UFO Newsclipping Service - 2003 11 - no 412

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated November 2003, focuses on significant UFO events and ongoing mysteries. The cover story, "Anniversary of odyssey," commemorates 30 years since the alleged abduction of Charles Hickson and Calvin R. Parker Jr. near the Pascagoula River. The publication also features extensive coverage of the Kecksburg incident, including a Sci-Fi Channel special, and explores the phenomenon of crop circles and their potential extraterrestrial origins. Various other UFO sightings and investigations from the UK and USA are also reported.

Pascagoula Abduction: 30 Years Later

The lead article, "30 years later, 2 men stand by their UFO story," by Gary Holland, revisits the 1973 Pascagoula River abduction case. Charles Hickson (72) and Calvin R. Parker Jr. (49) recount their experience of being taken aboard a UFO by three robot-like creatures. Hickson describes a "zipping sound" and a "pulsating blue light" before a craft, shaped like a football, approached. He details being taken inside the craft and examined, feeling no pain but unable to move. Parker recalls the experience as "real bright" and passing out. Both men maintained their story over the decades, with Hickson becoming a public figure for UFO research, co-writing a book and appearing on talk shows. Budd Hopkins, a UFO investigator, praises Hickson's bravery and the case's integrity. Retired Sheriff's Department Captain Glenn Ryder and Sheriff Fred Diamond's father, the late Sheriff Fred Diamond, both expressed belief in the men's account, citing the consistency of their story during interviews.

Kecksburg Incident: A Sci-Fi Special

Several articles cover the Kecksburg incident of December 9, 1965. "Sci Fi special puts Kecksburg mystery under a microscope" by Ann Saul Dudurich reports on a Sci-Fi Channel documentary titled "The New Roswell: Kecksburg Exposed." The incident involved a "fireball" observed streaking across the sky, which witnesses said appeared to bank and glide into a ravine. Eyewitnesses like Robert Blystone and Bill Weaver describe a "controlled fireball" and a "bluish light." The military's response, cordoning off the area and turning away curious individuals, has fueled speculation of a cover-up. The documentary features dramatic re-creations and interviews with witnesses. The article "'60s data for UFO report is out there" by Lianne Hart discusses the release of research data from a $500,000 federally funded investigation into UFOs conducted at the University of Colorado in 1967, led by physicist Edward U. Condon. Roy Craig, the chief field investigator, donated his records, which largely explained sightings through science, though some materials were initially thought to be extraterrestrial. The Condon report, released in 1969, was criticized by UFO believers as a sham. The Sci-Fi Channel, along with the Coalition for Freedom of Information (CFi), is initiating legal action to obtain classified government documents related to the Kecksburg incident, citing government "stonewalling."

Crop Circles: A Global Phenomenon

Multiple articles explore the mystery of crop circles. "Wheat field intrigues people as far away as Oregon" by John Simerman describes how crop circles discovered in a Solano County, California wheat field attracted visitors from afar. Believers attribute paranormal powers to the circles, while skeptics suggest hoaxes. Research cited by Linda Moulton Howe, a reporter on "earth mysteries," suggests a "spinning plasma vortex" might be involved, leaving high iron levels and abnormal magnetic fields. "Drogheda crop circles mystery" reports on similar formations in Ireland, with the UFO Society of Ireland suggesting they were created by intelligent extraterrestrials, while Astronomy Ireland dismisses this, attributing them to human pranksters. "Lil' green men, teenagers and the crop circles" by Catherine Moy discusses how crop circle designs have become more complex, with some attributing them to aliens trying to communicate. The article also touches on the media's portrayal of UFOs and aliens, and the skepticism faced by researchers.

Other UFO Sightings and Investigations

"Yorkshire X-Files" by Bruce Smith reveals police reports of close encounters in Yorkshire, unearthed by UFO-hunter Gary Heseltine. The PRUFOS database has collected 80 incidents from officers across Britain, with many involving multiple witnesses. "MYSTERY OF GOLDEN UFO SIGHTING!" by Terry Kelly reports on a strange golden UFO seen skimming across the skies in South Tyneside, England, by Ronnie Tuke and a taxi driver. Sergeant Bede McCabe of the Hebburn and Jarrow police confirmed no official reports were filed, but a local columnist noted a recent "flurry of UFO sightings." "Hitler and the hollow earth" by an unnamed author discusses a theory by two scientists who believe electromagnetic signals and radiation from beneath mountains in Argentina indicate intelligent life deep inside the Earth, potentially linked to theories about Nazis escaping to a subterranean world. "UFO sighting" reports on residents in Croxley, England, witnessing a UFO circling above them for ten minutes. "Watch the skies and harbours" by Jennifer Robinson discusses a Halifax UFO conference that attracted skeptics and believers, highlighting the work of UFO researcher Chris Styles, who relies on Canadian government documents. The article "Is there anyone out there?" by David Charters examines evidence of UFOs and strange phenomena in Merseyside, featuring the work of Tony Eccles, an investigator and author who believes in multi-dimensional intelligence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the enduring mystery of UFOs, extraterrestrial encounters, and the persistent efforts of individuals and organizations to investigate and document these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on personal testimonies, official reports (even if suppressed or dismissed), and the scientific and skeptical approaches to understanding these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without definitively concluding on the nature of UFOs, while acknowledging the public's fascination and the challenges faced by researchers due to skepticism and potential government secrecy. The publication highlights the long-standing nature of these questions, dating back decades and even centuries, and the ongoing quest for answers.

This issue of DAILY POST, dated July 14, 2003, features a prominent cover story titled "Fracture proved to be his lucky break," detailing how author T.R. Thompson's injury led to the completion of his first novel, "Elder Tapes." The magazine also includes various articles on UFO sightings, paranormal investigations, ancient history, and animal communication.

Articles

"Fracture proved to be his lucky break"

This article highlights T.R. Thompson, a resident of Lincolnshire, England, who, after suffering a broken knee, found the time to complete his first novel, "Elder Tapes." Thompson, who previously ran a UFO group in Kings Lynn, has written a science-fiction novel that is 50% fictional and 50% based on his life experiences, including encounters with UFOs and psychic phenomena. He aims to promote awareness of different dimensional worlds and extraterrestrial life. The book is being launched at the Sun Café in Lincoln. Thompson is also working on a second book, "The Illuminating Flame," which explores magical and cult-based subjects. A major publisher has expressed interest in his work.

"Seeking witness to sighting of UFO"

John Hanson, a retired CID officer from the West Midlands, is compiling a chronological journal of UFO activity in the UK from 1943-1982. He is seeking witnesses to a specific event on September 28, 1980, where a Clacton journalist reported being pursued by a blood orange-colored globe of light. Hanson also seeks a missing witness, Mr. Duncan, who reported sighting a landed object at his pet farm in Weeley. Readers are invited to contact him via phone or his website.

"Seeking witnesses to UFO"

Brian Vike, a UFOlogist from HBCC UFO Research in Houston, B.C., Canada, is seeking witnesses to two strange events that occurred on July 27, 2003, around 12:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Residents reported seeing a huge, bright, white-colored object, followed by a stationary ray of white light that rotated and had a black line. Vike has already received reports from 23 individuals and believes the object moved slowly and at a low altitude, ruling out the International Space Station. He is seeking further information and can be contacted by phone or email.

"Is the truth really out there?"

This article profiles Malcolm Robinson, a paranormal investigator who founded Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI) in Scotland in 1976. Robinson dedicates his evenings and weekends to investigating ghost and UFO sightings across the UK. He compiles extensive reports, seeks advice, and meets with potential subjects. He holds monthly lectures and writes for paranormal magazines. Robinson's passion stems from his childhood fascination with ghost stories, and his initial skepticism evolved into a belief that "there's no smoke without fire" after meeting people with extraordinary stories. He has investigated cases of alleged demonic possession and lobbied the former Prime Minister to investigate UFO sightings in Bonniebridge, Scotland. SPI can be contacted for information or to attend lectures.

"Can we talk? Animal communicators say that creatures have a lot to tell us — if only we can learn to listen."

This article explores the field of animal communication, featuring insights from professional communicators like Linda Nations. Nations, a former psychotherapist, believes she was guided into this work after a head injury in 1997. She describes how animals, through various signs and intuitive messages, conveyed to her that her new path was to be an ambassador for animals. The article details a workshop led by Nations, where participants learned basic principles of communicating with animals, emphasizing intuition, respect, and suspending judgment. Examples include understanding animal behavior, helping owners decide on end-of-life care, and finding missing pets. The article also touches on the Bow-Lingual, a Japanese product that translates dog barks into moods and phrases.

"Group believes other cultures discovered America"

This article discusses the Institute for the Study of American Cultures (ISAC), a movement that challenges the traditional view that Christopher Columbus was the first to discover America. ISAC members, numbering around 200, present theories suggesting that other cultures, including Romans, Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese, visited America long before 1492. They cite evidence such as a Roman Jewish colony in New Mexico, ancient Chinese mariners on the West Coast, and a Roman outpost in Florida. The article also mentions the work of Joe Mahan, a pre-Columbian history authority, and the opening of a research room at Columbus State University dedicated to his work, which includes research on similarities between Yuchi writings and those of the Indus civilization.

"Man finishes underwater trek in Loch Ness"

This piece reports on Lloyd Scott, a 41-year-old former fireman and cancer survivor, who completed a 12-day, 42-kilometer underwater trek along the bottom of Loch Ness. Scott undertook this challenge to raise money for a children's leukemia charity. He described the trek as significantly more difficult than land-based marathons due to poor visibility, cold temperatures, and the pressure of the water. He also recounted an incident where his foot became trapped in an oil drum. Scott saw no sign of the Loch Ness Monster but did have a frightening experience. He is planning his next exploit: a marathon ride across Australia on a penny-farthing bicycle.

"Eerie Tales of the Sooner State"

This feature explores unexplained mysteries in Oklahoma, drawing from the books "Mysterious Oklahoma" and "More Mysterious Oklahoma" by author David A. Farris. Stories include tales of Native American heritage, such as the "Little People" who aided Choctaw medicine men, and accounts of Bigfoot sightings dating back to the 1800s. The article also details the well-documented case of a poltergeist named Michael that pestered the McWethy family near Centrahoma. The feature highlights that Farris does not aim to prove or disprove these stories but encourages readers to form their own conclusions.

"Bigfoot talk puts town in global spotlight"

This article from the Benton County Daily Record reports on alleged Bigfoot sightings in Decatur, Arkansas, which have drawn international media attention. Police Chief Coy Hendrix believes the media is exaggerating the situation. Jacqlin Castillo, a retired nurse and Bigfoot researcher, theorizes that the sightings could be of a baby Bigfoot, as adults are more elusive. She is seeking authorization from the Bigfoot Field Research Organization (BFRO) to investigate. The article also mentions previous alleged Bigfoot sightings in northwest Arkansas and a case of a primate loose in the area in 1995.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the mysterious, and the pursuit of truth beyond conventional understanding. This includes UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, ancient mysteries, and the potential for communication with non-human intelligences (animals and possibly extraterrestrials). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them, encouraging readers to consider alternative perspectives and draw their own conclusions. The inclusion of diverse topics like archaeology, animal communication, and folklore suggests a broad interest in subjects that challenge established norms and explore the unknown.