UFO Newsclipping Service - 2004 12 - no 425

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Newsclipping Service, dated December 2004, number 425, is published by UFO Newsclipping Service and edited by Lucius Farish. The cover headline is "Out there," and it features an image of a flying saucer. The magazine compiles news clippings from various sources, primarily focusing on UFO sightings, research, and related phenomena.

Ohio State University's UFO Collection

The lead article, "Ohio State University's UFO collection attracts researchers and the curious alike" by Renee Schaefer, highlights the extensive collection of over 1,000 items related to Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) at Ohio State University. This collection, known as the William E. Jones Unidentified Flying Object Collection, includes periodicals, reports, and books. William E. Jones, a Columbus lawyer, has been donating material for 15 years, believing the collection will become more valuable as science expands, documenting the historical, sociological, and psychological aspects of UFOs. Elva Griffith, a library associate, notes that the collection is one of the largest compilations of UFO material in the country. The collection is housed in the OSU depository and is carefully preserved. Jones' interest began in the 1960s after reading "Flying Saucers Have Landed." The Roundtown UFO Society of Circleville has also contributed its quarterly newsletter.

Recent Passings of Notable UFO Advocates

A section notes the passing of several prominent UFO advocates in 2004, including President Ronald Reagan, Astronaut Gordon Cooper, social worker Betty Hill, Harvard University psychiatrist Dr. John Mack, millionaire Laurance Rockefeller, and UFO magazine publishers Graham W. Birdsall and Gordon Creighton. Reagan reportedly had two UFO encounters. Cooper chased UFOs and revealed films of a domed saucer. Betty Hill and her husband Barney claimed abduction in New Hampshire, a story popularized by the book "The Interrupted Journey." Dr. John Mack, a Pulitzer Prize winner, researched alien abductions. Laurance Rockefeller funded scientific studies on UFO evidence. Graham Birdsall published "UFO Magazine," and Gordon Creighton published "Flying Saucer Review."

Regional UFO Lore and Incidents

Several articles detail UFO sightings and related phenomena in specific regions:

New Hampshire and New England

An article by James Baker, "Region rich in UFO lore," discusses the history of UFO sightings in New Hampshire. It mentions Betty Hill's abduction experience and the 1965 Exeter incident, documented in Project Blue Book, where Norman Muscarello reported seeing a large elliptical object with red lights. The article also notes numerous sightings in Maine and Massachusetts.

Uintah Basin, Utah

"Film producer & UFO Hunters head to Basin" by Phil Johnson reports on a documentary being made about "Mysterious Utah." Film producer Ryan Emerson and Utah UFO Hunters, led by Dave Rosenfeld, are investigating paranormal occurrences in the Uintah Basin, including UFO sightings, Big Foot reports, and cattle mutilations. The documentary will focus on the National Institute of Discovery Science (NIDS) research station at the former Sherman Ranch. Reports of small blue lights moving in the area were noted.

UK Sightings and Phenomena

Several British clippings report on UFO activity:

• 'Croppies' showcase geometric wonders: An article discusses the growing phenomenon of crop circles and the film "Star Dreams" by Robert Nichol, which documents these geometric patterns. Nichol believes they are a form of communication from a higher intelligence.
• 'UFO' set to return: An artist, Julian Claxton, plans to recreate a famous 1954 UFO photograph taken in Britain. The original photographer, Stephen Darbishire, maintains the sighting was real.
• Centre is packed out for UFO gathering: Russ Kellett of Filey reports a high turnout for a meeting showcasing video footage of alleged UFO sightings, attracting international attention.
• Chase UFO mystery continues: Reports of mysterious orange lights and objects over Cannock Chase, England, are discussed. Graham Allen, head of Staffordshire UFO Group, initially suspected ball lightning but now believes it could be more significant.
• Lights in the sky appeal: Graham Allen of Staffordshire UFO Group is appealing for witnesses to strange lights seen over Lichfield, England, suggesting it may be more than ball lightning.
• City gripped by UFO sightings: An article details multiple UFO sightings in Israel, including an incident over Tel Aviv where police and military personnel witnessed a "light-emitting UFO." Another sighting involved a large, diamond-shaped UFO over Nugidat.

Paranormal Investigator Chad Lewis

"Paranormal investigator to speak in Winona" by Cyntha Porter introduces Chad Lewis, a paranormal investigator who researches unexplained phenomena, including hauntings and crop circles. Lewis uses sophisticated equipment to measure atmospheric conditions and believes there is a correlation with paranormal activity. He is skeptical of those who charge for investigations and emphasizes presenting facts.

Gary Rowe and the Unexplained

"Is anybody there? UFOs and aliens, are they fact or science fiction?" by David Powell features Gary Rowe, a self-described "paranormal investigator" and co-founder of the Welsh Federation of Independent Ufologists. Rowe discusses his belief that some UFOs are extraterrestrial craft and shares his experiences, including a sighting of two cymbal-shaped UFOs. He also touches upon dowsing and his investigation into the theories behind "The Da Vinci Code."

Dr. John Mack and Harvard Controversy

"In snubbing professor John Mack's memorial, 'official Harvard' testifies to the power of his brilliant unconventionality" by Harvey A. Silverglate discusses the memorial service for Dr. John Mack, a Harvard professor known for his research into alien abductions. The article notes that "official Harvard" did not formally participate in the service, highlighting the university's past conflict with Mack over his controversial research. Mack's work was seen as challenging traditional scientific methods, and he faced an investigation by a Harvard committee. Despite the conflict, Mack continued his research, funded in part by Laurance Rockefeller, and was involved in peace activism.

Theories on Alien Abduction and Hybridization

David Jacobs, author of "The Threat: What the Aliens Really Want and How They Plan to Get It," is quoted extensively. He posits that alien abductions are part of a program involving breeding and hybridization, leading to hybrids integrating into human society and potentially taking control due to superior technology. However, other experts, like Pamela Freyd of The False Memory Syndrome Foundation, express skepticism about the reliability of regression hypnosis as a source of evidence, suggesting memories can be reconstructed.

Scientific Search for Extraterrestrial Life

The article "The search goes on" mentions the SETI Institute's efforts to detect extraterrestrial signals, referencing the famous "Wow" signal detected in 1977. It also touches upon the scientific theory of cosmic evolution, which suggests life is a natural phenomenon likely to develop on planets with suitable conditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a perspective that takes UFO phenomena seriously, featuring researchers, experiencers, and investigators who believe in the reality of these events. While acknowledging skepticism and the possibility of hoaxes or misidentifications, the overall tone leans towards exploring the unexplained and presenting evidence and theories that challenge conventional understanding. The articles often highlight the growing number of sightings, the complexity of crop circles, and the implications of alien abduction theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into paranormal and extraterrestrial subjects, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond mainstream explanations.

This issue of the SUN, dated October 29, 2004, focuses on the phenomenon of UFO sightings and paranormal beliefs, particularly in British Columbia, Canada. The cover headline, "'Surrey corridor' is out of this world - really," highlights a specific area in B.C. known for its high concentration of UFO reports.

The 'Surrey Corridor' and UFO Sightings

The main article, "'Surrey corridor' is out of this world - really" by Chad Skelton, details the 'Surrey corridor' in British Columbia, a three-kilometre-wide strip along BC Hydro's high-voltage power lines, which is considered a hotspot for UFO sightings and alien encounters. Graham Conway, vice-president of UFO*BC, reports receiving numerous sightings and abduction events from this area, estimating that one-quarter to one-third of Lower Mainland UFO sightings occur there. In 2003, B.C. recorded 304 UFO sightings, making it the province with the most sightings in Canada for the fifth consecutive year.

UFO*BC, a nine-year-old organization, actively collects and posts reports of sightings and abductions on its website, sends out a quarterly newsletter, and maintains a hotline for public reports.

Paranormal Beliefs in British Columbia

The article explores the surprising prevalence of belief in the paranormal among British Columbians, despite the province's high rate of secularism. A 2001 Leger Marketing poll indicated that 36.1% of B.C. residents believed in aliens, second only to Alberta. The poll also found that 10.4% of B.C. residents reported seeing a ghost, well above the national average. This contrasts with the fact that over a third of British Columbians have no religious affiliation and are less likely to believe in an afterlife compared to the national average.

Explaining Paranormal Beliefs

Barry Beyerstein, a psychology professor and chairman of the B.C. Skeptics Association, suggests that the human mind is naturally inclined towards "magical thinking" and that beliefs in aliens and ghosts can serve as substitutes for traditional religions, offering a form of "no-hassle spirituality." He also notes that people may seek comfort in believing in something larger than themselves or in a universal justice.

Cryptozoology: Sasquatch and Ogopogo

John Kirk, president of the B.C. Scientific Cryptozoology Club, distinguishes his organization's scientific approach from paranormal investigations. His club focuses on the existence of undocumented animals like Sasquatch and Ogopogo. Kirk emphasizes that cryptozoologists are "ahead of the curve" and approach their work from a biological and zoological perspective, also advocating for conservation of habitats. He believes the evidence for Ogopogo is particularly strong, claiming to have seen the creature multiple times and interviewed witnesses. Kirk describes Ogopogo as a serpentine animal, four to 25 meters long, with small legs. He also describes Sasquatch as a hairy primate up to 270 cm tall, weighing four times that of an average man, and emitting a foul odor. Kirk suggests that the acidity of the soil in B.C. and the depth of Lake Okanagan may explain the lack of physical remains for these creatures.

Investigations into Ghosts and Hauntings

Heather Anderson, director of the B.C. Ghosts and Hauntings Research Society, discusses her organization's investigations into haunted houses. She recounts an investigation into a townhouse complex where residents reported paranormal activity. Research into the land revealed a historical report of a buggy crash in 1889 involving fatalities. Anderson identifies North Burnaby as a "haunting hotspot" in the Lower Mainland, citing specific reports of a "phantom jogger," nun-like figures, and a ghostly image seen at Ceperley House.

Eyewitness Accounts and Skepticism

Corina Saebels recounts an experience from July 31, 2003, where she and a friend saw a bright green, oval-shaped craft and experienced missing time. She describes the alleged creatures as having large, almond-shaped dark eyes and bulbous heads. Saebels now runs a support group for alleged alien abductees. Beyerstein, while acknowledging the sincerity of such witnesses, attributes their experiences to highly suggestible personalities and "fantasy-prone personalities" who may confuse reality with waking dreams.

Elisha Moreno, a spokeswoman for BC Hydro, offers a scientific explanation for some UFO sightings near high-voltage power lines, suggesting that electrical phenomena can create strange lights, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Translated Reports from International Media

The issue includes a section of "TRANSLATIONS" from various international newspapers, detailing numerous reports of UFOs and strange creature sightings:

• Argentina: Reports of a "strange creature" in Colonia Elia causing damage to henhouses and leaving footprints and hair. UFOs reported over Monte Hermoso, with drivers seeing red and white lights.
• Mexico: UFOs sighted over Orizaba and Cordoba, described as white dots moving in formation. A "tentacled UFO" resembling an organic being was photographed and videotaped over Mexico City, expelling spheres. Spheres were also observed over Tepoztlan, Morelos, with one emitting a fluid upon contact.
• Puerto Rico: Eleven goats were found slain in a petting zoo with bite marks and dismemberment, attributed to a "Chupacabras"-like attack.
• Chile: An investigation into alleged UFO photographs taken in Sierra de la Ventana, Argentina, concluded they were likely reflections. A report on growing interest in Valparaiso UFO sightings, with an expert visiting to investigate.
• Alabama, USA: A 1977 photograph of a figure on Highway 69 is discussed, with some speculating it was Bigfoot. Reports of Bigfoot sightings in Clarke and Washington counties are mentioned, along with anecdotal accounts of large, cat-like creatures.
• New York, USA: Vacationers claim to have seen a creature in Lake Champlain, referred to as "Champ."
• Colorado, USA: A report on the source of a mysterious low-frequency "hum" emitted by the Earth.
• North Dakota, USA: Tales of Bigfoot sightings among the Nez Perce people, with descriptions of large, hairy, man-like beasts and their footprints.
• England: A report of a "Big Foot creature" sighting on Castle Ring, described as a seven-foot-tall, hair-covered creature with glowing red eyes.
• Washington, USA: Parents reported ice chunks falling through their daughter's ceiling and landing on her bed, speculated to be from an aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of unexplained phenomena, the human tendency to believe in the extraordinary, and the ongoing efforts to document and investigate these occurrences. The magazine presents a wide range of perspectives, from enthusiastic believers in UFOs and cryptozoological creatures to skeptical analyses and scientific explanations. The inclusion of translated international reports suggests a global interest in these topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting information and diverse viewpoints on the paranormal and unexplained, encouraging readers to consider the evidence and possibilities, while also acknowledging the role of skepticism and scientific inquiry.