UFO Newsclipping Service - 1988 07 - no 228

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, number 228, dated July 1988, focuses on a variety of UFO sightings, alleged alien abductions, and related phenomena. The publication compiles reports from different newspapers and sources, featuring witness testimonies, investigator insights, and discussions on the nature of these events.

Cover Story: Weird-sounding UFO seen by 2

The cover highlights two separate incidents. One report from Simi Valley, California, details two individuals who observed a "rectangular" object with lights making "weird sounds," described as a low hum, unlike any aircraft. The object was large and moved slowly. Another article, "Aliens on Earth 'for selfish purpose'" by Jean Kowalski, features Leonard Stringfield, an author and investigator, who believes aliens are on Earth for genetic research and that governments are aware of this.

Aliens on Earth "for selfish purpose" by Jean Kowalski

Leonard Stringfield, speaking to an audience of about 70 people, shared his belief that aliens from another solar system are on Earth, possibly living underground and abducting humans for genetic research. He cited reports from reliable sources, including police officers, engineers, and military officials, indicating that aliens of different races have landed on Earth. Stringfield noted an increase in sightings, suggesting a "selfish purpose" behind the alien presence. He also mentioned that government officials from various nations are meeting to discuss the alien presence, possibly to devise countermeasures or to meet with the aliens themselves. Reports of abductions and experiments on humans have become more prevalent, with claims of probes and chips being implanted. Stringfield theorizes aliens are here for "scientific curiosity" and to "merge with us until they reach their goal."

Weber calls on Reagan to acknowledge UFOs

Tom Weber, president of the Chippewa Falls-based UFO Site Center, has written to President Reagan urging him to publicly acknowledge the existence of UFOs. Weber's organization aims to raise funds for a UFO landing site near Elmwood, Wisconsin, a location known for many UFO sightings. The letter requests Reagan to make a full statement to the American public and declassify relevant documents. The UFO Site Center's objective is to facilitate contact and dialogue with advanced civilizations. Weber believes humans must provide a landing site and invitation for contact. He also expressed his belief that Reagan would take the "right and proper action" to make this announcement.

The UFO Experience Conference plays to a captive audience by Don Steinberg

This article describes the first UFO Experience Conference held in Waltham, MA, which attracted nearly 300 attendees. The conference featured authors, investigators, and alleged abductees sharing their experiences. Speakers included Budd Hopkins and Ray Fowler, discussing UFO sightings and abductions. The article notes the shift in focus from mere sightings to abduction cases, with attendees sharing detailed accounts of being taken aboard spacecraft and subjected to medical examinations. The psychological impact of these experiences is discussed, with some suggesting post-traumatic stress syndrome. The article also touches on the physical descriptions of aliens and the possibility of breeding experiments. The author notes the difficulty in dismissing these accounts, even while acknowledging the potential for delusion or hoaxes.

UFO Photographed Again! by Duane Cook

This report details a personal near-sighting experience and a "Mother Ship" sighting by two local residents. The author recounts setting up cameras to photograph a UFO, and later viewing photos that showed a UFO similar to one previously photographed. Another sighting involved a large, dark object described as "big and dark" making "weird sounds."

UFO Sightings Continue by Fran Thompson

This article compiles several UFO sighting reports from the Soundside area. A resident describes seeing a large, hovering object with a flashing white light, resembling a Goodyear blimp or a cigar. Other reports include a strange light seen on the horizon that dropped straight down, a UFO following a car, a brilliant light hovering over a balcony, and multiple lights moving erratically over the Sound. The article notes increased public interest and "UFO picnics" in the area.

More UFO Sightings...

This section presents brief accounts of UFO sightings: John and Matt Hamilton saw a bright object near Fort Walton, FL; twelve-year-old Johnny Register viewed two UFOs flying in the air in Sun City, AZ. A report from the McCurtain County Gazette mentions State Senator Gerald Dennis joining the list of UFO spotters after seeing an unusual flying object near Idabel, OK.

Burned Ground, Marks Still Puzzling

A report from Pine Bluff, AR, describes a three-sided burned area on land owned by Jeff Kahn, suspected to be caused by a possible flying object. Investigators are puzzled, and the military denies any involvement. The burned area formed a triangular shape with specific dimensions.

UFO museum out-of-this-world idea by Henry King

This article profiles George Fawcett, a collector of UFO-related materials, who has amassed 14,000 items including photos, news clips, and government documents. Fawcett plans to create a UFO museum designed in the shape of a flying saucer, which would also serve as a research facility. He believes there are numerous UFO sightings worldwide daily and that the government possesses significant information on the subject.

Twenty Pearisburg residents observe UFO last Thursday

This report details a sighting by 20 residents in Pearisburg, VA, who observed a slow-moving, low-flying craft with bright lights. Witnesses described it as shaped like a plane but without wings, making little noise. The object was observed for about 15 minutes before moving east. Some witnesses speculated it might be an experimental craft rather than alien.

Ashley man sights UFO

Christ Gross of Ashley, ND, reported seeing seven dark stripes spanning the sky at 2:15 a.m. He described the phenomenon as having a longer center stripe with a moon in the middle. He hesitated to report it but stated, "I believe in what I saw, that's all."

Just Browsing: Sightings of UFO not explained by Juilene McKnight

Columnist Juilene McKnight discusses a section in Omni Magazine about well-documented UFO sightings in the counties north of New York City. She mentions the book "Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings" by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Philip Imbrogno, and Bob Pratt, which details hundreds of eyewitness accounts of a huge UFO. The article notes that while many sightings are explained, a percentage remain unidentified.

Report of UFO over Egremont is investigated

This article reports on an investigation into a UFO sighting in North Egremont, MA. Gary Levine, an investigator for the Mutual UFO Network, is looking into the incident, which involved a resident reporting a flying object with bright lights hovering for 60-90 seconds before departing. Physical evidence is reportedly being evaluated.

Author of UFO abduction study wins award

Dr. Thomas E. Bullard received the Award for Distinguished UFO Research for his study of abduction reports. Bullard analyzed over 300 cases, noting consistent patterns and the complexity of witness descriptions, suggesting they are unlikely to be mere chance. He acknowledges that abductions are difficult to study due to the subjective nature of the experiences and the potential for confusion.

Elmwood ideal setting for a UFO landing pad

This article details plans for a UFO landing site and research facility in Elmwood, Wisconsin. Tom Weber, founder of the UFO Site Center Corp., explains that Elmwood was chosen due to its history of UFO incidents and community acceptance. The project aims to create a pictorial message in lights to welcome extraterrestrials. The message depicts a man and an extraterrestrial coming together in friendship.

Experiences of chief made wife a believer

Doris Wheeler shares her late husband's experiences as Elmwood Police Chief George Wheeler, who reported two UFO sightings in the mid-1970s. Her husband's encounters, including seeing a "saucer-shaped thing" and experiencing a "blue light streamed at him," convinced her of the reality of UFOs.

Fantasy-prone psyche may lie behind strange 'abductions'

This article explores a controversial theory proposed by psychologist Robert Baker, suggesting that many alien abduction reports may be attributed to a "fantasy-prone" personality. Baker argues that individuals with this trait have difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy and may be influenced by suggestibility. Other researchers, like Mark Rodeghier and Budd Hopkins, question this theory, citing the traumatic nature of reported experiences and the consistency of accounts from multiple witnesses.

Author says aliens have spirited him away since childhood

This piece discusses Whitley Strieber's book "Communion," which claims to be a "true story" of alien abduction. Strieber recounts experiences dating back to his childhood, involving encounters with alien beings and physical examinations. The article notes that Strieber's theories on the origin of these beings are varied, including possibilities of time travelers or a mental phenomenon.

Many report sighting UFOs locally

This article compiles local UFO sighting reports from the Danville, PA, area. Researcher Stan Gordon theorizes that UFOs appear near "energy windows." Sightings are reported near power plants and transmission lines. The article includes accounts of bright objects, discs, and "cobwebs" (angel hair) being observed. Some witnesses believe these are government devices or extraterrestrial craft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged alien abductions, and the potential involvement of governments in either investigating or concealing information about these phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the search for physical evidence. The publication appears to present these accounts with a degree of seriousness, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints and psychological explanations. The overall stance seems to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging the sharing of experiences and research.

This issue of UNION-NEWS, dated April 20, 1988, focuses on the persistent mystery of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), with the cover headline proclaiming, "USAF books closed on UFOs, but the stories won't go away." The publication delves into numerous reported sightings, physical evidence, and the ongoing debate surrounding the nature and origin of these phenomena.

USAF Closes Books, But Stories Persist

The lead article by Stan Freeman highlights that despite the U.S. Air Force officially closing its investigation into UFOs nearly 20 years prior, the phenomenon continues to be reported globally. Ray Fowler of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) estimates 100 UFO reports per day worldwide, with polls indicating an increasing public belief in UFOs' reality. The article details Project Blue Book, the Air Force's investigation from 1948-1969, which examined 12,618 sightings, with 701 remaining unexplained. Despite analysis of photographs and data, the conclusion was that UFO studies had not added to scientific knowledge and further extensive study was not justified. However, Fowler disputes this, believing about 20 percent of reports remain unexplained after investigations, with only a few being hoaxes.

Eyewitness Accounts and Physical Evidence

The issue features several detailed eyewitness accounts. In Pennsylvania, Stan Gordon's organization investigated cases involving a metal disc found in a hayfield after a UFO sighting and a strange conical object found near Herminie. The metal disc, made of high-quality stainless steel, had unusual laser-like holes and no rust despite years of exposure. The conical object, also baffling, was made of No. 316 stainless steel.

In Florida, Diana K. Hansen reports on UFO sightings in the Gulf Breeze area. Dana Gibson saw a craft with a cluster of white lights moving erratically, and the McCann family witnessed three UFOs hovering in a triangular formation, described as oblong with pulsating lights and blue beams. Allison Brown details sightings over Pensacola Beach, where bright lights hovered and disappeared. Dennis Warren reported seeing two bright lights, and another viewer in Navarre described a large, bright light moving across the sky.

In the UK, UFO interest is described as 'hotting up.' Chris Triggs renewed interest in Derbyshire with a sighting of a circular, sparkling light. In the Chase area, there were 38 unexplained sightings in one month, leading to RAF Strike Command's interest. Lynette Lloyd reports on a frightened 12-year-old girl who saw a huge oval craft with green, blue, and white lights. John Hurley of the Unidentified Flying Objects Studies and Investigations is submitting a report to Strike Command.

Paul Tinsley of the Skyscan group is investigating a 'very bright light' seen moving erratically over St. Peter's, Guernsey. In Cannock, England, a 12-year-old paperboy reported a cigar-shaped silver object. In London, a woman claimed to see a 'beachball' UFO, and a schoolgirl described a 'teabag-shaped' UFO. Gitta Sereny writes about seeing a round, dull metal object over Kensington, London, which she believes exists despite skepticism.

International UFO Reports

Wendelle C. Stevens, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.), discusses the global nature of UFO activity, estimating 70 observations daily. He highlights China's experience, where the Communist Party initially dismissed UFOs as a Western trick but later discovered widespread sightings after opening up. The article mentions a book, "UFOs over Modern China."

Scientific Investigations and Theories

Astronomer J. A. Hynek, associated with the Air Force Blue Book Project, is mentioned, as is Dr. Jan Pajak, an Otago University lecturer developing an 'electricity-powered flying saucer' called the Magnocraft, which he claims can travel through solid objects and runs on hydro dam power. Clive Potter of BUPRA anticipates a major UFO 'invasion' in Leicester based on an 11-year cycle of sightings.

A major investigation into crop circles begins in Hampshire, involving 15 scientists using infra-red cameras and recording apparatus. Professor Archibald Roy notes the geometric precision of crop circles, ruling out natural causes like whirlwinds. Colin Andrews is coordinating this serious research attempt.

Related Mysteries

The issue also touches upon other unexplained phenomena. Chris Bonington, a Yeti hunter, reveals findings from his Himalayan search, including unusual footprints and animal droppings, but no conclusive evidence of the Abominable Snowman. The Natural History Museum examined sheepskins and found 'nothing unusual,' but controversy exists among zoologists.

Scientists are pondering the mystery of unusual formations on Mars, including a 'face' and 'city,' photographed by NASA's Viking spacecraft. Scientists like Brian T. O'Leary and Richard Hoagland suggest these could be evidence of a lost civilization or intelligent design, demanding further investigation.

The phenomenon of 'ball lightning' is discussed, with an international conference held in Tokyo. Scientists are investigating its potential as a source of fusion energy. George Egely describes an incident in Hungary where ball lightning shattered a television and drilled through a wall.

Bigfoot and Other Encounters

A Bigfoot hunt in Ohio, described as the largest and best-organized, yielded no sign of the creature, despite numerous reported sightings in the area. Bob Gardiner, a Bigfoot aficionado, led the expedition.

Samuel J. Sherry Sr. reports a close encounter with a large, foul-smelling creature at Sleepy Hollow, described as having reddish-brown fur and fiery eyes, which he believes was not a bear or gorilla.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistence of UFO sightings despite official dismissals, the importance of eyewitness testimony, the search for physical evidence, and the role of scientific investigation. There's a clear editorial stance that UFOs and related phenomena are real and warrant serious attention, challenging the official narrative and encouraging public participation in reporting and investigation. The issue suggests a world filled with unexplained events, from extraterrestrial craft to cryptids and geological anomalies on other planets, all hinting at a reality stranger than fiction. The overall tone is one of curiosity, skepticism towards official explanations, and a belief that the truth is out there, waiting to be uncovered.