UFO Newsclipping Service - 1991 03 - no 260

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, number 260 from March 1991, delves into the complex world of UFO sightings and alleged alien abductions. The cover story, "Flights of fancy? UFO believers say hypnotism helps jog memories of close encounters," by Michalene Busico, explores how psychologist Edith Fiore uses hypnosis to help abductees recall their experiences. Fiore, who has compiled 13 case histories in her book "Encounters," suggests that repressed memories or alien interference cause people to forget encounters. Common indicators of abduction, according to Fiore, include unexplained gaps in time, unexplained body marks, and recurring dreams about UFOs or extraterrestrials. Standard-issue ETs are described as 4-feet tall with big heads, light gray skin, and slender bodies, often wearing silver jumpsuits. Abductees report being examined onboard spaceships.

Skeptics, however, question the reliability of hypnotic recall. J.R. Corey, a psychology professor at Long Island University, reviewed Fiore's book and noted that hypnosis can make people more open to suggestion, and studies show memories recalled under hypnosis are less accurate. Phillip J. Klass, a former editor of Aviation Week magazine, also believes abductees respond to hypnotic suggestion and has offered $10,000 for any abductee whose story is backed by the FBI, with no takers so far. UFO believers attribute this lack of official confirmation to a massive government cover-up dating back to the 1940s, with Virgil Staff of MUFON stating that the government has vehicles and possibly bodies but has suppressed information.

UFOs, Area Researcher Says, Eyeballing Randolph County

Nicole Michaels reports on David Oldham, a Randolph County researcher who believes UFOs are attracted to the area. Oldham, with 13 years of amateur experience, suggests that UFOs are drawn to geological faults and energy-producing sources like power stations. He theorizes that UFOs might be using naturally occurring energy at fault lines for interdimensional travel. Oldham is preparing to investigate sightings further, including a dramatic videotape filmed by Steve Harrell on Christmas Day, which captured glowing orange spheres. Oldham emphasizes that UFOs are not always disc-shaped and that his research includes natural phenomena as well. He aims to establish a network for reporting sightings and encourages people to come forward without fear of ridicule.

UFO 'sightings' reported at Days Inn

Aaron Hoover's article details the quarterly meeting of the North Carolina chapter of MUFON held at the Days Inn in Asheboro. George Fawcett III, founder of the state chapter, discussed topics like time travel and government cooperation with aliens. The meeting included testimonies from witnesses, including Nadina Albright, who described seeing a UFO over Asheboro nine years prior. The organization claims that most witnesses keep their sightings private, estimating that only 10 percent report them. North Carolina reportedly had 51 incidents in 39 counties in 1990, including alleged landings and abductions. The article also touches on the theory of dimensionalism, suggesting entities from other dimensions on Earth use fault lines for travel.

Alien theory 'down to earth'

Mark Wallace interviews a local man, identified only as Robert, who believes UFOs are not necessarily from outer space but may be related to dimensionalism. Robert, a member of MUFON and the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, suggests that UFOs might dematerialize to enter another dimension. He notes that many sightings occur near fault lines where natural energy is present. Dr. John Derr of the U.S. Geological Survey acknowledges the existence of lights at fault lines. Robert believes these lights are a means for entities in other dimensions to travel to and from ours.

UFOs gain notice: Scared Portland-area residents report increased inexplicable light activity in the area's night skies

Dean Baker reports on the growing number of Portland-area residents who are openly discussing their UFO sightings. The Portland UFO Group, which started as a small gathering, now draws crowds of 200 to its monthly meetings. The article highlights Bobbie Jones' experience from six years prior, where she witnessed strange lights and sounds in her backyard, leaving burn marks on the grass. Other witnesses, including Jennifer Brown-Jacobs, describe sightings of arrowheads, strings of lights, and balls of light. The article also touches on the theory of "missing time," where individuals lose hours or days, often recalled later through hypnosis. The Portland UFO Group investigates sightings, checking for hoaxes and natural explanations, but acknowledges a percentage remain unexplained.

Londonderry group searches the skies for UFOs

Diane Rietman writes about Cheryl Powell of Derry, a coordinator for the southern section of MUFON in New Hampshire. Powell estimates that 2% of sightings are hoaxes, 80% are explainable, and the remaining UFOs are unidentified. She notes that many sightings are of military aircraft. The article mentions crop circles found in Windham, England, and the lack of explanation for them. Powell believes UFO sightings began in the 1940s and that the government may be covering up information due to potential societal impact. She also discusses the controversy surrounding hypnotic reconstruction of memories.

UFOs reported in 27 counties in the last year

The Standard Observer reports on the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU) investigating 277 UFO cases and 14 other unusual incidents in 1990. Many sightings were identified as misidentifications, but some remain unexplained, including a brilliant fireball and scorched areas found after a sighting in Oakland Township. The article also mentions reports of Bigfoot-like creatures and strange screaming sounds in the Chestnut Ridge area.

Texans thrive on tall tales; Aurora's is one of the tallest

Kent Biffle discusses the legend of the Aurora, Texas, airship crash in 1897. While some believe it was an alien spacecraft, historical accounts suggest it was a hoax perpetrated for publicity. The story gained traction with UFO enthusiasts, leading to people digging up the Aurora Cemetery in search of the alleged spaceman. The article also mentions other Texas mysteries like the Marfa Lights and the legendary horned toad, Old Rip.

Fireball Spotted In Four States

The Associated Press reports on a colorful fireball seen across Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. While some witnesses described it as a meteor, others, like Eva Kelly, believe it was a UFO due to its size and behavior. The U.S. Space Command suggested it was a meteor, but the event left many with questions.

UFOs reported in 27 counties in the last year

This article from the Standard Observer details the work of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU), which investigated numerous UFO cases in 1990. While many sightings were identified as conventional objects, some remained unexplained, including a fireball and scorched areas. The report also touches on other unusual phenomena, such as alleged Bigfoot sightings.

Strange lights spotted in night sky

This article from The Gloucester Times reports on a brilliant fireball seen across the Northeast, baffling experts. Pilots and others reported the phenomenon, which was described as a large, bright object with red sparks. The FAA and National Weather Service could not provide an explanation. The article also mentions a UFO sighting in New Haven, CT, where witnesses reported seeing a bright light with a green-red tail.

UFOs reported in 27 counties in the last year

This article from the Standard Observer details the work of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU), which investigated numerous UFO cases in 1990. While many sightings were identified as conventional objects, some remained unexplained, including a fireball and scorched areas. The report also touches on other unusual phenomena, such as alleged Bigfoot sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the use of hypnosis to recall memories of these events. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism versus belief, with articles presenting both eyewitness accounts and critical analysis from academics and researchers. The possibility of government cover-ups is frequently mentioned by believers. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting information and diverse viewpoints on the UFO phenomenon, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also highlighting the ongoing research and investigations within the UFO community.

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS, dated January 25, 1991, and published by the OBSERVER in Bristol, England, presents a collection of articles and reports focusing on unexplained phenomena, primarily UFO sightings and crop circles, with a cover headline asking, "Close encounters: Fact or fiction?". The publication includes reports from various regional newspapers across the UK and Canada, offering a diverse range of perspectives and eyewitness accounts.

UFO Sightings and Close Encounters

The lead article, "Close encounters: Fact or fiction?" by Julie Harding, details several UFO sightings reported to Bristol Quest, an organization investigating such phenomena. These include a bright light following a car near Shepton Mallet, blue-white orbs over Horfield, a pink sphere near Keynsham, and a cigar-shaped UFO over Weston-super-Mare. Richard Tarr, Bristol Quest's co-ordinator, believes these reports are from sincere witnesses and not due to 'Christmas spirits.' A conference on UFOs and crop circles is announced for March 23 at Patchway High School, featuring experts and alleged UFO crash photos from Russia.

Another article, "York UFO remains a mystery," by an unknown author from the Yorkshire Evening Post, recounts Roger and Dawn Toye's sighting of hovering lights above Knavesmire, York. Despite ruling out aircraft and atmospheric explanations, no official records or explanations were available.

In Scotland, "UFO CAPITAL! Where spacemen go to town..." by Lewis Thomson, highlights Blairgowrie as a hotspot for UFO activity and crop circles. The Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI) group is investigating potential links to 'ley-lines.' Reports include balls of fire, spaceships, and a spaceship with flashing lights. Ron Halliday of SPI uses dousing rods to track energy.

The "Book" section features a review of "UFO Report 1991," noting sightings and strange happenings worldwide, including crop circles. The reviewer expresses skepticism about some claims.

Crop Circles: Theories and Investigations

"Not so dusty, this corn circle theory" by an unknown author from the SUNDAY MAIL, reports that weather expert Dr. Terence Meaden believes corn circles are caused by dust sucked into whirlwinds, not spaceships. He explains the dust becomes electrically charged and flattens crops. However, Richard Tarr, who studies crop circles in the West Country, believes some patterns suggest intelligence and are not random.

In contrast, the STAR-PHOENIX reports on "Scientists reject worms as cause of rings." The Texas-based Mutual UFO Network suggests microscopic nematodes cause crop circles, but Saskatoon scientists like Professor Thomas Gilmour and Herman Austenson reject this, favoring theories of micro-whirlwinds or vortices, though the precise mechanism remains unexplained.

"MYSTERIOUS CIRCLES: Mystery with a message" by Lucy Pringle, a crop circle researcher, suggests that mysterious crop circles carry a message for people and are unexplainable, encouraging contemplation. She believes they might be made from force fields.

UFOs and Military Perspectives

An interview with General Ivan Tretyak, Commander-in-Chief of the Anti-Aircraft Defense Forces, titled "UFO AND AAD" by Oleg Moroz, reveals the Soviet military's perspective. Tretyak emphasizes that most UFO evidence can be explained by natural causes, atmospheric phenomena, or pollution from space flights. He states that AAD radars are not designed to detect UFOs, as they are filtered out as 'atmospherics.' Tretyak dismisses claims of alien invasions and abduction, attributing such reports to newspaper hoaxes or misinterpretations. He also discusses the Rust affair and the limitations of air defense systems regarding unidentified objects.

Other Unexplained Phenomena and Mysteries

"Strange lights over the hills" by an unknown author from EXPRESS reports a Burnley pensioner's sightings of lights above Thievely Pike, which she believes are not ordinary aircraft.

"High speed UFO investigated" from the GREENOCK TELEGRAPH mentions Hungary's Defence Ministry investigating a high-speed UFO sighting over a military airport.

"Mystery ring knocks area grappler for loop" by Don Collins from The London Free Press, details wrestler Cowboy Frankie Lane's discovery of a circular patch of flattened soybeans, a phenomenon he attributes to UFOs.

"Mystery in night skies" from the NEW TOWN ADVERTISER reports a couple's sighting of a brilliant white triangle with three lights over Westhead and Bickerstaffe.

"The mystery of the Ilkley Moor alien" describes an alleged encounter with a 'green creature' and a UFO, investigated by Peter Hough.

"Encounters with 'Ogopogo'" by Moira Farrow from the SUN, details a Japanese TV crew's sightings of a 'curvy creature' in Lake Okanagan, potentially the legendary Ogopogo. The report also mentions sonar readings and a previous video.

"What's in the lake: monsters or sun-worshipping sturgeons?" by Dave Yanko, explores the legend of the Turtle Lake Monster, with theories suggesting it might be a large sturgeon, though some witnesses remain unconvinced.

"Noisy rumble is a mystery" by Marlene Clark, reports on a loud noise and shaking felt across Connecticut, attributed to a sonic boom, though the source remains unidentified.

"JAPANESE HUNT AGAIN FOR PROOF OF OGOPOGO" from PROVINCE details Nippon-TV's planned $10,000-a-day submarine search for Ogopogo in Lake Okanagan.

"Farmer rules out all but aliens in cows' deaths" by John Rice, discusses James Thorne's belief that aliens are responsible for the mysterious deaths and mutilations of his cows, a theory sheriff Lonnic Nichols attributes to disease and scavengers.

"Unsolved mystery surrounds mutilation" by Sharon Grindstaff, also covers cattle mutilations, with investigators Vince Serencko and Jeanne Robinson suggesting laser technology or extraterrestrial involvement, contrasting with official explanations.

"Monsters found in the Fiji deep" by Geoff Spencer, reports scuba divers discovering remains of prehistoric creatures in a remote underwater cave.

"Cattle mutilations concern ranchers" by Andrew Garber, highlights ranchers' fears and financial losses due to cattle mutilations, with theories ranging from Satanic cults to aliens.

"THE REAL SECRET IS... How did they do the impossible?" by an unknown author, questions the construction of the pyramids with ancient technology, presenting civil engineer Manuel Minguez's theories involving boats carrying blocks under them and hydraulic staircases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent human fascination with the unknown, particularly UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena, and the ongoing debate between scientific explanations and eyewitness accounts. There's a clear division between those who seek rational, often natural, explanations for events like crop circles and strange lights, and those who believe in extraterrestrial or paranormal causes. The military's perspective, as represented by General Tretyak, leans towards skepticism, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence for alien visitation and the limitations of current detection systems. The issue highlights the challenges of investigating these phenomena, the credibility of witnesses, and the potential for misinterpretation or hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various viewpoints and reports, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the enduring mystery surrounding these events.