Swamp Gas Journal - 1984 Volume 3 Number 5

Magazine Overview

Title: The Swamp Gas Journal
Issue: Volume 3, Number 5
Date: October, 1984
Publisher: The Swamp Gas Journal
Country: Canada
ISSN: 0707-7106

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal focuses on ufology, featuring a prominent lecture by Stanton Friedman in Winnipeg and discussions on the nature of UFO research, including critiques of data sources and theories.

Feature Article: Celebration '84 Lecture

The issue opens with an account of Stanton Friedman's lecture at the University of Manitoba during "Celebration '84." Despite initial poor promotion, a media campaign led to an overflow crowd. Friedman, described as a "pure nuts-and-bolts ufologist," asserted that "Flying Saucers Are Real!" He discussed his belief that governments are withholding information about UFOs and deliberately misleading the public. A key point of his presentation was the Roswell Incident, for which he claims to have over seventy-five signed affidavits from witnesses.

The author, Chris Rutkowski, shares his personal reservations about conspiracy theories due to their unprovable nature but acknowledges that government withholding of information on UFO investigations is a valid point, referring to it as "saucergate."

Rutkowski also recounts a conversation with Friedman, noting Friedman's experience in public speaking and his distinct lecture style, which he compares to J. Allen Hynek's approach. The contrast between Friedman's evidence-focused presentations and Hynek's more humorous, cartoon-filled approach is highlighted.

Editorial: The Status of UPO Research

Chris Rutkowski, in his editorial, expresses a cynical attitude towards many aspects of ufology, emphasizing the serious nature and consequences of the subject. He notes that UFO reports, though fewer, still continue to come in. Rutkowski questions why reports are still being made after 37 years of the "modern UFO era," attributing it to the fallibility of the human system and the encounter with unknown stimuli. He suggests that the continuous trickle of reports represents a background level, above which UFO flaps must rise.

Rutkowski references research by Jacques Vallee and others, which has uncovered a continuous trickle of reports dating back into the 19th century. He argues that this does not necessarily mean continuous extraterrestrial visitation but rather a continuous stream of misidentifications. He touches upon the debate between statistical variation and genuine unknown phenomena, referencing the work of Sheaffer.

Rutkowski also discusses the limitations of UFO data, particularly the UPOCAT catalogue, which has been criticized for flaws that might render it useless for statistical studies. He explains that the quality of data varies with the investigator and that information is not always the most useful, with "feelings" and attitudes being important but often omitted.

He explores the potential uses of UFO data, noting that while Persinger uses it for geophysical studies, sociologists are missing out on a rich field of study. Vallee's ultraterrestrial hypotheses are mentioned, suggesting UFOs might be a reaction mechanism to the space or nuclear age.

Rutkowski admits that while he doesn't hold the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) as untenable and has found some government documents leaning him slightly in that direction, he remains unconvinced.

Manitoba Mysteries Research Association

The article "Who ya gonna call?" introduces the newly formed Manitoba Mysteries Research Association (MMRA), coordinated by Chris Rinkowski. The MMRA aims to coordinate the reporting and study of unusual phenomena like UFOs, Sasquatch, and lake monsters. It is described as Canada's first organization of its type, bringing together various researchers to share costs and expertise. The MMRA was to be officially introduced on October 9th at the University of Manitoba.

Book Review: How You Can Explore Higher Dimensions of Space and Time

W. Ritchie Benedict reviews T.R. Pawlicki's book, "How You Can Explore Higher Dimensions of Space and Time: An Introduction To The New Science of Hyperspace For Trekkies of All Ages." Benedict finds the book surprisingly understandable, despite his usual difficulty with equations. He discusses Pawlicki's ideas about the universe resembling a giant hologram and the concept of multiple realities. The review touches on the historical understanding of the paranormal and compares Pawlicki's concepts to Lewis Carroll's work. The book also explores the operation of the pineal gland and the idea of becoming a "superconductor of cosmic energy." Benedict notes that the book connects to "How to Build a Flying Saucer" and other works, covering topics from gravity to dreams and ghosts, and concludes with an illustration of passing through a black hole.

Other News and Notes

• UFO Research: The issue mentions three doctoral dissertations on ufology ordered for the UPOROM library: H.J. Strentz's "Survey of Press Coverage...", M.K. Schutz's "Organizational Goals of Ufology...", and T.E. Bullard's "Mysteries in the Eye of the Beholder."
• Time-Out Floatation Centre: Wally Nilsson reports on a floatation centre in Winnipeg offering a unique sensory deprivation experience.
• Skeptical Inquirer: Dr. R. Altemeyer, a psychology professor, assigned Volume 6, Number 2, of The Skeptical Inquirer as a required textbook.
• Keycon: The second annual Keycon is scheduled for May 17-19, 1985, in Winnipeg.
• AAAS Meeting: A report from the AAAS meeting in New York notes that a third of a column in USA Today discussed UFOs, with James Oberg and J. Allen Hynek stating there was no proof of alien visitation.
• Soviet UPO Commission: The Soviet Union has reportedly set up a UFO probe commission within its Academy of Sciences.
• UPOCODE: Version 1 of the Archives for UPO Research UPOCODE classification system has been released.
• Manitoba Planetarium: The planetarium is presenting a summer show titled "The Search For Extraterrestrials."
• Edmonton Space Sciences Centre: This new facility is described as magnificent, featuring an IMAX theatre, planetarium, and exhibits.
• Bigfoot in Banff: The Natural History Museum in Banff, Alberta, has a "stuffed Bigfoot" on display.
• National Enquirer Article: An article titled "Your Co-Worker Could be a Space Alien, Say Experts" is mentioned, with humorous "signs to watch out for."
• A. Bertram Chandler: The death of science fiction writer A. Bertram Chandler is reported.
• CPDV Symposium: A poster from Brazil advertises the 5th annual Symposio Brasileiro de Ufologia.
• APU Library Catalogue: The APU (Arkivet for UPO-forskning) has released its Restlandsliata 1983 Library Catalogue, a comprehensive multilingual listing of UFO books.
• Articles of Note: Several articles from various publications are listed, including "Little Green Men and All That" and "Educational Level and Primary Beliefs About Unidentified Flying Objects."
• Zines Received: A list of recently received zines and newsletters is provided.
• UFO Steam Traps: An advertisement for "UFO Steam Traps" by TLV CO., LTD. is featured, highlighting their innovative design.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing public fascination with UFOs, the scientific and skeptical approaches to ufology, and the persistent question of extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial stance, particularly from Chris Rutkowski, leans towards a critical and analytical perspective, acknowledging the complexities and potential pitfalls of UFO research while maintaining a degree of open-mindedness. There's a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous data analysis and a cautious approach to grand theories like the ETH, balanced by an appreciation for the sociological aspects of UFO belief. The issue also highlights the community of UFO researchers and enthusiasts through mentions of organizations, publications, and events.