
• The Next Encounter by Donald Thompson (Fiction): Described as a poorly-written MIB story.
• UFO's a British Viewpoint by J. Randles & P. Warrington: This book offers a historical perspective on British UFO investigation and clubs, commenting on cases, procedures, and current concerns. Jenny Randles' critical remarks about British ufology are noted.
• Project Identification by H. Rutledge: This book is called the biggest disappointment in UFO literature, criticized for being a blow-by-blow account of setting up cameras and telescopes rather than a scientific empiricization of ufology. The author doubts the evidence presented proves the existence of unidentified craft and notes presumptuous assumptions.
• On the Track of Discovery (Volumes 1-3, translated from Russian): Described as a blend of science and pseudoscience, including articles on ancient astronauts, the Tunguska event, Soviet research into sunken temples, biological curiosities, and lost treasures.

Current Articles of Interest

The journal highlights several articles:

• Extraterrestrial Intelligence: the Debate Continues (Physics Today, March 1982): A collection of letters responding to Frank Tipler's paper on the non-existence of extraterrestrial civilizations.
• Close Encounters of a Fabricated Kind (New Scientist, Dec 1981) by James Oberg: Oberg explains a case of a mysterious 'jelly-fish' shaped object seen over Moscow as a barium-cloud-type rocket effect.
• The Case for Neanderthal Survival: Fact, fiction or faction? (Antiquity, 1982) by M. Shackley: Discusses the possibility of early man surviving in the wild mountain areas of Mongolia, reviewing accounts of Chuchunaa and Almasti.
• The Most Advanced Civilization in the Galaxy is Ours (Mercury, Feb 1982) by F. Tipler.
• The Drake Equation Re-examined (Q.J. Roy. Astron. Soc., 1981) by S.G. Wallenhorst: A recalibration suggests N is between 1 and 100.

They Shall Return?

This section discusses the perceived lull in UFO reports at the beginning of 1982, leading some ufologists to believe the 'fad' is over. The author argues against this, citing the historical pattern of UFO flaps occurring in cycles, with significant gaps between them. Past flaps are listed, including those in 1896-1898, 1944, 1947, 1952, 1967, 1973, 1975, and 1978. The author notes that flaps in Manitoba occurred in 1897, 1952, 1967, and 1975. The prediction of new flaps is influenced by media and sociological factors. The unpredictability of UFO phenomena is compared to ball lightning, suggesting that while individual occurrences are unpredictable, associated conditions can be defined. The article notes that UFO flaps have largely occurred during peacetime, suggesting war stress may inhibit them. It also posits that a series of aerial stimuli are needed to generate UFO reports and that misidentifications might be more common during flaps.

Saskatoon Berry Pie

The author attended the annual meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in Saskatoon. He presented a paper on Lunar Transient Phenomena and listened to reports on variable stars, supernovae, and photoelectric photometry. He met Alan Blackwell, director of MORP, and discussed his project. He also met Guy Westcott and Len Gamache, who received awards for their photographic work. Visits were made to four observatories, including a meteorological station that uses balloons and spotlights, which can cause UFO reports.

The author enjoyed Saskatoon berry pie and other local food. He recommends several bookstores in Saskatoon: University of Saskatchewan Bookstore, Northland Books (overpriced), Saskatoon Bookstore (new books), and Books Unlimited (largest SF section). He extends thanks to Joan, John, and friends in Saskatoon, and Gordon Patteron.

A Couple More Books

Two more books are recommended:

• Invasion Earth by Harry Harrison (Ace Books, April 1982): A UFO novel.
• Vanishings by Michael Harrison (New England Library, August 1981): A collection of anecdotes about disappearances, drawing from sources like Berlitz, Wilson, and Fort.

Chester's Collection

This section details the extensive book collection of Chester Cuthbert of Winnipeg, a prominent figure in Canadian SF fandom. The author first met Cuthbert in 1952 after seeing an ad for the Winnipeg Science Fiction Society. He recounts a visit in 1975 or 1976 to Cuthbert's older, two-storey home, where books filled every available space, from floor to ceiling, in boxes, bookcases, and bags. The collection spans SF, westerns, general novels, and general science. Cuthbert estimates his collection at 30,000 items, though the author's estimate is much higher, suggesting "billions and billions". Cuthbert's wife, Muriel, is described as patient and understanding.

The Revenge of The Space Fet

By Chris Rutkowski, this article describes a UFO sighting on Friday night, June 18th, 1982, in Winnipeg. Reports of an ovoid-type UFO traveling in a slow, flat trajectory over the St. Vital area led to over twenty witnesses being located. The object was described as small, beachball-sized, silver-grey, and slightly brighter on top. Three separate photographs were taken. The Planetarium spokesman declared it a "Space Pet", a helium-filled balloon sold at fairs, and noted that a lost balloon matched the description. However, witnesses denied it was a balloon, stating it was "different", and raised questions about its level flight and lack of wobble at reported speeds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in UFO investigation, particularly revisiting well-known cases like Falcon Lake. There is a critical yet engaged approach to UFO reports, with a focus on gathering facts and debunking misidentifications, as seen in the 'Space Pet' case and the review of Rutledge's book. The journal also covers the broader landscape of ufology, including book and zine reviews, and the activities of ufologists and related clubs. The recurring theme of UFO flaps and their potential causes, as well as the unpredictability of the phenomenon, is explored. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking evidence and rational explanations while acknowledging the possibility of genuine unknown phenomena. There is also a clear connection to science fiction fandom, with extensive coverage of SF books and the personal collection of a prominent fan.