UFO Newsclipping Service - 1999 09 - no 362

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Newsclipping Service, dated September 1999, Number 362, is a compilation of articles from various publications covering UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial encounters, and related mysteries. The cover story, "Crop circles leave farmer wondering," from the Union Bulletin, details a wheat farmer's discovery of unexplained patterns in his field. Other articles include reports from the County Times on a UFO Expo in San Mateo, California, and features from the Westside Weekly and Journal Scene discussing UFO sightings and alleged encounters in Topanga Canyon, California, and South Carolina, respectively.

Crop Circles in Walla Walla

The Union Bulletin article by Brodie Farquhar reports on mysterious crop circles appearing in a wheat field farmed by Phil Reser east of Foster Road in Walla Walla. Reser initially mistook the patterns for deer bedding spots but realized their unusual nature when harvesting. He noted the patterns were "absolutely precise" with no visible footprints or access from nearby roads. The wheat lay in opposite directions within the circles, and the stalks were not broken, suggesting a non-physical method of creation. Reser expressed intrigue, stating, "If it is a hoax, I'd sure like to know how they did it. This is kind of cool." The article mentions that such phenomena have occurred elsewhere in North America and Europe.

UFO Expo in San Mateo

The County Times article by Michele R. Marcucci covers the Bay Area UFO Expo held in San Mateo, California. The event attracted hundreds of attendees, including physical education teacher Hurley Young, who noted the increased popularity of UFO topics on television. Associate producer Ted Oliphant attributed the expo's success to the commercialization of the field and the growing public interest. Speakers included former NATO intelligence analyst Robert Dean and nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman, who promoted his books and a CD-ROM. Radio host Art Bell was credited with promoting the expo on his syndicated program.

UFOs in Topanga Canyon

Two articles from the Westside Weekly and The Daily Herald focus on UFO sightings and experiences in Topanga Canyon, California. Eric Andrews, a Topanga resident, recounts an experience of a bright light that darted across the sky and made a U-turn. David Phillips, a psychology professor, described seeing helicopters chasing a disc-shaped craft, with the Sheriff's Department denying any helicopter activity. Preston Dennett's book, "UFOs Over Topanga," is highlighted, detailing over 80 extraterrestrial encounters in the area. The articles also touch upon the local paper, The Messenger, covering UFO sightings and alleged alien abductions.

Area 51 and the Extraterrestrial Highway

Articles from The Daily Herald and USA TODAY delve into the mystery surrounding Area 51 in Nevada. Pat Christian's report from The Daily Herald describes a visit to Rachel, Nevada, the gateway to Area 51, and the "Extraterrestrial Highway" (Highway 375). The article notes that while Area 51 is officially a restricted government airspace, many people with ties to Utah and Provo are rumored to know answers about it but are sworn to secrecy. Air Force Maj. Jeff Vick, interviewed near Area 51, spoke hypothetically about the testing of black projects and the possibility of relocation to Utah. The article also mentions the Little A'Le'Inn, a local establishment frequented by those associated with Area 51.

CIA UFO Investigation

A report from The Daily Telegraph, based on a CIA-released document, reveals a secret history of the agency's investigation into UFOs in the 1950s. The report suggests that the CIA initially dismissed sightings as "midsummer madness" but later acknowledged the possibility of interplanetary visits. It details debates between investigators who believed "the truth is out there" and skeptical superiors. The article also mentions claims of secret military bases in Scotland for experimenting with alien technology, as discussed by Ron Halliday.

Strange Sightings in Victoria, Australia

The Standard newspaper reports on a series of strange sightings across Victoria, Australia, on June 8, 1999. Victorian UFO Research Society investigation officer Paul Norman is tracing reports of a cone-shaped object with a long white tail, described as having a light trail and sparking at intervals. Norman estimates that only about 10 percent of UFO reports cannot be explained by conventional means. He also recounts a memorable case from 1953 involving the disappearance of a pilot after detecting an unknown object on radar.

Other UFO Reports and Themes

The issue also includes a list of "10 great places to" find UFO activity, compiled from the book "UFO USA: A Traveler's Guide to UFO Sightings, Abduction Sites, Crop Circles, and Other Unexplained Phenomena." Featured locations include Rachel, Nevada; Roswell, New Mexico; Hudson Valley/Pine Bush, New York; Sedona, Arizona; Los Angeles; Gulf Breeze, Florida; La Grange, Georgia; Siler City, North Carolina; Cincinnati; and Elmwood, Wisconsin. The articles collectively touch upon themes of government secrecy, the scientific study of UFO phenomena, and the public's fascination with the unexplained.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and alleged extraterrestrial activity, the potential for government cover-ups, and the growing public interest fueled by media and events like UFO expos. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles, appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting various accounts and perspectives without definitive conclusions, while acknowledging the skepticism and the scientific approach taken by organizations like MUFON and the Victorian UFO Research Society. The compilation of clippings suggests a broad interest in UFOs across different regions and media outlets.

Title: DAILY ECHO
Issue Date: August 25, 1999
Country of Publication: England
Language: English

Main Cover Story: More to Crop Circles Than Simple Hoaxes

The cover story, "More to Crop Circles Than Simple Hoaxes," by Ernie Sears, delves into the enduring mystery of unexplained crop circles. Sears, a paranormal devotee, questions the prevailing notion that all crop circles are mere hoaxes, citing historical precedents like the 1678 "mowing devil" woodcut and a 1990 newspaper article about a pictogram at Alton Barnes, Wiltshire, which was interpreted as an ancient Sumerian message.

Sears challenges the claims of hoaxers like Doug Bowers and Dave Chorley, noting that despite their confessions, the phenomenon persists and remains a subject of intense investigation. He highlights the work of Colin Andrews, who is reportedly "excited" about current discoveries of magnetic disturbances around crop formations. Sears posits that these magnetic changes and their effect on the molecular composition of crops are the fundamental difference between man-made and genuine formations.

Drawing parallels with UFO phenomena, Sears suggests that UFOs have long demonstrated advanced technology, including anti-gravity and magnetic field control, which could explain the rapid and complex creation of crop circles. He recounts personal experiences and anecdotes from other investigators, including a two-hour tour around Avebury stones where participants felt a "force field" and experienced unusual sensations.

Sears expresses a strong conviction that a hidden authority, possibly governmental or military, has maintained a policy of secrecy, misinformation, and obfuscation regarding UFOs and related phenomena for many years. He notes that UFO reports are often dismissed with a standard "no defence significance" tag, implying a deeper, unacknowledged reality.

He further speculates that ancient peoples may have understood and utilized this energy, leading to the frequent occurrence of crop formations near archaeological sites like Silbury Hill and Avebury. Sears concludes that these phenomena might be a form of "education" for humanity, preparing us for a cosmic event, and that individuals involved in crop circle investigation or UFO abduction experiences often gain "knowledge" they cannot explain.

Steve Gerrard of the Southampton UFO group is mentioned as a witness to Sears's premonition of a significant event during a UFO watch excursion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, particularly crop circles and their potential connection to UFOs and ancient mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, challenging conventional explanations and exploring alternative theories, while acknowledging the role of secrecy and misinformation in obscuring the truth.