UFO Newsclipping Service - 2005 06 - no 431

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated June 2005 and numbered 431, is published by Lucius Farish from Plumerville, Arkansas. The cover features a prominent "UFO" logo and the headline "ALIEN ADVENTURE," accompanied by a photograph and a sub-headline about a reporter's trip to Roswell, New Mexico.

Main Cover Story: Alien Adventure - Trip to Roswell

The lead article, "Alien Adventure: Trip to Roswell reminds reporter of own 'close encounter'" by Kristin Davis of The Free Lance-Star, recounts the author's personal experiences with UFOs at age 13 and her subsequent visit to Roswell, New Mexico. Davis describes two childhood sightings of illuminated, rotating objects in the sky, one of which appeared to land. Her fascination with UFOs led her to devour books and movies on the subject. Years later, as a reporter, she visits Roswell, the site of a famous 1947 UFO crash. She describes the town's embrace of its UFO lore, with numerous themed attractions and museums. The article touches on the official explanation of the 1947 incident as a weather balloon, contrasting it with the enduring mystery and the town's thriving UFO tourism industry. Davis also reflects on her mother's later admission of seeing a similar object on the night of her first sighting.

Journey to Roswell

This section details the reporter's drive to Roswell, describing the New Mexico landscape. It highlights the town's transformation into a UFO hotspot, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The International UFO Museum and Research Center is mentioned as a key attraction, alongside other UFO-themed businesses and decorations throughout the town.

Down at the Crash Site Café

The reporter describes eating at the Crash Site Café, noting its alien-themed decor and menu. She observes that visitors do not fit the stereotype of 'foil hat' wearers, suggesting a more mainstream interest in the topic.

One Last Stop

The final stop in Roswell is the actual UFO crash site, marked by a simple sign. The reporter reflects on the enduring mystery of what truly happened there and acknowledges Roswell as a place for wonder rather than definitive answers.

New Alien Book Cites Rio's Sightings

This article by Caitlin McAdoo discusses Preston Dennett's new book, "UFOS Over California," which includes accounts of UFO sightings in Rio Vista, California. It focuses on a 1965 UFO wave in Rio Vista, citing newspaper reports of teens shooting at a flying object and a large crowd gathering to observe it. The article notes the military's explanation of Venus as the cause for some sightings, but quotes Dennett expressing skepticism about such explanations. Dennett shares his personal journey from skepticism to belief after his sister-in-law reported seeing two "gray-type ETs." The article also mentions older sightings in Mount Shasta and Alameda.

Urban Legend: UFOs in the O.C.?

This piece by Christian Williams compiles local UFO sightings, emphasizing that the article's purpose is to present accounts without necessarily verifying their authenticity. It includes several anecdotal reports:

• July 5, 1947: A connection to the Roswell incident is noted through Rev. Joseph Brasky of Grafton, who claimed to have found a piece of a flying saucer.
• 1970s Sightings: Reports from a UFO research site mention similar encounters near Northridge, including an account from Kathy K. describing a "football field" sized sphere with red lights.
• March 26, 1984: An article from the News Graphic Pilot reports on a UFO sighting investigated the previous December, featuring a Cedarburg woman who described a "biggest, brightest light" and a "round, but not perfectly round" object.
• Sightings in the 1950s: An anonymous Cedarburg farmer reported seeing and hearing a UFO with windows, which he followed.
• Recent Sightings: The article notes an increase in UFO reports documented by ufowisconsin.com since 1998.

Flying Saucer Group Looks to the Skies

This article by Lindsay Sonsky profiles the Memphis UFO Discussion Group, which has been active for nearly 25 years. Mark Gilley, who had a childhood UFO experience, and Marcia Prince, the group's chair, are featured. They discuss the "giggle factor" associated with UFOs and the group's efforts to investigate sightings. The article also mentions the role of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) and the investigative training undertaken by Gilley and Prince. It touches on cases in rural Mississippi involving UFOs and dead cattle.

Peter Jennings' Out-of-This-World Topic

This piece by Mark Washburn reviews Peter Jennings' two-hour ABC special on UFOs. Jennings, initially a skeptic, found compelling cases like the 1997 Phoenix lights and a 1968 North Dakota sighting. The special examines alien abduction, SETI, and the work of astrophysicist J. Allen Hynek. It also addresses the Roswell incident, suggesting that government cover-ups fueled conspiracy theories. Jennings criticizes the media's exploitation of UFO interest, citing the "Alien Autopsy" hoax as an example. He concludes that the government's handling of evidence has allowed fringe elements to dominate the narrative.

Foreign News: Is the Government Hiding UFO Files?

This section compiles several international reports on UFOs:

• Irish Independent (Feb. 10, 2005): Conor Feehan reports that despite numerous claims of sightings in Ireland, the government departments contacted (Defence, Transport, Garda) stated they have no information on UFO activity. Conspiracy theorists suggest a cover-up. The article contrasts this with the UK Ministry of Defence's release of top-secret files on UFOs, detailing credible reports from RAF personnel and pilots.
• Sunday Mirror (Jan. 23, 2005): A letter from Tony in Sandymount asks about an Irish UFO organization. The response directs him to UPRI (UFO and Paranormal Research Ireland), founded by Carl Nally and Dermot Butler, which documents and researches unexplained phenomena.
• Frome & Somerset Standard (Feb. 10, 2005): Wendy Walker reports that Wiltshire and Somerset are no longer considered UFO hotspots, according to the Ministry of Defence's first log of information released under the Freedom of Information Act. Only four sightings were reported in the area in 2004 and early 2005.
• Wembley Observer (Feb. 3, 2005): A second UFO sighting is reported in Willesden, north London, strengthening claims of a UFO presence. A resident described a square object hovering low above her home.
• Evening Times (March 8, 2005): West Kilbride, Scotland, is identified as the new UFO capital, topping the list for sightings in the UK in the previous year, with 12 reports of "yellow spheres." The town has ousted Bonnybridge as Scotland's flying saucer capital.

Intriguing Case of the UFO Flying Over RAF Shawbury

This article by James Holt details the investigation into a possible UFO sighting over RAF Shawbury in March 1993, led by then UFO officer Nick Pope. The incident involved multiple reports, including a triangular or diamond-shaped craft seen by military and police personnel. Pope, who investigated hundreds of UFO cases, considered the Shawbury incident one of the most intriguing due to the credibility of the witnesses and the inability to rule out natural explanations. The report concluded the craft type and motive were unknown. Pope, initially a skeptic, became more open-minded after his tenure.

Sharp Rise in Whitehall Shredding

This report by Jason Beattie highlights a significant increase in the shredding of government files in the UK shortly before the Freedom of Information Act came into force. Departments like the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Trade and Industry reportedly doubled the number of files destroyed, leading to accusations of a "bonfire of historical records."

UFO Was 'Flying Faster Than a Jet'

This article from the Dorset & Somerset Western Gazette reports on a sighting by Baptist lay preacher John Smith and Damien Moore near RNAS Yeovilton. They described a cigar-shaped object, approximately 20 feet long, that was sky blue or turquoise, gleaming, and moving faster than a jet. The object made no noise. The sighting was reported to RNAS Yeovilton, which stated no flights were logged at that time.

Crop Circles? No, Just Wind

This article from the Daily Record, Hickory, NC, addresses mysterious shapes found in barley fields. Neighbors reported random designs, initially leading to speculation about crop circles or alien activity. However, the answer is attributed to strong winds and heavy rains from recent storms that flattened the barley, creating the patterns.

Information Center: In Years Past

• 1955: A wispy, radioactive fuzz settled over Horseheads, N.Y., causing scientific community concern. It was speculated to be related to atomic tests.
• 2005: A report from the Standard-Democrat discusses the airing of a Peter Jennings special on UFOs and mentions an alleged 1941 UFO crash and retrieval in Southeast Missouri.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, government secrecy, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. There is a consistent thread of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that governments may be withholding information. The articles highlight the efforts of civilian investigators and the public's enduring fascination with the topic. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various accounts and perspectives without necessarily endorsing them as definitive proof of extraterrestrial visitation, but acknowledging the persistent nature of the phenomenon and the questions it raises.

This issue of the Evening Advertiser, dated February 4, 2005, focuses on the enduring mystery of UFOs and extraterrestrial life, with the cover headline "A CLOSE ENCOUNTER." It explores how technological advancements blur the lines between science fiction and fact, while phenomena like UFOs remain unproven despite their long history.

Fact and Fiction Grow Ever Closer

The introductory section highlights the increasing reality of once-fictional concepts like designer babies and animal cloning. It then pivots to the persistent question of UFOs and extraterrestrial life, noting that Bexley has been a frequent location for such sightings, including a famous 1955 incident involving a craft hovering over King Harold's Way. Nick Pope, a former Ministry of Defence UFO expert, has identified Bexley as a top 10 area for UFO sightings.

A Close Encounter: UFO Sightings Over Wiltshire and Swindon

By Anthony Osborne, this article reveals a series of fascinating UFO sightings over Wiltshire and Swindon, based on documents collected by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) under the Freedom of Information Act. In 2004, the MoD collected nearly 90 reports, with five more received early in 2005. These reports include descriptions of yellow-colored spheres, transparent rings, and a house-sized black cylinder that could change color. A particularly intriguing report from Swindon on September 24 described a "big orange disc going from East to West," moving silently and slowly. On the same day, other sightings occurred in Devizes (a "big ball of fire") and Newport, South Wales (a "shiny disc with a tail"). While some sightings are dismissed as astronomical phenomena, others are harder to dismiss, such as a Surrey report describing a UFO with "grooves and windows" that the MoD inspector noted the witness saw "so clearly." Another sighting in Welford, Berkshire, involved a "ball of flames" that reappeared and then plummeted to earth. UFO researcher Roy Lake expressed disappointment with the MoD releases, feeling they only reveal partial information and that Wiltshire remains a "hotspot" due to military establishments.

The Day ET Was Spotted in the Skies Over Swindon

This section continues the theme of UFO sightings in the Swindon area. It lists several reported incidents: a woman returning from Devizes in November 1970 saw a large, yellow glowing light above Princess Margaret Hospital; in July 1970, a Cirencester woman reported a cigar-shaped object moving overhead; in May 1994, a Swindon couple saw an orange-coloured triangular-shaped spacecraft hover above their home; and in the mid-1960s, Warminster became a "Mecca for UFO sightings," with over 1,000 recorded in one year, though sceptics attributed these to military aircraft. A 1965 photograph of a UFO by Gordon Faulkner from Swindon was later alleged to be a hoax, which he denied. A 2003 incident in Avebury involving a UFO sighting was later revealed to be a helium-filled balloon used for a TV special effects crew.

Scottish Village is UFO Capital

West Kilbride in Ayrshire, Scotland, has been identified as the UK's new UFO capital, replacing Bonnybridge. Records from the Ministry of Defence revealed 12 sightings in West Kilbride in the past year, including yellow spheres and formations of five spheres. Local student Louise Riley reported seeing an unusual light. The Ministry of Defence confirmed 90 sightings across the UK in the last 12 months. West Kilbride has three times the number of sightings as Wellingborough, its closest rival. Hamilton and Dumfries also reported sightings. Developers had planned an £850 million UFO theme park in Bonnybridge, which previously held the title.

'The day I saw RAF base UFO'

By Sarah Taylor, this article revisits the mystery of a Cosford UFO sighting from December 10, 1963. Two apprentices reported seeing a dome-shaped UFO touch down at the RAF base, emitting a beam of green light. The story gained renewed attention following the declassification of an eight-page Ministry of Defence file. Eyewitness Tom Broomhall, then 17, described a "humming sound" and a "green light 60 feet above us in the fog," distinct from aircraft noise. He recalled the incident vividly, noting the strange sound and the light's presence.

Translations

This section presents translated reports from South American and other Spanish-language newspapers:

• Chile: Cigar-Shaped UFO photographed over Volcano (March 30, 2005): Local residents near the Osorno volcano claim sightings of aerial phenomena are common. Jorge Quinn accidentally photographed a cigar-shaped UFO during his vacation. Southern Chile is considered a "hot zone" for UFOs.
• Chile: Did UFOs Cause a Blackout in Northern Chile? (March 30, 2005): A blackout in Copiapo and Caldera on Wednesday evening is rumored to have been caused by two UFOs traveling at high speed. The Atacama Power Utility is investigating.
• Argentina: Mutilated Animal Found Near Colonia Margarita (May 11, 2005): A dead heifer in Colonia Margarita was initially reported as a mysterious mutilation. However, veterinarian Omar Bossio dismissed it, explaining that predators and natural processes cause such appearances, with fleshier parts like tongues and eyes being consumed first, leading to skin contraction and the appearance of surgical incisions.
• Peru: UFOs Over Huaral (May 19, 2005): Physics doctoral student Jason Mendez Cordova videotaped an impressive light over the agricultural region of El Ahorcado, near Huaral. Local residents also report daily sightings of strange vehicles unlike airplanes or helicopters.
• Mexico: UFO Photo and Analysis (May 25, 2005): Ana Luisa Cid shared photos taken in Mexico City showing large, strange objects not visible to the naked eye. She theorizes they could be devices powered by unknown technology or structures traveling at high speeds.
• Argentina: Cattle Mutilations and Space Aliens (May 27, 2005): Citizen Lorenzo Villegas reported a case of approximately 100 dead goats belonging to a friend in Los Membrillos, San Luis. He believes these are experiments conducted by beings from other worlds. He also described seeing three large plate-shaped objects near a river.

Could Bigfoot Be in Coweta?

This article from the Times-Herald (April 24, 2005) investigates a report of a "large creature seen upright in a field off Happy Valley Circle" in Coweta, Georgia. It references a 1970s letter to the editor describing an "enormous... very hairy" beast, dubbed the "Happy Valley Horror." The article also touches on the "Belt Road Booger" legend and mentions other Georgia Bigfoot sightings, including a large footprint found in Elkins Creek, examined by Dr. Jeff Meldrum and J.H. Chilcutt, who concluded it was from an "unknown primate."

Rumors of Loch Ness Monster Sightings Persist

By Heide B. Malhotra, this piece recounts the history of Loch Ness Monster sightings, dating back to 565 A.D. with Saint Columba. Descriptions include a large animal with humps, a tail, a long neck, and a small head. Despite numerous eyewitness accounts and scientific investigations using sonar and underwater devices, no definitive proof of "Nessie" has been found, though large, unexplained sonar contacts have been recorded. The article mentions the Loch Ness Monster's habitat and its geological context.

Ferry operator says he videotaped Bigfoot on Nelson River, sold footage to U.S. TV

A brief report from the National Post (April 27, 2005) states that Bobby Clarke, a ferry operator from Norway House, Manitoba, claims to have captured videotape of a Bigfoot creature on the Nelson River. The footage was sold to a U.S. television show.

Finding the Truth in the Paranormal

This article from the Daily Nebraskan (November 18, 2004) discusses the defunct Lincoln-based Fortean Research Center, founded by Billy DeFrain and Nolan Tredway. The group aimed to research paranormal phenomena like UFO sightings, spontaneous human combustion, and Bigfoot, drawing from government archives and libraries. Despite disbanding due to members' other commitments, its founders still believe in the search for truth.

Charles Fort and the Fortean Research Center

This section delves deeper into the origins of Fortean research, inspired by Charles Fort's work cataloging inexplicable events in books like "Book of the Damned" and "Wild Talents." Ray Boeche, founder of the Fortean Research Center, explains Fort's approach as being between skeptic and advocate. Boeche and Scott Colborn established the center in the early 1980s to investigate phenomena like Bigfoot sightings and cattle mutilations. The center published a monthly newsletter and organized conferences featuring experts like UFO investigator Stanton Friedman and spontaneous human combustion expert Larry Arnold. Friedman asserted that some UFOs are "intelligently controlled spacecraft." Arnold discussed spontaneous human combustion, citing the case of John Bentley. The center investigated a 1956 UFO landing at Bentwater Royal Air Force base. The group disbanded due to members' other commitments and lack of strong leadership.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistence of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, and the role of government in either investigating or concealing information. There's a clear interest in eyewitness accounts and the ongoing debate between skepticism and belief. The magazine presents a wide range of cases, from well-documented government files to anecdotal reports of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, suggesting a broad scope for paranormal research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and expert opinions without definitively concluding on the nature of these phenomena, while acknowledging the public's fascination and the potential for hidden truths.