UFO Newsclipping Service - 1990 09 - no 254

Magazine Overview

This issue of "FOREIGN NEWS" from August 21, 1990, prominently features the phenomenon of "Farm Rings" or crop circles, with the cover headline "FARM RING MYSTIFIES Nothing unusual ... except dog's barking." The magazine explores reports from Canada and England, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts.

St. Francois Xavier, Manitoba: A Mysterious Crop Circle

The lead article details an 18-metre diameter crop circle that appeared in a wheat field in St. Francois Xavier, west of Winnipeg. Farmer George Friesen, 78, discovered the cleanly-cut ring on his neighbor Joe Thomaschewski's land. The circle of flattened grain, bent at the root in a counter-clockwise direction, has left local residents perplexed. Investigator Chris Rutkowski of Ufology Research of Manitoba stated that the phenomenon was "created" between Thursday and Saturday afternoon and that while a hoax is not ruled out, it's being investigated. Rutkowski noted similarities to crop circles found in England, where over 1,000 have been documented. The last such discovery in the area was 12 years prior. Katherine Friesen, George Friesen's wife, mentioned that their dog had been barking at unusual hours, adding to the mystery.

Farmer's Warning in England

A report from Margate, England, highlights farmer David Steed's mild surprise at a National Farmers' Union code of conduct for UFO-spotters and enthusiasts. The union aims to prevent trespassing and damage to farmland caused by crop circle researchers. The code advises visitors to seek permission, leave calling cards, and close gates. The article notes that crop circles are increasing and theories range from spaceships to weather phenomena or hoaxes. Steed believes they are either man-made or caused by something landing, stating that weather damage doesn't create perfect circles.

Norfolk and Peterborough Crop Circles

In Norfolk, England, a crop circle in a second field is potentially linked to mysterious lights seen by a farmer, possibly a UFO encounter. Meanwhile, near Peterborough, four large crop circles, up to 100 metres across, appeared overnight in wheat fields on the edge of an airfield. Parachutists at Sibson aerodrome were stunned by the sight. Reporter Paul Gregan and photographer Rowland Hobson examined the circles, finding them too large and complex to be the work of typical hoaxers. They noted that the crops inside the circles were not trampled but appeared "carefully plaited." Some of these sites have a history of wind turbulence, but others do not.

Theories and Debates on Crop Circles

Page 2 features an article by Sinclair McKay titled "Can anybody square up the circles?" It discusses the intense debate surrounding crop circles, with experts from around the world showing interest. Dr. Terence Meaden of the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation proposes that localized whirlwinds charged with electrified dust cause the circles. However, he admits to being baffled by more complex patterns. The article also mentions the intense interest in crop circles this year, with international experts meeting. The prevalence of circles in Wiltshire is attributed by Meaden to the chalky soil and proximity to hills, where wind vortices might form.

The Theories

A list of popular theories for crop circles includes:
1. Wind vortex
2. Fungus
3. Soil disorder
4. Badgers/Hedgehogs
5. Elaborate hoaxes
6. Descending flying saucers/spaceships

Richard Ingrams, writing for The Observer, shares his experience visiting a complex crop circle formation and expresses gratification when science cannot immediately explain phenomena, finding UFO theories more plausible than "magnetically charged plasma vortex." He notes the circles are not sinister and feels privileged that Britain is chosen for these "beautiful and mysterious manifestations."

Sumerian Writing Theory

An article from TODAY newspaper suggests that crop circles might resemble Sumerian writing from 5,000 years ago, carrying a message to "save water" or "multiply your wells," potentially warning of a drought. Charles d'Orban of London University's School of Oriental and African Studies supports this theory, noting the resemblance of the shapes to Sumerian symbols. Weathermen also suggest the patterns could be related to meteorology, with Philip Eden stating they resemble weather chart signs. The symbols are interpreted as wind direction indicators.

UFO Sightings and Other Phenomena

• Several other articles touch upon related topics:
• Bethells Beach UFO Watch: A group in West Auckland, New Zealand, reports seeing multi-coloured lights that shoot and hover, ruling out conventional aircraft and suggesting they are "definitely not human."
• Lights in Sky Spark UFO Mystery: In Newmarket, England, people reported seeing strange green lights in the sky, which were confirmed not to be related to USAF Mildenhall activities.
• Close Encounter with UFO Gives Electrician a Shock: Graham Dodson, an electrician in Wimborne, England, claims to have seen a mysterious saucer-shaped object hovering in broad daylight.
• Big Rise in Sightings of UFOs: Reports of unidentified flying objects in South Cheshire and North Staffordshire have increased by 20 percent, with most sightings concerning mystery lights.
• 'Magic' Circle: A local photographer in Lewes, England, spotted three perfect circles on farmland, suggesting wind as a possible cause, though others believe in higher invisible intelligence.
• Woman Has Close Encounter: Debbie Meldrum in Williams Lake, B.C., Canada, reports seeing a large, bright-orange, saucer-shaped object hovering over trees.
• Marfa Lights: The phenomenon of mysterious "ghost lights" near Marfa, Texas, is discussed, with theories ranging from Apache campfires and atmospheric phenomena to extraterrestrial beings. A Labor Day festival celebrates this mystery.
• Lake Tahoe Monster Spotted Again: Two residents reported seeing an unexplained object, described as 10-15 feet long and spouting water, in Lake Tahoe.
• Dead Cow Found with Parts Missing: In Helena, Arkansas, police are investigating the discovery of a dead cow with various body parts missing, with the owner reporting previous disappearances of his cows.
• It's Out There: Whether Bear or a Bigfoot: Reports of a Bigfoot-like creature in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, have surfaced, though wildlife officials suggest it's more likely a bear.
• Loch Ness Research Station to be Set Up: Scientists are planning to establish a permanent research station on Loch Ness to study its ecological aspects and potentially unlock the secrets of the "monster."
• Neighbors Say Bigfoot on Prowl: An 8-year-old girl in Proctor, Oklahoma, describes a manlike creature covered in hair that has been eating her family's table scraps.
• Believers Search for Bigfoot: Articles discuss the ongoing search for Bigfoot, with a Michigan man, Art Kapa, taking the legend seriously and two Purdue students joining the hunt in the Hoosier National Forest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of crop circles, UFO sightings, and other unexplained phenomena like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts without definitively endorsing any single explanation. There's a clear fascination with the unexplained, balanced by attempts to find logical or scientific explanations where possible, while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding. The articles highlight the public's engagement with these mysteries and the efforts of various groups and individuals to uncover the truth.