UFO Newsclipping Service - 1990 08 - no 253

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated August 1990, focuses on the ongoing conflict between UFO believers and debunkers, with a particular emphasis on the controversial Ed Walters photographs from Gulf Breeze, Florida. The publication presents a collection of articles and reports detailing various UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena from across the United States and beyond.

Debunkers vs. Believers

The lead article, "Debunkers vs. Believers," by Chris Lavin, highlights the national convention of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) held in Pensacola, Florida. It contrasts the perspectives of those who firmly believe in extraterrestrial visitation and those who seek to debunk such claims. The central point of contention is the series of photographs taken by Ed Walters, a Gulf Breeze builder, which he claims depict a UFO hovering over his home. Walters' story is met with skepticism by debunkers like Philip J. Klass, who points to Walters' past convictions for car theft and forgery. However, MUFON investigators have backed Walters' claims, while skeptics remain unconvinced. The article also touches upon the economic impact of the convention on the local community, with merchandise like "Gulf Breeze Sighting" watches and T-shirts being sold.

The controversy surrounding Walters' photos is further fueled by allegations from Tommy Smith, who claims he helped Walters create double-exposure UFO photographs. A UFO model, similar to those in Walters' photos, was reportedly found in a house formerly owned by Walters. Walters, in turn, alleges that debunkers planted the model to discredit him. The convention attendees, a diverse group of scientists and enthusiasts, largely share a belief in UFOs and a suspicion that the U.S. government is withholding information.

'I've seen the saucers' - 40 years ago, Mac resident is one of first to photograph UFO

This article by Elaine Dahl Rohse revisits the iconic UFO photographs taken by Paul Trent in McMinnville, Oregon, 40 years prior. The "Telephone Register" (predecessor to the News-Register) reported on June 8, 1950, that Trent's backyard photos were the "first authentic photos of so-called flying saucers." The article details the media frenzy that followed, with the town of McMinnville becoming known as "Saucerville, USA." It recounts how the Trent photos were analyzed by experts who found no evidence of tampering, though later analyses by skeptics like Philip J. Klass and Robert Schaeffer suggested discrepancies in the timing and shadows, casting doubt on their authenticity. Despite these controversies, some analyses, including those using computer color contouring, have supported the possibility that the Trent photos are genuine UFO images.

The article also includes a "Photo facts ignored" section, which criticizes a local newspaper's reporting on the Trent photos and defends the authenticity of the images against claims of double exposure or other hoaxes.

Amateur camcorder users record 'real' UFOs on tape

This piece by Buzz McClain introduces Dave Aaron, who runs the "UFO Audio-Video Clearinghouse." Aaron collects and sells amateur camcorder footage of alleged UFO sightings. The article describes an experience where the author, along with UFO investigators Larry Bryant and Rob Swaitek, reviewed a sample reel of Aaron's tapes. While the quality was amateurish, Bryant and Swaitek were reportedly captivated. The article highlights a 15-second clip shot in Japan of an oblong object rising over a ridge. It concludes that while the clips are chilling and thought-provoking, skepticism will likely remain unless one experiences such an event personally. Aaron's catalog also includes footage on topics like cattle mutilations and UFO burn cases, with tapes available for purchase.

Spotlight On Close Encounters

This section provides a statistical overview of UFO cases. It notes that out of 12,783 UFO cases on file with the Air Force, all but 585 have been explained. It also mentions a University of Indiana study indicating that 20-25 percent of abduction memories are recalled without hypnosis. The Center for UFO Studies reports that only 1 in 10 sightings are reported. The section includes diagrams illustrating "Models Of UFOs," "Atmosphere Playing Tricks On Your Eyes?" and "Face-To-Face" encounters, categorizing them into first, second, and third kinds. It also lists specific UFO sighting locations in Virginia, including Fishersville, Wytheville, Washington D.C., and Crittenden.

Investigation Of Alleged UFO Crash Full Of Intrigue, Questions

This article by David A. Maurer investigates the alleged UFO crash near Corona, New Mexico, in 1947. It details the account of William Brazel, who discovered wreckage on his sheep ranch after hearing an explosion during a thunderstorm. The article mentions the involvement of Roswell Army Air Field officials, including Major Jesse Marcel. Initially, the U.S. Army admitted to recovering a crashed flying saucer but later recanted, attributing it to a weather balloon. The controversy reignited in 1984 with the discovery of alleged "Majestic 12" (MJ-12) documents, which purportedly describe the recovery and cover-up of the Roswell crash and alien beings. The article notes that the authenticity of these documents is still debated, with some believing they are a hoax and others seeing them as a "smoking gun" for UFO proponents.

Doctor Says Aliens Took Her On UFO

This piece by David A. Maurer recounts the experience of Dr. Rauni-Leena Luukanen, a physician from Lapland, Finland. Luukanen describes seeing a large, illuminated craft hovering outside her home in August 1986. This sighting, along with subsequent hypnotic regression sessions, led her to believe she had been abducted by extraterrestrials. She describes the beings as having golden-hued skin and nylon-type clothing, and being about 5'7" tall. Luukanen participated in a conference on alleged abductions, aiming to help people cope with such traumatic experiences. She expresses a belief that Earth is being prepared to join a larger community of the universe.

Charlie's Corner

This column by Charlie and Dori Somerby discusses the ongoing controversy surrounding UFO sightings in Gulf Breeze, Florida, and the involvement of MUFON. The authors recount their own sighting of a UFO along Hickory Shores Boulevard, which they believe was the same object Ed Walters photographed. They defend MUFON investigators against criticism from Mayor Ed Gray, asserting that MUFON members are sincere and dedicated. The column also touches on the idea that UFOs are not a fad but represent significant revelations about humanity's place in the universe.

UFO expert facing charge of pandering

This article reports on Bob Lazar, a Las Vegas man known for his claims about working with alien spacecraft at an area near Area 51, facing a charge of pandering. The district attorney's office planned to file the charge, stemming from an investigation into alleged prostitution activities. Lazar's attorney stated it would be inappropriate to comment.

UFO Sightings

This section compiles various UFO sighting reports. One report from Hailey, Idaho, describes a diamond-shaped object seen by multiple witnesses, including police officers, which the sheriff attributed to a satellite, though the FAA reported no satellites in the area. Another report details a round white object seen in daylight by witnesses in Navarre and Gulf Breeze, Florida. The "Column of Lists" section highlights celebrities who claim to have seen UFOs, including Muhammad Ali, Jamie Farr, Glenn Ford, Sir Eric Gairy, Jimmy Carter, Dick Gregory, Sheila Macrae, Warren Oates, William Shatner, and Mel Torme.

UFOs come calling on new hotline

This article introduces "The UFO Line," a 900-number telephone service launched by Ryan Wood, which aims to provide information on UFOs and alleged government cover-ups. The service features Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist and UFO expert, guiding callers through various topics related to UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena. The article notes the growing market for such services and criticizes the mainstream press for its "sneering and out-of-context coverage" of UFO topics.

Soldiers desert to meet UFO

This report details the case of six U.S. soldiers who allegedly deserted their posts in West Germany and traveled to Gulf Breeze, Florida, believing they were chosen to greet alien spaceships and lead humanity to a "science fiction-style heaven." The soldiers reportedly believed Jesus was an astronaut and that an alien "rapture" was imminent. They were detained and are being debriefed by the Army. The article notes that while the incident is being investigated as a potential national security issue, there is no evidence of espionage.

A conversation with Leilani and Dan Dearing

This interview features Leilani and Dan Dearing, who claim to have been communicating with extraterrestrials from the Pleiades star cluster for years. They have left their jobs to start a UFO communications center and travel the country conducting seminars. They describe their first encounter, which involved a spaceship and beings with golden-hued skin. Leilani explains that the messages from the Pleiadians now come through songs, and Dan hears the music to play. They are motivated to share their story because the Pleiadians emphasize the importance of world peace and pursuing one's highest vision, particularly in anticipation of a significant year, 1992.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE consistently presents a pro-UFO stance, highlighting sightings, alleged evidence, and personal testimonies while often framing skeptical viewpoints as attempts to discredit genuine phenomena or as part of a government cover-up. The publication seems to champion the cause of UFO believers and investigators, often criticizing the mainstream media for bias and sensationalism. There is a recurring theme of government secrecy and the suppression of information regarding UFOs. The articles also emphasize the personal impact of UFO encounters and the desire for validation and understanding among those who have experienced them. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and a critical view of official explanations that dismiss such phenomena.

This issue of Foreign News, dated June 21, 1990, features a collection of articles on unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, crop circles, and cryptozoological mysteries. The magazine presents evidence and theories from various sources, including military reports, scientific research, and eyewitness accounts.

Soviet Press Airs Startling UFO Evidence from Military Sources

This article, the second in a two-part series, details how the Soviet Union is increasingly covering UFO phenomena in its press, even cases involving the military. It highlights reports from the newspaper Sotsialisticheskaya Industria and an FBIS 'Foreign Press Note' that indicated Soviet military officers and pilots were providing documentation on UFO sightings. A significant case described is the scramble of two Soviet jets over Borisov, Byelorussia, where crews reported a large flying disk with five beams of lights. The object aimed a beam at an approaching plane, causing heat and injury to the pilots. The copilot later became an invalid, and the aircraft commander died within months, with 'cancer' and 'injury to the organism as a result of radiation from an unidentified flying object' listed as contributing factors on his medical record.

The article also recounts an incident reported in Rabochaya Tribuna, involving General of Aviation Igor Maltsev, chief of the Main Staff of Air Defense Forces. He discussed a radar-visual and jet scramble incident in the Pereslavl-Zalesskiy region, east of Moscow. Maltsev described the UFO as a disk, 100 to 200 meters in diameter, with two pulsating lights on its sides. It exhibited startling maneuverability, appearing devoid of inertia, and could fly at speeds two to three times that of modern jet fighters, with its speed related to the flashing of its side lights. The objects flew at altitudes from 1,000 to 7,000 meters, without sound.

Rabochaya Tribuna also mentioned over 100 visual observations compiled by unit commanders and passed to Gen. Maltsev. Lt. Col. A.A. Semenchenko reported visually detecting a target with two flashing white lights at 6,000 feet over Pereslavl-Zalesskiy. Capt. V. Birin described it as a 'flying saucer with two very bright lights along the edges.' Ground control radar confirmed the object disappeared as the fighter approached. Capt. V. Ivchenko and other pilots noted the UFO's lights flashed more quickly as it accelerated.

The newspaper editors commented that this disclosure was a 'victory' for UFO enthusiasts, marking the first time the military had so openly witnessed on behalf of 'flying saucers.' They noted that these incidents 'demolish a hypothesis which relate UFOs to atmospheric phenomena,' contrasting with a previous Soviet Military Review article that suggested UFOs were related to 'certain plasma formations.'

New Clue in Rings Mystery

This article from Portsmouth News reports on new crop circle patterns in Hampshire, England, which expert Pat Delgado believes are the work of another form of intelligence. Delgado, a retired NASA radar expert, suggests the patterns, distinguished by joining 'pathways' and rectangular shapes, are an attempt to draw attention. He posits that the patterns are created by an unfamiliar energy regulated by a high intelligence, noting the beautiful symmetry and complexity. He believes the creators are 'attention getters' asking people to take note.

Researcher Dr. Terence Meaden had previously claimed the circles were caused by downward columns of spinning air with electric charges. Other explanations include supernatural forces, landing sites for flying saucers, or hoaxers. However, Delgado dismisses these, particularly the new patterns of rectangles, joining lines, and semi-circles, stating they have never been seen before and will challenge 'whirlwind and plasma vortex theorists.' He questions humanity's arrogance in assuming it is the only form of intelligence in the universe.

Second Crop of Circles 'Work of Pranksters'

An article from the Mid-Devon Advertiser suggests that recent crop circles found in Bickington and Yeo Farm, England, are the work of pranksters. Experts are virtually certain that a find at Yeo Farm, consisting of five circles, is a hoax, casting doubt on the authenticity of earlier symmetrical circles. Farmer Colin Wrayford believes students are responsible, noting footprints joining the circles and that some corn was still standing. He also points out that the circles were not symmetrical and varied in size and spacing. The central circle was 22ft in diameter, with four smaller ones ranging from 8ft to 13ft. Ufologist Marilyn Preston-Evans is convinced it was a hoax due to its convenient location near the road.

The article mentions theories including whirlwinds, electrical interference, and even hedgehogs. Some people are betting on extraterrestrial culprits. Farmer explanations include crops growing too quickly due to over-rich manure. The circles are also proving profitable, with farmers charging visitors £1 to view them.

Author's Warning: Pat Delgado issues a warning for people to take care when entering genuine circles, as many have felt uncomfortable, experienced headaches, irritability, and sore eyes due to acquired energy patterns.

UFO Made Travellers Stop, Look and Listen

This North-West Star article from Australia reports on a UFO sighting by Ray and Julie-Anne Edwards on the Mount Isa to Camooweal section of the Barkly Highway. They saw a sausage-shaped object with green lights and one large, bright white light. The object appeared about a foot long and moved with incredible speed and no noise before disappearing. They noted it was different from Min Min Lights they had seen before. Two other cars had also stopped, indicating other witnesses.

More Mystery Circles Appear

The Herald Express reports on new mystery circles appearing near a South Devon village. The first circles appeared two weeks prior near Bickington, and more were found in a cornfield near the Dartmoor Halfway Inn. Landlady Marlene Huggins noted the circles were not there one night but were spotted the next morning. The circles are described as strange, with one large perfectly formed ring and four smaller ones. There were no footprints, leading to speculation about how they were formed. Explanations range from UFOs to mini hurricanes. Mrs. Huggins is not convinced by any explanation. Her mother suggested it might be students playing a prank, but the agricultural college denied knowledge.

Red Wizards Look to UFOs for Help

This article from Pretoria, South Africa, discusses the Russian Order of Wizards, a 400-year-old group that believes the Soviet Union will overcome its economic crisis within five years, possibly with the help of beings from flying saucers. The Order's Press officer, Yuri Tarasov, portrays the group as a serious scientific body, distinct from charlatans and faith healers. He suggests that flying saucers are not from outer space but are manned by representatives from a parallel, more advanced civilization on Earth.

Soviet Defense Unit Scrambles to Check Sightings of UFOs

This piece from the Arizona Republic reports that despite the end of the Cold War, Soviet military air defenses are dealing with a new threat: UFOs. Dozens of sightings of disk-shaped spacecraft with blinking lights and high-speed maneuvers have been reported, corroborated by surveillance radar. Gen. Igor Maltsev, chief of the Air Defense Forces, stated his supposition that UFOs exist and are piloted by extraterrestrials, possibly not friendly. The article details incidents including a milk tanker driver being followed by a UFO, farmers demanding to know who would deliver milk if their driver was abducted, and UFOs probing a gas pipeline in Siberia and hovering over Dalnegorsk. The Soviets are said to have a ready explanation: space aliens seeking natural resources. The Soviet air-defense unit has been on high alert since a West German flew a Cessna through Soviet airspace in 1987. The article mentions specific reports, including Soviet policemen reporting being shadowed by 'two disk-shaped UFOs' near Krasnoyarsk and Maj. V. Stroynetskiy's report of seeing numerous blinking UFOs over a Moscow highway.

UFO 'Shot Down by Russians'

This article from the Daily Express reports claims by Soviet scientists at an international UFO conference in Munich, West Germany, that Soviet fighter planes shot down a giant UFO in Azarbaijan in 1983. The UFO allegedly turned on to a collision course, prompting two MiG 25 fighters to fire rockets. The pilot's report stated the UFO turned a bright color and fell to earth. Wreckage was discovered by mushroom pickers who later died, apparently from radiation exposure. Dr. Marina Popovich, a former Russian airforce colonel, believes the military is withholding information originating outside the planet. Dr. Valery Uvarov confirmed the pilot's report. A German scientist called the incident 'cannot be treated lightly.'

UFOs on Air Defense Radars

This article from The Times, London, discusses the growing fascination with UFOs in southern Russia, following an initial sighting near Voronezh. It notes that UFO crews, who normally speak perfect Russian, have become more aggressive. Two new cases in Nachik led Komsomolskaya Pravda to conclude that women are more than twice as likely to be victims of abduction attempts by UFO aliens than men.

Corn Rings Not Easy to Explain

This letter to the Mercury criticizes a previous explanation for crop circles (aircraft exhaust gases), arguing that the 'circles' are developing in complexity and occur in specific areas. The author notes that the force producing the effect bends but does not break the corn. The writer maintains an open mind, awaiting a more convincing explanation than whirlwinds or hoaxes.

Lovers Entertained by UFO

This Star-Phoenix article from North Bay, Ontario, reports on a couple who claim to have seen a bright, silent ball of light with colored lights spinning around it. They described it as not lightning, swamp gas, or a weather balloon. The man also reported seeing a UFO as a teenager. The woman felt watched after the experience. The base commander at CFB North Bay stated that most UFO reports are explained as weather phenomena, aircraft, or falling satellites, but acknowledged unusual cases.

Belgians, Air Force Mystified by UFOs

This Times Herald article from Dallas reports that Belgium's air force has joined the public in being baffled by hundreds of UFO sightings. An F-16 jet fighter tracked an object that 'exceeded the limits of conventional aviation,' diving from 10,000 to 4,000 feet in two seconds while increasing speed from 600 to 1,100 miles per hour. The air force waited to announce the sighting to compare radar observations. Hundreds of nighttime sightings have been reported, with some explained as discotheque laser beams, but the F-16 sighting remains unexplained.

Does This Shed Hold the Secret of Gravity?

This Daily Mail article describes Sandy Kidd's invention of an anti-gravity machine in his garden shed in 1984. After six years and 40 prototypes, Kidd believes his device can send aircraft around the world in minutes and airships through the solar system on minimal fuel. British Aerospace is reportedly impressed and plans trials at Edinburgh University. The machine uses two gyroscopes and a model aircraft engine. Kidd's inspiration came from an incident where a spinning gyroscope seemed to react to a change in direction. Professor Eric Laithwaite's work on gyroscopes also encouraged him. Kidd's dedication led to a solitary existence, with his wife Janet taking on household responsibilities. He faced skepticism and disbelief from colleagues and academics. In 1987, BWN, an Australian high-tech company, offered to fund his research. Kidd expressed regret over the success, citing the hassle it caused, but was determined to prove himself right.

Can't We Solve This?

This Idaho State Journal article discusses the persistent mystery of cattle mutilations in Idaho. A 400-pound bull calf was found dead with organs excised, with no apparent cause or witnesses. The article mentions legislation to strengthen penalties for such acts and the ongoing speculation, ranging from extraterrestrials to satanic cults or wild animals. It calls for logical explanations and encourages anyone with information to come forward.

Ogopogo Seen From Kitchen, Couple Say

This Canadian Press report from Kelowna describes Ann and Richard Kline seeing a creature resembling a snake with three humps, a head, and a tail swimming in Okanagan Lake. Richard, a former seaman and ship's pilot, estimated the creature to be about six meters long and swimming at about 10 knots. Ann, who previously didn't believe in Ogopogo, felt stupid but certain of what she saw. Two other men driving over the Kelowna Bridge also reported a sighting.

'Hugo Jesus' Photo Bogus, Experts Say

This News-Sentinel article from Fort Wayne, Indiana, discusses a photograph purported to show Jesus Christ, taken during Hurricane Hugo. Experts, including Kevin Moran, an expert on the Shroud of Turin, believe the grainy photo is a fake, possibly a composite image. Despite expert opinions, hundreds of people flocked to a photo lab to buy copies, with the lab processing over 1,000 reprints.

Big Stink Raised Over Bigfoot

This Tulsa Tribune article reports on two sightings of a hairy, stinky creature, estimated to be up to 10 feet tall, in eastern Cherokee County, Oklahoma. Undersheriff Dan Garber believes it's a bear, but acknowledges the creature was described as walking upright. Deputy Joe Weavel found impressions in the area. The girl who saw it described it as 8 feet tall with 'frizzy hair' and skin on its face. The Oklahoma Wildlife Department chief also suspects a bear. The legend of Bigfoot is not new to the area, with previous sightings reported.

Nippon-TV Hunting for Ogopogo

This article from The Province reports that a Japanese film crew from Nippon-TV is in Kelowna, Canada, to film a documentary on the mythical sea monster Ogopogo. They recorded sonar readings of a large object, estimated to be 10 meters long and at a depth of 100 meters, moving in Okanagan Lake. The crew is spending five days filming and hiring local divers. The search has brought international attention to Kelowna.

Forget Men on the Moon. Here's... New Proof of Life on Mars

This Forteana News article discusses the ongoing debate about 'faces' and other unusual rock designs on Mars, photographed by NASA missions. Computer image-enhancement work by former NASA employees Vincent DiPietro and Gregory Molenaar suggests the existence of two new 'faces' on Mars, in addition to a visage-like structure. They claim these are artefacts from a lost civilization. The article mentions the Cydonia 'face' and the 'Inca City' pyramids. Dr. Mark Carlotto's analysis reportedly shows teeth in the mouth area of the Cydonia face. The new evidence supports the 'higher culture' argument over the 'wind erosion' theory. The article questions the need for a third face to confirm Martian high culture, given the existing evidence.

Anthropology - A Field on the Fringe

This article from Ohio State Quest discusses the challenges faced by anthropologist Frank Poirier in his search for the mythical Chinese Wildman. Poirier believes that if the Wildman exists, its discovery would spell the end of the creature due to human nature and conservation issues. He notes that reports from peasants are often discounted, and racism and elitism can play a role in scientific disbelief. Poirier discusses the difficulty of replicating anthropological findings and the contentious nature of the field. He is pursuing DNA fingerprinting of hair samples to potentially validate or discount earlier tests, which could reveal if the Wildman is a new species or an extinct one. He expresses concern that discovery might lead to the creature's extinction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and crop circles, with a focus on evidence from military sources and scientific investigation. There is a consistent exploration of theories ranging from extraterrestrial intelligence to natural phenomena and hoaxes. The magazine appears to present a balanced view, reporting on various claims and expert opinions, while also highlighting skepticism and the challenges of proving such phenomena. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting information and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the potential for misinterpretation, hoaxes, and the ethical considerations of discovery.