UFO Newsclipping Service - 2000 11 - no 376

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated November 2000 (Number 376), is published by Lucius Farish and focuses on a variety of UFO and paranormal-related topics. The cover headline highlights "Mysterious lights reported over ocean in Newport," and smaller articles discuss UFO experts meeting in Lima and the ongoing UFO controversy.

Mysterious Lights Over Newport

The lead story, by Kelly Moyer-Wade, details a sighting by Peggy Standifer and her family on the evening of September 6th in Newport, Oregon. They observed an object with bright green, red, and white lights, described as oval-shaped, hovering over the Pacific Ocean for about 30 minutes. The object exhibited jerky, forward-backward movements and then flashed brightly across the horizon. The family contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and 911, and police reports concluded the object was "not an aircraft" and its nature was unknown. The Federal Aviation Administration also reported no military or civilian aircraft in the area. Peter Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center confirmed receiving four other similar reports that evening and was impressed by the family's sincerity.

UFO Experts Gather in Lima

An article by Chad D. Lerch introduces John Timmerman, a UFO investigator and board member of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies. Timmerman discusses his years of investigating thousands of UFO cases and highlights an upcoming convention in Lima called UFO 2000, which will bring together world-renowned experts. The article touches on the financial challenges and skepticism faced by UFO researchers. Timmerman's home office is described as containing hundreds of books and files from over 1,000 investigated cases. He plans to discuss a 1999 crop circle case near Lima at the convention. Other speakers at UFO 2000 include Nancy Talbott, Stanton T. Friedman, Bruce Maccabee, and Budd Hopkins. Jan Pheneger, the coordinator of UFO 2000, hopes the government will disclose its records on sightings.

UFO Controversy Rages On

Karl D. Salisbury's opinion piece discusses the long-standing UFO phenomenon, questioning the "weak excuses and answers" given to the public. He notes that modern UFO allegations are no longer confined to pulp magazines and suggests that many older photographs and pilot sightings cannot be easily dismissed as hoaxes. Salisbury speculates about the possibility of crashed alien debris or pilots being hidden and suggests that public anger would stem from being lied to rather than from the existence of extraterrestrials. He urges objective research and vigilance for the unexpected.

Paranormal Conferences

An article by Wendy Victora reports on the Journeys Beyond Paranormal Conference held at the Radisson Beach Resort on Okaloosa Island. The conference attracted nearly 300 attendees interested in topics ranging from UFOs and Bigfoot to out-of-body experiences. Organizers Jill and Russ Horseman, who met at a previous conference, aim to present credible speakers and avoid being associated with "fringe folks." Speakers included Stanton Friedman, who discussed UFOs as alien spacecraft and his role as an investigator of the Roswell incident. Other topics covered included life on Mars, psychic sensitivities, and crop circles. The article highlights the skepticism and mockery such topics often face, but notes the strong attendance and the search for answers among participants.

Area 51 and the 'Black World'

Several articles from the Antelope Valley Press delve into the mysteries surrounding Area 51 and secret military aircraft, part of a series titled "Our Dark Skies." Dennis Anderson's "Odyssey to Area 51" describes a journey to the vicinity of the base, noting that while the area is known for UFO lore, the reality involves secret military aircraft testing. The articles discuss the history of Area 51, its connection to Lockheed's Skunk Works, and the development of aircraft like the U-2, F-117, and B-2. The "Black Mailbox" at Mailbox Road and the Little A'Le'Inn roadside cafe are mentioned as landmarks for visitors. The articles also touch upon the security measures around Area 51, including the "cammo dudes," and the challenges of obtaining information.

Another article by Jana M. Treece focuses on "History of test facilities cloaked in 'black world'," detailing radar cross-section facilities like Gray Butte near El Mirage. These facilities were used for testing stealth aircraft. Tom Mahood, an engineer, is cited for his research into these sites, suggesting that many UFO sightings might be explained by activities at these radar ranges, such as testing cruise missiles, drones, or experimental aircraft. Mahood's research found no evidence of subsurface structures but acknowledged the potential for secret military testing.

UFO Memoirs Go Online

An article by Billy Cox reports that Philip Corso Jr. plans to upload his father's full manuscripts for "The Day After Roswell" online at www.corsofiles.com. The book claims that extraterrestrial technology from the Roswell crash influenced the development of modern technologies. The article discusses the controversy surrounding the book, with critics like Stanton Friedman questioning Corso's accuracy and role. Corso Jr. believes his father was telling the truth and that the public needs to know this hidden history. The online newsletter will require a semi-annual subscription fee.

Other Sightings and Events

• A "NEWS & REVIEW" article from Chico, CA, covers the 2000 Bay Area UFO Conference, highlighting speakers like Richard C. Hoagland, Stanton T. Friedman, and others discussing Mars anomalies, the Roswell incident, and alien implants.

• A "STAR BEACON" article from Ashtabula, OH, features Mary Standy, who claims to have videotaped unidentified objects in the night sky near her home on multiple occasions.

• A "DAILY TRIBUNE" article from Gallipolis, OH, reports that actor Richard Gere will star in a movie titled "The Mothman Prophecies," based on John Keel's book about events in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in the late 1960s, including sightings of the Mothman, UFOs, and psychic visions.

• A "SUN-COMMERCIAL" article from Vincennes, IN, describes a Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) event in Monroe City, where investigators discussed UFO sightings, including reports of cattle mutilation and a large, hairy being.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent mystery surrounding UFO sightings, the ongoing debate about their origins (extraterrestrial vs. conventional explanations), the role of government secrecy (particularly concerning Area 51), and the efforts of researchers and enthusiasts to gather information and share experiences. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles and opinion pieces, is generally open to the possibility of UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and evidence-based investigation. There is a clear interest in uncovering hidden truths and challenging official narratives, particularly regarding military secrecy and the potential for advanced technology derived from unknown sources.

This issue of "FOREIGN NEWS" from July 27, 2000, compiled from various British clippings, delves into a range of unexplained phenomena, including crop circles, UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and lake monster legends. The cover story, "Mystery of the scorpion circles," details a new crop circle formation in Uffington, England, and explores theories about their origin and meaning.

Crop Circles and UFOs in England

The lead article, "Mystery of the crop circles," by Amanda Castleman, describes a new 'scorpion circle' formation near the White Horse in Uffington, England. The pattern, while simpler than others that year, attracted enthusiasts who sought to 'feel the energy' of the site. Geoffrey Ambler, a member of Contact International UFO Research, suggests the circles are caused by invisible energy forms and may be a message from beings in another dimension. He notes that human beings are not responsible for everything and that electronic gear sometimes malfunctions near these sites.

Another article, "A college course - in crop circles" by Barry Leighton, reports that the study of crop formations has been officially recognized, with Swindon College offering a course on the subject. Jude Stammers, an expert on ancient wisdom, will lead the seven-hour course, aiming to help students distinguish between man-made and naturally appearing circles.

In Rugby, England, "It was nothing like I have ever seen," says UFO spotter, details multiple UFO sightings. Pensioner Jack Hazell reported seeing a bright, triangular craft, and Glenda Line described a bright light seen three years prior. The article also mentions a previous report of a white, triangular shape.

UFOs and Bigfoot in North America

"When E.T. flew in to identify flying objects" by Reg Little, covers a meeting of Contact International members in Oxford, England. The group, one of the UK's largest UFO organizations, heard from guest speaker Ellis Taylor, who recounted an alleged abduction experience. The article highlights the group's efforts to encourage open discussion about UFO sightings and reduce ridicule, despite a decline in membership partly attributed to the internet.

A Yukon UFO conference, reported by Chuck Tobin, drew an overwhelming attendance, indicating growing interest in unidentified flying objects. Martin Jasek, the organizer, noted the number of sightings in the Yukon and the lineup of speakers. Louise Hardy, Yukon NDP MP, emphasized the importance of studying phenomena around us. Stan Friedman, a renowned UFO researcher, argued that it's time to shed the neurosis about UFOs and presented evidence of government cover-ups. Helen Neufeld, a psychologist, shared her work with individuals who claim alien encounters, stating her belief in intelligent beings from other universes. The conference also featured accounts of sightings in the Yukon, including a giant UFO seen by 31 people in 1996.

In Seattle, Washington, "Bumper year for sightings of sasquatch" by Andrew DeMillo, notes an upswing in Bigfoot reports in the Pacific Northwest. Cliff Crook, a Bigfoot tracker, logged 11 sightings in the region since May. The article mentions reports from Washington and Oregon, including a psychologist's sighting near the Oregon Caves National Monument.

"Bigfoot body imprint reportedly uncovered" by Theo Stein, discusses researchers in Washington state who claim to have found the first clear body imprint of a sasquatch in a mud wallow. Physical anthropologist Jeffrey Meldrum believes this evidence could stimulate serious research, despite skepticism from some who dismiss it as anecdotal.

In Louisiana, "Evidence mounting against 'Bigfoot'" by Kevin Blanchard, reports on a Bigfoot hunt where investigators found hair and tracks. However, a scientist suggests the hair is likely from a cow, and law enforcement considers the possibility of a hoax.

International Mysteries

"Fresh light on UFO riddle" by Mark Dunn, focuses on the disappearance of Frederick Valentich's Cessna aircraft off the Apollo Bay coast in Australia in 1978. New eyewitness accounts of a green light surrounding the plane have led to calls for an underwater search for the wreckage. Valentich's mother, Alberta, has long sought resolution for the mystery.

"Search for B.C. lake monster begins after 22-year wait" by Suzanne Wilton, details Bill Steciuk's expedition to find Ogopogo, the legendary lake monster of Lake Okanagan, Canada. Steciuk claims to have seen the creature in 1978 and is using sonar and an underwater camera. A $2 million reward is offered for proof of its existence. The article also touches on the folklore surrounding Ogopogo and its role as a tourist icon.

Other Phenomena

"Corn leaves mysteriously fall from sky" by Randy Hawkins, reports on an unusual event in Lincolnton, North Carolina, where corn stalk leaves fell from the sky. Witnesses described the leaves as being high in the air, and meteorologists could not provide a definitive explanation, speculating it might be due to a dust devil or unusual weather patterns.

"Try your hand at cracking the uncrackable" by A.S. Berman, discusses Rene Zandbergen's work on the Voynich Manuscript, a 361-year-old book with untranslated text and enigmatic illustrations. Zandbergen has launched a website to allow the public to participate in deciphering the manuscript.

"Microsoft co-founder donates $11.5M to search for extraterrestrials" by Simon Avery, reports on Paul Allen's funding of a project to search for intelligent life in space using radio telescopes. The Allen Telescope Array aims to be the world's largest telescope dedicated to SETI.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the unexplained, from the tangible (crop circles, footprints) to the seemingly intangible (UFOs, lake monsters, Bigfoot). There's a recurring theme of skepticism versus belief, with scientific explanations often contrasted with eyewitness accounts and anecdotal evidence. The articles highlight the public's fascination with these mysteries and the ongoing efforts by researchers and enthusiasts to find answers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without definitively endorsing any single explanation, while also acknowledging the role of hoaxes and the need for rigorous investigation.