UFO Newsclipping Service - 1998 12 - no 353

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated December 1998, is titled 'Circle Makers & Universal Intelligence' and features an in-depth interview with Ron Russell, a pioneering space artist and coordinator for the Centre for Crop Circle Studies. The magazine explores various UFO sightings, encounters, and related phenomena from around the world, with contributions from multiple publications.

The Edge Interview with Ron Russell

The lead article is a two-part interview with Ron Russell, conducted by Jay Bremyer. Russell, who has a 35-year career as a professional artist, has become a significant figure in crop circle research and the study of extraterrestrial intelligence. He views crop circles as 'energetically pregnant transformative artwork' and 'spiritual machines' that are gifts beyond human causation, suggesting they are a form of communication from an unknown intelligence. He notes that these formations often appear in areas with ancient sacred significance, such as in England.

Russell also discusses his involvement with CSETI (Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence), founded by Dr. Steven Greer. He explains that CSETI develops protocols for safe and diplomatic contact with extraterrestrial intelligence, and that many sky watches have been conducted from crop circles, sometimes resulting in contact.

Regarding crop circles in America, Russell notes a lack of reporting networks but acknowledges that formations do appear. He mentions that samples from these formations have been sent for analysis.

Russell describes his experiences with megalithic sites like Stonehenge and Avebury, referring to them as 'machines' that can induce transcendence and facilitate contact when approached with the right mindset. He advocates for a spiritual approach to understanding these phenomena, suggesting that humans need to 'reactivate the spiritual being of our lives' and move beyond a fear-based preoccupation with control.

He also touches upon 'Near Landing Events' or 'Encounters of the Fifth Kind' (CE-5), correlating them with crop circle formations, and emphasizes that these are spiritual matters rather than purely materialistic UFO phenomena.

Bordentown UFO Conference Offers Bizarre Tales

This article by Paris L. Gray from the Courier-Post reports on the annual National UFO Conference held in Bordentown, New Jersey. The event featured speakers like retired Air Force Major George Filer, who shared his experience of spotting a UFO over Stonehenge, and Melanie Green, a hypnotherapist who runs an abductee support group. Pat Marcattilio, known as 'Dr. UFO,' organized the conference. David Huggins, an artist and experiencer, presented his encounters with aliens, including detailed artwork and descriptions of his interactions.

UFO Sightings Reported Last Week

A brief report from the Gazette-Times in Corvallis, OR, notes a surge in UFO sighting reports across the U.S. in late September, with many sightings of green or blue-green fireballs over Western states. These objects reportedly behaved unlike astronomical phenomena, changing course, color, and sometimes appearing in multiples.

The Wild Blue Yonder

This is a review by Richard Grant of Phil Patton's book 'Dreamland: Travels Inside the Secret World of Roswell and Area 51.' The reviewer notes that while the book focuses on military aircraft projects and the 'black' aviation world, it also touches upon UFO lore, Roswell, and Area 51. Patton's narrative style is described as engaging, but the reviewer points out that the book is not primarily about UFOs and that readers seeking deep UFO analysis might need to look elsewhere.

God's Eye or Bull's Eye

This personal essay by Jay Bremyer recounts childhood and adult experiences with anomalous aerial phenomena. Bremyer describes seeing a 'silver-blue and gold eye' as a child, which he interpreted as 'God's Eye.' He also recounts later sightings of unusual objects and discusses the increasing prevalence of crop circles, which he views as a message from an unknown intelligence.

Odd Sightings Still Reported

This report from the Baxter Bulletin details recent unexplained sightings in the Mountain Home, Arkansas area, including bright lights and a 'gold-like' object. Local pilot Andy Lewis and investigator Christine Lippert of MUFON are mentioned. The report notes that many sightings are being taken seriously by investigators.

Alien Tales Not Just Overactive Minds?

This article by Lance Pitcher from the Herald-Journal features Yvonne Smith, a hypnotherapist specializing in alien abductions. Smith, who has never been abducted herself, bases her conviction on the consistent similarities in the detailed accounts of over 300 people she has worked with. She notes that many abductees recall memories stretching back to childhood and that airline pilots are among those reporting unusual experiences.

The article also contrasts the views of believers with skeptics like Philip Klass, a former avionics editor and publisher of the Skeptics Newsletter, who remains unconvinced due to a lack of credible physical evidence. Bob Oechsler, a former NASA mission specialist, counters Klass by citing the abundance of physical evidence, including photographic and biological data from crop circle sites.

Speaker Talks of UFOs and 'Hidden History'

This report from the Daily Journal-Gazette covers a presentation by Robert Hastings at Eastern Illinois University. Hastings, who has researched UFOs since the 1970s, claims the U.S. government has compiled 30,000 pages of information on UFO sightings since 1947, classifying them as a national security matter. He presented declassified documents and photos suggesting UFOs are not secret weapons and that the CIA attempted to downplay sightings.

In Search of...

This piece by Keith Ingersoll from Messenger Press discusses the 35th annual National UFO Conference in Bordentown, NJ. The author expresses curiosity about the prospect of life from other planets and recounts a peculiar encounter in New York that made him question the nature of reality. He interviews Pat Marcattilio, the conference sponsor, who shares his belief that opening one's mind allows for the perception of alien visitors. Marcattilio also discusses his research into alien abduction cases, describing scenarios where individuals are taken aboard spacecraft for medical examinations and shown star charts.

UFO Sightings Reported in Area

This report from the Lake Co. Leader details multiple UFO sightings over the Mission Mountains near Polson, Montana. Witnesses, including police officers and night workers, described an object with flashing blue, red, and green lights. The National UFO Reporting Center notes an increase in sightings nationwide.

20 years ago - Australia's greatest aviation mystery

This article from The Standard in Warrnambool, Australia, revisits the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich in 1978. Paul Norman, a UFO researcher, discusses the case, which he calls Australia's greatest aviation mystery. The article includes a verbatim transcript of Valentich's final radio communications, which mention a strange aircraft hovering above him before his disappearance. Reports of unusual lights and objects in the sky around the time of his disappearance are also mentioned.

UFO man happy in seventh heaven

This article from the Bucks Herald introduces Karl Sweeney, who is organizing a UFO group in Aylesbury, England. It features John Mathews, who claims to have seen two verified UFOs, including a cigar-shaped object and another seen from a Boeing 747.

Bright lights shine in the Holy Land

This report from The Times in London highlights Israel as a UFO hotspot, with claims of alien craft appearing regularly and leaving physical evidence. Journalist Barry Chamish is mentioned for his collection of photos and reports, including a large light in the sky and burn-marks on a beach attributed to a disc-shaped craft. The article notes that alien sightings are common among the Palestinian population and are interwoven with cultural elements, but Western-style encounters are also increasing.

UFOs: Are they a case of mistaken identity?

This article from the Sentinel in Stoke-on-Trent, England, features three British UFOlogists—Eric Morris, Tim Matthews, and Arthur Tomlinson—who argue that most UFO sightings are cases of mistaken identity. They explain that Staffordshire is a 'hot-spot' for sightings but that many can be explained by natural phenomena like meteorite showers or optical illusions. They emphasize the need to move away from the 'aliens tag' to conduct proper research.

'UFO TOOK MY PICTURE'

This report from the Sunday Independent in Plymouth, England, tells the story of George Harris, who claims a UFO swooped down and took his photograph on two consecutive days. He described a bright light, like a car's headlamp, that was silent and appeared at the same time on both days. The article also mentions a recent flood of UFO sightings in Cornwall.

Chasing alien landing

This brief report from the Express & Star in Wolverhampton, England, mentions a decoded Russian spy message that has sparked a hunt for clues to an alien UFO landing on Cannock Chase in December 1963. Staffordshire UFO Group is appealing for information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the mystery and potential communication associated with crop circles, numerous reported UFO sightings and encounters across different countries, and the ongoing debate between those who believe in extraterrestrial visitation and skeptics who attribute sightings to natural phenomena or misidentification. There is also a recurring mention of government secrecy and the efforts of researchers and organizations to gather evidence and understand these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting both the evidence and the skepticism surrounding them.

This issue of the Sunday Mercury, dated September 27, 1998, features a prominent cover story titled "Man with a mission to track down UFOs," focusing on Nicholas Redfern, a Walsall-based investigator who has dedicated his life to uncovering government UFO secrets. The magazine also includes reports on UFO sightings from various locations, including the UK and Brazil, and features insights from former astronaut Edgar Mitchell.

Cover Story: Man with a mission to track down UFOs

The main article introduces Nicholas Redfern, who, inspired by the TV series 'The X-Files,' investigates government UFO-watchers and uses US freedom of information laws to access detailed reports. Redfern's interest was sparked by his father's potential UFO encounter while serving in the RAF in 1952. Redfern has authored books, including 'Cosmic Crashes' and 'The FBI Files,' and has visited Area 51. He firmly believes the US government knows more about UFOs than it admits, stating, "I am convinced the US government knows more about the subject than it is willing to admit." He explains that while the FBI doesn't have a dedicated 'X-Files' department, officers investigate incidents. Redfern's work is based on FBI documentation, and he believes a significant percentage of UFO sightings are extraterrestrial.

MP in pledge on UFO riddle

Gower MP Martin Caton has promised to investigate claims of UFO sightings over Swansea. Over 50 people reported seeing strange lights and objects in the sky. An anonymous caller suggested the lights were from Sea King helicopters and De Havilland aircraft, but UFO researcher Neil Spring disputes this, citing airport information. Spring plans to ask MPs to press for answers in Parliament and urges anyone with inside knowledge to contact him. Mr. Caton acknowledged that people saw something and the question remains whether it was an extraterrestrial explanation or something else.

History of alien investigations

This section briefly outlines the FBI's involvement in UFO investigations, starting in the late 1940s by evaluating witness credibility. In the 1950s, the FBI received reports of contact with communist aliens. The 1970s saw a focus on cattle mutilation incidents, and the 1980s involved the investigation of the 'Majestic 12' document concerning the Roswell incident.

X-Files UFO riddle in city

This article from the South Wales Evening Post reports on UFO sightings in Swansea. Neil Spring of the Global UFO Investigation office described seeing a pencil-shaped object with two fiery red lights moving silently. He noted a helicopter attempting to follow the object but failing due to its speed. Coastguard officer Steve Matthews and former merchant seaman Philip Stevens also reported seeing strange lights and objects over Swansea Bay. Swansea Airport confirmed two helicopters landed with crews unusually not revealing their identity or movements.

Exclusive: U.S. Astronaut Reveals UFOs Have Visited Earth

This piece features an unnamed American astronaut who claims to have no doubt that aliens have visited Earth. He states that governments worldwide possess thousands of UFO files that cannot be explained. The astronaut, who joined NASA 40 years ago, believes that the Roswell incident in 1947 was real and that secret files show the government's knowledge of it. He suggests that governments have been secretive due to fear of public panic. He also mentions that the Belgian government has admitted the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The astronaut believes that humanity is part of a larger universal consciousness and that extraterrestrial life is a logical assumption.

'Make no mistake, Roswell happened'

This section reiterates the astronaut's conviction about the Roswell incident, stating he has seen secret files confirming the government's knowledge. He explains that revealing such information would have caused widespread panic due to the advanced technology of alien beings.

'I'd love to meet an extra terrestrial'

Edgar Mitchell, a former astronaut and consultant for 'The X-Files,' expresses his belief in aliens, stating that the proof has been hushed up. He compares the current skepticism about aliens to historical resistance to scientific truths like Copernicus's heliocentric model. Mitchell argues that intelligent life, defined by the ability to manage information, likely exists elsewhere in the universe. He dismisses rumors of alien buildings on the moon, having been there himself. Mitchell believes that as more scientists admit ETs are a viable prospect, scientific investigation will increase, leading to undeniable proof. He states that while he'd love to meet an extraterrestrial, it's not his top priority.

UFO sighting puts sceptic DJ in a spin

This article from the Crewe Chronicle reports on a sighting by David Snook, a DJ who calls himself a skeptic. He reported seeing a V-shaped craft with flashing lights and a low buzzing sound over Crewe and Nantwich. Police were called, and while they didn't see the object, another resident in Sandbach also reported a similar sighting. Air traffic control found nothing on radar, suggesting it might have been a bright star.

Did you see this UFO?

This letter to the Express & Star describes a sighting on October 18, 1998, in Sandwell Valley, England. The writer and their parents observed a stationary sphere and a large triangular craft that changed color and moved erratically. They estimate it was between Wednesbury and Walsall.

The truth is out there

This News Letter article features Jim Patterson, a 76-year-old Belfast man who videotaped a mysterious light in the sky. Patterson described the object as sausage-shaped and changing colors, moving erratically. He ruled out conventional explanations like helicopters or fireworks. After his video was broadcast, he received over 30 calls from people who had witnessed similar phenomena. Armagh Planetarium expressed interest in examining the tape, suggesting it might be Jupiter but requiring further analysis.

NEWS OF THE SWIRL

This section briefly mentions UK crop circles attracting tourists and poses questions about their cause (earth energy, wind, UFOs, or hoaxes). It also notes a book titled 'Vital Signs' by Andy Thomas and mentions the Avebury Stone Circle.

Out of this world achievement

This Yorkshire Evening Post article highlights Russ Kellet, a dyslexic UFO enthusiast from Bradford who founded Britain's UFO Research Network. Kellet has written a script for an X-Files-style film titled 'Through the Eyes of an Alien - Once a Human,' hoping to find backers for a Hollywood blockbuster. He has battled dyslexia and ME while writing the script, which is based on UFO history and personal experiences.

UFOs spotted over the A34

A Congleton woman reported seeing a bright object above Moreton Level on the A34, describing it as looking like a "shoal of fish." Another witness, Bill Edey, reported seeing about 25 lights in a spherical shape. The Met Office suggested it was likely a cloud highlighted by a laser.

Strange encounter on link road

This Mid-Devon Gazette article details Steve Lovering's encounter with a cigar-shaped UFO on the A361 North Devon Link Road. He described the object as bright, moving quickly, stopping, and then shooting off at high speed. He was unable to get a clear video, but Tiverton police had not received any reports of similar sightings.

TRANSLATIONS

This section provides details of UFO incidents in Brazil, including dates, locations, and newspaper sources. It focuses on the story of Edmilson Araújo de Farias, known as Carioca, who claims to have witnessed six different shapes of ET ships.

UFOLOGISTS VERIFY UFO EVENTS IN GUARABIRA

This article from the Sentinel reports on UFO investigations in Guarabira, Brazil, by the EPUG Ufological Research Team. Technicians from the Center of Aerospace Technology (CTA) analyzed images of lights filmed in Guarabira and concluded they were not from known aircraft. The EPUG team is creating a documentary about these events.

DETAILS AND SHAPES OF OBJECTS

This section analyzes daylight images of UFOs recorded over Guarabira, noting that their shapes do not resemble conventional aircraft and their motion is unusual. Experts from the Brazilian Air Force and the Astronomical and Geophysical Institute suggest these are not atmospheric phenomena. A metallic object recovered in Jacaraú was identified by scientist Ricardo Varela as a hydrazine tank, not an alien artifact.

EXPERTS ANALYZE IMAGES

Experts who analyzed UFO images from Guarabira, including Major Basílio Baranoff and Meteorologist Rubens Junqueira Vilela, concluded that the objects exhibited characteristics of UFOs and did not conform to conventional aircraft hypotheses. The images are being further analyzed by special digital processes.

Otters might be behind big-cat sightings

This Forteana News article from the Daily News suggests that river otters might be responsible for mysterious big-cat sightings in Davenport, Washington. State wildlife officers believe the otters' appearance, especially when wet, could be mistaken for large cats.

MINNESOTA MYSTERIES

This Revue article reviews Jay Rath's book, 'The M-Files,' which explores paranormal events in Minnesota, including UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and cattle mutilations. The article highlights the 'Minnesota Ice Man' exhibit and the story of a woman claiming to be raped by Bigfoot. It also mentions General Mills' historical tracking of UFO sightings and Captain Edward J. Ruppelt's visit to the company.

Bigfoot's trail runs hot with acrimony

This News Tribune article discusses Rene Dahinden's 30-year obsession with the Patterson film, purported footage of Bigfoot. Dahinden, who co-owns the film, has been unable to definitively prove its authenticity or fakery. The article touches on the conflicts within the Bigfoot community, including Dahinden's disputes with academics like Dr. Grover Krantz. It also mentions Dahinden's involvement in a Kokanee Beer advertising campaign.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), government secrecy surrounding these events, and the ongoing efforts of individuals and organizations to investigate and uncover the truth. There is a clear editorial stance supporting open-mindedness towards these phenomena, encouraging critical thinking while acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement. The articles highlight the tension between skepticism and belief, and the challenges faced by researchers in obtaining credible evidence and public acceptance. The 'X-Files' phenomenon is frequently referenced, indicating its cultural impact on public perception of UFOs and government conspiracies.