UFO Newsclipping Service - 1999 10 - no 363

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated October 1999, Number 363, is edited and published by Lucius Farish. It features a prominent cover story about "Cigar shaped lights/fireballs streaking across Gulf of Mexico" by Bland Pugh, Florida MUFON State Director.

Cigar Shaped Lights/Fireballs Streaking Across Gulf of Mexico

On the morning of September 7th, 1999, multiple reports from the Gulf of Mexico described cigar-shaped lights or fireballs streaking across the sky between 5:00 a.m. and 5:10 a.m. These sightings were reported to the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC). Florida MUFON State Director Bland Pugh was contacted by an ASD/SSD in the Tampa area who reported numerous sightings and a FOX-TV station that planned to show a video of the event. Pugh also spoke with Peter Davenport, Director of NUFORC, who confirmed the numerous calls. Excerpts from witness reports describe objects as "glass cigar tube with smoke in it and three equally spaced blue lights," moving without sound, and appearing to be crashing before stopping and disappearing. Some reports mention multiple objects, changing shapes, and bright flames. NASA, when contacted, suggested the phenomenon was debris from a Russian booster rocket re-entering the atmosphere. Similar sightings were also reported in the Poinciana, Lake Wales, Lake Helen, and Kissimmee areas, as well as Ocoee and South Miami.

Did Aliens Study Farmer Fred's Head?

This article from the TIMES, Burlington, WA, dated October 8, 1999, reports on a mysterious crop circle that appeared in a 60-acre wheat field near Burlington. The farmer, identified only as "Fred," believes the pattern, consisting of two circles connected by a wide, straight line, was created by youths. He expressed frustration over the "destruction." A nearby resident noted the strangeness of the circle's location in the middle of the field, far from the road, and the lack of any visible entrance or signs of passage, questioning if youths would have made it so inaccessible.

Big Debate Falls From The Skies

This article from THE OREGONIAN, Portland, OR, dated September 24, 1999, discusses a strange light seen over Oregon on September 1st. While U.S. Space Command and NORAD identified it as space junk from a Russian rocket booster re-entering the atmosphere, UFO trackers like Peter Davenport of Seattle's National UFO Reporting Center and radio host Art Bell believe it indicates a government cover-up. Davenport points to numerous reports of glowing, orange, or red objects with flaming tails, and multiple objects maneuvering in formation. Military officials, including Mona Spenst Jordan of the Oregon Air National Guard and Petty Officer Andy Karalis of NORAD, maintain their stance that the object was indeed space debris and that people "see what they want to see." The article details NORAD's tracking of Russian rocket debris re-entries and mentions debris from U.S., Indian, and European Space Agency rockets as well. It also touches on the increasing atmospheric density due to the sun's solar cycle, which could make space debris re-entries more frequent and potentially dangerous.

UFO Sightings Inspiring Revolution in China?

This article from THE ISLANDER, Gulf Breeze, FL, dated September 8, 1999, suggests that growing UFO sightings in China might inspire citizens to revolt against communism. Retired U.S. Air Force intelligence officer George Filer claims Chinese officials are concerned about the "Falun Gong" group's interest in aliens, fearing that UFO sightings could be interpreted as a sign to overthrow the government. Filer also mentions the possibility of strange aircraft at Eglin AFB and encourages reports of UFOs in the Gulf Breeze area. He advocates for UFO reports to be a regular feature in newspapers, similar to astrology sections.

Exotic Propulsion Meeting Piques NASA's Interest

This article from the SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER, dated September 5, 1999, reports on a planned meeting between Silicon Valley high-tech executives, NASA scientists, and a UFO enthusiast. NASA's Office of Inspector General is investigating the meeting to determine if proprietary information will be discussed, particularly concerning propulsion technologies. The meeting is being organized by the International Space Sciences Organization, founded by Joe Firmage, who believes that some high technology was obtained from the Roswell crash and that UFOs are real starships.

Hermiston Gets Visit From UFO

This piece from the EAST OREGONIAN, Pendleton, OR, dated September 15, 1999, describes a sighting by 14-year-old Jerome Price of Hermiston, who saw a large object with red lights near the tree line. This sighting may be related to a report to the Umatilla County Sheriff's office of a "strange, bright green glowing object" seen the same evening.

Attendees at UFO Conference Make 'Contact'

This article from the HERALD, Bellingham, WA, dated September 13, 1999, covers a UFO conference called 'Contact' organized by the Bellingham UFO club, now renamed 'Contact: The Center for Ontological Action.' The conference featured speakers on topics like alien encounters and abduction trauma. Alien encounter therapist Janet Colli encouraged abductees to work through their trauma. The event has been held annually since 1997. Attendees ranged from believers to skeptics, with some sharing experiences of UFO sightings and potential alien contact. Tim Kelly, a participant, noted the fascinating nature of the discussions. The article also mentions Tom Sanger, who believes he has been contacted and describes experiences of missing time during desert camping trips.

Expose Virginia UFOs

This article from the JOURNAL, Alexandria, VA, dated September 24, 1999, discusses a UFO abduction case from 1967 in Chesapeake, Virginia, and the potential for a lawsuit against Virginia Governor James Gilmore for failing to acknowledge and address the issue. The author, Larry W. Bryant, is seeking affidavits from Virginia residents who have witnessed UFOs, abductions, or "black triangular craft" to compel the governor to act.

You See a Lot of Strange Things in This Business

This opinion piece by Pat Christian questions the likelihood of alien visitation, suggesting that if aliens were advanced enough to travel vast distances, they would not be interested in probing ordinary victims. He recounts personal experiences, including his mother's sighting of a spaceship and his own encounter with a UFO near the Indian Medicine Wheel in Wyoming. He expresses skepticism about alien abduction stories but acknowledges the existence of creatures and the possibility of UFOs near military installations.

Our Readers' Opinions

This section contains letters to the editor. One letter agrees that crop circles can be made with a 2x4, suggesting farmer Reser was joking about not knowing how they got there. The author points out visible tracks from the air and questions the significance of the patterns. Another letter discusses Preston Dennett's new book "UFOS OVER TOPANGA CANYON" and notes similarities between sightings in Topanga Canyon, Gulf Breeze, and Levelland, Texas, suggesting a straight line connection.

Matching Wits With UFOs

This article from the INQUIRER, Philadelphia, PA, dated October 4, 1999, discusses a local chapter of MUFON (Mutual Unidentified Flying Object Network) that investigates UFO incidents. Tom Carey, the chapter director, explains their methodical approach to identifying sightings, checking with airports, astronomical phenomena, and witness accounts. He notes that while most incidents are explained prosaically, some remain unexplained UFOs. The article also mentions the Roswell incident and Carey's belief in evidence of a crashed spacecraft and recovered alien bodies. MUFON has a national database and a hotline for reporting sightings.

Lobbyists Not Alien to Extraterrestrials

This article from the TENNESSEAN, Nashville, TN, dated August 28, 1999, introduces X-PPAC (Extraterrestrial Phenomena Political Action Committee), a PAC formed to lobby lawmakers for congressional hearings on alleged government cover-ups of UFO evidence. Stephen G. Bassett, the treasurer, aims to bring the issue to the forefront in Washington.

A Moment In History: UFOs, Gold Rush, Notes, Etc.

This column by Jon Baughman from the BROAD TOP BULLETIN, Saxton, PA, dated September 1, 1999, touches on UFO accounts. It includes a story from Stanley W. Hoenstine about his father's teenage experience seeing a "shape that looked like a moon" and his own sighting of a "large, glowing round object" near the Indian Medicine Wheel in Wyoming. Baughman also mentions the UFO craze beginning around 1947 and notes the presence of UFOs near military installations.

Skepticism is Not Alien to UFO Expert Giving Program in Ann Arbor

This article from the NEWS, Detroit, MI, dated October 7, 1999, features Temple University history professor David Jacobs, a pioneer in UFO research and alien abduction studies. Jacobs will be discussing his views at a program in Ann Arbor, acknowledging the skepticism he faces from the academic community. He notes that a significant percentage of Americans report experiencing UFO-related phenomena and expresses concern about the agenda of "abductors."

FOREIGN NEWS: Recent Sightings Whet UFO Buff's Curiosity

This article from the STAR, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, dated July 30, 1999, discusses the unusually high number of UFO sightings in the Yukon, attributed to the close-knit community where sightings are readily shared. UFO investigator Martin Jasek explains that in a small community, everyone knows everyone, leading to more reported sightings. Jasek, who has investigated about 40 sightings, shares anecdotes of a "white ball" seen in Winnipeg and other sightings in the Yukon, including a "big saucer" that shone blue light on a man.

The Truth Is Out There...

This letter to the editor from KENT MESSENGER, Maidstone, England, dated April 23, 1999, addresses a previous article that ridiculed a UFO sighting. The author, David Strudwick, asserts that many people in Kent have witnessed UFOs and seeks to understand why so many are seen in the area.

UFO Has Been Seen Before

This brief article from EAST KENT GAZETTE, Canterbury, England, dated April 21, 1999, mentions a reader's report of a "jellyfish-like object" spotted above the M2 motorway, which had also been seen in February. The reader, Kristjen Holden, expresses a desire to know what the object was, even if it wasn't extraterrestrial.

UFO Believer Seeks Starry-Eyed Cow-Killers

This article from WESTERN MAIL, Cardiff, Wales, dated May 17, 1999, features UFO researcher Neil Spring, who is investigating alleged cattle mutilations as potentially being caused by extraterrestrials and abductions. Spring is seeking reports from farmers about unusual cattle deaths or mutilations. The article lists several alleged UFO sightings in Wales from 1974 to 1996, including a reported crash on Berwyn mountain and sightings of silver saucer-shaped craft and large, lit triangles.

Mystery, Miracle or Giant Hoax?

This article from the DAILY MAIL, London, England, dated May 20, 1999, discusses the ongoing mystery of crop circles. It mentions Laurence Rockefeller funding research into the phenomenon, questioning the earlier "confession" of hoaxers Doug Bower and Dave Chorley. The article explores various theories, including circular winds, plasma vortexes, ball lightning, and the possibility of a non-human intelligence behind the formations. It notes that US physicist found evidence of chemical and biological changes in crops within the circles and that electromagnetic changes have been observed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, crop circles, and the ongoing debate between official explanations (like space debris) and the belief in extraterrestrial involvement. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles and the publisher's inclusion of various perspectives, appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting both skeptical and believer viewpoints while highlighting the persistent public interest and the challenges in obtaining definitive answers. The publication seems to lean towards presenting evidence and witness accounts that challenge conventional explanations.

This issue of the DAILY MAIL, dated May 20, 1999, features a prominent cover story on a UFO sighting near Blue Bell Hill, England, adding to the area's reputation for mysterious phenomena. The magazine also includes articles on crop circles, UFOs, and the cryptozoological mystery of Sasquatch.

UFO Adds to Spooky Spot's Mystery

The lead article details a terrifying encounter on the M2 motorway where Valerie Springhall and her sister Pauline Davis reported being followed by a 50ft long, jellyfish-shaped object. The object, described as fluorescent white and changing shape, hovered near their car for several miles before disappearing. Police have no explanation, and other drivers did not report seeing anything unusual. The area of Blue Bell Hill is already known for sightings of a female ghost and a black panther, and this UFO incident adds to its mysterious reputation. Sean Tudor, a writer on Blue Bell Hill's lore, suggests the phenomena might be linked to construction work on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. The article also mentions previous UFO sightings in the area in 1977.

Those Orbs Are Abnormal

This section discusses stunning photographs of unexplained lights, dubbed 'orbs,' floating through woodland outside New York, shared by UFO hunter Brian Williams. These are described as glowing balls of plasma, not flying saucers, with various types including 'black holes,' 'arcs,' and 'red eyes.' Williams believes they are signs of alien technology. The article suggests a link to 'luminous phenomena' associated with spiritual agitation, drawing parallels to historical accounts of strange lights at revivals and séances. It posits that Brian Williams might be a natural psychic with a gift for photographing these phenomena.

Uri Geller's Weird Web

This short piece by Uri Geller muses on the 'orbs' phenomenon, suggesting they might be related to spiritual agitation rather than alien technology. He links them to historical accounts of 'luminous phenomena' and suggests that Brian Williams, the photographer of the orbs, might be a psychic.

UFO Hovering Above Us on the Motorway

This article reiterates the M2 UFO sighting, with a motorist reporting being followed for nearly 15 miles by a mysterious flying object. The object was described as transparent with lights underneath, hovering about 20ft from the ground. Police have no explanation, and checks with other areas revealed reports of lights in the sky, possibly laser searchlights. The driver described the object as swirling in the sky like the bottom of a jellyfish.

Eyewitness: March 12, 1999

This report from Derby, England, features a ten-year-old girl, Hailey Williamson, who described seeing a large circular object with three smaller circles around it in a triangle formation. Her father, Neville Williamson, stated that Hailey is observant and unlikely to have exaggerated or mistaken it for a plane.

Wedge-Shape UFOs Are Spotted Again Near Town

This article from Belper, England, reports increased sightings of wedge-shaped UFOs. An elderly couple and Carole Jones with her children reported seeing black objects and bright lights. Carole Jones described a perfect triangle with red and green lights. Similar sightings of black triangular objects have been reported in the Belper area.

Eyewitness: March 10, 1999 (Duffield)

Helen Spencer-Smith reported seeing a bright light that appeared as a flat, triangular, black shape with equal sides, flying point first, near Duffield, England.

Eyewitness: March 10, 1999 (Belper)

Melanie Cunningham reported seeing a big, bright orange light that appeared as a large, perfect, black triangle with an orange front light, flying unusually low and silently over Belper.

Woman Convinced by New Sightings of UFOs

Carol Brown, a microbiologist from Scotland, captured video footage of two bright orange lights side-by-side over the Braes area. She is convinced it was a UFO, refuting explanations like helicopters. UFO expert Ron Halliday expressed interest in studying the footage.

Witness Was Frozen With Fear

This personal account from the Exmouth Journal details a witness, referred to as Mrs X, who reported seeing a bright light hovering near Woodbury Castle in November 1996. The object was described as axe-head shaped and made no noise. A blue beam of light emerged from it, and a figure was seen emerging from the beam. The witness was terrified and fled to her car.

Mum's UFO Encounters

Debbie, from Stainforth, England, reported three unusual sightings in the summer of 1998. The first was a giant triangle hovering silently over her house. The second involved a large orange light seen by her family while driving. The third was a possible UFO spotted above RAF Finningley. Investigator Paul Westwood found her stories credible.

Did You See This Spectacular UFO?

This reader submission from Mansfield, England, describes a spectacular oval UFO seen on April 7, 1999, glowing bright orange with white circular 'portholes.' It descended below an aircraft and then shot off at tremendous speed. The object was reportedly seen over several areas in Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.

Sky's the Limit for Gloria

This article introduces Gloria Dixon, the new editor of Strange Daze magazine, a publication focused on UFO research. Dixon, with over 30 years of experience, aims to bring a more balanced and objective approach to the subject, moving away from sensationalism and 'alien believer' narratives. She believes UFO phenomena can have scientific, military, or even psychological explanations, and that 'close encounters' have roots in folklore and mysticism. The magazine covers a range of topics, including Russian UFO events and manmade flying saucers.

Arguing the Big Case for Sasquatch

This multi-part series from Vancouver, B.C., discusses the ongoing interest in Sasquatch. It covers the third annual International Sasquatch Symposium, where believers debated the creature's existence and its potential link to UFOs. John Kirk, president of the B.C. Scientific Cryptozoology Club, is featured, along with Rene Dahinden, a long-time researcher. The article highlights the division within the Sasquatch community between 'straight-ahead' researchers and those who believe in paranormal or extraterrestrial connections. It touches on the lack of physical evidence and the challenges of proving Sasquatch's existence.

They All Believe in Bigfoot, but They Don't All Get Along

This article, continuing the Sasquatch theme, details the divisions within the Sasquatch community at the Vancouver conference. It contrasts the views of cryptozoologists, who believe Sasquatch is a physical creature, with those who see it as an 'interdimensional' being linked to UFOs. The article mentions the Patterson film as key evidence and discusses the skepticism from mainstream science. It also touches on the competition and jealousy among researchers.

Sasquatch Devotee Says the Truth Stinks

This piece focuses on John Kirk, who claims to have smelled the Sasquatch and found its footprints. He expresses frustration with skeptics, attributing their disbelief to 'low IQs.' The article notes the upcoming International Sasquatch Symposium and the division between 'serious' researchers and those who believe in paranormal phenomena, such as time-traveling or UFO-abducting Sasquatch.

Sasquatch Tries Acting

This brief item notes that Sasquatch, or Bigfoot, is being featured in a spoof film titled 'The Bigfoot Project,' inspired by 'The Blair Witch Project.' The story involves tourists encountering a Bigfoot monster near the Hollywood sign.

The Planet's Hum

This short report mentions Japanese researchers studying a mysterious hum emitted by Earth, with pitches ranging between 2 and 7 millihertz. The combined notes are described as unpleasant.

Chinese Sight Giant Monster in Manmade Lake

This news brief reports sightings of a creature resembling the Loch Ness Monster in a manmade lake in Jilin province, China. The creature is described as black-skinned and 80 to 90 meters in length.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, crop circles, and cryptids like Sasquatch. There's a clear interest in investigating these mysteries, with a focus on eyewitness accounts and the challenges of scientific verification. The editorial stance, particularly from Gloria Dixon of Strange Daze magazine, emphasizes a desire for a more rational and evidence-based approach, distinguishing between genuine anomalies and sensationalized folklore. The issue highlights the public's enduring fascination with the unknown and the ongoing debate between skepticism and belief.