UFO Newsclipping Service - 2001 02 - no 379

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated February 2001, focuses on recent and historical UFO sightings, with a prominent article detailing a 1958 incident aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. The magazine also features discussions on crop circles, witness testimonies, and potential government cover-ups.

A Moment In (Recent) History: Chet Grusinski: witness confirms UFO sighting aboard USS FDR, 1958

This article by Jon Baughman recounts the UFO sighting experience of Chester Grusinski, a crew member aboard the USS FDR in 1958. Grusinski describes a small light that followed the ship, which he perceived as having non-human figures inside. He alleges a massive cover-up, with crew members being transferred and CIA operatives boarding the ship. Grusinski obtained ship's deck logs through the Freedom of Information Act, but found much of the information blacked out.

The article also introduces Harry A. Jordan, a former radar operator on the USS FDR from 1961 to 1965, who also sought to confirm UFO incidents involving the ship. Jordan's account, detailed in a letter to Grusinski, describes detecting a large UFO off the coast of Sardinia in late 1963. He provided an affidavit to the Senate Intelligence Committee about this experience.

Jordan's testimony, quoted extensively, describes detecting an aerial contact at 600 miles that rapidly descended to 65,000 feet and hovered for about ten minutes. Fighter jets were launched to intercept, but they lost contact. Jordan recalls being told by his division commander, "Jordan, this never happened," a comment he later linked to the movie "Red October." He was honorably discharged in December 1967.

Jordan also shared further testimony for a US Senate UFO hearing in 1998. He discussed his collaboration with Dr. John Kasher, a physics professor and director of the Mutual UFO Network of Nebraska, investigating over 50 UFO cases. Jordan mentions video tapes of STS-NASA missions showing UFOs and claims NASA began delaying live feeds after the STS-48 mission flap, citing a need to protect astronaut medical conditions, which Jordan dismisses as "hogwash."

Jordan expresses concern about UFOs being fired upon and questions the government's secrecy regarding UFOs, suggesting that public hearings would reveal embarrassing truths.

'This phenomenon is real'

This article profiles Dennis Anderson, an adjunct professor at Wagner College and director of its planetarium, who has dedicated his life to studying UFOs. Anderson, who owns over 250 books on the subject, asserts that "This phenomenon is real." He was inspired by Capt. Edward Ruppelt's "Report on Unidentified Flying Objects," which detailed Project Blue Book, the official U.S. Air Force investigation.

The article notes that Project Blue Book officially closed in 1969 after the Condon Report, which dismissed most sightings. However, Anderson and other private researchers remain intrigued by the 701 sightings classified as "unidentified," believing they represent interplanetary craft.

Anderson discusses significant UFO sightings, including one over Washington D.C. on July 26, 1952, and the "Trent photo" taken in McMinnville, Oregon, in 1950. He highlights the Trans-en-Provence, France, incident in January 1981 as the best physical trace case. He also points to a local Staten Island case from March 1975 where two boys witnessed a glowing object that left trees snapped and burned.

Anderson believes that UFOs could be extraterrestrial, inter-dimensional, or a combination. He also discusses abduction experiences, citing Budd Hopkins, and suggests that the vastness of the universe makes alien life plausible.

STRANGER THAN FICTION: UFO sightings returning to the San Luis Valley?

This report by Christopher O'Brien details recent UFO sightings in the San Luis Valley during the fall of 2000. He notes an increase in reports after a quiet period earlier in the year. Incidents include a "big yellowish-white light" observed by two women near Saguache, a "pencil-shaped" object seen near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains after a "sonic boom," and a "large, bright, white light" observed near San Antonio Mountain.

The report also mentions "green balls" seen over the Center area and a "green light" seen near the Great Sand Dunes. Additionally, it covers sightings near Estes Park, Colorado, including a "big white light" with a triangular shape and a "two giant eighteen wheelers"-like object with blue and red lights.

Strange sights seen in Surprise Valley

This article from the Herald & News reports on a recent flurry of unexplained lights in Surprise Valley and Davis Creek. A woman reported seeing three large, bright lights descending near her home. Jean Bilodeaux, a field investigator for MUFON, investigated and concluded the lights were either a stealth-type aircraft or a UFO due to their proximity, lack of running lights, and silence. Another report describes a house-sized bright light traveling along the Warner Mountains.

Lights in sky over Rockford spark talk of UFOs

This brief report from the Sun-Times notes that unexplained lights in the skies over Rockford caused a stir, with locals reporting up to nine bright orange lights. The local NBC affiliate received numerous calls, and the FAA found nothing unusual on its radar.

UFOs using clouds cover?

This piece from the Oklahoma Gazette features Canadian ufologist Dennis Richardson, who claims to have photographic evidence of UFOs hiding behind "fake clouds." He states these clouds have sharply defined edges, hang lower than regular clouds, and travel in the opposite direction. Richardson alleges that computer analysis of his photos reveals wires and machinery, and that the UFOs have sent him personal messages.

LOOKING BACK: Shaped like a cross

This article from the Star-Bulletin recounts a sighting in Hilo, Hawaii, on April 27, 1967, of an unidentified flying object shaped like a lighted cross. Ed Shirley, an FAA controller, described it as a "horizontal cross with arms of equal length, of very bright white light," with an unstable object attached above it. The object moved across the sky for 10 minutes before disappearing suddenly.

Two UFO's are reported

This brief report from the Star-Bulletin mentions two UFO sightings over Oahu, Hawaii. Henry Yamada reported seeing a glowing red object over Kokohead, and B. J. Lum reported seeing a flying object over the mountains.

They're Stealing Our Stuff: 'Little Green Men From Spaceship' Give Family In Kentucky Night Of Terror

This article from The Star details an alleged encounter in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where a farm family reported being visited by "little green men" from a spaceship. Cecil Sutton and his family described glowing figures with unusual features. Police investigated but found no trace of the visitors. The report includes details of the "spacemen" approaching the house and being fired upon with a shotgun.

FLYING SAUCER AD LIB CUT BY VIDEO NETWORK

This Tribune article reports that CBS cut the sound on a TV program featuring Donald Keyhoe discussing flying saucers. A network employee stated the sound was cut because Keyhoe had digressed from the teleprompter. Later, CBS issued a statement attributing the incident to a "misunderstanding on my part about the rules for approval of script changes."

The truth is out there – and appreciated

This article from the Star, Whitehorse, Yukon, features UFO investigator Stan Friedman, who believes government secrecy around UFOs is ending. Friedman argues that educated individuals are more likely to believe in UFOs and that believers are the "cream of the crop." He discusses the Roswell incident, suggesting a cover-up of crashed UFOs and alien bodies. Friedman believes that advancements in space measurements have validated crop circle maps allegedly created by abductees.

The midnight cowboys are a real menace

This section contains letters to the editor regarding crop circles. Roy Dutton expresses dismay at the glorification of crop circle vandalism, questioning why farmers are not prosecuting those involved. Lucy Pringle states that scientific tests can distinguish between genuine and man-made crop formations. David Woolgar questions why mistakes are not seen in man-made formations and why no one has been prosecuted.

Fined-for running rings round crop circles

This Guardian article reports on Matthew Williams, who was fined £100 for creating a seven-pointed star crop circle in a Wiltshire field. Williams claimed he did it to debunk theories that crop circles could only be created by aliens, citing Michael Glickman, a proponent of extraterrestrial origins. The article details the legal proceedings and Williams's belief that many crop circles are man-made, though he acknowledges some may be paranormal.

UFO group put on hold

This article from the Colchester Evening Gazette reports that a local UFO group has ceased meetings due to insufficient support. Chairman Michael Joyce attributes this to a lack of public interest, with many people obtaining information from the internet or television.

The woman who says: I was abducted to an alien spaceship

This article profiles Elaine King, who claims she was abducted by aliens and taken to their spaceship. She describes a corridor made of steel-like material and seeing a human male on a table with aliens examining him. A female alien communicated with her telepathically. King also mentions other alien encounters, including seeing lights and experiencing out-of-body experiences.

Why a 'security leak' turned a Lincoln probe into the ex-files

This article from the Echo features Vic Metcalf, a UFO investigator who believes life on Earth is an alien experiment and that UFO sightings are the aliens' way of checking on their project. Metcalf disbanded the Lincoln UFO Association due to a "security leak" involving the postal service. He believes authorities monitor UFO investigators and that misinformation is used to discredit sightings, citing the Roswell incident.

Croppies square up on the field of battle

This Daily Express article details the ongoing feud between Matthew Williams, who believes crop circles are man-made hoaxes, and Michael Glickman, who believes they are extraterrestrial in origin. Williams was fined for creating a crop circle, which he did to prove Glickman wrong. The article discusses the lucrative nature of the crop circle phenomenon and the differing views of researchers like Colin Andrews, who believes about 80% are man-made.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include witness accounts of UFO sightings, the debate between believers and skeptics regarding the origin of crop circles, allegations of government secrecy and cover-ups, and the personal experiences of individuals who claim encounters with extraterrestrial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts and debates, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while leaning towards the belief that UFO phenomena are real and warrant serious investigation, as suggested by the publication's title and the nature of the articles featured.

This issue of the EXPRESS & STAR, dated July 14, 2000, features a prominent cover headline: "The untruths are out there." The cover art includes an image of a UFO over a city skyline, alongside smaller graphics related to UFOs and crop circles, setting a tone of mystery and intrigue.

Main Articles and Features

The Untruths Are Out There

The lead article, "The untruths are out there," by Peter Rhodes, explores the subjective nature of reality and belief, particularly in the context of UFO phenomena and conspiracy theories. Rhodes recounts an encounter with a woman who claimed to have worked for the Washington Post and asserted that the Gulf War occurred in 1980, not 1990-91, alleging that government agencies had altered historical records. This anecdote serves to illustrate how some individuals create their own realities, becoming more convinced of their beliefs when challenged. Rhodes uses this to frame the upcoming "UFOs: The Millennium Debate" event in Stourbridge, where he is scheduled to speak alongside UFO researcher Graham Birdsall and Lionel Fanthorpe. The article also touches upon the "Cannock Chase UFO crash story," referencing a book by Nicholas Redfern about an alleged UFO crash in January 1974, where a film was reportedly confiscated by government agents.

UFO Riddle Answered (Advertiser, Rugby, England - Sept. 14, 2000)

This article from the Advertiser in Rugby reports on a UFO sighting that was partially explained. Joyce Whiting had reported seeing a white, triangular-shaped object. However, Sian Thurkettle came forward to explain that she and friends had released ten to twelve helium balloons tied together, which created a triangular shape and matched the description. Despite this explanation, uncertainty remains regarding two other UFO sightings reported in August.

Harold Prestidge of Spring Street, Rugby, also reported seeing an object described as "silver, huge and definitely not one of ours" in his garden. He described it as making a bizarre maneuver and shooting off at excessive speed.

Other Mentions and Related Content

The issue also includes smaller articles and mentions related to UFOs and paranormal phenomena:

• "Truth is out there, in Shag Harbour" (Chronicle-Herald, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Dec. 15, 2000): This article discusses a documentary about a real Nova Scotian X-File case from Shag Harbour in 1967, involving mysterious lights, a submerged object, and yellow foam. It highlights eyewitness accounts and official documentation.
• "UFO Shuts Down Russian Airport" (Agence France Presse - Jan. 27, 2001): A brief report about an airport in Siberia being shut down for an hour and a half due to an unidentified flying object hovering above the runway.
• "UFO MYSTERY DEEPENS..." (Express, Burnley, England - July 25, 2000): This piece details multiple sightings of mysterious flying objects over Burnley. While one reader suggested the objects were helium balloons, others described seeing silver balls and objects performing acrobatic tricks.
• "UFO searches" (Sunday Mercury, Birmingham, England - Aug. 27, 2000): This section seeks readers who may have photographed unidentified flying objects, mentioning specific individuals like Kevin Dudley and Peter Woolaway, and inquiring about ex-Royal Navy Commander Horatio Penrose.
• "FLYING SAUCER SEEN ON HOL JET FLIGHTPATH" (Daily Star, London, England - Jan. 20, 2001): Features a photograph taken from a home video recording by Margaret Ainsworth, showing what appears to be a flying saucer darting in the sky. She describes it as dancing and being the most bizarre thing she has ever seen, though an astronomer suggests mundane explanations.
• "Perfectly paranormal" (Harrow Times, Middlesex, England - June 15, 2000): This article profiles Malcolm Robinson, an Ealing resident and expert on the paranormal, who researches ghosts, poltergeists, and aliens. He shares an account of an alien abduction in Scotland involving "little grey men."
• "Sudbury area has rich history of UFO sightings" (Star, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada - June 21, 2000): A letter to the editor detailing a compilation of 362 articles about flying saucers and UFOs from The Sudbury Star between 1947 and 1989, noting a rich history of sightings in the area.
• "UFO man comes 'out of hiding'" (Heywood Advertiser, Lancs., England - July 27, 2000): A man named Dean Fitzsimmons breaks an 11-year silence to describe his encounter with a UFO in May 1989, involving a bright white light darting in the sky. He recounts how two ambulance men also claimed to see a UFO that night.
• "PANDORA" (Independent, London, England - Nov. 16, 2000): A column discussing a book launch at the Ministry of Defence about UFOs, questioning the MoD's stance on "no defence significance." It also mentions a UFO sighting in Macclesfield described as a "massive three-dimensional disc of light spinning."
• "NANNY SEES A UFO FRIGHTENER" (Bucks Free Press, High Wycombe, England - Aug. 22, 2000): Nanny Michelle Williams reports seeing a UFO hovering above her car twice in one day. She describes it as a silver craft with flashing bright white lights that shot off at high speed.
• "UFO SEEN FOR SECOND TIME" (South Bucks Star, High Wycombe, England - Aug. 24, 2000): Melanie Redgrave reports seeing a UFO on the same day as Michelle Williams. She describes a bright light that was silent and moved erratically.
• "Did aliens fly over South Yorkshire, or were they pigeons reflected in the sun?" (Star, Sheffield, England - Sept. 30, 2000): This article discusses numerous sightings of "brilliant white lights" over Sheffield, with some convinced they were UFOs and others suggesting they were flocks of birds reflecting sunlight.
• "Crop circle – a bright white light is filmed" (Dunstable Gazette, Beds., England - July 26, 2000): Reports on a crop circle in Dunstable Downs, with additional footage showing a bright white light moving near the circle.
• "Gathering the goods on UFOs" (Standard, Terrace, B.C., Canada - Oct. 18, 2000): Profiles Brian Vike, who runs HBCC UFO Research and maintains a database of sightings. He shares a report from a woman in Lillooet who saw a "huge flaming fire-ball" hover over a mountainside in 1966.
• "Chasing Bigfoot through legend and science" (Post, Denver, CO - Jan. 14, 2001): This extensive piece explores the evidence for Bigfoot, featuring anthropologist Jeff Meldrum's research on footprints and skin impressions. It discusses various sightings and theories, including the Patterson-Gimlin film and the fossil ape Gigantopithecus.
• "Colo. sightings, tracks hard to ignore" (Post, Denver, CO - Jan. 12, 2001): Details reports of Bigfoot sightings and tracks in Colorado, including encounters with large creatures and analysis of footprints by wildlife biologists and law enforcement.
• "Champ spotted: presence remains deep, dark secret" (Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, NY - Dec. 20, 2000): Reports on sightings of "Champ," the legendary Lake Champlain monster, including a sighting by Elizabeth Wilkins of a large, humped, crocodile-like creature.
• "Bigfoot tracker found tracks!" (Vance Orchard, Waitsburg, WA - Sept. 7, 2000): Bigfoot tracker Brian Smith discusses his findings of Bigfoot tracks near Keuterville, Idaho, and the interest from Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum in analyzing the casts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are UFO sightings, crop circles, Bigfoot, and other paranormal phenomena. There is a clear editorial stance that acknowledges the existence of these phenomena and the numerous witness accounts, while also presenting skeptical viewpoints and scientific explanations where available. The articles often highlight the challenges of investigation, the role of media in reporting such events, and the persistence of mystery surrounding these topics. The overall tone suggests an open-minded approach, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities while also being critical of unsubstantiated claims. The recurring idea that "the truth is out there" is central, but it is often juxtaposed with the notion that "untruths" or alternative realities also exist, making definitive conclusions elusive.