Swamp Gas Journal - 1996 Volume 7 Number 4

Magazine Overview

Title: The SWAMP GAS JOURNAL
Issue: Number 4
Volume: 7
Date: Winter, 1996
ISSN: 0707-7106

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal, published in Winter 1996, focuses on UFO phenomena, crop circles, and abduction theories, presenting a skeptical yet investigative approach.

Never Too Cold for UFOS

The issue opens with an account of a sighting by Leo Norwegian on November 13, 1995, near Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. He described a stationary red light that changed colors and then sped away rapidly, leaving a brilliant light trail. Norwegian was convinced it was not an aircraft due to its speed and color changes.

This sighting came to light after dozens of residents in Fort Resolution reported seeing strange hovering lights in early January 1996. The mayor, Ewen Hunter, described a bright, stationary light low above the treetops that flashed various colors and remained visible for hours. The Department of National Defence reportedly investigated and took a video for analysis, but no explanation was provided.

The author investigated the Fort Resolution sightings using astronomy software and contacted meteorologist Jay Anderson. They concluded that Venus was the likely culprit, a finding that was subsequently reported in the Winnipeg Free Press. However, Michael Strainic, MUFON's Canadian Director, expressed skepticism about the Venus explanation, suggesting that some sightings might be bona fide UFOs and indicative of a larger phenomenon.

Strainic noted a surge in Canadian UFO activity in 1995, with British Columbia experiencing numerous daylight sightings and abductions, and anticipated more in 1996. He also commented on the bizarre nature of some reports, suggesting they might be staged events intended to convey a message.

The Alberta UFO Research Association (AUFORA), led by Cory Sine, also began investigating. AUFORA's update described the NWT lights as aerial bright lights, usually visible just above the treeline, shifting colors and accelerating upwards at incredible speed, lasting only 1 to 6 minutes. This description contradicted the mayor's account of objects visible for hours.

A bright fireball observed near Hay River on January 17, 1996, was described as a bright white light with a red trail, descending quickly and appearing to be a bolide.

Blaine Wasylkiw of Yellowknife provided newspaper articles and information, including an interview with reporter P.J. Harston. Harston claimed Strainic had reported 140 UFO sightings in Canada in 1994 and over 500 in 1995, though Strainic himself reportedly had no such data. Harston also relayed a scientist's comment that a UFO was seen that defied identification, and that no record of a star or planet existed in that sky section, which the author found odd given the visibility of Venus and Saturn.

AUFORA's report suggested the military had ruled out planets as the cause of the lights due to their swift departure. Harston's personal investigation revealed that the NWT flap unfolded as sightings were mentioned, spreading through the community. Northern Rangers also witnessed the objects and took statements. Harston noted that the NRC and DND do not officially investigate UFO sightings.

Harston also discussed a Toronto TV talk show that focused on the NWT cases, featuring the mayor of Fort Resolution, a Canadian Press reporter, and Michael Strainic. The mayor mentioned trappers reporting UFOs hovering over snowmobiles and cutting out their engines, though Harston pointed out these were rumors and that snowmobiles in -30C weather are prone to mechanical issues. Harston also elaborated on DND's "investigations" led by Colonel LeBlanc, who reportedly spoke of "world change" and "major upheavals" in the context of UFO sightings, suggesting contact with aliens as the next step in evolution.

The author concludes that the NWT sightings appear less mysterious and substantiated than advertised, with a lack of case reports for researchers. AUFORA is highlighted as the most helpful and productive group in researching these incidents.

Crop Circles: A Skeptical Examination

The journal then shifts focus to crop circles, referencing a book review of C.D.B. Bryan's "CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE FOURTH KIND." The reviewer found the book to be a good introduction to UFOs and abductions, with Bryan acting as a reporter rather than a commentator.

A letter of comment suggests UFO abductions can be explained by chemical hypnosis (Burandanga or Scopolamine) and abductors dressed as "UFO people," with motives ranging from testing drugs to manipulation and gaining power.

The article "In Defense (?) of Sagan" by Dean Philip Kanipe presents an exchange between UFO fan Brian Zeiler and skeptic John Stepkowski regarding an article by Carl Sagan. Zeiler criticizes Sagan for ignoring scientific evidence and casting a "fringite" pallor over the UFO question. Stepkowski, adopting Sagan's perspective, argues that a writer asked to highlight _scientific_ evidence for "genuine crop circles" would struggle to find it in mainstream scientific journals like Nature or Science. He notes that claims by researchers like Levengood, who found meteoric iron in a crop circle, have not been independently tested.

Stepkowski examines the claims of Doug and Dave, often cited as human crop circle makers, and finds no definitive quotes proving they made _all_ formations. He points out the existence of a community of "circle-makers" and compares their activities to graffiti artists. He questions the time and effort involved in creating these formations.

The article scrutinizes the "Argus" project, a scientific research project investigating crop circles. Initial claims of finding short-lived radioactive isotopes and deuteron beams were not substantiated in the second, more exhaustive project. The author notes that the Argus team withdrew initial claims of radiation traces, and no independently verified evidence of anomalous radiation in crop circles exists.

Regarding "mysterious" cellular changes in crop circle samples, the article explains that these were artifacts of processing using alchemical techniques, involving mashing samples and using liquid starches, which created a crystalline coating. Dr. John Graham is cited stating that plants subjected to mechanical stress produce cellular stretching, and swollen nodes are a natural response to the crop attempting to return to an upright position.

Military helicopters have been active in "crop circle" country (LFA 1A in the UK) for over 20 years, long before the modern phenomenon, debunking claims of secret military interest.

The author concludes that proponents of non-human causation for crop circles have failed to provide independently verifiable scientific evidence, leading to the article being perceived as "debunking."

Alien Implants

The journal also addresses the topic of alien "implants," a theory suggesting aliens insert microtransmitters to track victims. The author finds Derrel Sims' articles on this topic unconvincing. Sheldon Wernikoff and the author agree that radiograms of alleged implants show irregular materials unlikely to be alien devices. Radiologists suggested they resembled encapsulated metal fragments from injuries. The author examined a metal shaving from an abductee, but lacked the resources for advanced analysis. The article questions the credibility of Derrel Sims, noting his background and lack of accredited university degrees.

Scathing Scandinavian Scandal

This section reports on a controversy involving MUFON placing a Finnish doctor, Rauni-Leena Luukanen, on its advisory board. Luukanen, who claims to have been rescued by extraterrestrials, has written books on UFOs. Ole Jonny Brenne of UFO-Norway criticizes MUFON for this appointment, implying Luukanen has low credibility despite her credentials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO sightings, the critical examination of crop circle phenomena, and the skeptical analysis of abduction claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking verifiable evidence and challenging unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the ongoing mystery and interest in these subjects.

Title: The Swamp Gas Journal
Issue: 74
Date: 1996
Publisher: Chris A. Rutkowski
Country: Canada
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal critically examines the claims of lecturer Luukanen, with UFO-Norway providing detailed rebuttals to her assertions regarding UFO crashes, government cover-ups, and contact with extraterrestrials. The journal also investigates the Shag Harbour UFO crash case, exploring new information and media coverage. UFO-Norway emphasizes the importance of scientific research in UFO studies, contrasting their approach with Luukanen's reliance on anecdotal evidence and 'inner experiences'.

Luukanen's Claims and UFO-Norway's Rebuttals

The article begins by stating that UFO-Norway has received numerous inquiries about claims made by Luukanen during her lecture tours and media exposures, prompting a response to address what they perceive as disinformation and dubious assertions.

1. Promoted Hoaxes: Luukanen is accused of promoting stories that most UFO researchers consider to be resolved hoaxes, such as the "object which crashed on Svalbard/Spitsbergen in 1952" and the "UFO shot down by jet fighters over South Africa" in 1989. UFO-Norway asserts that the Spitsbergen story is a journalistic hoax and the South African crash has been thoroughly dismissed.

2. Misrepresentation of UFO-Norway: Luukanen quotes a representative of a Norwegian UFO organization claiming the Norwegian Defense showed no interest in UFO research, but that they unofficially assisted. UFO-Norway states this is false and out of context, as they are the only Norwegian UFO organization, and they have never sent light signals into space or received answers.

3. UN Lecture Claim: Luukanen's claim of lecturing at the UN is clarified as a lecture at the United Nations Parapsychological Society, which is a club and not directly affiliated with the UN itself.

4. Gag Order on Pilots/Astronauts: Luukanen claims pilots, astronauts, and cosmonauts are forbidden to speak about UFO observations under penalty of imprisonment and fines. UFO-Norway counters that cosmonaut Vladimir Kovaljonok, astronaut James McDivitt, and Gordon Cooper have publicly spoken about their UFO observations without punishment.

5. Academic Titles: Luukanen signs her letters with numerous titles (MD, DT, MH, DPH, DHA, author). UFO-Norway notes that while MD is Doctor of Medicine, at least one other title can be purchased from The New York Academy Of Sciences for $80.

6. Automatic Writing: Luukanen claims her books are written via automatic writing, taking only 70 hours. UFO-Norway suggests this phenomenon originates in the subconscious and questions why original information has not surfaced this way, noting the contents are often infested with misunderstandings and errors.

7. Alien Intervention: Luukanen claims aliens are here to help and rescue humanity from "the last great catastrophe." UFO-Norway views this as a dangerous attitude, questioning the aliens' absence during historical crises and advocating for humanity to fix its own problems.

8. Bush and Extraterrestrials: Luukanen claimed in 1992 lectures that former US President George Bush would announce cooperation with extraterrestrials to save his presidency. UFO-Norway notes Bush lost the election.

9. Telepathic Contact: Luukanen claims telepathic contact with extraterrestrials and paranormal abilities, which have never been demonstrated.

10. Skepticism and Disinformation: Luukanen accuses "skeptics" of capturing central positions in UFO organizations to spread disinformation. UFO-Norway embraces the label "skeptic" and denies spreading disinformation, challenging Luukanen to provide specific examples rather than general accusations.

11. Alien Benevolence: Luukanen claims extraterrestrials are kind and wish humanity well. UFO-Norway questions this conclusion based on abduction reports, which often indicate negative experiences for the experiencers.

12. "UFOs" vs. "Spaceships": Luukanen's consistent use of the term "UFOs" when referring to spaceships is questioned. UFO-Norway argues that "UFO" by definition means unidentified and unknown, and using it for known objects causes confusion.

13. Government Recognition Claims: Luukanen claims Kurt Waldheim stated in 1978 that Sweden, Norway, the Philippines, Grenada, and France had officially recognized UFOs. UFO-Norway points out this is an uncritically passed-on rumor from the Earl of Kimberley, who was incorrect.

14. "Horizontal Circulation" of Blood: Luukanen claims extraterrestrials have a "horizontal circulation" of blood, which UFO-Norway finds medically questionable.

15. UFO Conference Claims: Luukanen claims to give lectures and exchange top-secret information at numerous UFO conferences. UFO-Norway states she has never lectured at major conferences like MUFON and BUFORA and is not mentioned in the proceedings of important conferences like the Abduction Study Conference at MIT in 1992.

Summary of UFO-Norway's Stance: UFO-Norway concludes that they and Luukanen have diametrically opposite views. Luukanen is not concerned with scientific research, prioritizing inner voice and experiences, and is accused of distorting and disinforming. UFO-Norway advocates for competent scientific research, where phenomena are measured and registered, acknowledging that current material does not validate any specific theory.

Shaggy UFO Story: The Shag Harbour Case

This section discusses a mysterious UFO crash off the coast of Nova Scotia, known as the Shag Harbour case. The story, generally ignored until the early 1990s, gained attention through ufologist Chris Stiles and subsequent media coverage, including a "Alien Week" series on Discovery Canada.

Dr. John Caldwell, an astrophysicist, is mentioned as a "skeptical scientist" on the show who had not investigated sightings or spoken with knowledgeable ufologists. He explained that alien travel would be too expensive.

The Shag Harbour crash segment involved an object seen falling into the ocean in 1967. Navy divers were sent to retrieve it, but nothing was officially found. A "green foam" was observed on the water, but not sampled. Rumors suggest something was found but covered up. Stiles has reportedly found documents indicating official interest in the event.

A letter from an angry viewer to Discovery Canada is included, questioning the channel's interest in truth versus using programming to sell beer. The letter recounts a version of the Shag Harbour sighting from October 4 and 11, 1967, where three men doing nightwatch observed signal flares that arched over the water, interpreted as UFOs. The men were afraid to confess for fear of losing their jobs.

One of the men confessed this to the sender's father-in-law. The sender believes the remaining witness could be convinced to confess if assured of no ill consequences and offers to make introductions for a legitimate investigation.

The sender also mentions a fisherman who took the RCMP out to investigate and remembers him commenting on an "unusual greenish foam streak" on the water, but no sample was taken.

The author of the article sent a reply to the sender, asking for more information and consulting other ufologists. The trend is to be wary of such claims, though Stiles is reported to have documents supporting the event beyond a simple flare. The author notes the oddity of the story surfacing so late and suggests the events might have occurred in reverse order (UFO crash first, then flares).

The author reflects that when they first became interested in UFOs in the early 1970s, things seemed simpler.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, the importance of skepticism in UFO research, and the distinction between sensationalism and scientific investigation. UFO-Norway, represented by the journal's content, adopts a skeptical stance, aiming to debunk what they consider misinformation and hoaxes, particularly those promoted by individuals like Luukanen. They advocate for rigorous scientific methodology in studying UFO phenomena. The Shag Harbour case highlights the challenges in investigating historical UFO incidents and the role of media in shaping public perception. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based, scientific inquiry and against unsubstantiated claims and the promotion of myths within the UFO community.