UFO Newsclipping Service - 2001 06 - no 383

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO News Clipping Service, dated June 2001, number 383, is edited and published by Lucius Farish. The cover headline is 'CLOSE ENCOUNTERS,' and the main article focuses on commercial pilots' experiences with UFOs.

Commercial pilots bugged by UFOs

This article by Leslie Kean, special to The Providence Journal, highlights a study by retired aerospace scientist Richard F. Haines, titled 'Aviation Safety in America - A Previously Neglected Factor.' The study presents over 100 pilot and crew reports of encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) that have compromised aviation safety over the past 50 years in American skies. These UAP are described as having geometric forms and lights inconsistent with known aircraft or natural phenomena. Some bizarre objects have paced aircraft at close distances, disabling cockpit instruments, interrupting communications, or distracting crews. The data includes 56 near-misses, and while impulsive evasive reactions by pilots have injured passengers, Haines notes that UAP's high maneuverability prevents collisions.

Pilots and aircrews have historically faced ridicule and suppression for reporting sightings. The article cites examples such as TWA Captain Phil Schultz seeing a 'large, round, silver metal object' in 1981, and veteran Japan Airlines 747 Captain Kenju Terauchi's spectacular encounter over Alaska in 1986, which led to him being grounded. A 1997 Swissair encounter over Long Island involved a glowing, white, cylindrical object. Ground-systems operators have also been affected, with UAP diverting the attention of air-traffic controllers. Haines's report suggests UAPs are associated with high intelligence, deliberate flight control, and advanced energy management.

Historically, the US government, through the Joint Chiefs of Staff, required commercial pilots to report sightings, with unauthorized release of reports punishable by prison or fines. However, officials often ridiculed sightings, leading to pilots becoming reluctant to report. A 1952 Air Force report indicated pilots felt humiliated, with some stating they would not report a UFO sighting even if it flew wing-tip to wing-tip with them. The media also perpetuates censorship and ridicule.

In contrast, other countries are more open. A 1999 French study examined pilot reports globally, and a 1995 Aerolineas Argentinas encounter with a luminous object was confirmed by radar. The French study concluded that aeronautic personnel must be prepared to deal with UAP and accept the possibility of extraterrestrial craft. In 1997, the Chilean government formed CEFAA. Both French and Chilean groups have sought U.S. cooperation without response.

Brian E. Smith, head of NASA-Ames's Aviation Safety Program, acknowledges objective evidence of unexplained events affecting aircraft safety but notes the difficulty in getting people to investigate. Pilot unions and the Flight Safety Foundation have reportedly dismissed NARCAP's study. The article foreshadows a National Press Club briefing where John Callahan, former FAA division chief, will disclose FAA documentation and CIA suppression of the Terauchi encounter. Retired United Airlines Captain Neil Daniels, whose DC-10 was affected by magnetic interference from a UAP, expresses a desire to understand these phenomena.

Visual Art: Alien Abductions

This section reviews an exhibition titled 'UFO' at the Riverwest Art Center, featuring works by regional artists exploring the theme of outer space and humanity's response to the concept of alien life. Artists like Lee Grantham, Walter Fydryck, Mary Maier, Mark Lawson, and Gene Evans are mentioned for their diverse approaches, ranging from '60s sci-fi robots to suburban alien scenes and dystopic visions. Curtis Whaley and Denis Sargent are noted for their more abstract and cosmic depictions.

Phil Stanford: Flying objects, identified and otherwise

This column by Phil Stanford discusses the historical context of UFO sightings, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. It references the first flying saucer sighting by Kenneth Arnold near Mount Rainier on June 24, 1947, and subsequent sightings over Portland on July 4, 1947. The article touches on early explanations like weather balloons and sun glares, as well as psychological factors like 'general semi-hysteria.' It also recounts the famous 1950 McMinnville sighting by Evelyn and Paul Trent, whose photographs were later analyzed and deemed consistent with an extraordinary flying object. The column concludes by mentioning an anniversary event at the McMenamins Hotel in McMinnville.

Stuart Shapiro: Sights in Skies Defy Explanation!!!, Are they back?

This article reports on recent sightings of strange lights in Belleville, Wisconsin, described as a central bright whitish light with fast-moving red, blue, and white lights darting around it. These sightings are compared to similar phenomena observed in 1986, which led to the creation of Belleville's UFO Day. The article notes the difficulties faced by witnesses, including unwanted attention and harassment. It also mentions the media's role in publicizing the story and the calls received by the Recorder office from across the country. The sightings took place in early March and were witnessed by multiple people. A plausible explanation for the central light is suggested to be Venus, but the smaller darting lights remain unexplained.

National UFO exhibit whimsical and weird

This piece covers the 'The UFO Show,' an exhibit curated by Gerry Riggs at the Gallery of Contemporary Art at CU-Springs. Riggs, who claims to have seen UFOs in 1968, curated the exhibit featuring works by 19 artists exploring UFO themes. The show includes works by international artists like Panarmarenko, Ionel Talpazan, and Mariko Mori, alongside American artists. The exhibit showcases various interpretations of UFOs, from ominous 'Abduction Series' paintings by Ken Weaver to fun, sequin-covered saucers and cartoony UFOs.

Randy Wyrick: Close Encounters of the Eagle County Kind

This article focuses on Vail resident Bob Fiske, who is researching UFOs for a book. Fiske cites statistics of worldwide sightings and highlights Eagle County and the Central Rockies as active areas. He notes that many sightings go unreported due to fear of ridicule. John Schuessler, international director of MUFON, explains that UFOs remain unidentified after investigation and that credible witnesses are key. The article mentions specific sightings in Eagle County, including a silent craft in East Vail, a lighted craft near Wolcott, and a bright green light descending near Kremmling. Fiske suggests a connection between Marfa, Texas, the San Luis Valley, and Roswell, New Mexico, referencing the 1947 Roswell crash. Schuessler notes that the Air Force does not investigate UFOs and refers people to local police. He also mentions Dr. J. Allen Hynek's role as a consultant to the Air Force and the movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' being based on his work. The article touches on the public's belief in UFOs and the role of the Freedom of Information Act.

RECORDER, Belleville, WI: A UFO Sighting??

This brief report details a sighting by Suzanne Vinmans and a passenger near Belleville, Wisconsin, on January 23, 2001. They observed a single blue spherical light traveling very fast from left to right, rising in altitude, and disappearing. The light was estimated to be at 5-10,000 feet and moved at two to three times the speed of a commercial jet.

HERALD TIMES REPORTER, Manitowoc, WI: UFO museum set to open April 7

This short item announces the opening of the American UFO and Sci-Fi Museum for its third season on April 7 in Wisconsin Dells. New features include an Audiotronix guided tour system and an expanded UFO exhibit, including a recreation of the alleged 1947 Roswell crash.

FOREIGN NEWS: We have contact

This article by Adrian Tame discusses the Rendlesham Forest incident of December 27, 1980, where three US servicemen investigated bright lights near a military airbase and allegedly made contact with a triangular-shaped spacecraft. Jim Penniston, one of the servicemen, underwent hypnosis and spoke of visitors from the future seeking sperm and eggs for survival. The article notes that unlike the Roswell incident, the Rendlesham event has official acknowledgment and documentation. It mentions the involvement of Lord Hill-Norton, former Britain's Admiral of the Fleet, who stated there was no doubt something landed. The article also references Georgina Bruni's book, 'You Can't Tell the People,' which details cover-ups and witness testimonies, including those of Halt and Penniston. The article suggests that Margaret Thatcher acknowledged the seriousness of Bruni's findings.

Contact, from the future

This continuation of the Rendlesham Forest story details the official USAF memorandum written by Lt. Col. Charles Halt, confirming the landing of a triangular object. The memo described the object's appearance and behavior, including its maneuverability and the animals' frenzy. It also noted the discovery of depressions and radiation readings. The article mentions that witnesses like Penniston and John Burroughs reported memory 'blanks' and interrogation by special agents. Penniston's account, revealed through hypnosis years later, describes the object as metallic, warm, and under intelligent control, with no visible life forms but a sensed presence within. The object reportedly lifted off silently. Penniston and Burroughs later found broken branches and indentations in the ground. Debriefings reportedly involved CIA personnel, and Penniston was advised to forget the incident. After retiring from the USAF, Penniston detailed his experience, including the story of futuristic sperm and egg gatherers. The article also mentions Georgina Bruni's book and her conversation with Margaret Thatcher.

Denis Plunkett, your average pensioner, is way too normal to be an alien hunter... isn't he?

This article profiles Denis Plunkett, the founder of Britain's oldest UFO society, which is closing due to a lack of members. Plunkett, who taught computer skills, has dedicated his life to tracking UFOs and believes aliens exist and visit Earth. He founded the society in 1952 and notes a decline in sightings, attributing it to the end of the Cold War. He recounts early UFO sightings and the influence of events like the hydrogen bomb tests. Plunkett mentions the 'men in black' visiting Al Bender, who ran the International Flying Saucer Bureau. He describes the society's meetings and the diversity of attendees. Plunkett notes a shift in public perception towards aliens, with more people accepting their existence. He recounts his own sighting in 1966 and believes extraterrestrials will return.

Is your head in the clouds?

This article by Bob Berman offers practical advice for identifying potential UFO sightings. It suggests asking simple questions to determine if an object is a reflection, a planet (like Venus or Sirius), a satellite, aircraft landing lights, a meteor, or searchlights illuminating clouds. The article emphasizes that most sightings can be explained by mundane phenomena, saving people from embarrassment.

DAILY MAIL: CLOSED ENCOUNTERS

This article reiterates the story of Denis Plunkett, founder of the British Flying Saucer Bureau, which is closing. It highlights his 70 years of life dedicated to tracking UFOs and his belief in aliens. The article mentions his founding of the UFO society in 1952 and the decline in sightings. It touches upon his family's reaction and the calls he receives from around the world. The article recounts the history of UFO sightings since World War II and the perceived reasons for the aliens' current 'standoffish' behavior, including surveillance programs ending or fear of destroying humanity. It also mentions the 'men in black' visiting Al Bender and the historical meetings of the Flying Saucer Bureau. Plunkett's own sighting in 1966 is described, and he expresses certainty that extraterrestrials exist and will return. The article also briefly mentions his cousin's disappearance in 1947 and its possible connection to UFOs.

News digest: Did you see UFO craft?

This brief news item reports an alleged sighting of a large orange UFO craft with two white lights in South Kirkby. UFO enthusiast Paul Westwood is seeking information from anyone who witnessed the object.

FOR 'other dimensions' – take the B6278

This article by Richard Barker discusses Jenny Randles' new book, 'Time Storms,' which proposes that time travel can be explained by 'time storms'—clouds of electric energy that can transport people to other dimensions. The article highlights an incident near Barnard Castle in 1978 where Mark Henshall reported being blinded by a purple light and losing 25 minutes, with burns on his body. Another sighting in Cotherstone in 1985 by Michael Scorer is also mentioned. Randles suggests that Barnard Castle may be a 'magnet' for this phenomenon.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Don't tell the CIA but generals have proof ET exists and wants to make contact

This article previews an upcoming event in Washington D.C. where over 20 witnesses from various professions, including military officers, pilots, scientists, and a Cardinal, will reveal what they claim is government deception regarding extraterrestrial contact. The witnesses allege that knowledge of advanced technologies that could benefit mankind has been suppressed. Dr. Steven Greer, director of the Disclosure Project, is hosting the event and aims to secure open hearings. The article highlights John Callahan's testimony about a 1986 Japanese Airlines 747 flight followed by a UFO, confirmed by radar. Greer claims that technologies related to extraterrestrial phenomena can solve the global energy crisis. The article mentions Greer's background as a medical doctor and his belief that the U.S. and other countries have engaged 'extraterrestrial vehicles' in armed attack. It quotes Admiral Lord Hill Norton's testimony about the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. The article also notes Greer's concern about President Bush's National Missile Defence System, suggesting it might provoke extraterrestrials.

DAILY MIRROR: Time for another Ring cycle

This article by John Michell discusses crop circles, noting their continued appearance and the lack of clear answers regarding their creation. While some claim to have made them as hoaxes, Michell suggests that at least some designs may not have been made directly in the fields, proposing the possibility of 'action at a distance' or computer-generated patterns. The article mentions the impact of the foot-and-mouth outbreak on crop circle viewing and looks forward to the upcoming season. It also provides facts about crop circles in Britain and suggests visiting www.cropcircleconnector.com for more information.

DAILY MIRROR: Saucerful of secrets

This article by John Michell expresses skepticism about extraterrestrials and intelligent life in space, arguing that the vast distances between stars make space travel impossible. He acknowledges seeing UFOs but believes they are not from outer space. Michell references Carl Jung's conclusion that UFOs are signs of coming changes in zodiacal periods, akin to 'signs and wonders.' He suggests that the 'creatures' reported by UFO contactees were known to our ancestors as 'elves, imps, daemons, or mischievous spirits,' and that we have not rid ourselves of these beliefs, now labeling them 'extraterrestrials.' He notes that the UFO phenomenon has changed our outlook but maintains his disbelief in space aliens being the cause.

EVENING ECHO, Southampton, England: SOAPBOX: Up in the air

Ernie Sears, public relations officer for the Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG), refutes media claims that UFOs have left Earth. He states that SUFOG is alive and thriving, with increased membership and recent encounters of a 'spooky kind.' The article mentions the closure of the British Flying Saucer Bureau due to declining membership and the shift towards online engagement. SUFOG continues to hold meetings and view videos of skywatches and paranormal phenomena. The group has seen increased interest following a Radio Solent broadcast and a conference. Sears invites anyone with inquiries or unexplainable experiences to contact SUFOG.

CONTACT: This flying saucer may be the common perception of a UFO

This article continues the discussion on UFOs, referencing Dr. Steven Greer and the Disclosure Project. It highlights the witnesses' claims of government deception and the suppression of advanced technologies. Greer's background as a medical doctor and his belief in the existence of extraterrestrials are mentioned. The article touches upon the possibility of extraterrestrial hostility towards military actions like the National Missile Defence System. It also discusses the difficulty in proving claims and the potential consequences of being wrong. The article mentions the historical context of UFO sightings and the shift in public perception.

For 'other dimensions' – take the B6278

This article by Richard Barker discusses Jenny Randles' book 'Time Storms,' which posits that time travel can be explained by 'time storms'—clouds of electric energy that can transport people to other dimensions. The article highlights an incident near Barnard Castle in 1978 where Mark Henshall reported being blinded by a purple light and losing 25 minutes, with burns on his body. Another sighting in Cotherstone in 1985 by Michael Scorer is also mentioned. Randles suggests that Barnard Castle may be a 'magnet' for this phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, pilot experiences, government secrecy and cover-ups, and the ongoing debate about the existence and nature of extraterrestrial life. There's a strong emphasis on witness testimonies, particularly from credible sources like pilots and military personnel. The articles highlight the historical suppression of UFO information in the US, contrasted with more open investigations in other countries. The issue also touches upon the cultural impact of UFO phenomena, from art exhibitions to the closing of a long-standing UFO society. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts and investigations, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of UAP and the need for transparency from governments. There's a clear undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that significant information is being withheld.

This issue of the Daily Star, dated June 1, 2001, features a prominent cover story about a housewife who received £20,000 for a UFO video, which is claimed to have stunned American space scientists. The magazine also includes reports on UFO sightings in England and Canada, as well as a section on the potential dangers of UFOs to aircraft.

U.F.DOUGH: Wife gets £20,000 for flying saucer vid

The lead article details the experience of Sharon Rowlands, a housewife from Bonsall, Derbyshire, who captured footage of a UFO on her camcorder. The object, described as being up to three miles wide, hovered over her village for six minutes. The American TV company, Kiviat Productions, paid her £20,000 for the film, which they have described as one of the most important UFO sightings ever captured. NASA has requested to examine the footage. Rowlands described the craft as looking like a giant disc with a bite taken out, covered with yellow, orange, and blue lights, and emitting pulses of light before blasting away in a red flash. The Met Office confirmed no unusual weather conditions that night. Her encounter has led to her village being considered a UFO hotspot, with 20 reported sightings in recent months. Other witnesses in the village also reported seeing similar objects, with one likening it to a huge chandelier and another describing a dome-shaped craft "dancing in the sky."

Postmark pays tribute to UFO sighted in Canada

This article reports on a government-approved postmark in Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada, commemorating a UFO sighting that occurred 34 years prior. The incident on October 4, 1967, involved a "floating thing, awink with yellowish-red lights," that hovered over the settlement before appearing to plunge into the sea. The event led to a large-scale search operation involving military aircraft and vessels. UFO investigator Don Ledger, co-author of the book "Dark Object," believes the Shag Harbour incident may become an enduring testament to the UFO phenomenon. Postmaster Cindy Nickerson noted that the event made Shag Harbour the "Roswell of the north." Witnesses, including Norman A. Smith, described seeing "five lights shining from a flying object sort of tilted at an angle" and found it terrifying. The search efforts yielded a strip of "yellowish foam" and a sulfur smell. The military later insisted nothing unusual was discovered.

Couple spot UFO

This brief report from the Colchester Evening Gazette describes a couple in Coggeshall, Essex, who spotted a "silent, huge white triangular shaped object seemingly changing its shape" while driving home. Upon arriving home, they observed the object hovering and emitting beams of light. The Essex UFO and Paranormal Research Group is seeking other witnesses.

ET phone this number

A 24-hour recorded information line has been set up by UFO Monitors East Kent to provide people with the latest news in the world of ufology. Reports include sightings of a bright yellow light in Grimsby, a star-like body near Halifax, and two bright white lights near Halifax.

Intriguing clutter in the skies

This article from the Western Mail discusses a history of strange sightings in West Wales, including reports of "spaceships looking like a glowing rugby ball or an upturned jelly mould" in Pembrokeshire in 1977, and a "cigar-shaped silver object" landing near Broad Haven school. It also mentions a black triangle spotted near Cardigan Bay in 1996. The article touches upon local legends and unexplained phenomena, such as Merlin's Oak and the Nevern Yew tree.

Could UFOs be a real danger to our aircraft?

This piece from the Scottish X Files section of the Evening Herald questions whether UFOs appearing near Dunblane pose a threat to military aircraft. It recounts a sighting by Andrew Dunbar of a "glowing brightly and constantly pulsating" round object with a fuzzy outline, colored green and orange, that moved erratically. UFO watcher Ian Murdoch has also videoed strange lights in the area. The article also speculates on a possible link between UFO activity and the crash of a Hercules transport plane in 1993, citing David Evans, who believes a disc-shaped object lifted from a hillside and sped after the plane.

Second close encounter of the third kind

This report from the Evening Express details two UFO sightings in the North-east of Scotland on the same night. Ross Waugh and Theresa Wood reported a large black "wing" spanning 40ft hovering over their Aboyne home. Less than four hours earlier, Neil Beattie, near Oldmeldrum, saw a similar "long object which was tapered at one end." The MoD dismissed theories of it being a top-secret spy plane.

UFO group investigate sightings

This article from the Colchester Evening Gazette highlights Marks Hall Wood in Coggeshall as a UFO hot spot, with numerous sightings reported. Michael Joyce of the Essex UFO and Paranormal Research Group has correlated these sightings, which include glowing globes, pink domes, and objects described as chandeliers of light. He believes these objects are centered on Marks Hall Wood and are not explainable as aircraft, light shows, or fireworks.

Tale of a Chase hi-tech triangle

This feature from the Cannock Chase Post discusses reports of "Flying Triangles" in the Cannock Chase area, described as large, black, triangular machines seen flying in silence at night. The reports have even reached the Ministry of Defence. One account from 1985 describes a father and son seeing a triangular object with three lights on its underside, which then shot away at incredible speed. The police responded quickly, and the father was advised not to get out of the car. A report was forwarded to the Ministry of Defence.

On hunt for UFO sightings

The Southend Evening Echo reports on the Southend UFO Society, which meets monthly to share experiences of strange lights and objects in the sky. Researcher Mark Doulton notes the group is growing and that people want to know what's going on. He recounts his own sighting of an orange ball of light in 1977. Other witnesses have reported seeing white glowing balls of light and a silver cylindrical object.

It's life Jim, but not as we know it

This article from the Daily Mirror discusses the scientific progress in "teleportation," with researchers in Vienna successfully teleporting photons. It also touches upon the potential use of deadly tetrodotoxin (TTX) for pain relief and its use by Haitian witchdoctors. The article also mentions that DNA testing of a blond hair found on a Sydney man who claims to have been abducted by a UFO showed human characteristics not found on this planet. IBM's researchers are working on "self-healing" computer systems.

UFO shuts Siberian gateway

This report from AirTrade details an incident where a "luminescent object" above Barnaul airport in Siberia caused a freight aircraft to divert. An "airport employee" suggested it could be military or a weather balloon, but cryptically mentioned "weird stuff going on out here."

Spooklight is a bright spot on movie horizon

This review from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette discusses the short film "Spooklight," written by and starring Ken Teutsch and Mike Prince. The film is described as a "pleasant enough experience" and a "nice naturalistic flourish" that showcases the filmmakers' talents.

Bremerton clueless on keyless glitch

This article from The Seattle Times reports on a strange glitch in Bremerton where keyless car locks and car alarms are malfunctioning. Locals wonder if the USS Carl Vinson's return to port is to blame, but the Navy and FCC have no information. Auto dealers report numerous calls from customers experiencing the problem.

New Delhi in grips of 'monkey man' panic

This USA Today report describes a panic in New Delhi attributed to a mysterious "monkey man" who has allegedly attacked dozens of people. Police are investigating, but the descriptions vary, and some believe it is a group of men in masks causing hysteria. The sweltering heat and power shortages are also cited as contributing factors.

Desperately Seeking SASQUATCH

This article from the High Plains Reader profiles Mike Quast, a Moorhead man who investigates Sasquatch sightings. Quast has published books arguing that Sasquatch could live in Minnesota and analyzing film evidence. The article discusses the challenges of Bigfoot research, including skepticism, hoaxes, and the difficulty of obtaining concrete proof. It also touches upon the debate about whether a Sasquatch should be captured alive.

Is this pic 'proof' of past life on Mars?

This report from the A.F.U. Norrköping, Sweden, discusses scientists Tom Van Flandern and Brian O'Leary's claims that new images from the Mars Global Surveyor provide evidence of intelligent life on Mars, including a human-like face, tunnels, and vegetation. NASA, however, maintains that the "face" is a natural geological formation.

Cattle mutilations leave Texas ranchers puzzled

This article from the New Mexican reports on a series of mysterious cattle deaths in Burleson County, Texas. Ranchers suspect cult involvement, while officials suggest natural causes or predation. The article notes the precision of the mutilations, with organs and genitals missing, and the lack of blood.

Legendary beast attracts reward

This article from the Vancouver Sun reports on a $500 reward offered by the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club for anyone who can capture a "Cadborosaurus," a legendary sea creature described as being up to 3.5 meters long. The creature is believed to inhabit the Pacific coast. The club is also using a Web-cam called Caddyscan to capture evidence.

UFO group talks about animal mutilations

This article from the Courier discusses Fern Belzil, an investigator of unexplained animal deaths, who believes that some cattle mutilations may be linked to alien activity. He notes similarities between reported mutilations and alleged alien practices, such as precise incisions and the removal of organs. Belzil has never been abducted but has met people who claim to have implants.

We call it Bigfoot, he found a Yeti in Himalayas

This article from the Register-Guard features mountaineer Reinhold Messner, who believes he may have solved the mystery of the Yeti. In his book "My Quest for the Yeti," Messner describes an encounter with a creature he believes to be a Yeti, which he later concludes is likely a species of bear called a "chemo." However, he leaves open the possibility of undiscovered hominoid species in the Himalayas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and the ongoing quest for evidence of extraterrestrial life and other mysteries. The editorial stance across these publications appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, often with a degree of skepticism but also acknowledging the persistence of witness accounts and the ongoing investigations by various groups and individuals. There's a clear interest in presenting these stories to the public, whether they involve alleged alien encounters, cryptids, or other unusual events.