UFO Newsclipping Service - 1998 09 - no 350

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated May 23, 1998, with the cover headline "No out-of-this-world party to mark UFO encounter," delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, including alleged encounters, government involvement, and cultural impact. The publication features a mix of investigative reports, witness testimonies, and commentary on the ongoing public fascination with unidentified flying objects.

Key Articles and Features

The Pascagoula Abduction Revisited

The lead article, "No out-of-this-world party to mark UFO encounter," by Michael E. Newman, revisits the 1973 alien abduction of two shipyard workers, Hickson and Parker, on the Pascagoula River. The article notes the extensive media coverage at the time and the authorities' belief that the workers were telling the truth. It also addresses a reader's inquiry about the fate of the abductees and any plans for the 25th anniversary of the event. John Fulmer, a reporter who covered the incident, states that Charlie Hickson still lives in Mississippi, while Calvin Parker has moved to Texas. Fulmer recounts Hickson's belief that the aliens were robots due to their mechanical movements and buzzing sounds. The article also mentions that no 25th-anniversary event is currently planned in Pascagoula.

Soldier, author Phil Corso Dies

This section reports on the death of Ret. Col. Phil Corso, author of "The Day After Roswell." Corso died after suffering a massive heart attack. His controversial book detailed his alleged role in spearheading a reverse-engineering project for alien technology from the Roswell spacecraft. Before his death, Corso made a statement about legal proceedings and alleged claims on his future writings, stating he would not foster sensationalism. He directed that future contacts be made through the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell. His family requested that condolences be sent to the museum for a memorial plaque at the alleged Roswell crash site. Corso's son indicated that his father had shared a great deal of information in the weeks between his first and second heart attacks, leaving unpublished manuscripts.

UFOs and the Allagash Abduction

An article titled "Allagash abductees still wonder what happened" by Tom Weber, details the 1976 alleged alien abduction of four young men near Eagle Lake in the Allagash region of Maine. The story, part of a collaborative series, describes how the men were reportedly pulled from their canoe into a spaceship by a light beam. Under hypnosis, they recalled being examined by thin, spidery creatures. The article notes that except for Charlie Foltz, the other men have reported other alien encounters. Jack Weiner, one of the abductees, mentioned a TV-movie deal being discussed.

Skywatch Diary Columns

Several "Skywatch Diary" entries by Carole Baker document UFO sightings and related phenomena. One entry from April 22, 1998, describes a sighting in West Pensacola, Florida, by a witness named Chris, who saw a stationary object with revolving lights. Another report from March 22, 1998, details a sighting of a white cylindrical object over Pensacola Heights by Bill and his wife. A July 1, 1998, entry discusses early UFO watches in Pensacola in 1967, noting that a "UFO watch" organized by Arthur Cobb was actually a series of rocket firings from Eglin Air Force Base, suggesting a possible military experiment to gauge public interest.

Scientific Panel's Findings

An article from the Albuquerque Tribune, "Roswell incident missing from scientific panel's UFO findings," reports on a scientific panel that concluded some UFO reports merit scientific inquiry but found no evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence or violations of natural laws in the cases reviewed. The panel, organized by the Society for Scientific Exploration, did not formally review the Roswell incident, though members acknowledged its prominence in discussions. Physicist Charlie Moore suggested the Roswell debris might have been from a secret government balloon test, a conclusion supported by an Air Force report. Thomas Holzer, a panel member, noted that while the Roswell folklore was fueled by later Air Force tests, the panel's own review of other cases raised significant scientific questions.

Community UFO Experiences

An article from the Centralia Chronicle, "Community members gather to share UFO experiences," features James Clarkson, a UFO investigator, discussing the prevalence of UFO sightings and alleged government cover-ups. The article highlights local sightings, including a large black triangle seen by John Baker and a purple, blue light seen by Karen Munyan. Clarkson, state section director for MUFON, emphasizes the need to separate credible reports from hoaxes.

UFOs in Chicago

An article from the Daily Defender, "South Siders claim they saw a 'strange' UFO," reports on several women in Chicago who claim to have seen a strange UFO hovering over their neighborhood. Ald. Dorothy Tillman has called for a federal investigation into the alleged incident, expressing belief in the witnesses' credibility.

UFO Museum News

An article from the Daily Record, Roswell, NM, "Deon Crosby leaves post at UFO museum," announces the departure of Deon Crosby, director of the International UFO Museum and Research Center, to become executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities. The article also discusses the museum's potential move and expansion, with a poll indicating strong opposition from Roswell residents due to the economic impact on downtown businesses.

Arizona MUFON Activities

An article from the Phoenix Tribune, "Keeping an eye on the sky," profiles Alan R. Morey and Tom Taylor of the Arizona chapter of MUFON. It discusses their efforts to educate the public about UFOs and their own sighting experiences. The article notes that while many sightings are explained as natural phenomena, MUFON members, often professionals, believe in the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Other Sightings and Commentary

Additional reports include a "Skywatch Diary" entry detailing a sighting in Medford, Oregon, and another from Birmingham, Alabama, involving a hovering object described as a "brilliant, white diamond." A piece from the Uintah Basin Standard clarifies a previous story about abnormal activity on a ranch, stating that the cause remains unconfirmed. The Sentinel features an article "UFOs unexplained, misunderstood" by John Tommasino, highlighting the credibility of former astronaut Gordon Cooper's UFO sightings and criticizing the public's dismissal of such reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the credibility of witnesses (including astronauts and military personnel), the possibility of government cover-ups, and the cultural impact of UFO mythology. There is a clear emphasis on presenting witness accounts and investigative findings, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for scientific inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the phenomenon, encouraging further investigation and a less dismissive public attitude towards UFO reports. The publication aims to inform readers about UFO events and related discussions, bridging the gap between the extraordinary claims and the search for credible explanations.

This issue of "FOREIGN NEWS" from March 5, 1998, delves into the persistent mysteries surrounding UFO sightings, government cover-ups, and other unexplained phenomena. The cover story, "Close encounters but no full monty," by Peter Rhodes, explores the UFO community and the ongoing debate about alien contact, highlighting the work of researchers like Nick Redfern and Nick Pope. The issue also features articles on cryptozoology, crop circles, and cattle mutilations, presenting a wide array of intriguing cases.

Close Encounters and Cover-Ups

The lead article by Peter Rhodes describes a UFO conference, likening the slow revelation of information to a striptease. He interviews Nick Redfern, who claims that for over 50 years, RAF pilots and radar operators have reported UFO sightings, with classified documents gradually being released by the Ministry of Defence. Redfern debunks Nick Pope, a former Ministry of Defence official who wrote 'Open Skies, Closed Minds,' suggesting Pope was incorrect about how UFO reports are handled and that the 'Men in Black' might be involved in silencing witnesses. Rhodes notes that despite claims of a government cover-up, the UFO industry is a significant business.

A separate article by Howard Williamson, "Real-life Fox joins effort to solve night sky puzzle," focuses on a UFO sighting in Leeds on February 2, 1998. The "Real Life Fox Mulder," former government worker Nick Pope, is investigating the case. Despite analysis by Leeds Metropolitan University and a Ministry of Defence statement that no aircraft were in the area, the sighting remains unexplained. Dr. Paul Conway of Leeds Metropolitan University suggests the lights could be man-made objects, but UFO Magazine editor Mark Birdsall claims evidence from over 100 witnesses.

Another piece, "It may look like a flying blob, but to the people of a small Scottish town this is proof they are being buzzed by aliens," by Eddie Gibb, explores the 'Bonnybridge Triangle' in Scotland, a hotspot for UFO sightings. The article connects this to the BBC's new sci-fi series 'Invasion: Earth,' which is set in Scotland. It mentions Flight-Lieutenant Jack Taylor of RAF Leuchars and screenwriter Jed Mercurio, who was inspired by the sightings. The article also touches on the theory that the military might allow the notion of UFOs to circulate to distract from covert aircraft testing.

Cryptozoology and Elusive Creatures

The issue features several articles on cryptozoology. "Believers keep tracking elusive Bigfoot" by Lauren Dodge reports on ongoing efforts to find evidence of Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch. Charles Baker describes an encounter in Oregon, and Ray Crowe of the Western Bigfoot Society estimates 50 to 100 researchers worldwide are actively pursuing the creature. The article mentions sophisticated search tools and the need for a body to prove its existence. It also notes sightings in Ohio and Florida, and the skepticism surrounding links between Bigfoot and UFOs.

"Researcher's subjects prove elusive" by Will Bartlett profiles Loren Coleman, a cryptozoologist specializing in hidden, undiscovered, and unknown animals like Bigfoot, Yeti, and sea serpents. Coleman has written extensively on the subject and is publishing two new books. He emphasizes his interest in tangible biological species rather than ghosts or UFOs. The article also touches on the scientific community's demand for physical proof, such as a skeleton, before accepting the existence of these creatures.

"Sweden hopes for break to spot creature in lake" reports on an international team using sonar equipment to search for a legendary horselike creature in Sweden's Great Lake, with sightings dating back to 1635. Adrian Shine, who hunted for the Loch Ness Monster, will lead the search.

Other Unexplained Phenomena

"Crop circles omen of future contact?" by Mary MacArthur discusses the evolution of crop circles into intricate designs, with Gordon Sopczak suggesting it signifies humanity's readiness for more sophisticated communication. The article notes that most crop circles occur in southern England, particularly around Stonehenge, and explores theories about their creation, including non-human intelligence.

"Are extra terrestrials the culprits? Mutilations not prank, not predators: sleuth" by Mary MacArthur details Fernand Belzil's investigation into cattle mutilations. Belzil, who has investigated over 30 cases, believes they are not caused by cults or predators due to the precision of the cuts and the missing body parts. He notes common signs like missing tongues and anus, and small circles of hide removed, suggesting a specific interest in cattle blood and tongues.

"Mystery footprints draw curious to reserve" reports on the discovery of large footprints on a Saskatchewan reserve, coinciding with the disappearance of a dog and a bull. The prints are described as 14-inch by seven-inch wide with a six-foot stride. Local elders attribute them to 'mistysen,' legendary creatures. The discovery has attracted many curious visitors to the area.

"Snowballs in space are hot issue" discusses a theory by Louis A. Frank suggesting that space snowballs may be pelting Earth's atmosphere, a theory challenged by other scientists. Frank maintains his evidence of house-sized ice chunks is valid.

"Unwrapping the mystery of famed Shroud of Turin" by David Smyth reviews Ian Wilson's book arguing for the Shroud of Turin's authenticity, despite 1988 carbon dating results. Wilson questions the dating methods and suggests the Vatican's continued exhibitions of the shroud indicate a lack of intent to suppress its potential authenticity.

"Mystery light in sky leaves anglers baffled" reports on a strange light witnessed by fishermen in Cornwall, England, described as a steadily glowing, silvery-yellow star with no definable shape or sound. Dave Gillam of the Cornwall Unidentified Flying Object Research Group is seeking other witnesses.

"Nighttime 'boom': Theories resound, source a mystery" details a mysterious boom heard in East Greenwich and Warwick, Rhode Island, which baffled police and residents. Theories ranged from the Concorde to seismic activity, but no definitive source was found.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent human fascination with the unexplained, the alleged secrecy and cover-ups by governments regarding UFOs and other phenomena, and the ongoing quest for evidence and definitive answers. The articles present a range of perspectives, from skeptical scientific inquiry to the passionate beliefs of enthusiasts and researchers. The overall stance appears to be one of presenting these diverse accounts and theories, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions while acknowledging the enduring mystery surrounding these topics. The issue highlights the commercial aspect of UFO research and related phenomena, as noted in the cover story's observation that the 'UFO craze is big business.'