Swamp Gas Journal - 1992 Volume 6 Number 2

Magazine Overview

The Swamp Gas Journal, Volume 6, Number 2, dated June 1992, is an issue dedicated to reviewing recent articles and books relevant to ufology and related subjects. The editor notes the overwhelming volume of published material and the challenge of keeping pace with it.

Science News: Crop Circles and Geometry

The issue highlights a cover story from SCIENCE NEWS (February 1, 1992) about archeaoastronomer Gerald Hawkins' interpretation of British crop circles. Hawkins posits that the intelligence behind these formations is sophisticated, demonstrating complex geometric theorems. He questions whether these are created by chance or by an intelligence communicating mathematical knowledge, suggesting it's unlikely hoaxers could create such patterns. However, the article notes that many disagree with the complexity claim, and that crop circles have been found globally and predating the 1980s. The case of the Alton Prior formation with "keys", "ladders", and inscribed rings is mentioned as particularly bizarre, requiring significant planning even for hoaxers. The article draws a parallel to attempts to find complex knowledge in the pyramid of Cheops. Despite Hawkins' reputation, the author casts doubt on his interpretation, stating that the data supporting an alien intelligence communicating through geometric forms is contaminated by suspected hoaxes, making the theory "on very shaky ground."

Earthquakes and UFOs

The GEO-MONITOR (May 1992) is mentioned for its discussion on whether April earthquakes in California were predicted by amateur seismic researchers and "sensitives." The journal notes that while UFO reports have been reviewed as earthquake precursors, few seismic events have associated luminous phenomena, which contradicts Michael Persinger's Tectonic Strain Theory (TST) of UFOs.

Tectonic Strain Theory (TST) and ESP

Persinger continues to publish extensively on TST. One recent article, "Geophysical Variables and Behavior: LXVII," co-authored with R. Berger, published in PERCEPTUAL & MOTOR SKILLS (1991), claims strong correlations between decreases in geomagnetic activity and positive experimental ESP effects. These ESP experiments, compiled from the Rhine group and earlier studies, showed a correlation when a one-year lag was introduced between experiments and publication. Persinger and Berger conclude that geophysical effects influence psychic ability, with the relationship present for at least 100 years, citing many of Persinger's own previous articles as support.

Skeptical Debates and CSICOP Critiques

The sci.skeptics newsgroup on the INTERNET and BITNET recently discussed TST and crop circle plasma vortices. James Lippard of the Arizona Skeptics published an article refuting John Derr's claims that UFOs are miniature earthquake lights. Robert Sheaffer also weighed in on the TST debate, recounting a past encounter with Persinger. The author was invited to contribute to an article for the SKEPTICAL INQUIRER on TST, a task previously assigned to Phil Klass.

A critical article titled "CSICOP and the Skeptics: An Overview" by George Hansen, published in the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR PSYCHICAL RESEARCH (January 1992), is highlighted. Hansen argues that CSICOP, initially a scholarly body, evolved into a popular movement dominated by magicians and individuals with views antagonistic to the paranormal. He claims actual research is a low priority, with CSICOP instituting a policy against doing research itself and prioritizing media influence. Hansen concludes CSICOP is as biased against paranormal phenomena as believers are in favor, noting the ejection of moderates like Truzzi and Rawlins. He also points out CSICOP's executive appears to have a vested interest in companies disseminating anti-paranormal material and criticizes the lack of research conducted by CSICOP, especially in light of legal battles related to the Randi/Geller debates.

An editorial by Jerry Clark in the March/April 1992 issue of IUR also criticizes CSICOP, focusing on its "Manual for Local, Regional and National Groups," which dedicates more pages to "Handling the Media" than "Scientific Investigations." Clark cautions against tarring all CSICOP members with the same brush, directing his remarks at CSICOP's leadership, whom he describes as arrogant and bombastic.

Crop Circles: Global Phenomenon and Theories

The same issue of IUR features an article co-authored by John Timmerman and the journal's author, discussing their visit to Langenburg, Saskatchewan, and an interview with Edwin Fuhr. Fuhr witnessed a CE2 in 1974 involving five bowl-shaped objects that left circular swirled patches in the grass, similar to British crop circles. The authors argue that crop circles are a worldwide phenomenon not limited to the 1980s in England and unlikely to be plasma vortices. They highlight cases of solid, disc-shaped objects leaving depressions, contrasting them with vortex theories.

The CROP CIRCLE BULLETIN of CPR Australia (February 1992) is reviewed. Its first issue covers Colin Andrews' visit and subsequent fallout. The bulletin discusses crop circles found in New Zealand in February 1992, with two young men, Hanrahan and Harrison, claiming responsibility using a T-shaped board. However, the Australian CCCS did not accept the hoaxers' claim, and the circles were destroyed before investigation. The author agrees with the skeptics, citing circumstances in England and the timing of the New Zealand circles after Andrews' visit.

North America has also seen crop circle cases, including one identical to a previous year's formation near Jonesboro, Georgia, though MUFON personnel could not confirm it. UFO activity in New Hampshire has also been associated with UGMs (Unidentified Ground Markings).

A "space cookie" type UGM was investigated by Gord Kijek of the Alberta UFO Study Group near Edmonton. The formation was six meters in diameter and varied in depth. The terrain was not conducive to sinkholes, and the circularity made a hoax explanation difficult, especially as the field was owned by an RCMP officer.

A January 1992 article in the JOURNAL OF METEOROLOGY, "Soviet Ice Circle Reported," by Dennis Stacy of MUFON, endorsed by Terence Meaden, suggests that classic UFO cases could be explained by "luminous, electrically-charged spinning vortices." The article details a sighting of a saucer-shaped object with a spire, 75 meters in diameter, near Marefa, Russia, which left circular rings on the ice. While ufologists might interpret this as an alien craft (CE2), Stacy and Meaden propose a plasma vortex explanation, which has become a norm for cerealogists seeking support for the vortex theory. This interpretation is contrasted with the "nuts-and-bolts" UFO proponents' views.

Bill Chalker provided information about a major flap of UFOs in New South Wales, Australia, in April-May 1992. However, a local resident claimed responsibility for many reports by trailing a "luminescent kit apparatus" on a 500-meter line while riding his bike.

The alt.aliens INTERNET newsgroup featured discussions about the Gulf Breeze affair, including eyewitness accounts, articles, and letters. Some now believe flares and balloons caused the sightings, while others argue that Ed Walters' photos are impossible to fake. A physician investigating the GB reports claims to have communicated with UFOs via flashing car lights and telepathy. The author suggests an expedition of objective investigators to Pensacola.

Crop Circle Research and Analysis

W.C. Levengood's research report, "Unusual Growth Responses in Crop Circle Seedlings," analyzed crop circle samples. Seeds from circle sites showed significantly higher growth and were "grossly malformed" compared to control seeds. Levengood concludes this indicates "complex energy mechanisms within the formations." The author notes that independent labs would be needed to convince skeptics, and suggests Levengood might have subconsciously "willed" the results.

Jenny Randles sent copies of NORTHERN UFO NEWS (NUFON), which defends her views on the Rendlesham UFO case and supports the vortex theory, while also commenting on the crop circle radioactivity fiasco. NUFON also summarizes British UFO cases.

Paul Fuller's CROP WATCHER (Issue #10) summarized Andrew Hewitt's survey of 1990 British crop circles, using the CERES database. Hewitt's analysis focused on variables relevant to the plasma vortex theory, such as Geographic Distribution, Altitude, Aspect, and Gradient. His results suggest wind vortices on lee slopes create circles on the North-Eastern side of hills. The article notes the disparity in variables used between North American and British analyses, highlighting differences between cerealogies.

A review of cerealogy research in UFO, an Italian ufozine, mentioned the NAICCR 1990 Report as an example of worldwide research.

Vance Tiede compiled North American circle data, including variables like Latitude, Longitude, and local political representatives, with the idea of lobbying politicians for support.

National UFO Reporting and Classification Systems

Paul Ferrughelli's NATIONAL SIGHTING YEARBOOK (1990) statistically analyzed 954 American UFO reports from 1986-1990. Findings included peaked report numbers in January, April, and October, and hourly distribution peaking at 9:00 PM. Ferrughelli found that "television program coverage on UFOs does NOT cause a direct increase in UFO sightings."

Jacques Vallee's new classification system for UFO reports, detailed in his book CONFRONTATIONS, is presented as a viable system expanding on Hynek's classifications, including a "SVP 'Credibility' rating."

Significant UFO Books

Jerome Clark's UFO ENCYCLOPEDIA, Volume Two (1992), covering "UFOs From The Beginning Through 1959," is highly recommended for its comprehensive compilation of UFO information. Despite its price, it is a valuable resource for both enthusiasts and researchers. Clark includes reactions from debunkers like Philip Klass and Donald Menzel, aiming for a balanced perspective, though the author notes an uneven distribution of material and a lengthy section on Australian UFOs.

Other Titbits

The NBC TV program UNSOLVED MYSTERIES is finally producing a segment on the Falcon Lake CE2 case, involving Stefan Michalak. The author will be interviewed for the segment, alongside the Michalak family and Ed Barker. The case involved a CE2 experience in 1967, with burns from exhaust, radioactive soil, and silver fragments found at the site.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the ongoing debate between hoax explanations and more extraordinary origins for phenomena like crop circles and UFO sightings. There is a strong emphasis on critical analysis, with detailed reviews of research papers, books, and skeptical critiques of organizations like CSICOP. The author appears to favor rigorous investigation and data analysis, while acknowledging the complexities and often contaminated nature of the evidence. The journal seems to advocate for a balanced approach, considering both skeptical and proponent viewpoints, but ultimately leaning towards a critical examination of claims. The recurring theme is the challenge of discerning genuine phenomena from hoaxes and misinterpretations within the ufology and paranormal research communities.

The SWAMP GAS JOURNAL, issue number 62, published in 1992 by Ufology Research of Manitoba, Canada, is a ufozine distributed for free with limited circulation. This issue delves into various paranormal and UFO-related topics, including a detailed report on a poltergeist investigation, a discussion of a NASA UFO video, and updates on crop circle phenomena.

Paranormal Investigations in Kenosee, Saskatchewan

The issue features an upcoming CBC NEWSMAGAZINE segment on Roy Bauer, a "specter ejecter" from Kenosee, Saskatchewan. Bauer investigated a renovated dance hall and bar experiencing spooky hauntings. His report details a range of phenomena, including objects disappearing and reappearing, lights inexplicably switching on and off, a dishwasher activating itself, and disembodied footsteps. One particularly unsettling incident involved an employee reaching for a light switch in the dark and feeling something touch their arm. The owners were awakened by loud banging, described as "loud as a car crash," which caused dishes to break, yet there were no signs of forced entry. The situation escalated with a loud, deep male moaning sound lasting about 10 seconds. Police were called on several occasions but found no intruders. The report also touches upon local legends of a nearby church haunted by the ghost of a priest, which was said to glow at night and cause cars to stall nearby. Roy Bauer and the CBC crew reportedly debunked some of these tales, though the other effects remained unexplained.

UFO Sighting: NASA Video

A significant portion of the journal discusses a NASA UFO video shown on the syndicated TV show 'Hard Copy'. The video, beamed live from the Space Shuttle Discovery, reportedly depicts a UFO, initially a speck of light, making a sudden right-angle turn and speeding off into space at high speed. Shortly after, another object appeared to shoot up from Earth. Don Ecker of UFO magazine theorized the UFO was performing an evasive maneuver to avoid being shot at. NASA's official explanation was that the object was a piece of ice from wastewater dumped by the shuttle. However, the journal notes NASA's lack of comment on the apparent shot from Earth or the UFO's unusual turn. Rhys Weatherley of the University of Queensland offers an alternative theory, suggesting the incident could be a test of advanced military hardware designed to evade detection, which would also explain the shuttle cameras focusing on the object. The author of the 'Hard Copy' segment expresses intrigue and doubts the ice explanation, wishing for more information on the incident's context and astronaut communications.

Crop Circles and Miscellany

The journal also provides updates on crop circle research. Gordon Phinn shared information from John Paddington about approximately 20 crop formations found in Britain in 1992, including an unusual triangle with inscribed circles. The persistence of these formations, despite admissions of hoaxes, is highlighted as significant. Ralph Noyes has contributed to the compilation of a catalogue of crop circles in the Wiltshire area, listing 38 formations between June and August 1991, many featuring multiple circles and corridors, or the "Ra" "mouth" feature. The issue also includes a plug for the 1991 Canadian UFO Report Survey, which is nearing completion, indicating a similar number of UFO reports to previous years.

Letters and Correspondence

The "Letters and Correspondence" section thanks numerous contributors for their letters, newsclippings, and zines. Notable mentions include Clive Nadin, Clare and Holly (returning to Britain), John Hicks for moderating the FIDONET UFO echo, and Gord Kijek, described as North America's best investigator. A long list of other correspondents is provided, including Philip Imbrogno, Robert Sheaffer, Jerry Clark, and Stanton Friedman, among many others. The editor also notes that Jim Moseley of SAUCER SMEAR has been replaced by an entity named OSIEAU due to death threats, and humorously states that the editor of SGJ will not be replaced by a similar entity named PAMPLEMOUSSE.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are paranormal activity, UFO sightings, and crop circles, reflecting the journal's focus on ufology and related unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while also critically examining official explanations and acknowledging the persistence of unexplained events. The journal encourages reader participation through letters and contributions, fostering a community of interest in these subjects.