UFO Newsclipping Service - 2001 12 - no 389

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE
Issue: Number 389
Date: December 2001
Publisher: Lucius Farish
Country: USA

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service delves into the world of UFO investigation and related phenomena, featuring a lead story on UFO investigator John Timmerman, alongside articles on crop circles and various global sightings.

UFO Investigator John Timmerman

The main article profiles John Timmerman, a 77-year-old retired banker who has been investigating UFOs for over 50 years. Despite never having personally seen a UFO, Timmerman is convinced that "something is out there" and believes that these sightings are evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. He dismisses the criticism regarding the lack of clear photographs, suggesting that UFOs may not be photographable. Timmerman worked closely with J. Allen Hynek, founder of the Center for UFO Studies, and was involved in Project Blue Book. He notes the thousands of reports received annually from diverse witnesses. Skeptics like Lawrence Krauss, chairman of the physics department at Case Western Reserve University, question the feasibility of interstellar travel and the government's lack of detection capabilities. Timmerman, however, believes the government is aware of UFOs and has been monitoring them for years.

The Official Line

The article discusses the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, which concluded there was insufficient evidence for alien visitations. Timmerman recounts Hynek's complaints that the Air Force used him for legitimacy. The sheer volume of reports from pilots, police officers, and professionals across the country highlights the persistent nature of these sightings. Krauss maintains that extraordinary evidence, such as alien technology, is needed for scientific acceptance, not just eyewitness testimony.

Notable Sightings and Investigations

Denise Knitz reported seeing a strange egg-shaped object with a blue-white glow on October 31st near Bowling Green, Ohio, witnessed by at least 17 other travelers. She described it as silent, wingless, and moving erratically before streaking across the sky. Tim O'Neil, another witness, corroborated the sighting. Timmerman investigates unexplained sightings, often dealing with cases that defy easy explanation, such as high-flying aircraft, bright planets, blimps, or hoaxes. Ohio ranks ninth nationally for UFO sightings since the mid-1980s. Timmerman, constrained by time and finances, wishes he could conduct more thorough investigations.

Scanning Skies for a Close Encounter (Hull, England)

This section features Sean Tierney, president of the Hull UFO Society, who emphasizes that his group consists of friends who take UFO sightings seriously but maintain a grounded approach. The society meets monthly to discuss UFOs and hosts guest speakers. They conduct sky watches and investigate sightings. Tierney recounts a sighting in Scarborough in February where he saw two bright lights, captured on video by his son. Despite offering the footage to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the response was dismissive. Tierney notes the standard unhelpful replies from government agencies.

Chilbolton History and Crop Formations (Hampshire, England)

Lucy Pringle reports on crop formations appearing near Chilbolton, Hampshire, an area rich in history and ancient sites. The article details the historical significance of Chilbolton, including Stone Age and Neolithic settlements, Roman presence, and Saxon and Viking influences. It mentions archaeological finds, including skeletons and gold earrings from the Bronze Age. The focus then shifts to crop circles, with several formations appearing in the area. One formation on August 14, 2001, was particularly notable, resembling a computer chip and, when viewed from a specific angle, a face. This formation was compared to the Arecibo message, with discrepancies noted in the atomic numbers and DNA structure presented. Researchers are investigating these formations, including testing buried water samples for nitrate and nitrite levels. The article also touches upon potential physical and psychological effects experienced by visitors to crop circles.

Other UFO Reports

US Experts to Check UFO Film (Melbourne, Australia): Video footage of mysterious lights in Pakenham, Australia, captured by chef David Farthing, has been sent to the US and Europe for analysis by flight and UFO researchers. Farthing described the object as a pulsating, yellowy-red fireball that was fascinating and possibly not man-made.

Flying Saucer Sitings Doubted by Sidmouth Police Station (Devon, England): Police attribute reports of bizarre colored moving lights near Sidmouth to camp sites and festival events, not flying saucers.

Alvaston Claims First UFO Sighting (Derby, England): An account from 13th-century records of Burton Abbey suggests a UFO sighting in Alvaston over 800 years ago, involving a battle between a bright star and smaller stars.

Southampton UFO Group Celebrates Decade (Hampshire, England): The Southampton UFO Group marks its tenth anniversary, with speakers and footage of UFO incidents, including those in Hampshire.

Airport UFO Stages a 20-Minute Light Show (Southampton, England): Dennis Randell reported seeing a bright silver ball hovering over Southampton Airport for 20 minutes before it vanished. The airport duty manager stated there was no record of any UFOs.

Saucer Spotters are on Lookout (Cumbria, England): Experts suggest summer months are ideal for spotting UFOs in Cumbria. Sharon Larkin of Cumbria UFO Research and Investigation reports sightings of silver discs and triangular craft, noting that the Ministry of Defence has not justified spending public funds on investigations.

Crop Circles Encompass Much Mystery (Prince George, B.C., Canada): This article discusses theories surrounding crop circles, including natural causes, extraterrestrial activity, and human pranks. It highlights the human fascination with the unexplained.

You Want Farm Diversification? How About Crop Circles? (Saskatchewan, Canada): Randy Johner, a farmer in Saskatchewan, discusses crop circles found on his land. Paul Anderson of the Canadian Crop Circle Research Network is studying these formations, noting that some are human-made while others remain unexplained. The germination rate in the affected crop was significantly lower than in the surrounding field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFO sightings, the ongoing investigation into crop circles, and the human fascination with the unexplained. The editorial stance, as implied by the publication of these diverse reports and the inclusion of investigator John Timmerman's strong belief in extraterrestrial visitation, is one of open-minded inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional understanding. The inclusion of the publisher's note on the scarcity of US press clippings suggests a dedicated effort to gather and present information on these topics, even when challenging to obtain.

This issue of the Sunday World, dated October 21, 2001, features a prominent cover story titled "WE'VE SEEN UFOS" with the subtitle "Witnesses tell of strange sightings here - since 1947." The magazine delves into numerous reports of UFOs, mysterious lights, and alleged abductions across Ireland, suggesting the country has a significant share of unusual aerial phenomena.

UFO Sightings in Ireland

The main article highlights various incidents, starting with a bizarre happening in Cahirciveen, Kerry, in 1947, which is linked by Brigid Cecacci of the Roswell UFO museum to sightings in Roswell, New Mexico. Michael O'Sullivan's father's claim of seeing lights in the sky is presented as evidence. The article also recounts a truck driver's experience of a bright light following his vehicle near Nenagh and Roscrea, and Tadgh Kilcummins' account of a craft hovering over his house.

Desmond Leslie, author of 'Flying Saucers Have Landed,' is quoted as believing that aliens are constantly watching us and may be involved in creating a new crossbreed. Lawrence J. Downey from Belfast claims to have been abducted four times on the Tyrone and Monaghan border, describing encounters with small beings and a white light.

Staffordshire UFO Flap

A separate article from the Cannock Chase Post details the Staffordshire UFO Group's appeal for witnesses to a spectacular UFO incident on May 16, 1988. Around 9:55 pm, two bright, triangular or wedge-shaped objects, described as 'flying Christmas trees,' were seen descending over Cannock Chase and Rugeley. These objects traveled silently, performed a 'U' turn, and crossed a busy air traffic corridor twice. The incident was reported to police and air traffic control and was raised in the House of Commons by MP Bill Cash. The Staffordshire UFO Group is revisiting this case and others from that period, known as the 'Staffordshire UFO Flap,' to gather eyewitness testimony for a special effects video.

Other UFO and Paranormal Reports

Another article from the Salford Advertiser reports on a young boy, Thomas Gerbicz, who spotted a mysterious object described as a '350mph spacecraft' hovering over Walkden. He described it as having red lights, a yellow plate, a red door, and a silver top, and it disappeared after 10 minutes.

The issue also touches on other paranormal topics:

• Crop Circles: An article from the Calgary Herald discusses the Canadian Crop Circle Research Network's call for volunteers to document and investigate crop designs. Founder Paul Anderson emphasizes that they are looking for serious researchers, not 'nutcases.' The article notes that while many believe crop circles are man-made, others, like Mike Jones, suggest a connection to strange lights and possibly extraterrestrial intelligence using Earth's energy.
• Bigfoot: Several articles cover Bigfoot sightings and related phenomena. The Idaho Statesman features 'Bigfoot Bob' Silva, who believes Bigfoot exists despite a lack of conclusive physical evidence. The East Oregonian reports on a company selling 'BigFoot Tracking Kits' containing bait, repellent, and fur. The Billings Gazette addresses rumors of a Bigfoot being killed in Montana and covered up by federal agents, with rancher Steve Kukowski and FBI agent Dan Vierthaler denying involvement. The Wisconsin State Journal discusses the discovery of Lake Vostok beneath the South Pole and the speculation surrounding potential life forms and even UFO activity there.
• Animal Mutilations: The N.W. Florida Daily News reports on the mutilation of cats in Navarre and Bluewater Bay, with veterinary reports suggesting the animals were killed by humans using precise instruments, not by other animals.
• Mystery Triangle: The Evening News, Scarborough, reports a man convinced he saw a UFO, described as a triangular light that stopped and then accelerated at breakneck speed.
• Snaefell Incident: The Isle of Man Examiner discusses UFO Magazine's claims of police secrecy over an incident in January where an object allegedly crashed into a communication mast on Snaefell peak. Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine, believes an unmanned drone hit the mast, while police dismiss the claims as 'nonsense.'
• Global Consciousness Project: USA Today reports on the Global Consciousness Project, which detected unusual statistical anomalies coinciding with the September 11th terrorist attacks, suggesting a possible link between mass human focus and random number generators.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery and widespread nature of UFO sightings and related phenomena across different regions and time periods. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting witness accounts and investigative efforts, acknowledging the skepticism but also highlighting the ongoing interest and research in these unexplained events. The magazine seems to lean towards presenting these accounts as credible, even if definitive proof remains elusive, encouraging further investigation and public engagement with these topics.