UFO Newsclipping Service - 2000 09 - no 374

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated September 2000, focuses on the burgeoning UFO culture and the ongoing mystery surrounding unidentified flying objects. The cover story, "CITY LIMITS," discusses the potential establishment of a UFO museum in Denver, Colorado, and the efforts of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) to gain credibility.

The Truth Is Almost Out Here: A UFO Museum May Blast Off in Denver

This article by Karen Bowers introduces Mike Curta, state director of MUFON's Colorado Chapter, and John Schuessler, MUFON's international director. Schuessler, a mechanical engineer with a background in aerospace, became interested in UFOs in the mid-1960s while working on the Gemini Missions. He hopes that moving MUFON's headquarters to Denver will help the organization gain credibility with official bodies like the FAA, Air Force, and NORAD. The article details the history of MUFON, founded in 1969, and its museum, which currently exists in Seguin, Texas. Schuessler is seeking a location in southwest Denver for a new headquarters and museum, aiming for a free and public opening by the end of the year.

Curta notes that while MUFON receives 50,000 to 80,000 reports annually, about 90 percent are explainable as normal phenomena, with only a small percentage remaining unexplained. He also highlights Colorado as a "hotbed" of UFO activity, citing reports from the San Luis Valley and historical accounts.

Lake Norman Area a Haven for UFOs, Investigator Says

By Jaime Gatton, this article features George Fawcett, an investigator and researcher of UFOs, who claims the Lake Norman area in North Carolina is a good place to see UFOs. Fawcett states that UFOs are often seen around electrical substations, power lines, and large bodies of water, seemingly drawing power and water. He has investigated over 1,700 UFO sighting reports, with 22 percent remaining unexplained. Fawcett has authored books on UFOs and has been involved in founding several civilian UFO study groups. He also taught a college UFO course and consulted on the movie "UFO's - Target Earth." North Carolina ranks fifth in the U.S. for UFO reports. Fawcett notes that consistent aspects of UFO sightings include severe animal reactions, power failures, and physical and psychological effects on witnesses.

Greensburg Man's Exhibit Part of UFO Week

This article by Maryann G. Eldemiller reports on Stan Gordon of Greensburg, who has been researching the unexplained since 1959. Gordon will be exhibiting documents, photographs, and footprint casts related to local UFO and Bigfoot sightings during National UFO Information Week. He highlights incidents such as a large indentation in a field near Delmont and sightings of a "hairy creature." Gordon states that about 95 percent of reports he receives are explainable, but the remaining 5 percent keep the mystery alive. He mentions the "Kecksburg crash" and the "Roswell incident" and notes that only 10 percent of people who see UFOs actually report them.

LOOK! UP IN THE SKY...

This section by Steven Leech, with illustrations by Steve Cobb, focuses on significant UFO events that occurred in July, particularly the Roswell Incident of 1947 and the 1952 Washington D.C. UFO invasion. The article details the 1952 event, where Air Force F-94C interceptors were dispatched to investigate UFOs detected on radar over D.C. Radar operator Andrew J. Sabatino and pilot Lt. William L. Patterson recount their experiences, noting the UFOs' high speeds and evasive maneuvers. The article also touches upon the Roswell Incident, the recovery of alleged alien wreckage and bodies, and the ongoing efforts to "back engineer" alien technology, potentially linked to "Area 51." It mentions retired Colonel Philip J. Corso's claims about alien technology being seeded into current technologies.

Do new NASA tapes show UFOs?

This article by Billy Cox discusses the debate surrounding UFO images generated by NASA, particularly from the "The Secret NASA Transmissions: The Smoking Gun" video. The video includes shuttle footage from mission STS-75 that appears to show large, distant spherical UFOs shadowing the Columbia. UFO skeptic Jim Oberg attributes these phenomena to misinterpretations and camera artifacts, likening them to sea serpents described by early mariners. Martyn Stubbs, who brought the NASA images to public attention, believes they are evidence of something strange. The article also references the STS-48 controversy, where white blips were recorded, and quotes former astronaut Story Musgrave and NASA scientist Dr. Joseph Nuth on the nature of objects observed in space. Oberg suggests that NASA should be more proactive in addressing public interest in UFOs.

In Roswell, those flying objects likely are tourists

By Judith Graham, this article examines how Roswell, New Mexico, has transformed into a major tourist destination due to the notoriety of the alleged 1947 UFO crash. The International UFO Museum and Research Center is a primary attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and significantly boosting the local economy. The article discusses the debate over the crash's authenticity but highlights the undeniable impact of UFO culture on the town's identity and commerce. It also touches on the museum's expansion plans and the differing opinions on its future location.

The "Flying Saucer" and the Pacific Northwest connection

By Gary Val Tenuta, this article traces the origin of the term "Flying Saucer" to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting near Mount Rainier, Washington. Arnold described the motion of the objects as resembling a saucer skipped across water, though his sketches depicted them as more boomerang-shaped. The article notes that the "modern age" of UFO sightings began with Arnold's report, and that numerous other sightings were reported around the same time, including several in the Pacific Northwest. It also mentions the government's Project Sign investigation and an eyewitness to Arnold's sighting.

AlienZoo.com

This brief review highlights AlienZoo.com as a comprehensive UFO website featuring a research center with photos and eyewitness accounts, a newsfeed of related articles, and columns by prominent figures in the UFO and pop culture fields. It mentions contributors like Paul Davids, Peter Gersten, and Jim Marrs, and notes the site's coverage of events like the 1952 D.C. UFO sightings.

In search of the kernel of truth

By Brian Hickey, this article reports on a crop circle-like formation found in a cornfield in Galloway Township, New Jersey. Harold and Dorothy Lambourne discovered the formation, and while they have no definitive explanation, Harold speculates about divine judgment or a "microburst" of wind. Bobbie Davis, a librarian at the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, suggests it could be a "crop circle" indicating an alien landing, while meteorologist Joe Miketta hypothesizes that weakened stalks could have been flattened by wind.

UFO sighting hard to shake for Highland man

This article by Wally Spiers recounts Melvern Noll's experience of spotting a large, unidentified object resembling a "two-story house" in Highland, Illinois. Noll reported the sighting to the police, who confirmed that a sheriff's deputy had also seen a similar object. Noll has since appeared on various media outlets to discuss his experience, leaning towards the belief that the object was extraterrestrial, though some enthusiasts categorize it as a "secret project of the U.S. government."

Speaker details views of aliens and mankind

This article by Tom Moran reports on journalist Peter Farley's lecture at the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico. Farley presented his theory that humans were "planted on earth by extraterrestrial 'star-seeders'" as part of a genetic experiment by a consortium of alien races. He suggested that racism is a result of irreconcilable differences among these alien creators and that many ancient sun gods were extraterrestrial visitors. Farley also believes that aliens visit Earth through alternate dimensions and that the "Grays" have a negative agenda and a secret alliance with the U.S. government.

Aliens anyone?

This commentary by Amy Miller discusses the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) and its invitation for newspaper editors to refer UFO sightings to them. Miller also recounts an incident in Nome, Alaska, where teenagers claimed to have seen aliens. She speculates that aliens might not be interested in Alaska due to its low population density and the difficulty of spotting UFOs during the long summer days.

Rough Draft: A UFO Guru Light-Years Away From Carl Sagan

By Joel Achenbach, this article critically examines the partnership between UFO proponent Joe Firmage and Ann Druyan, Carl Sagan's widow, to launch a new media company. The author expresses concern that this venture might lend credibility to Firmage's fringe theories, which contrast sharply with Sagan's emphasis on skepticism and scientific reasoning. Druyan asserts that a legal agreement prevents Firmage from misrepresenting Sagan's legacy, while Firmage states the company will responsibly deal with "science anomalies." The article notes Firmage's belief in breakthrough physics and extraterrestrial visitation, and the venture's significant venture capital backing.

Roswell story favorably received

This letter to the editor by George D. Fawcett thanks the Lincoln Times-News for its coverage of the "Nine Days at Roswell" story and highlights the International UFO Museum and Research Center as a major tourist attraction. Fawcett also mentions his collaboration with Bob Sabo on donating UFO items to the museum and requests prayers for Sabo's health.

Thanks for coverage

Another letter to the editor by George D. Fawcett thanks The Gazette for publishing an update on UFO pursuits, correcting an error regarding a presidential executive order number. Fawcett emphasizes the complex issues surrounding the UFO enigma.

Beam us up; UFOs won't get the votes

This opinion piece by Michael Zuzel criticizes the silence of presidential candidates George W. Bush and Al Gore on the issue of UFOs. Zuzel notes that Peter Robbins of UFOcity.com has repeatedly tried to elicit responses from the campaigns regarding declassification of UFO records and executive amnesty for credible witnesses, but has received no replies. Zuzel argues that UFOs are a mainstream issue, citing poll data and public interest, and questions the candidates' reluctance to address the topic.

County Fair putting up hard cash to residents who divulge their UFO secrets

This article reports on the Sonoma County Fair's "Fairly Close Encounters" event, which offers cash prizes for residents who share stories of alien abductions and UFO sightings. The fair aims to provide a platform for people to come forward and heal from their experiences. The event includes alien-themed contests and futuristic activities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent public fascination with UFOs, the efforts to legitimize UFO research through museums and scientific investigation, and the ongoing debate about government secrecy and the authenticity of evidence. There's a clear editorial stance that UFO phenomena are a significant and complex subject worthy of serious attention, even if many sightings are explainable. The articles highlight the cultural impact of UFOs, from tourism in Roswell to their presence in popular media, and the challenges faced by researchers in gaining mainstream acceptance and official acknowledgment. The publication seems to advocate for open-minded inquiry while also acknowledging the need for critical thinking and scientific rigor.

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS, identified as LAB 8, published in August 2000, features a collection of articles primarily focused on unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, alien abductions, crop circles, Bigfoot encounters, and ghost stories. The content appears to be a compilation of clippings from various British and North American publications, with a notable emphasis on reports from the UK.

Personal Accounts of UFOs and Abductions

The issue opens with a personal narrative by Bruce LaBruce, detailing his childhood experience of what he believes was an alien abduction, involving a glowing orb and a high-pitched sound. He also recounts a later blackout experience that felt similar. The magazine then presents several eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings.

Tony Downing claims to have seen at least nine UFOs over Grimsby, England, including a dark shape emitting a beam of light. Cliff and Margaret Blyth reported a red ball of fire passing through Mr. Blyth's chest without harm. Elaine Reid saw a bright light travelling slowly across the sky near Cleethorpes. An anonymous reader reported a bright light hovering above Blundell Park, described as fast and comet-like. The RAF station in Manby logged an 80ft diameter UFO in 1956. John Ramsden and his wife Dorothy reported seeing a silver object with a pinky glow hovering in the sky near Humberston. Jim Brace, a security guard, described seeing a huge, plate-like object with small domes near Evesham. Mrs. Mandy Powis from Kington reported being 'chased' by a UFO, a case being investigated by Mr. John Hanson and Dawn Holloway. PC Tom Iddon of Evesham police stated they would keep an open mind about Brace's sighting.

The Mystery of Crop Circles

Several articles address the phenomenon of crop circles. Colin Andrews, a former electrical engineer and researcher, initially co-authored a book suggesting a connection to flying saucers. However, after years of research funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, he now theorizes that most crop circles, especially complex ones, are hoaxes made by humans using planks. He believes only about 20% of the formations are genuine and are caused by the earth's magnetic field 'electrocuting' the wheat. This theory has generated controversy, with some feeling it threatens a growing 'industry' around crop circles.

Colin Wilson offers a counterpoint, questioning why crop circles only appeared in the last 20 years if they were caused by natural phenomena like whirlwinds. He cites the precise geometry and complex musical ratios found in some circles, as noted by astronomer Gerald Hawkins, suggesting they might be a form of communication from an extra-human intelligence. Pat Delgado, co-author of Andrews' book, acknowledges the magnetic theory but insists that some aspects of crop circles remain inexplicable.

Reports from England, Canada, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, the Soviet Union, France, and Switzerland are mentioned. Specific incidents include Edwin Fuhr's 1974 sighting of five 11ft circles in Saskatchewan, and John Scull's discovery of three 60ft circles in Wiltshire in 1980. Doug Bower and Dave Chorley claimed responsibility for making British crop circles using planks, but their method left broken stalks, unlike genuine circles. Odd phenomena associated with circles, such as high-pitched trilling and black rods jumping, are also noted.

Bigfoot Sightings and Folklore

The issue includes several reports on Bigfoot. Mary Ward of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, owns a bait shop where a Bigfoot sighting was reported, with large, four-toed footprints found in a creek bed. Earl Whitstine and Carl Dubois, loggers, reported seeing a large, hairy, man-like shape. The story is complicated by the confession of Whitstine's father, Roy Whitstine, who participated in a Bigfoot hoax 25 years prior. However, Scott Kessler, a Bigfoot investigator, believes the current evidence is compelling.

John Brewer, editor of the Bigfoot Trails journal, discusses the habits of Bigfoot, describing it as a gentle, nocturnal animal that avoids people. He suggests Bigfoot might be descended from the extinct gigantopithecus. The Peninsula Daily News highlights the enduring myth of Bigfoot on the Olympic Peninsula, noting its importance to the region's mystique.

Matthew Johnson, a licensed psychologist, claims to have seen a Bigfoot while hiking in Oregon, describing a pungent, skunk-like odor and a creature walking upright. He believes Bigfoot is not a myth and that there may be underground tunnels used by these creatures. Craig Ackerman, superintendent of a national monument, stated that investigations found no unusual evidence, attributing some findings to a ranger's dog.

Bob Welch expresses his belief in Bigfoot, citing various anecdotal accounts, including a man allegedly kidnapped by Sasquatches and a woman who claimed to have seen a Bigfoot-like creature shake its fist back at her. He dismisses claims that Bigfoot is a hoax or that certain evidence is fabricated.

Ghost Stories and Paranormal Activity

An article from the Calgary Herald details alleged paranormal activity at the Chamber of Commerce building, where staff report flickering lights, strange noises, and doors closing on their own. These occurrences are attributed to a ghost named 'Bill', believed to be the spirit of a former technician who fixed the building's security system. The building's history as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge is also mentioned as a potential factor in paranormal activity.

Other Strange Lights and Phenomena

Georgina Wells of Worcester reported seeing an extremely bright, egg-shaped object from her bedroom window. An Alfrick resident and a Barbourne woman also reported similar sightings of glowing oval shapes and white discs. Timothy Wayne Burford offers a $2 million reward for proof of the Ogopogo lake monster in British Columbia, with a three-week search underway. Bill Steciuk claims to have seen the Ogopogo in 1978.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent human fascination with the unexplained and the desire to find evidence for phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding. The articles present a range of perspectives, from personal testimonies and anecdotal evidence to skeptical investigations and theories involving hoaxes or natural explanations. The overall stance of the compilation appears to be one of presenting these diverse accounts and mysteries, inviting readers to consider the possibilities beyond the mundane, without necessarily endorsing any single explanation as definitive. The inclusion of multiple Bigfoot and crop circle articles suggests a focus on these particular phenomena during the period of publication.