UFO Newsclipping Service - 1996 07 - no 324

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated July 1996, Number 324, focuses on various aspects of UFO phenomena, including sightings, alleged abductions, and related research. The publication features articles from different newspapers across the United States, compiled by editor/publisher Lucius Farish.

Featured Articles and Reports

Space Aliens Visit to Mutilate Animals, Researcher Says

The lead article profiles Linda Moulton Howe, an author and filmmaker who has dedicated years to studying evidence of space aliens, particularly their alleged involvement in animal mutilations. Howe, a graduate of Stanford University, views this as "the biggest story of this century and all centuries." She avoids the term "UFO," finding it too loaded with ridicule. Howe believes the frequency and similarity of animal mutilations, which she states cannot be accomplished by even the most advanced medical instruments, are undeniable proof of alien presence. She published her book, "Glimpses of Other Realities," herself due to publishers' reluctance to use graphic photographs of mutilated animals. The article also touches on the "Dreamland" theory, referring to a secret Nevada military base where government investigates spacecraft wreckage and alien bodies. Howe's specialty is animal mutilations, a field described by Walter Andrus of the Mutual UFO Network as "quite a gory job for a young lady."

Alien Abductions on the Rise in Central Illinois

This report from The Pantagraph (Nov. 19, 1995) explores the growing number of alleged alien abduction stories in Central Illinois. The article notes that many such stories are often dismissed as dreams, but highlights individuals who claim to have experienced them. Pseudonyms are used for many abductees. Mrs. Green recounts visits since the 1930s, while Mr. Blue claims to be abducted quarterly and has seen a ship's control room. His son has also been abducted and assisted aliens in implanting a human. Mrs. White describes being visited by "little greys," and a 12-year-old, Miss Red, has drawn pictures of aliens and their ship. Paul Russell, head of a UFO study group, questions the motives of children who might fabricate such stories. The article also mentions theories about aliens being time travelers or seeking to spread an ecological message. Connie Cook Smith likens believers to "16th century explorers" and connects the Mayan calendar's end date to a potential shift in reality. Mrs. Green dismisses these theories, suggesting aliens are time travelers reproducing.

UFOs Familiar Sight in Illinois Night Sky

This section provides a chronological list of UFO sightings in Central Illinois dating back to April 1897. Reports include unidentified flying objects seen during day and night, close encounters, flashing lights, and sightings of "phantom lights" and "lemon-shaped objects." Notable incidents include a report of a cigar-shaped ship in Normal in 1977 and a sighting of two orange lights overtaking an aircraft in Danvers in 1976. The list also includes reports of humanoid alien-types and multiple UFOs causing deputies to rub their eyes in disbelief.

Man Presents Video Footage of Alleged UFO

An article from the Roswell Daily Record (May 21, 1996) details Jason Leigh's presentation of videotape footage of an alleged UFO. Leigh, a retired ABC writer and director, captured the footage on June 11, 1995, while filming severe weather in Cleburne, Texas. He claims the object was shiny, round, and moved in an unusual fluid motion. Leigh conducted extensive research, including checking flight records and consulting with the National Balloon Base, to rule out conventional explanations. He also has footage of a jellyfish-like object from June 1, 1995. UFO Enigma Museum Director John Price commented on the quality of the footage and the structural references that help authenticate it.

Looking for Proof: UFO Field Investigator Searches for the Truth

This Sun Herald article (March 21, 1996) profiles J.R. Gillis, a field investigator for MUFON in Gulfport, Mississippi. Gillis investigates local claims of UFO sightings and abductions, aiming to detect hoaxes or provide realistic explanations. He notes that 50 percent of Americans believe in the possibility of life on other planets. Gillis became interested in UFOs after a teacher shared a story about spotting a formation of UFOs. He has been a field investigator since 1971 and finds his work rewarding, both in proving UFO existence and disproving hoaxes. His office contains renderings of aliens and reference materials. Gillis's wife believes in alien creatures, while his son is skeptical but open-minded. He states that most reports (90 percent) are explainable as stars, planets, or aircraft, but acknowledges "unknown" and "abduction" cases. He recounts a convincing abduction case involving an 8-year-old boy. Gillis theorizes that UFOs may come from other dimensions and that governments likely know more than they reveal, possibly preparing for a future disclosure.

To Many North Dakotans, the Answer is No

This Tribune article (July 8, 1996) features Dr. John Hunter Gray, a retired professor and expert on extraterrestrial contact. Gray, who taught a "UFOs, ETs and Close Encounters" course, believes aliens are real and have visited Earth, attributing this to a personal encounter in 1988. He suggests that aliens have been observing Earth since World War II, preparing humanity for their presence. Gray notes that while many people are open to the idea of ETs, "narrow-minded secular humanists" and "scientific fundamentalists" are skeptical. He discusses the Roswell incident and the government's alleged cover-up. Gray believes aliens are not angels or devils but "people much like ourselves" who are cautiously observing. He suggests that humanity's "trashy neighbor" behavior might be why aliens haven't made open contact, implying a future interaction when humanity is more prepared for space exploration. The article also mentions that UFO reports are common in North Dakota, often involving landings and strange circles on the ground.

Unexplained Circle Found in Wheat Field

This Dispatch article (July 10, 1996) reports on a 93-foot unexplained circle found in a wheat field in Paulding County, Ohio. The wheat was bent in a counterclockwise fashion, leading to speculation of extraterrestrial origin. The circle was first spotted by Mike and Sandy Dobbelaere, who contacted John P. Timmerman of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies. Timmerman believes the indentation was made by an object from the air, as there is no path through the field. He notes that the undisturbed wheat stalks and the counterclockwise weaving suggest it was not made by a helicopter or vandalism. Similar phenomena have been observed in other countries. The article also mentions a sighting of a cone and triangular-shaped object with red and blue lights by Dawn Sprunger in nearby Berne, Indiana, which she believes might be connected to the crop circle.

Greensboro Symposium Draws UFO Believers

The Observer article (July 6, 1996) covers the 27th annual International UFO Symposium in Greensboro, North Carolina. The event draws hundreds of "believers" who share personal experiences and scientific data to support the existence of extraterrestrial life. Vincent DiPietro, an engineer at Goddard Space Flight Center, will lecture on the "Face on Mars," stating "There are other forms of life out there." The symposium, sponsored by MUFON, includes discussions on "medical and surgical aspects of UFO abductions" and the impact of the movie "Independence Day" on public interest.

UFO Sightings: Colorful UFO Darts Over Gulf Waters

This Islander article (June 19, 1996) details a sighting at Perdido Key, Florida, where a woman and her parents observed a multicoloured UFO over the Gulf of Mexico. The object exhibited rapid, darting movements and unusual lights. The sighting was documented by Art Hufford. The article also mentions the role of MUFON, the largest UFO research organization, in collecting and sharing information on sightings and experiences.

Abductees Aren't as Alone as They Think

This Deseret News article (June 30, 1996) focuses on the experiences of alleged alien abductees, particularly Dana Redfield, who claims to have had subconscious contact with extraterrestrials since childhood. Redfield describes physical scars and a small object implanted under her skin. The article highlights the criticism faced by researchers like John E. Mack and Leo Sprinkle, and the skepticism surrounding hypnotic regression. It mentions the Mutual UFO Network's focus on scientific exploration, leaving a void for abductees seeking support. Joanne Farley, a MUFON member, volunteers to help abductees, emphasizing the need for a "close family" among those who have shared these experiences. The article also recounts Mary's account of an encounter with "greys" involving a bright light and a medical procedure, and discusses theories about a possible genetic experiment by aliens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent presence and investigation of UFOs and alleged alien encounters. There is a strong emphasis on the credibility of witnesses, the scientific investigation of phenomena, and the belief that governments may be withholding information. The articles collectively suggest a growing public acceptance and interest in UFOs, partly fueled by popular culture. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation. The compilation of reports from different regions of the US underscores the widespread nature of these phenomena.

This issue of the "Chronicle & X-Files" magazine, dated January 17, 1996, delves into the persistent mystery of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and other paranormal phenomena. The cover story, "The truth is out there," is accompanied by a photograph of a man with a dog, setting a tone of investigation and intrigue. The magazine features interviews with local residents and experts, exploring historical sightings and the ongoing debate surrounding the existence of extraterrestrial life and potential government cover-ups.

Local Sightings and Witness Accounts

The issue highlights numerous UFO sightings reported in and around Northamptonshire. Bryan Burchell recounts seeing a deep red, cigar-shaped object in the sky in October 1971, an experience he has never forgotten. The magazine also includes a "Your View" section featuring interviews with local people about their beliefs in UFOs and whether they have personally witnessed any. Brian Leeson, Paul Beech, Hayley Griffiths, and Harvey Sugden share their perspectives, ranging from belief to skepticism.

Historical UFO Incidents

The "Factfile" section provides a chronological round-up of UFO reports in Northamptonshire, dating back to October 1952. These include sightings of flying cigars, saucers, bright objects, and strange lights. The reports often include attempts at explanation, such as weather balloons or planets, but also acknowledge the persistent unexplained cases.

The 'Conspiracy' Angle

A prominent article features Matthew Williams, a former civil servant who claims to have seen secret documents acknowledging UFO existence and alleges a large-scale government conspiracy to hide this truth. Williams asserts that tunnels are used to develop unusual aircraft and that military bases are involved in this secret development. He believes the "level of conspiracy among those in power is so large it controls society."

International and Broader UFO Phenomena

Beyond local reports, the magazine touches upon international UFO incidents and related phenomena. A report from London discusses the "Flights of fancy?" surrounding UFO sightings, citing a Ministry of Defence investigation into an incident on March 31, 1993, involving hundreds of witnesses. The article references Timothy Good's book, "Beyond Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Security Threat," which posits that UFOs are real and that spacecraft have been captured by Americans.

Another section details sightings of strange lights in Edinburgh and a police inquiry into a UFO report over a reservoir. The "Chronicle & X-Files" also includes a report on the "Chupacabras," a creature described as a vampire bat/kangaroo hybrid, with sightings reported in Mexico and Arizona. This section explores the folklore and potential explanations for such phenomena, including genetic mutations or extraterrestrial origins.

Investigating the Unknown

The magazine showcases various individuals and groups dedicated to investigating UFOs and paranormal events. The Eltham Supernatural Phenomena Research and Investigation Team (ESPRIT), led by sisters Joanne and Sarah Bishop, is featured. They investigate UFO sightings and ghost reports, aiming to increase public awareness. The article "UFO seen by student" details a student's encounter with a glowing orange sphere near Taunton, which aligns with other regional sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the persistent nature of UFO sightings, the difficulty in finding definitive explanations, and the public's enduring fascination with the unknown. The magazine adopts a stance of presenting evidence and witness accounts, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena and potential government secrecy. The editorial approach appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the evidence without outright dismissal of extraordinary claims.