UFO Newsclipping Service - 2003 06 - no 407

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated June 2003 and identified as Number 407, is published by Lucius Farish from Plumerville, Arkansas, USA. The cover headline boldly asks, "IS SOMEONE THERE? Chances are, you don't believe in aliens - unless you've been taken by them," setting a tone of personal experience and belief.

Feature Articles

Stan Romanek's Encounters The lead article by Kelli Lackett profiles Stan Romanek, a former Denver resident who transformed from a skeptic to an "experiencer" after witnessing a UFO in December 2000. Romanek recounts seeing a flying object twice the size of a van and describes subsequent events, including two instances where he believes he was taken by aliens. He is among hundreds of "experiencers" seeking help from hypnotherapist Deborah Lindemann in Fort Collins. Lindemann, who runs the Center for Extraordinary Explorations, specializes in helping people with paranormal experiences and leads a confidential support group. She notes that while many cases have other explanations, a significant portion are potential encounter cases. Lindemann also expresses caution about the methodology of a 1991 Roper Poll suggesting millions of Americans have had alien encounters, noting that indicators could also point to out-of-body or angel encounters.

Romanek's experience under hypnosis revealed humanoid creatures visiting his sister's house, and he described being subjected to procedures. He also claims the creatures revealed complex mathematical equations to him, which he, despite a learning disability, wrote down. These equations are said to relate to quantum physics concepts like wormholes and zero-point energy.

Susan, a 52-year-old Estes Park resident, shares her decade-long experience with "missing time" and paranormal events, starting with seeing a flying disc in 1973. She sought psychological evaluation, which found her mentally stable but noted similarities to victims of rape. Lindemann suggests that while sleep paralysis can be mistaken for abduction, it doesn't explain all encounters. She emphasizes that memories of abductions are often repetitive and intensely emotional, feeling real on a deep level.

Interstellar Travel: A Scientific Perspective A POST, Washington, D.C. article by Guy Gugliotta explores the scientific contemplation of interstellar transit. It references a 1977 UFO crash in Council Bluffs, Iowa, as a jumping-off point for discussing how extraterrestrial visitors might travel. Physicists like Michio Kaku and Ralph L. McNutt Jr. discuss the immense timescales involved in space travel and theoretical concepts like "warp speed" and "wormholes." NASA scientists are exploring "beamed energy sails" that could potentially reduce travel time to nearby stars to decades rather than centuries. However, the article concludes that comfortable interstellar travel for Earthlings is not currently feasible, though some scientists believe it may be attainable in the distant future.

Crop Circles: A Message or a Hoax?

Several articles address the phenomenon of crop circles. A CECIL WHIG article by Ed Okonowicz features George Reynolds, a director of the Northeast Maryland Chapter of MUFON. Reynolds, a former archaeologist and electronics technician, discusses his opinion of the movie "Signs" and provides a technical explanation of crop circles, noting they are more common in wheat and barley fields than corn. He acknowledges that some are hoaxes but believes the increasing number, speed of creation, and physical changes in crops suggest otherwise. Reynolds details the investigative process, including looking for bent stalks, particle expulsion, heat in soil, and unusual electromagnetic readings. His findings are sent to Dr. W. C. Levengood for analysis.

A SUN, Vancouver, B.C. article by Katherine Monk profiles director Robert Nichol and his documentary "Star Dreams." Nichol, a former National Film Board filmmaker, believes crop circles are a form of communication from a higher consciousness, intended to aid humanity's awakening. He dismisses human-made explanations due to the scale and complexity of the formations and suggests that Earth may be quarantined due to past negative contact experiences. He sees "Star Trek" as a preparation for contact.

An ESSEX CHRONICLE article reports on UFOlogists investigating claims of an object spotted twice over the county on the same night. The TELEGRAPH & ARGUS highlights Keighley, England, as a "UFO hotspot" to be featured on national TV, with expert Nigel Mortimer discussing local phenomena.

UFO Festivals and Events

The STATESMAN JOURNAL reports on the Fourth Annual UFO Festival in McMinnville, Oregon, which features speakers, costumes, and an extraterrestrial theme. The event includes talks by Stanton Friedman and Peter Robbins, a UFO parade, a costume ball, and a film festival showcasing documentaries on UFOs, Mars bases, and crop circles.

A TIMES, Seattle, WA article by Mark Rahner discusses the Northwest UFO/Paranormal Conference, highlighting speakers like "implant surgeon" Dr. Roger Leir, ghost hunters, and Bigfoot investigators. The article notes the prevalence of belief in paranormal phenomena among Americans, citing polls on belief in ghosts, astrology, and reincarnation.

Other Sightings and Cases

A DAILY STAR article details the Berwyn Mountains UFO crash in Wales in January 1974, where witnesses reported a disc-like craft falling and an army cordon being established. A nurse claimed to have seen non-human bodies at the crash site before being silenced by the military. An electronics engineer later found strange metal fragments with unusual electrical properties.

The WIDNES WEEKLY NEWS reports on the Army cordoning off a crash site following UFO sightings in the Berwyn Mountains, Wales, in 1974, suggesting it could be the "Welsh Roswell."

The INFORMER reports on a website set up by John Reeks to trace extraterrestrial sightings in Richmond Park, England, where he claims to have seen an orb and a creature with a large head.

The EVENING NEWS reports on a video contest for UFO watchers organized by Russ Kellett in Scarborough, England, aiming to find the best footage of aerial activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of belief, skepticism, and personal experience regarding UFOs and paranormal phenomena. There's a recurring theme of government secrecy and cover-ups, as well as the scientific community's cautious approach to these subjects. The publication seems to lean towards presenting anecdotal evidence and personal testimonies, while also including scientific perspectives and discussions on the feasibility of phenomena like interstellar travel. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained events, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations.

This issue of "Take me to your ringleader" from MERCURY, Leicester, England, dated September 13, 2002, focuses on the enduring mystery of crop circles and their potential connection to UFOs and other unexplained phenomena. The cover story, "MEL GIBSON'S SPOOKY NEW BLOCKBUSTER, SIGNS, FINDS A CHILLING EXPLANATION FOR CROP CIRCLES. LEE MARLOW FINDS MORE EARTHLY SUSPECTS IN LEICESTERSHIRE," sets the tone for an exploration of these enigmatic formations.

Crop Circles: Hoaxes or Something More?

The lead article by Lee Marlow delves into the phenomenon of crop circles, which appear globally at a rate of about 250 per year. While Wiltshire is noted as the 'crop circle capital,' the article highlights that Leicestershire also had its share of these formations in the past, though it has been quiet for over a year. Farmer Charles Tyler dismisses the idea of mysterious origins, stating they are "man-made" and a "nuisance" that damages crops and costs farmers money. He questions how people can attribute them to anything other than human activity.

County farmers' leader Phil Abbot echoes this sentiment, believing they are "just hoaxers" with "nothing mysterious." However, David Icke, a Leicester-born prophet, offers a more esoteric interpretation, suggesting crop symbols are a "desperate attempt by the spirit of the Earth to ask creation for help before it is too late" because "she knows she is going to die."

Peter Doye of the Wiltshire-based Centre for Crop Circle Studies presents a more balanced view. He estimates that "as many as six out of every 10 crop circles, maybe more, are created by hoaxers," but emphasizes that "if you've got one genuine crop circle, that's enough. What has caused that? What does it mean?" He notes that even man-made crop circles can exude an "eerie, paranormal energy."

The article also touches on the history of crop circles, with large circular swirls first reported in the 17th century. It mentions the claim by Doug Bower and Dave Chorley in 1991 that they invented the phenomenon as a prank, but notes that over 300 documented formations predated their claim.

Scientific Explanations and UFO Sightings

An "Appliance of science helps to solve mysteries" section features Dr. Martin Barstow, a reader in space science and astrophysics at Leicester University. He reiterates that at least 80 percent of crop circles are man-made, created by "hoaxers" with "wooden boards, a diagram and a piece of string." Simpler ones might be caused by "isolated weather patterns or freak bursts of wind," or even "underlying archaeological factors." He dismisses the idea of Mother Earth warning of doom as "rubbish."

Another article, "Experts study Yorks UFO film," reports on UFO experts examining footage of a strange object spotted over Selby. UFO researcher Graham Birdsall described the video as "intriguing," while Russell Kellett called it "bizarre footage." The object appeared to change shape, initially dark and discoid, then turning on its side. The film has been sent for analysis to Prof. Roger Green, a Home Office expert witness.

The Truth is Out There: Paranormal Investigations and Encounters

An article titled "The truth is out there" introduces Stephen Mera, head tutor of MAPIT (Manchester Association of Paranormal Investigations and Training). MAPIT offers a 20-week course in anomalous phenomena, covering UFOs, crop circles, ghosts, and more. The group has been called upon by police and the city council for investigations, including poltergeists and hauntings.

Stephen Mera believes ghosts interacting with individuals is "reasonably common." The course instructors have backgrounds in psychology and psychoanalysis. MAPIT investigates paranormal phenomena and assists those who report them, providing rational explanations or confirming the presence of the unexplained.

Another piece, "Hundreds travel across the world to discuss unexplained phenomena," covers a conference in Dorchester organized by UFO expert David Kingston. The event discussed topics like the Ark of the Covenant, crop circles, and fears surrounding the year 2012. Over 300 visitors attended from various countries. The conference's success is partly attributed to the popularity of Steven Spielberg's TV series "Taken."

"Did aliens, nature or hoaxers make 60ft crop circle? A FIELD OF MYSTERIES" reports on a 60ft crop circle found on farmer Tom Ashton's land in Wigan. Ashton, a believer in natural explanations, is baffled. Wigan ufologist Steve Balon, however, believes it's a result of "extra terrestrial activity," recalling similar UFO activity in the area in the 1980s.

"'We were faced with the unknown'" details musician Sally Hope's experience of a UFO encounter on a Welsh mountaintop in August 1988, which inspired her music. She describes seeing "dark, shadowy oval shapes" and "pillars of light." The encounter made her feel that "anything is possible" and that "we are not alone in this world."

"Which force from beyond uses these crop calling cards?" by Emily Twinch, discusses the increasing frequency and elaboration of crop circles in Hampshire. Lucy Pringle, a crop circle researcher, believes in an "intelligence beyond this planet" and notes that some people experienced physical relief after being in crop circles. She tests nitrate and protein content to find explanations, rejecting simple man-made theories. She suggests a powerful "energy force" from "beyond" causes the circles.

Farmers, however, view crop circles as a "bane," costing them an estimated £250 per acre in lost profit due to damaged crops. The article "Phenomena the bane of a farmer's life" highlights this perspective.

Bigfoot and Other Mysteries

"Bigfoot's toehold on region up for debate" by Carl Prine, explores the phenomenon of Bigfoot sightings in western Pennsylvania, which rank third nationwide. Stan Gordon, a longtime UFO and Bigfoot tracker, notes that Pennsylvania's Bigfoot is often associated with UFOs and supernatural elements, such as glowing red eyes and mysterious disappearances. He mentions theories about Bigfoot's diet and attraction to trailer parks.

"Scientists keep ears to skies" by David Perlman, discusses the SETI(at)home project, which uses volunteer computer power to analyze radio signals from space for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence. While acknowledging the low probability of finding a signal, the project continues to search.

"Ghostly, ghastly and green" by Laura Giovanelli, covers the 2nd annual Pennsylvania Paranormal Conference in Gettysburg, which drew attendees interested in ghosts, UFOs, Bigfoot, and spontaneous human combustion. Speakers included paranormal researchers and authors.

"UFOs, Bigfoot, ghosts, oh my" reports on the same Gettysburg conference, highlighting attendees' personal experiences and interests in the unexplained. It mentions Sharon Miller's UFO sighting and Karen Graves' interest in ghost stories. Ed Dubil Jr. shares his belief in ghosts, supported by his dog Brutus's reactions.

"McCracken to give program on hoax about King Crowley" by Curt Hodges, discusses the controversy surrounding "King Crowley," a stone effigy found in Northeast Arkansas in the 1920s. Historian Lloyd McCracken Sr. will present on the topic, asserting that the objects were a hoax proven multiple times, despite some believing they were made by ancient humans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a focus on crop circles and UFOs. While acknowledging scientific explanations and the prevalence of hoaxes, there is a clear interest in the possibility of genuine paranormal or extraterrestrial phenomena. The articles present a range of perspectives, from skeptical debunking to open-minded investigation and personal testimony. The overall stance appears to be one of curiosity and a willingness to entertain possibilities beyond conventional understanding, while also grounding some discussions in scientific inquiry and the practical impact on individuals and communities.