UFO Newsclipping Service - 1997 07 - no 336

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated July 1997, focuses heavily on the 50th anniversary of the Roswell Incident and related UFO phenomena. The cover story, "Officer blasts dummy story," features retired Lt. Col. Raymond A. Madson refuting the Air Force's explanation that crash-test dummies were mistaken for aliens.

Key Articles and Features

Officer Blasts Dummy Story

Retired Air Force officer Lt. Col. Raymond A. Madson, who worked on Project High Dive at Holloman Air Force Base in the 1950s, asserts that the crash-test dummies used were not childlike and do not match descriptions of the alleged 1947 Roswell aliens. He stated that these dummies were tested for protecting grown men and were not kept secret during transport or testing.

Test Dummies to be Displayed

Two crash-test dummies, similar to those used in high-altitude parachute tests in the 1950s, were set to be displayed at Alamogordo's Space Center Museum. Museum spokesman Jack Moore acknowledged that the dummies do not resemble the supposed aliens described in Roswell accounts, noting they are too large. The museum is presenting the display 'tongue-in-cheek' without taking sides.

UFO Expert Questions Government Explanation

John P. Timmerman, a local UFO expert and board member of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies, expressed that the government's explanation of the Roswell incident involving airborne dummies was inadequate. He believes the government is not acknowledging the reality of crashed objects and live bodies, suggesting they are trying to counteract the 'hype' surrounding Roswell.

A Crew Member's Account

A crew member from the USS FDR in 1952 recounts witnessing a large blue-white light appear near the ship in the North Atlantic during a stormy night. The object rose straight up and left, and the incident was reportedly hushed up, with General Eisenhower allegedly telling the witnesses to forget about it.

Book Leads Readers Through Roswell

An article discusses retired Army intelligence officer Philip J. Corso's book, "The Day After Roswell." Corso claims he was responsible for introducing alien technology that was re-engineered into modern advancements like microchips, fiber optics, and lasers. The book details the Roswell crash and the alleged secret transfer of alien artifacts to U.S. scientists.

Not a Bird, or a Plane, What is It?

Norman resident Lan Lamphere captured video footage of an unidentified white object streaking across the sky while filming a tornado. Analysis suggests it was a solid, flying object moving at high speed, possibly between 9,000 and 20,000 miles per hour. Lamphere is seeking answers about the object's identity.

Yes, Virginia, There Are UFOs

This article revisits the 1973 sighting of a saucer-like structure with 'Christmas tree-like lights' by Ms. Tereschenko in Virginia. The event attracted significant media attention and visitors. The article notes that while many sightings have simple explanations, others remain unexplained, despite NORAD's capabilities.

Web Watch: The Truth Is Way Out There

This section commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Roswell incident and discusses the popularity of modern alien-encounter lore on the Web. It highlights the proliferation of hoaxes and misinformation surrounding the event, including the Santilli alien autopsy film. The article notes that the Roswell incident is one of the most over-reported topics on the Web.

Farmer Finds Crop Circles

Nick Nixon discovered circular designs etched into his wheat field in North Carolina. While ruling out animals and wind, he speculates they could be 'crop circles,' unexplained designs that appear globally. Aerial photos revealed initials in English within the patterns.

50 Years Later...

This piece reflects on the 50th anniversary of the famous '47 close encounter, referencing pilot Kenneth Arnold's report of 'flying saucers' near Mt. Rainier. It discusses the increase in UFO sightings and the cultural impact, including movies like "Independence Day" and "Men in Black."

UFO Believers Are Ready to Celebrate the Anniversary of the Famous '47 Close Encounter

This article details the ongoing fascination with UFOs since Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting and the Roswell crash. It notes the chaotic nature of the anniversary year with various claims and events, contrasting serious study with 'UFO crash parties.'

Saucer-Sighter Stuck to His Story

This piece revisits the 1947 sighting by Kenneth Arnold, who described nine 'peculiar looking aircraft' that flew like a saucer skipping across water. It discusses how Arnold's report gave credibility to other sightings and how the term 'flying saucer' became popular.

About 200 Sighted at UFO Conference

A UFO Experience conference in North Haven, CT, drew about 200 people to discuss UFOs and non-human intelligence. Guest speaker Dr. John E. Mack, a professor of psychiatry, shared his work with people reporting alien encounter experiences. The conference commemorated the 50th anniversary of the UFO era.

Wright-Pat Alien Lore 'Baseless,' Air Force Insists

A Wright-Patterson Air Force Base spokesman stated that there are no alien bodies or aircraft at the base, dismissing the persistent story of hidden aliens. The Air Force attributes the confusion to the intermingling of the 1947 balloon crash with 1950s experiments involving dummies.

Arizonans Say the Truth About UFO Is Out There

This article details a March 13, 1997, event where hundreds of Arizonans reported seeing an enormous object or objects in the night sky, described as V-shaped. Despite official denials and lack of government investigation, local authorities and private organizations are pursuing answers.

UFO Fever Hit the Carolinas 50 Years Ago, Too

This piece recounts UFO sightings in the Carolinas in July 1947, preceding the Roswell incident. It highlights the first reported 'flying saucer' sighting in Charleston and discusses how media reports gave credibility to such sightings.

Arizona Is Abuzz Over Reports of Lights in the Sky

This article focuses on the March 13, 1997, Arizona sightings, noting that hundreds reported seeing strange lights. Phoenix Councilwoman Frances Barwood is seeking an investigation, and the Krzystons' videotape of the lights was played on national television.

UFOs Exist in Minds, Hearts

This article explores the deeper, philosophical and theological questions surrounding UFOs, with individuals like Rhondda Francis and Dwight Frizzell using the phenomenon to ponder reality and belief. It suggests that the fascination with UFOs reflects societal grappling with technology and the unknown.

UFO Experts Find Growth in Credibility of Sightings

The First Annual Fourth Corner International UFO Conference in Bellingham, WA, drew about 50 attendees to discuss UFOs. Speaker Peter Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center noted that government officials are beginning to acknowledge UFO data.

Strange Lights Sighted Across the Mid-Valley

This article details reports of strange lights sighted in Linn County, Oregon, in late March and early April 1997. Greg Long, a UFO investigator, concluded that most of the lights appeared to be UFOs, noting consistent features across independent accounts.

UFO Over Blowing Rock

Elizabeth Free reported seeing a luminous silver disc flying over Blowing Rock, North Carolina, accompanied by three military-like jets. She stated the object was larger than the jets and flew at the same speed, disagreeing with the possibility that it was the Hale-Bopp comet.

Skywatch Diary

This column from Pensacola, FL, discusses an upcoming MUFON meeting featuring Caryl Dennis, a researcher of UFO phenomena and 'experiencer.' It also includes reports of sightings in the Fairhope, Alabama area, including a truck tire-shaped object and a silent 'green' light.

When Flying Saucers Were Valley's Cup of Tea

This piece recounts UFO sightings in the Wyoming Valley area in late 1947, including Joseph Kuhar's sighting of a slow-moving object against the wind. It notes the widespread public interest and the emergence of folklore surrounding UFOs.

Media Should Get All the Facts on Arizona UFO Sightings

A letter to the editor expresses frustration with media coverage of the Arizona UFO sightings, claiming that not all facts are being reported. The writer questions the silence of Luke Air Force Base and the governor's office regarding the incident.

Search Yields No Intelligent Life

This article discusses Steven Greer's claims about alien visits and government cover-ups. Greer, who runs a group investigating E.T. contacts, believes that presidents knew about UFOs but that agencies kept the information secret. Allan Goodman, a former CIA official, is skeptical of a government cover-up.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the 50th anniversary of the Roswell Incident, the debate over government explanations versus eyewitness accounts, and the persistent cultural fascination with UFOs. There's a clear emphasis on eyewitness testimony and skepticism towards official explanations, particularly the 'dummy story.' The articles collectively suggest that the UFO phenomenon is a complex issue with deep roots in public consciousness, often intertwined with government secrecy and technological advancements. The editorial stance appears to lean towards presenting various perspectives, from debunking claims to validating eyewitness accounts, while acknowledging the enduring mystery of UFOs.

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS features a prominent cover story detailing a UFO sighting and alleged alien abduction in Shropshire, England. The magazine also includes reports on other UFO incidents, expert opinions, and related phenomena such as Bigfoot sightings.

UFOria in county at 'alien' sighting

This article by Steve Bird reports on an incident in Shropshire where a 35-year-old woman claims she was abducted by aliens for up to two hours. She described seeing flashing blue and red lights and the face of an alien with large slanting eyes and a large head. The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) is investigating the claims. The article also mentions other separate sightings of strange lights in the sky in Shropshire.

Star-gazers in UFO encounter

This piece from the Gloucester Echo details a family's sighting of a blazing shape with 15 lights flying towards Cheltenham. The object was described as extremely low, no more than 100ft high, and emitted a low engine or humming noise. Robin Cole, head of investigations for the Circular Forum, a Cheltenham-based UFO society, is seeking further witnesses.

Jet 'buzzed by UFO'

By Andrew Loudon, this article from the Daily Mail recounts a near-miss incident involving an Aer Lingus BAe 146 passenger jet. The pilots reported seeing a streak of red, white and blue object on a collision course over Stevenage. Despite investigations, the object remains unidentified, with the conclusion being that pilots saw an 'unknown object'.

Twilight zone 'keeping me off the air'

This report by John Cassidy from Sunday Life details how DJ Laurence John believes paranormal activity is affecting his new radio station, Energy 106 FM, in Monaghan. A huge power surge blew up the generator shortly before the station was due to launch, and subsequent attempts to get on air have been hampered by generator issues. John claims this is happening in the same area where he and his dog were allegedly abducted by aliens three weeks prior.

Tales of the unexplained

This section features several articles related to UFOs and unexplained phenomena:

Gloria Dixon and BUFORA

Gloria Dixon, director of investigations for BUFORA, states that reports to BUFORA have tripled in the last year, attributing this to increased public awareness due to media coverage like 'The X-Files'. She believes around 95% of sightings have logical explanations, such as secret military testings or Stealth bombers. However, she acknowledges cases that defy explanation, leaning towards a 'parallel universe' theory rather than alien beings, citing 'time discrepancy' experiences.

UFO sightings in Scotland

Reports include a plane being chased by a UFO over Sauchie, described as cigar-shaped and moving slowly. Edinburgh Airport denied any planes were in the area. Ron Halliday of Scottish Earth Mysteries Research notes Alloa as a 'hotbed for UFO sightings'.

UFO 'black triangle' sighting

A man from UpHolland reported seeing a 'black triangle' craft with lights in each corner moving across the road and then turning towards Chequers Lane. He described it as huge and silent.

Alien abduction counselling

Eric Morris, co-founder of Britain's alien abduction counselling service, receives numerous calls from people claiming missing hours or alien abductions. He believes some patients have had sex with aliens and even alien babies. Morris prefers regression techniques over hypnosis and has encountered cases of alleged impregnation and implanted objects.

UFO Casebook: VIPs' comments on sightings

This article compiles quotes from various scientists and politicians regarding UFOs. Notable figures like Dr. Walter Riedel, Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, Lord Dowding, Professor Herman Oberth, Dr. Carl Gustav Jung, and General Douglas MacArthur have expressed beliefs or concerns about the reality and origin of UFOs, with some suggesting extraterrestrial origins or the need for global unity against potential interplanetary threats.

Moorland 'flying saucer'

UFO investigator Stephen Balon is seeking information about an 18-inch copper saucer believed to have landed on Silpho Moor 40 years ago. He claims to have photographic evidence and believes the craft may still be in Scarborough.

Mystery object over Roman Lakes

UFO specialists Quest International received a report of a triangular, gun-metal-coloured craft hovering above Roman Lakes, which rotated at intervals. The caller described it as 'genuinely disturbed' by the incident.

Spaceships, aliens and the Home Sec

Experts have warned that UFOs spotted over Shepway might have been observing Home Secretary Michael Howard, given the proximity of sightings to his home. The report notes that Mr. Howard's party agent seemed aware of the UFO sighting.

Driver 'abducted by aliens' claim

UFO investigators are looking into a Gloucestershire man's claim of being abducted by aliens while driving on the M50. He reported seeing a tall, bright white object and later recalled being inside a large white room observed by strange beings.

Strange sight in night sky

Two men in Saffron Walden reported seeing a bright red circular UFO hovering and then floating gradually out of view. They described it as having no tail and being curious.

Bigfoot and Sasquatch Reports

Several articles focus on Bigfoot and Sasquatch sightings and research:

Our own Nessie ... only meaner

This article from Forteana News discusses the 'monster' of the Mzintlava River in South Africa, which villagers believe is a giant snake that kills people. Police attribute deaths to drowning, but villagers believe the monster mutilates bodies.

Museum turns to Bigfoot for a boost

The Pacific Northwest Museum of Natural History is hosting an exhibit titled "Sasquatch: Fact or Fiction" to attract visitors and boost membership, despite financial troubles. The exhibit will feature evidence and stories of sightings.

Dr Hendry's UFO Casebook: Recent Scottish sightings

This section details various UFO sightings in Scotland, including a disc-shaped object with lights seen near Dunfermline, a brightly lit object over Glenochil Jail, and a pulsating, bright object filmed by Mrs. Margaret Ross. Experts acknowledge that some sightings cannot be scientifically explained.

Experts to examine Wigan UFO mystery

UFO enthusiast Steve Balon will present exclusive footage of alleged UFO sightings over Wigan at a conference in Southport. He claims to have filmed a triangular craft and believes it is 'the real thing'.

Utah man says he's seen Bigfoot 9 times since '68

Ron Mower of Utah claims to have seen Bigfoot nine times since 1968. He believes Bigfoot is intelligent and possibly interdimensional, with some creatures radiating evil. He also suggests a link between Bigfoot and UFOs.

Believers, skeptics probe the LEGEND of BIGFOOT

This article discusses John Bindernagel, Ph.D., a wildlife biologist who believes Bigfoot is a great ape. It also touches on the skepticism surrounding Bigfoot and the lack of definitive proof, while acknowledging the consistency of sightings worldwide.

Sasquatch makes big impression

Gene Woodruff claims to have found a Bigfoot footprint in North Idaho. The article notes a growing scientific interest in Sasquatch research, with more scientists willing to examine evidence. It also mentions the 'Psychic Sasquatch' theory, suggesting Bigfoot may be interdimensional.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a focus on UFO sightings, alien encounters, and cryptozoological phenomena like Bigfoot. While acknowledging that many sightings have logical explanations, the publication highlights cases that defy conventional understanding, often quoting experts who suggest the possibility of extraterrestrial or other paranormal origins. There is a clear interest in presenting witness accounts and the ongoing investigations by UFO research groups. The overall stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into these mysterious events.