UFO Newsclipping Service - 1995 07 - no 312

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated July 1995, focuses on the ongoing investigation and public fascination with UFOs and alien encounters. The publication aims to present these phenomena from a scientific and investigative perspective, while also acknowledging the widespread public belief and the controversies surrounding the topic.

Key Articles and Features

UFO Investigators Will Be Sighted Soon This article introduces the upcoming annual symposium of the Mutual UFO Network Inc. (MUFON), a 26-year-old organization dedicated to the scientific investigation of UFO sightings. Marilyn Henry Childs, the symposium director and a professional astronomer, emphasizes that MUFON is a serious group composed of scientists and researchers from various fields, not 'wackos.' The symposium will feature thirteen speakers discussing the latest research on UFO-related phenomena, including alien abductions and animal mutilations. The event is scheduled to take place at the SeaTac Red Lion Inn, a location chosen for its proximity to Mount Rainier, where Kenneth Arnold had his historic 1947 sighting.

Kenneth Arnold's daughter, Kim, shares how her father's experience turned him into a reclusive figure, despite the widespread belief in his account. She recounts his description of observing nine boomerang-shaped objects moving at high speed without tails. Arnold believed these entities were 'living' rather than machines, and considered the sighting a 'spiritual experience.' Joe Lewels, a MUFON consultant, will present on 'Quantum Physics Discovers the Holographic Universe,' highlighting the interest in parallel dimensions within the UFO community. He notes the ongoing 'curtain of ridicule' imposed by society, government, and media on the topic.

UFO Was Probably Just Electrical Arc This article by Rowena Lugtu-Shaddox reports on a mysterious round light seen by a Fairfield couple, which may have been an electrical arc rather than an extraterrestrial craft. Steve Moreno, a field investigator for MUFON, investigated the sighting and found evidence of two 35-foot power poles with burn marks, consistent with an electrical arc. The article notes that UFO buffs have predicted an active summer for sightings in Solano County, with numerous reports of streaking lights and orange points of light received by the National UFO Reporting Center since September 1994. It also references older reports from the 1960s, including a sighting in Rio Vista.

Veteran Skywatcher Has Daylight Sighting on I-10 Carole Baker reports on a daylight sighting by Bruce Morrison and his wife Anne near the Blackwater River bridge on I-10. Bruce Morrison described a huge, long, thin, dark gray object hovering at a thirty-degree angle, which he initially mistook for a plane but remained stationary. Morrison is described as a reliable witness with ten years of experience in UFO research. The article encourages witnesses to report unusual objects or lights to the Pensacola/Gulf Breeze MUFON Hotline.

Author Risks Ridicule to Chronicle UFO Mysteries Stephanie Schorow writes about C.D.B. Bryan, author of the book 'Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind: Alien Abductions, UFOs, and the Conference at M.I.T.' Bryan, a journalist with a background in serious reporting, decided to treat the subject of alien abductions seriously after attending a conference at MIT. He felt it was inappropriate and irresponsible to write tongue-in-cheek about abductees who were in 'real pain and terror.' Bryan examines cases of alleged abductions, noting the striking similarities in details that predate popular media portrayals of such events. He acknowledges the risk of ridicule but states his role is as a recorder of data, and he comes away with the feeling that 'something is going on' that warrants investigation.

Editorial: What's Happening Over at the CIA? This editorial discusses a UFO sighting over the CIA headquarters at Langley and the surrounding area. The author expresses concern about what might be happening at the CIA that would attract such attention from an alien craft. It references past reports of alien craft crashes and government cover-ups, drawing parallels to the Roswell incident. The editorial suggests that the government's advanced research, possibly influenced by Nazi scientists, could be involved.

Visitors From Outer Space Dean Koontz reviews C.D.B. Bryan's book 'Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind.' Koontz praises Bryan's 'scrupulously agenda-free' reporting but also points out the 'gullibility' of researchers who accept claims without sufficient scrutiny. He questions the researchers' failure to address potential influences from popular culture and prior knowledge in abductees' accounts. Koontz notes that many presenters at the MIT conference hold a wide array of beliefs, bordering on the quasi-religious, and criticizes Dr. John Mack's standards of proof. Despite these criticisms, Koontz finds the book a 'bracing read' and hopes that abductees are telling the truth, leaving him with a hope that 'we are not alone in the universe.'

Harvard's Mack Talks Back This article addresses the controversy surrounding Harvard Medical School professor John Mack's research into alien abductions. Mack, who has gained national renown for his sympathetic ear to abductees, is under investigation by the university. He views himself as a modern-day Galileo, facing criticism for offering a 'new paradigm' for understanding human experience. Mack defends his work, stating that the abduction tales present a 'genuine mystery' and that he is exploring 'another reality.' He also discusses the financing of his Center for Psychology and Social Change, which receives significant donations from Rockefeller family members.

Talkin' UFOs: Alleged Imnaha UFO Sighting Corroborated This article from the Wallowa County Chieftain reports on an alleged UFO sighting in Imnaha, Oregon, corroborated by eight other witnesses. The event was investigated by television station KATU. Witnesses, including Diane and Bryan Baquet, described a spectacular light show above their house. Trudy Jett, a UPS driver, reported a similar event a week prior. Other witnesses, including D.J. Januzzi and Don Swart Jr., also reported seeing strange lights and objects. The article details various sightings, including a helicopter-like object with two tails and no rotors, and a bright pink light that changed to purple and blue.

UFO: Huge Object Spotted at Shoreline Park Vicki Lyons recounts a sighting of a huge glowing white ball over the swamp area at Shoreline Park. The object, described as iridescent amber and perfectly round, rose slowly and then disappeared. The sighting prompted the witness to attend a local MUFON meeting.

Pentagon Unveils Pilotless Aircraft This brief report mentions the Pentagon unveiling a $10 million saucer-shaped reconnaissance plane called DarkStar, designed for stealth and advanced detection capabilities.

Illustrated 'Crop Circle' Presentation Slated This announcement details a presentation by Michael Glickman, an expert on crop circles, at the Side Street Café. Glickman will discuss the history, complexity, and potential meanings of crop circles, including luminous objects, electrical jamming, and sacred geometry.

Flying Saucers at Harvard! This article discusses a UFO watchers' convention in Falls Church, Virginia, and the controversial views of Dr. John Mack of Harvard Medical School. Mack believes that many abductees are telling the truth about their experiences, which he attributes to 'new physics' and a 'new paradigm.' The article notes that Mack's colleagues and supervisors at Harvard do not necessarily share his opinion, leading to an investigation into his work. It raises concerns about potential bias, as many abductees' claims align with Mack's own anti-nuclear and environmentalist views, and questions whether repressed memories under hypnosis could be influencing their accounts.

UFO Buffs Flock to Desert Outpost This article focuses on the secrecy surrounding Area 51 in Nevada and the UFO enthusiasts who are drawn to the area. Chuck Clark, a UFO buff, searches for UFOs near the base, which locals refer to as 'Dreamland.' The article mentions rumors of recovered alien craft and extraterrestrial involvement. It also discusses the military's efforts to increase secrecy around the base, making it harder for observers to view it. The article highlights the local fascination with UFOs and the 'Extraterrestrial Alien Highway' proposal.

Imnaha Residents Report Nighttime UFO Sighting This article from the Hells Canyon Journal details a sighting by Diane and Bryan Baquet near Imnaha, Oregon. They described a hovering alien spacecraft, initially appearing as a meteor, then a round circle of white light with columns of light and emitting bars of light. They noted its rapid, precise movements and lack of motor noise. The sighting occurred near 'Crazyman's Point' and lasted for about an hour. The article also mentions that a helicopter crew was working in the area but had not flown after dark.

UFO Sightings Becoming Frequent Experience Vicki Lyons reports on an increase in UFO sightings in the Gulf Breeze area, including both daylight and nighttime encounters. Schani Krug described seeing an incandescent spherical object hovering over the Gulf of Mexico, which moved and rose slowly before disappearing. Ken Baker reported a daylight sighting of a dark matte, flat, round object near Pensacola. The article encourages reporting sightings to MUFON.

A Belief in Extraterrestrials Isn't Such an Alien Notion This article discusses the growing belief in extraterrestrials and UFOs, citing Assemblyman Roy Neighbors' bill to rename a stretch of State Route 375 the 'Extraterrestrial Alien Highway' to attract tourists. It includes an anecdote from a former journalist about a UFO sighting in the mid-1960s. The article also touches upon the work of MUFON and the increasing number of people who believe in UFOs and potential government cover-ups. Deborah Truncale, director of the Orange County chapter of MUFON, discusses her work investigating anomalous phenomena and unusual beings, and the role of quantum physics in understanding these experiences.

Artwork That's Out of This World This is a gallery review of the 'Flying Saucers Have Arrived' exhibit at Vox Populi Gallery, commemorating the 48th anniversary of the term 'flying saucer.' The exhibit features artwork inspired by UFOs, including sculptures and paintings. The review notes the variety of styles, from humorous to strange, and highlights David Kane's painting 'Seek Us Out, Bring Us Home' and Michael Finster's 'The Abduction of Ezekial,' which traces UFO sightings to the Bible.

Close Encounter or Just a Blimp? This article from the Gastonia Gazette addresses reports of a circular object with flashing lights seen over the Greater Gaston area. Airport officials identified the object as a blimp, but some witnesses, like Cindy King, remained convinced they saw a UFO.

UFOs could be real, say half of those polled This report on a Scripps Howard News Service and Ohio University survey indicates that half of American adults believe flying saucers could be real and that the federal government may be covering up information about them. The poll found that belief in government cover-ups varies by age, with younger generations more likely to believe it.

Close Encounters Of The Local Kind This article by Julie Collins explores local UFO sightings in Virginia. Shirley Phillips reported seeing objects with antennae and windows, which she later saw again with five other objects signaling with colored flashes. The article mentions Project Blue Book and the formation of MUFON. It also discusses various explanations for UFO sightings, including airplanes, weather balloons, and blimps, but highlights unexplained cases that puzzle ufologists. The article references the work of Gordon and Paul Dellinger on Virginia UFO sightings and the high radioactivity readings found at a purported landing site.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent presence of UFO sightings, the scientific investigation of these phenomena, the controversial topic of alien abductions, and the pervasive suspicion of government secrecy and cover-ups. The publication generally adopts an investigative and open-minded stance, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for scientific rigor. There is a clear effort to distinguish between serious investigation and sensationalism, as exemplified by MUFON's approach and the critique of certain research methods.

The editorial stance leans towards acknowledging the validity of the UFO phenomenon as a subject worthy of serious study, while also highlighting the challenges posed by public ridicule and governmental reticence. The articles collectively suggest that while many sightings may have mundane explanations, a significant number remain unexplained, fueling ongoing curiosity and research into the possibility of extraterrestrial contact and advanced, unknown technologies. The issue underscores the growing public interest and belief in UFOs, as evidenced by surveys and the activities of UFO enthusiast groups.

This issue of the "PROSPECTOR" newspaper, dated May 25, 1995, features a prominent article on the cover titled "Writer shares strange experiences," alongside other articles and reports related to UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. The publication appears to be a local newspaper with a focus on community news and potentially unusual events.

Articles and Reports

"Writer shares strange experiences" by Barry J. Tobin

Barry J. Tobin recounts a personal experience from July 1993 where he and friends camping in Colorado witnessed a mysterious light that rose from trees, stopped in the sky, projected beams, changed shape, and then vanished. He describes the light as having the capability to rise, shift shape, throw silvery-blue light, and disappear at warp speed. Tobin later shared this story with UFOlogist Chris O'Brien, who confirmed that he had received many reports from that area and could only confirm that an unidentified object was seen. O'Brien suggested it could have been something tested by the Air Force Academy or something else entirely. The article also briefly mentions O'Brien's investigation into unusual animal deaths (UADs), which the press calls "mutilations."

"UFO study here: Strange lights will be investigated" by Mary Ann Hagen

This article from the "COUNTY LEADER" (Gooding, ID) reports that former Jerome resident Ike Bishop, a volunteer with the Mutual UFO Network, Inc. (MUFON), will return to the Gooding area from June 9-10 to investigate sightings of strange lights. Bishop wants to speak with anyone who has seen the lights or other UFOs. A previous sighting in February 1994 involved a red and blue strobing light so bright it affected a yard's photocell, followed by a large boom. Law enforcement officers also witnessed the light. MUFON, founded in 1969, believes a concentrated scientific study will provide answers to the UFO enigma. The Camas Prairie lights incident involved interviews with over 30 people who described an intense light, bright enough to read a newspaper by, followed by a report like a sonic boom around 10:15 p.m. on February 10, 1994.

"UFO" by Carole Baker

This report from the "ISLANDER" (Pensacola Beach, FL) details a sighting on May 4, 1995, where a local man driving east on I-10 saw a "giant chevron shape of lights" in the northeastern sky. The lights, described as white and Christmas tree-like, turned on and off for about 15 seconds at a time. The pattern was about 20 degrees above the horizon, with points described as "as far apart as the length of a school bus." The witness, a long-term resident, felt it was "out of the ordinary" and not explainable by conventional aircraft. The sighting is under investigation by the Pensacola/Gulf Breeze MUFON group, and the public is asked to come forward with any similar sightings.

"Barnet's very own ufologist takes an objective view on matters extraterrestrial" by Colin O'Toole

This article from the "BOREHAM WOOD TIMES" (Herts., England) profiles Michael Lewis, a ufologist and co-ordinator for the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA). Lewis, who has investigated UFOs for over 30 years, emphasizes an objective approach, stating that they try to find explanations but do not try to "explain things away." He believes UFOs could be real but tries to keep his feet on the ground. Lewis recounts his own closest encounter, mistaking a flying saucer for a hot-air balloon. He notes that genuine sightings are rare and recent reports of lights over Totteridge are likely laser shows from pop concerts. Lewis also acknowledges a link between psychic research and UFOs, suggesting that people often label unexplained experiences based on their context (e.g., street vs. old house).

"UFOs do exist, I've seen them" by Shailja Chibber

This piece from "SKYPORT" (London, England) features Graham Sheppard, a former British Airways pilot who claims to have had two near-misses with flying saucers in 1967. He describes a silvery, discus-shaped object traveling at an estimated 1,000 mph over Manchester, and later, two flashing lights over the Bay of Biscay that changed color and performed "aerobatics." Sheppard and his captain did not report the sightings due to potential embarrassment and commercial implications. He now helps with UFO research and believes other species share Earth's airspace. He recently addressed a conference in the USA attended by pilots and researchers who reported similar experiences.

"UFO UPDATE with Jon Peake"

This section from the "REPORTER" (Wigan, England) shares a report from Cliff of Standish Lower Ground, who saw a "massive, saucer shaped object which was glittering between the trees" with large encircling lights and the sound of powerful turbine engines. The craft moved off silently.

"The Earl of Clancarty" by L. Bryant

This "DAILY TELEGRAPH" (London, England) obituary discusses the 8th Earl of Clancarty, who devoted his life to propagating belief in flying saucers and claimed descent from extraterrestrials. He believed in beings from other planets and civilizations beneath the Earth's crust. The article mentions his installation of a UFO detector and his first UFO sighting of an "eerie white light zig-zagging." It also details his life, his books under the name Brinsley Le Poer Trench, and his marriages.

"There's something in the air tonight! But new UFO club say no cranks, please..."

This "METRO NEWS" (Manchester, England) article reports on the rise of UFO sightings in Manchester, partly attributed to the popularity of "The X-Files." Paul Wilde and Alan Lawson are launching the city's first UFO evenings, aiming to take the subject seriously. They have lined up experts and plan to give locals a chance to share their experiences. The article mentions two housewives who saw a bizarre triangular "spaceship" and notes that British Airways pilots Captain Roger Wills and first officer Mark Stuart also reported a similar triangular object.

"Summer brings crop of mystery circle sightings"

This "EVENING POST" (Wigan, England) article discusses the emergence of crop circles in Lancashire, with specialists believing it marks the start of an "epidemic." Chris Kenworthy of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies suggests these are not hoaxes and may be a form of communication. The article also mentions the setup of a UFO research organization called Skysearch in Saltdean, headed by Larry Dean, to record and investigate close encounters.

"Close encounters recorded by people from all over twin towns" by Dave Fox

This "WIDNES WEEKLY NEWS" (Cheshire, England) article details numerous UFO sightings in the Runcorn and Widnes area. Reports include a UFO crossing the Mersey, a white light described as square-shaped with searchlights, a cigar-shaped UFO, and a diamond-shaped UFO with flashing lights. Some experts suggest the River Mersey could be a UFO "window." The article also includes a "FACT FILE" on UFOs, mentioning theories about advanced civilizations, fireballs mistaken for UFOs, cigar-shaped "motherships," and areas known as "windows" like the North Pole and Bermuda Triangle.

"Sightings of UFO" by W. Woolley

This letter to the "SHROPSHIRE STAR" reports on responses received after a previous letter about a UFO sighting. The author received reports from various locations in Shropshire and Nantwich, including an account from a 90-year-old woman that matched the author's sighting. The author also contacted RAF Shawbury, Ministry of Defence, and Jodrell Bank without confirmation.

"Expert stresses importance of having open mind on sightings"

This "WIDNES WEEKLY NEWS" article discusses UFO spotters holding sky watches and the importance of keeping an open mind. Mark Rosney mentions that many people have come forward with sightings and that activity seems higher over Helsby. He suggests considering natural phenomena like ball lightning and earthquake light.

"More UFO reports" by R. Dumas

This "EVENING TELEGRAPH" (Derby, England) report notes two more sightings of a triangular craft over Derby, bringing the total to eight. Olive Haynes reported seeing the craft circle overhead four times.

"Expert to probe flying saucer sighting"

This "EVENING CHRONICLE" (Oldham, England) article states that UFO expert Steve Hough will investigate an Oldham man's claimed sighting of a flying saucer. The man, John Fogg, described a "sausage or egg-shaped" object that moved at high speed.

"Family lost two hours of their lives" by Fiona May

This "BURTON MAIL" (Staffs., England) article discusses cases where people claim to have lost time due to UFO encounters. It mentions a case in Southern France where a lavender grower was paralyzed by a beam of light from an entity. In Belgium, a man saw an entity in his garden. The article also touches on cattle mutilations and the possibility of humans being abducted for genetic experimentation.

"Projekt UFO" by W.A. Harbinson

This "IRISH TIMES" (Dublin, Ireland) review discusses the book "Projekt UFO," which proposes that flying saucers are man-made secret projects rather than extraterrestrial. The author, W.A. Harbinson, presents evidence of advanced German and Canadian aircraft development and speculates about secret US and Russian programs. The review notes that while the book provides historical context, its speculative parts lack hard evidence.

"Special enquiry of the third kind" by Louise Worrell

This "BURTON TRADER" (Derby, England) article reports on a UFO sighting by two teenagers in Burton. They saw a craft with five lights (four white, one red) hovering over the Toyota factory, emitting a high-pitched humming noise. The craft rotated and disappeared towards Branston Road. Police also received calls about mysterious lights.

"Is there anybody out there?"

This "COURIER & ADVERTISER" (Dundee, Scotland) article features a Kincardine woman who reported seeing a frisbee-shaped yellow glow and hearing a noise like beating wings. She described the object as flying in a straight line at high speed. The article also mentions a bounty on "Bigfoot" in China and the need for landowners' permission to access private property for tracking.

"Is this close encounter really up to scratch?" by Steve Jarvis

This "LANCASHIRE FREE PRESS" (Preston, England) article discusses a photograph allegedly showing a UFO over Lancaster. The North Lancashire UFO Investigation Group is investigating sightings of flat spherical objects or bright lights. The article mentions a sighting by an eight-year-old girl that split into two objects, similar to a sighting from 20 years prior. It also notes that the Ministry of Defence and Civil Aviation Authority have no explanation for the objects.

"Mysterious "glass skull" found" by Christopher O'Brien

This "EAGLE" (Crestone, CO) article reports on the discovery of an unusual glass skull in Saguache County, Colorado. The artifact, found on a fence line, is described as an exquisite glass skull, possibly ancient and not of this earth. It is compared to crystal skulls found in the Yucatan and Central America. The discoverer was told by a psychic that the skull is very old and not man-made. Nick Nocerino, an expert on crystal skulls, is intrigued by the find. The article also mentions famous crystal skulls like the "Mitchel-Hedges Skull" and "Max."

"The Search for Life 'Out There' Continues"

This "CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR" (Boston, MA) article discusses the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). It highlights the upgrade of the SETI observatory at Harvard University with new computer-memory chips and the SETI Institute's survey of nearby stars in cooperation with Australia's Parkes Observatory. The project "Phoenix" aims to listen for alien signals between 1,000 and 10,000 megahertz. While no definitive signals have been detected yet, the search continues.

"Hunters Try to Drop In On Bigfoot"

This "SUN-TIMES" (Chicago, IL) article reports on a Chinese expedition to search for Bigfoot and the subsequent announcement of a bounty on the creature, leading to concerns about bounty hunters. The article also includes a note about respecting private property when tracking Bigfoot or fishing.

"Air Force researches thunderstorm 'sprites'" by Keay Davidson

This "PRESS" (Rogue River, OR) article details the discovery of "sprites," bizarre electrical atmospheric events that flash above thunderstorms. The U.S. Air Force is initiating a research project to study these phenomena, which could potentially affect high-altitude aircraft. Scientists are using high-speed cameras to capture images of sprites.

"The trap awaits a visit from Big Foot"

This "PRESS" (Rogue River, OR) article describes a large, abandoned trap built in the U.S. Forest Service's Applegate Ranger District in 1974 to capture Bigfoot. The trap, made of railroad ties, remains a curiosity. The article also provides directions to the trap's location.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the ongoing human fascination with the unknown, including Bigfoot and ancient mysteries like crystal skulls. The editorial stance varies by publication, but generally, the articles present these phenomena with a degree of seriousness, often quoting experts and witnesses, while some also acknowledge the need for scientific investigation and objective analysis. There's a clear interest in reporting on these events, whether they are personal accounts, official investigations, or speculative theories. The inclusion of multiple regional newspapers suggests a widespread interest in these topics across different communities.