UFO Newsclipping Service - 1999 01 - no 354

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated January 1999 and identified as Number 354, features a cover headline that boldly proclaims, "The aliens will get you, hah, hah." The publication, edited and published by Lucius Farish, originates from Arkansas, USA.

Articles and Reports

'The aliens will get you, hah, hah' - A Museum of the Unexplained

This article by Rob Stroud reports on the opening of 'The X File,' a museum of the unexplained in Martinsville, USA, founded by Ryan and Zelma Emerson. The museum showcases three-dimensional replicas of creatures like a 9-foot-tall bigfoot and the mothman, based on sketches and photographs. Zelma Emerson, a seamstress, created the replicas using a computer and blueprints. The Emersons' interest in the unexplained began in Washington state, with Ryan's focus on bigfoot sightings and Zelma's experience with a UFO sighting. They were offered the opportunity to create the museum at Lake Forest Resort by CEO Sam Farina.

UFOs Bring Attention/Previous Sightings

By Bill Galusha, this report from the Lake County Leader details numerous UFO sightings in Lake County, USA, over several decades. Recent reports from October 16-31, 1998, describe an unidentified object with a dome and flickering lights sighted over the Mission Mountains. Eyewitness Don Basta described the object as higher than a star but too low to be Jupiter, with flashing lights. A sheriff's office dispatcher also witnessed the object, though she believed it to be light reflecting from stars. The article also mentions reports of crop circles and a close encounter near Flathead Lake. A letter from a woman in Bozeman recounts a 1966 sighting of a house-sized, spinning, circular object following her car, which was completely silent.

'Mystery' Landing Predicted

This piece from the DAILY RECORD, Roswell, NM, dated December 7, 1998, discusses Peter Gersten, a Roswell UFO Encounter speaker, who predicts a mysterious object will land north of Phoenix on December 7. Gersten, who practices law in Sedona, Arizona, is known for analyzing UFO claims and branding most as hoaxes. However, he considers this prediction different. The article also references Phil Patton's book 'Dreamland,' which explores the Roswell and Area 51 phenomena, including alleged government cover-ups, alien-human hybrids, and disinformation campaigns.

Believers Gather in Bordentown for Annual UFO Convention

Reported by Toni Ford for the COURIER-POST, this article covers the 35th Annual National UFO Conference held in Bordentown Township, USA. Attendees shared experiences and sought verification for their beliefs about alien spacecraft. Bill Sudbrink recounted a 1989 sighting of a luminescent disk in West Virginia. Michelle Guerin described an abduction experience involving small, thin beings. Lecturer Antonio Huneeus discussed findings in Chile, noting both genuine reports and false ones. The conference featured speakers discussing UFOs and aliens, with a focus on abduction cases and alleged extraterrestrial exploitation of humans.

Something in the Sky - Reports from Northern Michigan

This section from the RECORD EAGLE, Traverse City, MI, dated November 1, 1998, presents several UFO sightings in northern Michigan. Elvira Filbert reported seeing an oddly shaped object with projecting lights and bars of light hovering over a tree line. Dick Cookman, an astronomy teacher, notes that wide horizons in the region can lead to misinterpretations of planets or stars. He also recounts a personal sighting of a light that moved in a C-shaped arc and sped off. The article details a 1973 incident in Manistee County involving multiple large, X-15 shaped objects with blinking lights. It also mentions a 1994 incident near Traverse City involving a triangular object with blue and red lights, and a 1994 sighting near Kingsley of a large cylindrical object with white and blue lights.

Reports of Unusual Aerial Activities These Past Few Months

This report from EAGLE, Crestone, CO, dated January 1999, by Christopher O'Brien, details several anomalous aerial activities in the San Luis Valley, USA, during the fall of 1998. Sightings include a silver 'V' hovering over Smith Reservoir, a multi-colored light over Blanca Peak, an amber-colored hemispherical light near Blanca, and three objects reflecting the setting sun over Greenie Mountain. Other reports mention a 'weird amber-colored light' moving north-to-south, a silver-colored disc hovering over Mt. Adams, and two large glowing white objects falling toward the ground near Alamosa. A report from Center, CO, describes a bright red light, possibly military aircraft, and a white unmarked Bronco. Another sighting involved a large craft with pulsing white lights heard and spotted by numerous residents.

Bright flying objects, crop circles subjects of military reports

This article from the NATIONAL POST, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, dated December 22, 1998, discusses a batch of CIRVIS reports released by the Canadian Defence Department. These reports detail sightings of strange phenomena, including a round yellowish light seen by snowmobilers, a large triangle-shaped object over a Yukon lake, and crop circles found on a Prairie farm. Army Sergeant Clay Rankin recalled a sighting of two cone-shaped unidentified flying objects following a woman's car in Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T. The article also mentions sightings of white and orange lights over Crowe Lake and chaotic movements of glowing objects over Ottawa. A report from Coral Harbour, N.W.T., describes a large blue ball with smaller red balls and sparkles.

UFO mystery is deepening

This article from SOUTH WALES EVENING POST, Swansea, Wales, dated October 12, 1998, discusses reports of UFO sightings in Swansea, possibly linked to jets performing aerobatics. Investigator Neil Spring received over 40 calls about lights seen in the sky, described as parallel lights travelling east to west. Reports suggest helicopters attempted to intercept the objects but they were too fast. Swansea Airport confirmed military helicopters were in the area, but denied they were UFOs. Mr. Spring dismisses the explanation, citing the speed of the objects and the denial from RAF Chivenor.

UFO near misses in the skies

From the TIMES, Derbyshire, England, dated September 10, 1998, this report by David Clarke highlights over 100 close encounters between passenger jets and bizarre flying objects, as detailed in Jenny Randles' new book 'Something in the Air.' The book lists at least 25 such encounters above Britain since 1991, including a wedge-shaped UFO passing close to a Boeing 737 landing at Manchester Airport. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) probe into this incident failed to find an explanation. Randles suggests possible causes include secret prototype aircraft, space junk, and unknown electrical energy. She believes aircrew are silenced due to airline concerns about customer confidence.

More strange lights in the sky

This article by Kahn Johnson from STAMFORD MERCURY, Lincs., England, dated September 25, 1998, reports sightings of unidentified flying objects over Stamford. Witnesses described a W-shaped object with numerous lights and later, two objects shaped like 'old fashioned brass ashtrays.' RAF Wittering and Cottesmore denied any aircraft were flying at the time. The article includes a drawing by a witness and notes that police have received no reports.

There's something out there!

This piece from EVENING NEWS, Norwich, England, dated September 28, 1998, profiles the Norfolk UFO Society and its members, including Howard, Jeanette, and Karin Hackett. The article details their approach to investigating UFO sightings, emphasizing open-minded skepticism. It lists recent local UFO sightings in Norwich and surrounding areas, including flashing lights, cylindrical objects, and metallic burger-shaped objects. The Hacketts meticulously investigate each report, checking with authorities to rule out conventional explanations.

Spectators circle around local attraction in Vanderhoof

From the FREE PRESS, Prince George, B.C., Canada, dated September 6, 1998, this article discusses the phenomenon of crop circles appearing in a farmer's oat field in Vanderhoof. Field researcher Chad Deetken believes the circles are authentic, noting the lack of paths and minimal seed spillage. The article mentions theories ranging from hoaxes to paranormal attention, with some attributing events like spontaneous hay truck fires to the circles. The circles have attracted significant public attention, with around 500 visitors daily.

Crop phenomena authentic - now what?

This follow-up article from the FREE PRESS, Prince George, B.C., Canada, dated September 6, 1998, by Michelle Lang, delves deeper into the Vanderhoof crop circles. Chad Deetken, who has examined numerous circles, claims the Vanderhoof formations are authentic, based on preliminary indications and stalk samples showing cell expansion. The article discusses various theories, including natural phenomena like whirlwinds and deliberate acts by super-intelligent beings. Dr. Jim Butler, a biology professor, notes the geometric perfection of crop circles, making them difficult to hoax.

Post Opinion: Why can't they try the truth?

This opinion piece from SOUTH WALES EVENING POST, Swansea, Wales, dated October 12, 1998, critiques the official response to UFO sightings. The author argues that authorities are reluctant to admit the truth, fueling conspiracy theories. The article references the meteorite showers and the sightings of lights in the sky, questioning the official explanations. It suggests that more openness from government departments would be beneficial, especially in light of scientific acknowledgments of the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

UFO terror at remote spot

This report from the TIMES, Derbyshire, England, dated September 10, 1998, details a terrifying encounter by UFO investigators Carl Allsebrook and Jonathan Guest. They spotted an extraordinarily bright, luminous gold-like object, estimated to be as large as an airbus, which suddenly switched on and moved towards them. The object, described as silent, approached within 60-70 feet before disappearing. Carl Allsebrook is convinced it was an alien spacecraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, crop circles, alleged alien encounters, and potential government cover-ups. There is a consistent presentation of witness testimonies, often juxtaposed with official explanations or the lack thereof. The editorial stance appears to favor presenting these reports and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the skepticism that surrounds the topic. Several articles highlight the difficulty in obtaining official confirmation or explanations for these phenomena, suggesting a degree of official reticence or a lack of understanding.

This issue of the Telegraph & Argus, dated September 10, 1998, focuses on the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena, including a discussion on the limitations of radar in detecting them, recent sightings from various locations, and the ongoing search for other elusive creatures like Bigfoot. The magazine also briefly touches upon the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) project.

UFOs and Radar Limitations

The lead article, "How instruments are blind to close encounters, by expert UFOs 'still a no-go on radar'," features Andy Rackham, airfield services manager at Leeds-Bradford Airport. Rackham is set to speak at the 17th Leeds International UFO Conference, sponsored by UFO Magazine. He explains that UFOs may not register on radar unless they possess metallic or reflective surfaces or travel at specific speeds. Despite 28 years on the job, he has never personally detected a UFO on radar. He acknowledges that while many sightings have mundane explanations, some reports from various parts of the country describe objects that cannot be explained. Rackham maintains an open mind, noting the high public interest in the topic. The article also mentions over 200 calls received by the airport in February concerning mysterious bright lights that also did not appear on radar.

Graham Birdsall, director of Quest Publications International Ltd, publisher of UFO Magazine, anticipates 1,500 attendees at the conference, emphasizing its inclusive nature for believers, sceptics, and the curious.

UFO Sightings and Hotspots

The issue highlights several "hotspots" for UFO investigations, including Bolton Woods quarry, Wyke, and Ilkley Moor in England. Specific incidents mentioned include:

• August 1997: Russell Kellett of the UFO Research Network reported residents seeing an object resembling a Christmas tree bauble at Bolton Woods quarry.
• Recent weeks: A cigar-shaped object was seen hovering over Leeds, later identified as the Sky TV airship.
• July 19, 1995: A mystery explosion and flash of light were observed above homes in Sutton-in-Craven.
• December 1987: A photograph allegedly showing an alien entering a spacecraft on Ilkley Moor was examined and found to be untampered with.

International UFO Reports

The magazine includes a section of "TRANSLATIONS" detailing UFO incidents from South America:

• April 19, 1998 (Guayaquil, Ecuador): A TV cable channel captured footage of a fuzzy, round object moving at high speed over the Guayaquil sky during a soccer match. The object was described as intensely bright and its flight path suggested it was not a plane.
• April 14, 15, 19, 1998 (San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina): Multiple witnesses reported strange celestial phenomena, including intensely colored lights circling in the sky. Adrián Zuber recorded three minutes of 8mm film showing lights with red, blue, yellow, and green flashes. The local airport could not explain the sightings, and the Power Cooperative of Bariloche reported unusual power outages coinciding with the events.
• April 12, 1998 (San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina): Luminous objects were seen in the sky while power outages occurred in the city. The company was unable to explain the cause of the blackout.
• March 25, 1998 (Villa Alonso Norte, Argentina): A driver and passengers reported seeing a "very large" strange luminous object that illuminated everything and moved slowly to the East. Witnesses described it as "very luminous and low," with sparks or fire shooting backwards.

1997 RAO Cases (Argentina)

A compilation of UFO cases reported by members of the Argentine Ufology Network (RAO) in 1997:

• Mid-February (La Humada, La Pampa province): A reddish-orange light hovered motionless for over three hours near a ranch entrance.
• February 21 (Cerro Campanario, Bariloche): A photograph taken by María González revealed a dark object with a cupola, which was not noticed at the time.
• March (Río Cuarto, Córdoba province): A luminous body, apparent size of a star, changed colors (blue, red, yellow, white) and zigzagged horizontally. A cloud-like halo surrounded it.
• Easter week (Victorica, La Pampa province): An intense light, shaped like a beret, ascended and followed a patrol car in silence.
• First week of April (Río Cuarto, Córdoba province): Mrs. Z.M. captured a photo of a grey, lens-shaped UFO.
• April 29 (Parque Siquiman, Córdoba province): Two women witnessed an intense luminosity, described as red, blue, and yellow, descend and touch the ground. Two humanoid figures were seen inside. The object left a circular track of dry grass.
• April 30 (Colonia La Pastoril, La Pampa province): An ovoidal object, light blue in color, flew over a house at low altitude, emitting yellowish beams towards the ground.
• June 11 (Colonia Pastoril to Telén, La Pampa province): Mr. Nicolás Especiale saw a white light following his truck, which experienced a power failure. He also saw a "steely grey, light blue mushroom" shape.
• June 14 (Between Telén and Victorica, La Pampa province): Police officers observed a reddish object accompanying their patrol car at an altitude of 98 feet.
• Beginning of June (La Humada, La Pampa province): Police inspector Véliz and residents saw a large object fly by slowly at low altitude.
• June 20 (Victorica, La Pampa province): Mr. Martínez saw a reddish-orange light surrounded by a welding-like light, oval-shaped, blocking the road.
• End of July (La Humada, La Pampa province): Roberto García saw a series of six lights in a row, resembling mercury lights, in a desolate area with no electric light.
• October 5 (Villa Elisa, Buenos Aires province): A 16-year-old and his mother saw two humanoid entities near a bright, spherical reddish object. The entities entered the sphere, which then climbed upwards and disappeared.
• First week of November (Río Cuarto, Córdoba province): Oscar Zuliani took five photos of an orange, elongated UFO apparently descending or leaving towards the East.
• November 16 (Berrotarán, Córdoba province): A family saw a round, luminous, white body fly over their car and maneuver repeatedly.
• November 25 (Gral. Cabrera, Córdoba province): About twenty passengers on a bus saw a bright oval object with an incandescent white light, which changed shape and emitted luminous beams. One beam passed in front of a witness's face. The object accompanied the bus and later parked near the Argentine Air Force base.
• November 30 (Río Cuarto, Córdoba province): Víctor Adaro filmed a round object with an intense white-yellowish brightness, which changed size and shape, emitting light blue flashes.
• December 8 (Río Cuarto, Córdoba province): Mrs. Lucía Oviedo de Rodríguez saw a huge luminous oval body at very low altitude, emitting orange flashes. It oscillated, spun three times, made electronic noises, and then climbed vertically at incredible speed.

Bigfoot and Sasquatch Reports

Several articles discuss the phenomenon of Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch).

• "Truth is out there, maybe" by Mike Randolph (National Post, December 21, 1998) interviews John Bindernagel, a biologist and author who researches the possibility of a North American primate. Bindernagel has documented over 3,000 cases and notes similarities in reported behaviors to those of great apes, such as rock throwing, vocalizations, and chest beating. He suggests that the consistent reports over 150 years make a new ape species more plausible than a continental hoax.

• "Some say Fouke monster is alive; legend sure is" by Rodney Bowers (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, December 1, 1998) reports on the continued belief in the Fouke monster in Miller County, Arkansas. Rickie Roberts, the town's unofficial monster spokesman, states there were 40-some sightings in the past year. The creature is described as 6 to 9 feet tall with various hair colors. While no one has photographed or captured the creature, a plaster cast of a footprint was once destroyed in a fire. Experts like archaeologist Frank Schamback dismiss the legend as a mystery people enjoy.

• "Bigfoot tracker calls famous film a hoax" (Associated Press, January 11, 1999) discusses claims by Cliff Crook and Chris Murphy that magnified frames of the famous 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film show a fastener at Bigfoot's waist, suggesting the creature was a man in a costume. Ray Crowe, president of the Western Bigfoot Society, defends the film's fluid motion and wild nature.

• "For true believers, search for the man-beast never ends" by Lauren Dodge (Advocate, October 8, 1998) profiles Charles Baker, a Bigfoot enthusiast who believes the creature is intelligent. The article mentions various reports from the Northwest, Ohio, and Florida, and the ongoing efforts of researchers using advanced tools. Ray Crowe estimates 50 to 100 researchers are actively pursuing Bigfoot. The article also notes the challenges in gathering evidence and the lack of conclusive proof beyond the Patterson film.

• "Yeti just a Himalayan bear, mountaineer Messner says" (Reuters, October 7, 1998) reports that mountaineer Reinhold Messner believes the yeti is a large Tibetan bear, not a humanoid ape, with about 1,000 roaming Nepal and Tibet.

• "China wants groups to stop hunt for Bigfoot" (Associated Press, January 15, 1999) states that China's government has called on tourist agencies to stop operating safaris in remote areas to search for a Chinese version of Bigfoot, citing concerns about misleading tourists and harming the environment.

SETI Project Update

In "Listening continues, but nothing heard" by Doug Bridges (Herald & News, December 4, 1998), the status of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) project is reviewed. Despite extensive listening efforts using projects like META, Project Phoenix, and SERENDIP, no confirmed extraterrestrial signals have been detected. The article notes that the lack of signals challenges the idea that advanced alien societies are common in our galaxy and discusses the theological impact of these findings on some scientists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), cryptid research (Bigfoot, Yeti), and the scientific search for extraterrestrial life. The magazine presents a balanced approach, featuring expert opinions, witness accounts, and skeptical viewpoints. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the public's fascination with these mysteries while also highlighting the need for credible evidence and scientific investigation. The inclusion of international reports and diverse perspectives suggests a broad interest in the unexplained.