UFO Newsclipping Service - 1996 10 - no 327

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated October 1996, presents a collection of articles and reports on UFO sightings, crop circles, and related phenomena from various publications across the United States. The cover headline, "Pie (plate) in the sky," highlights the prevalence of UFO sightings, particularly in Washington state, which leads the nation in reported incidents. The issue also delves into specific cases, scientific investigations, and personal accounts, reflecting a broad interest in the unexplained.

Key Articles and Reports

"1967 UFO incident still mystifies man" (Tribune, Great Falls, MT, Aug. 13, 1996)

This article features Bob Gilluly, a regional editor, interviewing Robert Salas, a former Air Force officer. Salas details a 1967 incident at the Echo missile complex in central Montana where an unidentified flying object reportedly hovered above the site, causing all electronic systems and the backup system to shut down. Salas, who was a first lieutenant and deputy crew commander, recounts the event and the subsequent Air Force investigation, which concluded the sighting was "disproven" without providing details. Salas is seeking retired Air Force personnel who might remember the incident.

"State's No. 1 in UFO sightings, and Eastern Washington has its share" (Herald-Republic, Yakima, WA, Aug. 31, 1996)

Written by Neil Gonzales, this piece reports that Washington state leads the nation in UFO sightings, with 263 reported between 1995 and early 1996. Dorothea Sturm, a smoke watcher, shares her experience of seeing a "pie plate on its side" object in the early 1960s. Peter Davenport, director of the National UFO Reporting Center, notes that the center's Seattle base might contribute to the high number of reports from Washington. The article also touches on reports from the Yakima area and mentions a "very good one over the Manastash Ridge in 1994 made by a qualified observer."

"Saw picture of real UFO" (Bulletin, Manteca, CA, July 20, 1996)

This is a letter to the editor from Arden E. Anderson, who claims to have seen a picture of a crashed flying saucer near Roswell, New Mexico. He states that a traveling salesman took the photograph after witnessing the crash, which involved a survivor approximately 4-foot tall. Anderson urges the federal government to disclose information about flying saucers.

"Did energy vortex create crop circle?" (Deseret News, Salt Lake City, UT, Sept. 10, 1996)

By Zack Van Eyck, this article reports on a crop circle found in a barley field near Logan, Utah. Scientists, including Nancy Talbot from a team led by W.C. Levengood, concluded that the formation was not faked by humans and appears to be an "authentic" crop circle created by high-heat energy, possibly microwave radiation. Levengood believes crop circles are natural phenomena created by energy vortexes. The article notes the circle's formation and its alignment towards the Logan LDS Temple.

"UFOs Are Back But Don't Worry" (Dalles Visitor, Taylor's Falls, MN, Aug. 1996)

Written by Bud Meier, this piece discusses recurring clusters of unexplained lights reported in May Township and east of the St. Croix River. Merwyn Brown reported seeing five or six lights maneuvering and changing colors in November 1995. Jackie Miller also described seeing three separate airborne objects. The article notes that local law enforcement and FAA/military radars have not detected anomalous echoes, and it speculates on possible explanations, including planetary alignments and stress.

"Volunteer group to probe two alleged UFO sightings" (Sentinel, Centralia, IL, Aug. 8, 1996)

By Mark Hodapp, this report covers the investigation by Actaeon Investigations into two alleged UFO sightings in Damiansville and Hillsboro, Illinois, on July 16-17. A Damiansville woman reported seeing a triangular-shaped object, described as shiny like polished steel and as big as a baseball. In Hillsboro, a couple reported seeing two balls of light traveling at high speeds and making right-angle turns. Actaeon Investigations focuses on serious investigation and evidence gathering.

"Abducted By Aliens, Says Rockford Man" (Labor News, Rockford, IL, Aug. 9, 1996)

This article by Sara features an anonymous man named "Sam" who claims to have experienced alien abductions since he was six years old. Sam describes encounters with various alien beings, including "Pleiadians" and "Dragonians" (lizard men), and believes they conduct medical experimentation and mind manipulation. He recounts dreams and experiences of being taken aboard spacecraft and seeing alien paradises. The article notes that Deputy James Falzone accompanied the reporter, and both agreed Sam was telling the truth as he interpreted it.

"Did aliens turn out the lights?" (Mail Tribune, Medford, OR, Sept. 8, 1996)

Paul Fattig's commentary questions the official explanation for a widespread power outage on August 10, suggesting aliens might have been involved. He references an Internet report about UFOs seen over the Table Rocks in southern Oregon at the same time the power went out. The article notes that while authorities blamed air conditioners, some people suspect a cover-up. Tim Watts of MUFON is investigating, seeking corroborated facts.

"Gobs of strange lights land on pages of book" (Denver Post, CO, Aug. 27, 1996)

By Bill Briggs, this piece reviews Chris O'Brien's book, "The Mysterious Valley," which documents sightings of multicolored orbs, triangular crafts, and cattle mutilations in southern Colorado's San Luis Valley. O'Brien recounts his own sighting of a "huge, brilliant green glittering ball of light" in 1991. The article discusses O'Brien's investigative approach, emphasizing objectivity, and explores possible explanations, including military training and the cultural need for new myths.

"Questions still abound" (Post & Mail, Columbia City, IN, Aug. 13, 1996)

This section discusses crop circles, specifically those found at Paulding and Etna-Troy, noting their mathematical arc and alignment along the 41st latitudinal line. It mentions speculation about government monitoring and a "hidden transmitter." The article highlights the unusual nature of these formations and the difficulty in explaining them.

"Logan Wheat Field Yields a Mystery" (Tribune, Salt Lake City, UT, Aug. 25, 1996)

By Joshua B. Good, this article reports on a mysterious design carved into a wheat field in Logan, Utah, discovered by farmer Seth Alder. The design, found without any visible tracks leading to it, was investigated by the Cache County Sheriff's Office. The design resembles a long-necked, long-tailed turtle on skis.

"Magazine's alien photos appear to be movie props" (Daily Record, Roswell, NM, Aug. 4, 1996)

This report questions the authenticity of alien photographs featured in Penthouse magazine. Max Littell of the International Roswell UFO Museum and Research Center states that the photos are of an alien prop from the 1994 movie "Roswell, the UFO Cover Up." Museum officials believe the publisher was sold a bill of goods.

"Weed-grass circle appears in Ohio" (Tri-Weekly News, Berne, IN, Aug. 9, 1996)

Tony Mellencamp reports on a weed-grass circle discovered in Allen County, Ohio. Roger Sugden of MUFON investigated, noting that the circle was not easily visible and had similarities to other crop circles. Samples were sent for analysis, and calculations suggest a geometric relationship between crop circles in Paulding, Ohio, and Columbia City.

"Possible UFO landing in cropland drawing lots of inquiries" (Argus Leader, Sioux Falls, SD, Aug. 22, 1996)

By Tom Lawrence, this article covers a crop circle discovered in a wheat field near Watertown, South Dakota. Farmer Gaylord Bohn and his wife Sue reported the formation, which experts called the largest and most detailed in the U.S. While some attribute such phenomena to UFOs, Professor Charles Gritzner of SDSU believes it is of human origin. The article notes unusual occurrences on the Bohn farm, including a dog's death and equipment breakdowns, and mentions a local man claiming responsibility.

"International UFO Museum Has New Director" (Daily Record, Roswell, NM, July 3, 1996)

By Karen Polly, this piece introduces Deon Crosby as the new director of the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell. Crosby discusses the museum's growth, attributing it to Hollywood's influence and the enduring interest in the 1947 Roswell incident. She highlights the role of volunteers and the museum's popularity.

"Space aliens, psychics and spies: Oh, why?" (USA TODAY, Arlington, VA, Sept. 20, 1996)

This review discusses the NBC television series "Dark Skies," comparing it to "The X-Files." The reviewer criticizes the show for its overt presentation of conspiracy theories and its attempt to blend horror with unintentional hilarity, particularly regarding its revisionist history of events like the downing of Francis Gary Powers and the JFK assassination.

"Aliens Abduct Pop Culture" (Times, New York, NY, Sept. 12, 1996)

By Trip Gabriel, this article explores the increasing presence of UFO and alien abduction themes in art, fashion, and music. It highlights exhibitions featuring U.F.O.-inspired art, fashion collections, and works by artists who claim firsthand encounters. The article suggests reasons for this trend include apprehension over the millennium, distrust of government, and New Age spiritual yearnings.

"UFO investigator says wheat field crop circle likely to be forgotten" (Blade, Toledo, OH, July 12, 1996)

By Ami Eden, this report discusses a crop circle found in a wheat field near Paulding, Ohio. Richard Thielmann, an investigator for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), suggests the case will likely be forgotten due to a lack of government cover-up evidence. John Timmerman of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies also believes it may be a hoax.

"UFO's in Indiana" (BC Magazine, Bloomington, IN, Sept. 7, 1996)

By Eric White, this article recounts the story of Debbie Jordon, who claims to have been abducted by aliens in 1983 near Indianapolis. Her experience, detailed in Bud Hopkins' book "Intruders," involved a bright white light and a subsequent encounter. The article notes that Bloomington and its surrounding communities have a history of UFO sightings, including a widely reported incident in 1973.

"Scientist says local crop circle no hoax" (Crescent-News, Defiance, OH, Aug. 12, 1996)

This article follows up on the Paulding, Ohio crop circle, reporting that biophysicist Nancy Talbot disputes the claim that it was man-made. Talbot's preliminary findings indicate changes in the wheat's cell tissue that could not have been caused by humans. She and other researchers believe the circle may have been formed by microwave radiation due to atmospheric conditions and magnetic anomalies.

"Crop circle appears in Fort Bidwell meadow" (Herald & News, Klamath Falls, OR, Aug. 20, 1996)

By Jean Bilodeaux, this report describes a ring-shaped crop circle discovered near Fort Bidwell, California. The formation, measuring 18 feet in diameter, had flattened grass bent in a clockwise direction. Witnesses found no signs of entry. Samples were sent to a Michigan lab for analysis. MUFON is investigating, though crop circles are not officially linked to UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent public fascination with UFOs, alien encounters, and crop circles. There is a clear division between those who believe these phenomena are evidence of extraterrestrial activity and those who seek mundane explanations, often attributing them to hoaxes or natural occurrences. The articles highlight the role of scientific investigation, personal testimony, and the media in shaping public perception. The issue also touches upon the idea of government secrecy and cover-ups related to UFO information. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these diverse viewpoints and investigations, presenting both the believers' accounts and the skeptics' analyses without a strong bias towards one side, though the inclusion of scientific research into crop circles suggests an interest in empirical evidence. The overall tone is one of curiosity and a desire to explore the unexplained.

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS, dated July 4, 1996, from the DAILY MAIL, Hull, England, focuses on UFOs, corn circles, and related phenomena. The publication appears to be a collection of clippings, indicated by the credit "All British clippings courtesy of Timothy Good, unless otherwise credited."

Farmers Pour Scorn on Corn Circle Aliens

This article, by Richard Dean, reports on the appearance of three corn circles in Holderness, UK. Farmers, particularly Mr. Jeremy Saunt of Magdalen Farm in Hedon, express skepticism about alien involvement, humorously suggesting that if aliens visited, they haven't changed the locals much. Saunt even invited them to show themselves. A spokesman for the East Riding Highways depot admitted sensing something strange. The article also mentions a 50ft circle at Park Farm in Burstwick. Mrs. Linda Richardson of Park Farm remained open-minded about the cause of her circle. The piece notes that whirlwinds are known to cause similar crop damage. A spokesman for the British UFO Research Association, Andrew Allen, highlighted a serious incident involving the mutilation of a cow in the Camlough area the previous year, where internal organs were removed surgically. Allen urged witnesses to come forward.

UFOs in the north bordering on the horrific

This section details a spate of UFO sightings reported in South Armagh, Northern Ireland, causing worry among residents. While British army activity has been blamed for previous sightings, locals claim these Unidentified Flying Objects are different. The article mentions a daylight sighting of a brightly lit object that moved erratically and disappeared at speed, which the witness stated could not have been an army helicopter. Other sightings were reported in the Dromintee area and Armagh city. Andrew Allen of the British UFO Research Association noted the frequency of sightings and the serious incident of a mutilated cow, asking for witnesses to report their experiences.

Experts Baffled by UFOs

Reported by John Linstead, this article discusses a string of bizarre UFO sightings in North Warwickshire, UK, that have left experts baffled. Marilyn Aldworth, who runs the Birmingham UFO Society with her husband Rob, noted an unusual amount of sightings and is unsure if it's due to increased reporting or actual activity. The society's challenge is getting people to talk about their experiences. Notable sightings include a pulsating white light near trees in Sheepy Magna, and a taxi driver witnessing four beams of white light followed by a dark object shooting into the sky. Residents near Merevale Hall have also reported strange objects. A farmer near Tamworth was woken by a noise and saw an object shining a beam of light onto horses. The Birmingham society is appealing for witnesses to contact them.

Mystery of UFO still up in the air

This report by Janet Shields from the North Western Evening Mail covers a UFO sighting above the Furness skies. Residents reported seeing a large cigar-shaped object travelling at speed over Kirkby Moor and the Duddon Estuary. Officials at Manchester Airport and Ronaldsway Airport denied knowledge of any unexplained radar blips. The Civil Aviation Authority stated that air traffic control might not necessarily know about low-flying light aircraft. An RAF spokesman stated they would not be low-flying on a bank holiday unless it was an emergency. Formby Coastguard confirmed no air-sea rescues were conducted that evening.

Photos of an alien concept

Written by Marke Andrews for the Vancouver Sun, this piece profiles photographer Douglas Curran, whose eight-year, 200,000-kilometer journey through Canada and the US, inspired by a wooden rocket ship, resulted in his book "In Advance of the Landing: Folk Concepts of Outer Space." Curran, who was fascinated by people and popular culture, explored home-made rocket ships, UFOs, and UFO societies. He interviewed people who built rockets and flying saucers in their backyards, visiting places like the Uranius Conclave of Light and George Van Tassel's Integraton. Curran's work has been used as a resource for "The X-Files." He discusses how some people believed he was sent by "Space Brothers" and how his open inquisitiveness won their trust. He notes the uniformity of UFO societies, often consisting of white, working-class individuals seeking meaning. Curran's book is now out of print, and he hopes for a reprint.

Sighting of spacecraft revealed

By Rachel Deakin for the Loughborough Echo, this article reveals that UFO hunter John Jenkins reported a massive 100ft by 50ft spaceship sighting above Loughborough. Jenkins interviewed a local man who saw the giant object in November 1994, describing oblong windows, a bluish haze, and a twinkling beam projecting from the front, possibly collecting water or for "beam me up, Scottie" purposes. Jenkins also investigated alleged alien abductions from cars. He is writing a book titled "No Defence Significance."

UFO craze sweeping Israelis

This Associated Press report by Karin Laub discusses a flurry of UFO sightings and abduction reports in Israel, with some skeptics attributing it to U.S. pop culture influence, citing the popularity of "Independence Day" and "The X-Files." A headline in Maariv mentioned 16 examples of sightings in three months, including a report of hundreds stopping on a highway to watch a spacecraft doing loops. A 62-year-old Israeli claimed abduction, with lab analysis of yellow dust he said was showered on him differing from local soil. Ariel Cohen, an atmospheric physicist, called it "hysterical behavior." Social scientists like Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi suggest people in modern societies are susceptible to "quasi-religious fantasies." A recent TV survey indicated nearly half of Israelis believe in extraterrestrials.

Talking about strange encounters of the utterly mysterious kind...

This article by Andrew Norfolk from the Yorkshire Post details the experiences of Lynda Jones, who claims she was abducted by six extraterrestrials in Manchester. She will speak at a one-day international conference in Sheffield. The conference, organized by BUFORA (British UFO Research Association), will feature speakers who have experienced or researched alien kidnaps. Philip Mantle, BUFORA's director of investigations, accepts that alien abduction accounts are often met with skepticism but notes the growing number of such reports worldwide. He describes typical abduction scenarios involving medical examinations and information given to victims. Mantle emphasizes that claimants are ordinary people. The article also mentions Whitley Strieber's theory that alien abductions are a form of secret preparation for humanity's future. Mrs. Jones's account under hypnosis involved identical, vaguely humanoid creatures and a ritual with ice on her legs.

Probe into riddle of Scots 'UFO sighting'

This report from the Evening Times covers a UFO sighting over Glasgow and Ayrshire, Scotland, which led to numerous calls to air traffic control offices. Details of the claims have been passed to the Ministry of Defence for investigation.

UFO flies in over flyover!

This article from the Romford Recorder describes a mysterious craft, the size of a football pitch with flashing lights, spotted hovering over Gallows Corner. Jonathan Johnson, local co-ordinator for the Essex UFO Research Group, has collected numerous sightings of this "visitor." The craft is described as triangular with white lights at the corners and a pulsating orange light in the center. Johnson, an ex-RAF man, is convinced it is not a plane.

Close encounter at Queen's Highland castle - FLYING SAUCER SCARE AT BALMORAL

This News of the World report details an incident where RAF jets chased a UFO over the Queen's Balmoral home. Two Harrier GR7 jump-jets were scrambled after locals reported a mystery light. One witness described it as a dogfight. The light appeared over Balmoral around 10 pm and was seen from eight miles away. The jets circled the castle before the light vanished. Security around Balmoral has been tightened since the IRA ceasefire ended, with an exclusion zone banning aircraft. An RAF spokesman stated two aircraft were in the area, possibly on exercise, but would not confirm UFO involvement.

But UFO vanishes into thin heir as jets roar in

This exclusive by David Leslie from the Evening Gazette describes the Balmoral UFO incident further, with witness accounts of the jets appearing to engage in a dogfight with the light. The light vanished suddenly, and the planes flew off. The article notes that Balmoral lies on a line where strange lights have been reported.

Who on earth put this here?

This piece from the Evening Gazette discusses crop circles appearing in a field in Essex, UK, resembling a large circle with smaller spheres, prompting speculation about whether aliens landed or if it was caused by strong winds. The impressionistic man shape is compared to the Cerne Giant.

Cup and saucer men on trail of flying saucers

By Ashley Walton for the Daily Express, this article reveals the existence of a secret team within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) known as Secretariat (Air Staff) 2A MOD, which examines reports of the paranormal, including UFO sightings. The team consists of two civil servants who sift through reports. The MOD states it receives 200-300 reports of "unexplained sightings" annually but denies having a special office for UFO investigation, describing the work as that of a secretarial team responding to public inquiries.

Pensioner speaks of close encounter after dark

This report from the Evening Post details a pensioner, Roland Joy, who claims to have had a close encounter with a UFO. He was woken by a bright light and saw a flat disc-like object with psychedelic colors. He experienced a time loss of approximately 40 minutes. He is convinced extraterrestrials visited his home.

Total eclipse brings home the martians

This Southern Daily Echo report describes two sky-gazers in Stubbington who spotted a triangular-shaped UFO during a lunar eclipse. They reported it to the police, who described it as an orange object that remained static before moving at speed and turning into a triangular shape.

Animal-alien legend enters Miami lore

This Globe article by Teresa Mears discusses the legend of the chupacabras, a creature rumored to suck the blood of animals, which first appeared in Puerto Rico and has since been reported in Miami. The creature is described as resembling a cross between a monkey and the alien from "E.T.," with porcupine-like spines. While authorities attribute animal deaths to wild dogs, witnesses claim it's the chupacabras. The article notes Miami's reputation as an "incubator for legends" due to its diverse cultures. Despite a public autopsy by local authorities to debunk the claims, the mystery of what killed the livestock remains unsolved. The chupacabras legend has been featured on "Unsolved Mysteries."

Killer wolves terrorize poor villagers in India

This New York Times News Service report by John F. Burns details the terrorizing of villagers in Banbirpur, India, by wolves that have killed 33 children in five months. While experts cite an aberrant pack, villagers blame werewolves. The article describes the fear and hysteria in the region, with villagers turning against strangers and lynchings occurring. The hunt for the wolves has killed 10 animals so far. The report highlights the villagers' belief in supernatural explanations over official ones, with one child describing the creature as not a wolf but a "human being" wearing a black coat and helmet.

Rancher Says Bull Mutilated

This Rio Grande Sun article by Karl Moffatt reports on a Chimayo man, Carlos Trujillo, who claims one of his bulls was found dead and suspiciously dismembered. Trujillo states the animal's sex organ, heart, tongue, and an ear were removed with surgical precision. However, New Mexico Livestock Board Cattle Inspector Teddy Abeyta believes the bull died of natural causes and was preyed upon by predators, noting that predators often attack sex organs. The differing opinions on the nature of the wounds are highlighted.

Electronic car-stoppers hailed

This Vancouver Sun article reports on new technology being tested that can stop a car in its tracks by sending an electrical charge to disable its electronics and engine, aiming to end high-speed police chases.

Mysterious Taos Noise Now Rouses a Ho-Hum

This Journal article by Tom Sharpe discusses the Taos Hum, a low-frequency noise in Taos, New Mexico. Four years after it gained attention, many who reported hearing it have either stopped hearing it, grown accustomed to it, or left town due to ridicule. Theories range from submarine communications to overactive imaginations. Mayor Fred Peralta notes that jokes about the hum abound, but people no longer inquire about it. A UNM study in 1993 found that about 11 percent of Taos County residents reported hearing the hum. Some believe it's a figment of "hippie imaginations," but the study's leader, Joe Mullins, believes people are suffering. The hum is now largely discussed on the Internet. Some who heard the hum have moved to Mexico or to quieter places within Taos for relief. Others have learned to live with it, believing it's a worldwide phenomenon masked by urban noise.

Bigfoot enthusiast puts study on Internet

This Dispatch article profiles Mat Moneymaker, who is studying Bigfoot phenomena and has put his findings on the Internet. He has photographed many deer carcasses with missing livers and broken legs, noting that the liver is a nutrient-rich organ. He also features drawings of alleged sasquatches made by witnesses in Ohio on his website. Moneymaker's study will conclude with his graduation from the University of Akron.

Some scientists say Bigfoot might be real

This Statesman Journal article by Maria Goodavage explores the growing respect for Bigfoot's existence within the scientific community, though skeptics remain. Professor Grover Krantz of Washington State University is convinced of Bigfoot's existence, while associate professor John Crane dismisses it as fabricated. Zoologist J. Richard Greenwell suggests Bigfoot could be a newly discovered species, citing the example of the mountain gorilla. The article mentions the "Patterson film" from 1967 and a recent blurry video as evidence that has convinced some professionals. Jeff Meldrum, an associate professor of physical anthropology, could not debunk the recent video and points to footprint evidence dating back to the 1950s as convincing due to its consistent morphology. W. Henner Fahrenbach, a research biologist, is investigating Bigfoot hair samples, believing they are not ape or human hair. He has three similarities on which to base his conclusions, including hair from a Bigfoot bedding site and hair from a criminal investigator's findings. He also collected samples from the author's own collection. Fahrenbach believes the hair is "Sasquatch hair." The article also mentions the possibility of hoaxes but emphasizes that the sheer volume of reports makes dismissing Bigfoot difficult.

Cattle Mutilations

This Courier article reports on ongoing cattle mutilations in New Mexico, with the Livestock Board investigating a calf and a cow. The article notes similarities to past incidents in 1993-94 and mentions UFO reports preceding or following these mutilations. Sheriff Lou Girodo of Las Animas County, Colorado, has documented similar cases where animal parts, particularly sexual organs and lips, are missing. He photographs each case and notes that scavengers do not feed on the remains. Girodo recounts an experience where a man who requested to review his photos and crime reports disappeared along with the files. He suggests possibilities ranging from government programs to aliens.

A word (or two) on Bigfoot DNA

This Times article by Henner Fahrenbach discusses his research into Bigfoot hair samples. He sent hair samples found by Bigfoot tracker Wes Sumerlin to Ohio State University for DNA testing. Fahrenbach notes that the hair is not ape or human and has similarities to other samples he has examined. He believes the hair is "Sasquatch hair." The article also touches on the controversy surrounding Paul Freeman's findings and the possibility of hoaxes, but emphasizes the volume of reports suggesting Bigfoot's existence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the mystery surrounding unexplained phenomena like corn circles and cattle mutilations. There's a clear interest in presenting witness accounts and expert opinions, though a healthy dose of skepticism is also evident, particularly regarding corn circles and the sensationalized aspects of UFO lore. The publication seems to lean towards exploring these topics seriously, providing detailed reports and interviews, while acknowledging the challenges of scientific verification and the prevalence of hoaxes. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and theories without necessarily endorsing definitive conclusions.