UFO Newsclipping Service - 1988 11 - no 232

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, Number 232, dated November 1988, focuses on the ongoing investigation and public awareness of UFO phenomena, alleged government cover-ups, and extraterrestrial contact. The publication features a mix of news reports, personal accounts, and expert opinions, highlighting a significant TV special and a photo exhibit.

TV Special Explores UFO Cover-Up

The lead article, "TV Special to Put Spotlight on Alleged Gov't UFO Cover-up," by J. Antonio Huneeus, discusses the 2-hour special "UFO Cover-Up?... Live," hosted by actor Mike Farrell. The program aimed to examine numerous UFO encounter reports from around the world, using classified documents, photographs, and interviews with high-ranking officials, scientists, and eyewitnesses. A major focus was the alleged crash of an unknown aerial object near Roswell, New Mexico, on July 2, 1947. The article details the established facts of the Roswell incident, including the retrieval of wreckage by the 509th Bomb Group and the initial press release acknowledging possession of a 'disc.' It contrasts this with a counter-press release by General Roger Ramey, which attributed the object to a 'high-altitude weather observation device.' Vintage FBI memos obtained under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) are mentioned as disputing Ramey's explanation. The article also touches upon the controversial 'MJ-12' documents, purportedly showing President Truman's creation of a secret commission to study the Roswell crash and alien occupants. The TV special promised to explore these and other UFO-related issues.

UFO Sighting in Lancaster

Another report, "Van driver reports sighting UFO in sky over Lancaster," from the Antelope Valley Press, details a sighting by Kaye Stricker. While stopped at a traffic light, Stricker observed a shiny, silver, oval-shaped object moving from the northwest. She described it as not being a dirigible, plane, or helicopter, and noted that it hovered briefly before disappearing. Stricker was unable to identify the object, stating only that it was an 'unidentified object.'

Reader Correspondence

A letter to the editor from Francis J. Cullan discusses a sighting of a semi-circle of lights, similar to aircraft wing lights, moving slowly with a low hum over Indian Lake. Cullan suggests it was either a huge flying machine or multiple aircraft in formation, and that the event was observed for thirty to forty minutes.

Bibliophilia: 'Far Star' Book

An article titled "Bibliophilia" by Meredith Oakley introduces the book "Far Star" by Fillman Bledsoe. Bledsoe's book reportedly contains 'bold, shocking facts about our UFO visitors and the infamous reason why the truth was covered up from us.' The book is available for $9.95.

UFO Photo Exhibit

"UFO Photo Exhibit Coincides With 'War of Worlds'" by Kathie Flannery highlights a photo exhibit at the township library featuring approximately 40 UFO photos from around the world. The exhibit coincides with the 50th anniversary of 'The War of the Worlds' radio program. A specific photo from Trenton, NJ, is mentioned, showing six white lights circled by a flagpole, taken when a man was photographing the Swedish and American flags.

The Hernandez Case: A MUFON Investigation

"They're Heeere! Who Are They?" by Lyla DeVita delves into the 1979 Hernandez case, investigated by Marv Taylor of MUFON. The case involves Gloria Hernandez and her family reporting a strange, circular, orange-yellow light that followed their truck. The article details criteria for MUFON investigations, including witness credibility, proximity, defiance of natural laws, and physical reactions. The Hernandez family reported lumps appearing on their bodies, which Taylor theorizes could be due to radiation from the UFO. The case is rated a '9, and possibly a 10, if it could be proved that an abduction took place.' The article also mentions the Roberts case, involving a glowing disc seen over Highway 680.

Wisconsin's UFO Welcome Mat

"Wisconsin Puts Out Welcome Mat for UFOs" by Reggie McLeod reports on Tom Weber's initiative to build a two-square-mile 'welcome mat' visible from space, intended to invite UFOs to make official contact. Weber heads the UFO Site Center Corp., a nonprofit organization aiming to raise $50 million for the project. The article also features insights from Don Schmitt of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies, who notes that while 90% of UFO reports are explained, 10% remain a mystery, and that Elmwood, Wisconsin, has had many legitimate, unexplained sightings.

UFOs and Abductions

"UFOs seem to bypass Rochester" by Deborah Fineblum Raub discusses the low number of UFO investigations in the Monroe, Wayne, and Ontario counties of New York, with state director Dana Schmidt handling only two cases in five years. The article touches on common misidentifications, such as Venus, and includes skepticism from meteorologists and astronomers. Meanwhile, "Is anybody or anything out there?" by Steve Cooper explores the changing UFO subculture, moving from hardware debates to New Age philosophies and alien contact, referencing the Pleiadians and Eduard 'Billy' Meier. Cooper also notes skepticism from figures like Philip Klass.

Investigator Philip Imbrogno

"For UFO trackers, the sky is not... THE LIMIT" by Lisa Faye Kaplan profiles Philip Imbrogno, a science teacher and private investigator of UFO sightings. Imbrogno became a believer after a personal sighting in 1985. He co-authored the book "Night Siege," detailing UFO sightings over the Hudson Valley. The article describes his investigative methods, including hypnosis, and his transition from MUFON to the Center for UFO Studies. Imbrogno believes UFOs are real and may be extradimensional, not just extraterrestrial.

Chilling Tales of Kidnappings by Aliens

"Chilling tales of kidnappings by aliens" by Susan Ruddiman covers a UFO Conference where guest speaker Budd Hopkins discussed the UFO abduction phenomenon. Hopkins contended that beings from another world are 'in trouble' and need something from humans, focusing on abduction cases that often begin in toddlerhood. Charles Hickson recounted his 1973 abduction experience. The article also mentions Bill Clendenon's analysis of a UFO craft based on a George Adamski photograph and a videotape of the Gulf Breeze, Florida incident.

Gulf Breeze UFO: Most Documented Case

"Gulf Breeze UFO: Most Documented Case in History" reports on the extensive UFO activity in Gulf Breeze, Florida, from November 1987 to May 1988. Dr. Bruce Maccabee's study concluded there was no evidence of a hoax, leading to the assertion that the Gulf Breeze UFO remains the best-documented case in UFO history, with 78 sightings and over 100 witnesses.

Professor R. Leo Sprinkle and Alien Contact

"The Aliens knocking at town door?" by Matthew Soergel profiles R. Leo Sprinkle, a psychology professor and UFO investigator who uses hypnosis to study UFO experiences. Sprinkle believes UFOs are both physical and non-physical, possibly existing in other dimensions. He views the alien presence as a form of 'education' rather than a threat. The article also mentions Linda Martin's account of strange knocking and lights in Glenrock, Wyoming, and Whitley Strieber's experiences.

UFO Cover-Up? Answer is Up in the Air

"UFO Cover-Up? Answer is Up in the Air" by David Moore discusses the TV special "UFO Cover-Up? Live," produced by LBS Communications. The program covered various aspects of UFO phenomena, including alleged government conspiracies like MJ-12, Soviet sightings, and abductions. It featured interviews with experts and witnesses, including journalist Sergei Boulanzov and investigator Leonard Nikishin from Moscow. The article highlights the controversial Gulf Breeze photos and the MJ-12 documents, noting skepticism from figures like Dr. Robert Nathan of NASA and Phillip J. Klass, while defending the authenticity of the documents by researchers like Dr. Bruce Maccabee and the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies. It also mentions Dr. Roger W. Wescott's linguistic analysis supporting the authenticity of the MJ-12 documents.

Arkansan Adds Chapter to Air Force Book on UFOs

"Arkansan adding new chapter to Air Force book on UFOs" by Rodney Bowers introduces William Pitts, who is reopening Project Blue Book as a civilian institution to research older UFO sightings. Pitts aims to gather information from individuals who were ordered not to discuss UFO sightings and is interested in cases from the 1940s and 1960s. He shares his own sighting experience from 1949 near Fort Worth, Texas.

Somewhere out there...

"Somewhere out there..." by Anna L. Bisol explores the complexity of UFO phenomena and the division within the believer community regarding abductees. The article notes that public interest in UFOs has captured the public eye, citing books by Whitley Streiber, Bud Hopkins, and Gary Kinder. It details sightings in the Fitchburg, Leominster, and surrounding areas of Massachusetts, including a choir group's observation of lights and a fisherman's encounter with a hovering craft. The article also mentions a student pilot's sighting of an Air Force jet that was initially mistaken for a UFO. MUFON's investigative process is described, including efforts to rule out conventional aircraft and natural phenomena. The article concludes by mentioning Betty Andreasson's claims of lifelong affiliation with alien beings and alleged abduction experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the alleged efforts by governments to conceal information (cover-ups), and the personal experiences of witnesses and abductees. There's a clear division between those who believe in the reality of UFOs and extraterrestrial contact, often citing photographic evidence and witness testimony, and skeptics who demand more concrete proof and attribute sightings to misidentification or hoaxes. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles, leans towards presenting the UFO phenomenon as a subject worthy of serious investigation, even while acknowledging the controversies and skepticism surrounding it. The publication seems to advocate for open-mindedness and continued research into these unexplained events.

This issue of the JOURNAL EXPRESS, dated July 29-Aug. 4, 1988, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, abduction experiences, and other unexplained mysteries. The lead story details the controversial Betty Andreasson abduction case, highlighting her hypnotic regression sessions and the investigation by MUFON. Other articles cover UFO sightings across the United States and England, the mystery of crop circles, the enduring enigma of pilot Fred Valentich's disappearance, and the surprising reports of Bigfoot sightings in suburban areas. The publication also touches upon ancient civilizations and their advanced knowledge, suggesting a broader scope of unexplained phenomena.

The Andreasson Affair

The central narrative revolves around Betty Andreasson, who claims to have been abducted by aliens. Through hypnotic regression, guided by investigator Jules Vaillancourt, Andreasson recalled vivid details of her encounters, including being put into a state of 'suspended animation' and interacting with beings she described as 'angels' and 'bad aliens.' Her daughter, Becky, also reported witnessing some of these events. The case gained wider attention through the writings of author Raymond E. Fowler, who documented the story in his books, 'The Andreasson Affair' and 'The Andreasson Affair Phase Two.' Despite skepticism, the detailed nature of the accounts and the use of psychological methods like hypnosis and lie detector tests are presented as attempts to validate the claims. Andreasson herself underwent psychological and lie detector tests. The article notes that Andreasson and her daughter have since moved from Ashburnham.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Several articles report on UFO sightings from various locations. In Central California, numerous residents reported seeing a low-flying, slow-moving V-shaped object accompanied by smaller craft. Brian Neel and a woman identified as Katy described the object, with Neel regretting not having film in his camera. Jim Lindholm of Kingsburg also witnessed a similar object and described its low rumbling noise. In Florida, toll booth personnel Stanley Butler and Jerry Thompson, along with over 50 other witnesses, reported seeing 13 unidentified objects over Pensacola Beach Sound. These objects were described as bright, yellowish-orange lights that appeared to hover before slowly disappearing and reappearing later. Officials at Eglin Air Force Base stated that regular night training was occurring, but the described phenomena did not match standard aircraft operations.

The Valentich Disappearance

The disappearance of pilot Fred Valentich over Bass Strait in 1978 remains a significant mystery. His father, Guido Valentich, continues to hope for his son's return and believes a UFO was involved. Fred Valentich's last radio communications described an encounter with a large, metallic, UFO-like aircraft performing aerial maneuvers. The article highlights the eerie 17-second silence after his last transmission, filled with metallic clicking noises, which Guido Valentich believes holds the key to the mystery. Aviation authorities stated the tape of the incident no longer exists, having been reused after examination. The official theory leans towards disorientation, but the father remains convinced of extraterrestrial involvement.

Crop Circles and Ancient Mysteries

Reports from England detail the appearance of mysterious crop circles near Silbury Hill, leading to speculation about extra-terrestrial visits. An eyewitness reported seeing a golden glow and a beam of white light. Farmer Roger Hues discovered five circles on his land, with the central circle being 16 meters in diameter. Investigator Colin Andrews is monitoring the phenomenon, suggesting a high-power beam of energy might be responsible. The issue also touches upon ancient civilizations, discussing artifacts like the Antikythera mechanism and the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Dogon tribe. The possibility of a highly developed ancient civilization, perhaps Atlantis, and the reasons for its demise, including theories of self-destruction through advanced weaponry, are explored. The Malta trenches are also mentioned as a perplexing ancient enigma.

Bigfoot in Suburbia

Surprisingly, the issue features several articles on Bigfoot sightings, particularly in suburban areas of Washington state. Keith Hartley and his fiancée reported seeing a large, furred figure in Kirkland, Washington. Researcher Vito J. Quaranta is shifting his focus from wilderness to suburban areas for his Bigfoot investigations. Joe Downham of Eastgate reported seeing a creature resembling a Sasquatch, and a woman in the same neighborhood claims a Bigfoot pressed its nose to her living room window. The article contrasts the stereotypical image of a Bigfoot hunter with younger, tech-savvy researchers like Quaranta. It also mentions Grover Krantz, an anthropologist who believes in the existence of Sasquatches, and discusses various hoaxes and less credible reports alongside more compelling evidence, such as dermal ridges on footprints.

Other Reports

Additional reports include a mystery UFO sighting over Cambridge, England, described as a large orange globe. Three individuals in Broxtowe and the Vale of Belvoir reported seeing a white light and hearing a humming noise. A freak storm in Kirkby, England, is speculated to have been caused by UFO activity due to its bizarre effects on buildings. A report from New Zealand discusses the discovery of 10 planet-like objects orbiting distant stars, intensifying speculation about extraterrestrial life. An expert is set to teach a course on Bigfoot at California State University, Fresno, acknowledging the sensationalism surrounding the topic. Finally, reports from Siberia mention zoologists searching for the abominable snowman and the discovery of mammoth remains.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are undoubtedly UFOs, alien encounters, and other unexplained phenomena, including cryptids like Bigfoot and mysteries of ancient civilizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging skepticism and the possibility of hoaxes. The articles aim to document these phenomena, gather witness testimony, and explore potential explanations, ranging from extraterrestrial intervention to natural or unknown scientific causes. There's a clear interest in presenting evidence, whether it be witness accounts, photographic evidence, or investigative findings, to the public.