UFO Newsclipping Service - 1996 05 - no 322

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated May 1996, Number 322, is published by Lucius Farish and features a cover headline proclaiming 'True stories or flights of fancy? Alien abductees have no doubts.' The publication focuses on firsthand accounts of alleged alien encounters and UFO sightings, exploring the experiences of individuals who claim to have been abducted or witnessed unexplained phenomena.

Alien Abductions: No Doubts

An article by John Voskuhl highlights a discussion group where several attendees raised their hands when asked if they had been abducted by aliens. Among them was Steve Steinmetz, who described encountering a hovering, stoplight-like object in Ohio. Li Ting Wei, a Taco Bell manager, recounted a 'lost-time episode' where he had no recollection of his whereabouts for a period, speculating it might have been an alien encounter. Another woman, who wished to remain anonymous, described being abducted by beings in a craft resembling a stealth bomber, who inserted a jeweler's tool into her nose. Many attendees declined to give their names to reporters, citing concerns about government agencies suppressing information or attracting negative energy. Discussion leader Rahma Ben Argos classified alien visitors into four types: 'Grays,' 'Greens,' 'Blues,' and 'Beings of Light,' while acknowledging that their intentions, whether benevolent or hostile, remain unknown.

UFOs Wagging Tongues in Pennsylvania

Jill Ercolino reports on a mysterious flying object seen hovering over Path Valley and Amberson Valley in Pennsylvania for several nights, flashing blue, pink, and white lights. While some suggested it was an alien spaceship, others were skeptical, with one motel employee calling it a 'hoax' that had everyone 'in an uproar.' The sightings were first reported on a local radio show, leading to numerous listener calls. Rick Alexander, a radio host, investigated the sightings himself, joining a crowd of UFO watchers. He described the object as spherical with spider-like legs and noted it stayed visible for about two hours. Despite the widespread sightings, some locals, like a member of the Fannett-Metal Fire Co., remained indifferent until the objects landed in their backyard.

UFO Report Has Its Spin in Spokane

Ward Sanderson details a series of unusual sightings in Spokane Valley, Washington, where residents reported a hovering object described as a 'ball of rainbow, just spinning out everywhere.' Tessa Whipkey, 13, claimed the object raced toward her, stopping 30 feet above her. Julie and Randy Stone described a glowing globe with rainbow-colored lights at the bottom, which they distinguished from Comet Hyakutake. Lea Rosales, Tessa's grandmother, also witnessed the phenomenon. Norman MacDonald and Douglas Klaue from Felts Field suggested it might have been a helicopter or a secret government project. Jerry Rolwes, assistant Washington state director of MUFON, expressed interest in a videotape made by Karen Hazlett, who reported the object getting bigger as if approaching her before retreating.

Close Encounters: UFO Enthusiasts Search for Answers

Margaret Moffett Banks writes about UFO enthusiasts in Rockingham County, North Carolina, who are searching for answers to unexplainable phenomena. While a reported UFO landing site turned out to be caused by lightning, about 5 to 10 percent of reported incidents remain unexplained. John Crutchfield, a local UFO expert and dean of RCC's math and science department, believes 'They do exist. They're real.' He recounted a personal sighting in 1954 of a hovering, cigar-shaped craft. The article mentions Harvard psychologist John Mack, M.D., who became a believer in abductions after initially being skeptical. Crutchfield maintains a low profile due to societal skepticism but participates in MUFON conferences. Floyd Rich, president of the Rockingham County Naturalist Club, supports the open-minded investigation of UFO phenomena. The article also touches on the scientific approach of MUFON members and the challenges they face in gaining respectability. A recent investigation of a Stoneville anomaly, initially thought to be a UFO landing, was ultimately attributed to forked lightning.

UFO Topics at a Convention

An upcoming MUFON UFO Symposium in Greensboro, North Carolina, is set to feature prominent figures in UFO research, including Whitley Strieber and John Mack. The convention will cover various UFO-related topics, from abductions to alien bases and government cover-ups. Vendors will also be present, selling UFO-related items.

Famous People Claim UFO Sightings

A list of famous individuals who claim to have seen UFOs is provided, including Muhammad Ali, Jimmy Carter, William Shatner, Sir Eric Gairy, Jackie Gleason, Dick Gregory, Clyde W. Tombaugh, Glenn Ford, and Mel Torme.

Strange Aircraft Identified as Topic of Long-Kept Secret

Charles J. Adams III reports on a military veteran and skeptic who claims to have witnessed a hovering alien spacecraft along Old Route 22 in Pennsylvania 10 years prior. The man described a silvery, cigar-shaped craft with short wings that hovered silently before shooting out of sight at high speed. He kept the experience private for a decade, fearing ridicule. The article also mentions Charles J. Adams III's work as a correspondent and author of books on regional folklore.

Unexplained Sightings Continue in the San Luis Valley

Christopher O'Brien details a resumption of anomalous activity in the Greater San Luis Valley, Colorado, with reports of discs, flying barges, fireballs, and red lights. James Armijo videotaped a silvery object hovering low over Green Mountain, which he believes is part of ongoing activity in the area. The article notes the increasing availability of quality footage due to camcorders and mentions the upcoming UFO Encounter Festival in Roswell, New Mexico.

Rockefeller Greets Aliens!

An article by Alex Kuczynski reveals that Laurance Rockefeller, at 85, has funded a 169-page report titled 'Unidentified Flying Objects Briefing Document: The Best Available Evidence,' co-authored by Marie 'Bootsie' Galbraith and Don Berliner. Rockefeller funded the report at a cost of around $30,000 but did not endorse its findings, stating his interest in government disclosure of UFO activities. Mrs. Galbraith views her role as promoting 'frontier science.' The report includes case histories of UFO sightings and quotes from public figures like Harry S. Truman and Ronald Reagan. Rockefeller has also funded other eclectic ventures, including the work of Harvard psychiatrist John E. Mack and meetings of the 'Starlight Coalition,' composed of former intelligence officers.

UFO Conference Back on Beach-Great Success

Carole Baker reports on the Fourth Annual Gulf Breeze UFO Conference held in Pensacola Beach, Florida. The conference featured numerous speakers, including Stanton Friedman, Whitley Strieber, Dr. John Mack, and Dr. Edith Fiore. A highlight was a panel discussion involving these speakers. The article notes the positive feedback from attendees and mentions upcoming Project Awareness events in Tampa and the next Gulf Breeze UFO Conference in March 1997.

This Week in UFO History

A compilation of UFO sightings from around the world includes reports from Sheboygan, Wisconsin (March 24, 1966), Warsaw, Poland (March 25, 1959), and Bury St. Edmunds, England (March 28, 1992). These reports describe various aerial objects and phenomena.

UFO Eyewitness at Local Book Store

Tim Edwards, who gained notoriety for videotaping a large UFO in August 1995, will be showing his footage at EON's Books, Ltd. The object was estimated to be a mile in length and at an altitude of over 60,000 feet, classified by the NSA as an 'alien visitation craft.'

Spaced Out in New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico, is preparing to host its second annual UFO Encounter Festival, featuring guided field trips to the 1947 crash site, lectures by UFO researchers, and visits to local UFO museums.

UFOs Seen in Midwest 100 Years Ago

Steven A. Arts details strange airship sightings that occurred in Canada and the United States between the summer of 1896 and the spring of 1897, predating the Wright brothers' first flight. These sightings, recorded in newspapers of the time, describe various aerial objects and phenomena, with theories ranging from experimental airships to extraterrestrial craft.

Out of this World: Discussions about Cattle Mutilations, Alien Autopsies Give Conference a Twist

Ron Wolfe covers the Ozark UFO Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, which attracts hundreds of attendees who share experiences without feeling alienated. The conference features speakers on topics like reptilian creatures, animal mutilations, and UFO sightings. Bob Shell will present his findings on the 'Alien Autopsy' film. The article notes that belief in the 'Roswell Incident' is a primary reason for such conferences. It also provides a guide to other attractions in Eureka Springs for conference-goers.

Unnatural Happenings in the Natural State

This section lists several UFO reports from Arkansas, including sightings of strange lights, hovering objects, and alleged alien activity related to cattle mutilations. It also notes the most common official explanations for such sightings: meteors, weather balloons, and the planet Venus.

Close Encounters in Roswell, N.M.

This piece discusses the persistent belief in the Roswell spaceship crash of 1947, despite the Air Force's explanation of a secret spy balloon. It highlights the UFO Enigma Museum and the International UFO Museum and Research Center, as well as Roswell's annual UFO festival.

'Interesting things are happening' and Lakeview UFO Researcher Ponders the Possibilities

David Coehrs profiles John Timmerman, a retired Lima businessman and UFO investigator from Lakeview, Ohio. Timmerman, who has fielded thousands of UFO reports, maintains objectivity and believes 'something very interesting must have occurred' in a local incident involving a glowing object with occupants. He emphasizes the need for credible evidence and acknowledges the psychological factors that can influence witness accounts. Timmerman considers the Roswell incident to be a real case of a crashed, unidentifiable object. He also discusses government awareness and efforts to hide UFO information due to fear of public reaction.

'It Had Portholes and a Shimmering Glow'

Brian Crissey, a computer science professor and UFO investigator, shares his experiences and theories about the paranormal. He recounts a sighting of a 'city bus' sized object with portholes and a shimmering glow. Crissey believes that a 'classic paradigm shift' is needed to understand and cope with the possibility of extraterrestrials, suggesting that religions, laws of physics, and concepts of time and distance may need to be re-evaluated. He notes the scarcity of hard physical evidence despite numerous stories.

Aliens to Angels, she helps us remember

Tom Forstrom writes about psychic Nadira Duran, who helps clients remember alien abductions and communicate with angels. Duran shares stories of clients who claim to have been abducted, examined, and abused by alien beings. She also explains how she channels messages from guardian angels, which she believes are sometimes mistaken for aliens due to their use of light and energy. Duran emphasizes that regression therapy can help individuals process these experiences and move forward, but warns that abductees may experience further encounters.

Prove Your Abduction, he'll give you $10,000

Tom Forstrom profiles Philip J. Klass, a UFO skeptic and debunker who offers $10,000 to anyone who can provide credible evidence of alien visitation that cannot be explained by conventional means. Klass, a former editor for 'Aviation Week & Space Technology,' has investigated UFO phenomena for decades and publishes a newsletter called 'Skeptics UFO Newsletter.' He criticizes the 'abduction cult' fueled by authors like Budd Hopkins and Whitley Strieber, arguing that such claims, if not true, can cause psychological harm. He also addresses cow mutilations, suggesting they have natural explanations, and expresses skepticism about repressed memories revealed through hypnosis.

Oregon Files: Stories and photos by Tom Forstrom

Tom Forstrom presents stories from Oregon residents who claim to have seen UFOs and communicated with aliens. Joy S. Gilbert recounts her experiences of abduction and transformation, detailed in her book 'It's Time to Remember.' The article notes the similarity of UFO experiences across different cultures and languages, and the common belief in government cover-ups. It also mentions the 'Roswell Incident' and evidence of extraterrestrial activity on the moon. The article concludes by encouraging readers to decide for themselves about the veracity of these claims.

The Strange Tale of Joy S. Gilbert

This section details Joy S. Gilbert's account of her alleged abduction experiences, starting with a childhood encounter with a blue-white light and a figure. She describes a more significant event in Seattle in 1969, where she felt a presence and her body became paralyzed. Later, in Sisters, Oregon, she claims to have been taken aboard a spacecraft, examined, and told that her 'light' was activated. Gilbert believes she is 'one of them' and that aliens are part of humanity. She emphasizes the message of 'awareness of joy' left by the beings and suggests that a 'paradigm shift' is necessary for humanity to understand these phenomena.

UFO research resources

This section provides a list of organizations, phone numbers, internet sites, and reading materials related to UFO research, including contact information for MUFON, MUFON lectures, publishers of UFO books, and publications like 'The Skeptical Inquirer.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue revolve around the persistent belief in UFOs and alien visitation, despite a lack of definitive proof. There is a strong emphasis on personal testimony and anecdotal evidence, with many individuals sharing their experiences of sightings and abductions. The issue also highlights the challenges faced by UFO researchers in gaining credibility and acceptance, often battling societal skepticism and the perceived government cover-up of information. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles, appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various accounts and theories while acknowledging the need for evidence. There's a clear division between those who firmly believe in extraterrestrial contact and skeptics who seek rational explanations for reported phenomena.

This issue of Foreign News, dated January 11, 1996, compiled by DORKING ADVERTISER, presents a collection of articles detailing UFO sightings and related phenomena from various locations, including England, Brazil, Israel, and Canada. The cover headline, "Seeing is Believing at airport," is accompanied by an illustration of aliens and a UFO, setting the tone for the issue's focus on unexplained aerial phenomena.

Key Articles and Reports

Gatwick Airport Sightings and Alien Intentions:

Mike Hawkins reports on the surge of UFO sightings around Gatwick Airport, with UFO expert Larry Dean of the Skysearch agency suggesting that extraterrestrials might be studying human air travel and the planet's environmental issues. Dean believes these encounters are part of an 'awareness' campaign by aliens who intend to teach humanity how to stop wars and pollution, rather than harm them. He predicts more close encounters in the coming years and suggests aliens are interested in human health and planetary well-being. Skysearch is actively seeking investigators and has a 24-hour hotline for reporting sightings.

Brazil's 'UFO Airport' Initiative:

Roger Todd reports on an extraordinary initiative in Barra do Garcas, Brazil, within the Pantanal nature reserve, to establish the world's first "UFO airport." Local councillor Valdon Vargao is spearheading the project, designating 12 acres for this purpose, despite potential ridicule. The Pantanal is already known as a global UFO hotspot. Vargao aims to maintain a cordial relationship with extraterrestrials, and the site is being prepared to ensure UFOs do not get stuck in the mud. Brazil's foremost UFO expert, A.J. Gevaerd, supports the initiative, noting the high interest in UFOs in Brazil.

Colchester District UFO Sightings:

The Essex County Standard reports on UFO investigator Sheridan Lane following up on numerous sightings of "brightly-lit craft" in the Colchester district. Eleven calls were received, with witnesses describing diamond-shaped objects, silver cigar-shaped craft, and large, silent, glowing objects. One report involved an ex-RAF officer who, along with his wife, observed a diamond-shaped object unlike any known military aircraft.

Canadian UFO Sightings and Abductions:

Chris Vernon's article in THIS WEEK, Lindsay, Ontario, discusses the growing scientific interest in UFO sightings and alien abductions. Daniel Scarborough reported seeing five odd lights hovering over a forest near Peterborough. Another witness, Shane, described a saucer-shaped object near Bobcaygeon, followed by military helicopters. Captain Lynne Chaloux of Canadian Forces Base Trenton stated that air force helicopters conduct search and rescue flights but do not chase UFOs unless requested by the federal government. The article also mentions a woman who saw a strange oval object with flames near Highway 7A and 35. Ed Barker of MUFON discusses the Steven Michalak case from 1967, where Michalak sustained burns from a landed craft. Barker is researching alien abductions using hypnotic regression and believes people report consistent procedures and creatures across different sightings.

Coatbridge, Scotland: A Mysterious Object:

The AIRDRIE ADVERTISER reports on a mysterious glittering, oval-shaped object seen hovering over Coatbridge. A local resident described it as sparkly, dazzling, and egg-shaped, remaining stationary for about an hour. Ron Halliday of the Scottish Earth Mysteries Research Association noted this as the first report from Coatbridge they have received.

Israel: A UFO Hotspot:

Daniel Brynberg's report in the PLAIN DEALER highlights Israel as an international UFO hot spot. Encounters range from sightings of UFOs and "crop circles" to alleged communications and abductions. Barry Chamish, a ufologist, states Israel has unparalleled evidence. The article details several significant incidents, including a "mud-colored monster" encounter by Herzl Ksantini, five women claiming encounters with 2.5-meter tall aliens in Kadimah, and a spectacular explosion over Haifa's Shikmonah beach in 1976 that left a "spaceship"-shaped scorched area. Sociologist Nachman Ben-Yehuda suggests sightings may be linked to diminishing security tensions, leading to greater self-awareness. Ufologists are exploring biblical texts to explain the prevalence of sightings in the Holy Land.

West Midlands Paranormal Investigation Society:

The TIMES reports on Chris Harris of Kingshurst establishing the "Beams Birmingham" UFO and Paranormal Investigation Society to investigate unexplained events in the West Midlands. Leda Reynolds of the British Earth and Aerial Mystery Society notes that many people dismiss strange encounters due to fear of not being taken seriously. The society believes there is a conspiracy to keep sightings secret and mentions cases of cattle mutilation with missing organs and no blood.

Sussex Sky Sightings:

The WEST SUSSEX GAZETTE details a "massive spate" of UFO sightings in Sussex, investigated by Skysearch. Larry Dean reports sightings of spinning saucers, cigar-shaped objects, and bright lights. Dean himself reported seeing a wedge-shaped disc in Chanctonbury Ring. The group is collecting reports from witnesses.

Newcastle UFO Convention:

The EVENING CHRONICLE announces a convention in Newcastle featuring new footage of the Roswell film, presented by author Philip Mantle. The event will also cover local UFO encounters and abduction phenomena.

York Artist's UFO Painting:

The YORKSHIRE EVENING PRESS features Royce Harmer, a York artist who painted an "elliptical object, dull orange in colour which was pulsating" seen on the night of the Minster fire in 1984. He had previously been hesitant to come forward due to fear of being labeled a "crank."

Eltham UFO Investigation Group Launched:

The ELTHAM TIMES reports on the formation of ESPRIT (Eltham Supernatural Phenomena Research and Investigation Team) to investigate UFO sightings and other unexplained phenomena in southeast London. They have investigated 13 reports, including a disc-shaped object over Eltham Hill School and a brilliant white light speeding over Oxleas Meadow.

The "Artifact" on the Moon:

The MORNING NEWS (Dallas) and DAILY NEWS (Anchorage) cover claims by "The Enterprise Mission," led by Richard Hoagland, that NASA has hidden evidence of ancient lunar civilizations. They present photographs allegedly showing a "geometric object" and "ruins" on the moon. Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean dismisses these claims, stating that the images are likely dust or scratches and that NASA wishes they had found such evidence.

Cattle Mutilations in Klamath Ranch:

The MIRROR reports on a series of cattle mutilations in northern California and southern Oregon. Ranchers Tim and Lisa Howard found a pregnant heifer mutilated with precise cuts, drained of blood, and with no signs of struggle or predator tracks. Investigator Ron Myers of MUFON collected samples. Linda Howe, an expert on cattle mutilations, suggests these are not predator kills and may be linked to UFOs. Similar incidents have occurred for over 20 years, causing significant economic impact.

Professor Debunks Chupacabra Myth:

The N.W. FLORIDA DAILY NEWS reports that University of Miami professor Alan Herron debunked the chupacabra myth, concluding that neck bruises on a dead goat were likely caused by a pack of dogs, not a mythical creature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across diverse geographical locations, the persistent belief in extraterrestrial visitation, and the ongoing efforts by amateur and professional investigators to document and understand these phenomena. There is a clear editorial stance that UFOs and related events are worthy of serious investigation, even when mainstream science or authorities are skeptical. The articles highlight eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and the challenges faced by researchers in gaining wider acceptance and uncovering potential government cover-ups. The issue also touches upon the psychological aspects of belief and perception in the context of unexplained phenomena.