UFO Newsclipping Service - 1988 01 - no 222

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service, dated January 1988, delves into various UFO sightings, investigations, and related controversies. The publication features reports from different regions of the United States, highlighting witness accounts, expert opinions, and ongoing debates surrounding the phenomenon.

Bismarck Driver Encounters UFO

The lead story on the cover details an encounter by Doug Griffin, a Bismarck resident, who reported seeing an off-white, "hamburger box"-shaped UFO on a clear night near Menoken, North Dakota. Griffin described the craft as having rapidly flashing red, green, and white lights. He noted its unusual maneuverability, darting away and then hovering over Bismarck. Despite initial skepticism from some, an investigator for Mutual UFO Network deemed the incident a legitimate UFO sighting.

Mysterious Lights Spur UFO Debate

This article focuses on sightings in Wythe County, Virginia, where residents reported seeing mysterious lights and objects in the sky. Descriptions varied, including "saucer" shapes and flying objects with red and white lights. While sheriff's deputies suggested these were military maneuvers, witnesses insisted the objects were silent and unlike conventional aircraft. The debate highlights differing opinions on the nature of these sightings, with some attributing them to military activity and others to unknown phenomena.

Real UFO's or just UFO Days fever?

This column reflects on how UFO rumors can prompt people to recall their own experiences. The author, Steve Drubas, shares anecdotes from his own life and from others in Elmwood, suggesting that the town's UFO festival might be fueled by a collective interest in the unexplained.

New Mexico's UFO mystery lingers

This piece revisits the 1947 Roswell incident, forty years after the initial announcement of a crashed UFO. It explores the controversy surrounding the event, including witness accounts from Walter Haut and rancher W.W. "Mac" Brazel, and the alleged government cover-up. The article discusses the role of Stanton Friedman, a UFO researcher, and the ongoing debate about the authenticity of leaked MJ-12 documents.

UFO experts: Letter proves U.S. studied '47 crash near Roswell

This article reports on a declassified letter found in the National Archives, which UFO researchers believe provides evidence of a secret committee investigating the 1947 Roswell crash. The letter refers to the recovery of an object and "four small human-like beings." The article also touches on the purported MJ-12 briefing papers and the skepticism surrounding them.

UFO author says time running out

William Moore, co-author of "The Roswell Incident," expresses concern that time is running out to uncover the truth about the 1947 crash, as key witnesses are aging. He discusses his efforts to find direct statements and physical evidence, and highlights the role of Frank Joyce, a former radio newsman who was aware of the incident.

The Aliens Are Coming! The Aliens Are Coming!

This is a review of three books: "Intruders" by Budd Hopkins, "Communion" by Whitley Strieber, and "Light Years" by Gary Kinder. The review discusses accounts of alien abductions, genetic experiments, and encounters with extraterrestrials, highlighting the authors' claims and the challenges of believing such extraordinary stories. The reviewer concludes that while the accounts are incredible, the authors' desperation and the sheer number of similar reports make them difficult to dismiss entirely.

'Alien abductions' no longer a joke

This opinion piece by Thomas Taschinger reviews Whitley Strieber's book "Communion," focusing on the concept of alien abductions. Taschinger notes that the subject has moved beyond tabloid sensationalism to more serious accounts, often corroborated by hypnosis. He emphasizes the profound implications of alien life if these accounts are true, and the difficulty in scoffing at consistent reports from rational adults.

How UFOs changed his life

This article profiles Danny Gordon, a radio broadcaster in Wytheville, Virginia, who became deeply involved in investigating numerous UFO sightings in the area. Gordon's obsession with the case led to personal sacrifices, including weight loss and sleep deprivation, as he dealt with media attention and the pressure to solve the mystery.

UFO sightings: Press conference seeks answers

This report covers a press conference held by Danny Gordon in Wytheville to address the ongoing UFO sightings. Gordon, along with other witnesses and investigators, discussed their observations and theories, including the possibility of military involvement. The article notes the consistency of sightings and the lack of conventional explanations.

UFO kidnap tales raise curious questions

This is the second part of an opinion piece by Thomas Taschinger, continuing the discussion on alien abductions. It poses questions about the origins of these beings, their motives, how abductions occur undetected, and the possibility of proof. Taschinger concludes that while definitive proof is lacking, the circumstantial evidence suggests these incidents are real.

UFO Spotted In Amelia

This article reports on a UFO sighting in Amelia County, Virginia, by Laurie French and three others. They described a large, silent, boomerang-shaped object with red lights. The sighting is compared to other UFO reports in the area and the broader context of UFO phenomena throughout history.

UFO Sightings Not Uncommon

This piece provides a historical overview of UFO sightings reported in and around Farmville, Virginia, dating back to 1952. It lists various descriptions of objects and notes that many sightings remain unexplained.

Film To Detail 'Nonhuman' Encounters

This article announces that director Philippe Mora is working on a film adaptation of Whitley Strieber's book "Communion." The film is intended to explore Strieber's experiences with nonhuman beings and the psychological aspects of these encounters, rather than being a typical special-effects movie.

ABC-TV's Segment on UFOs Was Unfair

This letter to the editor criticizes an ABC-TV segment on UFOs for being biased against the existence of UFOs and promoting the SETI program over the investigation of terrestrial UFO sightings. The author, a physics professor and UFO observer, argues that the segment unfairly presented the case for UFOs through anecdotal evidence while giving more weight to scientific programs searching for extraterrestrial signals.

UFO Symposium In D.C. Calls For End to Coverup

This article summarizes a 1987 International UFO Symposium in Washington, D.C., which focused on the history of UFOs, alien abductions, and alleged government cover-ups, including the Roswell incident and "Majestic 12" documents. Speakers like Dr. David Jacobs and Whitley Strieber discussed the advancement of UFO research beyond simple sightings to the study of extraterrestrial life. The article also notes the presence of UFO debunker Phillip Klass and the ongoing debate about the authenticity of leaked government documents.

UFO researcher examines photographs from newspaper

This brief report mentions that a director of a private UFO investigation group considers photographs allegedly taken in northwest Florida to be among the best UFO pictures seen in years. The photos reportedly show a glowing object above tree-top level.

UFO enthusiasts take new look at 1979 episode

This article details the renewed investigation into a 1979 UFO sighting near Westport, Washington, where witnesses reported a brightly-lighted object that appeared to crash and explode. Jim Clarkson and Don Johnson of MUFON are seeking more witnesses and information, speculating that the object might have been a military machine, and are using the Freedom of Information Act to seek answers.

lowan wants to know: Is CIA hiding ALF corpse?

Donald Curtis, Iowa state director for MUFON, expresses his belief that the public has a right to know if the CIA is hiding evidence of alien life, such as a corpse from an alien craft. He discusses his interest in UFOs stemming from his military service and his involvement with MUFON, emphasizing the organization's skeptical approach to investigations. Curtis also highlights the Roswell incident as a classic cover-up and discusses the potential for government secrecy regarding UFOs.

Unidentified lights in night sky baffle Fountain viewers

This article reports on multiple sightings of unidentified lights in the night sky near Fountain, Colorado. Witnesses described the lights as red and blue or green, blinking, and moving in unusual patterns. Despite calls to local authorities and military bases, no conventional explanation was found for the phenomenon.

Residents spot UFO above Simi Valley

This report describes a UFO sighting over Simi Valley, California, where residents reported seeing a fast-moving object resembling a flying saucer. The sighting occurred despite no scheduled launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base, and local police had no official record of the calls.

A Backward Glance

This brief historical note mentions a mysterious lighted object seen 30 years prior (around November 1957) near Rural Retreat, Virginia, described as egg-shaped with a light in front and tapered in the back, traveling at jet speed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alien abductions, and the persistent question of government secrecy and cover-ups. There's a strong emphasis on witness testimony, the challenges of scientific investigation, and the public's right to know. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, encouraging skepticism but also acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained events. The articles collectively suggest that UFOs are not a new phenomenon and continue to capture public attention and fuel debate.

Title: The UFO Report
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 1
Date: November 1987
Publisher: UFO Report
Country: USA

This inaugural issue of The UFO Report focuses on a variety of unexplained aerial phenomena, with a prominent cover story detailing a couple's claim of evidence of a UFO cover-up. The magazine features a collection of eyewitness accounts, scientific perspectives, and discussions on the ongoing mystery surrounding UFOs.

Cover Story: Couple Claim Evidence of UFO Cover-Up

The lead story highlights the experiences of a couple who claim to have evidence of a UFO cover-up. While details are not fully elaborated on the cover itself, the headline suggests a narrative involving suppressed information or official denial regarding UFO encounters.

The 'Westchester Boomerang' Phenomenon

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the 'Westchester Boomerang,' a series of UFO sightings reported in the Hudson Valley. The article details numerous reports from credible witnesses, including police officers, attorneys, and engineers, who have observed a large, V-shaped object with pulsating, multi-colored lights hovering at low altitudes. Philip J. Imbrogno, co-author of the book "Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings," is featured, discussing the prolonged and voluminous cluster of sightings.

Eyewitness Accounts and Investigations

The magazine presents several detailed eyewitness accounts from various locations. Shelley McLennaghan recounts a frightening encounter in 1976 where she saw a V-shaped craft, experienced physical distress including crumbling dental fillings, and was later visited by two mysterious men claiming to be RAF commanders. Other accounts include sightings in England (Luton, Salisbury, Exmouth, Derby, Chichester) and Canada (Hatzic, Vancouver), describing objects with unusual lights, shapes, and behaviors, often defying conventional explanations.

Scientific Perspectives and Skepticism

The issue includes perspectives from scientists and researchers. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, the late dean of UFOologists and founder of the Center for UFO Studies, is mentioned as a key figure whose work is continued by others. The article also presents skeptical viewpoints from scientists like Harold Story and Harry Hamilton, who suggest that many sightings can be explained as natural phenomena or optical illusions. However, the sheer volume and consistency of some reports, like the 'Westchester Boomerang,' challenge simple debunking.

UFO Research and Publications

The magazine highlights the growing interest in UFO research, noting the publication of books like "Night Siege" and "UFOs 1947-1987." It also mentions the establishment of a scientific journal, the "Journal of Scientific Exploration," overseen by Stanford scientists, which aims to provide a forum for discussing off-beat topics like UFOs and psychic phenomena. The 40th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's seminal 1947 sighting is noted as a significant event contributing to the heightened profile of ufological research in 1987.

Related Phenomena: Bigfoot and Loch Ness Monster

Beyond aerial phenomena, the issue touches upon other cryptozoological mysteries. An article discusses anthropologist Grover Krantz's claims of evidence for the existence of Bigfoot in the Pacific Northwest, citing footprint analysis. Another piece explores the ongoing mystery of the Loch Ness Monster, referencing expeditions and consistent eyewitness reports.

Government and Officialdom

Concerns about government secrecy and potential cover-ups are raised, particularly in relation to UFO investigations in the United States. The use of the Freedom of Information Act to release UFO files is mentioned, contrasting with the perceived secrecy in Britain. The possibility of an 'education program' by extraterrestrial intelligence to prepare humanity for their existence is also speculated upon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFOs, the challenges of scientific investigation, the credibility of eyewitness testimony, and the potential for government secrecy or cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both the evidence for unexplained phenomena and the skeptical counterarguments, while acknowledging the enduring fascination and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence.