UFO Newsclipping Service - 1998 10 - no 351

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE
Issue: 351
Volume: October 1998
Publisher: Lucius Farish
Country: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: Paranormal effort takes a public turn Nevadan seeks Basin's input on UFOs

Articles

Tracy UFO rumor hits Web speed This article from the RECORD, Stockton, CA (August 7, 1998) discusses a UFO crash rumor that spread rapidly on the World Wide Web. Despite the lack of official confirmation from the Tracy Sheriff's Office or the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, media outlets were inundated with calls. The rumor originated from a caller to UFOnetwork, suggesting the craft may have been shot down by 'Star Wars' technology from Lawrence Livermore Labs. The article notes that three private planes had recently crashed in the area, forming a 'Tracy Triangle'. Jeff Garberson, a spokesman for Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, denied any involvement. The article also mentions a caller to Art Bell's radio show who identified himself as an alien possessing a local man named David.

Paranormal effort takes a public turn Nevadan seeks Basin's input on UFOs This article from the UINTAH BASIN STANDARD, Roosevelt, UT (August 18, 1998) by Zack Van Eyck reports on Robert T. Bigelow's National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS). Bigelow purchased a 480-acre ranch in Uintah County, previously owned by Terry and Gwen Sherman, due to its history of UFO activity and bizarre occurrences. NIDS is conducting research on the site, including surveillance equipment. Bigelow, a millionaire philanthropist, has funded private research on the fringe of science for years. The Shermans reported witnessing UFOs, mutilated cattle, and other phenomena. Bigelow confirmed ongoing strange aerial activity and animal deaths but declined to discuss specific incidents. He is seeking input from Uintah Basin ranchers and residents regarding unusual animal deaths or UFO sightings, offering NIDS veterinarians for necropsies at no cost to the rancher. Bigelow's interest in the paranormal stems from a childhood encounter. He established NIDS in 1995 to investigate aerial phenomena and consciousness survival. He believes the government and other institutions should take UFOs more seriously and that the potential confirmation of extraterrestrial life could have a devastating psychosocial impact.

Scientific examination of UFOs needed A letter to the editor in the TELEGRAPH, Alton, IL (August 12, 1998) by Jeff Tarbell welcomes the recommendation by a Rockefeller-funded scientific review panel that UFOs warrant serious scientific investigation. Tarbell criticizes the government secrecy and academic dismissal of the subject, lamenting that information is gleaned through sensationalized media. He notes the lack of official investigation since the Condon Committee's report and the closure of Project Blue Book in 1969. Tarbell argues that while UFO studies may not be politically advantageous, scientific inquiry could yield unforeseen dividends, justifying an open, sober investigation.

Spooky Sleuth This article from the RECORD-SEARCHLIGHT, Redding, CA (August 19, 1998) by Stasia Scarborough profiles Brian Campbell, a self-employed UFO investigator in Redding. Campbell estimates he handles 200-300 cases annually, including sightings and alien abductions. His interest solidified after seeing a UFO eight years prior. He believes the government has a secret alliance with alien races, exchanging technology for allowing abductions and then denying public knowledge. The article notes that the Redding Police Department sometimes refers UFO reports to Campbell, though a police spokesperson denied this. It also mentions Campbell referring people to a hypnotist, Roger Gray, to help them recall abduction memories.

UFO researcher's video explores several theories about 1965 crash in Westmoreland County This article from the POST-GAZETTE, Pittsburgh, PA (September 9, 1998) by David Templeton discusses Stan Gordon's documentary, "Kecksburg: The Untold Story," about the 1965 Kecksburg incident. The article reviews various theories, including the military's insistence it was a meteorite, skeptics suggesting a Soviet Venus probe (Kosmos 96) or experimental spacecraft, and UFO researchers proposing an extraterrestrial origin. Gordon's video presents eyewitness accounts of a fireball, an acorn-shaped spacecraft, and military personnel at the scene. The article explores the Kosmos 96 theory in detail, including discrepancies and the possibility of a U.S. government cover-up to examine Soviet technology. It also touches on the Cold War context and the potential value of the craft's shielding. Gordon aims to encourage congressional hearings to resolve the mystery.

Close Encounters of the Roscommon County Kind This article from RESORTER, Houghton Lake, MI (Fall 1998) by Glenn Schicker chronicles several UFO sightings in Roscommon County. It mentions a sighting in July 1947 of 'flying saucers' from Mars, a sighting in July 1961 of a reddish glow and a flying object, a December 1974 sighting of a large round object with colored lights, and a July 1977 sighting of a green, jelly-bean-shaped object. The article also references a UFO sighting in the Chase Bridge Road area. It notes that such encounters seem to have diminished in frequency, speculating on reasons for this.

Close Encounter: Area Autoworker Is 'Mr. UFO' This article from MOTOR CITY NEWS, Warren, MI (August 17, 1998) by Gerald Scott profiles Chet Grusinski, a Detroit native and UFO expert. Grusinski recounts a UFO sighting in 1958 while serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. He describes a cigar-shaped object with figures inside that hovered over the ship, then turned red-orange and departed rapidly. He experienced dehydration and a loss of power on the ship that night. Grusinski's research has uncovered that the USS Roosevelt was equipped to carry nuclear weapons, and other military installations with nuclear weapons also experience UFO sightings. He also found a U.S. government document with photos of a 1952 UFO incident on the same ship.

Police Officer Digs Up Roswell Mystery This article from LABOR NEWS, Rockford, IL (September 18, 1998) details Police Officer Royal MacKenzie's visit to the Roswell, New Mexico crash site. He paid $15 to a farmer for directions and was shown a piece of metallic substance that could be crumpled like tin foil but would spring back to its original shape. MacKenzie also spoke with older locals who described a crash and subsequent government secrecy. The article references the official explanation of a Project Mogul balloon and mentions Major Jesse A. Marcel's account of the material not burning near a match. It also touches on German flying disc research during WWII and the ongoing speculation surrounding the Roswell incident.

UFO Investigator Says Sightings On The Increase This article from LABOR NEWS, Rockford, IL (August 21, 1998) features Bill Heft, director of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO). Heft states that UFO sightings are increasing worldwide, with active areas in California and Illinois. He describes various object shapes and behaviors reported, including three-cornered gray objects and green fireballs. Heft mentions reports of college students seeing large lights and a documented case of a bright green light photographed by a camcorder. The article also touches on cattle mutilations and crop circles as related phenomena.

New book chronicles close encounters of stupid kind This brief from NORTHWEST HERALD, Crystal Lake, IL (September 16, 1998) highlights retired Air Force colonel Ed Benjamin's new book about 'stupid' alien encounters, including a pilot taken aboard a UFO and returned in women's underwear, and aliens returning abductees to the wrong cars.

Undocumented Aliens This article from CHRONICLE, Houston, TX (October 4, 1998) by Todd Ackerman discusses John Schuessler, a Houston aerospace engineer and UFOlogist. Schuessler notes the lack of scientific interest in UFOs locally and hopes a recent scientific review panel's findings will encourage more research. The panel concluded that some sightings have physical evidence warranting study, criticizing the scientific community's lack of curiosity. The article mentions cases with burns, radar detection, and radiation damage. It also discusses the role of funding and the historical skepticism towards UFOs, citing the CIA's debunking of Korean War reports. Joe Nickell, a skeptic, questions the value of researching unidentifiable cases. The article also touches on MUFON, its museum, and director Walt Andrus's views on extraterrestrial visitations and potential government cover-ups. Schuessler's testimony focused on the physiological effects of the Cash-Landrum incident.

Skywatch Diary This section features multiple entries: * Pensacola Beach, FL (June 3, 1998) by Carole Baker: Discusses a Memorial Day weekend sighting at Shoreline Park and a report from Nancy Lawson about activity in the Panama City area. It details a sighting at Seagrove on May 14, 1998, by Pat Trott and Bonita, involving an oval-shaped object with colored lights that maintained position for 45 minutes, followed by a yellowish-white oval light that appeared and disappeared. They also witnessed two points of light that collided and disappeared. The entry also mentions an upcoming event at Area 51 in Nevada. * Pensacola Beach, FL (June 17, 1998) by Carole Baker: Reports on a sighting by Airman Renard Gie at Duke Field, who saw a bright, round, lighted object that moved erratically, but the object did not appear on photographic film. Other witnesses reported a similar object. Military spokesmen stated radar showed nothing.

Close Encounters This article from the DAILY NEWS, Ft. Walton Beach, FL (September 13, 1998) by Angie Toole discusses how UFO sightings can change people's lives. Donald Ware, a retired Air Force pilot and UFO investigator, shares his experiences, including a sighting over Washington D.C. in 1952. He believes UFOs are controlled by an advanced intelligence and are part of a larger reality, possibly related to the 'angelic force associated with the second coming operation.' The article also mentions Phil Obenauer's 1965 sighting of three lights over the Atlantic and Eudora Courtney's 1979-1981 sighting of a hovering craft on Cumberland Lake. Pat Roberts recounts a teenage sighting of a hovering object. Paul Donner, a retired pilot, describes seeing a UFO emerge from and return to the sea. Evelyn Drowne saw a film of two flying saucers. Jakie Miller spotted a black, round object that changed colors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged crashes, government secrecy surrounding these events, and the ongoing efforts of civilian researchers and organizations like MUFON to investigate and document these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on personal testimonies and eyewitness accounts, often contrasted with official explanations or skepticism from mainstream science and media. The editorial stance, as reflected in the letters to the editor and the general tone of the articles, supports the need for serious scientific investigation into UFOs, criticizing the historical dismissal and ridicule of the subject. The issue highlights the persistent belief in extraterrestrial intelligence and the profound impact these experiences have on individuals, suggesting that the topic is far from being resolved and warrants continued attention.

This issue of Foreign News, dated July 28, 1998, with additional clippings from August and September 1998, presents a collection of articles primarily focused on UFO sightings, alien encounters, and mysterious phenomena. The magazine, compiled with clippings courtesy of Timothy Good, features reports from various UK and Canadian publications, highlighting public interest and ongoing investigations into the unexplained.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The cover story, "IS THIS A UFO?", leads with a dramatic headline and image, setting the tone for the issue. Several articles detail specific UFO sightings:

• Kingsdown, UK (July 19, 1998): Martin Thompson and Janice Trinder, camping in Kingsdown, captured images of a white glowing object that appeared from behind a cloud, moved slowly, and reappeared 20 minutes later. They were convinced it was not a plane or weather balloon and described it as three times the size of a plane. Martin Thompson, a former soldier, recounted the object flying straight up, leaving a thick white trail that faded within 10 minutes.
• Chippenham, UK (June 25, 1998): Barry Portsmouth claims he and a friend encountered a UFO on a dark road, experiencing a loss of time and severe headaches. They described bright lights in a circle that hovered above their car, with an orange doorway visible. The object followed them to Chippenham before disappearing.
• Stourbridge, UK (June 26, 1998): UFO investigators Uform are appealing for eyewitnesses after two residents reported a triangle-shaped object hovering above Corbett Hospital, which then shot off at high speed.
• Ludgershall, UK (August 1, 1998): A woman reported seeing a high, circular-shaped object with a slight sheen that moved off at speed, faster than a jet and leaving no trail.
• Near Worcester, UK (July 20, 1998): Angela Wright and Robert Hughes reported seeing a "huge machine in the sky" with a row of lights on either side, which caused their car radio to cut out.
• West Midlands, UK (March 31, 1993): An unidentified craft was reported over RAF Cosford and Shawbury, though the Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated it was not judged to be of defence significance.
• Broad Haven, UK (February 14, 1977): A letter from Neil Spring discusses a UFO sighting by 14 boys and a girl at Broad Haven Primary School, where a dome-shaped, silver object was observed resting on the ground.
• Haverfordwest, Wales (June 1, 1998): Jeff Kirkhouse reported seeing a silver object, resembling a rocket, moving rapidly across the sky.

UFO Reports Decline and Explanations

An article by James Landale in The Times (London, August 15, 1998) reports that official UFO sightings have fallen dramatically in Britain. In 1996, 609 people reported sightings, dropping to 425 in 1997 and only 88 in the first six months of 1998. A Ministry of Defence spokesman suggested that films like "Independence Day" and "Men in Black" in previous years had prompted higher figures, while the World Cup in 1998 might have distracted people. However, UFO expert Nick Pope and Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine, are skeptical of this theory. Birdsall suggests the decline is due to the MoD installing an answering machine instead of taking reports in person, deterring people. He also claims official figures represent only 10 percent of actual sightings.

Crop Circles

Several articles focus on crop circle discoveries:

• Conquest, Saskatchewan, Canada (August 27, 1998): Photographer John McKenzie documented nine crop circles found in a field near Vanderhoof airport. The circles, ranging from one to 100 feet in diameter, featured flattened stalks bent at ground level, with some showing a cross extending from the circle. The swirls in adjoining circles went in opposite directions. Ken Mann, a farmer, speculated about a meteor shower, while others considered natural causes or pranksters.
• Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan, Canada (August 24, 1998): Randy Flick discovered crop circles in a mature field of durum wheat. The oval-shaped area, about 72 feet across, was flattened, with rings of standing and flattened crop. A path led to a smaller circle. Farmer George Bergstrom found the circles on Sunday morning and initially suspected a practical joke, but noted the precision and the lack of broken stalks.
• Yettington, England (June 25, 1998): UFO experts were investigating mystery crop circles in a field of winter barley near Yettington. Farm manager Don Causley discovered a large circle of flattened barley with concentric rings. Nigel Wright, a strange phenomenon research expert, noted the coincidence with intense UFO activity over Woodbury Common.

Other Unexplained Phenomena

• Bermuda Triangle Mystery: An article in the International Express (September 15, 1998) explores Dr. Ben Clennell's theory that giant methane bubbles released from the ocean floor could explain the disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle. Gas hydrates, crystalline mixtures of water ice and methane, could cause ships to sink and aircraft engines to ignite.
• Animal Communication: The Daily News (Anchorage, AK, July 16, 1998) features an article on Arthur Myers' book, "Communicating With Animals," which contends that humans can communicate with animals through telepathy. Myers interviewed 50 'animal communicators' who claim to converse with various species.
• Mysterious Boom: The Herald-Standard (Uniontown, PA, September 29, 1998) reports on a ground-shaking boom heard in Brownsville, PA, with officials unable to find its source. Theories ranged from an explosion to an airplane, but no damage or evidence was found.
• Nessie in Sweden: The Sunday Telegraph (London, August 23, 1998) reports that Adrian Shine, an authority on the Loch Ness Monster, was invited to Östersund, Sweden, to help search for the Storsjoodjuret, or "Storsie," a creature believed to have inhabited the Great Lake for 700 years.

Religious and Scientific Perspectives

• Vatican and Aliens: The Evening News (Worcester, England, August 6, 1998) discusses Father Corrado Balducci, a Vatican theologian, who believes in the existence of extraterrestrials and that it does not conflict with Christian faith. He cites evidence of flying saucers and suggests that extraterrestrials are further evolved.
• Scientific Reductionism: The Tablet (London, June 6, 1998) discusses Michael Persinger's view that alien abduction experiences can be reproduced in a laboratory and attributed to brain conditions. It also touches on the idea of remote viewing and other psychic phenomena investigated by intelligence services.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the persistent public fascination with UFOs, alien encounters, and unexplained phenomena, alongside a desire for scientific or official explanations. There is a clear divide between those who have experienced these events and seek validation, and official bodies or skeptics who require concrete proof or offer conventional explanations. The articles highlight the ongoing debate about the nature of reality, the limits of scientific understanding, and the human tendency to seek answers to the unknown. The editorial stance, as suggested by the "Fortean Times" article, appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the inexplicable while also seeking to unmask hoaxes.