SENTINEL

Magazine Overview

This issue of SENTINEL, dated September 21, 1994, features a prominent article on a local support group for UFO abductees, alongside coverage of television programs exploring UFOs and alien encounters. The magazine delves into various facets of the UFO phenomenon, including witness testimonies, expert opinions, and investigations into mysterious events.

Local Support Group for UFO Abductees

The lead article by Jerry Resler introduces Caroline Loose, a Milwaukee psychotherapist who established a support group for individuals who believe they have been abducted by extraterrestrials. Loose, a former principal, decided to form the group in April 1994 to help abductees cope with the trauma and fears associated with their experiences. She emphasizes the importance of having someone to listen. Loose, who has been a psychotherapist for eight years, previously dealt with individuals experiencing paranormal or psychic phenomena. Her interest in the abduction phenomenon began five years prior when a woman claimed repeated abductions since childhood, including her daughter. The group has about 30 members, primarily from Wisconsin, with some from Illinois. Loose and an associate use hypnotic regression with members. She notes that many abductees believe aliens are trying to help Earth. Loose finds the meetings fascinating and believes there is credibility to the experiences, stating, "What we're encountering here is something we're not prepared to understand."

Jeff Goodpaster, a psychology teacher at Gateway Technical College, expresses skepticism about abductions, suggesting that many 'abductees' may be experiencing sleep paralysis, often associated with hallucinations. He believes these individuals need professional help to understand their experiences are likely not UFO events.

Harvard psychiatrist John E. Mack, in his book "Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens," suggests that abductees generally believe aliens are abducting humans to help save Earth from destruction. Loose reports a common theme in her group is an appreciation for the environment and a desire to raise consciousness, leading to a better relationship with fellow humans.

Critics suggest that some 'abductees' may be confusing past trauma, such as childhood abuse, with alien abductions. Loose counters that her group members can separate these experiences.

Television and UFOs

Lon Grahnke's television column highlights the proliferation of UFO-related programming on Sundays. Fox's "Encounters: The Hidden Truth" (6 p.m., Channel 32) explores alleged space encounters with astronauts and visits a grave site for evidence of interplanetary visitors. Other science-fiction series mentioned include "Earth 2" (6 p.m., Channel 5), "seaQuest DSV" (7 p.m., Channel 5), "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" (8 and 11:30 p.m., Channel 9), "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (10:30 p.m., Channel 50), and the original "Star Trek" (11:30 p.m., Channel 50).

National Geographic's "Explorer" is set to air "Searching for Extraterrestrials" on TBS cable channel at 8:30 tonight. Narrated by John de Lancie, the two-hour program features astronomers discussing the probability of extraterrestrial life and Frank Drake's prediction of eventual communication via radio waves. The article notes that Congress canceled the extraterrestrial search program, with private donations now supporting radio wave monitoring. Drake states, "It doesn't take much to convince you that there is life out there." The "Explorer" segment includes special effects, a reenactment of an abduction, and a session with an alien-abductee support group.

Larry King Investigates Area 51

A Times Union article reports on Larry King's upcoming TNT special, "The UFO Cover-Up: Live From Area 51," airing September 30, 1994. King recounts a personal sighting of a bright light following his plane in 1972. The special will feature interviews with activist Glenn Campbell, technology expert Mark Farmer (Agent X), Carl Sagan, and UFO analyst Stanton Friedman. King aims to explore possible government cover-ups regarding UFOs and captured spaceships. The article describes Area 51 as a large military installation in the Nevada desert where some believe aliens are kept and researched, and their technology used to upgrade aircraft. King expresses skepticism, comparing the potential findings to Geraldo Rivera's empty vault, but acknowledges the need for curiosity about extraterrestrial life.

The article mentions the dangers of approaching Area 51, with signs indicating that trespassers will be shot on sight. King jokes about wearing a flak jacket. He hopes to get "taken by them" for a story, comparing it to a Pulitzer Prize, provided it doesn't conflict with an O.J. Simpson story.

King's intention is to uncover what is happening at the top-secret venue, citing public skepticism due to government secrecy as a national security issue. He calls himself a cynic and questions what could be hidden there.

UFO Sightings and Abductions in the US

A Press Register article from Mobile, AL, details the experiences of 'Lisa,' a 36-year-old woman who claims ongoing alien abductions. She describes being taken to a 'tan planet,' experiencing beatings, and having her eggs taken for hybrids. She also undergoes 'mind scans' where aliens enter her brain. Lisa finds support in the Gulf Breeze UFO Conference and her local UFO support group, which includes attorneys and engineers. Her husband, initially skeptical, now believes her and attends the support group. He expresses frustration at being unable to protect his wife from abductions. Lisa's children have also reportedly been abducted.

A Tundra Drums article from Bethel, AK, reports on UFO sightings over Bristol Bay towns between October 14-16, 1994. Residents of Manokotak, Dillingham, and Aleknagik witnessed bright lights, described as red and green, circling silently, flashing on and off, and making no sound. Molly Pauk saw an object circle her house and flash lights at her. Anecia Lomack heard similar accounts from several people. Aaron Lomack described a triangular object with white, blue, and red lights. Shirley Yeager saw brightly colored stars in a triangular pattern that blinked on and off. The Federal Aviation Administration and the US Air Force declined to comment.

UFO Sightings and Crop Circles in the UK

A Sandbach Guardian article reports on a new group in Cheshire and North Staffordshire set up to examine crop circles and UFOs. Organizer Eric Morris theorizes that crop circles are created by unusual atmospheric currents. He believes many sightings are explainable, but focuses on the six percent that cannot be explained. The group seeks new members and information, with a hotline number provided.

A Herald article from Shoreham, England, features Peter van Doorn, a Shoreham resident, who claims to have seen life forms from outer space, which he calls 'Medusae' (Manifestations and Electromagnetic Discharges of Unidentified Superterrestrial Abiogenetic Entities). He describes them as intelligent, electromagnetic forces similar to jellyfish, communicating via radio waves. He believes they originate from planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus, and also from within Earth. NASA is reportedly examining the phenomena.

An article from the Evening Courier, Halifax, England, details the experience of Alan Godfrey, a former policeman who encountered a hovering diamond-shaped craft in Todmorden in 1980. His experience is set to be featured on "Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious Universe" and a US company plans to make a film about it. Godfrey underwent regressive hypnosis, which suggested he was confronted by a 'tall human-like figure' and small creatures. He is skeptical of his hypnotic experience, believing it may have been influenced by what he read afterward. He suspects a cover-up regarding UFOs and claims many Todmorden police officers witnessed UFO sightings.

A Somerset County Gazette article reports three students in Taunton saw a bright, bowl-shaped object hovering over Belvedere Road at 3:15 am. They described it as a bowl with something underneath, circling lights, and two large lights underneath. Police suggested it was a low-flying balloon or a Chinook helicopter.

A Christchurch Advertiser article discusses a UFO sighting in Poole, Dorset, where mechanical engineer John Cornish saw a fleet of 50 UFOs streaking through the sky. This followed a story about a family claiming abduction, leading to numerous calls from readers reporting sightings and alleged abductions.

A Wharfedale & Airedale Observer article mentions a television production crew filming a live show about aliens and UFOs on Ilkley Moor, to be presented by Phillip Schofield. The show will investigate unexplained sightings on the moor, including a documented case of a four-foot tall green figure. The episode of ITV's "Schofield's Quest" will analyze the moor's documented cases, including a picture of a green figure. The article also mentions flashing lights reported over the moor and potential appearances by ufologists.

A Daily Mail article from Hull, England, reports on 'alien' field circles in Leconfield being analyzed by experts. Samples and aerial photographs were taken of three circles. Explanations range from spaceships to hoaxes, with experts potentially taking months to conclude. Villagers are intrigued, with some suggesting 'aliens have landed.' Theories include imprints of spaceships, messages from the spirit of the Earth, plasma phenomena, or dust sucked in by whirlwinds.

A Dorset Evening Echo article highlights an interest in crop circles and associated phenomena, with David Kingston appealing for reader reports and photographs. He mentions a sold-out talk on crop circles and UFOs and announces a repeat event.

A Colchester Evening Gazette article details a 'close encounter' claim by Danny Vassar and Julie Beasley, who saw a huge UFO described as oblong, 100 meters in diameter, with flashing lights and a red glow. They reported it to the police. The article also mentions a UFO investigator, Sheridan Lane, seeing a strange object over her home.

A Province, Vancouver, B.C. article reports UFOs seen over Beijing, China, with residents reporting sightings of glowing objects, including one that split in two.

UFO Research and Phenomena

A Daily Optic article from Las Vegas, NM, reports on a bizarre cow mutilation in Luna Canyon. A man named Larry Gardea witnessed a strange humming beam that appeared to pull cows through trees. One cow was found dead and mutilated, with its jaw skinned, tongue removed, and reproductive organs removed. The sheriff's department is investigating, with no comment on Gardea's account. Undersheriff John Sanchez noted similar reports of mysterious cow deaths but no mutilations recently.

A Rocky Mountain News article discusses the renewed debate over cattle mutilations in Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada. Veterinarians and livestock inspectors disagree on the cause, with some suggesting natural predators and others pointing to more sinister forces. Linda Moulton Howe is leading a year-long study funded by the Bigelow Foundation to gather scientific data on these mutilations.

A Gazette article from Billings, MT, reports on scientists suggesting a private space shot to the moon and Mars to search for evidence of alien architecture, such as towers and glass domes. Richard Hoagland, a proponent of extraterrestrial civilizations on Mars, believes NASA has covered up evidence of such structures. The scientists presented enlarged photographs as evidence of alien structures, which they dubbed "the city" and "the castle." NASA scientist Jack Farmer remains unconvinced, attributing features like the 'face on Mars' to natural landforms.

A Rocky Mountain News article revisits the debate on cattle mutilations, with veterinarians and experts disagreeing on the cause. Garth Lamb, a veterinarian, believes the mutilations are not the work of predators, citing clean incisions and the difficulty of performing such procedures. He notes the steer's penile organ was removed and the body wall sealed shut.

A Log Cabin Democrat article from Conway, AR, reports the sheriff suspects cults in the deaths of six cattle, citing ritualistic mutilation. The animals were reportedly shot in the head, with parts removed, and evidence of how the perpetrators entered or left the pasture was lacking.

Spontaneous Human Combustion and Bigfoot

A Daily News article from Anchorage, AK, explores the reality of spontaneous human combustion (SHC). It addresses common questions about SHC, including the likelihood of it occurring, potential causes like intestinal gas or static electricity, and famous cases like Mary Reeser. While some, like Larry Arnold, believe in SHC, others, like Joe Nickell, attribute such incidents to rational explanations like self-immolation.

A Neighbor article from Portland, OR, discusses Bigfoot sightings, noting that the legend of a large, ape-like creature exists globally under various names. In America, Bigfoot sightings are reported in nearly every state. The article highlights sightings in Forest Park, Portland, with Ray Crowe, Director of the Western Bigfoot Society, providing accounts of encounters, including footprints, broken branches, and sightings of glowing eyes in trees. Crowe himself became a believer after an experience in 1991.

Other News

An Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article reports on archaeologists, including Gypsy Graves, tackling the Sphinx mystery in Egypt, searching for hidden chambers believed to contain ancient records. The search has been delayed by red tape and concerns from Egyptian officials.

A Daily News article from Anchorage, AK, discusses the "mystery fumes" that affected emergency room attendants treating a dying cancer patient, likely caused by a chain of chemical reactions in the patient's blood producing a chemical warfare agent.

Another Daily News article from Anchorage, AK, reports on doctors extracting a rusty pin from a woman's brain that had been embedded for 40 years. The pin affected her movement and was discovered via a cranial CAT scan.

A Daily News article from Anchorage, AK, mentions the serious consideration by a Chinese scientific body of the existence of a yeti-like creature, based on sightings in China.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, alien abductions, and crop circles. There is a clear division between those who believe in the reality of these events and seek scientific or investigative explanations, and those who remain skeptical or offer more conventional explanations such as sleep paralysis, natural phenomena, or hoaxes. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from personal testimonies of abductees and witnesses to the opinions of scientists and investigators. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and reporting on these phenomena, providing a platform for diverse viewpoints without necessarily endorsing any single one. There is an emphasis on the ongoing nature of research and investigation into these mysteries, with calls for public participation and information sharing.