Swamp Gas Journal - 1992 Volume 6 Number 3

Magazine Overview

Title: The SWAMP GAS JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 6, Number 3
Date: November 1992
Publisher: Chris A. Rutkowski
Country: Canada
ISSN: 0707-7106

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal announces its availability in both online and hardcopy formats, with graphics and photos reserved for the hardcopy version. The editorial team expresses gratitude for the overwhelming response to the previous issue and aims to provide an electronic version regularly.

UFOS, LITS, LATERS, BOLS and WYSIWYG

The lead article addresses a TIME magazine report claiming UFO sightings are down and spotters are becoming skeptical. The author disputes this, citing increased report numbers from the UFOROM Canadian UFO Survey and Paul Ferrughelli's annual report on American cases. The article argues that the media's interest has decreased due to the 'ridicule curtain' and the efforts of independent skeptics' groups. It criticizes TIME magazine for presenting a superficial overview of ufology by interviewing New Agers and Philip Klass. Statistics from Ferrughelli's National Sighting Yearbook show fluctuating but generally high numbers of reports, contradicting TIME's claim of a drop. The article also points to the Belgium wave as an example of a significant decrease in reported sightings, but suggests that experienced ufologists could explain such phenomena through 'flaps and waves' and historical trends, implying the TIME article was not well-researched.

THE CIRCLE GAME

This section discusses the similarities between crop circles and classic UFO physical traces, noting that flattened areas of crushed vegetation have been found historically without associated UFO activity. The author states that the vast majority of crop circles are likely hoaxes, a conclusion supported by personal investigations and consultations. The article references Clas Svahn's observations from the AFU Newsletter, who expresses disappointment and uncertainty about the existence of a genuine phenomenon behind crop circles, citing that 'MONEY has become the number one concern for many of the circle 'researchers'.' Svahn criticizes the tendency for speculation and wishful thinking in publications, advocating for more soberness and objectivity. He notes that researchers often treat the phenomenon as 100 percent genuine and become 'like New Age prophets.'

Paul Fuller, editor of the British circlezine CROP WATCHER, is quoted extensively. Fuller states that in 1992, few British circles qualified as 'genuine,' and that most modern crop circles are man-made hoaxes, overwhelming any original phenomenon. He suggests that leading cerealogists are accepting this reality and some are moving to the USA. The article mentions Colin Andrews now being based in Connecticut. Terence Meaden, proponent of the vortex theory, has restricted his definition of 'genuine circles' to 'fewer than a dozen a year,' stating that anything other than a simple circle is a hoax. The article notes that CROP WATCHER highlights known crop circle hoaxers, including Doug and Dave, who admit to creating hoaxes and are publishing a book about their career.

Fuller's review of Pat Delgado's book, 'CROP CIRCLES CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE?', points out instances where Delgado hypes formations as real when they have been shown to be hoaxes. The issue is described as revealing about crop circle hoaxing, while also noting Paul Fuller's continued support for the meteorological vortex hypothesis. The zine is recommended for its accurate information on the field and for debunkers, as it does much of their work for them.

BUFORA is mentioned as the lone voice warning cerealogists not to get carried away with the circle scene in the late 1980s. UFOROM also advocated a rational approach, but notes that 'who listens to us Canadians, anyway?'

Abductions?

This section discusses the contentious nature of UFO abduction discussions, contrasting the views of skeptics like Robert Sheaffer and Philip Klass with those of researchers like John Mack and Budd Hopkins. The skeptical standpoint is that abductions are dreams or hallucinations, while the 'pro' standpoint suggests aliens are abducting humans for various reasons. The article emphasizes that the issue is not whether people are reporting experiences, but why such experiences are multiplying and why they are held so intensely, suggesting a need to understand the psychological/sociological mechanisms behind these stories, regardless of physical or paraphysical causes.

Fear-mongering

The author addresses being accused of fear-mongering for describing a meeting attended. This relates to discussions about cattle mutilations and satanism. The author was asked if satanic cults had anything to do with cattle mutilations and replied that there might be some connection, based on information received from individuals involved in family services who had encountered cases of ritual or satanic abuse. These individuals explained that gathering evidence acceptable in court for such abuse is difficult, making debunkers' arguments technically correct but clinically false. The author notes that 'sick' people with an affinity for such activity likely exist.

The book 'Out of Darkness - Exploring Satanism and Ritual Abuse' by David K. Sakheim and Susan E. Devine is recommended as a balanced work that surveys various views, cautioning against sensationalist versions of rampant satanism while acknowledging evidence of ritualistic acts. The problem of finding 'conclusive proof' is highlighted as a major concern, paralleling ufology. The book examines and refutes a SKEPTICAL INQUIRER article on the non-existence of satanism.

The creation of the False Memory Syndrome Association (FMS) is discussed, with its executive director, Dr. Pamela Freyd, sending information to social workers to stop the proliferation of 'remembered memories' like child abuse and ritual abuse. The FMS group includes people who have had work published by Prometheus Books, often associated with CSICOP debunkers. The author advises that researchers involved with UFO abductions should heed the FMS group's warnings. It is suggested that ufologists should remain apprised of the subject but refer incidents to more appropriately-trained individuals, as this material is beyond the scope of most UFO buffs.

INSOLUBLE MISERIES

This section details the author's appearance as a "U.F.O. Researcher" on the "Unsolved Mysteries" segment concerning the Stefan Michalak case. The case involves Michalak's claim of being injured by a saucer-shaped craft in May 1967 near Falcon Lake, Manitoba. The article describes the encounter: Michalak heard geese, saw two red cigar-shaped objects, one of which landed. The object changed color from red to orange to silver. It was a saucer, about 35-40 feet in diameter with a dome. After observing it for an hour, Michalak approached and was hit by a blast of hot gas from an exhaust grille, setting his shirt on fire. He described the interior as having thick, honeycombed walls with flashing lights. Touching the craft with a rubberized glove caused it to melt.

The article notes that the case has been investigated by the RCMP, RCAF, USAF, and Edward Condon's UFO Project. The Canadian House of Commons debated the incident, but the government announced the files would not be made public due to "the public interest," fueling belief in an alien spaceship cover-up. The article debunks common stories about Michalak suffering radiation sickness or burns, stating medical reports suggest chemical burns. It also refutes claims of impurities in his blood or reduced lymphocyte count, noting a lack of pre-experience medical records for comparison. The author suggests the symptoms could be from ingesting a chemical mixture of gases. Despite the lack of definitive answers, the case is considered curious, with psychological testing suggesting Michalak did not hoax the story. The author questions why a hoaxer would physically harm himself and endure 25 years of ridicule.

ROUND AND ROUND AND ROUND IN THE CIRCLE GAME

This section continues the discussion on crop circles, referencing Paul Fuller's editorial in CROP WATCHER, which highlights British cerealogists backpedaling on the authenticity of formations. Fuller notes that Doug and Dave claim responsibility for many early British circles and are publishing a book about their hoaxing career. Fuller laments that attempts to uncover the truth were met with insults and ridicule, and that ufology and cereology are being desecrated by people who suppress evidence. He reviews Pat Delgado's book, pointing out instances where Delgado presented hoaxes as real formations, ignoring evidence of their non-existence.

The article suggests that the issue of CROP WATCHER is a must-read for ufologists and cerealogists seeking accurate information and for debunkers. It notes that BUFORA was the lone voice warning cerealogists about the hype in the late 1980s, and UFOROM also advocated a rational approach.

North American UGM List, November 1992

This section provides a preliminary list of rumoured or known North American UGMs (Unidentified Ground Markings) and crop circles for 1992. It includes entries from various locations in Canada and the USA, detailing the date, location, description of the formation (circles, ovals, triangular areas, symbols), dimensions, and the source of the information. Many entries suggest lodging, wind, or animal activity as possible causes, while others remain unexplained or are linked to UFO sightings. Notable entries include formations in Jonesboro, Georgia; Edmonton, Alberta; Limerick, Pennsylvania; Raeford, North Carolina; St. Adolphe, Manitoba; Pilot Peak, California; and several locations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Zines Received and Correspondence

A list of received zines is provided, including IUR, ARCTURUS BOOK CATALOG, GEO-MONITOR, WINNICENTRICS, AFU NEWSLETTER, JUST CAUSE, MUFON JOURNAL, UFO PARADOX, CROP WATCHER, ORBITER, NORTHERN UFO NEWS, SAUCER SMEAR, and HORIZON.

A 'WaHF' (Who Are the Helpers?) section lists individuals, including Leanne Boyd, Paul Fuller, Mike Strainic, and others, with brief descriptions or acknowledgments. The author emphasizes a positive review of Jerry Clark's UFO Encyclopedia and sends greetings to virtual correspondents.

A 'Best "classic" letter received' is from Hernan Ramirez de Cartagena, inquiring about organizing the Philippines' first UFO Watch and seeking information on equipment for tracking incoming and landing UFOs, and whether they can represent The Swamp Gas Journal.

The copyright notice for The Swamp Gas Journal is provided, along with contact information for Chris A. Rutkowski and a disclaimer that the journal is not affiliated with the University of Manitoba.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO and crop circle phenomena, the role of media in shaping public perception, the prevalence of hoaxes, and the importance of rigorous, unbiased investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalism and an advocacy for rational, evidence-based analysis, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The journal aims to provide a platform for open discussion and information exchange, encouraging researchers to maintain objectivity and avoid falling into the trap of wishful thinking or preconceived notions.