UFO Newsclipping Service - 2001 01 - no 378

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE," dated January 2001, issue number 378, is published by Lucius Farish and originates from the USA. The cover headline, "Other-worldly experience," introduces a collection of articles focusing on UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and related investigations.

Key Articles and Features

"Other-worldly experience" by Pamela Powers This feature profiles Chad Lewis, a 25-year-old from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, who dedicates himself to gathering scientific evidence of unexplained phenomena. Lewis, a member of the American Ghost Society and the state director for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), approaches his investigations with a scientific perspective, using equipment like still-photography cameras, a video camera, an electromagnetic field detector, a tape recorder, and a thermometer to test for cold spots. He joined MUFON seven years prior and became state director three years ago, responsible for investigating sightings, reporting cases, and training new members. Lewis's interest in the paranormal began in childhood after his brother reported seeing a man in their basement, later learned to be the former owner who had committed suicide. Lewis describes investigations as "addicting" and driven by a fascination with the unknown, questioning whether UFOs are man-made or extraterrestrial. Mike Coffield, a host of "Back Page News" on Eau Claire's public access TV, has accompanied Lewis on a dozen investigations and vouches for his skepticism and thoroughness. Lewis notes that recent interest in unexplained phenomena, fueled by media like "The X-Files," has made people more accepting of such sightings. He reports that over 100 cases of unidentified flying objects have been reported in Wisconsin in the past three years, with about five to seven percent remaining unsolved. The article also touches upon a specific sighting near the Elk Lake dam where two men reported seeing a presence, and a September sighting of two UFOs by a rural Menomonie couple, one object changing colors and the other being triangular. Lewis's credibility is bolstered by his psychology degree from UW-Stout.

"Dark Skies series great" by Bill Hamilton This letter to the editor offers a disagreement with some statements made in a "Dark Skies series." Bill Hamilton, executive director of Skywatch International Inc., disputes claims that certain electromagnetic test facilities do not contain underground levels, citing blueprints and eyewitness accounts. He also disagrees with the explanation of glowing orbs as mere flares, having interviewed witnesses who saw them up close. Hamilton argues that UFOs, unlike conventional aircraft, do not emit jet sounds or have visible exhaust plumes, and outperform known aircraft, often exhibiting a glowing plasma corona and performing extreme maneuvers. Despite his disagreements, he commends the "Dark Skies" series for raising public awareness.

"William F. Wu's UFO article void of bull" by Jim Goodall Jim Goodall expresses his pleasure with William F. Wu's article on UFOs, stating it was "very well written and void of the usual 'B.S.'" Goodall, who has chased "black aircraft" for over 30 years, felt the article was accurate.

"UFOs of the Kickapoo #11: Lawrence Valley Spook Lights" by John H. Sime This article details the "Lawrence Valley Spook Lights" near LaFarge, Wisconsin, based on a letter from Bernice Schroeder. Schroeder recounts stories from Era Lawrence and Don Potter about mysterious lights appearing in the valley. Era Lawrence described a light that moved along the hill repeatedly, accompanied by a strange feeling. Don Potter described seeing two lights resembling yard lights near "Spook Rock." Schroeder reflects on the unexplained nature of these occurrences, doubting scientific interest but acknowledging the enduring myth.

"A Woman from Viroqua" by John H. Sime This piece recounts a woman's UFO sightings in Viroqua, Wisconsin. She describes a large blue/white circular light that wobbles and dances, appearing several times a month. On one occasion in June 2000, she witnessed three lights in a triangle formation with an enormous craft between them, which moved slowly and silently. She also saw a light emerge from the triangle and move in sync with it.

"UFO Files Sold" by John H. Sime This article addresses a scandal in the UFO field concerning the sale of abductee files. It centers on Robert Bigelow, a billionaire who purchased interview notes and transcripts from researcher John Carpenter, involving approximately 140 families. The sale sparked controversy regarding the ethics of selling such personal information, with some arguing it violated abductees' privacy and others believing it advanced scientific study. The article notes that this issue has caused significant rifts within the UFO community.

"Colorado exhibit on UFOs: weird, whimsical, ethereal" by Knight Ridder Newspapers This article discusses an exhibit on UFOs at the Gallery of Contemporary Art at CU-Springs, curated by Gerry Riggs. Riggs, who claims to have seen two UFOs buzz Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in 1968, curated the show featuring works by 19 artists. The exhibit includes a variety of UFO-inspired art, from ominous paintings to whimsical sculptures, with pieces by artists from Belgium, Romania, and Japan. The article highlights the "saucer shape" as a prominent theme and mentions specific works like Ken Weaver's "Abduction Series" and Sharon Engelstein's sequin-covered saucer.

"The unexplained: Part 2 of a 3 part series" by Linda Lyman This installment of a series on unexplained phenomena focuses on "hotbeds" of UFO sightings in the Harrison City area, Pennsylvania, as reported by investigator Stan Gordon. It details several specific incidents: a "bright, round object" seen in April 1973 with colored lights and a whirring sound that caused a car to stall; a "red object" seen in December 1984 that tapped on a window; a large cylindrical object observed in September 1987 that caused a momentary power failure; and an "odd-shaped golden light" seen in September 1995, later enhanced to reveal an egg-shaped form. The article also mentions Gordon investigating a "large depression" in a field in Delmont, Pennsylvania, with unusual flattened vegetation.

"Lights In The Night" by Stuart Shapiro This article recounts UFO sightings reported by residents of Belleville, Wisconsin, in 1986. Officer Glen Kazmar and Jeff Furseth observed odd lights in the sky, which defied precise description and seemed to have unusual brilliance. Their searchlight had no effect, and the Dane County police dispatcher and Municipal Airport confirmed something on radar. Another sighting involved Lavonne Freidag observing an odd-shaped object, described as barrel-like or fuselage-shaped, with smaller similar shapes nearby. The largest object shot away with incredible speed, and the smaller ones disappeared like puffs of smoke. The article notes that Belleville hosts an annual "UFO Day" close to Halloween, celebrating its connection to the unexplained.

"UFO sightings no joke, says David" by Sarah Tyrrell This article introduces David Rogers, a 46-year-old from Coventry, England, who has established a UFO support group for individuals who have experienced extraterrestrial encounters. Rogers believes people need a space to talk about their experiences without ridicule. He recounts his own first UFO sighting at age 15 and his subsequent investigations, including one involving a silent airship and another where he lost 45 minutes of time. He has interviewed hundreds of people who have experienced time loss and other odd phenomena. Rogers also mentions his wife's acceptance of his lifelong interest in UFOs.

"Strange sightings in the night sky" by Medway News This piece reports on a sighting by Don Phillips of Carlton Crescent, Luton, England, who claims to have seen a "weird mystery" object before 7:30 p.m. on a Sunday evening. He described it as difficult to see with the naked eye, possibly circular but narrower at the back, and flying at about 10,000 feet. Another report from Rainham describes a strange object that defied logical explanation. The article notes that helicopters typically do not fly above two-and-a-half thousand feet in Medway.

"Invasion of balloons from 'outer space'" by Paul Sieveking This article critically examines recent UFO footage, suggesting that many sightings, including those from Mexico City and Northwich, Cheshire, are likely balloons or flying toys. It discusses the vast number of UFO sightings reported globally, noting that even a small percentage of unexplained cases keep researchers occupied. The article references a French government report that suggests some unexplained phenomena involve "completely unknown flying machines with exceptional performances." It also touches upon the chupacabras phenomenon in Puerto Rico and the alleged capture of a "serpent-bird."

"Search for UFO witnesses" by John Hanson and Dawn Holloway This is a request for information regarding a UFO incident in the late 1970s at Ash, near Aldershot, England, involving Mr. Peter Inwood and his daughters, as well as Mrs. Maureen Slater. They are seeking witnesses to a UFO seen over Ashdown Forest in East Grinstead, Sussex, by a Mrs. Knotting.

"Extra-terrestrial aircraft, Dracula creatures and aliens planning to colonise Earth ... surely all this is much too absurd to believe" by Timothy Good This is the concluding part of a serialisation of Timothy Good's book. It explores the thesis that aliens have established bases under our seas in Unidentified Submergible Objects (USOs). The article details strange occurrences in Puerto Rico, including military activity in the El Yunque rainforest and sightings of triangular craft. It discusses the possibility of aliens exploiting natural resources like water or engaging in 'messing around with plate tectonics.' The article also connects these activities to the chupacabras phenomenon and the alleged capture of a "serpent-bird" in Puerto Rico, raising questions about hybridisation experiments and the potential for alien colonization.

"More common UFO sightings" by Ben Falconer This article reports on additional UFO sightings in Rodborough, England. Kay Hodgson described seeing a ball of orange light that moved silently across the sky, stopping and then fizzling out. George Strange and his neighbor witnessed a similar light, described as a distant moon flashing down the night sky, which disappeared quickly.

"X-Files in Idaho?" by Rebecca Boone This article details reports of strange lights and a fireball in the Lewiston-Clarkston valley, Idaho. Several residents reported seeing V-shaped, lighted objects, with one object splitting away from others and moving silently overhead. Another report described three sets of lights in a line, approximately 300 feet off the ground, making no noise. The article notes that the Air Force does not notify the local airport of flight maneuvers. It also mentions peculiar reports of a "big ball of fire" falling and a meteorite-like object. The National UFO Reporting Center received reports of a dramatic blue or bluish fireball over the Seattle area, possibly a meteorite, and a triangular-shaped object in Oregon that shot north.

"The place to spot UFOs" by Curt Casetta This article introduces the American UFO and Sci-Fi Museum in Wisconsin Dells, which houses props from science fiction movies and displays detailing UFO sightings. Wisconsin is noted as ranking second only to New Mexico in reported UFO sightings. The museum features exhibits on Roswell, New Mexico, and "Wisconsin Encounters," highlighting local UFO sightings. The article mentions the "Lost in Space" robot and various sci-fi movie memorabilia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, extraterrestrial encounters, paranormal phenomena, government secrecy surrounding these topics, and the scientific or investigative approaches to understanding them. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting a wide range of reported phenomena and theories, from the scientific investigations of MUFON to more speculative ideas about alien colonization and underwater bases, while also acknowledging skepticism and the possibility of hoaxes or misidentifications. The publication aims to inform readers about various aspects of the UFO phenomenon and related mysteries.

This issue of UFO Magazine UK, dated September 7, 2000, features a cover story with the headline "'I wish I could track UFOs full time' says Chris," highlighting the passion of UFO investigator Chris Rolfe. The magazine explores various aspects of UFO phenomena, including sightings, alien visitation theories, crop circles, and potential alien abductions.

Cover Story: Chris Rolfe's UFO Pursuit

The lead article introduces Chris Rolfe, who runs UFO Monitors East Kent and dedicates his spare time to investigating UFOs. Rolfe firmly believes that Earth is being visited by beings from a parallel universe and notes a rise in reported sightings. He addresses skepticism by pointing to public records and military orders concerning unexplained aerial phenomena. Rolfe produces a weekly bulletin detailing recent sightings, including a significant incident in May involving a bright white object over the Channel. He suggests that UFOs might be connected to military activity and discusses scientific theories about their origin, likening some UFOs to microwaves that can enter our dimension. Rolfe expresses a desire to dedicate his full time to this pursuit if financially able.

Crop Circles: Hoax or Phenomenon?

The issue delves into the mystery of crop circles, presenting both a prankster's confession and scientific theories. Matthew Williams was fined for criminal damage after creating a large crop circle to mock Professor Michael Glickman, a crop circle authority. Williams believes most crop circles are man-made, though he concedes some might be paranormal. Professor Glickman, however, maintains that many formations are too intricate to be man-made and suggests a comparison to Michelangelo. Meanwhile, a scientific explanation is proposed by William Levengood, who theorizes that crop formations are caused by energy bursts related to air pollution or the thinning ozone layer, potentially involving ion vortices. Levengood's research indicates anatomical alterations in plants within these formations, suggesting a link to ionizing radiation and sunspot activity.

Close Encounters and Abductions

Reports of close encounters and potential alien abductions are featured. Graham Conway, president of UFO BC, is organizing a talk on alien abductions, encouraging individuals who have had such experiences to come forward. He describes telepathic abilities and unusual effects on surroundings reported by abductees. The magazine also touches upon sightings of 'Grey' aliens and the creation of replicas.

Specific Sightings and Investigations

Several specific UFO sightings are detailed across different regions:

• West Cornwall, England: A mother and daughter reported seeing a fast-moving, brilliant white light that hovered over St. Michael's Mount, appearing as a disk-shaped, silver object.
• Mexico: A police officer photographed a flying saucer-shaped UFO.
• Channel: A bright white object with pulsating orange light and smaller red objects emerging from it was sighted.
• Wingham, England: A spear-like object was observed moving against the wind and through an aircraft vapour trail.
• Littleborough, England: A triangular UFO with red and blue lights and a buzzing sound was seen.
• Cannock Chase, England: Reports of 'Flying Triangles' are discussed, with speculation about whether they are secret British inventions or extraterrestrial craft. One incident from 1993 involved a large, triangular craft with lights.
• Clacton, England: A woman described a large, black, triangular object hovering like a 'huge bat' before shooting off at high speed.
• Wiltshire, England: A crop circle investigator noted that a woman experienced a temporary cure from a virus after spending time in a genuine crop circle.

UFO Research and Organizations

The British UFO Studies Centre is seeking funding from a US billionaire for research into paranormal activity, including analyzing UFO footage. Various UFO research groups and their efforts to investigate sightings are mentioned, including UFO Monitors East Kent, Cornwall UFO Research Group (CUFORG), and the UFO BC.

Other Phenomena

The issue also includes brief mentions of other unexplained phenomena, such as the Loch Ness Monster, with a photograph showing two mysterious objects in the water, and reports of 'booming' sounds attributed to cold weather conditions. There's also a report on the sighting of an elusive black panther in Fort Erie, Canada.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent presence of UFOs and related phenomena, the ongoing debate between skepticism and belief, and the efforts of individuals and organizations to investigate and understand these events. The magazine appears to lean towards validating the reality of UFO sightings, often citing credible witnesses like pilots and military personnel, and encouraging open-mindedness towards the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and other unexplained occurrences. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging further research and public engagement with these mysteries, while acknowledging the challenges posed by skepticism and the lack of definitive answers.