UFO Newsclipping Service - 1996 09 - no 326

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated September 1996, Volume Number 326, focuses on the growing interest and investigation into UFO phenomena, crop circles, and extraterrestrial encounters. The cover headline, "Crop circle determined authentic," highlights a key article by Melinda Krick, detailing scientific analysis that suggests crop circles are not hoaxes.

Crop Circle Investigations

The lead article, "Crop circle determined authentic" by Melinda Krick, reports on the findings of biophysicist Dr. William C. Levengood and research partner Nancy Talbott regarding a crop circle in Paulding County, Ohio. Levengood's analysis of plant samples revealed "significant changes" and "statistically significant" stem node expansion, leading him to declare the formation authentic. He theorizes that external energies, possibly involving an ion plasma vortex, affected the plants. The article also mentions the presence of a film crew from the TV series "Sightings" at the site.

Another article, "Crop circle's origin still questioned" by Denise Gebers, presents a contrasting view. John Timmerman of the Center for UFO Studies and Ohio State University wheat specialist James Beurlein initially suggested the Paulding County formation was manmade, based on observations of overlapping grain stalks and the possibility of using a lawn roller. However, they awaited further analysis from Dr. Levengood.

Page 6 features "Researcher finds natural explanation for Paulding's puzzling crop circle" by Ami Eden, which reiterates Dr. Levengood's belief that the Paulding circle was caused by a "highly charged, microwave-emitting, gaseous ball, known as plasma." James Beuerlein and John Timmerman are mentioned again, with Beuerlein's germination tests showing no difference between samples from inside and outside the circle, contrasting with Levengood's findings.

Page 8 includes "Butte crop circle is still drawing interest" by Greg Wees, discussing a crop circle in Boyd County, Nebraska. Sheriff Duane Pavel is sending samples to W.C. Levengood, who believes crop circles are products of atmospheric energy, while others, like Joe Nickel, contend they are man-made.

Page 9 discusses a "UFO formation sighted over Gulf Breeze" by Carole Baker, where a group of skywatchers observed a formation of eight smaller lights escorting a larger one, described as a "formation flight."

Page 9 also mentions a "CE II: close encounters that leave physical evidence" in East County, California, including a sighting on June 12, 1996, over Lemon Grove and Spring Valley, where witnesses saw a metallic object with lights. A previous CE-I sighting by Bill Gilchrist in Lemon Grove in 1966 involved two orange orbs.

Page 10's "UFO, like one in Berne, spotted in Fort Wayne sky" by Staff Reports, details a sighting of an object with twinkling lights hovering in the sky.

UFO Sightings and Beliefs

Page 2 features "Group prepares for first contact as UFOs gain more credibility" by J.D. Dooley, profiling Lori Cordini, who believes in extraterrestrial contact and has formed an intergalactic contact group. Her personal account involves a childhood memory retrieved through hypnosis, coinciding with the famous Roswell incident.

Page 4's "Washington leads center's list in UFO sightings" by Associated Press, reports that Washington state has the highest number of reported UFO sightings according to the National UFO Reporting Center. It also details several specific sightings, including an "olive green disk" and a bright white light witnessed by multiple people.

Page 4 also includes "Man's disappearance stirs interest of UFO believers" by Mark Shaffer, linking the disappearance of Devin Williams to potential UFO involvement, drawing parallels to the Travis Walton abduction case. Charlie Green, a UFO believer, suggests a connection to alien reproduction experiments.

Page 5 discusses "UFO watchers eye Roan Mountain sky" by Jesse Fox Mayshark, where enthusiasts gathered to compare notes and share experiences, with founder Stacey McGee of the United States UFO Information and Research Center emphasizing the ongoing mystery of UFOs.

Page 8 mentions "The Spice Rack" by Dortha Schaefer, referencing a report of strange TV and clock malfunctions possibly related to a crop circle event.

Page 10's "Roswell UFO of 'earthly origin'" from The Daily Telegraph, London, reports that analysis of a fragment from the alleged Roswell crash indicates it is of terrestrial composition, challenging the extraterrestrial origin theory.

Media and Pop Culture

Page 7's "Penthouse to publish 'genuine' alien photo" by Maureen O'Brien, discusses Penthouse publisher Bob Guccione's claim to have acquired photos of an alien autopsy from the 1947 Roswell incident, which are met with skepticism and compared to a prop from the movie "Roswell."

Page 8's "It's only a movie (isn't it?)" by Gregg Patton, explores the impact of the blockbuster film "Independence Day" on UFO beliefs, with UFO enthusiasts discussing the movie's premise and its potential as government preparation for alien contact. Dave Aaron, a UFO-ologist, is quoted on the film touching "the tip of the iceberg."

Susan Wloszczyna's article "'ID4' offers sci-fi sense of deja vu" on page 8 analyzes "Independence Day" for its numerous references to other sci-fi films, including "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "Star Wars," and "Jurassic Park."

Page 6 mentions the upcoming NBC series "Dark Skies," described as a scary alien invasion drama that aims to provide a "unification theory of UFOs with one global explanation." Executive producer Bryce Zabel believes the government has covered up UFO information.

Organizations and Investigations

The National UFO Reporting Center is mentioned as collecting UFO sightings, with Washington state leading in reports. The Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) and Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) are highlighted as organizations investigating UFO phenomena. BLT Research Team is noted for analyzing crop circle samples.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the scientific investigation of alleged UFO phenomena, the increasing public interest and belief in extraterrestrial life, and the role of media in shaping perceptions. There's a clear effort to present both believers' accounts and scientific or skeptical viewpoints, often highlighting the ongoing debate and the challenges in definitively proving or disproving UFO encounters. The magazine seems to lean towards presenting the phenomena as worthy of serious investigation, even when offering skeptical counterpoints or man-made explanations for specific events.

The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives on UFOs and related phenomena without definitively endorsing any single explanation, while acknowledging the significant public interest and the efforts of researchers and organizations in the field. The inclusion of scientific analysis alongside anecdotal evidence suggests a balanced approach to exploring the subject.

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS, dated August 18, 1996, presents a collection of articles focusing on unexplained phenomena, extraterrestrial encounters, and mysterious events from around the world. The cover story highlights the 'Extraterrestrial Invasion of Brazil,' detailing a significant UFO sighting in Varginha. Other prominent articles cover UFO hot spots in the UK, the ongoing search for Bigfoot, cattle mutilations, and scientific investigations into the possibility of life on other planets.

The Extraterrestrial Invasion of Brazil

This article by Jack Epstein reports on a UFO sighting in Varginha, Brazil, in January 1996. Three young women encountered a 'creature' described as three feet tall with unusual physical characteristics and a strong odor. Brazilian ufologists consider this the 'Brazilian Roswell case.' The event has drawn significant media attention to Varginha. The article mentions the involvement of local firemen and military officials, with some suggesting a cover-up. Mayor Aloysio Ribeiro sees publicity potential, while acknowledging concerns about the city becoming a laughingstock. The incident has also inspired satirical portrayals in Brazilian media.

Mid-Essex is UFO hot spot

An article from the Essex Chronicle reports on a surge of mystery aircraft sightings in the Mid-Essex area, as recorded by the Essex UFO Group. Chairman Ron West notes increased reports from Chelmsford, Braintree, and Witham. The busiest periods were February 10-11 and 17-18, with 80 sightings recorded. Witnesses often described objects with multiple white lights, sometimes with a ninth in the middle, or crafts with yellow or red lights. Most sightings involved hovering without noise and spinning anti-clockwise. Objects typically disappear instantly or shoot upwards. The group investigates claims, analyzing evidence and contacting authorities, who usually report nothing on radar.

The MoD man and some close encounters

Sean Rayment, Defence Correspondent, reports that a senior Ministry of Defence official has confirmed the existence of UFOs. The official, believed to be from the RAF, appeared in a BBC2 documentary, 'UFOs: Britain's Secret Files,' stating that some British UFO case reports defy rational explanation. A BBC source suggests the program will shock skeptics, indicating that high-level government officials are considering the possibility of life on other planets. The report also mentions radar sightings of objects traveling at 4,000 mph and a 1956 incident where fighter planes intercepted a UFO over East Anglia. A Ministry spokesman, however, downplayed the claims, stating only one person in the RAF secretariat handles UFO inquiries.

Close encounters

This section compiles several smaller reports on UFO sightings:

• Bus stop pensioner spots UFO hovering overhead: Allen Austin of Edgware reported seeing a cluster of bright lights that formed a wedge-shaped series of white lights with a black line, which later emitted five turquoise oblongs before disappearing.
• The day the world changed for the Templeton family: This article revisits the 'Solway Spaceman' case from May 23, 1964, where Jim Templeton photographed his daughter with an unidentified figure. The incident led to intense media attention and speculation about its connection to nearby atomic plants and rocket testing ranges.
• Another sighting: Reports from Swadlincote and Burton mention sightings of strange lights, with police attributing one to Venus, while witnesses describe egg-shell colored machines moving at high speed.
• Caught! OAP's UFO Selfish: A pensioner in Bury captured video footage of UFOs, described as silver saucer-shaped objects hovering and occasionally 'flaring' like a jellyfish. Another witness saw a similar object.
• Lights mystery: In Clacton, eight people reported seeing a dome-shaped object with yellow lights, described as the size of a small family car.

It's life, Tim - but not as we know it

This profile focuses on UFO researcher Timothy Good, a former musician who played with the London Symphony Orchestra and numerous pop artists. Good's work emphasizes reports from qualified observers, and his latest book, 'Beyond Top Secret,' details numerous pilot accounts. He believes there are multiple alien groups visiting Earth and possibly maintaining bases in our solar system and on Earth. He suggests that government agencies have historically denied interest in UFOs but are now releasing documents, hinting at future announcements.

The truth is out there

This article features UFO expert Paul Taylor, who has recorded three sightings in the past month. Taylor describes his own experiences, including seeing a large, brown, boomerang-shaped object in Spain and a glowing red sphere in Radcliffe. He believes in extraterrestrial life and continues his research, logging observations with BUFORA.

'UFO office' probing reports of mystery sightings

Richard Bettsworth reports that the Ministry of Defence has a 'UFO office' (Secretariat (Air Staff) 2A) that handles approximately 200-300 reports of unexplained aerial sightings annually. The MoD states it investigates only for defense significance and has found no evidence of extraterrestrial phenomena, though it remains 'open-minded.' Steve Gerrard of Southampton UFO Group notes the MoD has become more open over the years.

Human 'fireballs' could strike in London next

This article discusses Spontaneous Human Combustion (SHC), with Larry E. Arnold mapping 'Fire Leynes' connecting sites of unusual fires. Arnold suggests Britain has a high incidence of SHC and predicts potential 'hot spots' in London or Lincolnshire around 2004. The article recounts historical cases, including one where a victim was reduced to ashes with undamaged feet and room.

Mystery lurks in depths of Chinese lake

A report from Beijing details plans for an expedition to investigate claims of creatures resembling dinosaurs or large iron pots in China's deepest volcanic lake, Tianchi. Photographer Wang Ying captured footage of four black creatures in the lake.

Jupiter's moon could be habitat for life

This article discusses the potential for life on Jupiter's moon Europa, which is believed to have a vast ocean beneath its icy surface. Scientists are calling for further exploration, especially following ambiguous clues about possible microbial life on Mars.

Big feet, little proof

This piece profiles Peter Byrne, a researcher dedicated to finding evidence of Bigfoot (Sasquatch). Byrne leads an intensive, high-tech search in the Pacific Northwest, financed by the Academy of Applied Science. He believes Bigfoot exists and is certain proof will eventually be found. The article mentions the project's hotline, the challenges of distinguishing hoaxes from genuine sightings, and the cultural significance of the Bigfoot legend.

Cattle mutilation mystery continues; another cow killed

Phaedra Greenwood reports on ongoing cattle mutilations in Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico. Jesse Gonzales found his second mutilated cow, with parts missing and no signs of struggle or blood pools. Local brand inspector Jerry Valerio, who has investigated dozens of cases, noted a 'cream-colored powder' on one mutilated cow that caused a burning sensation and numbness. Rancher Eli Hronich has lost 18 cows to mutilations since 1993. The article discusses potential explanations, including natural deaths, scavengers, and 'copy cat' incidents, while acknowledging the persistent mystery.

Histories of area describe terror

This article explores local legends in Winder, Georgia, concerning a mysterious depression known as 'Nodoroc,' described by Native Americans as 'hell.' The area was once a mud volcano emitting foul gases and was associated with a 'jet-black, long-haired animal' called 'the wog.' The site also had an ancient temple where sacrificial rituals were reportedly performed.

Life on Mars: An Old Tune, Often Off-Key

Malcolm W. Browne examines the history of speculation about life on Mars, from Giovanni Schiaparelli's 'canals' to NASA's recent findings of possible ancient microbial life on a meteorite. The article highlights the evolution of these theories, the scientific scrutiny they faced, and the eventual disappointment as spacecraft revealed a barren Martian surface. It touches on the 'face on Mars' image and the ongoing debate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained and the possibility of extraterrestrial life and phenomena. The magazine presents a wide range of topics, from alleged alien visitations and UFO sightings to cryptids like Bigfoot and mysterious animal mutilations. There's a consistent focus on witness accounts, expert investigations, and the challenges of obtaining definitive proof. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various claims and ongoing research without necessarily endorsing them as fact, while also acknowledging the role of government agencies in investigating such phenomena. The articles often highlight the skepticism faced by witnesses and researchers, as well as the persistent efforts to uncover the truth.