UFO Newsclipping Service - 2002 04 - no 393

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE
Issue: Number 393
Date: April 2002
Publisher: Lucius Farish
Country: USA

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service focuses on the upcoming 14th Annual Ozark UFO Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and features various articles on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena from around the world.

Ozark UFO Conference Explores All Things Alien

The main article, by Kate Allen, highlights the 14th Annual Ozark UFO Conference, scheduled for April 12-14 at the new Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Conference Center in Eureka Springs. The conference will feature eight speakers, including returning favorites Linda Moulton Howe, Timothy Good, Antonio Huneeus, Wendelle Stevens, David Rudiak, and Bob Pratt, alongside newcomers James Deardorff and Grant Cameron. Rob Riggs, author of "In the Big Thicket - On the Trail of the Wild Man," will discuss sightings of the 'wild man' and their connection to paranormal phenomena and electromagnetic fields. Riggs suggests these phenomena might temporarily open the mind's psychic dimension, enhancing perceptual range.

James Deardorff, a former meteorological research scientist, will present research on the "Talmud of Jmmanuel," a text purportedly written by Judas Iscariot, which offers a different account of Jesus' life and origins, including claims of extraterrestrial contact. Deardorff's research touches on controversial assertions, such as Adam's father being an extraterrestrial named Semjasa, and implications about the authorship of the Gospels.

Grant Cameron will present research by Canadian scientist Wilbert Smith, who claimed direct contact with aliens and their spacecraft. Conference organizer Lucius Farish, despite his interest in UFOs, states he is not a 'contactee' and has only seen unidentified lights and objects at a distance. The conference, which started in 1989, attracts 350-450 attendees and includes vendors selling UFO-related merchandise. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.

UFO Day Almost Breaks Even

A brief report from Belleville, WI, on February 19, 2002, notes that the annual UFO Day event, a 15-year tradition, is keeping Belleville's claim to fame alive. The event reported a slight deficit of $227.44, but donations from local businesses helped offset the loss. The event attracted 3000-4000 people and is considered a success, fostering community spirit.

Journalist Goes From Skeptic To Believer

This article by Becca Bacon Martin profiles Bob Pratt, a retired journalist who will be speaking at the Ozark UFO Conference. Pratt, who was a staunch skeptic in the 1960s, became a believer after working for the National Enquirer and investigating numerous UFO reports. He recounts an incident in McDonald County, Missouri, in 1977, where he witnessed a bright, stationary light that dimmed and then blinked out, an experience that solidified his belief that UFOs are real, though he remains uncertain about their origin. He estimates he has investigated about 75% of his time running down UFO reports across North and South America and the Philippines.

Object From Flying Saucer, Man Claims

An Associated Press report details Bob White, a 71-year-old man from Reeds Spring, Missouri, who is offering to sell a piece he believes is from a flying saucer for $10 million. White displays the object, described as an oversized pine cone with a rough, feathered exterior, at his Museum of the Unexplained. He claims to have found it in the early 1980s near Grand Junction, Colorado, after encountering a bright orange light that grew to the size of a barn. When he got out to investigate, a piece broke off the object as it shot into the sky. Lab analysis determined the object is 80 percent aluminum, with other components unidentified.

UFO Expert Lives Among Us

This article by Kelly Campbell profiles George Fawcett, a UFO investigator, author, and lecturer from Lincolnton, North Carolina. Fawcett has amassed a vast collection of UFO photographs, reports, and documentation, with a significant portion donated to the Smithsonian's National Air Museum and the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell. He claims to have investigated thousands of cases, explaining all but 22% as natural phenomena or identifiable objects. Fawcett had his first encounter in 1951 as a college student, seeing an orange disk over his campus. He notes that North Carolina ranks fourth in the nation for UFO reports and has personally investigated cases in 244 towns and cities in the state.

Symposium Bring all things UFO to the Four Corners

Lewis McCool reports on a UFO symposium held in Aztec, New Mexico. Master of ceremonies Dennis Balthaser, a UFO researcher, hinted at the possibility of federal agents in the audience and recounted an incident where he felt intimidated by agents from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations after receiving a tip about the Roswell Incident. Jim Marrs, author of "Crossfire: The Plot That Killed Kennedy," spoke about cover-up conspiracies involving UFOs and other events, warning that ignoring these issues could be perilous. Karl Pflock, a former CIA employee, expressed skepticism about some UFO claims, suggesting the Roswell evidence points to a classified military experiment rather than a crashed UFO. Stanton Friedman, a nuclear physicist, remains convinced of an alien craft and bodies at Roswell. The symposium also featured discussions on the Aztec Incident, Kecksburg, PA, sightings, and UFO technology by John Schuessler of MUFON.

Theories abound at UFO meeting

Another article by Lewis McCool covers the final day of the Aztec UFO 2002 Symposium. Linda Moulton Howe discussed the Aztec saucer crash and the 'Farmington Armada' sightings, suggesting the crash occurred in 1949 and that government agents may have 'sanitized' evidence. Johnny Eaton, a witness to the Farmington Armada event in 1950, described seeing numerous objects playing 'tag' at high speeds. Jim Marrs discussed cover-up conspiracies, linking UFOs to President Kennedy's assassination and other events. He warned that Americans are being 'scammed' and kept in the dark.

FOREIGN NEWS: REAL ALIEN ABDUCTIONS!

This section presents a case from New Jersey on March 10, 1999, where a woman named Mrs. Steben claims to have been abducted by three 'beings' who oozed through her walls. She describes floating out of her window and being placed on a silver slab, with her husband remaining immobile. Two 'G-Men' (US government security agents) also witnessed the event, seeing the woman floating out of the window towards a light. Their cars' engines inexplicably stopped functioning. The article notes that this is the first reported case with two witnesses corroborating an abduction claim, but acknowledges the lack of extraordinary proof. It also mentions that over 6,000 people in the USA and hundreds in the UK claim to be abduction victims.

More proof of Matlock as a UFO hotspot

This article from Matlock Mercury reports on Kevin Smith of Bufora (British UFO Research Association) being intrigued by unexplained activity in the Dales' skies. Smith plans to investigate sightings in the Peak and Dales area. The article also mentions John Andrew, a guest house owner, who saw a bizarre mass of white lights, not a usual saucer shape, moving up a hillside.

Investigating UFOs in Yukon skies

This column by Julius Debuschewitz introduces the UFO Yukon Research Society, a non-profit organization formed in Whitehorse to gather and research UFO sightings in the Yukon. The society is seeking members with investigative skills and encourages sighting reports. The column also includes a report of a woman observing a frisbee-sized, pale green, glowing object near Whitehorse in June 1997, which she described as a 'grandfather and grandmother light.'

Investigating UFOs in Yukon skies (Continued)

Another report by Julius Debuschewitz details a sighting by Cindy, who encountered a massive UFO near Tagish Lake in November 1996. She was guided to her destination by a small light. Cindy also reported seeing lights arranged in a circular pattern on a mountain near Juneau, Alaska, and a light perched on Mount Jumbo.

Attack of the rugby football with legs

This article by Paul Sieveking describes a sighting in Chile in January 2002, where two teenagers encountered a creature described as a 'rugby football with legs.' The creature had a canine head, goat-like legs, and three-fingered hands. It emitted a voice in one of the teenager's heads saying, "Don't stare, just run away." The article also mentions strange sonic booms and sightings of a human-like creature in Brazil, as well as reports of the mythical character El Petizo attacking people in Argentina.

50-year-old documents shed light on probe by Admiralty

Richard Hargreaves reports that secret documents reveal the British government was alarmed by UFO sightings in the 1950s and established a Directorate of Scientific Intelligence to investigate. The Admiralty research centre on Portsdown Hill was a key site for these investigations. The experts dismissed many reports as hoaxes or misidentifications, but the government remained concerned about potential confusion with Russian threats.

It's tourism Jim...

This article by Michael Litchfield discusses reports of a large, triangular, mystery craft with red and blue lights and a purple glow hovering over Hengistbury Head in Bournemouth, England, on February 22 and 28, 2002. Ex-RAF Intelligence officer David Kingston dismissed the possibility of it being a prototype RAF aircraft due to the lights being visible and the unusual crackling sound. He remains open-minded about the possibility of extraterrestrial observation.

Strange lights turn on radio during the night

Christina Hunt of Colehill reported being woken by her bedside clock radio blaring and intense flashes of light outside her window during a stormy night. Her parents also witnessed similar strange lights. The Met Office suggested it could be due to lightning, but the localized effect on only one appliance raised questions.

Reputation for strange phenomena could boost tourism

Paul Langan reports that Nigel Mortimer, organizer of UFO tours on Ilkley Moor, hopes that the lifting of foot and mouth restrictions will lead to an increase in UFO sightings. Ilkley Moor has a reputation as an 'alien hotspot,' and Mortimer's tours combine fish and chips with skywatching. He notes a recent quiet period in sightings but expects them to increase. Mortimer also offers free web space for businesses sponsoring the tours.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO conferences and their speakers, detailed accounts of alleged UFO sightings and alien encounters from various locations, and discussions about government cover-ups and the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. The articles generally present these topics with a tone of serious inquiry, even when acknowledging the lack of definitive proof or the presence of skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging public participation and research.

This issue of ALDERSHOT NEWS, dated January 18, 2002, features a cover story titled "Let your imagination take flight in the world of UFOs," exploring various unexplained phenomena. The magazine delves into historical government investigations, personal accounts of sightings, and the broader cultural impact of UFOs and related mysteries.

Britain's Original Men in Black: The Flying Saucer Working Party

The lead article reveals the existence of the Flying Saucer Working Party, a Ministry of Defence team established in post-war Britain to investigate UFO sightings. Documents released under the 50-year rule highlight a curious assignment concerning a sighting over Farnborough in 1951. An experienced test pilot, Flight Lieutenant Hubbard, reported a low-level, fast-flying "flat disc" over the town. Two weeks later, he and five other senior RAF officers reported seeing a similar object. The MoD team concluded the first sighting was an optical illusion and undermined the officers' testimony by suggesting they were influenced by Hubbard's initial report. The working party ultimately concluded it was likely a normal aircraft that appeared unusual due to distance. UFO enthusiasts view this as evidence of the government's serious approach to UFOs at the time.

UFO Sightings in Hampshire and Beyond

Experts state that Hampshire alone receives up to 30 unexplained sightings annually. The Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG) has been collecting reports for over ten years, receiving 20-30 sightings per year. Chairman Steve Gerrard describes reports ranging from lights in the sky to physical craft and alleged abductions. SUFOG investigates sightings by contacting relevant authorities and appealing for witnesses. Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine, criticizes the official investigation into the Farnborough sightings, arguing that the officers' trained observations should have been taken more seriously. He questions how many witnesses were needed for the government to take reports seriously.

X-Files Have Nothing on These Events...

This section presents a timeline of notable UFO-related events reported in the UK:

• November 11, 1969: The Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP) announced it had investigated 171 unidentified flying object reports since 1967, with over a quarter remaining unexplained. Chairman Omar Fowler stated the subject warranted international scientific investigation.
• February 5, 1971: Emergency services responded to reports of a crashed aircraft at Folly Hill, Farnham, but no wreckage was found.
• February 22, 2002: A report from the Evening Telegraph details strange lights seen in the sky, including three bright Jupiter-type triangles that flashed and moved off easterly, recorded on tape.
• March 9, 2002: The Rocky Mountain News reports a near doubling of UFO sightings in Canada in 2001, with about 15 percent of the 374 reports remaining unexplained, including sightings of orange objects in a V formation and a luminous object that appeared to explode.
• April 4, 1978: Doris Luke of Park Row, Farnham, reported a close encounter with a flying saucer described as a spinning top, dull black and brilliant silver, moving at terrific speed.
• April 11, 1978: Eight people reported sightings of an unidentified flying object above Farnborough and Ash, described as electric blue and changing color rapidly.
• October 14, 1983: Pensioner Alfred Burtoo of Aldershot claimed he was taken aboard a UFO by two 4ft tall beings with dark visors.
• January 12, 1988: Andrew Findlay reported seeing a flying saucer-shaped object with green lights over Bagshot.
• November 1, 1994: A former policeman and his wife reported seeing a silent, unidentified aircraft flying over Farnborough.

UFO Detective: Gary Heseltine's Work

The Evening Post features Detective Constable Gary Heseltine, who is compiling a database (PRUFOS) for serving and retired police officers to confidentially record their UFO sightings. Heseltine shares his personal experience of a UFO sighting in 1975 near Evesham, where he and two other officers witnessed a large white light hovering silently before it shot into the sky. He also recounts a teenage experience involving a brilliant white object that appeared to cause power cuts. Heseltine believes police officers, as trained observers, are credible witnesses and estimates that only one in ten officers reports such sightings. He highlights cases like that of Sergeant Tony Dodd and PC Alan Godfrey, whose experiences have been extensively documented.

Facts That Are Stranger Than Fiction: Gloria Dixon's Research

The Evening Chronicle reports on Newcastle-based paranormal researcher Gloria Dixon, who investigates strange incidents including alleged UFO crashes, ghost sleds, and unusual lights. She discusses a claimed alien craft crash near Haltwhistle in 1968 and a sighting of a 'sledge-like' translucent object in County Durham. Dixon, editor of Strange Times magazine, emphasizes the need for an open but critical mind when investigating reports, acknowledging hoaxes and psychological factors but affirming the existence of genuine extraordinary experiences. She notes a recent increase in 'High Strangeness' incidents, time slips, and near-death experiences.

The Year 2001: The Weirdest on Record?

This section highlights 2001 as a year of bizarre phenomena, including a shower of fish in Wiltshire, sand from the Sahara covering cars across Britain, and unusual weather patterns. It also mentions the "Monkey Man" phenomenon in New Delhi.

Taking Shape in the Fields: The Mystery of Crop Circles

The Halesowen News delves into the phenomenon of crop circles, shapes imprinted in fields. It notes their increasing size and complexity, with the largest recorded being 4,100 feet in Wiltshire in 1996. The article traces the history of crop circle sightings globally and mentions the claim by Doug and Dave that they created all crop circles, a claim later retracted for more intricate designs. Ray Cox, a crop circle researcher, believes some circles are genuinely mysterious, while acknowledging that many are man-made. He suggests natural crop circles might be caused by unusual weather conditions or energies.

UFO Tours of Bonsall

The Matlock Mercury reports on Alan Webster's popular UFO tours in Bonsall, Derbyshire, which have gained national attention. Webster notes an increase in interest due to stories about aliens and UFOs, with visitors including US government officials. He believes Bonsall is an "epicentre" for UFO activity and mentions a sighting captured on video by Sharon Rowlands in September 2000.

Puzzling Prints: Whipple Creek Road Mystery

The Daily News (Ketchikan, AK) investigates mysterious tracks found on Whipple Creek Road, described as large, bipedal prints with four toes, unlike bear prints. Lillian Jaehnig, who discovered the tracks, and Sasquatch enthusiast Robert Alley, who made a plaster cast, believe they were made by a hominid. Alley notes the prints suggest the maker was in a hurry and that the irregular toe placement indicates a lack of digital dexterity.

Those Innocent Looking Wisps in the Sky May Not Be Innocent

The East Oregonian discusses "chemtrails," described as vapor trails laden with chemicals like aluminum oxide and ethylene dibromide, which remain visible for hours. Unlike normal contrails, which dissipate quickly, chemtrails are allegedly produced by US military tanker aircraft and other planes. Internet sources suggest these trails have been sighted globally and are linked to community-wide illnesses, leading to speculation about their purpose, including climate modification or biological warfare testing.

Researcher Devises System to Prove Time Travel Possible

The Herald features Marshall Barnes, who claims to have developed a "Space-Time Dilator Transmitter System" (STDTS) that enables automobiles to travel faster than expected by manipulating time. Barnes demonstrated his device by making a trip in his car, claiming it took 22 minutes with the STDTS on, compared to 24 minutes without it. He explains that the system uses a modulated electromagnetic field to create a "warp" in time, suggesting that time itself may have mass.

Speaker Presents Evidence of Bigfoot

The Idaho State Journal reports on Idaho State University Professor Jeffrey Meldrum, who presented evidence for the existence of Bigfoot (Sasquatch). Meldrum has examined hundreds of footprints and found skin ridge detail in some casts, concluding that "Something is leaving these tracks." He believes that with sufficient time and funding, the existence of this creature will be proven.

Another Perspective on Cattle Mutilations

This article from Valerian features Roy Timm, who claims to have facts about cattle mutilations, suggesting they are conducted by "off-planet visitors" due to contamination from nuclear materials. He believes E.T.s are concerned about humanity destroying itself. Timm mentions other researchers and historical accounts, including alleged abductions.

Natives in Two Nations Spear Ogopogo

The National Post reports that Hollywood producers have agreed to drop references to the legendary creature Ogopogo from a film in deference to the Penticton Indian Band, who consider it a sacred part of their culture. The film's producers were forced to move shooting to New Zealand, where they also faced opposition from the Maori natives. The band argues that any film must fictionalize the creature's history and not use the Okanagan name. The producers have agreed to change the script and remove the name Ogopogo.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, government secrecy and investigation, paranormal phenomena, and unexplained mysteries. The articles present a range of perspectives, from skeptical analysis of official reports to enthusiastic accounts of personal experiences and ongoing research. The overall stance appears to be one of encouraging open-mindedness towards these phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for scientific investigation and critical evaluation of evidence. The magazine highlights the enduring public fascination with the unknown and the possibility that "the truth is out there."