UFO Newsclipping Service - 2004 09 - no 422

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Newsclipping Service, dated September 2004, Number 422, is published by Lucius Farish and focuses heavily on the phenomenon of crop circles, alongside other UFO-related news and investigations.

Feature Article: Crop Circles

The main cover story, "Crop Circles," by Chuck Graham, introduces Steve Canada, a former social worker who has become a prolific writer and researcher on the subject. Canada believes crop circles are not natural occurrences but rather messages from extraterrestrial beings, conveyed through a complex mathematical language. He plans to discuss how to interpret these designs in a talk in Tucson. The article touches on scientific attempts to analyze crop circle stalks, which have yielded no definitive answers so far. It also mentions the British government's concern over elaborate crop circles, suggesting they are seen as a potential foreign threat that the military cannot counter. Canada is exploring connections between crop circle locations and astronomical bodies, including the 'face on Mars.'

Editorial/Opinion: Roundtown UFO Society Hosts 2nd Annual Public Awareness Program

Pete Hartinger, head of the Roundtown UFO Society, announces their second annual public UFO display at the Circleville Library. The display aims to present evidence for the UFO phenomenon, arguing that it would sway public opinion if presented in a court of law. Hartinger addresses the common question of 'where is the proof?' by pointing to the wealth of information available and mentioning local sightings in Pickaway County. He draws parallels between past fears of sailing off the edge of the Earth and the current belief by some that Earth is the only living planet, suggesting that other life likely exists. He also discusses the speed of light limitation in space travel, proposing possibilities like time warps or dimensional tunnels. The article notes that many educated people, including retired engineers, accept the reality of UFOs and are more interested in who pilots them than in sighting reports. Hartinger concludes by stating that "we have been under observation for many, many years."

Film Review: Aztec to Premiere UFO Documentary

Debra Mayeux reports on the premiere of a documentary about the 1948 Aztec UFO crash. Canadian filmmaker Scott Ramsey has released the first full-length documentary on the event, which is set to premiere at the Aztec Public Library. Leanne Hathcock, the librarian and founder of the Aztec UFO Symposium, believes the film will elevate the story to a national discussion. Ramsey has researched the incident extensively, declassifying material and attempting to identify law enforcement officers present at the scene. The documentary includes interviews with ufologists like Stanton Friedman and Nick Redfern, as well as skeptics like Karl Pflock. The film explores the story of a crashed UFO and alleged alien bodies found in Hart Canyon. The article also mentions the connection between New Mexico and UFOs, particularly the Roswell crash, and how Aztec is gaining recognition. City Commissioner Jim Rubow praised the film for its balanced approach.

News Article: X-haust files? N.M. governor seeks truth about '47 Roswell legend

Keay Davidson reports that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is calling for the U.S. government to disclose all information regarding the 1947 Roswell incident. In the foreword to a new book, "The Roswell Dig Diaries," Richardson states that the mystery has never been adequately explained and that the American people can handle the truth. An aide confirmed the governor's interest in either debunking the story or encouraging full disclosure. The Air Force, however, maintains its stance from the 1994 "Roswell Report: Case Closed," which asserted that the debris was from an unusual military research balloon.

News Article: I'VE SEEN 'EM: Crop circles in Eagle Grove? UFOs in Urbandale?

Justin Kendall writes about Beverly Trout, director of the Iowa chapter of Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), who investigates UFO sightings and crop circles. The article details a recent discovery of crop circles in an oat field near Eagle Grove, Iowa. Trout investigated the site, noting the unusual regularity and the presence of phototropism in the plants, along with microwave radiation. She also investigated previous crop circle incidents in Iowa, including one in 1996 where she found microwave radiation. Trout is cautious in her conclusions, stating that MUFON observes and comments without necessarily assigning blame. The article also mentions reports of mysterious triangular shapes and lights in the Iowa sky.

Personal Encounters and MUFON Investigations

Beverly Trout discusses her work with MUFON, emphasizing the need for objective investigation and separating fact from fiction. She acknowledges the bizarre nature of her work but stresses the importance of examining unexplained phenomena. Trout claims to have had personal encounters with aliens and human-alien hybrids, describing them as having unusual physical characteristics. She believes these encounters are learning experiences that reveal human potential beyond ordinary understanding. Trout also notes that interactions with visitors can be intrusive and manipulative, but she avoids categorizing them as strictly good or bad. She highlights the difficulty of maintaining objectivity when dealing with the unexplained.

Investigator Will Speak at UFO Meeting

This section announces a meeting hosted by the northern Colorado chapter of MUFON, featuring Ryan S. Wood, a forensic investigator of government documents. Wood will discuss evidence suggesting the U.S. government knows about UFOs and will share his investigations of UFO crash sites. The article also provides information about MUFON's mission, its extensive database of sightings, and the role of its investigators in explaining phenomena.

News Article: Albany man studying Gulf Coast 'sightings'

Sylvia Schon reports on Scott Arnett, a MUFON investigator, who is probing a series of sightings near Pascagoula, Mississippi. Arnett is examining videotapes of three incidents, one of which appears to show a living, moving 'being.' He describes witnesses as intelligent, credible, and frightened. The article details an incident where a woman and her children developed bleeding sores after a sighting. Arnett is collecting soil samples for testing and notes that the dogs in the area stayed away from the site while the phenomenon was present but dug holes afterward. The creature filmed was described as having a large head, oval mouth, long spindly arms, and a gray or brown color, with a facial expression of pain or threat.

News Article: Crop circles perk interest of UFO enthusiasts

Todd Hollingshead writes about a mysterious crop circle design in a Spanish Fork, Utah, wheat field, which experts are deeming possibly nonhuman. Nancy Talbott of BLT Research sent volunteers to investigate, looking for microfungal anomalies and sacred geometric patterns. The article mentions that one of the smaller circles was nonsymmetrical, suggesting extraterrestrial involvement. Lucius Farish, a crop circle researcher, is also mentioned as looking for footprints and plant node anomalies. Local residents reported hearing unusual dog behavior during the time of the crop circle's appearance. While police suspect vandalism, the article highlights the ongoing curiosity about potential extraterrestrial phenomena.

Foreign News: Circles' rich harvest for UFO buffs

Jamie McGinnes explores the phenomenon of crop circles, noting their increasing frequency and complexity since the mid-1970s. The article mentions the largest crop circle recorded to date, a 244-meter spiral in Wiltshire, UK. It discusses various theories, including unexplained natural forces, alien spaceships, and human hoaxes. Brian Damerell, a member of the Medway Crop Circle group, believes he can discern hoaxes by feeling the 'energies' of the circles. The article also includes a report from Kent, UK, about a 'close encounter of the woodland kind' in 1954, where woodcutter Harold Carpenter allegedly saw a mushroom-shaped craft and alien beings collecting natural materials. Another report details a case involving a huge, triangular UFO near Michael Howard's home in Lympne, UK. The article concludes by mentioning that farmers are appealing to would-be crop circlers to stay off their land, with the National Farmers Union stating that most crop circles are man-made and that creating them is akin to damaging property.

Foreign News: Ever-increasing crop circles fuel new UFO debate

Simon Lambert reports on a large crop circle discovered near Luton, England, similar to one found previously. The article discusses theories about the origin of these enigmatic patterns, ranging from alien communication to elaborate hoaxes by pranksters. Cerealogists believe the patterns hold meaning and are created by UFOs or earth forces, while some circlemakers claim responsibility, using tools like wood planks and tape measures. The article notes that some circlemakers have turned their art into a business, creating commercial designs. Farmers are being warned about the impact of crop circles on their livelihoods, with the National Farmers Union appealing to potential circlers to consider the damage to property.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the mystery and ongoing investigation into crop circles and UFO sightings. There is a clear fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and a critical examination of evidence, ranging from eyewitness accounts and photographs to scientific analysis. The publication presents a balanced view, including skeptical perspectives and acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes, while also giving voice to researchers and experiencers who believe in the reality of these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the public to consider the evidence and engage in intelligent discussion about the unknown, rather than dismissing it outright. The role of organizations like MUFON in systematically investigating these events is highlighted.

This issue of the Irish Daily Star, dated August 13, 2004, focuses on UFOs and unexplained phenomena, with a prominent cover story refuting claims of alien visitation in Ireland. The magazine also includes reports on UFO sightings and strange occurrences from the UK, Canada, Argentina, Chile, and the United States, alongside a feature on Bigfoot investigations.

Cover Story: UF-NO - Authorities claim that aliens haven't visited Ireland yet

The lead article by Kevin Jenkinson asserts that Irish defence and aviation sources have stated there have never been any unexplained UFO sightings in Ireland. Government documents reveal that the Department of Transport and air accident investigators have looked into UFO reports as far back as 1962. A written response from the then Minister for Transport, Albert Reynolds, to Deputy Michael Keating on March 10, 1981, listed eight UFO reports from October 1962 to November 21, 1976, with only dates, alleged sighting areas, and actions taken provided. Air Traffic Services and gardai investigated two incidents in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford (1967) and North Dublin (1976) that 'proved negative.' Another incident on February 13, 1976, in Whitehall, Dublin, was probed by the Air Corps and Air Traffic Services but was also deemed false. The report notes that there were no records available for two reports made at Shannon Airport and two by Met Eireann. A sighting on July 10, 1969, resulted in Air Traffic Services issuing a warning to aircraft. A spate of UFO sightings in the late 1970s led the local civil defence in Howth, Co. Dublin, to hold an exercise to deal with a possible UFO landing. The article also mentions that Ireland has had many UFO sightings in recent decades, mostly investigated by amateur researchers. The most recent cases involve strange lights having near misses with passenger aircraft at Dublin Airport. However, the Air Accident Investigation Unit stated that no UFO reports could not be explained, attributing evasive actions by aircraft to avoid collisions, not UFOs. A spokesperson for the Defence Forces confirmed they are not involved in such research and receive queries about strange lights but have no ongoing investigations into unusual sightings.

More reports of UFOs over Hungerford (Newbury Weekly News, July 29, 2004)

This report by John Garvey details numerous recent sightings of a mysterious fireball over Hungerford, West Berkshire, which has been appearing for at least two months. Following a previous report and photograph, the Newbury Weekly News received many calls. Latest revelations include sightings exactly one week earlier at the same time and place, strange sound and light effects prior to sightings, pets behaving strangely, and a sighting of an identical fireball rising from the ground and disappearing into cloud cover. The fireball, which changed direction and flared on and off, caused consternation, leading to a police helicopter search for debris. Firefighters scoured the area, with residents believing the object had crashed. A six-wheel all-terrain vehicle and operational support units were deployed in a fruitless search for debris or an impact site. New reports include Ellen Benn describing bracing for a crash two months prior, thinking it was too fast for a plane, possibly a meteor or space debris. Olive Bell reported an object shooting upwards and disappearing into cloud cover without noise or sparks. Brian Harris saw an identical object a week prior but higher up, disappearing into dark cloud. Newbury Town Council marketing officer Julia O'Reilly described a strange "fizzing and popping noise" accompanied by flashing lights minutes before the fireball passed overhead, noting her cat became "ballistic." Another caller reported his dog was inexplicably terrified. Mary Pett and Brian Regan spotted the object at around 7 pm at the end of June, describing it as gliding across the sky. Reg Presley, lead singer of The Troggs and an expert on paranormal phenomena, stated there have been many sightings of strange lights in the area, recalling his daughter seeing seven orange balls of light hover and then zip away. A group of UFO watchers from America, holidaying in Marlborough, Wiltshire, have camped near Hungerford after reading the report. Andy Heywood from the National Space Centre suggested the annual Perseids Meteor Shower as a possible explanation.

Mysterious lights seen in night sky (Citizen, Prince George, B.C., Canada, July 28, 2004)

This article by Frank Peebles discusses mysterious lights seen over Prince George and crop circles in Moore's Meadow, questioning if they are connected. Ivan Paquette reported seeing a huge, bright white light in the sky around 3:30 a.m. on a restless night, describing it as moving back and forth in a subtle way. He watched it for about 20 minutes before it disappeared. The next day, his wife Christine mentioned the crop circle story, which spooked her. Brian Battersby, president of the local branch of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, stated he hadn't heard of anything celestially unusual but acknowledged that vapour clouds can cover objects. He suggested Venus as a possible explanation for the bright light, noting its apparent size and movement near the horizon. Battersby also mentioned that other lights can appear in the sky that cannot be readily explained. Paquette maintains he saw something real and not a fabrication.

Doomsday crop circle: Message in the wheat says the world will end in 2012 (Daily Mail, London, England, Aug. 9, 2004)

By Beth Hale, this article describes an intricate 350ft crop circle featuring an Egyptian mosaic in the shape of two wings, surrounded by symbols resembling the Mayan calendar, which predicted the world's end in 2012. The circle appeared overnight next to Silbury Hill in Wiltshire, near the West Kennet Longbarrow burial grounds. The Mayan civilization, which disappeared around AD900, left behind pyramids and a unique writing system. The 2012 prophecy stems from the end date of the Mayan calendar. While meteorologists suggest simple crop circles could be caused by whirlwinds, sceptics believe intricate ones are man-made. The phenomenon attracts visitors globally. Steve Alexander, who has photographed crop circles worldwide, called this the most complex one he had ever seen, taking days to produce. The article mentions that in 1991, Doug Bower and David Chorley confessed to making patterns since the 1970s, but circles have continued to appear. Examples of complex circles include a DNA spiral and intricate mathematical figures, and a 1,500ft 'psychedelic swirl' of 400 circles in Wiltshire three years prior.

UFO sightings on pace to set record (24 HOURS, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Aug. 6, 2004)

This report by G. Duplantier states that Canadians are on track to report a record number of UFO sightings in 2004. More than 400 stories were filed by the end of July, surpassing last year's total by this time. Ufology Research of Manitoba, a group tracking UFO reports, expects the total for 2004 to exceed last year's record of 673 sightings. Chris Rutkowski, the research co-ordinator, suggests the rise may be linked to public awareness of space missions. The Prairies are noted as a hotbed of activity, with Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan reporting increased sightings. Rutkowski believes most UFO reports have simple explanations, such as meteors, but a small percentage are puzzling and warrant scientific attention.

TRANSLATIONS: South American and other Spanish-language newspapers and media sources

This section presents translated UFO reports from various South American countries:

• July 10, 2004 - El Tribuno, Salta, Argentina: Hundreds witnessed a large, plate-shaped UFO in Cachi. Javier Rodriguez, director of FM San Jose, described it as impressive and inexplicable. Antonio Zuleta noted the widespread discussion among tourists about alien civilizations.
• July 10, 2004 - El Tribuno, Salta, Argentina: Reports suggest UFOs might be visible in Southern Salta, with hotels booked and police preparing for security missions. Jose Exequiel Alvarez, chief of the Rosario de la Frontera Volunteer Fire Brigade, confirmed a sighting with a researcher named Sebastian Bidonda ('Alfabidondo'), who claimed Captain Kirian predicted a sighting on the 23rd. This has led to a division between skeptics and believers, with hotels booked solid by arriving tourists.
• July 12, 2004 - El Centro, Talca, Chile: Juan R. Acuna Pereira claims a computer-generated photo from Corporacion GEO is identical to the 'winged dog' creatures that attacked him. He described them as having no fangs, short ears, standing on two legs, and having shining eyes, and noted they were black and flew around. His family is fearful, and neighbors mock their claims.
• July 13, 2004 - La Manana, Buenos Aires, Argentina: Ongoing UFO sightings in Gobernador Ugarte are reported, with strange lights and maneuvers. Hector Labaronne, who has filmed UFOs for three years, described 'mushrooms' of light that wander and shed light, sometimes coming down close to the ground. He has over five hours of video recordings. A 90-minute video of the Ugarte sightings was scheduled for screening in Buenos Aires.
• July 20, 2004 - Hoy, Buenos Aires, Argentina: A resident of Comodoro Rivadavia claimed to have filmed an unidentified flying object (UFO) over Cerro Chenque for 17 minutes. Marcelo Soto described the object as a luminous sphere changing colors, with other lights emerging from its center. Air Force radars reported no sightings, but the airport director stated that if a video exists, it cannot be refuted.
• July 23, 2004 - Semanario Colon Doce, Buenos Aires, Argentina: Jorge Paez reported seeing a strange object in the sky, described as a red ball that changed colors and moved in circles. His wife and son also witnessed it. The object was estimated to be the size of the moon.
• July 30, 2004 - Terra.com.br, Brazil: The Technical-Scientific Department of the Piaui Police collected a fragment of an unidentified flying object (UFO) that fell after an explosion in the sky. The material was sent to INPE for analysis. The object is described as a piece of iron plate, about one meter long, showing signs of heating.
• August 1, 2004 - La Estrella, Arica, Chile: Two strange creatures, described as small dinosaurs with kangaroo-like appearances, were reported by occupants of a pickup truck traveling between Iquique and Arica. The creatures were grey, hairless, and moved with surprising speed and long strides.
• August 3, 2004 - La Estrella, Arica, Chile: More strange creatures were reported in the Pampa Acha sector, similar to those seen previously. Four creatures, described as 'dog-faced kangaroos,' were seen moving slowly through the air. The family who witnessed them was traumatized. The creatures were estimated to be two meters tall and moved at vehicle speed.

BIGFOOT: 'The Minerva Monster' (Repository, Canton, OH, Aug. 15, 2004)

This article by Ed Balint details the 1978 sighting of a 'Minerva Monster' in Paris Township, Ohio. Evelyn Cayton and her family reported seeing a 6-foot-tall, thickly haired beast in their backyard. The creature was described as reeking of ammonia and rotten eggs, with black-and-brown matted hair covering its head and body, making the face indistinguishable. The beast was estimated to weigh 300 pounds. The sighting led to extensive media coverage and investigations by local authorities and Bigfoot enthusiasts. The article includes a map of Bigfoot sightings in Stark and surrounding counties and lists the most sightings by state and county. It also features a section on Bigfoot investigator Donald Keating, who, after 20 years of searching, is coming up empty-handed, stating there is still no conclusive evidence. Professor Gene Poirier of Ohio State University dismisses the possibility of Bigfoot existing in Ohio or the United States due to habitat and environmental factors, suggesting such legends are phenomena of the human mind. The article also touches on the Patterson film and footprints, with claims that the film was a hoax created by Wallace. The Minerva sighting is highlighted as a particularly credible case by investigator Keating.

Bigfoot or not, Oklahoma's image could use some polishing (Daily Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, OK, July 29, 2004)

Ann Defrange writes about a local TV station sending a reporter to southern Oklahoma to search for Bigfoot, suggesting that such stories contribute to a negative stereotype of Oklahoma as backward. She argues that Oklahoma has a civilized, beautiful, and welcoming image that is often overlooked. The article humorously suggests that if Bigfoot were found, it would be good for interviews and the state's image. It also mentions other cryptids like the Boggy Creek Monster and rumors of Bigfoot residing in the Ouachita Forest or Red River Valley.

Witnesses 'shook up' over creature sighting (STAR, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, June 9, 2004)

Conservation officer Dave Bakica reports that two Teslin residents, Marion Sheldon and Gus Jules, were significantly shaken after seeing a creature covered in hair, standing upright, on the side of the Alaska Highway. Jules, an experienced hunter, believed he saw flesh tones beneath the hair. Bakica stated they were convinced it was something out of the ordinary and not a bear. The creature was described as about seven feet tall, hunched over, and took only a few steps to cross the highway. Ground conditions made it impossible to find definitive tracks or hair. Bakica noted that the town had already visited the site, and Jules was conducting a more in-depth search. Bakica believes they saw something, but cannot confirm it was a Sasquatch. The article also briefly mentions the folklore of Sasquatch and a 1991 report of a Sasquatch sighting in Pelly Crossing, Yukon.

Think you can ID this creature? (EXPRESS-NEWS, San Antonio, TX, July 29, 2004)

This article by Elvia Aguilar details Devin Mcanally's experience of his chickens disappearing, leading him to shoot a mysterious, nearly-hairless creature in his backyard. Mcanally described the creature as having a hair pattern down its back and fangs protruding outside its upper jaw, unlike any coyote. He also noted its ears resembled a desert rat's and it had a rat's muzzle. Wildlife biologist Brian Mesenbrink identified it as a coyote with mange, common in the Elmendorf area. However, Terry DeRosa of the San Antonio Zoo suggested it could be a wild Mexican dog due to its weight. Mcanally remains unconvinced, and the disappearance of chickens has stopped since the creature was killed. Jody Baker, a friend of Mcanally's, expressed surprise at the encounter and the diversity of nature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and cryptid encounters, spanning multiple countries and decades. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, presenting both official skepticism (particularly from Irish authorities) and the accounts of eyewitnesses and researchers. There's a clear interest in documenting these events, from detailed UFO reports and crop circle analyses to Bigfoot investigations and encounters with strange creatures. The inclusion of translated articles from South America highlights a global interest in these topics. The Bigfoot section, in particular, delves into the challenges of proving such phenomena and the skepticism they often face, while still acknowledging the persistence of eyewitness accounts.