UFO Newsclipping Service - 1999 07 - no 360

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE
Issue: Number 360
Date: July 1999

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service provides a comprehensive look at recent developments and ongoing discussions within the UFO community. It features news on the opening of a significant UFO research library, personal accounts of encounters, investigations into historical incidents like Roswell, and various perspectives on ufology from researchers, enthusiasts, and journalists.

UFO Research Library Opens

The lead story, from the Daily Record, announces the grand opening of the research library at the International UFO Museum and Research Center. The library received a donation of UFO-related materials worth over $250,000 from George Fawcett and E.R. Sabo. Fawcett, who has collected UFO material since age 15, described the opening as "a dream come true." The collection comprises 56,000 documents and 220,068 books and magazines. Glenn Dennis, President of the UFO Museum Board of Directors, stated the goal is to make it the largest UFO research center in the world. The collection includes unclassified government documents, newspaper clippings, manuscripts, videos, and pamphlets, with a lending library also available for local residents. The library is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

UFO Believers Have A Close Encounter Group

An article from The Washington Post by Richard Leiby describes the 30th annual Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) symposium held in Crystal City. The event attracted people with diverse beliefs, from those claiming alien consciousness to researchers focused on scientific evidence. Tom Benson, a vendor at the convention, shared his belief that UFOs are energy constructs. The article highlights the passion and debate within the movement, with some lamenting media portrayals and others emphasizing empirical research. Walter H. Andrus Jr., MUFON's international director, stressed the organization's dedication to scientific study while acknowledging the reality of abductions. The piece also notes the growing influence of figures like Joe Firmage, an entrepreneur who espouses a new alien-oriented theory.

The Paper Chase

This article from the Seattle Times features Dale Goudie, founder of the UFO Reporting and Information Service (CUFON). Goudie clarifies that he is not a "guru" but a researcher who uses the Freedom of Information Act to obtain and verify government documents related to UFOs. His website, CUFON, is known for its accuracy. Goudie also takes local reports of mysterious lights, cross-referencing them with FAA data. Despite operating as a non-profit, he has had notable experiences, including meeting researchers like Dr. Jacques Vallee and Dr. J. Allen Hynek, and appearing on the Larry King show.

UFO-logists share a heavenly addiction

An article from the Post-Crescent in Appleton, WI, by Alex Hummel, reports on the Lightside's Spring UFO Open Forum. The two-day event provided a platform for "experiencers," "non-experiencers," and skeptics to share their stories and discuss topics ranging from government cover-ups to Y2K. Sandy Hanson described an "alien vessel" called the "Peaceship" as her otherworldly home. The forum aimed to immerse attendees in a world of thought and possibility. Carol Gall, a church secretary, attended out of curiosity, stating, "I feel there is a possibility." Arlene Caldwell shared her sighting experiences dating back to 1958. The article also touches on the Raelian belief system, which posits that humans were cloned by extraterrestrials and that their "Peaceship" is a "floating city."

He's keeping eye on close encounters

From the Spokesman Review, this article by Grayden Jones profiles John Schuessler, deputy director of MUFON in San Antonio, Texas. Schuessler has documented over 400 cases of physical injury attributed to close encounters with unidentified flying objects. He rejects the idea of bug-eyed aliens, focusing instead on the physical evidence. Schuessler believes that nine out of ten UFO reports are explainable by science, but the remaining cases suggest something beyond hallucination. He spent 16 years researching his book, "The Cash-Landrum UFO Incident," concluding that a diamond-shaped object caused injuries to three Texas women in 1980. The article also mentions Jerry Rolwes, director of MUFON in Spokane, noting ten documented UFO cases in the Inland Northwest since 1994.

A theme park for aliens

This Pitch Weekly article by Nancy Lyon describes a visit to UFOland, the "World's First Theme Park Devoted to UFOs," in Valcourt, Quebec. The park is run by Raelians, who believe life on Earth was cloned by extraterrestrials called "Elohim." Lyon recounts an "astonishing message from Outer Space" from Raelian director Michel Beluat, who explained their beliefs about cloning and the return of prophets. The park features a replica of a UFO that allegedly abducted French sports reporter Claude Vorilhon. The article also touches on the Raelian movement's plans for cloning and their fundraising efforts for a Raelian Alien Embassy.

Encounters Conference draws the curious and the convinced

Reporting from Kenosha, WI, by Christine A. Verstraete, this article covers the first Heartland Encounters Conference. The event featured speakers on topics from pyramids to UFOs, and displayed an unusual skull claimed to be of alien origin. Bonnie Hughes, the organizer, has a family history of alleged alien encounters. Author Lloyd Pye presented an odd-shaped skull found in Mexico, seeking funds for DNA testing. Car Meiers, a conference attendee, shared his UFO sightings dating back to 1939. Judie Woolcott, who transcribes alien languages, has written a book on her experiences. The article notes that while many attendees were from out of the area, local residents attended out of curiosity, with some finding the atmosphere strange and reminiscent of a cult.

A 'quirky' UFO encounter

This article from the Daily Herald in Wausau, WI, by Joy Marquardt, discusses the Neville Public Museum of Brown County's exhibit, "UFO: An Exhibit about Little Green (gray) Men." The exhibit explores UFOs through studies, ideas, sightings, and artwork, including drawings submitted by Wisconsin citizens. Marilyn Stasiak, the museum's public relations officer, stated that the first sighting in Wisconsin was recorded in 1898. The exhibit also features declassified government reports, modern ufology, and pop culture influences. The museum aims to present cases without confirming or denying UFO existence, leaving interpretation to the visitor. The exhibit is curated by Jack Moga and highlights Wisconsin as a "hot bed for UFOs."

Q&A Tom Carey

An interview by Amy Faust with Tom Carey, an insurance salesman and UFO investigator, published in the Willamette Week. Carey discusses his active role in UFO investigation since 1986, focusing on the Roswell Incident. He claims new analysis of a memo in General Ramey's hand reveals key words like "explosion," "victims," "wreck," and "disk," suggesting the crash was not a weather balloon. Carey speculates that the government's cover-up in 1947 was due to fears of Russian involvement, public panic similar to the "War of the Worlds" broadcast, and the unknown impact on economic and religious institutions. He notes a growing openness to UFOs, citing a Prudential life insurance ad. Carey dismisses the Roswell autopsy film as a hoax but believes it sparked discussion. He also shares his personal experiences of seeing unexplained objects in the sky.

Shirkey writes book on Roswell incident

This article from the Daily Record, Roswell, NM, by Felipe Mendoza, features Robert J. Shirkey, a Roswell resident who has written a book titled "Roswell 1947: I was there." Shirkey, who was an assistant group operations officer for the 509th Bomb Group in 1947, claims to have seen pieces of metal from the craft and an I-beam with strange markings. He states that the first four days after the incident were strictly military, with secrecy broken when the rancher brought items to the sheriff. Shirkey was motivated to write the book after hearing a colonel dismiss those involved in 1947 as "senile." He aims to reveal more behind-the-scenes information and correct inaccuracies released by the Air Force.

Antioch woman says she was once abducted by aliens

From the Kenosha News, this article by Christine A. Verstraete profiles Bonnie Hughes, a lifelong Antioch, Ill., resident who claims her family has a tradition of contact with "the others." Hughes recounts her own experiences of alien abductions, including examinations and "fetal extractions," which she initially found terrifying but later accepted as a spiritual experience. She states that her five children have also had similar experiences. Hughes believes that humanity is undergoing a spiritual transformation. Her daughters attend conferences with her, while her sons prefer a "normal life."

They're all still out there watching the skies

This article from Pitch Weekly by Bill Wilson reviews two new UFO books: "UFO: Revelation" by Tim Matthews and "Alien Investigator" by Tony Dodd. Wilson notes the proliferation of UFO literature as the millennium approaches. Matthews' book explores the theory that UFOs originated from Nazi Germany experiments, while Dodd's book focuses on alien abductions and animal mutilation, as well as alleged underwater UFO bases. Wilson suggests Matthews' approach is more grounded, offering explanations for triangular craft as advanced man-made vehicles.

UFO sightings on rise since lights spotted

An article from the Yorkshire Evening Press by David Wiles reports an increase in UFO sightings in North Yorkshire following reports of strange lights. Hugh Palmer described seeing a large ball of orange light descend rapidly and vanish. John McIntyre reported seeing an oblong object with rows of lights. An RAF spokesman stated they were not aware of any air traffic that would explain the sightings but take reports seriously. North Yorkshire Police also received reports of flashing lights.

-It was a UFO says video man—

This article from TARGET, Boston, England, details a video captured by Shane Brown in June 1997, showing what he believes to be a UFO. Brown, an enthusiast with knowledge of aircraft, stated the object was not a conventional aircraft and performed strange maneuvers. He sent the footage to UFO Magazine, which expressed keen interest. This was not Brown's first sighting, having seen a craft when he was very young.

What chased us across moor?

This article from the Free Press, Rossendale, England, by Nigel Lancashire, recounts the story of a couple who, after 45 years of silence, reported being chased by a bright light across Deerplay Moor. The couple, identified as Mr. and Mrs. X, described the light as blinding and large, and they hid behind a stone wall. They have experienced nightmares and sought rational explanations without success. The article also mentions Roger Markman's plan to convert a former baths building into a UFO center.

Sub-postmaster with his eyes to the skies, but his feet on the ground

This article from the Staffordshire Newsletter profiles Tony Pace, a sub-postmaster in Eccleshall, England, who is also a nationally respected expert in astronomy and ufology. Pace runs the Natural Sciences Centre with his twin brother. He receives calls from people who have seen things in the sky and brings in bits of rock for identification. Pace emphasizes "astronomy for all" and translating complex scientific concepts into simple terms. He also served on the committee of the British UFO Research Association, aiming to put UFO research on a sensible basis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Newsclipping Service consistently highlights the ongoing public interest and research into UFO phenomena. Recurring themes include the establishment of dedicated research centers and libraries (like the International UFO Museum), personal accounts of sightings and encounters, investigations into historical incidents (particularly the Roswell Incident), and the role of organizations like MUFON in documenting and analyzing reports. The articles present a range of perspectives, from scientific inquiry to personal belief and spiritual interpretation. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these diverse aspects of ufology without necessarily endorsing any single viewpoint, aiming to inform readers about the breadth of activity and discussion within the field.

This issue of the MID WALES JOURNAL, dated February 12, 1999, focuses on the enduring mystery of UFOs, with a prominent cover story questioning if aliens were recovered and secretly removed following the 1974 Llandrillo explosion. The magazine presents a collection of articles from various regional UK publications, detailing numerous UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and investigative efforts.

The Llandrillo Explosion: A Lingering Mystery

The lead article by KEVIN KELL revisits the Llandrillo explosion of January 23, 1974. The event, which registered 3.5 on the Richter scale, was accompanied by reports of brilliant objects and pulsating lights in the sky over the Berwyn Mountains. Witnesses described seeing spheres, flaming objects shaped like tadpoles, and mysterious lights. The article explores potential explanations, including meteorites, earthquakes, and even the controversial theory of recovered extraterrestrial craft, with some suggesting aliens were secretly removed to Porton Down.

Recent UFO Sightings Across the UK

Several articles highlight contemporary UFO sightings:

• Crystal Palace, London: Residents reported seeing a "triangle shaped object" that was not an airplane or helicopter. Police suggested it might be an airship, while investigators noted a rise in sightings of black triangular craft, possibly prototypes.
• Tewkesbury: A nurse, Jackie Cook, reported a powerful purple light and a loud sound, describing it as something descending from the sky. Police suggested a power failure might explain the phenomena, though an MEB spokeswoman noted a link between overhead line faults and alien activity reports.
• Clifton, Yorkshire: Two independent sightings of a flying object captured on film on Valentine's Day were reported. Witnesses described a stationary, disc-shaped object that disappeared at speed.
• Stirling: Local engineer Scott Hunter reported seeing a bright, fast-moving light that he could not explain. Another resident provided video footage of bright lights above Stirling Castle, though a paranormal investigator suggested these might be plasma discharges rather than extraterrestrial craft.
• Southport: The Lancashire UFO Society reported sightings of a large, shiny, triangular UFO, a recurring phenomenon in the area during January and February for four years. The conclusion leaned towards secret military prototypes, though British Aerospace denied responsibility.
• Knutsford: UFO investigators expressed suspicion that a sighting of strange lights by Caroline Sutton and Graham Wenham might be a hoax, citing inconsistencies in their accounts and their connection to a book on scientific hoaxes.
• Belper, Derbyshire: At least five people reported seeing a "black wedge" shaped flying object with two white headlamps. Observers noted its shape changing from diamond to triangle and its ability to make sharp turns and change velocity, defying known laws of mechanics.
• Angus, Scotland: A "strange red disc" was seen moving in the sky near Carnoustie, described as "nothing I've ever seen before except on the film Armageddon." The object later reappeared, larger and orange.
• Shropshire: Reports of strange lights near Oswestry led to an "X-Files" style warning to farmers about potential animal mutilations, drawing parallels to incidents in Oxfordshire.
• Stretton: The Shrewsbury Chronicle featured an account of an alleged encounter in 1957 between Hubert Lewis and a figure from Venus, alongside other local UFO reports and theories about aliens living among us.

Investigations and Theories

Several articles touch upon the investigative side of UFO phenomena:

• Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine, expressed interest in examining photographic evidence from Clifton and emphasized the need for skepticism.
• Brian Allan, a paranormal investigator, suggested that lights seen over Stirling Castle might be plasma discharges.
• Tim Matthews, Chairman of the Lancashire UFO Society, believes triangular sightings in Southport are likely secret military prototypes.
• Jeff Sainio of MUFON analyzed footage of a supposed UFO crash over Israel, while the article also considers the possibility of experimental weapons tests.
• Stacy Rawlings is featured discussing her work with Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), attempting to capture voices of the deceased on audiotape.
• Captain Graham Sheppard speaks about his experiences as a pilot who has witnessed UFOs and believes 10% of pilots have had similar encounters but remain silent due to fear of ridicule.

Broader Context and Speculation

• "Riddle Of The Skies": A Channel 4 series is highlighted for its examination of UFO sightings worldwide, featuring scientists, astronauts, and eyewitnesses.
• Astronomy: The article on the Llandrillo explosion notes that Venus is currently visible in the western sky, often mistaken for UFOs.
• Bigfoot and Nessie: The issue includes tangential articles on Bigfoot sightings in Washington State and the online monitoring of Loch Ness for the monster, indicating a broader interest in unexplained phenomena.
• Military Technology: An article discusses the Ministry of Defence's interest in a "freeze ray" weapon that could immobilize targets without causing injury, hinting at advanced technological developments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the issue are the persistence of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenges of investigation due to skepticism and potential cover-ups, and the variety of witness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various sightings and theories without definitively endorsing any single explanation, while acknowledging the compelling nature of some testimonies, particularly from trained observers like pilots. There is an underlying suggestion that official explanations often fall short, leaving room for more extraordinary possibilities.