UFO Newsclipping Service - 2002 03 - no 392

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated March 2002, number 392, is published by the Daily Record and edited by Lucius Farish. It features a cover headline 'Out of this World' and focuses on various aspects of UFO phenomena, including a prominent article about the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico.

International UFO Museum and Research Center

The article highlights the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, which has become a significant tourist destination. Julie A. Shuster, the museum manager, explains that the museum caters to both believers and skeptics, offering information to expand on beliefs and presenting crop circles as beautiful art. The museum moved to its current location in the Plains Theatre building in 1997 and has since expanded its reputation globally. In December 2001, the museum reported a total of 202,609 visitors in 2000, with an average of 399 people per day from 31 states and eight foreign countries. During the July festival, they registered 9,689 people. The museum features large maps where visitors mark their home locations. Shuster notes the community's support and the founders' awe at the museum's growth. The museum has expanded its facilities, including adding three offices to the north for archival preservation of magazines and documents, creating a storage room, and a meeting/reading room. The library boasts 44,000 books and 4,000 documents, serving as a depository for retiring researchers. Bridget Ceccacci, library associate, mentions that the museum receives many sighting stories, and they have developed a database, having typed about 4,000 reports since 1999, with the earliest dating back to 1906. Shuster emphasizes that the museum is a place where people are taken seriously and can find answers and connections with UFO groups. The museum also hosts events, including a piano recital by Siro Saracino of Italy debuting 'Roswell 1947' and a special guest, Dee Wallace Stone, for the Roswell UFO Festival.

Mystery from History: Strange Sightings in Sequoia

This section by John Elliott details a series of mysterious sightings in the Middle Fork of the Kaweah canyon, Sequoia National Park, in July 1953. Dozens of witnesses reported seeing streaking flashes of light and a large ball of fire. E.T. Scoyen, superintendent of the park, described a brilliant flash and a large ball of fire that appeared to descend into the canyon without igniting the dry brush. He was perplexed by how such an event could occur without a fire. The article also mentions a letter from Frederick Hehr of Santa Monica who believed the phenomenon was a spaceship. Other reports include electrical disturbances, such as Fern Gray, the telephone operator, experiencing her switchboard drops being knocked down. The article concludes that while many UFO events are explainable, some remain unsolved.

The Observer Forum

This section features letters to the editor. George D. Fawcett, founder of MUFON-NC, responds to a previous article, emphasizing that observers of UFOs have serious credentials, including pilots, military officers, and scientists, not just 'little old ladies in tennis shoes.' Peggy Price, a MUFON-NC member, shares her experiences, stating she has seen over 30 UFOs, described as luminous orbs with unusual aerial maneuvers. She recounts her first sighting at age 18 and explains how to identify a UFO by looking for unusual speed and maneuvers. Price also claims to have seen aliens, describing them as thin with smooth cream-colored skin, large dark slanted eyes, no nose, and a slit mouth, and that they were telepathic. She mentions that the group helps 'abduction experiencers' who feel they are going crazy. Steve Gale humorously questions what Peggy Price and her friends ate that night they saw a UFO.

UFO Sightings and Mysterious Encounters in Pennsylvania

Researcher Stan Gordon of Greensburg has been investigating unusual incidents in Pennsylvania since 1959. In 2001, he received reports from 35 counties. Gordon notes that most sightings are explainable as misidentifications of natural or man-made objects. However, some events, including UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and other mysterious events, remain unexplained. Gordon is also interested in hearing about unexplained booming sounds, odd animal deaths, strange field formations, and anything unusual. He is seeking information on the December 9, 1965, UFO crash incident near Kecksburg. The article lists specific UFO incidents reported in Pennsylvania during 2001, including a looping, color-changing light in Homer City and a large diamond-shaped object in Acme. Gordon can be contacted via mail, phone, or email.

Area UFO Sightings Not Yet Identified by Officials

This article by Jeff Kaplan reports on UFO sightings in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. Fremont Police Officer H.D. Wood investigated a report of two objects hovering silently, described as bright and full of lights. The department lacks a protocol for handling such incidents. Wood, a skeptic, believes the witness saw something. Fremont Police Chief Neal Janvrin, who was an officer during the 1965 'Incident at Exeter,' has investigated UFO calls but has never seen a UFO himself. He states that officers can only take reports and photograph anything unusual. Janvrin remains open to the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

UFO Pair Puzzle

This Metro News item from Birmingham, England, seeks information about UFO sightings in the Birmingham area between 1943 and 1982. Specifically, they are looking for a Mr. Robert Wyles, who saw a three-pointed star-like object, and Mr. John Hurley, formerly of the UFO group UFOSIS. They are asking anyone with knowledge or experiences to contact them.

Out of this World: UFO Conventioneers Land in Laughlin

Jeffrey Libby reports on the 11th annual International UFO Congress in Laughlin, Nevada. The conference, attended by 450 people, serves as a forum for those who believe the government is covering up alien technology. Nick Redfern, a UFO investigative reporter, discusses his research into government documents. Ethan Miller's photos capture Redfern speaking at the event. The article highlights the belief that the government has deprived the world of advancements by withholding alien technology. It mentions Area 51 as a potential site for studying crashed alien craft and reverse-engineering technology. Redfern notes that while many sightings are explainable, some from qualified professionals are harder to dismiss. Rob Baldwin shares a personal experience of seeing an egg-shaped craft at age 16, which he describes as a spiritual experience.

Crop Circles Spark Call for UFO Vigilance

This article from the Crewe Chronicle reports that the British UFO Studies Centre (BUFOSC) is urging people in South Cheshire to watch the skies for flying saucers. Eric Morris, founder of BUFOSC, discusses comparing crop circles in Wiltshire with those found in South Cheshire. Their equipment includes video cameras and night vision technology. Morris notes that while many formations are man-made hoaxes, some are interesting and may be caused by whirlwinds or linked to simultaneous UFO sightings. He mentions numerous sightings in South Cheshire and encourages people to record any sightings on video.

Sky-Watching Society Boss Tells of Strange Childhood Experience

Eric Morris, a qualified nurse and member of BUFOSC, shares his childhood experience of seeing a cigar-shaped object flying over his garden at age eight or nine. He notes that many UFO sightings turn out to be masses of ionised particles in the air.

The Truth is Still Out There!

This Matlock Mercury article details the 26th UFO tally in the Dales area in nine months. A 62-year-old man from Cromford reported seeing an orange, streetlamp-like object, around 3,000 feet high, that changed shape and appeared to be watching him. He claims to have seen the craft multiple times. The object was seen at the top of Slack Hill in Kelstedge.

Aliens Using Crop Circles to Explain Phenomena

Cameron Kennedy reports on Deneb, a Canmore researcher, who believes aliens are using crop circles to teach about the principles of the universe. Deneb suggests that the geometric patterns contain keys to unlocking secrets of hyperdimensional physics and the relationship between matter and light. He links crop circles to a powerful shift in Earth's natural frequencies (Schumann resonances), predicting earthquakes and storms, and spontaneous mutations. Marlene Christiaan, a visionary, views crop circles as a means of communication between Earth and other beings, suggesting a spiritual evolution. She also mentions a 'heaven and hell' duality among extraterrestrial factions.

On the Trail of Vale UFO Incident...

Peter McMillan writes about John Hanson, a UFO researcher cataloging UK sightings since the 1940s, who is seeking information about an incident reported by a Hampton schoolboy in 1977. The schoolboy and his friend claimed to have witnessed a long, white, glowing object moving rapidly across the sky. Hanson notes that between February 1977 and June 1978, at least 30 to 40 schools in the UK reported similar UFO activities.

A Simple Question: Do You Believe in UFOs? Well, Read This

This article from the Daily Bulletin in Palma de Majorca, Spain, poses the question of belief in UFOs. The author acknowledges that the subject is often met with ridicule but states that after eliminating garbage reports, some cases remain unexplainable. The article discusses the vastness of the universe and the probability of extraterrestrial life, but questions whether it has visited Earth. It suggests that if UFOs exist, they must come from planets outside our solar system due to the immense requirements for interstellar travel. The author questions the motives of extraterrestrials and speculates about future human interstellar travel. The article references the Roswell 1947 incident and a farmer named Jim Ragsdale's testimony about a UFO crash. It also mentions mysterious cattle mutilations, questioning the logic behind such actions if humans were involved. The article concludes by posing questions for the reader to consider.

A Simple Question: Do You Believe in UFO's? Well, Read This (Continued)

This continuation of the article from the Daily Bulletin discusses the US Navy probe mystery and the 'AF-1 APRIL FOOLS!' label. It acknowledges that while many UFO reports are faked or misidentifications, some cases remain a mystery. The article mentions the Belgian Air Force chasing real UFOs seen on radar. It reiterates the lack of concrete proof, such as a UFO oil filter or landing gear tire. The testimony of Jim Ragsdale about the Roswell crash is recounted, including his description of the UFO's interior and the subsequent mysterious death of his girlfriend and the robbery of his home. The article also touches upon cattle mutilations, questioning the elaborate steps involved and suggesting a mystery surrounding the motives and methods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings, crop circles, alleged alien encounters, government investigations into UFO phenomena, and the ongoing debate between skepticism and belief. The publication appears to present a wide range of reports and perspectives, from museum exhibits and historical accounts to personal testimonies and scientific inquiries, without definitively taking a side but rather exploring the breadth of the subject.

This issue of the HERALD, dated February 7, 2002, features a prominent cover story titled "Crop art or unsolved mystery?" The main headline focuses on a large crop circle discovered in Alberta, Canada, exploring its enigmatic nature and the various theories surrounding its origin.

Crop Art or Unsolved Mystery?

The lead article details the discovery of a 140-metre diameter crop circle in a wheat field near Lacombe, Alberta, in September 2001. This formation, described as a large Star of David with seven attached circles, is noted as the largest and most complex of its kind found in Canada to date by the Canadian Crop Circle Research Network (CCCRN). Paul Anderson, director of the CCCRN, highlights its remarkable size and complexity.

While the Lacombe circle is significant for Canada, the article notes that crop circles in England are considerably larger, with one reported to be 780 feet across. The CCCRN, a group of 30 enthusiasts, actively searches for these patterns across Canada during August and September, collecting data for analysis.

The article touches upon the history of crop circles, which gained fame in Great Britain in the 1970s. They have been found in various crops, including canola, oats, barley, and flax. The phenomenon has often been dismissed as hoaxes, but some sightings remain unexplained.

Intriguingly, the Lacombe circle's discovery was preceded by reports of mysterious lights in the sky. Several night shift workers recalled seeing peach and orange lights forming a triangular formation, then an arrow, and finally a crescent. This sighting has led to speculation about a connection between the lights and the crop circle.

Alan Hildebrand, a geology professor at the University of Calgary, expresses skepticism, suspecting hoaxes and suggesting that people are drawn to the idea of the bizarre and unusual. He states, "I suspect that it's hoaxing." He contrasts this with the belief that extraterrestrial visitors might be involved, a notion he finds appealing but unsupported by evidence.

Judy Arndt, a CCCRN member, offers a different perspective, viewing crop circles as a form of "dialogue" between the spiritual and physical realms, and even man-made ones as "art" or "crop art."

Related Articles and Themes

The issue also includes several related articles that broaden the scope of unexplained phenomena:

• UFO Cover-Up Revealed (Page 2): This article discusses the British government's secret UFO investigation unit, which operated for decades and was only revealed through the persistence of researcher David Clarke. The report concluded that UFO sightings were likely "optical illusions and psychological delusions" or hoaxes, rather than evidence of alien invasion. The article suggests the cover-up was one of ignorance rather than hidden knowledge.

• More UFO Sightings (Page 3): This section compiles reports of UFO sightings from various locations, including Cannock Chase, England, and Norton Canes. Witnesses describe bright, strange, and dancing lights, as well as unidentified flying objects.

• Bumper Year for Those Eerie Crop Circles (Page 3): This article, published in the SUN newspaper, reiterates the findings of the Canadian Crop Circle Research Network, highlighting 2001 as a productive year for crop circle reports despite drought conditions. It mentions the Red Deer formation as the largest Canadian example and speculates on a possible connection between the star-shaped symbol and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

• Phenomenon Goes Hollywood with Mel Gibson Thriller (Page 3): This piece connects the crop circle phenomenon to the upcoming Mel Gibson movie "Signs," which is based on crop circles and paranormal themes, indicating the growing public interest in the subject.

• If the Truth is Out There: Nick is the One to Find It (Page 4): This article profiles investigative researcher Nick Redfern, author of "Cosmic Crashes," who focuses on UFO sightings and alleged crashed UFO incidents, particularly in the Cannock Chase area of England. Redfern believes governments are hiding evidence of UFOs and even recovered alien bodies.

• UFO Followers in Village Pilgrimage (Page 4): This report details how the village of Bonsall, England, has become a tourist destination due to numerous UFO sightings, with locals offering tours to visitors.

• Crop Circles Puzzle Farmer Near Red Deer (Page 4): This article from The Canadian Press focuses on the Red Deer crop circle, reiterating its size and the farmer's surprise. It mentions various theories, including extraterrestrials, natural phenomena, and pranksters.

• UFO Sightings Reported on Acadian Peninsula (Page 5): This article covers UFO sightings in Inkerman, New Brunswick, Canada, describing a diamond-shaped craft with blue and white lights. UFO researcher Stanton Friedman is quoted, emphasizing that witnesses are often seeking answers rather than publicity.

• The Night of the Flying Saucer (Page 6): This piece revisits the British government's investigation into UFOs in the 1950s, concluding that most sightings were dismissed as illusions or hoaxes, but acknowledging that a small percentage remained unexplained.

• UFO Witnesses Only Seeking Answers: Expert (Page 6): Stanton Friedman, a UFO expert, discusses how media coverage of sightings can encourage more people to come forward, emphasizing that witnesses are primarily looking for explanations.

• Return of the Mothman (Page 7): This article focuses on the renewed interest in the Mothman legend following the release of the movie "The Mothman Prophecies." It highlights Point Pleasant, West Virginia, as a town experiencing a surge in tourism due to the film and the legend.

• Controversial Drug is Focus of New Book by Local Psychiatrist (Page 8): This review discusses Dr. Rick Strassman's book "DMT: The Spirit Molecule," which explores research into the psychedelic drug DMT and its connection to near-death and mystical experiences, including encounters with "aliens."

• Bloomington Paper Inundated with Theories of Strange Creature (Page 8): This news brief describes how a report of a mysterious creature sighting in Indiana led to an influx of theories from the public, ranging from mutated animals to UFO-related origins.

• Searching for Sea Serpents (Page 9): This article details sightings of alleged sea serpents, specifically the "Sookeasaurus" and "Cadborosaurus," in the waters off British Columbia, Canada, and the efforts of the B.C. Scientific Cryptozoology Club to find proof.

• Where Are They Now? Lizard Man (Page 9): This piece revisits the "Lizard Man" sightings that occurred in Bishopville, South Carolina, in 1988, noting how the phenomenon put the small town on the map and attracted significant media attention.

• Falling Ice Came From Airplane, Scientists Believe (Page 10): This brief report discusses a chunk of ice that fell through a car dealership roof in Charleston, South Carolina, with scientists suggesting it likely fell from an airplane.

• Foremost Bigfoot Expert, Grover Krantz, Dies at 70 (Page 10): This obituary profiles anthropologist Grover Krantz, a leading expert on Bigfoot, who dedicated his career to proving the existence of the creature.

• Phenomena Files: Author Delves Into State's Unexplained Encounters (Page 10): This article introduces Jay Rath's book "The W-Files: True Reports of Wisconsin's Unexplained Phenomena," which covers a wide range of unexplained events in Wisconsin, including UFO sightings, lake monsters, and Bigfoot.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, including crop circles, UFO sightings, and cryptids like Bigfoot and the Mothman. There is a clear editorial stance that acknowledges the existence of these phenomena and the persistent public interest in them, while also presenting skeptical viewpoints and scientific explanations where available. The articles often highlight the efforts of researchers and enthusiasts to gather evidence and seek answers, even when faced with official skepticism or public ridicule. The issue suggests that while many sightings can be explained, a significant portion remains mysterious, fueling ongoing fascination and debate.