UFO Newsclipping Service - 1991 09 - no 266

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated September 1991, Number 266, is published by U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE and edited/published by Lucius Farish. It covers a range of topics related to unidentified flying objects and unexplained phenomena, drawing from various newspaper clippings across North America and the UK.

Quirky Circles: UFOs? No, it's news copters checking out field's mystery

This article from the OBSERVER (Charlotte, NC) by Allen Norwood details the media frenzy surrounding crop circles discovered in Eli Springs Jr.'s soybean field in Charlotte, North Carolina. Springs himself initially suspected weather or wind as the cause, but the intense media interest, including news helicopters and reporters, led to speculation about extraterrestrial involvement. The article notes similarities to crop circles found near Stonehenge in England and mentions that in England, two men later claimed responsibility for some crop circles as pranks.

N.C. farmer insists circles aren't hoax

This piece from the CITIZEN-TIMES (Asheville, NC) reiterates Eli Springs Jr.'s stance on the crop circles in his soybean field. Despite reports from England claiming crop circles were hoaxes, Springs remains unconvinced about the cause of the circles in his own fields, maintaining his belief that they were not caused by pranksters.

Voices letter from Oran Heath

Published in the ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT (Little Rock, AR), this letter by Oran Heath proposes a theory for how flying saucers might operate. Heath suggests that the spinning action of UFOs, combined with strong magnetic fields, could affect gravity, explaining how they might hover and land without conventional means. He also speculates that the ground beneath the circles might have been 'cooked' by an unknown means.

Traveling UFO territory

This review by Jeff Williams in the ARKANSAS GAZETTE (Little Rock, AR) discusses Jerome Clark's book, "UFOs in the 1980s." The book is described as the first volume of a series and covers UFO organizations, personalities, and sightings, including topics like abduction phenomena, contactees, and extraterrestrial biological entities. The review highlights Richard Foster Haines's view that UFOs represent a significant challenge with promise for advancements in science and technology, pointing towards an advanced intelligence source. It also touches upon the idea that human psychology might play a role in UFO sightings, referencing Carl Jung.

Local man set to tell world his UFO tale

This article from the POST-STAR (Glens Falls, NY) by Don Lehman recounts the alleged experience of Larry Warren, a former security officer at Bentwaters Air Force Base in the UK in 1980. Warren claims he witnessed an "arrow-shaped machine" and three beings during an incident he believes was covered up by the U.S. military. He is co-authoring a book, "Left at East Gate," with Peter Robbins to detail these events and similar ones, asserting that hundreds of other airmen at the base are now coming forward.

AT ISSUE: Do UFO's really exist?

This segment from REPORTER (Merritt Island, FL) presents a Q&A with Dennis Stacy, editor of the Mutual UFO Journal, and Dr. Frank D. Drake, a professor of astronomy. Stacy believes UFOs exist and advocates for government funding for research into local extraterrestrial life. Dr. Drake, however, is skeptical, stating that without verifiable artifacts or proven information, UFOs cannot be accepted as alien spacecraft. He suggests government funds should support research into natural phenomena like ball lightning and human perception, as well as SETI projects.

Mystery Rings Prompt Telling of UFO Secret

Published in the FARGO (OK) newspaper, this article by Jim Etter connects the discovery of crop circles in a northwestern Oklahoma farm field to a past UFO sighting. Joyce Wade, a family member who found the circles, revealed she saw a low-flying, silver object in 1957. While agricultural experts and family members cannot explain the circles, Wade's personal experience has given her the 'intestinal fortitude' to share her story.

UFOs aren't science fiction to desert man

This article from the DESERT SUN (Palm Springs, CA) by Jeff Dillon profiles Evert Bergamin, a retired biomedical consultant who occasionally worked for NASA. Bergamin believes UFOs exist and suggests some are unpiloted probes from an extraterrestrial civilization, possibly from the Alpha Centauri system. He bases this theory on the reported lightning-fast, silent flight and hairpin turns of these objects, which he believes cannot be explained by current earthly technology. Bergamin recalls seeing a metallic disc in Holland in 1953, which he believes was not an optical illusion due to the vapor trail it left.

Therapy helping residents who encounter UFOs

This report from GAZETTE (Kalamazoo, MI) discusses therapy for individuals who have encountered aliens. Shirley Coyne of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) explains that therapy includes individual sessions and group meetings. The article notes that abductions can be terrifying and that people often fear ridicule, leading them to not report their experiences. It also mentions a case where a businessman reported a sighting to state police who ignored it.

Locals, tourists report UFO sightings

This article from SENTINEL (Gulf Breeze, FL) details UFO sightings in the Gulf Breeze area, with multiple witnesses reporting a red object hovering over the Bob Sykes Bridge. Reports include those from local residents and a Japanese tourist, Hajime Ichinose, who managed to photograph the object. Bland Pugh, a retired Air Force officer, and Vicki Lyons, a MUFON investigator, are also mentioned.

Meteor 'looked like airplane exploding'

Published in the PRESS DEMOCRAT (Santa Rosa, CA) by Dolores Wood, this article describes a bright, fiery trail seen by motorists on Highway 101, which was believed to be a meteor from the annual Perseid shower. Witnesses described it as looking like an airplane exploding.

Celestial neighbors just checking us out

This article from the DESERT SUN (Palm Springs, CA) elaborates on Evert Bergamin's theory that UFOs might be unpiloted probes from Alpha Centauri. Bergamin suggests that a society with technology based on magnetism could develop anti-gravity devices, allowing for such probes. He speculates that these probes might be exploring our solar system or attracted by radio transmissions.

UFO meeting draws believers to Orlando hotel

This report by Eric Pera in THE LEDGER (Lake Buena Vista, FL) covers a UFO convention held in Orlando, Florida, aimed at supporting a proposed UFO museum and scientific research library. The event featured speakers discussing UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and alleged government cover-ups. Bill English, a former Army captain, spoke about assassination attempts after discovering a secret document. The article also mentions the sale of UFO-related merchandise and certificates for UFO sightings.

Do mantis-like UFO beings prey on us?

This article from COURIER NEWS (Bridgewater, NJ) by Jeff May reports on a sighting at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge where a man claimed to be abducted by a UFO piloted by praying mantis-like creatures. Police and UFO researchers expressed skepticism, with some suggesting the caller might have been influenced by books like "Communion" by Whitley Strieber. Walter H. Andrus Jr. of MUFON suggests that about 10 percent of reports are likely alien encounters, with most turning out to be mundane explanations.

Group studies the unexplained

Published in the TRIBUNE-REVIEW (Greensburg, PA) by Todd Nilson, this article profiles Stan Gordon and the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU). PASU collects and studies reports of UFOs, Bigfoot, and other unexplained phenomena. Gordon has a cabinet with over 10,000 reports, including details of sightings in Pennsylvania. The article also mentions the 1965 Kecksburg UFO crash and PASU's involvement in UFO Info Week events.

UFO Info Week event at mall

This Tribune-Review article details a UFO Info Week event at Westmoreland Mall, featuring research, videotapes, and photographs related to UFOs and other unexplained phenomena. Stan Gordon, director of PASU, and T. Scott Crain Jr., co-author of "UFO's, MJ-12 and the Government," were present to discuss their findings.

Crop Circles Riddle Deserves More Study

This letter to the editor in the TIMES (New York, NY) by Bruce E. Rideout, Associate Professor of Psychology at Ursinus College, argues that crop circle phenomena deserve more serious scientific attention. Rideout criticizes an earlier article for not doing justice to the mystery, highlighting the increasing complexity and number of formations, and the psychological phenomena associated with them.

Close encounters of the Todmorden kind

This article from NEWS & ADVERTISER (Todmorden, England) by John Greenwood reports on Hollywood producer Michael Grais's plan to make a feature film based on the UFO experiences of former local policeman Alan Godfrey. Godfrey claims he was taken aboard an alien spaceship in 1980. The film will also incorporate material related to the unexplained death of Zygmunt Jan Adamski. Grais has previously produced films like "Poltergeist 2."

Bright light seen, but no circle found

This brief report from TIMES (Marlborough, England) describes a sighting of a bright glowing disc over fields in Beckhampton, UK, by Jan Hallett. Although she initially thought it might be related to a crop circle, no trace was found the next morning.

UFO TALES FROM THE PRAIRIES

This article from STAR-PHOENIX (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada) discusses a Saskatchewan-produced documentary, "UFOs: Facing The Contradiction," which explores four local UFO sighting stories. The documentary features accounts of circular UFOs near Langenberg, mysterious rings near Spalding, a diamond-shaped UFO near Preeceville, and a cigar-like object near Laura. A notable aspect is that the people in the stories are not identified.

Kent's own UFO is back again to buzz Margaret's garden!

This report from the KENT CITIZEN (England) features Margaret Shaw's claim of seeing a missile-shaped object over Folkestone. She describes it as a cylinder with stubby wings and a small cylinder underneath, making a strange noise.

50 reports of UFO sightings

This article from the EVENING POST (Nottingham, England) reports that over 50 people have reported sightings of unidentified flying objects over Notts and Derbyshire in the past month. The Nottingham-based East Midlands UFO Research Organisation is investigating, having ruled out logical explanations like conventional aircraft or Richard Branson's balloon.

UFO fans to gather

This report from YORKSHIRE POST (Leeds, England) announces the sixth International UFO Congress to be held in Sheffield, UK. The event will feature speakers and delegates from around the world discussing UFO phenomena, including alleged abductions. The congress will also host a concert by the band CE4.

Martians must want a grain deal

This article from WORLD (Wenatchee, WA) discusses mysterious circles appearing in grain fields in Alberta, Canada, similar to those found in England. Residents are questioning if Martians are responsible, while investigators note the circles are identical to those found in Lethbridge and Okotoks, with the crop laid down evenly and unbroken at the base.

Coming a cropper in fields of confusion

Published in THE EUROPEAN (London, England), this article details the growing phenomenon of crop circles across Europe, with Sweden launching a nationwide investigation. It mentions sightings in Germany, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Italy, and the Soviet Union, and discusses theories ranging from unknown intelligent energy to natural explanations like wind vortices. The article also notes that some believe crop circles are a form of communication from a troubled Earth.

Running rings

This piece from THE EUROPEAN (London, England) focuses on the crop circles in the UK, describing them as a growing tourist industry. It highlights the work of researchers like Karl-Heinz Baltes and Stefanie Janz, and mentions the theories of Colin Andrews and Pat Delgado, who believe the circles are a message from a troubled Earth. The article also touches upon the debate between different research groups and the scientific community's engagement with the phenomenon.

Corn triangle is a mystery

This article from EAST ANGLIAN DAILY TIMES (Ipswich, England) reports on a corn triangle appearing in the same field where a corn circle was previously discovered at Great Holland, UK. The owners of the farm, the Lawrence family, are puzzled by the phenomenon, which they believe cannot be man-made. They also noted unusual growth patterns in the previous year's crop circle site.

Landlady has a close encounter

This report from WEST WILTSHIRE ADVERTISER (England) features psychic landlady Jan Hallett's claim of sighting a UFO hovering near crop circle formations in Devizes. While crop circle expert Dr. Terence Meaden suggests such sightings are common in the area, Hallett believes her experience was not connected to the crop circles.

Quiet UFO 'lit up the skies'

This article from EVENING POST (Nottingham, England) details reports of a low-flying, brightly-lit but almost silent phenomenon seen over Nottingham. Witnesses described elongated triangles resembling Concorde, with bright white, red, and green lights. Quest International is investigating the sightings.

B.C. spots most UFOs

This article from STAR-PHOENIX (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada) reports that British Columbians accounted for 49 percent of UFO sightings across Canada in 1990, according to the Canadian UFO Survey. Mike Strainic of MUFON suggests this is likely due to a public-awareness campaign rather than an increase in 'crazies.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and unexplained phenomena, particularly crop circles. There's a clear division between those who believe in extraterrestrial origins and those who seek natural or human explanations. The articles highlight the public's fascination with these topics, the role of media in amplifying interest, and the ongoing efforts of researchers and organizations like MUFON to document and analyze sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various perspectives and reports without definitively endorsing any single explanation, encouraging readers to consider the evidence and form their own conclusions. There's an underlying theme of potential government secrecy or lack of transparency regarding UFO phenomena, as suggested by several accounts of alleged cover-ups.

This issue of the Sunday Telegraph, dated August 25, 1991, focuses on mysterious phenomena, primarily UFO sightings and the perplexing appearance of corn circles. The cover headline, "UFO scare as ball of light spotted over golf course," highlights a sighting in Horwich, England, where a woman described a ball of fire in the sky. The issue also features an aerial view of complex wheat-field circles, dubbed "Cornfield phantom," which have foxed farmers near Cambridge.

Cornfield Phantom: The Mandelbrot Set

An article by John Gaskell details a complex mathematical design, resembling the Mandelbrot set, that appeared in a wheat field south of Cambridge. Initially suspected as a hoax by university students, the design was about 180 feet across and visible only from the air. Farmers Hugh Raybone and Sian Wombwell expressed astonishment, noting the precision and the fact that every stalk of wheat was flattened without any visible trace of machinery or footprints. The Cambridge mathematics department denied involvement, and Benoit Mandelbrot, the originator of the set, found the situation amusing but pleaded not guilty to involvement.

A letter to the editor by L. L. Baynes questions the scientific explanations for corn circles, particularly the "vortex movement of air" theory, emphasizing the impossibility of creating such precise patterns overnight without leaving evidence. Baynes suggests that intervention by a higher being, whether "God" or an "Little Green Man from Outer Space," is a more plausible explanation.

UFO Scare Over Golf Course

The cover story reports on a mysterious sighting in Horwich, England, where a woman described a "ball of fire standing still in the sky" that eventually shrunk and disappeared. Steve Balon, a UFO authority, stated there was no natural explanation and ruled out ball lightning. He also confirmed no aircraft were reported in the area at the time. Balon noted similar sightings in the Bolton area over the years.

Corn Circles Puzzle Drivers

An article from Hartlepool discusses mysterious circles appearing in a cornfield near the busy A689, leading drivers to slow down and speculate about UFOs. While some believe these circles are evidence of alien monitoring, local shepherd John Musgrave stated that such circles are not unusual and have appeared frequently on his farm, usually after heavy rain.

UFO Mystery in Southsea

Police in Southsea were puzzled after failing to trace a UFO seen falling from the sky over Eastney marina. A police spokesman suggested it might have been ice falling from an aircraft, but admitted it remained a mystery.

Fire Destroys Corn Circles

An article from High Wycombe reports that a fire destroyed strange corn circles in an Amersham field, also incinerating six hectares of valuable standing corn and hedgerow. Farmer Don Jarvis lost over six acres of corn and blamed "old student boys" for the circles, expressing frustration with sightseers damaging his fields. A 14-year-old boy was cautioned for the blaze.

Schoolboy's UFO Theory

Twelve-year-old Peter Brittain from Chalfont St Giles submitted drawings and theories about the Amersham corn circles, believing they were caused by UFO spaceships. His theory describes a two-part ship with a circular cockpit and advanced propulsion units. Gordon Creighton, editor of Flying Saucer Review, supports the idea that circles are caused by "huge luminous disc-like shapes emitting an energy beam or light."

Strange Arrow and Antichrist Theory

One crop circle theorist, Mr. Garnhain, suggests that recent crop circles herald the birthplace of the Antichrist. He interprets a circle with a large inner circle, outer circles, and a large arrow connected by pathways as a precursor to a malign second coming.

Sensation Was Weird

Robert Meech, 13, reported a fresh corn circle in Hughenden Valley, experiencing a strange sensation of warmth on his face when approaching it. His father described the circle as 60ft to 80ft in diameter with corn laid down anti-clockwise, with no tracks leading to it.

Martians on Summer Holiday

Scott Rutland believes Martians are taking holidays in England, citing five corn circles spotted near Little Missenden. He jokes that the frequency of appearances suggests hoaxers, but also that "The Martians are probably on their summer holidays."

A Circle of Theories

An article by John Vidal in The Guardian discusses the ongoing debate surrounding crop circles, presenting Terrence Meaden's "plasma ring vortices" theory as a scientific explanation. Meaden suggests these are natural meteorological events. However, the article notes that the increasing complexity of patterns challenges this theory, and other explanations involving "fantasists, mystics, mythologisers and pseudo-scientific cranks" are prevalent. Meaden believes his theory can explain many UFO sightings, including "abductions."

UFOs in the USSR

Marek Kohn reports on "odd-looking aliens" and "cosmic confusion" from the USSR. Sightings include a luminous, spherical UFO with a headless humanoid figure emerging, and "huge headless figures travelling as though on motorcycles." The article also recounts a story of a UFO being hit by an air defence missile, with the craft and its pilot being recovered, and the mushroom pickers who found it dying of radiation poisoning.

Nessie's an Alien Spy

George Rawcliffe, head of Blackpool and Fylde College's management studies department, suggests the Loch Ness Monster could be an alien visitor placed in the Loch for observation. He advocates for a World Alien Space Contact Unit.

Lake Conway Monster

A report from Arkansas details renewed sightings of the Lake Conway Monster, a creature alleged to appear every 20 years. One witness described an encounter with something large and soft-skinned in the water, ruling out known aquatic animals.

Mystery Monster Tales in Iliamna Lake

An article from Alaska discusses sightings of a creature in Iliamna Lake, often compared to Scotland's Loch Ness Monster. While some describe it as a giant fish, others believe it could be a prehistoric sea beast. Local residents are divided, with some attributing sightings to sturgeon or other known animals.

Sasquatch and Cryptozoology

Several articles touch upon the search for elusive crypto-beasts. Cliff Crook, a Bigfoot enthusiast, is opening "Bigfoot Central" to document sightings. Rod Pullar, a woodsman and Bigfoot expert, believes the creatures are sentient and intelligent, retaliating against violence. The International Society of Cryptozoology is presented as an organization dedicated to scientifically investigating such phenomena, with members searching for creatures like Sasquatch and the Loch Ness Monster.

Solar System Mysteries

An article by David L. Chandler presents Alan Stern's theory that the solar system may contain around 991 more planets, explaining anomalies like Pluto, Charon, Uranus, and Triton. Stern suggests these planets were ejected from the inner solar system and now orbit far away.

Coming Eyeball to Eyeball with Nessie

Jean McCormick recounts her childhood sighting of the Loch Ness Monster, describing it as a friendly, grey creature with a long neck. She remains convinced of its existence and is writing children's books about Nessie.

Perpetual Motion Machine

An article from Irondequoit, NY, reports on Lajos "Louie" Szucs, who claims to have invented a perpetual motion machine powered by a single jump-start from a car battery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFOs and corn circles. There's a clear interest in presenting both eyewitness accounts and scientific or pseudo-scientific theories, often highlighting the skepticism faced by those who believe in these mysteries. The articles often juxtapose rational explanations with more speculative ones, reflecting a public fascination with the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena and the ongoing investigations, without definitively endorsing any single explanation, but leaning towards the idea that some of these events are more than just hoaxes or misidentifications.