Topside - Issue 24-25 - 1967 Spring and Summer

Magazine Overview

Title: TOPSIDE
Issue: Numbers 24 & 25
Date: Spring & Summer, 1967
Publisher: OTTAWA NEW SCIENCES CLUB
Country: Canada
Price: $2.00 for 4 issues (approximately quarterly)

This issue of TOPSIDE, published by the Ottawa New Sciences Club, delves into a variety of topics, including the role of the United Nations, extraterrestrial communication, animal consciousness, and the life and inventions of Nikola Tesla. The magazine emphasizes the importance of positive thought and prayer in navigating global challenges and presents itself as a platform for diverse, open-minded perspectives.

Editorial: The Space Brothers and the United Nations

The editorial highlights messages from 'Space Brothers' stressing the crucial role of the United Nations in establishing world order and peace. It warns of the catastrophic consequences of a third global war, which could annihilate life on Earth and disrupt the entire Solar System. The article urges readers to combat negative forces through the 'Power of Positive Thought and Prayer,' viewing it as a vital necessity and moral responsibility. It acknowledges the confusion and disillusionment that can arise from political discourse, particularly in the context of the Middle East Crisis, but reiterates that the UN, despite its challenges, is humanity's only hope. The piece calls for sincere prayer and positive visualization to strengthen the UN's guidance towards wisdom and justice.

A Grave Warning from New Zealand: World Wide Holocaust?

This section presents an urgent message from Phyllis and Fred Dickeson of Timaru, New Zealand, founders of the New Zealand Scientific Approach to Cosmic Understanding group. They relay a message from an anonymous 'Mr. X,' who claims contact with 'The Two Friends,' extraterrestrial beings. The message warns of an impending, devastating global war that will occur at any moment but will not extend beyond 1970. 'The Two Friends' state they have failed to prevent it but will offer help in humanity's darkest hour, urging people to make their presence known and to maintain faith in the Highest Cosmic Power.

Man and the Animal Kingdom and ESP

Authored by Carol Halford-Watkins, this article explores man's often inhumane treatment of animals, contrasting it with the potential for deep companionship and communication. It argues that all animals are blood brothers, created by Divine Intelligence, and that cruelty is the ultimate vice. The piece discusses the fascinating field of communication with the animal mind, noting that animals can respond to kindly humans and exhibit remarkable awareness, such as sensing danger or human distress. It references Dr. Konrad Lorenz, an expert on animal behavior, who describes man as 'the Deadliest Animal' and believes humanity's failure to recognize its common instincts with animals endangers its own future. The article also includes personal anecdotes about animal ESP, including a story of reincarnation involving a cat named Norah, and an experiment with a dolphin at Marineland.

Mammal with Super-Brain: Dolphins

This section details research on bottle-nosed dolphins, highlighting their intelligence and large brain size, which exceeds that of humans on average. Dolphins are described as having a friendly nature and a capacity for cooperation and affection towards humans, even during laboratory experiments. The article recounts historical accounts of dolphins assisting humans, such as saving drowning individuals and herding fish. It notes that dolphins have never been known to attack humans. The work of Dr. John C. Lilly, a neurophysiologist researching dolphin language and communication, is mentioned. While research has been partly driven by military applications, Dr. Lilly believes dolphins are peace-loving and would not cooperate with destructive activities.

An Interesting ESP Experiment with a Dolphin

This personal account describes an experiment in mental telepathy conducted by the author and her husband with three dolphins at Marineland in Niagara Falls. The author focused her thoughts on one dolphin, urging it to approach. After persistent effort, the dolphin responded by leaping, nodding its head, and engaging in a synchronized display with the other two dolphins, which the author interpreted as a message of happiness and goodwill.

The Life of Nikola Tesla

This feature presents the first part of a series on Nikola Tesla, transcribed from a tape recording by his friend and confidante, Arthur H. Matthews. Matthews, whose father worked for Lord Kelvin, met Tesla as a child and developed a lifelong friendship. Influenced by Tesla, Matthews became an electrical engineer and holds patents for inventions used by railroads. He inherited many of Tesla's papers and inventions, including an 'Anti-War Machine' and a basis for an 'Interplanetary Communication Set.' The article emphasizes Tesla's status as the 'greatest inventor of all time,' crediting him with over 75 original discoveries and revolutionizing the electrical industry with inventions like the Tesla Induction Motor and the Tesla Phase System of Power Transmission. It notes that Tesla's genius was often ahead of his time, leading to him being misunderstood. The section lists numerous terms and inventions associated with Tesla, including computers, and poses questions about his inventive process and mentality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of TOPSIDE include the potential for spiritual and technological advancement, the importance of positive thinking and collective consciousness in overcoming global crises, and the exploration of consciousness beyond the human realm, encompassing both extraterrestrial intelligence and animal awareness. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a proactive, hopeful approach to global challenges, emphasizing individual responsibility and the power of belief and spiritual insight. The magazine encourages readers to engage with these concepts, whether through prayer, positive thought, or open-minded consideration of phenomena like UFOs and ESP.

This issue of Topside, identified as issue number 10, focuses heavily on the persistent mystery surrounding UFO hardware and government involvement, alongside a unique Canadian Centennial project and a series of book reviews.

The Mystery of UFO Hardware

The lead article, "THE MYSTERY OF UFO HARDWARE," delves into the history of UFO sightings and the alleged confiscation of crashed saucer technology by governments over the past 20 years. It references a prominent report of a crashed UFO in New Mexico, where the hardware and occupants were reportedly removed by the U.S. Army and sent to Washington for deep freeze. Wilbert B. Smith, the founder of the publication, became interested in this case and, upon attempting to investigate, was allegedly told by a CIA official to "keep his nose out of this matter," which he interpreted as confirmation of something significant. Later investigations, according to the article, suggested the U.S. Government possessed "hangars of UFO hardware," though the USAF publicly denied having any, implying they acted as a collection agency for other government bodies, possibly the CIA. The article also mentions a German press claim about secret rooms in the Pentagon storing UFO hardware.

The author expresses a belief that the U.S. Government might be withholding information about UFO hardware for reasons best known to itself. The article then contrasts this with statements made by Dr. J. Allen Hynek in an article titled "'White Paper' on UFOs," where Hynek stated that "The only UFO 'hardware' so far consists of patent hoaxes!!" and that "If there were only some 'hardware' to study, how simple matters would be!" The article suggests that Dr. Hynek might either not have all the facts or is adhering to a government "party line," especially in light of what the author calls "patently phoney alibis" for sightings, such as "swamp gas."

In response to Dr. Hynek's call for testable hardware, the Ottawa New Sciences Club has reportedly sent a copy of an article, "The Mysterious Chunk of Hardware in Ottawa," along with photographs, to Dr. Edward Condon. They suggested that Condon's group consider investigating a 3,000-pound chunk of metal found in Ottawa, which might be UFO hardware, and perform a mass spectrographic analysis to determine its origin.

Winnipeg Man Burned by UFO

This section details the story of Steve Michalak, a 50-year-old industrial mechanic from Winnipeg, who claimed to have received chest burns from a UFO he touched near Falcon Lake, Manitoba. He presented an undershirt with a geometrically-patterned burn spot and a hat with a hole burned through it. His wife confirmed he was not acting normally upon his return. Michalak described the UFO as approximately 35 feet long and 8 feet high, appearing like stainless steel with rainbow reflections when landed, but emitting a glaring red light when taking off at high speed. He reported hearing "definitely human" voices from inside the craft. The heat from the UFO caused his burns. He initially told a doctor the burns were from airplane exhaust, fearing ridicule if he told the truth. Michalak was certain it was not a meteor, based on his geology studies, and stated, "Our technology doesn't have anything like it."

World's First Flying Saucer Landing Pad!

This article highlights an unusual Canadian Centennial project in the small Albertan town of St. Paul: a flying saucer landing pad. The project, conceived by William Treleavan and Ken Reed, was constructed by the Car Quells Construction Co., Ltd., as a Centennial project for the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce. The design was submitted by Alex Mair. The pad is oval-shaped, 30' x 40' in diameter, and built on a 8' high column, with a total weight of over 130 tons. The article notes that residents interpreted a bright green light seen shortly after the "turning of the sod" ceremony as a positive omen. The project gained international attention, with news media like Time Magazine covering it. The "Calgary Herald" featured an editorial suggesting a "For Swamp Gas Only" sign for the pad. On June 3, 1967, the pad was officially opened by Canada's Minister of National Defence, the Hon. Paul T. Hellyer, who acknowledged that some unidentified flying objects have not been explained by natural phenomena. The opening day included RCAF fly-pasts, helicopter displays, a simulated saucer, and various themed events, including a Martian Hair-Do Contest and a "Celestial Menu" at the local IGA store.

Gene Duplantier's Canadian Centennial Project

This brief section announces that Gene Duplantier, a Canadian UFO colleague, has published a special 10th-anniversary issue of his publication "Saucers, Space and Science" as his Centennial project. The issue is described as containing a wealth of articles, photographs, drawings, and a UFO Humour Section, with its standout feature being a directory of World Wide UFO Clubs and Publications. It is recommended for Ufologists and UFO libraries and can be obtained for $1.00 from Gene Duplantier.

Some Interesting Publications by Gray Barker

This section reviews several UFO-related books:

• "Flying Saucers are Real" by John C. Sherwood: Described as a factual and fascinating account of the Dexter incident and the Incredible Michigan Flap, it is considered a definitive work and a useful reference for Ufologists. The price is $3.95.
• "The Book of Space Ships and their Relation with Earth" by "The God of a Planet near Earth and Others": This book is presented as received through "psychic channelling." It purports to discuss communications with beings from other planets. The article notes that while the philosophy is uplifting, the conditions described on these planets are difficult to imagine. The price is $3.95.
• "Jim Moseley's Book of Saucer News": This is a compilation of articles from Jim Moseley's magazine "Saucer News," offering a cross-section of UFO writings. It is described as a valuable resource for those who have missed previous issues. The price is $5.00.

These publications are available from Saucerian Publications, Clarksburg, West Virginia, U.S.A.

Book Reviews

• "THE SCORITON MYSTERY" by Eileen Buckle: Sub-titled "Did Adamski return?" this book investigates a claim by Ernest A. Bryant that he witnessed a UFO landing in Scoriton, England, in April 1965, and spoke with three occupants from Venus. One occupant allegedly identified himself as "Yamski" and suggested he was George Adamski returned in another body. The spacecraft reportedly dropped pieces of metal claimed to be from the crashed Mustang in which Capt. Mantell of the USAF was killed. The investigation was carried out by Norman Oliver and Eileen Buckle, who reportedly had contact with space beings. The book is highly recommended for those interested in "contactee" cases. The price is 30/- and it is published by Neville Spearman Ltd., London.
• "THE WORLD OF TED SERIOS" by Dr. Jule Eisenbud: This book details experiments on the psychic phenomena of Ted Serios, an unemployed bell-hop who could project mental images onto photographic film. The book is illustrated with photographs and sketches and provides a technical account of the tightly-controlled experiments involving 25 doctors of science. It also touches on Serios's personal issues. The findings are presented as opening a new field of research into paranormal mind power. The price is $7.50, published by George J. McLeod Ltd. in Canada and William Morrow & Co., Inc. in the U.S.A.
• "REINCARNATION AND THE LAW OF KARMA" by William Walker Atkinson: Originally published in 1908, this book is described as an enlightening classic on the subject of reincarnation and karma. It details Earth's history of reincarnation, arguments for and against it, proofs, and the workings of the Law of Karma. It is recommended for those seeking answers about their purpose in life and the hereafter. The price is $3.50 and it is published by Yoga Publication Society, Chicago.
• "THE COSMIC DOCTRINE" by Dion Fortune: This book is described as a profound teaching on Cosmic Law, received by the author from a "Greater Master." It aims to provide understanding of the Cosmos and spiritual evolution. The author admits to difficulty in translating transcendental ideas and suggests using imagination and intuition. It is recommended for "really deep thinkers." The price is U.K. 21/- or U.S. $4.00, published by Helios Book Service (Publishers) Ltd., England.
• "THE FLYING SAUCER READER" Edited by Jay David: This anthology collects important writings on UFO phenomena over the past 12 years, presenting pro and con evidence. It is described as a definitive anthology and a handy reference book for UFO libraries. The price is $6.25, published by General Publishing Co., Ltd., Canada.

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery and alleged cover-up surrounding UFO hardware, the potential for extraterrestrial contact, and the exploration of paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging investigation while questioning official narratives and acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The publication seems to advocate for a thorough and objective approach to UFO research, as evidenced by its promotion of detailed book reviews and its interest in scientific analysis of potential UFO evidence.