UFO Newsclipping Service - 1986 09 - no 206

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated September 1986, focuses on recent UFO activity, research, and the passing of a prominent UFO expert. The cover prominently features a memorial service announcement for L. J. Lorenzen, a leading UFO expert and founder of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO).

Memorial Service for L. J. Lorenzen

The issue reports on the memorial service for Leslie James "Jim" Lorenzen, who died at age 64. Lorenzen, who never saw a UFO himself, founded APRO in 1952, which grew to over 1,200 members worldwide. His wife, Coral, estimated that APRO received at least 150,000 reports over the years. Lorenzen and his wife co-authored five books on UFOs. He also had a patent pending on a violin invention. Lorenzen served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and was decorated six times. His ashes are to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

UFO Forums and Conferences

The magazine highlights upcoming events for UFO enthusiasts. A two-day forum was scheduled in Beverly, Massachusetts, for the third consecutive year, bringing together believers and skeptics, with speakers including Dr. Richard Haines and Dr. Bruce Maccabee. This event was part of the country's second National UFO Information Week, designated for August 10-17, aimed at informing the public about UFO phenomena and the need for scientific research. Massachusetts MUFON, Inc. sponsored the Beverly forum.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Several articles detail recent UFO sightings and investigations:

• Arizona Daily Star: Reports on a memorial service for L. J. Lorenzen.
• NEWS, Lima, OH: An official from the Center for UFO Studies sought witnesses for a sighting of an orange light by Arley Taylor, described as grapefruit-sized and darting like a hummingbird.
• MIDDLESEX EAST, Middlesex, MA: Dr. Richard Haines was set to speak at a UFO forum in Beverly, discussing the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich. Dr. Bruce Maccabee and Philip Imbrogno were also scheduled speakers.
• HERALD, Boston, MA: Another article about the UFO forum in Beverly, mentioning speakers and the event's sponsorship by Massachusetts MUFON.
• POST-DISPATCH, St. Louis, MO: An article titled "UFOS Area Club Investigates Phenomena" features Karen Tellor, president of the Quad County Mutual UFO Network, discussing their investigations into unexplained phenomena, including Big Foot. They collect scientific data on these events.
• ARIZONA REPUBLIC, Phoenix, AZ: Reports on motorists near Wikieup, AZ, who saw an otherworldly orange light on the western horizon that appeared to follow their car. Carl Posey of the National Optical Astronomy Observatories suggested it was likely the planet Mars, but Robert Gribble of the National UFO Reporting Center disagreed, stating the object's behavior was unlike Mars.
• MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Owensboro, KY: Joe Ford reports on recent sightings of possible UFOs, including lights seen by a group in Bon Harbor Hills that moved unusually.
• INDEX-TRIBUNE, Sonoma, CA: A nurse, Joan Burtson, reported being followed by a strange flying object for several blocks.
• TRIBUNE-STAR, Terre Haute, IN: Marks the 39th anniversary of the first reported UFO sighting, referencing Kenneth Arnold's 1947 encounter and theories by Erich von Daniken.
• ENTERPRISE, Manchester, KY: Oneida residents reported seeing a large, square object with red lights hovering over the hills, described as scary and unlike any plane.
• BULLETIN, Latrobe, PA: Reports on unidentified flying objects in Pennsylvania, including spinning discs and hovering metallic triangles, investigated by the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU).
• REGISTER, Des Moines, IA: Details UFO sightings investigated by Iowa MUFON, including a 1976 sighting over Saylorville Lake involving a white strobe light surrounded by green and red sparks, and a 1963 sighting with burn marks on the ground.
• POST-GAZETTE, Pittsburgh, PA: Stan Gordon of PASU discusses unexplained sightings, including a silver, disc-shaped object over the Birmingham Bridge and a "metallic hot dog" object seen near Greensburg.
• NEWS, Detroit, MI: Describes a mysterious glowing, spiraling object seen by hundreds of stargazers, baffling officials and prompting calls nationwide.
• HERALD-JOURNAL, Syracuse, NY: Sky-gazers reported a bright, mysterious object over the Northeast, described as unusual aircraft behavior, possibly related to the Perseid meteor shower or a rocket.
• The Tribune-Democrat: Nancy Miller of Ebensburg described a sighting of three lights in a long, thin cloud that changed shape and moved rapidly, seen during the Perseid meteor shower.
• PRESS & SUN-BULLETIN, Binghamton, NY: Reports on a spiraling light in the sky that baffled stargazers, with speculation ranging from satellites to meteors.
• COURIER-JOURNAL, Louisville, KY: James Oberg, a space shuttle engineer, theorized that a mysterious glowing cloud seen over the eastern US was caused by a Japanese rocket booster releasing excess fuel. Skeptics questioned this explanation, particularly regarding the ground-shaking boom heard in Kentucky.
• MONROE COURIER, Trumbull, CT: A woman reported seeing a dark gray, unidentified flying object traveling at high speed.
• STANDARD OBSERVER, Irwin, PA: Reports on a light in the sky from a Japanese launch, attributed to rocket fuel, but notes that other sightings remain unexplained.
• JOURNAL, Winston-Salem, NC: A mysterious light over the east was identified as fuel dumped from a Japanese rocket, but other sightings remain unexplained.

Theories Link Pyramids, Space Visitors

An article features Dr. Lawrence Kennedy, a researcher and parapsychologist, and Sandra Sitzman, a crystallographer, presenting theories on the extraterrestrial connections between Atlantis, ancient Egypt, UFOs from Pleiades, and a 35,000-year-old entity named Ramtha. Kennedy argues that extraterrestrials were the architects of the pyramids, which served as cosmic energy resonators, not tombs. He claims the precise cuts in granite blocks are impossible with ancient technology and suggests lasers were used. He also discusses a "hybrid situation" in ancient times, with extraterrestrials influencing human activities and being revered as teachers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO sightings, the efforts of various research organizations (APRO, MUFON, PASU, Center for UFO Studies), and the persistent mystery surrounding unexplained aerial phenomena. There's a clear stance that while many sightings can be explained by conventional means (weather balloons, planets, aircraft), a significant percentage remain unexplained and warrant serious scientific study. The issue also highlights the sensationalism of some media outlets in reporting UFOs, contrasting it with the more serious approach of dedicated researchers. The passing of L. J. Lorenzen underscores the dedication of individuals in the field.

Notable Quotes

• "There's something going on and we want to know what it is," stated Karen Tellor, president of the Quad County Mutual UFO Network.
• "Personally, I do not believe it was an aircraft. The way it was behaving is unlike any aircraft I've ever seen," said Tim Jones, an air traffic controller regarding a mysterious object.
• "We are in the midst of the winds of tommorrow. Shadows we are casting now are projections of what is to be," said Dr. Lawrence Kennedy.
• "There is not the slightest doubt in our minds that these things come from outer space, and that is based on sightings by very credible observers," stated Robert Gribble, a member of the National UFO Reporting Center.

FAQ

• Who was L. J. Lorenzen? L. J. Lorenzen was a leading UFO expert and founder of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), who passed away at age 64.
• What is National UFO Information Week? It is an annual event dedicated to informing the public about UFO phenomena and the need for scientific research.
• What are some recent UFO sightings reported? Recent reports include mysterious lights in Ohio, a low-flying aircraft in Tennessee, an unusual light in Arizona, and a bright object over the northeastern United States.
• What theories exist about the pyramids? Dr. Lawrence Kennedy suggests extraterrestrials built the pyramids as energy resonators, not tombs, and that they used advanced technology like lasers.
• How do UFO research groups like MUFON and PASU approach sightings? These organizations conduct open-minded investigations, interview witnesses, gather evidence, and aim to bring serious study of UFO phenomena to public attention.

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS, dated June 6, 1986, is a tabloid-style publication focusing on sensational and paranormal news, with a strong emphasis on UFO sightings and related mysteries.

Cover Story: Space Alien Gran Stabs Girls to Death

The prominent cover story details the tragic case of Gloria Stephens, a 57-year-old woman who allegedly stabbed her two granddaughters, Tasha (10) and Andrea (7), to death. The court heard that Stephens was suffering from a "mad fantasy" and believed aliens were trying to beam the children and herself to another planet. She thought killing them would unite them in paradise. After the attack, she attempted suicide by stabbing herself and taking an overdose of drugs. Stephens admitted manslaughter and pleaded diminished responsibility, with three psychiatrists confirming her mental illness. She was remanded in custody for psychiatric treatment.

UFO Quest Wrecked Our Lives

This investigative piece, part one of a series, focuses on UFO investigators Brenda Butler, Dot Street, and Jenny Randles. They claim to have uncovered evidence of a Ministry of Defence cover-up regarding a UFO crash in Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk, over a five-year period. The investigation has come at a heavy personal and financial cost, leading to a marriage break-up, a broken romance, threatening phone calls, and significant bills for phone calls and travel. Brenda Butler expresses regret over starting the investigation, citing the financial strain and time off work. However, her colleagues, Dot Street and Jenny Randles, believe the truth was worth the hardship. Dot Street's marriage ended due to the case, and Jenny Randles estimates the investigation cost her between £5,000 and £10,000, also impacting her personal relationships. They assert that high-ranking government officials have consistently evaded, denied, and lied about the incident.

UFO Sightings and Encounters from Around the World

The magazine features numerous short reports of UFO sightings from various locations:

• Norwich, England (July 30, 1986): Bob Williams reported seeing a large, bird-like or glider-like object in the sky over Bowthorpe and Hellesdon, which dove between clouds.
• Tweedmouth, England (July 17, 1986): Residents reported a strong, stationary light in the sky above a cemetery, which later moved towards Scremerston.
• Exeter, England (August 8, 1986): A local magistrate, John Garnsey, and seventeen witnesses saw a Zeppelin-like UFO over North Devon that made no noise, drifted, discharged a rocket, and disappeared.
• Keighley, England (August 21, 1986): Two pensioners, Mrs. Margaret Snowden and Mrs. Edith Spencer, reported seeing an oval-shaped object flying towards the town, which they described as black with a silver rim.
• Barnsley, England (August 29, 1986): John Brook reported a close encounter with a spinning, oval-shaped UFO that hovered about 30 feet above him, emitting a blinding white fluorescent beam that caused a tingling sensation.
• Warren, Minnesota, USA (August 3, 1986): A deputy sheriff's car was allegedly "zapped" by a UFO, causing damage to the vehicle and rendering the sheriff unconscious. The car's clock stopped for 14 minutes.
• Chesterfield, England (July 11, 1986): Melvyn Broadhurst reported seeing a silent, oval-shaped, yellow object with a blue flashing light hovering above trees.
• Dandenong, Victoria, Australia (August 18, 1986): Tim Lowen reported seeing a long row of amber-colored lights travelling in a line in the southern sky.
• Porto Alegre, Brazil (June 4, 1986): Dozens of residents witnessed a small, luminous disc, red in the center and greenish-blue at the edges, rotating and leaving an incandescent trail.
• Ludvika, Sweden (June 25, 1986): A man and his son reported seeing a hissing, 1.5 meter-long, robot-like object sweeping over Lake Vasman.
• Borgholm, Sweden (August 1, 1986): An immigrant, Soad El-Bajdi, reported seeing a large, brightly shining, silent object hovering about 20-30 meters above him, which he described as supernatural.
• Nyhammar, Sweden (August 1, 1986): Paul Hellberg reported seeing a gigantic, round object with knife-sharp edges and a strong yellow light travelling at high speed.
• Smedby, Sweden (August 2, 1986): Residents reported sightings of a stationary red ball with a lighter center in the sky.
• Vancouver, Canada (September 2, 1986): An extremely bright meteor streaked across the sky, with fragments possibly landing in Nipawin.

Bigfoot and Other Mysteries

• Ohio Bigfoot Fuss: The article discusses the ongoing interest in Bigfoot in Newcomerstown, Ohio, with local investigator Don Keating collecting reports and plaster casts of alleged footprints.
• Nebraska Bigfoot Tracks: In Macy, Nebraska, unusual three-toed tracks found on the Omaha Indian Reservation have sparked debate, with some attributing them to Bigfoot and others suggesting natural explanations or hoaxes.
• Mystery of Corn Rings: The persistent mystery of geometrically shaped flattened circles in wheat fields, particularly in Hampshire, England, is explored. Scientists are divided, with some suggesting freak winds or hooligans, while police and UFO enthusiasts remain intrigued.
• 'O.P., the Monster' in Ocean Pines: Residents of Ocean Pines, Maryland, are reportedly looking for a 6-7 foot reptile-like creature with appendages, nicknamed "O.P.," sighted in local ponds. Police claim no knowledge of the creature.
• Fouke 'Monster' Hoax: An article revisits the Fouke Monster phenomenon from the 1970s, with former mayor Virgil Roberts and archaeologist Frank Schambach asserting it was a hoax, possibly a publicity stunt for the film "The Legend of Boggy Creek."

Royal Interest in UFOs

It is revealed that Prince Charles and Prince Philip have an interest in the paranormal, with Prince Charles reportedly holding a secret garden party to discuss UFOs with enthusiasts. Jenny Randles suggests this interest stems from a UFO landing at Broadlands, the home of the late Lord Mountbatten.

Scientific and Religious News

• Mars Life Debate: Two scientists suggest that a biology experiment from the Viking 1 and 2 Mars landers may have detected life on Mars, a controversial conclusion not supported by all experiments.
• Virgin Mary Apparitions: A Coptic Church committee in Cairo confirmed repeated appearances of the Virgin Mary and miraculous healings associated with them, though psychologists suggest mass hysteria.
• Planets Circling Nearby Stars: Canadian astronomers have found evidence of planets orbiting sun-like stars relatively close to Earth, potentially making them targets in the search for extraterrestrial life.
• Pyramid Drilling: Engineers drilling into the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt are joking about the "pharaoh's curse" after equipment failures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged paranormal phenomena, and mysteries that defy conventional explanation. The magazine presents a wide range of reports, from sensational crime to eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial objects and cryptid sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with the unexplained, presenting various theories and witness testimonies without necessarily endorsing any single one, though the "UFO Quest" article highlights the dedication and personal cost of pursuing such investigations. There's a clear leaning towards sensationalism, as seen in the cover story and the broad coverage of UFOs and cryptids.