UFO Newsclipping Service - 1999 08 - no 361

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated August 1999, features a cover story titled "After 32 years, UFO sleuth still has no answers," focusing on John Schuessler's extensive investigation into UFO phenomena. The magazine includes a variety of articles, reports, and reviews related to UFO sightings, alien encounters, and related research.

Key Articles and Reports

Schuessler's Enduring Quest

The lead article profiles John Schuessler, a former aerospace engineer and current chairman of the UFO Research Coalition. After 32 years of investigating UFO reports, Schuessler admits he still has no definitive answers but has amassed a vast amount of data. He emphasizes the importance of taking credible UFO sightings seriously and not dismissing them with mockery. Schuessler's background includes significant work with NASA, including heading the McDonnell Douglas team that built life-support systems for the Gemini spacecraft and managing project managers for space shuttle flight operations. He also designed NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. His investigations include the 1980 Cash-Lan-dram UFO incident in Texas, which involved a diamond-shaped object and resulted in radiation injuries for two women. Schuessler remains open to both terrestrial and extraterrestrial explanations for UFO phenomena, seeking only an answer.

The Skamania County Elk Incident

An article titled "Eye of the storm..." by Joanna Grammon details a bizarre incident reported on March 1, 1999, in Skamania County, Washington. A tree planting crew of 14 reportedly witnessed a UFO pick up an elk from the ground and carry it away. Peter Davenport of the UFO Center and Robert Fairfax of MUFON interviewed witnesses and examined the site. The object was described as small and disc-shaped, descending into a valley and lifting an elk with no visible means of support. The craft then ascended rapidly and disappeared. The report also mentions a Stevenson, Washington woman who reported a UFO with pulsing, flashing lights hovering over Bonneville Dam nightly for almost a month.

Area 51 Greeting Cards

A piece from the Review-Journal, Las Vegas, NV, dated June 13, 1999, discusses graphic artists Robert and Margaret Kolar, who have created a line of humorous greeting cards featuring aliens and Area 51 themes. The cards, inspired by the secrecy surrounding the Nevada facility, poke fun at conspiracy theories. The Kolars' cards have gained popularity, being honored at the National Stationery Show and found in stores across the U.S. and internationally.

Early UFO Sightings in Connecticut

A Connecticut Post article from May 16, 1999, revisits early "flying saucer" reports from July 7, 1947. Residents in Stratford and West Hartford reported seeing saucer-like objects. Explanations offered at the time included reflections from the Lordship light, carnival search lights, and atmospheric phenomena. A Yale astronomer suggested a meteor shower. The article notes a general skepticism, with one official stating, "People are just getting saucer-happy."

UFOs Over Topanga Canyon Book

Several articles discuss Preston Dennett's book, "UFOs Over Topanga Canyon," which compiles eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings and encounters in the Topanga Canyon area of California. Dennett, a lifelong resident, details numerous incidents dating back to the 1940s, with a significant wave of activity in the early 1990s. The book covers various phenomena, including alleged abductions, strange lights, and craft landing. Dennett's research includes interviews with over a hundred residents and collaboration with local authorities.

Local UFO Collection Goes to Museum

An article from the Lincoln Times-News, Lincolnton, NC, dated July 9, 1999, reports that George Fawcett's 50-year personal collection of UFO reference material has been donated to the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico. Fawcett's collection, valued at $250,000, includes documents, photographs, magazines, and books. He was inducted into the museum's Hall of Fame, and his work is now on permanent display. Fawcett believes UFOs are real, not natural phenomena, and pose a threat to national security.

The Strange Adventures of an Alien Investigator

Extracts from Tony Dodd's book, "Alien Investigator," detail his personal experiences and research into human-alien interactions. Dodd, a former Yorkshire policeman, describes his first encounter in 1978 with a massive disc-shaped object. He recounts numerous abduction cases, including those involving Tracey and Darren, who experienced missing time, strange marks, and alleged encounters with tall, robed figures. Dodd's work involves counselling and questioning abductees, often using regressive hypnosis.

Public Trust and Alien Contact

A survey titled "In Few We Trust" from the Review-Journal, Las Vegas, NV, dated June 11, 1999, explores public perceptions of how humans would react to first contact with aliens. The poll of 1,971 people indicated that while most believe their own lives wouldn't change significantly, they distrust their neighbors and the government to handle the situation calmly. Only 20% would want the government to make first contact, and many believe findings would be classified or suppressed.

Mysterious Valley Forum

An announcement for the Mysterious Valley Forum on July 10th features David Perkins as a speaker on "Understanding UFOs, Cattle Mutilations and Other Paranormal Phenomena." Perkins' presentation aims to synthesize current theories on unexplained phenomena using a wide range of sources.

UFOs and ETs Discussed in Mount Shasta

Dr. Steven M. Greer, an authority on extraterrestrial intelligence, was scheduled to give a workshop and lecture in Mount Shasta, CA, on June 25th and 26th. Greer has provided briefings to government officials and claims to have established preliminary contact with extraterrestrial spacecraft. His lecture was to cover evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence and its implications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs and the ongoing efforts to understand them. There is a clear emphasis on eyewitness accounts, personal experiences, and the challenges of investigating phenomena that often defy conventional scientific explanation. The articles highlight the spectrum of beliefs, from skepticism to devout conviction, and the difficulties in proving the existence and origin of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and research findings without necessarily endorsing any single conclusion, while acknowledging the growing body of evidence and the public's enduring fascination with the subject. The magazine also touches upon the societal implications of potential alien contact and the public's distrust of official channels for information.

This issue of the Chronicle, dated June 30, 1999, features a prominent cover story titled "UFO sighting sparks search," highlighting local investigations into unidentified flying objects over Wangaratta, Australia. The magazine also includes a variety of articles on UFOs, crop circles, and other unexplained phenomena from around the world.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The lead article by Alissa Watson details how Jim Owen, a representative for the Victorian UFO Research Society, is calling for witnesses to a UFO sighting over Wangaratta. The object was described as cylindrical and travelling at extreme speed. Similar sightings were reported by witnesses in Benalla, Shepparton, Ballarat, Traralgon, South Drouin, Melbourne, Geelong, and Ocean Grove.

Another article from Poole, England, reports on unexplained orange lights seen in the sky for a second time, matching a previous sighting and baffling experts. Ian Bryan described three orange lights in a strange triangle formation travelling at speed.

From Lichfield Mercury, England, a "Driver's close encounter of the blurred kind" describes a startling image of a 'flying triangle' of three lights over Yoxall, captured on film. The amateur cameraman reported the lights swaying and hovering silently.

An investigation into a mysterious crash-landed aircraft in Oxfordshire in 1967, potentially an early stealth bomber, is detailed by Paul Harris. UFO expert Tim Matthews uncovered evidence suggesting a secret military aircraft prototype was involved, with claims of a military cover-up.

In Burnaby, Canada, "Strange lights over Central Park" reports on ufologists from UFO-BC seeking witnesses to an unusual event involving bright orange lights in a rectangular formation that allegedly scared dogs and people. Sgt. Derek Cooke of the Burnaby RCMP stated there were no official reports of such an incident.

Paul Norman, a society investigator, is probing mysterious sightings across Victoria, Australia, of an egg-shaped object travelling at high speeds. Reports suggest up to 100 sightings were made, with descriptions of a bright light emanating from a solid object leaving a luminous trail.

Crop Circles and Markings

"U.F.O. markings, crop circles appear at New Credit" by Lynda Powless reports on mysterious crop circles and geometric figures appearing in a wheat field in New Credit, Canada. Ken King, the field owner, discovered the patterns, which include circles, peace-like symbols, stars, and long lines connecting the figures. Officials from the Royal Ontario Museum of Science and an investigator from the Toronto Society Planetary Connections are examining the markings.

Animal Mutilations and Unexplained Phenomena

"Answers sought in cattle mutilation" by Lezlee E. Whiting discusses the investigation by the National Institute of Discovery Science (NIDS) into the death of a registered polled Hereford cow in Duchesne County, Utah. The cow was found with its eye and ear removed, a missing fetus, and a heart that appeared to have been "blown apart." Similarities to other unexplained animal mutilations worldwide since the 1960s are noted.

"Animal surgeons from outer space" by Tony Dodd explores the phenomenon of systematic animal mutilations, suggesting they are the work of alien visitors carrying out medical experiments. The article references a documentary, "A Strange Harvest," and the lack of conventional explanations for the precise surgical procedures involved.

Extraterrestrial Life and Sea Serpents

Canadian astronaut Julie Payette shares her belief in the existence of intelligent life beyond Earth, based on the law of probabilities, though she is less certain that extraterrestrials have visited our planet. Her views are echoed by other scientists and astronauts who attribute this perspective to their cosmic outlook.

"Sea serpent story brings tall tales of the sea" by Tom Wolfe discusses the legend of Cadborosaurus willsi, or 'Caddy,' a sea serpent reportedly seen near Victoria, Canada. Dr. Edward L. Bousfield, a retired marine biologist, is seeking more evidence to support the existence of this creature.

Other Reports

The issue also includes a report on "Wildlife officials probe maritime panther sighting" in New Brunswick, Canada, investigating a report of a black panther. Additionally, there's a brief mention of an "unidentified creature" captured in Mafraq, Jordan, described as small and cat-like.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, with a strong emphasis on UFO sightings, mysterious aerial phenomena, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The articles present witness accounts, expert opinions, and ongoing investigations into these phenomena. There is a clear interest in uncovering the truth behind these events, with some articles hinting at potential government cover-ups and the need for public awareness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to come forward with their own experiences and contributing to the collective search for answers.