UFO Newsclipping Service - 1994 08 - no 301

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated August 1994, is a compilation of articles from various newspapers across the United States, focusing on UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the broader phenomenon of extraterrestrial interest. The cover headline, 'Do you believe in space aliens?', sets the tone for a collection that explores both personal experiences and broader theories.

Articles and Content

'Do you believe in space aliens?' (Chronicle, Franklin, OH - June 28, 1994) This article introduces Dr. John Mack, a Harvard professor of psychiatry and founding director of the Center for Psychology and Social Change, and his book on alien visitors. The author, Barbara Koons, notes that Mack's book addresses common questions about UFOs but offers no guarantees. Mack's work includes case histories of patients who claim to have been abducted, exploring their experiences and the details they recall. The article touches upon the common descriptions of UFOs (saucer-like, cigar-shaped) and the humanoid appearances of aliens. It suggests that aliens may come from the future and possess a higher spiritual consciousness, aiming to 'breed out' negative human traits and foster love. Mack's conclusion offers comfort, suggesting the abduction process is not evil but part of a project to save the Earth and change human consciousness. The book is described as chilling due to the unknown but also offers hope.

'Futurist beams in to talk about extraterrestrials' (Tribune, Mesa, AZ - July 15, 1994) This piece features Michael Lindemann, a futurist and author who studies the possibility of nonhuman life. Lindemann believes there is strong evidence of contact with nonhuman intelligence on Earth and that society is becoming more open to the idea, though it remains a challenge. He states that the 'dam is breaking' on the secrecy surrounding the topic. Lindemann, who has not seen an alien himself, began believing after investigating a link between UFOs and secret government weapons programs. His lecture reviews well-documented cases and presents a historical overview. He describes his audience as well-educated and solid citizens, often sharing personal stories after his talks.

'Dazzling Lights Appear Again In Skies Over Gulf Breeze and Beach' (Islander, Pensacola Beach, FL - July 13, 1994) This article by Patti Weatherford reports on several UFO sightings in the Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach areas. Teenagers reported seeing a large, white light that separated into three. Two brothers saw three small, dark grey to black circular, disc-shaped objects hovering. Other reports include amber-colored lights and six huge golden-colored lights in a circular configuration with beams descending. The sightings lasted from a few minutes to about five minutes, with witnesses reporting physical sensations like hair standing on end.

'WE ARE NOT ALONE' (Commercial Appeal, Memphis, TN - July 14, 1994) This multi-part article explores the experiences and beliefs of UFO enthusiasts. Eddie Middleton, a philosophy instructor, believes UFOs are evidence of intelligent life exploring Earth. He discusses the risk of ridicule associated with such beliefs and mentions a local UFO discussion group that promoted an appearance by Leah Haley, an alleged abductee. The article cites polls indicating public belief in UFOs and abduction experiences. It connects UFO theories with cattle mutilations and crop circles. It highlights the work of Harvard psychiatrist John E. Mack and his research into 'transpersonal psychology.' Randy Kjelland, Tennessee director of MUFON, discusses the growing interest in UFOs and the importance of accepting people's accounts. Cindy McMullin describes UFO discussion groups as safe spaces for sharing experiences. The article details common alien descriptions ('Nordic,' 'greys') and spacecraft types, and touches on theories of government cover-ups, referencing the Roswell incident.

#### 'Invisible ties tether Memphian to 'visitors''
Brenda Williams shares her positive experience with extraterrestrial beings, whom she believes are here to help. She recounts early encounters from childhood, resurfaced through hypnotherapy, which led to telepathic communication. Williams believes humans and aliens are connected and that humanity will be invited into a larger cosmic community.

#### 'Space alien whisked him into craft, man claims'
Kenneth Welch recounts a 1985 experience where he claims to have been taken aboard a UFO. He describes being led to a saucer-shaped ship and scanned. His memories were later resurrected through hypnotherapy, leading to periodic psychic dreams. Welch believes 'greys' might be from hollowed-out sections of the Earth and criticizes a government cover-up aimed at discrediting UFO witnesses.

'Phenomenon chaser: Lawrence Willett' (Baxter Bulletin, Mountain Home, AR - May 10, 1994) This article profiles Lawrence Willett, who has been fascinated by UFOs since 1968 after seeing a photo of a UFO taken at an airport. Willett believes UFOs exist and that something is visiting Earth. He recounts a personal sighting of a bright, silver object hovering and shooting beams of light. He discusses military sightings during WWII and the possibility of faster-than-light travel or interdimensional travel. Willett has investigated many UFO reports for MUFON and shares anecdotes of strange lights and objects seen by pilots and civilians, including a cross-light phenomenon in a window.

'UFOS First flying saucers' sighted in Northwest' (Sun, Bremerton, WA - June 19, 1994) This article revisits the 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting, considered the start of the 'flying saucer' headline news. Arnold reported seeing nine bright objects flying at high speed in the Pacific Northwest. The article notes the skepticism from the military and the spread of similar reports globally. It also mentions other sightings, including one over Oklahoma City and another in Kansas City.

'Is that a UFO? Student digitizes photo reality' (Branding Iron, University of Wyoming - June 23, 1994) This piece discusses the use of digital photography and computer animation in creating realistic images, including UFOs. Mike Weiland, a TV production student, explains how digital alteration can make it difficult to discern real from fake photographs. The article touches on the ethical considerations of using digitally altered images in the press.

'Roswell' UFO: Fact or Fiction' (Journal, Albuquerque, NM - July 29, 1994) This article reviews the Showtime movie 'Roswell,' which alleges a government cover-up of an extraterrestrial crash. It contrasts the movie's dramatic license with the book 'UFO Crash at Roswell,' which is based on testimony. Local reactions are mixed: a UFO researcher finds the premise believable, while an editor of a scientific journal calls it a fictionalized story with no credence. The article discusses the movie's portrayal of Maj. Jesse Marcel and the alleged recovery of alien bodies. It also touches on the 'Area 51' conspiracy theory and the skepticism of Ken Frazier, editor of the Skeptical Inquirer.

#### 'Roswell' capitalizes on interest in UFOs' (Morning News, Dallas, TX - July 31, 1994)
This review by David Bianculli discusses the Showtime movie 'Roswell,' comparing its plot to 'The X-Files.' It highlights the alleged extraterrestrial crash, government cover-up, and the story of Jesse Marcel. The review notes that while the book 'UFO Crash at Roswell' is well-researched, the movie takes dramatic license, inventing subplots and fabricating conversations. The reviewer praises the alien beings depicted but suggests the story could have been told with less tampering.

'Local Man Believes in UFOs, Alien Visitors' (Star, Culver City, CA - June 22, 1994) Michael Riley, an organizer for 'Operation Right to Know,' believes the government is covering up knowledge of UFOs and alien visitors. He cites the prevalence of sightings and the Roswell incident as evidence. Riley advocates for government transparency regarding UFOs, suggesting a potential cover-up of advanced alien technology. He compares belief in UFOs to faith in God and encourages open-mindedness.

'UFO conference attracts believers, skeptics' (American-Statesman, Austin, TX - July 10, 1994) This article covers the annual Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) conference in Austin, Texas. It features Karla Turner, author of 'Into the Fringe,' who researches human-alien encounters. The conference included speakers discussing UFOs in the former Soviet Union and UFOs and religion. The event drew hundreds of attendees, including believers and skeptical scientists. The article mentions a confrontation between UFO debunker Philip Klass and UFO researcher Robert Dean, highlighting the emotional nature of the subject.

'City visited by odd craft home to UFO museum' (Tribune-Times, Tampa, FL - July 17, 1994) This piece describes Roswell, New Mexico, as the home of the International UFO Museum and Research Center. The museum, opened by former public information officer Walter Haut and mortician Glenn Dennis, displays photographs, accounts, and news stories related to the Roswell Incident. It notes the lack of actual UFOs but features a silver alien mannequin for photos. The article recounts the official story of the incident and the subsequent cover-up, emphasizing that the Army's records remain classified.

'UFO Researcher Steps Down From UFO Investigation Team' (Islander, Pensacola Beach, FL - July 20, 1994) Bob Oeschler, a well-known UFO researcher, announced his retirement from investigation work. He has had numerous sightings and was part of the team investigating the Ed Walters story in Gulf Breeze. Oeschler plans to devote more time to his family and will turn over his research to a private research institute.

'Willard man captures UFO on video; but few believe him' (Times-Junction, Willard, OH - July 7, 1994) William Willard and his wife Debra reported seeing five unidentified objects in the sky over Willard, Ohio, on June 18, 1994. They described the objects as oval shapes with trailing ovals and arches of smaller round objects. William video taped the objects, which were brown, made no noise, and had no lights. Despite showing the tape to co-workers, Willard faced skepticism and teasing. Meteorologists and the FAA could not verify any aircraft in the area at the time.

'Project Awareness Presents Annual Gulf Breeze UFO Conference' (Islander, Pensacola Beach, FL - Aug. 3, 1994) This announcement details the Second Annual Gulf Breeze UFO Conference, featuring international speakers on various UFO-related topics, including abductions, time travel, government cover-ups, and ancient astronauts. The conference aims to provide information to UFO enthusiasts and researchers.

'KEAY DAVIDSON: DOWN TO A SCIENCE' (Examiner, San Francisco, CA - July 15, 1994) This column by Keay Davidson humorously addresses UFOlogists, noting their angry responses to his previous skepticism. He describes the contents of a computer bulletin board called 'U.F.O. BBS,' which lists various UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters, including 'human body parts found in wrecked alien crafts' and 'a live alien named EBE.' The column highlights the bizarre nature of some UFO claims.

'UFO Cult' makes another landing' (Tribune, Chicago, IL - July 29, 1994) This article discusses the reappearance of a group known as the 'UFO Cult,' led by Marshall Herff Applewhite ('Do') and Bonnie Lu Nettles ('Peep'). The group believes their souls are from a higher kingdom and that spacecraft will transport deserving individuals there. The article notes the group's history of media attention and media skepticism, and their unique appearance and beliefs, which deviate from traditional religious teachings. Sociologist Rob Balch views the group as not dangerous in a violent sense but potentially so from a parental perspective due to members dropping out of sight.

'Crop circle' formation draws hundreds to site' (Argus, Hillsboro, OR - June 28, 1994) This brief report describes a 'crop circle' formation that appeared in a wheat field near Hillsboro, Oregon, attracting hundreds of visitors. The formation is speculated to be a prank related to a recent TV show about crop circles. Police are warning visitors that the formation is on private property.

Midway becoming known for UFOs' (Daily Record, Roswell, NM - June 24, 1994) Jose Escamilla claims that Midway, New Mexico, is now the number one location in the world for UFO encounters, surpassing Roswell. His family has been video recording UFOs since March 5, capturing dozens of objects, some flying too fast for the human eye to see. Their footage has been featured on 'Hard Copy' and will be included in a TV program called 'Encounters.' Researchers are expected to visit Midway to study the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the persistent interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial life, the personal accounts of alleged encounters and abductions, and the ongoing debate about government secrecy and cover-ups. There is a clear division between those who believe in the reality of UFOs based on witness testimony and anecdotal evidence, and skeptics who demand more concrete scientific proof. The articles highlight the emotional and sometimes controversial nature of the subject, with individuals sharing deeply personal experiences and researchers dedicating their lives to investigation. The overall stance appears to be one of presenting the various facets of the UFO phenomenon, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while acknowledging the widespread public fascination and the challenges in obtaining definitive answers.

This issue of the DAILY RECORD, dated July 31, 1994, with a volume identifier 'CR: P. Davids', focuses heavily on UFOs and related phenomena. The main cover story, "On the horizon" by Jerry R. McCormack, discusses the local screening of the Showtime movie "Roswell" and the enduring mystery of the 1947 UFO crash near Roswell, New Mexico. The issue also includes a variety of articles from different publications, covering UFO sightings and investigations across North America and Europe, as well as other unexplained phenomena.

"Roswell" Movie Screening and the 1947 Incident

The lead article details the local screening of the Showtime movie "Roswell," attended by about 150 people. The film, starring Kyle MacLachlan, Martin Sheen, Dwight Yoakam, and Kim Greist, dramatizes the reported UFO crash of July 4, 1947, near Roswell. The military's shifting explanations—acknowledging a crash, then denying it, and sealing the event with secrecy for 47 years—are highlighted. The movie follows the perspective of Maj. Jesse Marcel, the military intelligence officer who identified the wreckage as an alien spacecraft but was subsequently discredited. The article notes the crash is considered the most witnessed and documented UFO report in the past half-century. Several attendees, including Mayor Tom Jennings and Walter Haut, expressed their thoughts on the movie and its implications for Roswell.

UFOs and Unexplained Events in Fayetteville

An article from the DAILY NEWS (Springdale, AR) by Rebecca Tucker reports on the Society for Human and Aerial Phenomena (SHAP), a UFO research group in Fayetteville, directed by Shirley Ricardi. The group, with about 75 members, investigates reported sightings and provides support for individuals with unexplained experiences, including alleged abductions. SHAP focuses on "concrete" evidence and investigates phenomena like cattle mutilations and disk imprints. Ricardi notes that people are often afraid to discuss their experiences for fear of not being taken seriously. The group analyzes samples with scientific experts and emphasizes treating everyone with respect. The article also mentions a strange incident near Strickler involving a hairy, man-like creature.

UFO Data Compilation on CD-ROM

Clifford Stone, director of research at the Outa Limits UFO Enigma Museum in Roswell, discusses a CD-ROM disk titled "UFOs are Real," being compiled by Teleport USA of Los Angeles and Japan. The disk will include the "Operation Blu Blue Fly Research Project" report, which accused the intelligence community of lying to Congress. The project aimed to prompt congressional hearings on why they were being excluded from intelligence loops. The CD-ROM is expected to be released in Japan first.

Canadian UFO Sightings and Government Involvement

The "FOCUS" section features several articles on UFOs in Canada. "Are there X-files?" from NOW (Surrey, B.C.) investigates whether the Canadian government has a special UFO squad. It reveals that CSIS and National Defence do not officially deal with UFOs unless they pose a security threat. The National Archives can release files, but require departmental permission. The National Research Council (NRC) appears to be the repository for UFO reports collected by the RCMP and other departments, with about 4,000 reports filed since the 1950s. Access is available for a fee. Michael Strainic of the Mutual UFO Network criticizes the media's handling of UFO stories, calling it "absolutely pathetic" and focused on "cheap laughs."

Another article from NOW highlights the "Surrey-Delta corridor," an area in British Columbia with a high concentration of UFO sightings. A Fox Network film crew interviewed local UFO sighters for a program called "Encounters." The article also mentions a 1993 study by Nicholas Spanos suggesting that those who believe they have had close encounters are as intelligent and psychologically healthy as others.

UFO Sightings in England

Several articles from English publications detail UFO sightings. The ADVERTISER (Poole) reports on UFO researcher Palden Jenkins' belief that UFOs represent the biggest issue facing humanity and that alien contact will become a "cosmic bombshell" within ten years. Jenkins claims multiple alien groups are visiting Earth, which he believes was chosen for an evolutionary experiment. The EXAMINER (Huddersfield) covers a grounded plan for a multi-million-pound UFO study center in Europe, which was thrown out of the European parliament by West Yorkshire Euro-MP Dr Barry Seal, who called it a "waste of millions of pounds."

The SUNDAY PEOPLE (London) features a story about a "mushroom-shaped spaceship" hovering over Wiltshire, with video evidence examined by UFO experts. The Earl of Kimberley commented on the possibility of advanced civilizations. The WESTERN DAILY PRESS (Bristol) addresses the controversy surrounding the "Warminster Thing" photograph, with one party claiming it was a hoax and the photographer insisting it was genuine.

The EVENING SENTINEL (Stoke-on-Trent) reports a motorist spotting a brightly-lit object hovering over the M6 motorway, which police could not identify. The WHITBY GAZETTE (North Yorkshire) notes a spate of UFO sightings in the Whitby area, with the British UFO Association investigating. The HINCKLEY TIMES (Leics.) reports a silent flying object sighted at Burbage, described as having bright lights and capable of hovering and moving at high speed. The SOMERSET CO. GAZETTE (Taunton) features a letter from a reader describing unusual lights seen in the sky, resembling a "small pig" or an "apple tree."

UFOs in Ontario and Scotland

The CITIZEN (Prince George, B.C.) reprints a story from the CANADIAN PRESS about close encounters in Ontario. It details sightings of boomerang-shaped objects, puncture marks on an arm, and claims of abduction. The article also lists several historical sightings near London, Ontario, from 1954 to 1993. The DUNFERMLINE PRESS (Fife, Scotland) explores the possibility of UFO hot-spots in West Fife, mentioning reports of strange lights, disc-shaped objects, and a crop circle. It also discusses the theory that UFOs might be atmospheric mirages, as proposed by Steuart Campbell.

"Champ" and Other Phenomena

The FORTEANA NEWS (Burlington, VT) features a story about "Champ," the mythical sea monster of Lake Champlain, with new sightings reported and camera crews investigating. Park ranger Linde reported seeing a creature resembling Champ, estimated to be 20-25 feet long. Champologist Dennis Hull believes Champ is a reptile called tanystropheus. The article also touches on other phenomena covered by the Fortean Times, such as spontaneous human combustion, as discussed by John Heymer at the Fortean Times' 21st birthday convention.

The NEWS (Lima, OH) reports on the ongoing search for a missing pilot and his plane, James R. Hysong, who disappeared during a flight in March 1993, with theories ranging from a crash into Lake Michigan to suicide or an orchestrated disappearance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the persistent mystery of UFO sightings, the alleged cover-ups by governments, and the human fascination with the unknown. There's a clear interest in documenting these phenomena, whether through personal accounts, media portrayals, or scientific (or pseudo-scientific) investigations. The editorial stance, as reflected in the various articles, is one of open inquiry, acknowledging the strangeness of reported events while also presenting skeptical viewpoints and potential rational explanations. The media's role in reporting on UFOs is also a point of discussion, with criticism leveled at sensationalism and a call for more serious treatment of the subject.