UFO Newsclipping Service - 2005 04 - no 429

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated April 2005, Number 429, is a compilation of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and government interest in the subject. The cover prominently features an illustration of an alien head superimposed on the Presidential Seal, with the headline "Presidents And Flying Saucers," suggesting a focus on the intersection of political power and UFO investigations.

Article Summaries

UFO Expert Seeks Link Between Extraterrestrials, White House

This article by Becca Bacon Martin from The Morning News interviews Grant Cameron, a UFO expert and speaker at the Ozark UFO Conference. Cameron posits that extraterrestrials adhere to a non-interference policy, only intervening in human events like nuclear war. He believes that if the president is briefed on UFOs, then UFOs exist, as presidents are not briefed on non-existent matters. Cameron recounts his own UFO sighting at age 22 and his subsequent research into the work of UFO expert Wilbert Smith. He suggests that the U.S. government holds top-secret files on UFOs and that the "galactic law about noninterference" is the reason for a potential cover-up, fearing public panic. Cameron also shares anecdotes about presidential knowledge of UFOs, including Truman, Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, and Dick Cheney. He notes Bill Clinton's statement about a "secret government within the government." The Ozark UFO Conference is mentioned, with registration details provided.

Are We Alone? Scientists Say Life Is Likely Out There

Written by Diane Clay for The Oklahoman, this article explores the scientific debate on extraterrestrial life. It highlights discoveries of exoplanets, evidence of liquid water on Mars, and new theories in physics. The article features insights from astrophysicist Bernard Haisch and physicist Harold Puthoff. Haisch suggests that life might exist in conditions different from Earth's and that scientists should consider UFO reports from credible sources. Puthoff proposes searching the moon, Mars, and Titan for artifacts of advanced societies. The article also touches upon interstellar messages sent via probes like Pioneer and Voyager.

What Was That Object in the Eastern Sky? A UFO or Saturn?

This piece by Stephanie Farr in the Sun-Gazette details a sighting by Todd Butters of an unidentified object in the eastern sky. Dr. Richard Erickson, an astronomy professor, suggests that the object might have been Saturn, explaining its brightness and potential for atmospheric effects that could cause color variations. However, Erickson does not entirely rule out the possibility of a UFO, acknowledging that the term itself implies an unexplainable object.

UFO report overlooks volumes

This review by George D. Fawcett for the Lincoln Times-News critiques Peter Jennings' (ABC) show on UFOs, arguing that it failed to adequately cover significant aspects of the UFO reality, such as human abductions, E-M effects, and radar trackings, while focusing on "publicity stunts" and giving short shrift to the Roswell case. The reviewer notes that the government was no longer investigating UFOs and that the show implied that some cases might be "actual unknowns."

Rochester Man Studies UFOs with a Historian's Tools

This article by Mark Hare in the Democrat & Chronicle introduces Richard Nolan, a historian and researcher who believes UFOs are real. Nolan, who has written a book on UFOs and the National Security State, approaches the subject methodically, collecting official documents and analyzing credible reports, particularly those involving military encounters. He emphasizes the need for skepticism but also open-mindedness regarding possibilities beyond conventional understanding.

Unidentified falling object spooks Roswell Ave.

This report by Sara A. Carter for the Daily Bulletin describes an incident in Chino where residents reported seeing a falling object from the sky around the same time a shed caught fire. While fire officials and the sheriff's department investigated, no definitive explanation was found, with possibilities ranging from a transformer issue to a plane crash or even a UFO.

Strange objects in the sky, alien visitors and other close encounters revealed in the North's secret X-FILES

Daniel Thomson's article in the Journal (Newcastle-upon-Tyne) discusses the release of long-hidden military files concerning UFO sightings in Northern England. It highlights reports from RAF airmen, including Flight Lieutenant AM Wood's sighting of luminous objects over the sea in 1977, which were tracked on radar. The article notes that these documents, previously held by the Ministry of Defence's UFO department (SF4), are now being released under new Freedom of Information measures. It also mentions older reports, such as the Dartmoor Floating Or Balloon Light from 1915 and sightings of "ghost rockets" over Scandinavia in 1946.

Lights in the sky spark new UFO mystery

This Mercury (Tamworth, England) article reports on a UFO sighting near Lichfield by a Gentleshaw woman and other residents who reported strange lights. Graham Allen of the Staffordshire UFO Group suggests that unusual sightings are common in the area and is seeking witnesses to determine the source of these lights.

B.C. UFO picture 'best in the world'

Carrie West's article for The Province (Vancouver, B.C.) focuses on a famous UFO photograph taken by Hannah McRoberts in 1981. The image, which appears to show a flying saucer near a mountain, has been reproduced widely and is considered credible by experts like Gavin McLeod of UFO British Columbia due to its clarity and the witness's credibility. Richard Haines, a UFO researcher, also examined the photo and found it unlikely to be a hoax.

UFOs Come In Black, Yellow And Orange

This Daily Star (London, England) report reveals that Britain's top secret X-Files show that reported UFOs were often described as black, yellow, or orange. The article discusses the release of 88 UFO reports by military staff and civilians under the Freedom of Information Act, including a sighting near Devizes and another in Somerset described as a "great bright light."

UFO sightings soar

This Citizen (Prince George, B.C.) article reports on a national survey by Ufology Research of Manitoba showing a record 882 UFO sightings in Canada in 2004, a 31% increase from the previous year. The increase is attributed to factors like popular TV shows and more reporting sites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent presence of UFO phenomena, the scientific community's evolving stance on extraterrestrial life, and the role of government in investigating and potentially concealing information. There's a clear emphasis on witness credibility and the release of official documents as key to understanding the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the examination of evidence and challenging skepticism, while also acknowledging the need for scientific rigor and the potential for misidentification or hoaxes. The publication itself, "UFO Newsclipping Service," suggests a mission to collect and disseminate information on the topic from various sources.

This issue of the Evening Press, dated January 27, 2005, focuses on the release of secret government files detailing UFO sightings in North Yorkshire, UK, under the Freedom of Information laws. The cover headline, "IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE?", sets the tone for the investigative content.

UFOs in North Yorkshire

The lead article by Charlotte Percival reveals that thousands of Ministry of Defence documents are being made public, logging observations of unidentified flying objects by various personnel, including RAF lieutenants, police superintendents, and British Airways pilots. These "Britain's X-Files" include a report from July 1977 by Fit Lt A M Wood, who observed "bright objects hanging over the sea" near Scarborough, which were also detected on radar. The account was deemed sensitive and its release delayed for three years. The article also notes that Filey was recently named Britain's top location for UFO sightings. Another notable sighting mentioned is a photograph taken by Leslie Brigham in September 1972 over York, which was witnessed by his grandson, John Ward. Explanations ranged from ionized particles to meteorites or alien vessels. Other sightings detailed include those by Clive and Yvonne Howard in July 1980 near Sutton-on-Derwent, who reported six "flying saucers" and a whirring sound; Roger and Dawn Toye in January 1991 near Knavesmire, who saw lights hovering; York postman John Hunt in May 1994 who reported an "onion-shaped" object flying at high speed over the River Ouse; and farm worker Wayne Simpson in January 1995 who saw a grey-coloured UFO zig-zagging near Holme-on-Spalding Moor.

The article also includes a "Factfile" defining a UFO and outlining ufologist theories. It mentions that the British UFO Hunters study group identified Filey as a hotspot for unexplained incidents.

Scots UFO Capital to Twin with Roswell

This section reports on the potential twinning of Bonnybridge, Scotland, known as the "UFO Capital of the World," with Roswell, USA, famous for the 1947 Roswell Incident. An advance party from Bonnybridge is set to visit Roswell in March to formalize the "sister city" relationship. Falkirk Council's Deputy Provost, Billy Buchanan, is leading the initiative, aiming to leverage the UFO notoriety for tourism and business. The article details the Roswell Incident, the International UFO Museum and Research Centre, and Bonnybridge's aspirations for a similar attraction. Councillor Buchanan highlights that while Roswell had one famous incident, Bonnybridge has had thousands of strange sightings since 1992. The initiative also aims to promote general commercial tie-ups beyond UFO tourism.

Bigfoot Sightings and Other Phenomena

Several articles from other publications are included, expanding the scope beyond UFOs:

Bigfoot Sightings

• "Have we been visited by aliens?" (Evening Post, Jan. 19, 2005) features Stephen Ratcliffe, a photographer from Preston, who claims to have unwittingly snapped four UFOs. An astronomer from the University of Central Lancashire, Professor Donald Kurtz, casts doubt on the authenticity of the photos, citing lighting inconsistencies.

• "Bigfoot of Blues part of saga" (TIMES, Jan. 6, 2005) by Vance Orchard recounts the story of Roger Patterson, a Bigfoot enthusiast who visited Walla Walla in 1966. Patterson later filmed what is claimed to be a Bigfoot in Northern California in 1967 with Bob Gimlin. The article also mentions earlier track sightings in the Touchet Valley and the work of David Murphy, who is writing a book about Patterson.

• "Bigfoot sightings as close as Lampasas River" (FORTEANA NEWS, Jan. 3, 2005) discusses Bigfoot reports in Texas, citing the Texas Bigfoot Research Center and its investigation of over 100 sightings annually. It mentions a sighting in Milam County in 1978 and another on the Lampasas River in 1977. The article also touches on the skepticism surrounding Bigfoot evidence and quotes Professor Vaughn Bryant.

• "Investigator thinks he's hot on the trail" (WORLD, Feb. 15, 2005) by Rick Steigmeyer profiles Paul Graves, a Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) investigator in Wenatchee. Graves discusses his role in interviewing witnesses and documenting reports, including a chilling whooping scream heard near Stevens Pass and other animal sounds reported by campers.

• "Local Bigfoot buff resumes search for elusive beast" (TOWN TALK, March 24, 2005) by Andrew Griffin follows Scott Kessler, a fireman and BFRO member, on his search for Bigfoot in the Sam Houston National Forest, Texas. Kessler reports instances of unusual smells, limb snaps, and a possible eye sighting captured by a night vision camera.

Other Phenomena

• "Was 'close encounter' a meteor?" (MERCURY, Feb. 13, 2005) reports on Steve Butterworth of Preston, who saw a bright white-blue light, possibly a meteor, at 6:40 am. Professor Donald Kurtz notes that meteors are visible on clear nights.

• "Appeal for more 'saucer' sightings" (MERCURY, Feb. 13, 2005) features a Gentleshaw woman's report of a close encounter with a spinning, saucer-shaped object. Graham Allen of the Staffordshire UFO Group mentions other sightings of strange lights in the Rugeley area on the same evening and seeks more witnesses.

• "The truth is out there - eventually" (OBSERVER, Jan. 9, 2005) discusses the impact of the Freedom of Information Act, noting that requests for information about UFOs and "low-flying aircraft" were popular among journalists.

• Translations section includes several reports from South America:
• Argentina: Reports on the "Rooftop Madman" in Barrio Centenario and San Lorenzo, a strange character with ghostly characteristics; a UFO photograph taken by Guillermo Martin at Nevado de Cachi; and continued sightings of the "Rooftop Madman."
• Argentina: A report on the "Lobizon" terrorizing women in La Playosa, Cordoba, described as a thin, tall, wiry, agile young man with bloodshot eyes, clad in black.
• Chile: Discussion of the "Chupacabras," with expert opinions on its origin and terrifying attacks, including a case near Puerto Montt and another in the northern part of the country.
• Argentina: Reports of strange creatures, cattle mutilations near Coronel Suarez, and a triangular object seen over the Rio de la Plata by pilots of two commercial airplanes.
• Mexico: Recent UFO reports from Mexico City, including spherical objects photographed and observed.
• Argentina: A report of a strange object crossing the solar disk captured by CIUFOS-La Pampa.
• Argentina: A follow-up on cattle mutilation activity in the Argentinean Pampa, with reports of mutilated deer and cows, and a mutilated cat found on a country estate.
• Argentina: A mysterious object in the Rio de la Plata skies alarmed two civil airplanes, with the Uruguayan Air Force investigating hypotheses of a missile or fighter plane.

• "Sky Writing" (BOHEMIAN, Dec. 22, 2004) discusses "chemtrails" and the conspiracy theories surrounding them, contrasting them with official explanations from government agencies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, government transparency (through the Freedom of Information Act), and unexplained phenomena such as Bigfoot and the Chupacabras. The articles generally present witness accounts and expert opinions, often with a degree of skepticism or attempts at rational explanation, but also acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding these events. The inclusion of translated reports from South America broadens the scope of unexplained phenomena covered. The overall stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena and the ongoing investigations and releases of information related to them.