The Swamp Gas Journal

Magazine Overview

Title: The Swamp Gas Journal
Issue: Volume 4, Number 6*
Date: October, 1989
Type: Special Issue: Visitations? Manitoba UFO Experiences

This special issue of The Swamp Gas Journal, dated October 1989, delves into UFO phenomena and related topics, with a particular focus on experiences in Manitoba, Canada. The cover prominently features "VISITATIONS? Manitoba UFO Experiences" by Chris A. Rutkowski, accompanied by an illustration of an alien and a UFO.

The UFO Cover-Up Live! and the CKY-TV Film

The editorial highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the October 1988 television program "The UFO Cover-Up Live!" and the author's efforts to gather diverse opinions on the show. The article expresses frustration with how the program's producers and certain individuals involved with ufology controlled the narrative, potentially misrepresenting the broader ufological community. Specifically, the involvement of Tracy Torme is mentioned, along with a discussion about the Carman UFOs and Robert Barry's input, or lack thereof, which was presented as expert commentary to the viewing audience.

The issue emphasizes the renewed interest in the Carman incident, noting that debunkers are attacking Barry's presentation without considering the original investigations dating back to 1975. The difficulty in accessing the original CKY-TV film for researchers is mentioned, with Grant Cameron and the author attempting to make it more available. A critique is leveled against a debunker who analyzed only a second-generation video copy of the film, obtained via Robert Barry, deeming such an analysis unscientific. The article also finds it strange that Barry's comments are criticized, given he was not involved in the original investigation.

Both Grant and the author have written reports on the CKY film and interviewed witnesses, including the photographer. The analysis of the film is presented as thorough, with a debunker's claim about a diagonal splice being refuted. The article includes a quote from Allen Hynek, who, after viewing the film in 1975, described it as "the best film of a nocturnal light I've ever seen."

Ufogate and Government Involvement

"Ufogate" is discussed, with information suggesting that Bill Moore has acknowledged ufologists receiving false information and hints of government involvement. The article poses the question of why the government would be interested in ufologists.

Michael Persinger's Research

Michael Persinger's reputation is noted as being slightly tarnished due to his TST research. However, a 1989 paper by him is highlighted for specifying temporal lobe effects that could explain why people might perceive UFOs and imagine abductions. The author's comments on this research are slated for an upcoming IUR.

Manitoba Sightings and Explanations

A reported landing trace near Brandon, Manitoba, in the spring, was officially explained as "badger diggings." A UFOROM associate investigated and, while hesitant, accepted the explanation due to a lack of alternatives. However, local residents insisted the markings were unfamiliar and not animal-related. A provincial biologist supported the badger theory, and a report is expected to appear later in SGJ or another publication.

New Age and Energy Vortexes in Manitoba

An article titled "Move over, Stonehenge: The New Age gravitates to Manigotagan, Manitoba" by Rene Mauthe explores the growing interest of New Agers in the east shore of Lake Winnipeg, particularly near Manigotagan. These individuals are drawn to the area to absorb perceived emanations from an energy vortex believed to be centered there. The article explains that these energy points are central to the New Age movement's blend of ecology, spiritualism, classical mysticism, and astrology, linking power sites globally.

Edyth Fletcher, a Winnipeg New Ager, describes feeling a "shift" and "stillness" in these areas, attributing it to personal energy sensitivity. The article also references Ojibwa Indian beliefs from the Hollow Water Reserve, near Manigotagan, which include traditional spiritual teachings and folklore about ants guarding a sacred site.

Christopher Rutkowski, a researcher of anomalies, states that claims of energy points in Manitoba date back to the 1950s, with previous reports near Alonsa and Falcon Lake. He mentions the theory of mystic meridians, developed by James Braddon, suggesting a line of force running through Manitoba. However, Rutkowski expresses skepticism about the Manigotagan vortex, noting that people claiming psychic powers have visited the area and felt nothing, and that there is no scientific evidence.

Dr. Raymond Currie, a sociologist specializing in religion and society, attributes the rise of New Age cults to dissatisfaction with science and established religion, drawing parallels to cults during the Industrial Revolution. He suggests that a growing distrust of science and technology leads people to seek answers outside conventional frameworks.

The article notes the flourishing New Age community in Winnipeg, with bookstores, a newspaper, and therapists. Edyth Fletcher believes the movement is growing and that society needs to keep up psychologically.

Book Reviews and Publications

The issue includes a section discussing recent books on UFOs, mentioning Whitley Streiber's "MAJESTIC," "NIGHTEYES" by Garfield Reeves-Stevens, and "PHENOMENON" edited by Spencer and Evans, which includes a chapter on geophysical explanations of UFOs. Hilary Evans' "FRONTIERS OF REALITY" is also mentioned, along with books by Kevin Randle, "THE UFO CASEBOOK" and "THE OCTOBER SCENARIO." Grant and Scott Crain's book on MJ-12 is also noted.

Chris Rutkowski announces his own abridged comment on ufology, "VISITATIONS?," available from Winter Press for $9.95. This book is a revised version of a chapter from a larger work and deals with contact cases in Manitoba, including recent sightings and a summary of Unknowns in UFOROM files.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a strong focus on UFO phenomena within Manitoba, particularly the analysis and defense of controversial cases like the Carman CKY-TV film against skeptical debunking. There is an underlying theme of questioning official explanations and exploring potential government involvement or cover-ups. The magazine also acknowledges and discusses the intersection of UFO interests with New Age beliefs and practices, while maintaining a critical stance on unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by Rutkowski's skepticism towards the Manigotagan energy vortex. The editorial stance appears to favor thorough research and open discussion of UFO evidence, while being wary of sensationalism and unscientific analysis.