UFO Newsclipping Service - 2003 01 - no 402

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated January 2003, features a cover story titled "3 generations of an Eldorado family are fascinated with the unknown" by Brian DeNeal. The magazine delves into various UFO-related topics, including historical sightings, government secrecy, and personal encounters.

3 Generations of an Eldorado Family

The lead article introduces the Briddick family, whose fascination with the unknown spans three generations. Billy Briddick recounts an early experience with St. Elmo's Fire. The family's interest was further piqued when Alyn Briddick, Billy's son, took a photograph at Stonehenge in 1996 that revealed six elliptical shapes, resembling smoke rings, in the air. This led them to research crop circles, finding a striking similarity between a book image and their own experience. They believe crop circles are more complex than human-made stunts and may be a form of communication. The family also shares theories about the practical purpose of Stonehenge and the possibility of parallel worlds. The article also includes accounts of other unusual experiences, such as globular lights seen in the sky and a Russian satellite incident that Briddick doubts was the cause. Alyn Briddick shares his own sighting of three silver objects in the sky in the late 1960s. The conversation turns to ghosts, with Alyn recounting a ghostly encounter and other family members experiencing mysterious events.

Government Secrecy and UFOs

An article by Leslie Kean, "Ashcroft's FOIA policy deepens government secrecy on UFOs," discusses how Attorney General John Ashcroft has tightened the Freedom of Information Act, making it harder to access government documents on UFOs. This is happening despite public frustration, with a Roper Poll indicating two-thirds of Americans believe the government is withholding information. The article highlights efforts by John Podesta, former chief of staff to President Clinton, to push for declassification, including the Kecksburg, Pa., incident. It also mentions the British Ministry of Defense releasing files on the Bentwaters Air Base incident. The article criticizes the government's continued reliance on national security as a reason to withhold information.

Seguin Resident Fascinated with Extraterrestrials

This piece profiles Walter Andrus, former director of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), who has been fascinated with UFOs for over 50 years. His interest began with a sighting of silver balloons in Phoenix in 1948, which turned out to be four flying disks. Andrus co-founded MUFON in 1969 and led it for 30 years, during which time headquarters were in Seguin, Texas. MUFON has investigated thousands of cases, classifying only about five percent as bona fide. Andrus notes consistent patterns in abduction experiences, often occurring without the abductee's initial awareness.

'Path of the Skinwalker'

This multi-part series by George Knapp investigates a ranch in northeastern Utah that is a focal point for paranormal research. The ranch is associated with legends of 'Skinwalkers' and has been the site of numerous unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, cattle mutilations, and encounters with strange creatures. The article details the experiences of the rancher family, the Gormans, who faced escalating bizarre events, including a bulletproof wolf, vanishing cattle, and peculiar animal mutilations. The family eventually sold the ranch, which was then acquired by Robert Bigelow's National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) to be used as a paranormal laboratory. The article notes the secrecy surrounding NIDS's research.

UFO Sightings in Westmoreland County

Stan Gordon, an investigator into the unexplained, discusses numerous mysterious sightings in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, including UFOs, bigfoot creatures, and 'thunderbirds.' He notes that while strange events are still happening, they receive less media attention than in the past. The article mentions specific incidents like a shiny sphere hovering over a parking lot and large birds with significant wingspans. It also touches upon unexplained crop circles and Bigfoot sightings in the region.

UFOs: Topic of Sunday Program

This brief article announces a public program by UFO expert George Fawcett at the Gaston County Public Library, reviewing recent UFO activity and research. Fawcett, an investigator since 1944, has a vast collection of UFO-related materials and has investigated over 1,200 sighting reports.

Researcher Finds Buried Memories in Alien Territory

This piece by Diana Jean Schemo profiles Susan Clancy, a psychologist at Harvard University, who studies people with memories of events that never happened. Clancy uses newspaper ads to find subjects who claim to have been abducted by aliens, aiming to study the nature of memory and suggestion. She concludes that people with recovered memories are more prone to suggestion and distortion. The article also touches upon the debate surrounding repressed memories and the work of John E. Mack, who believes alien visitations may be real.

Rendlesham Forest UFO Sighting

This article, "Revealed: the UFO sighting the Government kept quiet for 20 years," details the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident near RAF Woodbridge. It describes U.S. airmen witnessing a triangular craft with pulsing red and blue lights, which hovered and then shot off. The incident involved three depressions on the forest floor and elevated radiation levels. The article discusses the government's attempts to keep the event secret and the conflicting explanations offered, including a lighthouse beam and a meteor. It also includes accounts from other witnesses and researchers, such as Georgina Bruni, who believes the event was of "biblical proportions."

The Crop Files

This letter to the editor by Paul Anderson discusses crop formations, suggesting that while some are man-made, a growing body of evidence points to an unexplained phenomenon. Anderson cites anomalies found in formations, such as complex lay patterns, stretched plant nodes, increased magnetic particle content, and electrical malfunctions, suggesting the involvement of electromagnetic or microwave energy.

UFO Sightings Galore Reported Over B.C.

Brian Vike, a ufologist and editor of Canadian Communicator magazine, reports a significant increase in UFO sightings in northern British Columbia. He has received 73 reports of strange lights and objects since February, compared to only five or six in the same period last year. Vike speculates that this increase might be linked to military activity in the area.

They Came from Outer Space – and Posed for Portraits

This article by Richard Owen explores the idea that ancient artists may have depicted UFOs in their paintings. Roberto Volterri, an archaeologist, claims that artists from the 15th century onwards included "strange objects in the sky" in their works, such as the "Solway Firth spaceman" photograph and paintings by Filippo Lippi, Masolino da Panicale, and Bonaventura Salimbeni. Art historian Martin Kemp offers a more conventional explanation, suggesting these were artistic representations of angels or clouds.

More Mysterious Lights in the Sky

This article from the Bridlington Free Press reports on a sighting of a mystery object by Lynne Steinman in Wilsthorpe, England. Steinman described a large, bright blob in the sky that moved significantly. The object was also seen by her neighbor. The article also includes a report from Kathleen and Christopher Wilson, who witnessed two strange red lights over fields near Haisthorpe and Thornholme, which moved erratically and at high speed.

UFO Sighting in Telkwa and Houston

This article from The Interior News details a sighting by Gordon Stewart in Telkwa, British Columbia, of a bright, round, white light with a yellowish hue that moved unusually fast. His wife had seen a similar light previously. A Canfor employee in Houston also reported seeing a similar phosphorescent object. Brian Vike, a UFO researcher, notes a significant increase in UFO sightings in northern B.C. and suspects it may be linked to military activity.

UFOs visit Grampians

This report from The Standard in Australia identifies the Grampians National Park as a hotspot for UFO sightings. Investigator Paul Norman notes a change in the patterns of sightings, with fewer large white objects and an increase in smaller luminous objects that exhibit blinking and coordinated movements.

Rocket Clue to Spaceman

This piece revisits the famous "Solway Firth spaceman" photograph from 1964, which shows a young girl with what appears to be an astronaut in the background. The photographer, James Templeton, maintains the picture is not a fake and notes that people in Australia had reported seeing similar figures near a Blue Streak rocket launch around the same time.

Stalin was a UFO Obsessive

This article from The Guardian suggests that Joseph Stalin, the Soviet dictator, was obsessed with UFOs and ordered investigations into the phenomenon, believing the US was covering up the Roswell incident. It claims that the USSR had seven research institutes and military departments studying UFOs, and that an alien rocket discovery provided vital technical knowledge for the Soviet space program.

Is There Anybody Out There?

Phil Taylor reflects on the Bermuda Triangle mystery and his own sighting of a flashing green light, which he believes was a UFO. He discusses the possibility that alien abduction could explain the Bermuda Triangle disappearances and shares his open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena.

Put UFO Cases on Database

This brief article from Medway Today encourages residents to record unusual activity and sightings of unidentified flying objects on a new UFO database provided by UFOTREK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent presence of UFO sightings across different regions and time periods, the ongoing debate about government transparency and secrecy regarding UFO information, and the human fascination with the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for scientific investigation. The publication seems to aim at documenting and disseminating information about UFO phenomena from diverse sources.

This issue of the Northwich Chronicle, dated November 20, 2002, features a prominent cover story titled "Alien abduction: Fact or fiction?" The magazine delves into various unexplained phenomena, including alien encounters, UFO sightings, and the growing scientific interest in the Bigfoot legend. It also includes reports on mysterious events from different parts of the world, such as animal mutilations in Argentina and unusual sightings in the Canadian Arctic.

Alien Abduction: Fact or Fiction?

The lead article collaborates with author Carl Nagaitis and UFO expert Philip Mantle to investigate claims of alien abduction. Nagaitis, a former Fleet Street journalist, initially approached the subject with cynicism but was convinced by the sincerity of those he interviewed. The book "Without Consent," co-authored with Mantle, explores numerous cases, including a detailed account of a Cheshire woman, referred to as Suzanne Brown, who claims to have suffered multiple abductions and believes she gave birth to an alien offspring. She recounts encounters with an alien visitor named 'Mykiro,' who she claims took her on expeditions and was involved in a pregnancy that resulted in a miscarriage, with the unborn child allegedly taken.

Eric Morris, a Rudheath investigator, is highlighted for his work with abductees, noting that people are more willing to discuss their experiences now than in the past. He emphasizes the need for social skills to gain the trust of witnesses and analyze their accounts. The article also touches upon the 'genetic harvesting' theory proposed by theorists like Budd Hopkins.

Mystery Sightings Multiply in Arctic

David Pugliese reports on a series of mysterious sightings in the Canadian Arctic, particularly around Baffin Island. Over the past couple of years, at least a dozen reports of unusual objects moving along or just below the water's surface have been recorded by Canadian Forces. These sightings, often accompanied by a lack of marine animals, have led to speculation about foreign submarine activity. Col. Pierre Leblanc, the recently retired commander of Canadian Forces Northern Area, had previously warned about other nations eyeing Canada's Arctic territories. While Navy Cmdr. Mike Considine suggested that strong currents or wind could explain some of the unusual waves, Leblanc advocates for not dismissing the observations of those who live in the region. He suggests using satellites with heat sensors and sonar systems to monitor movements in the Arctic.

Young Eyes' View of the UFO Debate

A letter to the editor from Kevin Childs expresses frustration with dismissive explanations for UFO sightings, such as kites or fireworks. Childs recounts a personal sighting of a UFO with pulsating red lights and changing light sequences, ruling out conventional explanations like helicopters or military planes. He argues that UFO sightings are newsworthy and encourages continued reporting, criticizing those who offer 'ridiculous ideas' without understanding the witness accounts.

Abductees Make Contact

This section reiterates the work of Eric Morris, a UFO expert from Mid Cheshire, who notes the increasing strangeness of alien abduction stories. He emphasizes the importance of investigators possessing social skills to gain the trust of abductees and analyze their experiences. Morris and his wife Linda, both nurses, have extensive experience in dealing with people in crisis, enabling them to catalogue hundreds of abduction cases.

An Out of This World Response to UFO Plea

Reports from Scotland indicate an "absolutely astonishing response" from the public to an appeal for witnesses of UFO sightings in north-east Fife. The Anglo Scottish UFO Research Agency (ASUFORA) received numerous calls and emails, leading to participation in a documentary and collaboration with other investigators. Sightings have been reported across Fife, including Dundee, Ballingry, RAF Leuchars, and Burnt Island. ASUFORA is seeking equipment and financial support to expand its professional group and is encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

Crop Circles Return

Paul Anderson of the Canadian Crop Circle Research Network reports the discovery of crop circles in southeastern Saskatchewan. One set, located south of Midale, consists of five circles and a larger broken ring. This is the third set found in the Midale area in four years. Another set was found near Esterhazy. Anderson plans to investigate these sites.

UFO Alert Over Triangle of Light

Adrian Childs and his son Kevin reported seeing a large, triangular-shaped light suspended in the air above playing fields in Leverstock Green, England. The object pulsed with red, white, and blue lights and moved out of sight at high speed. Adrian had previously reported a similar sighting.

ET-Prof's Star Prize

Craig Roberts, a psychology tutor at Totton College and an expert on extraterrestrials, has received a Spanish award for his work on UFOs. His college offers a UFO Studies course, one of the few A-level standard programs in the country.

Translations: Cattle Mutilations Continue

Several articles detail a series of cattle mutilations occurring across Argentina. Reports from Yatai, La Troja, Bartolome de las Casas, Balcarce, and Ulapes describe animals found dead with precise incisions, cauterization, missing eyes, tongues, and other body parts. The flesh is often described as unusual, with no bleeding and no decomposition, and sometimes dogs refuse to eat it. In some cases, the animals' bodies are found in geometrically significant arrangements. Strange lights and aerial phenomena are also frequently reported in conjunction with these events.

One report from El Fuerte describes mutilated birds, with entrails extracted through the anal sphincter. Another from Bahia Blanca mentions strange floating figures and red spheres seen at night.

Bigfoot Believers: Legitimate Scientific Study of Legend Gains Backing of Top Primate Experts

This section, spanning multiple pages, discusses the growing scientific interest in the Bigfoot phenomenon. Researchers like Richard Noll are photographing footprints, and leading primate experts, including Jane Goodall, George Schaller, Daris Swindler, Russell Mittermeier, and Esteban Sarmiento, are expressing openness to the possibility of Bigfoot's existence. Swindler, an anatomist, finds the Skookum Cast evidence compelling, suggesting it was made by a large bipedal primate. Schaller emphasizes the need for a "hard-eyed look" at the evidence, while Mittermeier remains guardedly optimistic. Skeptics point to hoaxes, such as those attributed to Ray Wallace, but experts like Esteban Sarmiento argue that some footprints are too detailed to be easily dismissed. The articles highlight the persistence of sightings and the potential for new discoveries, with researchers employing methods like infrared camera traps and pheromone-basted chips to gather evidence.

Camper Says She Was 12 Feet from Curious Giant

Julie Davis recounts an encounter in the San Juan National Forest, Colorado, where she saw a large, hairy creature, estimated to be 8 feet tall, standing about 12 feet from her tent. She describes it as having broad shoulders, fur-covered face, and human-like features. She also saw a slightly smaller animal behind it. Davis, a former volunteer with the Great Bear Foundation, believes the creature was not a bear and was not a hoax, despite the recent claims of Bigfoot hoaxes.

Boom Heard and Felt, Source is Mystery

A loud boom heard in the Cedarhome area of Stanwood, Washington, remains unexplained. Police received calls, but no cause was identified. Naval Air Station Whidbey confirmed no aircraft were involved, and the airspace is controlled, making a sonic boom unlikely.

Diver May Have Bumped into Ogopogo

A documentary film crew probing the Ogopogo mystery in Lake Okanagan, Canada, reported a close encounter. A diver was reportedly bumped by something in the water, which then vanished. The team describes seeing a black, serpent-like creature with eight humps.

Ice Meteors

A Spanish scientist suggests that the increase in reported ice meteors (megacryometeors) is a symptom of global warming. These ice chunks, formed from crystallized aircraft vapor trails, gather mass as they fall through the atmosphere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, including alien abductions, UFO sightings, cryptid research (Bigfoot), and mysterious animal mutilations. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from skeptical scientific inquiry to the earnest accounts of witnesses and researchers. There is a clear editorial stance of exploring these phenomena with an open mind, presenting evidence and witness testimonies, while also acknowledging the role of scientific investigation and the possibility of hoaxes. The inclusion of translated articles from South America highlights the global nature of these mysteries. The overall tone suggests a fascination with the unknown and a desire to understand events that defy conventional explanation.