UFO Newsclipping Service - 1999 03 - no 356

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated March 1999, focuses on UFO phenomena reported in 1998, with a significant portion dedicated to researcher Stan Gordon's investigations in Pennsylvania. The publication also delves into broader UFO-related topics, including alleged government cover-ups, the experiences of UFO researchers, and historical incidents.

UFOs, Phenomena Reported In '98

Researcher Stan Gordon of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, has been investigating UFO sightings and related phenomena for nearly 40 years. In 1998, he documented reports from 18 counties in Pennsylvania. While many sightings were explained as natural phenomena like meteors, atmospheric conditions, or man-made lights, several remained unexplained. Gordon noted that reports often come from responsible observers, including pilots and police officers.

Specific incidents from 1998 detailed in the bulletin include:

• May 7, Butler County: A farmer reported a 30-40 foot long, dome-shaped object with colored, square-shaped lights and vapor, which affected his machinery.
• March 31, Westmoreland County: Residents reported a fast-moving blazing object.
• November 11, Westmoreland County: A white fireball was seen moving east to west, emitting sparks.
• November 15, Ligonier area: An orange fireball with a tail was reported.
• December 14, Girard, Erie County: A bright object with a tail moved directly overhead, stopped, and blinked.
• September 27, Fayette County: Residents reported a loud, explosive boom that shook homes.
• September 25, Indiana County: A similar loud boom was reported.
• October 30, Armstrong County: A man observed a bright orange ball of light that moved erratically.

Gordon also mentions reports of triangular-shaped objects and spheres of light from various locations. He invites the public to report any strange sightings to his UFO Hotline.

Meteor streaks over Bowl

A report from the DAILY NEWS in Anchorage, Alaska (January 6, 1999), describes a meteor or piece of space junk streaking across the sky. Jamie Bouchard reported seeing a bright blue light with flames and black smoke, moving at high speed. Pilots also reported an object over Cook Inlet traveling faster than an aircraft. The object alternated between white and blue/green colors.

'98 good year for UFOs

This section, attributed to George D. Fawcett, suggests that 1998 was a significant year for UFO-related information and statements released worldwide. It mentions Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell advocating for open congressional hearings on UFOs. Information on over 3,000 pilot reports collected by Dr. Richard Haines is noted, with many still classified. Fourteen scientists testified to the reality of UFO evidence in New York, led by Peter A. Sturrock. The article highlights the release of 26,000 FOIA documents showing UFOs as a highly classified subject. It also mentions the declassification of over 83 UFO incidents by the Spanish government, with 20 percent lacking logical explanations. The USAF is reportedly still investigating UFOs through the 696th Air Intelligence Group. The piece concludes by anticipating automatic declassification of national security documents by the year 2000.

Stop the Flying Saucer, I Want to Get Off

Written by Lawrence M. Krauss for The New York Times (February 22, 1999), this opinion piece critiques NBC's two-hour special "Confirmation: The Hard Evidence of Aliens Among Us?" Krauss argues that the program blurred the lines between journalism and tabloid sensationalism by presenting alien abduction claims, featuring author Whitley Strieber as both an expert and an executive producer. He questions the validity of presented "evidence," such as an alleged alien implant, and criticizes the lack of rigorous scientific analysis. Krauss contrasts this with the scientific method, which he believes illuminates truth, and expresses disappointment that NBC chose sensationalism over exploring genuine scientific mysteries.

Speaker reveals evidence for UFOs

This article from the DAILY O'COLLEGIAN (February 3, 1999) reports on a presentation by UFO researcher Robert Hastings at Oklahoma State University. Hastings presented "UFOs: The Hidden History," using previously classified documents to argue that UFOs exist and are considered a national security matter by the government. He cited an incident where five UFOs were tracked on radar and performed a vertical ascent at extreme speed. Hastings has been researching UFOs since the 1970s and aims to inform the public about alleged government cover-ups.

New Worlds: All That Is, UFO's & You, Too!

This column by Sunny S. Wolf discusses alien abductions, emphasizing the common patterns reported by abductees, such as missing time, fear, and encounters with specific alien types. It highlights the role of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) in investigating such cases and providing support. The article explains the concepts of conscious and subconscious minds and how hypnosis can access repressed memories. It also touches on the disturbing aspect of abduction cases where memory access is allegedly controlled by the beings themselves. The column lists common characteristics of abduction experiences and invites readers to share their own experiences.

Arizona Man Selling 'UFO Debris'

A report from the JOURNAL (February 9, 1999) details Ron Ruiz selling alleged UFO debris from a crashed spaceship for $69,000. Tucson astronomer James McGaha dismisses the material as slag, criticizing Ruiz for cutting up potential priceless artifacts into small pieces.

Tri-Citians report bright flash in morning sky

This article from the TRI-CITY HERALD (December 6, 1998) describes a brilliant flash seen in the Tri-Cities area, accompanied by a sonic boom. Witnesses described the flash as lighting up the entire sky. While some speculated it was a meteorite, the National UFO Reporting Center noted a flurry of UFO sightings in Washington. This was at least the fourth such celestial sighting reported in the Tri-Cities in the past year.

Firmage Takes a Cosmic Leap

This piece from the OBSERVER (February 12-25, 1999) profiles Joe Firmage, a successful businessman who transitioned into a believer in UFOs and a spiritual perspective. Firmage, who founded USWeb, left the corporate world to explore his ideas about the universe, science, and spirituality, publishing his thoughts online. He describes a nine-minute encounter with a 'being of light' and believes the universe operates on core truths. The article notes the controversy surrounding his views, with some labeling him 'wacko,' while he defends his work as a synthesis of science and spirituality. Firmage also discusses the potential of 'zero point field' energy technology derived from extraterrestrial craft, suggesting it could solve global energy and pollution problems but faces geopolitical resistance.

Doctor Scrubs His Lab Coat For 'Men-in-Black' Suit

This article from the DAILY PROGRESS (January 31, 1999) focuses on Dr. Steven M. Greer, founder of the Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CSETI). Greer has put his medical career on hold to convince others of the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrial entities. He claims CSETI has compiled extensive government documents and evidence of extraterrestrial spacecraft, including landing trace cases and successful contact attempts. Greer believes the government has possessed and studied alien technology since 1947, keeping it secret due to its potential to disrupt the global economy. He plans to lecture on his findings and advocates for the disclosure of UFO information.

Truman landed in town as saucers circled New Mexico

This article from the DAILY PROGRESS (January 31, 1999) revisits the 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting that coined the term "flying saucers" and the subsequent alleged UFO crash near Corona, New Mexico. It details the initial reports, the military's disclaimer, and the ongoing controversy. The article also notes President Harry Truman's visit to Charlottesville, Virginia, around the time of the New Mexico incident, suggesting he might have received updates on the event. It touches on early UFO reports from the area, including sightings of disk-shaped objects and a mysterious metal saucer found in North Hollywood.

Legends and Mysteries: We Are Not Alone?

This STAR newspaper article (February 3, 1999) features UFO researcher Stan Gordon discussing numerous UFO sightings in the Norwin area of Pennsylvania. Gordon recounts detailed cases, including objects hovering near power lines and a large metallic object with blue and green lights seen in Jeannette. He notes that these sightings often occur near energy sources. The article also briefly mentions Gordon's expertise on Bigfoot, linking some sightings of strange creatures to similar characteristics as Sasquatch. Gordon emphasizes that while most UFO reports are explainable, a small percentage suggest intelligently controlled vehicles from outside our world. He maintains a hotline for reporting unusual phenomena.

'Bigfoot' legend exists here, too

This STAR newspaper article (February 3, 1999) expands on Stan Gordon's research into Bigfoot sightings in western Pennsylvania. Gordon relates an account from 1983 of hunters encountering a large, hairy creature with red eyes. He notes that the period of increased Bigfoot sightings coincided with a rash of UFO sightings in the 1970s and early '80s. Gordon acknowledges the lack of recovered carcasses but points to alleged footprints and hair samples as evidence of something unusual.

'Flying Saucers' Like Family At Gillies, Pay Second Visit

This LOOKING BACK article from Ontario, Canada (February 1, 1957) reports on the Cameron family's repeated encounters with flying saucers at Gillies. The family watched a mysterious object play pranks in the night sky for two hours. They described it as a disk-shaped object that moved erratically and left black marks on the snow and ice. The article notes that RCAF Filter Centre officials had received no other reports from the area and refrained from theorizing about the object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this collection of articles revolve around the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), alleged government secrecy and cover-ups, and the ongoing efforts of researchers and witnesses to uncover the truth. There is a clear editorial stance supporting the idea that not all UFO sightings can be easily explained and that a significant portion warrants serious investigation, challenging the mainstream dismissal of the subject. The publication highlights the contrast between sensationalized media portrayals and the more rigorous, evidence-based approaches of some researchers, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with the unknown.

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS, published by YUKON NEWS on January 27, 1999, under the LifeStyles section, features a prominent article titled "One UFO can change your life" by Anne Pritchard. The cover also includes clippings from SATURDAY TIMES, Glascow, Scotland (Aug. 29, 1998), STAR, Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Dec. 22, 1998), BEXHILL ADNEWS, Hastings, East Sussex, England (Feb. 10, 1999), THIS WEEK, Prince Rupert, B.C., Canada (July 5, 1998), SUNDAY TIMES, London, England (Aug. 9, 1998), KENTISH TIMES, England (Feb. 18, 1999), THE BIG ISSUE IN SCOTLAND (July 19, 1998), FORTEANA NEWS (Feb. 18, 1999), and CHRONICLE, San Francisco, CA (Jan. 24, 1999), indicating a broad scope of international reporting on UFOs and related phenomena.

One UFO Can Change Your Life

This article by Anne Pritchard details the experience of a Whitehorse family who claim to have encountered a UFO on March 30, 1997. Mary, the mother, recounts how a large white light appeared over the Takhini Bridge while she was driving her children home. The object, described as the size of a satellite dish, rose from the riverbank and followed their car along the Klondike Highway. Mary described the object as "just a light" but also noted seeing "a bit of red." The UFO exhibited unusual movements, including zig-zagging, stopping, and moving rapidly up and down in the atmosphere. Despite the bizarre nature of the encounter, Mary felt mesmerized and believed the object was benign. The family experienced ridicule from people they trusted after reporting the incident. Whitehorse engineer Martin Jasek, along with fellow researcher Lorraine Bretlyn, are collecting such UFO stories from the Yukon on their website www.ufobc.org/yukon. Jasek confirmed he spoke to the family shortly after their encounter. The article also mentions a report by Dennis Stitts of Lake Laberge, who described seeing a V-shaped object on June 18, 1997, that moved at an estimated 2,500 mph and appeared to enter the lake. Stitts and Jasek agreed the craft was likely man-made, possibly military-related, though extraterrestrial origin is considered a possibility. Jasek encourages Yukon residents to share their UFO experiences.

The Scottish X Files: Men in black are hiding truth about alien visits

This article from the SATURDAY TIMES features UFO hunter Jim Allen, who believes governments are engaged in a conspiracy to cover up contacts with extraterrestrials. Allen claims a secret group, the Air Mobile Brigade, uses black unmarked helicopters and is involved in crash retrievals, suggesting they are looking for extraterrestrial material. He also suggests that "Men in Black" are employed to confuse witnesses. Allen's interest in UFOs stems from his own encounter in 1978. He recounts an incident in Cardonald on March 31, 1998, where multiple witnesses saw a pulsing colored light, which he considers convincing evidence of UFO reality. Allen believes UFOs are extraterrestrial or from other dimensions and that governments are covering up alien contact. He suggests that abductions are a way for aliens to "awaken our senses" and that authorities might be preparing the public for a conflict with aliens by portraying them negatively.

UFO reports shrouded in mystery: Defence Department documents cast spotlight on Canada's own X-Files

This WINDSOR STAR article by Jim Bronskill reveals that the Canadian Defence Department has released documents detailing UFO sightings. While some reports, like a "large greenish flare" over Northern Ontario in 1997, are easily explained as meteors, others are more baffling. The article mentions a report from Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., where a woman reported being followed by two cone-shaped UFOs. Army Sgt. Clay Rankin recalled a bizarre incident in 1997 involving a "large greenish flare" over Northern Ontario. The report also details a sighting of a black, triangle-shaped object over Lake Laberge in the Yukon in June 1997, which officials could not explain despite aircraft being in the area.

Mystery of the alien sightings

This BEXHILL ADNEWS article features retired Bill Steele, 81, who claims to have seen UFOs in Hastings in June 1944 and later in Alexandra Park. Steele described seeing "little white discs" accompanied by a "curious melodious whistle-like noise." The article references Timothy Good's book "Alien Base," which compiles UFO reports. Good believes that some abductees have interacted with alien life-forms. The book includes photographs of supposed alien craft and covers claims of alien visitations dating back to 1920.

One glance at the shining metallic object in the sky changed this writer's life for ever

This SUNDAY TIMES MAGAZINE article by Georgina Howell recounts her personal experience on May 30, 1997, at Kirkwall Airport. While waiting for a flight, she saw a motionless silver metal angle in the sky, described as like "two sides of a triangle." She rejected theories of it being planes or airport apparatus. After about four seconds, she felt herself falling forward and collided with the tarmac, sustaining injuries. When she looked up again, the object had disappeared. Howell notes that she has no history of epilepsy or narcolepsy. She consulted with Dr. Jean Monro, who suggested the incident might be related to electrical sensitivity and electromagnetic hotspots, potentially causing a "drop attack." Howell concludes that the incident changed her opinion about UFOs.

The case for alien visitors

This KENTISH TIMES article reviews Timothy Good's book "Alien Base," which compiles numerous UFO sightings and alien encounter reports, some dating back to 1920. The book claims to present "convincing evidence that aliens are indeed here." The reviewer notes the book's scope and the author's extensive research, particularly from military sources. However, the reviewer expresses skepticism, suggesting that some accounts might arise from the power of suggestion, referencing the increase in abduction reports coinciding with the popularity of "The X-Files" series.

WHY AREN'T WE BEING TOLD?

This THE BIG ISSUE IN SCOTLAND article by David Milne investigates allegations of a government cover-up regarding UFOs. It highlights the claims of UFO researcher Nick Redfern, who asserts that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has a secret unit at Rudloe Manor that investigates UFO activity, analyzes recovered alien craft, and potentially silences witnesses. Redfern cites ex-military personnel who recall UFOs being tracked on radar in the 1950s and directives warning military personnel not to discuss UFO encounters. He believes there is a "conspiracy of silence" and a "concerted effort to refuse the public answers to the UFO question." The article also mentions a report about a UFO crash in Britain during World War Two, with scientists examining the wreck and concluding the objects were extraterrestrial. Redfern suggests that governments are withholding information due to the perceived threat from UFOs and their inability to defend against them.

Loch Ness monster fans have met with a lot of ridicule over the years. Now they hope a live camera beaming images of the loch to the Web will silence the skeptics

This FORTEANA NEWS article details how Loch Ness monster enthusiasts have installed live cameras to broadcast images of the loch on the internet, hoping to prove Nessie's existence. Gary Campbell, president of the Loch Ness Monster Fan Club, explains that the cameras will provide a panoramic view and allow global access. The article touches on the history of Nessie sightings, dating back to 565 AD, and the lack of hard evidence, including the debunked 1934 photograph. It also addresses the scientific challenges, such as the limited food supply in the loch and the impossibility of a single creature living for centuries. The fan club is targeting "Nessie's Cave" for surveillance, hoping for definitive proof.

Screams in the Night: The search for Bigfoot is as old as the hills, but in the forests of northern California, trackers of the elusive – or mythical – creature are up to some new tricks

This CHRONICLE, San Francisco article by Michael Taylor explores the modern methods used in the search for Bigfoot. John Freitas, a former police officer and welfare fraud investigator, uses high-tech equipment, including large speakers to broadcast eerie wails, in the Six Rivers National Forest. The article highlights the growing community of Bigfoot enthusiasts and the use of the internet to share information and catalog sightings. It mentions Matthew Moneymaker's Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) and its extensive database of sightings. The article also touches on the physical descriptions of Bigfoot, ranging from 6 to 10 feet tall and weighing 500 to 800 pounds, and the historical context of Bigfoot reports, including the famous Patterson-Gimlin film from 1967.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and the search for cryptids like Bigfoot. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting witness accounts and expert opinions, while also acknowledging skepticism and the lack of definitive proof. The articles highlight the persistent interest in these phenomena and the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth, whether through official documents, witness testimonies, or technological advancements in investigation.