UFO Newsclipping Service - 2003 09 - no 410

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated September 2003, focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly the renowned Socorro UFO incident and the ongoing mystery of crop circles. The publication compiles various news clippings from different sources, offering a broad perspective on UFO sightings, investigations, and related topics.

Socorro's UFO Incident Still Unexplained

The lead article revisits the famous 1964 incident involving New Mexico patrolman Lonnie Zamora. On April 24, 1964, Zamora, while in pursuit of a speeder, investigated a sound like an explosion. He encountered an egg-shaped object supported by legs, described as being about 10-15 feet away. After hearing a loud roar and seeing a bluish flame, Zamora took cover. Upon looking again, the object had risen, its legs retracted. State Police Sgt. Sam Chavez joined Zamora in investigating the site, which became the focus of intense analysis by UFO experts worldwide. The article notes that Zamora's account has been consistent and is considered one of the most widely circulated UFO stories. Despite his initial willingness to discuss the event, a retired Zamora declined an interview for this article, stating he no longer talks about it. The piece references an article from the El Defensor Chieftain in February 1965, which quoted Jacques Vallee suggesting the object might have been an experimental US device, but Vallee also concluded the report was "100 percent unexplained." The article also includes a quote from Hector Quintanilla Jr., former head of Project Bluebook, who vouched for Zamora's reliability and stated that the case remained unexplained despite thorough investigation.

UFO Network's Volunteers Scour the Skies

This section highlights the work of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), a nonprofit corporation founded in 1969, described as the world's largest civilian UFO research organization. MUFON utilizes volunteer investigators trained in witness interviewing and evidence collection. The organization has chapters in all 50 states, with the Colorado chapter having 122 members. Ed Burke, assistant state director for Colorado MUFON, notes that while sightings are infrequent in the Pikes Peak region, the Black Forest area is known for "strange stuff." Leslie Varnicle, state director, shares her experience of witnessing a craft about 150 feet off the ground and believes MUFON's evidence makes for a compelling case. The article also provides a list of websites for further research into UFOs, including the Center for UFO Studies (cufos.org), NSA UFO information (nsa.gov/docs/efoia/released/ufo.html), about.com's UFO section (ufos.about.com/mbody.htm), and the National UFO Reporting Center (nuforc.org).

Crop Circles: Copycats, or Aliens' Return?

Several articles discuss crop circles. One from the Daily Republic (Fairfield, CA) reports on a new crop circle design found near the larger Rockville formation, described as a circle with a stem, but with ill-defined edges. Jon-Erik Beckjord, former director of a UFO museum, suggests reasons for new shapes range from pranks to alien activity. The Rockville formation itself is noted as the largest and most complex design reported in the US. Beckjord initially doubted its authenticity but was convinced by its size and complexity. He acknowledges the difficulty in proving a crop circle wasn't made by humans unless witnessed. A Fairfield woman, Lacilia Langlais, reported seeing three oval shapes descend near Rockville Road. Another article from the Reporter (Vacaville, CA) discusses the media frenzy surrounding crop circles, contrasting it with the state budget deficit. It questions the seriousness with which the crop circle phenomenon is treated. The Gazette (Colorado Springs, CO) features the UFO Watchtower in the San Luis Valley, run by Judy Messoline, which has become a tourist attraction for UFO enthusiasts. Messoline, who started the site after her cattle business failed, claims to have witnessed 16 UFOs herself.

A separate article from the Daily Republic (Fairfield, CA) titled "Sheriff says circle seekers must respect property" addresses the issue of sightseers trampling and taking from crop circle sites. Solano County Sheriff Gary Stanton warns that trespassing and vandalism are crimes. Larry Balestra, a farmer whose wheat field was the site of the largest US crop circle formation, has lost hundreds of dollars due to people visiting his field. Another formation, resembling a caterpillar, was discovered in Vacaville. Steve Mereno of PsiApplications is investigating these sites for BLT Research Team Inc., noting that the corn field circles were "cut out" and that a significant portion of the mass was gone, possibly due to incineration.

An article from the Sunday Express (London, England) titled "Bizarre crop circles could be the cryptic answer to question beamed into space" highlights Eric Beckjord's experiment where he painted a binary message asking "What do you want from us?" on a plastic sheet near a crop circle formation. He claims an answer arrived in the form of a crop circle resembling swallows flying in formation. Beckjord believes extraterrestrials communicate through symbols and analogies.

Truth or Not, They're Out There: Eclectic Group on Lookout for UFOs at San Luis Valley Ranch

This article from The Denver Post details the second annual UFO Watch event held at Judy Messoline's UFO Watchtower and Campground in Hooper, Colorado. Over 50 people attended, including those who identify as "hybrids" or alien abductees. Moi-Ra Dove claims to be from Venus on an interplanetary mission, while Ra-Ja Dove claims to be from Jupiter. Judy Messoline, who initially started the site to manage people camping on her property, now runs it as a business and has witnessed numerous sightings herself. The event featured speakers discussing paranormal experiences, including alien abductions and extraterrestrial encounters. Gloria Hawker shared her experiences of being used as an incubator for hybrid children by "The Grays." Tim Edwards, a UFO videographer, presented his footage of a UFO. Messoline expressed skepticism about the "little green men" theory but has become less skeptical after her own experiences and sightings.

Watching for Aliens: Local Man Tracks Down UFO Reports

Sylvia Schon's article for the Daily Star (Hammond, LA) profiles Scott Arnett, a field investigator for MUFON. Arnett, a retired paramedic, approaches UFO reports with a logical outlook, aiming for the middle ground between extreme believers and debunkers. He notes that 96-98% of reported sightings are explainable as normal aircraft, swamp gas, or celestial bodies like Venus. However, he is intrigued by the remaining 2-3%. Arnett recounts his first investigation in 1976 involving hunters who reported an object hovering erratically over a swamp, leaving a 14-foot wide pattern of twisted reeds and scorched branches. He also discusses the Pascagoula shipyard workers' encounter in 1973, where Calvin Parker reported seeing two tall creatures and passing out. Arnett expresses skepticism about abduction claims that emerged after the movie "Close Encounters," suggesting some might be attention-seeking. He also questions the claim that one in four people have been abducted, finding the idea of advanced aliens needing invasive probes illogical. The article mentions "hot" areas for UFO reports in the 1970s-80s and current "flaps" of triangular craft in South America and the northeast. Arnett notes that pilots and radar operators are reluctant to report sightings.

Hybrids, Believers Gather

This article from The Pueblo Chieftain describes the annual UFO Watch 2003 gathering at Judy Messoline's UFO Watchtower near Hooper, Colorado. The event attracted believers and the curious, featuring speakers on "hybrids" and alien abductees. Bill Winkler, a UFO investigator, organized the event to educate the public about potential extraterrestrial contact. Paola Harris, an author, spoke about her work detailing the UFO phenomenon and believes the public is being prepared for contact. Rev. John Gee discussed his "encounters" with a mysterious entity named "Mr. H." and believes in achieving a level of enlightenment for interaction with alien beings. Standing Elk/Golden Eagle spoke about "Laws of the Star People" and an ancient connection between humans and extraterrestrials. Winkler closed the event, commending the speakers.

UFO Fans to Alight Near Hooper

An article from The Pueblo Chieftain announces the second annual UFO Conference of Pueblo, held at Pueblo Community College. Investigator Bill Winkler aims to educate the public about extraterrestrials and UFO-ology. The conference featured vendors selling crystals and other items, and speakers discussing the UFO phenomenon. Paola Harris, author of "Connecting the Dots," detailed her work. Rev. John Gee spoke about his encounters with "Mr. H." and the concept of "unawareness." Standing Elk/Golden Eagle discussed "Laws of the Star People." The article also mentions a separate event at Judy Messoline's UFO Watchtower, detailing its history and upcoming speakers, including Tammy (an abductee), Gloria Hawker (hypnotherapist and abductee), Tim Edwards (UFO videographer), Joe Fex (paranormal investigator), Jane Smith (alien abductee), and Chuck Zukowski and Debbie Zieglemeyer (involved in Roswell dig). The event included a "Watch" for the unexplained and offered a special collector's stamp cancellation at the post office.

2002 Was Active Year for UFO Sightings and Strange Encounters Across the State

This article from ECHO (Ligonier, PA) summarizes researcher Stan Gordon's findings on mysterious encounters in Pennsylvania during 2002. Gordon, who has researched such incidents since 1959, concluded that most are explainable. However, some cases, including UFO sightings, Bigfoot reports, and giant bird sightings, remain unexplained. The article details specific reported incidents from 2002, such as strange footprints in Waynesboro, an elongated object observed in Clarksburg, sightings of giant birds in Wyoming County, a spherical object in North Huntingdon Township, and a Bigfoot creature sighting in Derry Twp. Gordon's ongoing investigation into the 1965 Kecksburg UFO crash incident is also mentioned.

Foreign News: Look! Up in the Sky!

This clipping from the Weekly (East Kootenay, B.C., Canada) reports on a possible UFO sighting over Kimberley, British Columbia, on March 5, 2003. Five witnesses reported seeing strange lights, and speculation arose that a diamond-shaped UFO with flashing lights might be responsible for the collapse of the McKim Theatre roof shortly after the sighting. Home care worker Gail Shay described the lights as glimmering and colorful, spreading like a mushroom cloud over the theatre. Ted Zawaski and his wife also witnessed a diamond-shaped object with flashing lights. The witnesses ruled out conventional explanations like planes or helicopters due to the object's slow, low movement and bright lights. One witness, referred to as "Mr. X," examined the object with binoculars and described a faceted, diamond-like shape. While Zawaski admitted to being a UFO aficionado, the other witnesses had never seen a UFO before. The article notes that the RCMP received calls but could not verify the sighting, and the school district director jokingly mentioned finding evidence of alien spacecraft in the theatre wreckage.

Experts Investigate Broad Street UFO Claims

This article from the Evening Mail (Birmingham, England) reports on UFO experts from Contact International UFO Research (CIUFOR) investigating sightings of strange lights over Broad Street. A man reported seeing two triangular shapes of white, bluish light moving silently, joined by a third object, forming a square shape before one shot off vertically. CIUFOR, founded in 1967, investigates UFO sightings and is interested in hearing from other witnesses. The article also mentions UFO hotspots in the West Midlands, such as the Malvern Hills and Clee Hills.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, alien encounters, and unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing sightings, from the historical Socorro incident to contemporary crop circle events and personal abduction accounts. The articles highlight the spectrum of belief, from skepticism and debunking to fervent conviction, often emphasizing the difficulty in definitively explaining these occurrences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and expert opinions without necessarily endorsing any single conclusion, while acknowledging the public's enduring fascination with the unknown. The compilation of diverse news clippings suggests a commitment to covering the breadth of UFO-related discourse.

Title: The sky's the limit
Issue Date: July 23, 2003
Publisher: STANDARD, Terrace, B.C., Canada
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: UFO Tourism Boom

The cover story, "The sky's the limit," explores how Terrace, British Columbia's reputation as a Canadian UFO capital is creating a new kind of tourism. Brian Vike, editor of Canadian Communicator and director of HBCC-UFO Research, notes a surge in inquiries about tourism facilities in Highway 16 communities, including Terrace. Terrace ranked third in a national UFO survey, and Vike's toll-free hotline collects eye-witness reports. The publicity has positioned the northwest as a prime location for UFO sightings, with some tourists now seeking flying saucers over the elusive Kermode bear. Vike provides information on local attractions to these "UFO buffs" and the curious. He anticipates 2003 will be a record year for UFO sightings in Terrace, with the year's total already nearing last year's count.

The article highlights how UFO-related tourism is a growing global market. Examples include Vulcan, Alberta, with its replica starship, and St. Paul, Alberta, which built the world's first UFO landing pad in 1967. The small U.S. town of Rachel, Nevada, has capitalized on its proximity to Area 51, leading to the renaming of Nevada State Highway 375 as the "Extraterrestrial Highway." Chilean communities have also embraced UFO tourism, with one mayor designating a region as an official UFO tourism zone due to numerous sightings.

While Terrace may not have a formal UFO tourism strategy, Vike acts as an unofficial ambassador, sharing local reports and theories. He is frequently interviewed by media outlets and a documentary based on his work will air soon. Vike observes a new pattern in recent reports: more eyewitnesses are reporting specific objects in the sky, rather than just unexplained or oddly moving lights. Some witnesses have described gigantic triangles, while others have seen crescent or ring-shaped objects. A large, saucer-shaped disk was reportedly seen travelling from Mill Bay on Vancouver Island to Kitimat and Prince Rupert.

Vike, a former forestry worker, investigates sightings, distinguishing them from misidentifications like Venus, aircraft, meteors, satellites, or stars. He provides a toll-free number (1-866-262-1989) and a website (www3.telus.net/public/wilbur8/hbcc_ufo_research.htm) for his research.

Scotland's UFO Capital Inspires Alien Stories

This section features Billy Buchanan, an independent councillor in Falkirk, Scotland, who has penned a series of children's books about aliens. Buchanan, who previously campaigned for Bonnybridge to be recognized as the world's extraterrestrial capital, has turned his attention to writing after the town first hit headlines for UFO sightings in the late 1970s. His book series, "My Pal Zal," features a little green monster named Zal. Buchanan believes his stories could rival J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" and help keep Bonnybridge on the map. The books are illustrated by Jim Barker and have attracted publisher interest. Buchanan advocates for embracing the town's UFO reputation and is still pursuing plans to build a UFO visitors' centre, citing the need to boost trade in an area with high unemployment.

Research by VisitScotland indicates Scotland is Europe's UFO hotspot, with 300 reported sightings annually, four times the rate per square kilometre of France and Italy. Buchanan also visited Roswell, New Mexico, to explore twinning Bonnybridge with the town known for the first UFO landing in 1947.

Reports of Two UFO Sightings in Wyre Forest

Two UFO sightings were reported in the Wyre Forest area within a fortnight. The first involved a man walking his dog who saw six strange lights flying silently across the sky on May 31. The second incident, earlier in June, described a pearl-shaped object flying over Coventry Street, Kidderminster, as seen by two people driving home.

Strange Events in Lancashire's Spooky Past

This article reviews "Supernatural Lancashire," a new book by Peter Hough that explores ghostly occurrences, fairy folklore, and alien encounters in the Lancashire region. The book covers various locations, including Anderton Hall (sightings of a monk), Rivington Castle (a glistening white shape), Winter Hill (triangular UFOs), Heskin Hall (paranormal activity), Park Hall (strange noises), and Charnock Richard (a White Lady spectre). It also recounts a story of a bus driver in Croston who believed he hit a woman, and reports of showers of stones and activity in a barn. Hoghton Tower is also featured with reports of laughter and spectral figures.

The article also mentions "PUB Strolls in Lancashire" by Nick Burton, a guide to walks based around pubs, and "The Ancient Art of Freemasonry" by Frederick Pitt.

Latest Round of Crop Circles Baffles Onlookers

New crop circle formations have appeared in a field near Falmer Road in Sussex, baffling onlookers. Experts consider these patterns, including a circle with smaller circles and larger arcs, to be among the most exciting seen in Sussex. Enthusiasts like Dan Vidler believe they are genuine, while explanations range from UFOs to pranksters.

So Do You Know UFO?

This section features John Hanson, a retired CID officer compiling a journal of UK UFO activity from 1943-1982. He is seeking witnesses for a sighting published in the South Wales Evening Post in 1963, where a retired RAF officer described an object as large as a double-decker bus, shaped like a jellyfish with a red-orange glow, seen over Swansea.

Capture a UFO - On Film Competition

Russ Kellett, a UFO enthusiast from Filey, is organizing a competition for the best video footage of UFOs seen over Scarborough, which he believes is becoming Britain's UFO capital. The winner will receive a three-night stay in Leeds to attend the 22nd International UFO Conference. Entries are being judged by Graham Bairstow of UFO magazine and Filey mayor Eddie Holden.

Did You See the Lights?

This article urges people to contact a UFO research centre if they see unusual lights in the sky. It details two recent sightings: six strange lights flying silently over Stourport and a pearl-shaped object seen over Kidderminster. Michael Soper, spokesperson for Contact International UFO Research, notes that twenty-six people have reported seeing three triangular objects with bright lights moving south-west over Birmingham on the same night.

Translations: Chupacabras Reports

This section compiles several translated reports of "Chupacabras" sightings and attacks from Nicaragua and Chile.

• Nicaragua:
• August 15, 2003 (www.lun.com/noticias): Peasants in Tolapa, Leon province, reported the deaths of 12 female sheep with two holes in the neck, attributed to the Chupacabras, a creature first reported in 1995. Farmers described it as a mix of dog and kangaroo with shiny eyes. A farmer named Jorge Luis Talavera claimed to have shot one in 2000, but veterinarians ruled it was a dog.
• August 15, 2003 (El Nuevo Diario): Residents of Calle Real de Tolapa reported the deaths of 19 sheep due to a creature that sucks blood. The alleged Chupacabras was reportedly shot in 2000, but its remains were identified as a dog. The creature is described as a modern myth, with first apparitions in 1995 in Puerto Rico and Mexico. It is believed by some to be an alien accidentally deposited on Earth.
• August 17, 2003 (La Prensa): Ranchers in Malpaisillo, Leon, reported the reappearance of the Chupacabras, which had allegedly slain over 55 goats and sheep, causing financial losses. The creature is described as biting animals in the neck and legs to stun them and then sucking their blood. It typically attacks female animals and newborns at night. One peasant, Mrs. Felix Albertina Brenes, lost five sheep and heard them trying to defend themselves. Other affected individuals include Mrs. Pilar Ocon (six "peliguey" sheep), Jeronimo Blanco (eight), and Marfa Carcamo (12). Talavera recalled a similar incident in 2000 where over 70 animals were killed, and a specimen was captured but identified as a stray dog.

• Chile:
• August 18, 2003 (Cronica): In Lota, a strange creature was blamed for the deaths of ducks, with two small perforations on their throats. Neighboring residents also reported dead ducks. A black creature, about one meter tall, was reportedly seen crouching among plants. A large, odd "bird" resembling a bat was also seen flying over houses.
• August 19, 2003 (Diario Austral): In Los Lagos commune, a mysterious beast was blamed for the deaths of 50 hens, 9 geese, and 1 pig. The animals had strange perforations on their necks, and the pig had extensive injuries. The attack left numerous scratches on stable doors. The three watchdogs on the premises did not notice the animal's presence. This is the second such incident for the owner, Edith Mora, who lost poultry in a similar event in 2002.
• August 19, 2003 (El Lider): In Las Cruces, San Antonio, seven chickens were found dead with puncture marks near the neck, attributed to the "Chupacabras." The dead birds were pale and featherless in the affected areas. The creature is believed to have appeared in Las Cruces after being reported in Santiago. The attack occurred despite the presence of guard dogs.

Cattle Mutilation Report

An anonymous report describes a cattle mutilation witnessed at a Swift Foods refrigeration plant. Three men and one woman in white lab coats, accompanied by the plant manager, allegedly extracted the tongue, jaw, udders, anus, and an eye from four cows, and took a brain sample. The procedure was performed without spilling blood, using an instrument called "TERMO" (likely a cauterizer). The witness speculates this could be related to testing for rabies outbreaks.

Congress Acknowledges Importance of UFO Research in Chile

Chilean parliamentarians in the Chamber of Deputies analyzed the UFO problem for the first time. Representatives from CEFAA and OVNIVISION Chile presented information on UFO phenomena. Cristian Riffo of OVNIVISION emphasized that "UFO" is not synonymous with "alien" but an unknown phenomenon. Cases involving pilots and air traffic controllers were discussed. Riffo urged the creation of a multidisciplinary Civilian Research Committee to study these phenomena. Deputy Arturo Cardemil acknowledged the need to study UFOs and stated that Chile is not prepared for contingencies related to the subject. A second session is planned to seek scientific explanations and consider establishing an agency for flight safety.

Saddam's Wizard Tells of a Man Obsessed with Magic

This article reports on a wizard in Baghdad who claims to have advised Saddam Hussein. The wizard, who claims Saddam is still alive, describes Saddam's belief in magic and his use of parapsychology for psychological warfare. He mentions Saddam consulted with magicians from various countries and used magic-infused golden statues for protection. The wizard claims Saddam's fall on April 9, 2003, was predicted by a fortuneteller who was subsequently killed by Saddam. The article also touches on the prevalence of magic and superstition in Iraq, with many Iraqis using various forms of magic, including invoking genies and angels.

Stone of Interest: Rock That Landed in Mount Vernon Couple's Yard May Be a Meteorite

Mark and Gail Fredlund of Mount Vernon, Washington, reported seeing a rock fall from the sky into their backyard in May. University of Washington astronomy expert Toby Smith believes the rock may be a meteorite, as it appears to have magnetic properties. The Fredlunds plan to have the rock studied by UW experts. If confirmed, it would be the first documented meteorite fall in Washington state. The rock is described as rough, irregularly shaped, about the size of a goose egg, with a reddish tint and a brownish crust. Its magnetic properties were tested using a magnet.

Extraterrestrial Phones Ohio?

This historical note recounts the "Wow!" signal, a strong, 70-second radio transmission detected by Ohio State University's "Big Ear" radio telescope on August 15, 1977. The signal, with the code "6EQUJ5," came from a point in the sky tracking from the middle of the Milky Way and is considered by UFO buffs to be proof of extraterrestrial life, though scientists regard it as an interesting curiosity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, mysterious creatures (Chupacabras, Bigfoot, lake monsters), and the growing interest in these phenomena for tourism and research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded exploration of these subjects, presenting various reports and perspectives without necessarily endorsing them as definitive proof. There's an emphasis on the potential for tourism and the ongoing scientific and public interest in the unexplained.