THE SWAMP GAS JOURNAL

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SWAMP GAS JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 5, Number 2
Date: December, 1990
Publisher: UFOROM (Ufology Research of Manitoba)
ISSN: 0707-7106

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal delves into the phenomenon of crop circles, particularly focusing on Canadian cases and their investigation. The cover story, "A Grain of Truth," recounts the author's personal involvement in investigating crop circles in Manitoba during the summer of 1990, spurred by a wave of similar reports from Britain.

A Grain of Truth

The article begins with a personal anecdote about the author's initial encounter with UFO-related correspondence and the British "crop circles" phenomenon. He recalls the 1977 Rossburn case in Manitoba, where a large number of flattened rings were found in a grain field. Despite the Planetarium's publicity, the local UFO Studies group did not investigate, leading the author and two other ufologists to conduct their own examination of eleven rings, noting their impressive nature and the difficulty in explaining them through conventional means, such as a whirlwind.

The author then connects these Canadian cases to the surge in British crop circle reports, wondering if there would be a spillover into Canada and the US. He initiated a news release asking farmers to report any crop circles they found. This led to an interview on a Winnipeg radio talk show, where he shared his quest, which he termed a "scoop" about his search for crop circles in Manitoba. The interview aired on August 17, 1990.

The first Canadian crop circle of the recent wave was discovered the following day, August 18, 1990, near St. Francois Xavier, Manitoba. The author was contacted by CKY-TV, who were going to film the site. He rushed to the location and, along with Roy Bauer, met the news crew. The circle was situated near the Trans-Canada Highway and Provincial Road 205, close to streetlights and a busy highway.

CKY filmed the investigation, and the author and Roy Bauer gathered photos, measurements, and samples. They then located the farmer, Joe Thomaschewski, who had discovered the circle while swathing wheat. Thomaschewski described finding it as discovering "one of those Reese's Pieces," referencing a TV commercial.

The media attention escalated rapidly, with national and international media outlets calling for interviews. CKY radio even broadcast a morning show live from the site. The traffic airplane for CKY circled overhead, broadcasting the location, and many commuters stopped to look.

Grant Cameron also investigated the St. Francois Xavier circle and encountered reporters from MTN and CKND. The media coverage, including an MTN interview with Cameron, was later broadcast on American media, such as "A Current Affair," where host Maury Povitch expressed his dislike for UFO stories. Whitley Streiber was also interviewed, highlighting the media's struggle to cover such topics.

The author notes that between August and December 1990, he and other ufologists conducted numerous media interviews. He suggests a possible link between media coverage and UFO/Fortean reports, citing an instance where a new circle was found shortly after a radio interview about Manitoba circles. However, he also points to evidence of older circles predating publicity.

Investigation and Data Standardization

The author advocates for the standardization and organization of crop circle investigations to produce consistent data. He supports the idea of a new MUFON manual for crop circle cases and a national or international data registry. He acknowledges the difficulty in getting ufologists to cooperate and band together, especially with territorial claims and differing convictions.

He mentions Michael Chorost working as Colin Andrews' American contact and the Fund for UFO Research starting a database. Grant Cameron has formed the North American Institute for Crop Circle Research. The author emphasizes the need for data exchange among researchers.

So What Are They, Anyway?

The article addresses skeptical explanations, such as hoaxes or wind effects, but argues that these explanations fail to address deeper questions about the sociological or psychological factors involved, and why no one has claimed reward money for solving the mystery. While statistics from researchers like Jenny Randles and Paul Fuller support Meaden's vortex theory, a consistent mechanism based on atmospheric physics remains elusive. Meteorologists privately admit that wind effects alone don't fully explain the phenomena.

The author questions the wind vortex theory's range, from the timing of crop circles in England to their appearance in Manitoba, where hilly terrain is absent. He dismisses the idea of copycat hoaxes for Canadian circles by pointing to documented crop circle cases in North America dating back decades, suggesting the British circles might be the suspicious ones.

UFOs are considered as a possibility, with Jenny Randles noting eyewitness observations of wind vortices and the author countering with dozens of eyewitness observations of flying saucers landing and leaving circles. The Langenburg case and Australian "saucer nests" are mentioned. Richard Hoagland's claim that circles are alien attempts to educate humans is also presented, though questioned.

Unrelated Comments

This section touches upon other topics, including an article in IUR about Bob Lazar and his alleged work at Area 51, and an article by Steve Hladkj about psychic phenomena in a Winnipeg newspaper, featuring Roy Bauer and the author as "ghostbusters."

The author announces the upcoming 1990 Canadian UFO Survey, an effort to collect UFO report data from Canadian researchers. He notes that last year's survey was a qualified success and hopes for better cooperation this year. A database of crop circle/trace cases is planned, with analyses to be made available.

The author advocates for a "poststructural approach to ufology," emphasizing objectivity and questioning established beliefs. He also mentions being a "mystery guest" on the Canadian TV show "Front Page Challenge," where the "Hidden Headline" was about crop circles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for rigorous investigation and data collection in the field of ufology, particularly concerning crop circles. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, exploring various explanations from hoaxes to UFOs, while critically evaluating the evidence and methodologies used. There is a clear emphasis on the need for cooperation among researchers and the standardization of data to advance understanding. The publication, The Swamp Gas Journal, positions itself as a platform for disseminating information and fostering discussion within the Canadian ufology community.