BUFORA Newsfile - No.60 - May 2007

Magazine Overview

This issue of BUFORA NEWSFILE, dated May 1997, focuses on the intersection of UFO sightings, crop circles, and alleged government conspiracies, drawing parallels with popular culture phenomena like 'The X-Files'. The cover story features an interview with ufologist David Kingston, who shares his personal UFO experiences and theories about extraterrestrial life.

Talking UFOs, Crop Circles and Real X Files

The lead article by Ruth Meech introduces David Kingston, a ufologist from Dorchester, who recounts a UFO sighting in 1976 off the Sussex coast. He describes a disc-shaped object that changed shape and exhibited rotating lights, an event he claims was also detected by coastguards and Heathrow radar. Kingston believes humanity is being watched by more advanced extraterrestrial civilizations and that life is not unique to Earth. His interest in the subject began in the mid-1950s while serving in the RAF at Christmas Island during nuclear tests, where UFO sightings were also reported.

Kingston is organizing a conference on UFOs, Crop Circles, and Government Conspiracies in Dorchester. Key speakers include Nick Pope, author of 'Open Skies, Closed Minds' and an advisor to the MoD on UFO investigations; David Percy, a researcher who worked with NASA scientist Richard Hoagland and who will discuss the 'face' on Mars and pyramid-like structures; and conspiracy theorist Marcus Allen, who will present evidence of high-powered cover-ups. David Kingston himself will speak on the connection between crop circles and UFO sightings.

Kingston mentions ongoing research involving crop circle samples sent to biophysicist Dr. William Levengood in Boston. After six years of study, they have observed cell changes in seeds from crop circles, indicating unusual growth patterns that can withstand drought and darkness, which is not typical for normal crops.

The article also touches on the public perception of UFO believers, noting that despite the popularity of shows like 'The X-Files', those who believe in extraterrestrial life are still often dismissed. Kingston's own demeanor and articulate presentation are highlighted as challenging such stereotypes.

Personal Encounters and Eyewitness Accounts

Another significant piece details the abduction of Linda Cortile, a mother from New York, who was allegedly beamed up into a UFO from her apartment. The event, which occurred in November 1989, was reportedly witnessed by motorists on the Brooklyn Bridge, including a 'major political leader' and an international diplomat referred to as 'The Third Man'. The article, written by Matthew Benns, investigates the identity of 'The Third Man' and pieces together the events surrounding the abduction. Under hypnotic regression, Linda Cortile recounts the experience, describing aliens and a distressing encounter in a dimly lit room where her son was on an operating table.

Budd Hopkins, a renowned UFO investigator, is mentioned as having worked with Linda Cortile and other abductees. The article notes that Hopkins has seen approximately 450 subjects and collaborates with seven psychiatrists. Professor John Mack, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, has also met with Hopkins and his clients, finding their detailed and consistent accounts compelling, despite their reluctance to come forward.

The article also includes a humorous anecdote from David Kingston about a misidentified 'alien' in a photograph, which turned out to be a farmer on a combine harvester.

UFO Sightings and Government Stance

Several smaller articles report on UFO sightings and official responses. The Fife Herald features Dr. David Hendry's UFO Casebook, discussing the 'abduction syndrome' based on a survey by the Roper organisation and David Michael Jacobs. It highlights the potential interest of aliens in the human pineal gland and melatonin production. The Herald Express reports on mysterious lights seen in South Devon in connection with the Hale-Bopp comet, and the mass suicide of the Heaven's Gate cult, who believed in a UFO travelling with the comet.

The Hull Daily Mail reports on Stuart Conway, a UFO buff who spent eight months working with the US organization Beyond Boundaries. Conway claims to have witnessed alien craft and believes in a high-level international conspiracy to conceal information about UFOs. He suggests that alien civilizations have penetrated Earth's defenses and that crashed alien spacecraft exist.

The Darlington Northern Echo and Irish Independent report on the US Air Force's closure of Project Blue Book in 1969, stating that the Pentagon has no plans to reopen its files on UFOs and does not consider them a threat. A Pentagon spokeswoman is quoted as saying they do not waste taxpayer money on 'chasing little green men'. However, ufologists, like Derek Sheffield, express suspicion about this official stance, suggesting a worldwide conspiracy and pointing to the historical significance of Roswell.

The Basingstoke Gazette features an article about a UFO sighting by two policemen in Holt, Norfolk, and the Stroud News & Journal reports on a UFO sighting by a detective constable and a married couple in Rodborough. The Wigan Reporter discusses a UFO conference in Burnley, including speakers on alien abductions and remote viewing.

Scientific Explanations and Skepticism

The Bolton Evening News presents an explanation by Allan Roberts that reported UFO sightings over Rivington might be meteors, based on his own experience of seeing a fast-moving white object. However, this differs from other reports of disc-shaped objects with red and green lights.

The Dundee Courier & Advertiser discusses claims by Stephen Black that an alien spaceship may be hiding behind the comet Hale Bopp, with the intention of colonizing Earth. Astronomer Brian Kelly dismisses these claims as 'complete nonsense', stating there is no evidence of anything unusual behind the comet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial life, the alleged cover-ups by governments, and the personal experiences of witnesses and researchers. The magazine seems to lean towards presenting these accounts seriously, even when including skeptical viewpoints or humorous anecdotes. The overall stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into phenomena that defy conventional explanation, while acknowledging the public's fascination and the cultural impact of UFOs in media.