UFO Newsclipping Service - 2003 04 - no 405

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated April 2003, is published by INDEPENDENT and features a cover headline stating that "Until the Grays land on the White House lawn, 'Ufology' is unlikely to go mainstream." The publication delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, personal encounters, and the broader cultural and scientific implications of the subject.

Ufology and Mainstream Acceptance

The lead article by John Dicker posits that ufology, the study of UFOs, is unlikely to achieve mainstream acceptance unless there is undeniable, public evidence, such as aliens landing on the White House lawn. It notes that while UFO sightings have become a global cultural phenomenon, with the 'Gray' alien image being ubiquitous, taking the subject too seriously can marginalize individuals. The article highlights El Paso County as a region with many devoted ufology enthusiasts.

Personal Accounts and Investigations

Ed Burke, a UFO field investigator and Assistant State Director for MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), discusses his work, emphasizing the importance of not asking leading questions during investigations. He notes that about 80-90% of sightings have natural explanations. Connie Isele, a resident of Divide, recounts recurring experiences of missing time and hair, and a metallic, ozone-like aroma in her home, which she has explored through hypnosis and support groups.

The Broader Context of UFO Belief

A Roper poll sponsored by the SCI FI cable channel for Steven Spielberg's miniseries 'Taken' revealed that 72% of Americans believe the government knows more about UFOs and extraterrestrials than it discloses. The article points out that UFOs and extraterrestrials are often used as media straw men, with sensational reports focusing on sightings and abductions, often neglecting the diversity within UFO research. Ufologists are divided on whether extraterrestrials are benevolent or hostile, and on the details of events like the Roswell incident.

Animal Mutilations and Crop Circles

The issue touches upon the phenomenon of animal mutilations, originating in Colorado's San Luis Valley with the case of Snippy the horse. Mool Verma, a forensic anthropologist, found 'indentation' consistent with predators in most cases, but no definitive conclusion. Larry Resel, a reverend and paranormal investigator, presented his findings on animal mutilations and sightings of bright lights in the sky. Ron Russell, a crop circle researcher, described crop circles as 'spiritual machines' that can disrupt magnetic fields and discussed instances where patterns appeared mysteriously. He also recounted an experience of encountering 'small men' around a campfire, suggesting crop circles might create space-time disturbances.

Spirituality and UFOs

Peggy Fletcher Stack's article "If they exist, are extraterrestrials good or evil?" explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with spirituality. Joe Firmage, a former skeptic, became a believer after an alien encounter, leading him to a new understanding of spirituality. The article discusses how Christians grapple with UFO beliefs, with authors like Hugh Ross, Kenneth Samples, and Mark Clark suggesting that UFOs are demonic. Conversely, others speculate that biblical events might have been UFO encounters. Firmage believes aliens are 'teachers' who offer insights and have advanced humanity's technological progress, citing instances of UFOs disabling human weapons.

Types of Encounters and Skepticism

The publication outlines different types of close encounters with aliens, from the First Kind (sighting) to the Fifth Kind (physical injury or death). It also addresses skepticism, with Robert Sheaffer of The UFO Skeptical Inquirer suggesting that elements of contemporary UFO abductions can be found in older comic strips. The article notes the cultural impact of UFOs in media like 'The X Files' and films such as 'Signs'.

Government Cover-ups and UFO Research

The Center for the Study of Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (CSETI) and its 'Disclosure Project' are highlighted for calling on the government to release information on UFOs and 'zero point energy.' CSETI believes that abduction phenomena are part of a government disinformation campaign to foster fear of extraterrestrials, asserting that 'real ETs are peaceful.' The article also mentions the challenges faced by UFO researchers, including a lack of institutional funding and the potential for ridicule, with many researchers only pursuing the topic after retirement.

Canadian UFO Sightings

An article reports that 2002 was a record year for UFO sightings in Canada, with 483 reported incidents, a significant increase from previous years. British Columbia is identified as Canada's UFO capital, accounting for a third of all sightings. The reports include sightings of white cylinders, objects with flashing lights, and disc-shaped craft. Researchers emphasize that while many sightings are explained, a significant number remain unexplained, though they do not offer definitive conclusions about alien spacecraft.

Specific Incidents and Investigations

The issue details several specific cases: the alleged UFO sighting over the Lehigh Valley in 1968, involving multiple witnesses including police officers; the 1965 Kecksburg incident in Pennsylvania, where an unidentified object was reportedly recovered; and the 1975 Travis Walton abduction case, which remains controversial despite a dramatized film adaptation. The article also mentions ongoing investigations into alleged sightings in Fife, Scotland, and a family's claim of being followed by a UFO in England.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent public fascination with UFOs and extraterrestrial life, the challenges of gaining scientific credibility for ufology, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. The publication presents a range of perspectives, from detailed accounts of alleged encounters and investigations to critical analyses and the cultural impact of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and exploring the various facets of ufology, acknowledging both the widespread belief and the scientific skepticism that surrounds it. The publication highlights the efforts of organizations like MUFON and CSETI in pursuing research and advocating for transparency, while also noting the difficulties faced by individuals and groups in this field.

This issue of the Daily Express, dated March 8, 2003, coincides with the final episode of the popular television series 'The X-Files.' The magazine explores the premise that some of the show's more outlandish storylines might not be entirely fictional, suggesting that government agencies have indeed investigated unexplained phenomena.

Real-Life X-Files: Government Investigations and Unexplained Phenomena

The article "Is the truth still out there?" by Nick Redfern highlights that government bodies like the CIA and MI5 have, on numerous occasions, delved into subjects that mirror the themes of 'The X-Files.' It mentions the declassification of a CIA file pertaining to the "Ararat Anomaly," believed to be the remains of Noah's Ark. British Government wartime files are also cited, including investigations into crop circle-like phenomena and studies on the Nazi fascination with the occult. A particularly bizarre case detailed is the British Admiralty's 19th-century "sea serpent" file, which documents encounters with large marine creatures.

The persistent mystery of "cattle mutilation" is also explored, with declassified FBI files showing numerous instances in the Seventies where cattle were found drained of blood, with organs removed and limbs broken, suggesting advanced surgical knowledge or unusual circumstances. The article notes that the perpetrators remain unknown.

The X-Files' Impact and Legacy

Montague Keen, a psychical researcher, suggests that while 'The X-Files' may have exaggerated subjects for popular appeal, its core premise—that governments withhold information about certain subjects—is valid. Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine, agrees, pointing to the vast amount of classified documents on UFOs held by governments as evidence that the full truth is not always revealed. David Sutton, editor of The Fortean Times, notes that 'The X-Files' brought paranormal subjects into the mainstream, sparking widespread interest in phenomena like strange weather, fish falls, and abduction stories.

International UFO Sightings and Mysteries

The issue features several reports of UFO sightings and related phenomena from around the world:

• Canada: A National Post article by Ian Macleod discusses the "'60s UFO craze" in Canada, noting that then-Prime Minister Lester Pearson was intrigued by reports of unidentified flying objects, even during a period of government crisis.
• England: Reports from the Cannock Chase Post detail "mystery light shows" observed by night-shift workers at a factory, described as bright balls of light performing strange ballets in the sky. Another report from Filey & Hunmanby Mercury mentions a UFO spotter looking to form a club to watch the skies.
• Scotland: The Press & Journal reports that a "UFO" spotted over Loch Ness might have been Venus or Jupiter.
• Argentina: Several reports from Planetaufo detail UFO sightings in Buenos Aires Province, including fireballs and intense white lights. A large circle with burned grass was found in a soybean field, reminiscent of a previous incident involving a drained water tank and melted electrical systems.
• Mexico: A report from Centro de Analisis de Fenomenos Espaciales describes the sighting of "metal spheres" over the Yucatan Peninsula.
• Peru: A UFO was sighted over the Peruvian Amazon city of Pucallpa.
• Puerto Rico: Multiple reports detail the reappearance of the "Chupacabras," a creature alleged to attack and kill animals, leaving them drained of blood. Incidents include the slaying of rabbits and goats, and the discovery of strange animal remains.
• Argentina: Further reports from El Tribuno describe the investigation into a "strange bipedal animal" with a humanoid appearance, accused of devouring animals and attacking people in the forested area of Arroyo Salado. Witnesses describe a hairy body, large ears and eyes, powerful claws, and deafening howls.

Other Paranormal and Unexplained Phenomena

• Cattle Mutilation Expert: A report from the Journal, St. Paul, Alberta, Canada, features Fern Belzil, described as Canada's only cattle mutilation expert, who investigates these occurrences across North America.
• Bigfoot Sightings: The Express & Star reports on "Night terror with a British Bigfoot," detailing alleged sightings of an ape-like creature in the UK, including a Staffordshire sighting and a theory that these could be "ghosts of apes."
• Atlantis Speculation: A SUN, Vancouver, B.C., Canada article discusses "Ocean-floor images" of smooth, white stones in a geometric pattern near Cuba, which have led to speculation about the lost city of Atlantis.
• Ghost Hunting: The Arkansas Times features a group of Arkansas ghosthunters, CASPR (Central Arkansas Society for Paranormal Research), who investigate alleged haunted locations, using equipment to detect paranormal activity.
• Sociologist of the Supernatural: A New York Times obituary for Marcello Truzzi, a sociologist who studied the supernatural, including parapsychology and flying saucers, is included. He was known for his skeptical yet open-minded approach to such claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the persistent mysteries surrounding UFOs, alleged cryptid encounters (Chupacabras, Bigfoot), unexplained animal deaths (cattle mutilation), and the possibility of government cover-ups regarding these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and witness accounts without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibility that "the truth is still out there."