UFO Newsclipping Service - 1996 04 - no 321

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated April 1996, Number 321, focuses on the intersection of UFO belief, investigation, and public perception. The cover story, "Believers find camaraderie in group," highlights a meeting in Bloomington, Indiana, where about 25 individuals, from diverse professional backgrounds, gather to share their experiences and concerns about UFOs without fear of ridicule. Jean Bruce, an attendee, emphasizes the importance of such gatherings for those who believe in the presence of UFOs. The article also touches upon the work of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), with Jerry Sievers, its state representative, explaining the training of investigators and noting Indiana as a top state for UFO sighting reports. Nationally, MUFON has a significant membership across states and countries.

Key Articles and Features

Believers Find Camaraderie in Group

The lead article by Gena Asher details a meeting at the Monroe County Public Library where UFO believers find a supportive community. Attendees shared stories and discussed concerns, often facing ridicule in public. Jean Bruce, a long-time believer, described the group as a network for sharing information and experiences. Jerry Sievers of MUFON explained the organization's role in training investigators to handle evidence, noting Indiana's high reporting rate and MUFON's global presence with over 5,500 members in 30 countries. Opinion polls suggest a significant portion of Americans believe in UFOs.

Show Sends Harvard's UFO Prof Into Orbit

This article by Mark Mueller reports on the controversy surrounding a "Nova" broadcast on WGBH that purportedly debunked alien abduction claims and the work of Harvard psychiatrist John Mack. Mack, a believer and investigator of alien abduction, called the program "terribly biased" and an attempt to discourage serious consideration of the phenomenon. He threatened a defamation suit over the use of freelance writer Donna Bassett's critical commentary. Bassett, described by Mack's lawyer as a "wacko," claimed to have gone undercover and found Mack's methods fraudulent. The Nova producer defended the film as a "thoughtful and considerate treatment of a complicated subject," aiming to report what science says. The article also mentions Carl Sagan's skepticism towards alien abduction, likening it to historical resistance to scientific theories like the Earth being round.

On a Lonely Nevada Highway, UFO Hunters Search for an Unfamiliar Face

Carla Hall of The Los Angeles Times reports on UFO enthusiasts visiting Nevada State Highway 375, now designated the "Extraterrestrial Highway." Kathleen Ford, a former Las Vegas blackjack dealer, acts as a tour guide for a group attending the International UFO Congress. The journey includes a visit to the vicinity of Area 51, a secret military installation shrouded in mystery. The article describes the desolate landscape and the allure it holds for UFO hunters. Chuck Clark, an amateur astronomer, shares his experiences of observing the perimeter of Area 51 and his sightings. The piece also touches upon the secrecy surrounding Area 51 and the possibility of interdimensional beings rather than extraterrestrials. The group's visit to the highway ends with a cautious approach to the restricted area signs, followed by a swift retreat as security vehicles appear.

Strange Lights Seen Over Pacific Grove

This brief report from Salinas, California, details Pacific Grove police investigating reports of bright lights resembling UFOs. A caller described three objects—one white, one red, and one green—fairly high in the sky. Responding officers also reported seeing something headed north before it disappeared. The police received only one call and did not intend to investigate further.

Illinoisans Keep Eye to the Sky for Visitors From Space

This Associated Press article from Bloomington, Illinois, discusses the ongoing interest in UFOs in the state. Paul Russell of Pekin, head of the Central Illinois chapter of MUFON, describes his group's investigations and his belief that "outside beings are smarter than us" and that civilization will collapse. Forrest Crawford of Collinsville, MUFON's state office chief, discusses efforts to predict UFO visits. Gary Hart of rural Bloomington has invested significantly in equipment for investigating sightings. George Eberhard of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies suggests that 95 percent of UFO reports are explainable, noting a decline in sightings since the 1970s. Carl Wenning of the Illinois State University planetarium concurs that activity has been quiet. The article mentions the concept of "angel hair" and the possibility of interdimensional beings. It also notes that some believe spacecraft from other planets will only be accepted when physical specimens can be studied.

UFO Investigator: 'No Proof'

Jim Tunstall's article from Tampa, Florida, profiles Joe Jordan, a field investigator for MUFON who has never seen a UFO but maintains an open mind. Jordan investigates reported sightings, emphasizing the need for skepticism to remain objective. The article mentions John Frick, a self-proclaimed abductee, and Don Zanghi, a DeLand researcher and abductee counselor who uses hypnosis and runs a support group. It also references John Mack's work and the controversy surrounding his beliefs at Harvard. Jena Bartlett, organizer of the UFO Forum of Florida, expresses her conviction about life beyond Earth. Jordan acts as a "referee," offering earthly explanations for some sightings, while acknowledging that some government explanations can inadvertently strengthen believers' convictions.

Apparent UFO Reportedly Seen Near Midway

This report from Roswell, New Mexico, details a sighting by Nova BUS employees of a bright blue light on January 31st. Witnesses described it as an unidentifiable object moving rapidly and silently. However, some witnesses later recanted, suggesting it was an optical illusion caused by an agricultural irrigation system with a blue strobe light. Larry Vandenbout and Edubina Rubio confirmed the irrigation system explanation. Fred Schrimser, the farmer, admitted to placing a model alien on the system as a joke. Despite these explanations, some witnesses, like Kay Lykins, maintain they saw something other than an irrigation system, citing differences in the object's movement and appearance.

Bright Light in Sky Startles Eastsiders

This article from Bellevue, Washington, reports on a "stunning" UFO sighting near Redmond and Bothell. Eyewitnesses described a giant blue-white ball, half the size of a full moon, streaking across the sky. Peter B. Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center noted that February was rife with UFO sightings. Professor Woodruff Sullivan of the University of Washington suggested it was likely a bright fireball (meteor) that burns spectacularly upon entering the atmosphere.

One for the 'X-Files': Strange Lights Seen From Albany

This report from Albany, Oregon, features John and Marjorie Friedrichsen's account of seeing strange lights in the night sky. They described a "contrap-tion" that was mostly white and blue with red and green ends, appearing perfectly still. They counted at least 17 lights forming a large circle. The sighting lasted for hours, and a retired Air Force friend of John's also reported seeing strange lights. The article notes that such sightings are often dismissed as weather balloons, but the duration and nature of this event made it unusual.

The UFO Year In Review

This section from Cleveland, Ohio, summarizes UFO-related events of 1995. It mentions the "long-term trend away from daylight sightings" and a provocative encounter in the Texas-New Mexico area where an Air West airliner crew saw a 300-400 foot cylindrical object confirmed by NORAD radar. Abductions reportedly decreased slightly. The General Accounting Office's report on the Roswell Incident concluded that "the debate on what crashed at Roswell continues." Crop circles were noted as being more sophisticated. The article also discusses the inconclusive findings of a conference on "Experienced Anomalous Trauma" (alien abduction) and casts doubt on the authenticity of the "Alien Autopsy: Fact or Fiction" TV special.

UFOs Have Invaded Pop Culture

This piece from Cleveland, Ohio, highlights the increasing presence of UFOs in popular culture, citing "The X-Files" as a prime example. It also mentions the TV show "Sightings," the documentary "Kidnapped by UFOs?" on "Nova," and the movie "ID4" ("Independence Day").

Astronauts' Sightings of UFOs

This section lists purported UFO sightings by NASA astronauts, including Gordon Cooper, Ed White and James McDivitt, Jim Lovell and Frank Borman, and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. It also references Maurice Chatelain's confirmation of Armstrong seeing two UFOs.

KCNR Aims to Flush Out UFOs With $10 Million

This report from Salt Lake City, Utah, details a promotional offer by radio station KCNR (AM-1320) to pay $10 million to anyone who can land a certified extraterrestrial UFO in its parking lot between March 11-15. The offer is guaranteed by SCA Promotions of Dallas. The article notes similar past promotions by the National Enquirer. It also mentions Clyde Lewis, Todd Herman, and Martin Davies, KCNR disc jockeys, preparing a landing spot. Frank Salisbury, a professor, expressed skepticism about UFOs being alien vessels but acknowledged strange sightings in the Uinta Basin. The article also references theories about secret government bases like Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Groom Lake.

Center Man Captures UFOs on Hand-Held Video Camera

This article from Center, Colorado, features James Armijo, who claims to have captured three UFOs on videotape flying over the San Juan Mountains. The silvery, disk-shaped objects were seen moving erratically. Armijo showed the tape to Christopher O'Brien, a paranormal investigator, who believes the footage is credible and similar to other reported sightings, suggesting they might be holographic projections. O'Brien mentioned a network of Valley residents who scan the skies for UFOs and other paranormal activity.

Are Aliens Real? El Capitan's Viewpoint on Flying Saucers, Aliens, and Abductions

This article from Lemon Grove, California, explores the popular theory that aliens are real, with many El Capitan students expressing belief. Mac Powers describes seeing a blue and purple light, while Elana Scott feels aliens are among us. The article touches upon the Roswell incident as a potential government cover-up and mentions Area 51 as a mysterious military base. It discusses the possibility of alien technology influencing human inventions like the Stealth Bomber and the growing number of abduction claims, ranging from drug addicts to doctors and lawyers.

Quiet Town On ET Road Using Lure Of U.F.O.'s

This New York Times article describes Rachel, Nevada, a small town that has become a tourist destination due to UFO sightings and its proximity to Area 51. The state has designated Route 375 as the "Extraterrestrial Highway." Scott Magruder, a Nevada Transportation Department spokesman, calls it a "tourist ploy." Many locals and visitors, however, take the subject seriously, with seminars and tours organized. Glenn Campbell, who moved to Rachel to direct the Area 51 Research Center, believes the highway's designation trivializes the serious issues of UFOlogy. The article notes that some visitors believe the government possesses advanced aircraft of extra-worldly origin.

Pulitzer Prize Winning Harvard Doctor to Speak at Beach UFO Conference

This article from Pensacola Beach, Florida, announces that Dr. John Mack, a Pulitzer Prize-winning psychiatrist and UFO abduction researcher, will be a featured speaker at the fourth annual Gulf Breeze UFO Conference. Dr. Mack, director of the Center for Psychology and Social Change at Harvard, has investigated UFO abduction phenomena and authored the book "Abductions: Human Encounters With Aliens." Conference co-director Vicki Lyons highlights Mack's data and his determination that science and spirituality can coexist. The article mentions his appearances on major television programs and his latest work in the field of alien abduction.

Florida Town Dubbed World's 'UFO Capital'

This article from Washington, D.C., reports on Gulf Breeze, Florida, being considered the "UFO Capital" due to repeated sightings. Walt Andrus, international director of MUFON, states that the town is unique for its consistent sightings. The article mentions hundreds of believers gathering for the fourth annual Gulf Breeze UFO Conference. Michele Dupre recounts a sighting of a bright red-amber light that appeared to travel with her car and notes increased hypersensitivity to electricity and electromagnetic fields since her UFO experience. She also recalls a childhood UFO-related event.

Latest Theory on Cause of Bent-Stalk Crop Circle Offered

This article from Arlington, Iowa, discusses W.C. Levengood's hypothesis that ion plasma vortices caused a crop circle on the Kamper farm. Levengood, who has studied crop circles globally, suggests that intense energy from these vortices weakens plant stalks. Christopher Church, an atmospheric physicist, notes that electronically charged tornadoes have shown plasma-like discharges. The Kamper farm owners and a renter agree that the formation could not have been man-made, citing the lack of tracks and evidence of human intervention.

UFO Museum to Check Out Metal

This Associated Press report from Roswell, New Mexico, details a mysterious piece of metal with intricate lines brought to the UFO Museum. Museum administrators believe it might be proof of an alien spaceship crash. The piece was reportedly from a crew member involved in the original recovery. The article mentions the ongoing speculation surrounding the 1947 Roswell crash, the Air Force's explanation of a Project Mogul balloon, and the General Accounting Office's report that documents were destroyed. The museum plans to have the material analyzed by a metallurgist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alien abductions, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. There's a strong emphasis on the community and camaraderie found among UFO enthusiasts, as well as the efforts of organizations like MUFON to investigate and document these phenomena. The role of the media, from news reports to television shows and movies, in shaping public perception of UFOs is also a prominent theme. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on the various claims and investigations, presenting both the believers' perspectives and the skeptical viewpoints, often highlighting the controversies and unanswered questions surrounding UFO phenomena. The publication seems to lean towards presenting UFOlogy as a serious subject of inquiry, even while acknowledging the skepticism and the prevalence of hoaxes and misidentifications. The articles often touch upon government secrecy and the possibility of cover-ups, reflecting a common thread in UFO literature. The overall tone is informative, aiming to document the breadth of UFO-related activity and discourse across different regions and media platforms. The inclusion of personal accounts, expert opinions, and promotional events underscores the persistent public fascination with the unknown in the skies.

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS, dated November 1, 1995, is a compilation of clippings from various UK newspapers, all courtesy of Timothy Good unless otherwise credited. The magazine focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related phenomena reported across the country during 1995, with a secondary focus on crop circles and the enduring mystery of Bigfoot.

Cover Story: John is Reaching for the Stars

The main cover story highlights John Hanson, a retired West Midlands policeman and Worcestershire agent for Quest International, an organization that monitors unexplained phenomena. Hanson is launching a series of lectures at NEW College in Redditch on UFO sightings. He plans to share information gathered from various case histories, including a sighting by Sarah Kelly near Netherton in July 1995, where a black diamond-shaped object was seen spinning in the sky. Hanson treats all reports seriously and aims to build a comprehensive record of sightings. He emphasizes the need for people to have a chance to discuss their experiences without fear of ridicule, citing a case from the 1970s where a witness still has nightmares.

Mystery Lights Over the Channel Spark Inquiry

An article from the Kentish Express details how Rolvenden author Derek Sheffield has initiated a European Parliament investigation into a UFO sighting over the Channel from five years prior. Hundreds of witnesses reported fast-moving triangular lights tracked by radar, but the Ministry of Defence denied knowledge. Sheffield's report led to a recommendation that the EC fund a permanent UFO tracking centre. The incident is compared to a sighting by Kent journalist Carol Davies, who witnessed a formation of lights near Canterbury.

Readers Back Up Our UFO Mystery

The Yorkshire Evening Press reports on numerous UFO sightings hovering above York. Readers have inundated the newspaper with calls after a report of bright 'flying saucer-shaped' objects. Witnesses describe unexplained shining lights, upturned flying saucer shapes, and flickering lights. Margaret Batty and her daughter Ruth reported seeing three flickering lights, while Caroline Greaves described three lights in the direction of Clifton.

Was UFO Sighting Just Pie in the Sky?

The Kingston Informer reports on a mystery surrounding a sighting by 74-year-old Gladys Scott, who believes she saw a UFO outside her Windsor Road home. She described a large black object with jagged edges. Her daughter, Pauline White, contacted the newspaper after being unable to find an organization to report the sighting to. A Ministry of Defence spokesman stated that no government department was set up to investigate such phenomena, as they had yet to be convinced of their existence.

Backstage: Loving the Aliens

This section reviews the theatre production 'Alien Bait' by One Yellow Rabbit, an investigation into the trauma of alien abductees. Performer Denise Clarke emphasizes that the abductees' trauma is real, citing Harvard psychiatrist John Mack. Writer-director Blake Brooker describes the show as a meditation on loneliness, exploring themes of false memory syndrome and the interpretation of UFOs.

Couple Take Video of Mysterious Lights

The South Bucks Star reports on Mel and Julia Donovan, who captured video footage of mysterious bright lights. They saw a triangle of light composed of three golden balls over Moor Common, Lane End. The video shows two lights, one of which moves and fades away. Experts are to study the pictures.

UFOs Are Seen Over Taunton

The Somerset Gazette reports on two unidentified flying objects sighted from Taunton's Priorswood housing estate. A man and his wife described oval, bulky objects with multi-coloured lights moving slowly. Investigations confirmed no authorised flights took place at the time.

Strange Lights Over Adlington

The Chorley Guardian details a history of strange lights and potential UFO sightings in the Adlington area, including a golden ball seen in 1984 and a silver-coloured saucer-like object. The article also mentions mysterious twin crop circles appearing in a Walton-le-Dale garden.

Big UFO Came Close to Me

The Northern Territory News reports on a man from Ruby Downs Station who claims to have seen and photographed a 30m long, cylindrical UFO. He described it as greyish and hovering silently. He took a couple of photos with a throwaway camera.

Expert Probe into UFO Sightings

The Kidderminster Shuttle reports on UFO experts investigating claims of sightings in Kidderminster. A family on the Spennells estate and a man from Offmore Farm reported seeing brightly-coloured oval shapes. Gloria Dixon of BUFORA is investigating, noting that while many sightings are misinterpretations, some are unusual.

Hollywood Vigil for Unidentified Visitors

Darren Langley, a member of the British UFO Research Association, discusses his fascination with UFOs and the Roswell Incident. He keeps an open mind about their origin, considering theories of alien technology or natural phenomena. He also touches on the controversial film purporting to show an alien autopsy.

Gran's Secret

The Herald & Post reports on Evelyn Field, who kept a secret for 30 years about seeing a UFO over Luton in 1962. She was encouraged to speak out after a Ministry of Defence admission about the sighting. She described a circular object hovering and then shooting off quickly.

Theory on Sighting is Dismissed

The Eastern Evening News reports that the Royal British Legion has dismissed the theory that a projected laser poppy could have caused a UFO sighting over Norwich. More people have reported strange goings-on in the skies above Norfolk.

UFO Sightings Over the Years

This section provides a visual timeline of UFO sightings with brief descriptions and illustrations from 1953 to 1995, including a red glow from a hollow, an orange light from a window, tripod legs, and blue and white lights.

Unexpected Friends On High

This article from the Eastern Evening News delves into historical UFO reports from East Anglia. It details sightings from October 1953 (a strange lighted object), November 1969 (a bright green object changing to violet), May 1977 (a silent UFO described as a flying saucer), and December 1980 (a tale from Rendlesham Forest involving servicemen and an alien space craft). A more recent sighting from November 1995 involves a biscuit-shaped object filmed by Glen Webster.

Fantastic Lights Prove Frightening Sight for Driver

Following a previous report, the Eastern Evening News details further sightings. Motorist Nick Colman was tracked by a mysterious light near Aylsham. Another motorist saw a spinning disc over Freethorpe. Glenn Webster's film of a biscuit-shaped object has been sent to UFO experts. James Mason reported seeing a blue light that turned into a spinning, Catherine Wheel-like object.

Was Clear UFO?

The Loughborough Echo reports on security guard Geoff Pollard's sighting of a strange blue ball moving at high speed over the area. Air Traffic Control had no record of anything unusual. The article also mentions the formation of the Charnwood UFO Research Group.

Did You See UFO on Moor?

The Chorley Guardian asks readers if they witnessed anything unusual over Anglezarke on July 13, 1995. Philip Topping reported seeing a disc-shaped object hovering and then shooting into a cloud. He also recalled seeing a glowing orange sphere over Winter Hill in the late 70s.

Your UFO Views

This section from the Diss Express reports on reader responses to an investigation into UFO sightings in the Diss area. Several callers reported seeing strange red lights in the sky on Wednesday, November 15. Shoppers in Diss were also asked for their opinions on the possibility of UFOs.

Luton UFO Inquiry

The Herald & Post reports on the official confirmation by the Ministry of Defence of a UFO sighting over Luton in 1962. The object was described as hovercraft-shaped and slowed down a motorist. The British UFO Research Association chairman, John Spencer, finds this exciting and notes similarities to other cases.

Spotlight Shone in the Sky

The Guardian X-Files section features a Chorley couple's sighting of a ball of light suspended below a cloud, which vanished as a jet plane approached. They describe it as enormous and silent. The section invites readers to share their experiences.

Teenage Girl Spots UFO

The West Somerset Free Press reports on a teenage girl's sighting of a grey, spinning top-type craft with a low humming noise. This type of craft had not been reported for several years. The article also references a previous sighting of a brilliantly-lit craft over Crowcombe.

On the Trail of the Ape Man

This article from the Sunday Herald Sun discusses the legend of the hairy Wildman of Laos, believed by villagers to have killed locals. Dr Helmut Loofs-Wissowa, an Australian scientist, is producing a documentary on the subject. The article also touches on Bigfoot sightings in North America and other parts of the world, including reports from Australia (Yowie) and Nepal (Yeti).

Vance Orchard: Touchet Valley Ramblings

This piece discusses recent Bigfoot activity, including Dr. Jeff Meldrum's investigation into numerous tracks found in the Blue Mountains foothills. Meldrum brought color photos of a Bigfoot emerging from brush, which he believes may be more important than the 1967 Patterson film. The article also mentions other Bigfoot track sightings and the ongoing debate about the creature's existence.

A Bonney Lake Man is Ready to Lift His Message to the Skies

The News Tribune reports on Ron Stewart, who has spent three years and $2,500 building a machine called PETSETI (Photo-Electric Transmitter in Search of Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) to communicate with aliens. He plans a public demonstration and aims to send a message of welcome, believing aliens do not have hate or fear but possess love and compassion. He also claims to have been abducted by aliens as a child.

Bigfoot May Well Be a Figment of the Mind, but Don't Tell That to Its Worldwide Devotees

This Los Angeles Times article highlights the continued interest in Bigfoot, with books, research projects, hotlines, and societies dedicated to the phenomenon. It notes that while some dismiss Bigfoot as a myth, believers are firm in their convictions, and the phenomenon exists in various forms across the globe.

Green Cheese and Baloney

This Washington Post article critiques a press conference by Richard Hoagland, who claimed to have found "ancient artificial structures on moon" and "suppressed evidence" including photos of "lunar ruins." The article labels Hoagland a "kook" and pseudo-scientist, with NASA scientists refuting his claims and stating that the photos show processing defects or are in the public domain.

Northwest Bigfoot listed as protected inventory species

The Whitman County Gazette reports on the inclusion of Bigfoot on a list of protected inventory species in Washington State, based on reports from park members.

Spy program shifts: it's easy: think of a mind like a piece of paper

This article from the Post-Intelligencer discusses the ease with which information can be manipulated, comparing the mind to a piece of paper that can be easily written on or erased. It touches on how people can be influenced by what they read or hear, particularly in the context of UFOs and other unexplained phenomena.

Tapping our psychic powers

This article from the Post-Intelligencer features Keith Hary, a psychotherapist and UFO investigator. He discusses how people can tap into their psychic powers and how this relates to UFO sightings. He believes that many UFO sightings are misinterpretations, but acknowledges that some phenomena remain unexplained.

Ilkley is the place for extra-terrestrials!

This article from the Ilkley is the place for extra-terrestrials! booklet compiled by Nigel Mortimer discusses alleged UFO sightings and extra-terrestrial activity on Ilkley Moor. Mortimer theorizes connections between UFOs, the British military, and the Menwith Hill listening station. The article notes that while the accounts are interesting, they lack irrefutable evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the ongoing public and governmental interest (or lack thereof) in these events. There's a clear effort to present a wide range of reports from different regions and perspectives. The editorial stance, as inferred from the selection of articles and the inclusion of expert opinions (both pro and skeptical), is one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the possibility of the unexplained while also grounding reports in rational explanations where possible. The magazine seems to encourage public participation in reporting sightings and contributing to the collective understanding of these phenomena. The inclusion of crop circles and Bigfoot adds to the broader theme of unexplained mysteries.