UFO Newsclipping Service - 2003 08 - no 409

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE
Issue: Number 409
Date: August 2003
Publisher: Lucius Farish

This issue of UFO Newsclipping Service delves into the intriguing world of UFO phenomena, crop circles, and alleged alien encounters. It features a cover story on crop circles in Solano, California, drawing spiritual seekers and exploring the 'healing energy' associated with these formations. The magazine also presents various articles on UFO sightings, historical evidence, and personal accounts of abductions and mysterious aerial phenomena from different parts of the world.

Crop Circles in Solano, California

The lead article, "Space aliens? In Solano? The mystic set comes 'round to see crop circles, feel the healing energy," by J. Laurino, reports on the phenomenon of crop circles appearing in a wheat field in Rockville, Solano County, California. The appearance of these circles attracted a crowd of 'true believers, visionaries, psychics and people in purple robes' who sought to experience the 'cosmic power' and 'healing energy' of the sites. Visitors like Lily Kyle and Sylvia Keita shared their experiences, with Kyle feeling 'intense' energy and Keita sensing 'healing energy.' The article notes that crop circles have been appearing in England for about 30 years and are often attributed to pranksters using ropes and wood. However, some, like author Carolyn North, believe they are 'authentic happenings' and 'genuine mysteries.' Farmer Larry Balestra, the owner of the field, believes the circles are the work of late-night pranksters and estimates the damage to his wheat crop at $500.

Close Encounters and UFO Classifications

An article titled "World of Wonder" discusses the enduring human fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life and visits. It introduces Dr. Allen J. Hynek's classification system for 'Close Encounters':

• First Kind: UFO sightings at a distance of 500 feet or less.
• Second Kind: UFOs having an effect on Earth, such as leaving imprints or causing electromagnetic interference.
• Third Kind: Witnessing both the spacecraft and its occupants.
• Fourth Kind: Close interaction with an alien, often involving abduction.
• Fifth Kind: Purposeful communication between humans and aliens.

The article also touches upon the mystery of crop circles, noting that they are often bent, not broken, and that their complex geometric patterns are difficult to explain by conventional means. Some theories suggest they appear near ancient burial mounds or historic sites.

Historical Evidence of UFOs

Another section, "Evidence of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs)?" explores historical claims supporting the existence of extraterrestrial visitors. It mentions cave and rock paintings from various ancient sites (Tanzania, France, Peru, Italy, Sahara Desert, Australia) as early visual examples. It also highlights a 10th-century Tibetan illustration of what appear to be floating hats with portholes, described as 'circular or cylindrical aircraft.' The article references a UFO sighting at Windsor Castle in 1783 and early photographic evidence from 1870-71 showing a cigar-shaped UFO in a cloud formation over Mount Washington. The Roswell incident in 1947 is also mentioned, with claims of a government cover-up of a crashed spacecraft and its occupants, though the military maintains it was a weather balloon.

An Abductee's Story

"An abductee's story" by Robert Nott features an interview with Gloria Ann Hawker, author of "Morning Glory: Diary of an Alien Abductee." Hawker recounts nearly 13 years of alleged encounters with aliens, including painful medical experiments by 'the Greys,' abductions involving human military and government figures, and disturbing predictions about Saddam Hussein. She describes how documenting her experiences helped her and her family cope. Hawker discusses the physical nature of abductions, the potential for alien communication through focused thought, and her belief that aliens warned her about Saddam Hussein's biochemical weapons, suggesting they might be hidden in water. She also reflects on the possibility of alien disclosure and the conditions under which humanity might be accepted into a galactic federation.

"Baffling!" - Alien Art and Museum Exhibits

Teri Thomson Randall's article "Baffling!" contrasts the creativity of alleged 'alien art' with human art, as seen in an exhibit at the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell. The author notes the intricate and complex designs of crop circles, comparing them favorably to the 'ho-hum' human art displayed. The article discusses the possibility that crop circles are messages from higher intelligence or elaborate hoaxes. It highlights the work of Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, who claimed to have started the crop circle phenomenon in England in 1978 using simple tools. The article also touches upon the emotional impact of alien-themed artwork, such as a depiction of a stranded alien, prompting reflection on the alien perspective in discussions about the Roswell Incident.

Extraterrestrial Culture Day Proposal

Another piece by Teri Thomson Randall, "Extraterrestrial Culture Day," details a proposal by Daniel R. Foley, a Republican state representative from Roswell, New Mexico, to designate the second Tuesday in February as 'Extraterrestrial Culture Day.' The legislation acknowledges New Mexico's 'unique and dynamic mosaic of cultural anomalies' and the contributions of extraterrestrials to the state's recognition and economy. The proposal aims to enhance relationships among 'citizens of the cosmos' and includes transmitting a copy of the memorial into space as a token of peace.

Mystery in the Wheat Fields

Several articles focus on the crop circle phenomenon. "Mystery in the wheat" by Tim Fields reports on farmer Larry Balestra discovering numerous crop circles in his wheat field in Rockville, California. Balestra believes they are vandalism, while others suggest extraterrestrial origins or natural causes. The article notes that crop circles have been appearing for centuries, with increasing complexity in recent decades. Another article, "Strange phenomena in Fairfield," also by Tim Fields, discusses the large and complex crop circles in Fairfield, California, with researchers from BLT Research Team Inc. suggesting the elliptical nature and single geometric center indicate they are not man-made. However, evidence like the dryness of the wheat and lack of elongation in stalks points to human involvement. The article also mentions local reports of strange events, including UFO sightings and dogs reacting to unseen phenomena.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

"UFO SIGHTING IN COUNTY'S SKIES" reports on a pilot's sighting of a 'ball of light' near Stansted Airport, England, and a similar sighting by John Wilson over Mersea Island. Police confirmed the pilot's report as an 'unidentified flying object.' The article also mentions a previous sighting by Mr. Wilson in London in the late 1950s. "UFO experts probe sighting of glass dome-like structure" discusses the recognition of Keighley, England, as a UFO hotspot, with expert Nigel Mortimer set to debate local phenomena on national TV. The article mentions a sighting of a craft with human-type figures inside a glass dome-like structure. "THE SECRETS OF THE STARS?" explores the renewed public interest in UFOs, partly fueled by Steven Spielberg's series 'Taken.' It features accounts from individuals like Brian Hampson, who saw diamond-shaped craft, and Patricia Winfield, who has had multiple sightings. The article also mentions an exhibition at the National Space Centre in Leicester claiming to show 'photographic proof of life beyond Earth,' including images from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory that Nasa initially dismissed as camera faults. "Lights in the sky spark UFO fears" details sightings in Stanford-le-Hope, England, with a UFO expert suggesting alien craft might be sheltering in Earth's atmosphere, while skeptics propose explanations like milkweed seeds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mystery and prevalence of crop circles, the ongoing debate about their origins (alien vs. human hoax), and the persistent reports of UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters worldwide. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various perspectives from believers, researchers, and skeptics without definitively concluding on the nature of these phenomena. There's a clear interest in historical accounts, personal testimonies, and the cultural impact of UFO beliefs, including legislative proposals and museum exhibits.

This issue of the Telegraph & Argus, dated May 5, 2003, focuses on UFO sightings and paranormal investigations, with a prominent cover story about a retired detective hunting for a 'little green man' reportedly seen in Bradford.

Cover Story: Did You See the Little Green Man in a Pointy Hat?

The main article by Janet Faulkner details the investigation by retired detective John Hanson into UFO phenomena, specifically a sighting from 1954 in Bradford, England. A lorry driver reported seeing a creature about four feet tall with a peculiar walk in Roundhill Street. Hanson, who admits he was a skeptic until a 1995 incident involving an unexplained object over Birmingham, is now writing a book about UFOs and seeking witnesses. He believes unexplained phenomena may be linked to ancient 'energy fields' rather than extraterrestrial visitations. He is appealing for anyone with information to contact him.

Page 2: Stargazers Keep Eyes on the Skies

This section features the Hull UFO Society, with Sean Tierney, a five-year member, discussing his belief in something 'out there' and encouraging people to look up. The society meets to discuss sightings and issues. Tierney recounts an incident in Scarborough where he and his son saw two lights hovering, which were also reported in Leeds and Nottingham, and could not be explained by the RAF or MOD. Rita Jennings, who has never had a UFO sighting herself but has been interested in the paranormal for five years, encourages curious individuals to visit the club, describing it as friendly. Darron Railton, a member since 1997, highlights the social aspect of the group, stating it's not just for 'nerdy geeks' but a cross-section of people looking for answers.

Page 3-7: Translations

This section contains translated articles from various South American and Spanish-language newspapers, focusing on a range of paranormal and unexplained events:

• Mysterious Disappearances in Pampa Union, Chile (July 10, 2003): Reports on the unsolved disappearance of Mireya Suarez in Pampa Union, a former nitrate camp, and the mysterious deaths of those who were to testify in the case. It also mentions a sighting by Gustavo Pojas of a man in black with a top hat vanishing in the ruins.

• Chupacabras Gets a Beating, Chile (July 12, 2003): A couple from Vina del Mar reported an animal, allegedly the Chupacabras, attacking their ducks, leaving one with a perforated spine and three missing. The animal was described as having shiny eyes and moving in a semi-erect position.

• Chupacabras in La Palmilla, Chile (July 17, 2003): Farmers reported 29 hens exsanguinated with twin holes on their necks, attributed to the Chupacabras. The event occurred simultaneously in two houses without any noise being heard, even by guard dogs.

• Chupacabras Prints to be Studied, Chile (July 21, 2003): The GEO Group is studying prints from an alleged Chupacabras attack on chickens in La Palmilla. Researcher Alfredo Nilo cast prints and collected hair samples. The attacker's claws were described as thin and sharp, and tools used in the henhouse reportedly acquired radiation.

• More Mutilated Cattle Discovered, Argentina (July 24, 2003): Cattle mutilations continue in Valle Medio, Argentina, with a cow found missing an eye, udders, and reproductive organs, with no tracks indicating the attacker.

• More Mutilated Cattle in La Pampa, Argentina (July 24, 2003): Three calves and a cow were found mutilated near General Acha, Argentina. The animals were missing eyes, ears, tongues, and nipples, and their carcasses emitted smoke or vapor.

• Witnesses to the Incredible: Winged Weirdoes and Imps, Chile (July 27, 2003): Four teenagers in Calama, Chile, reported witnessing six strange, winged humanoid beings, about 1.5 meters tall, attack and mutilate a lamb. The beings had glossy black skin, large heads, immense black eyes, and powerful claws.

• Witnesses to the Incredible: The Second Case, Chile (N/A): A group of friends and Diego's uncle witnessed six small beings, about 60 cm tall, emerge from a thicket and attack a lamb, squeezing it and digging their claws into its neck. The beings emitted a strong odor of rotten eggs and sulfur and laughed grotesquely. The lamb had to be sacrificed due to its injuries.

• More Mutilated Cows Discovered, Argentina (August 4, 2003): Three cows were found mutilated in the Valle Medio region, missing tongues, eyes, udders, and genitalia.

• UFO Seen from Barrio Norte, Argentina (August 8, 2003): A resident of Necochea reported seeing a 'flying saucer' crossing the sky.

• Mexico is 'UFO Headquarters', Mexico (February 13, 2003): UFO researcher Sixto Paz Wells claims that since a 1991 eclipse, Mexico has seen about 40 unidentified flying objects daily, suggesting the country plays a special role in extraterrestrial manifestations. He advises people to doubt but not reject, using logic, intuition, and intelligence.

Page 8: The Spirits Move Him

This article by Keith L. Alexander profiles Frank Hatfield, an FAA supervisor who is also a skeptical ghost hunter and a member of the New York Ghost Chapter. Hatfield uses scientific gadgets and a rational approach to investigate alleged hauntings, seeking empirical evidence. He describes an investigation at the Beekman Hotel, where phenomena included a moving doorstop, tugs on clothing, strange noises, and objects falling. While the owners became convinced, Hatfield remains an 'open-minded skeptic' until he sees definitive proof.

Page 9: Seeking Paranormal Proof

This piece by Russ Bynum discusses Scott Flagg, a parapsychology investigator who uses high-tech equipment to search for paranormal proof. Andrew Nichols, a psychology professor, is introduced as a certified field investigator who teaches the trade. Nichols believes ghosts are not spirits of the dead but psychic energy imprinted on physical objects by traumatic events, replayed like a VCR. He notes that many cases can be explained by natural causes or fakery, but encourages persistence.

• Bigfoot Leaves a Big Puddle (Guardian, July 1, 2003): China's version of Bigfoot has reportedly been sighted again in the Shennongjia nature reserve, with witnesses claiming to have seen a 5 ft 4 in tall creature and finding a large patch of foul-smelling urine-like liquid.

• Loch Ness Monster a Myth, BBC Says (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, July 31, 2003): A BBC research team using sonar and satellites found no signs of the Loch Ness Monster, concluding it is a myth and that sightings are due to people seeing what they want to see.

Page 10: Legendary Beasts Creep, Slither in the State's Forests and Waters

This article by Ron Wolfe explores legendary creatures reported in Arkansas. Craig Ogilvie, a travel writer, logged accounts of various monsters, including:

• The Fouke Monster: A six-foot-tall, shaggy, and stinky creature reported in the Sulphur River swamps since the 1940s, popularized by the movie 'The Legend of Boggy Creek'.
• The White River Monster: A sea-serpent-like creature reported in the White River near Newport since 1915.
• Monster-size bullfrogs and giant turtles: Accounts from the 1700s.
• Mr. Jones: An old being said to have vanished into a cavern beneath Cave City after the Civil War.
• The Heber Springs Water Panther: A creature described as part mountain lion, part Bigfoot, and part fish.
• The Gowrow: A 20-foot-long, tusked lizard reported in the Ozarks.
• The Galliwampus: A huge panther.
• The Giasticutus: Mentioned alongside the Galliwampus.

The article suggests that many early tales were fabricated by isolated families for entertainment. It also notes that Bigfoot-type creatures have been reported in Northwest Arkansas and Pine Bluff.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained with scientific investigation and skepticism. While some articles present eyewitness accounts of UFOs, cryptids like the Chupacabras and Bigfoot, and alleged hauntings, there is also an underlying theme of seeking rational explanations or proof. The Hull UFO Society emphasizes a scientific approach, Frank Hatfield remains an 'open-minded skeptic,' and the BBC debunks the Loch Ness Monster. The translations section highlights a variety of paranormal events from different regions, often with a focus on witness testimony and the challenges of verification. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the paranormal, balanced with a critical and scientific perspective.