UFO Newsclipping Service - 2002 06 - no 395

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated June 2002, Number 395, published by Lucius Farish, focuses on various UFO-related events and phenomena across the United States and Britain. The cover story highlights a reported 'crash site' tour in Aztec, New Mexico, and the publication features articles on a UFO watchtower in San Luis Valley, Colorado, celebrity encounters with UFOs, and historical government investigations into the subject.

Reported 'Crash Site' Toured by UFO Buffs

An article by Valerie Gritton details tours of a reported UFO crash site in Hart Canyon, Aztec, New Mexico, which allegedly occurred on March 25, 1948. Scott Ramsey, a believer, guided onlookers, explaining that a concrete slab was likely used by the military to support a crane for removing the spacecraft and 16 charred bodies found inside. The site was part of the 2002 Aztec UFO Symposium. Volunteer Katee Dahlstrom noted it was the first year for guided tours. Spectators like Brady Williams expressed continued puzzlement about the reality of UFO crashes, while Paula Oliver advocated for openness to the idea of alien existence. Scientist John Oppenheimer's past residence in the area is also mentioned as a point of interest. A film crew from Japan, working on a documentary titled 'A Discovery of World Mysteries,' covered the event, interviewing witnesses to a Farmington alien armada sighting from 50 years prior. Mike McCluhan, a resident, found the event beneficial for the community, and vendors offered UFO-related merchandise. Guy Malone, a self-proclaimed 'experiencer,' discussed the metaphysical nature of alien encounters and his book on UFOs and the Bible. Oliver concluded that such events are interesting and that New Mexico is receptive to these topics.

Scanning the Outer Limits: UFO Watchtower in San Luis Valley Gets Plenty of Action

Erin Smith reports on the UFO Watchtower in Hooper, Colorado, established by Judy Messoline. Initially a humorous response to people camping on her property, the watchtower has gained worldwide attention, with Messoline receiving calls from the U.S. Air Force in Turkey and interviews from Japanese media. The watchtower, part of a campground that includes a gift shop specializing in UFO trinkets, has seen a significant increase in visitors, estimating between 5,000 and 7,000 people in the previous year. Messoline attributes the tower's existence to the paranormal activity in the San Luis Valley, a region known for UFO and alien experiences. Since its opening, 14 sightings, including five during the day, have been reported from the tower, with dozens more in the valley. The watchtower now lists sightings on the Internet. The area has a history of documented sightings, cattle mutilations, 'men in black,' and 'black helicopters.' The business is described as phenomenal, with reservations made even in extreme weather. Visitors range from the curious to the serious, with some reporting alien encounters and others claiming to be aliens themselves. The watchtower offers primitive campsites and a gift shop, with no admission charge. An annual UFO Watch event is planned for June 10-12, featuring speakers, and a psychic chakra music festival is scheduled for June 20-24.

Tales of Aliens Fill the Air in Nevada Town

Angie Wagner's Associated Press article focuses on Rachel, Nevada, a town along the Extraterrestrial Highway, known for its UFO lore and proximity to Area 51. Pat Travis, owner of the Little A'Le'Inn bar, cafe, and motel, shares her belief in aliens and her own sightings. The town's 65 residents and numerous tourists claim to have seen UFOs, aliens, and other otherworldly occurrences. Resident Charles Clark has witnessed beams of light and orange glows. The Little A'Le'Inn serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors to share stories over drinks and alien-themed burgers. Travis, a former Las Vegas casino cook, moved to Rachel 14 years ago and remodeled the trailer into the Little A'Le'Inn, filling it with UFO memorabilia. The town attracts tourists seeking a unique experience, with many claiming to have been abducted or to have seen strange phenomena. The Extraterrestrial Highway, officially named in 1996, features green highway signs with spaceship imagery. Rachel, a collection of trailer homes, is the only town along this route. Visitors often go to the border of Area 51, a remote military base believed by enthusiasts to house alien technology. The 'black mailbox,' a repainted rancher's mailbox, has also become a landmark. The article notes that while some sightings might be explained by natural phenomena like sunlight on foil or sonic booms, the town fosters a sense of wonder and encourages speculation about close encounters.

Alien Events Begin Tonight

Debra Mayeux reports on the fifth annual Aztec UFO Symposium, which begins with a book-signing at Hastings Books and Music. Speakers include Linda Moulton Howe, Jim Marrs, Stanton Friedman, and Karl Pflock. The event includes guided tours to the alleged 1948 crash site in Hart Canyon. Mr. X, who has spearheaded the event, remains anonymous for fear of government harassment. The symposium also features a UFO play festival and a performance by Chuck Pike. A large model of the crash site is a contribution to the Aztec Library. The article mentions that the Ministry of Defence has been challenged to release documents related to an alleged UFO crash in Rendlesham Forest. It also discusses claims that Britain's aviation industry may use alien-derived technology. Philip Mantle will present never-before-seen footage of an alleged alien autopsy at Roswell.

A 10,000-Pound Gorilla Offers a Mental Workout

This article by Bill McDonald discusses Dr. Steven Greer and the Disclosure Project, an organization aiming to end government secrecy on UFOs and extraterrestrials. Greer, a medical doctor, has gathered over 400 witnesses with firsthand knowledge of UFO phenomena. The article notes the increasing public belief in UFOs, surpassing the percentage of people who voted for recent presidents, and mentions that both Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter reportedly had UFO sightings. Greer describes UFOs as a "10,000-pound gorilla" kept secret for decades. The article touches upon the speed of light and the possibility of civilizations far more advanced than ours. It references the Belgian UFO sightings and the vastness of the universe, questioning the human assumption of being alone. The author also mentions scientists breaking the speed of light and the potential for interstellar travel.

Fifth Annual UFO Symposium on the Horizon

This article previews the upcoming fifth annual UFO Symposium, highlighting that historians have discovered a secret government unit established 50 years prior to investigate UFOs. The probe into strange sightings is reportedly still ongoing. The X Files unit, called the Working Party on Flying Saucers, comprised top scientific and military minds, but its existence was denied by the Ministry of Defence for nearly 50 years. Documents released from the Public Record Office confirm the unit's existence. Dr. David Clarke and Andy Roberts will discuss their findings on a Radio 4 program and in their book, 'Out Of The Shadows: UFOs, The Establishment And The Official Cover-Up.' Clarke believes the government's secrecy was driven by Cold War paranoia and fears about the inadequacy of radar systems. Declassified documents from 1965 show it was official MoD policy to downplay UFO subjects and avoid public attention. Clarke, while skeptical of alien crafts, has encountered evidence that cannot be explained by mass paranoia. The article also mentions specific sightings, including two pilots seeing three flying saucers near Gloucester in 1952, and the Rendlesham Forest incident in 1980, where security patrolmen reported a strange glowing object. Lord Hill-Norton is convinced this incident proves the existence of extraterrestrials. Nick Pope, who worked on the UFO desk in the Nineties, became a believer after investigating the Rendlesham Forest incident. The article also notes numerous sightings in Bonnybridge, Scotland, and a recent sighting over Bonsall Moor, Derbyshire.

Is Solution Right Under Our Noses?

Jonathan Skinner explores the recent surge in UFO sightings globally, including in China, Germany, and Montenegro. He discusses the possibility of meteors or space junk, but also presents witness accounts of illuminated objects hovering and changing shape. The article touches on the public's thirst for something beyond the mundane, linking it to the questions of whether humanity is alone in the universe. It mentions SETI programs searching for extraterrestrial signals and the criteria for identifying intelligent life through patterns. The author contrasts this with the complex information found within DNA, suggesting it points to an intelligent creator rather than random processes. The article also references Ann Druffel's book on defending against alien abductions and Bill Bryson's reasons for returning to the USA. The piece concludes by questioning why the intricate patterns of DNA are explained as random while a hypothetical radio signal from space is considered evidence of intelligent beings.

A Day In The Life: Strange World of Ufology

This feature profiles Alan Foster, a UFO consultant in Meare, England, who dedicates his life to researching UFOs, crop circles, and the paranormal. Foster recounts a life-changing experience at age 12 when he saw an unusual spacecraft. After working for the U.S. military in commercial travel, he now works part-time as a steward at Wells Golf Club to dedicate more time to his ufology research. He believes that genuine crop circles are too intricate to be man-made and may be created by extraterrestrial beings who want to communicate. Foster notes that many people have had paranormal experiences but are afraid to speak about them. He believes that extraterrestrials could teach humanity new technologies to prevent destruction.

Close Encounters of the Circular Kind

Dan Benson reports on crop circles, focusing on a formation discovered in a wheat field in Port Washington, Wisconsin, in 1998. Gene Large, the farmer, initially suspected local youths but later found the perfect circles mysterious due to the lack of tracks. The article notes that hundreds of crop circles are reported worldwide annually and mentions the upcoming movie 'Signs.' It discusses theories ranging from interdimensional intelligences to hoaxes. Investigator Thom Reed concluded the Port Washington circles were made by 'interdimensional intelligences.' Kim Sherwood believes they are 'genuine' and possibly caused by a 'global poltergeist' or 'divine intervention.' The circles were aligned north-south, with nine elements consistent with 'genuine' designs, and the wheat stalks were in a counter-clockwise pattern. The article also presents the perspective of 'The Circlemakers,' a group that claims to have made thousands of crop formations, with John Lundberg calling the Port Washington formation a 'very simple design.' Skeptics suggest that crop circles can be made by people using boards and ropes. Nancy Talbot, head of BLT Research Inc., expresses frustration with 'circle-makers' and 'alien buffs' for hindering scientific research. The official police explanation was 'criminal damage to property,' attributed to vandals on all-terrain vehicles or people using boards and ropes. However, Sheriff Maury Straub was reportedly 'tight-lipped' about the formation. Shirley Large recalls feeling an ominous presence the night before the circles were discovered, leading her to become a 'firm believer in UFOs,' though she remains unsure how they were made.

Celebrity Space Invaders

This section highlights celebrities who claim to have had close encounters with UFOs and extraterrestrials. Muhammad Ali is a strong believer, regularly seeing UFOs playing 'tag' in the sky. William Shatner recounted being saved by a 'shimmering figure' after his motorbike broke down in the Mojave Desert. David Duchovny, known for playing Fox Mulder in 'The X-Files,' saw a hovering triangular UFO while jogging in New Jersey. Olivia Newton-John described a multicoloured globe sighting in Australia that could change direction like no plane. Will Smith spotted two UFOs over the Californian desert in 1992, describing them as not man-made and moving at unbelievable speeds. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter spoke about seeing strange lights in the sky in 1969, stating he was convinced UFOs exist because he had seen one, describing it as a large, bright, orange, heart-shaped object that flew silently and changed direction abruptly.

Eerie Blue Light Prompts Radio Ham to Flee Moor

Ron Gaunt, a radio enthusiast in Derbyshire, England, reported a bright blue light shining down on his car while he was on Bonsall Moor. He experienced interference on his radio equipment and noted that sheep in a nearby field were startled. The light lasted for nearly two minutes, leaving him feeling dizzy. He contacted a radio friend, Barbara Whyman, who was 40 miles away. Gaunt decided to leave the moor earlier than usual due to the unsettling experience. Derbyshire police stated their helicopter was not in the area at the time.

The Truth Is Out There! Meet the Stars Who've Had Close Encounters with ET.

This article from the News of the World features celebrities who claim UFO encounters. Muhammad Ali believes in alien visitors and regularly sees UFOs. William Shatner recounted an incident in the Mojave Desert where a shimmering figure led him to help after his motorbike broke down, and he saw an orb-type object zoom off. David Duchovny, famous for 'The X-Files,' saw a hovering triangular UFO in New Jersey. Olivia Newton-John described a multicoloured globe sighting in Australia. Will Smith saw two UFOs over the Californian desert, noting their incredible speed and non-man-made nature. Jimmy Carter, before becoming president, saw strange lights in the sky and stated his conviction in UFO existence based on his personal sighting.

Challenge to MoD Over Aliens

A UFO conference in Runcorn will feature experts discussing alien visits to Earth. Eric Morris, founder of the British UFO Studies Centre, will challenge the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to release documents concerning an alleged flying saucer crash in Rendlesham Forest. Tim Matthews will claim that Britain's aviation industry may use alien-derived aircraft designs. Philip Mantle will present never-before-seen footage of an alleged alien autopsy at Roswell, which is claimed to provide more evidence than previous footage.

Exeter Gets Set for Wyrd Goings On

Exeter is set to host the third annual Wyrd Weekend, a convention celebrating all things weird and wonderful. The event will cover topics from vampires and crop circles to UFOs and ghosts. Speakers include Larry Warren, a survivor of the Rendlesham Forest UFO case, and vampire expert Dr. Gail-Nina Anderson. Richard Freeman, an Exeter-based zoologist, will also speak. Organizer Jon Downes, a regular contributor to the Sunday Independent, started the event in 2000, noting that other major cities have similar paranormal conventions. The event aims to bring major players in the field to Exeter.

'I Saw Eight UFOs'

Bruce Fenton, an investment banker from Springfield, England, claims to have seen eight glowing unidentified flying objects racing silently across the night sky faster than fighter jets. He observed the objects from his garden before midnight. Fenton and his flatmate, Nick Chambers, watched the lights disappear over the horizon without making a sound or a sonic boom. Fenton, an amateur astronomer, stated the lights were similar in size and brilliance to stars and flew in a loose formation. He contrasted his experience with known aerial phenomena like Red Arrows jets or meteors, finding the sighting inexplicable. Roy Lake of the London UFO Study Group expressed interest in Fenton's report, noting that while England has been relatively quiet, UFO activity has been high in Canada, Chile, and Australia. He anticipates an increase in sightings as the nights get warmer.

UFO Link

A UFO sighting in Silsden, England, is being linked to a similar incident in South Craven from three years prior. Beryl Southwell reported seeing a substantial unidentified object with whitish-bluish flashing lights hovering outside her house. In 1998, a Cowling nurse claimed she was followed by a similar object over Cowling Moor. UFO expert Donald Cooper is seeking other witnesses and information about mysterious sheep mutilations in the area, noting the absence of blood and the unusual nature of the incidents.

UFO Dogmatists

This letter to the Daily Mail responds to an article suggesting UFOs are 'dead.' The writer recounts a personal sighting of a bright orange, heart-shaped UFO during a lunar eclipse with their three children. They mention having had multiple sightings in an area with high RAF activity that cannot be attributed to the military. The writer suggests that astronomers are often fearful of UFOs and crop circles, leading them to debunk phenomena they don't understand. They clarify that not all 'cranks' who see UFOs believe they are alien spaceships or that all crop circles are man-made.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO sightings, alleged crash sites, and alien encounters. There is a consistent exploration of government secrecy and alleged cover-ups related to UFO phenomena, particularly in Britain and the United States. The role of media in reporting these events, from local newspapers to international documentaries, is evident. Celebrity endorsements and personal testimonies contribute to the public's engagement with the topic. The articles also touch upon the scientific and skeptical perspectives, contrasting them with the beliefs of enthusiasts and researchers. The overall stance appears to be one of presenting reported phenomena and investigations, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also highlighting the persistent public interest and the challenges in obtaining official confirmation or explanation.

Title: EVENING NEWS & STAR
Issue Date: December 20, 2001
Content Focus: UFO investigations and the paranormal.

Sharon's Full-Time Job is to Identify Flying Objects

The article profiles Sharon Larkin, who has dedicated her career to investigating UFO sightings in Cumbria and the North West of England. Larkin explains that her interest in UFOs began as a hobby, but she established her organization in 1996 when she noticed a lack of UFO research groups in Cumbria. The company has since grown into her full-time occupation.

Larkin describes her work, which involves traveling the area, writing up sightings, and collecting evidence. She notes that the public's perception of UFOs has become more open in recent years, partly due to increased media attention from films, television programs, and even advertisements.

She shares her most interesting case, which occurred in Keswick in the summer of 1997. A group of people witnessed balls of light dancing in the sky, with one light breaking away and speeding off, followed by others. This incident took place at the Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Larkin expresses her ambition to become a top ufologist, studying UFO phenomena alongside the paranormal. She is currently working on compiling information for a book and a video about UFO sightings in Cumbria and is seeking a publisher.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, moving beyond sensationalism to a more research-oriented approach. The article highlights Sharon Larkin's dedication and professional approach to her work, suggesting that the field of ufology is gaining more credibility and public interest. The editorial stance appears to be one of objective reporting on the efforts of individuals like Larkin who are pursuing this field of study.