UFO Newsclipping Service - 2007 08 - no 457

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated August 2007, number 457, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including famous abduction cases, the Roswell Incident, crop circles, and government archives.

Close Encounters: Niece of Betty and Barney Hill Authors Book on Family's Experience

Kathleen Marden, niece of Betty and Barney Hill, has co-authored a book titled "Captured! The Betty and Barney Hill UFO Experience" with Stanton T. Friedman. The book aims to present the true story of the couple's alien abduction, which occurred in 1961. Marden, initially hesitant to discuss her family connection due to the public circus surrounding the case, was motivated by her curiosity and love for her aunt and uncle. She emphasizes that Betty and Barney Hill were not 'crackpots' and that the event profoundly changed their lives. The article details their account of a close encounter with a disc-shaped craft, including descriptions of its appearance and behavior. It also touches upon their relationship as a bi-racial couple and their subsequent involvement with NICAP, a private organization studying UFOs. Marden recounts how she personally investigated the case, examining evidence like scraped marks on Barney's car and stopped watches, and found corroborating information, particularly through Betty's hypnosis tapes.

Roswell Revisited: 60th Anniversary UFO Fest

The 60th anniversary of the Roswell Incident is approaching, with the city planning a UFO festival from July 5-8, expecting 50,000 attendees. The article revisits the events of July 1947, when initial reports of a 'crashed disk' were quickly retracted and explained as a weather balloon. It highlights new testimony from over 600 people associated with the incident, detailed in the book "Witness to Roswell" by Donald Schmitt and Thomas Carey. This testimony includes accounts of alien bodies and possibly a survivor. The article also mentions the destruction of documents related to the incident by the Government Accounting Office and the impact of a 1994 order by former Secretary of the Air Force Sheila E. Widnall, which freed servicemen from secrecy restrictions.

St. Clair County: A Haven for UFO Fans

St. Clair County has become a focal point for UFO enthusiasts, particularly after sightings of a massive, triangular object in January 2000. Police detective Mark Lopinot was among those who witnessed the silent, brightly lit object. The county has since received numerous reports of UFO sightings. Peter Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center calls the 2000 incident 'astonishing' due to the number of law enforcement officials who witnessed it. The area has also seen crop circle formations, drawing investigators from organizations like MUFON.

Captain's Log, Stardate July 5-8: Roswell, Home of Alien Abduction, Conspiracy and Kitsch

This personal account describes a visit to Roswell, New Mexico, the self-proclaimed 'Alien Capitol.' The author, Justin M. Norton, explores the city's embrace of its UFO lore, from the International UFO Museum and Research Center to alien-themed shops and decorations. The article details the original 1947 incident, the subsequent cover-up theories, and the city's preparations for its 60th-anniversary UFO festival. It also mentions plans for a UFO-themed amusement park, 'Alien Apex Resort.' The author visits the UFO Museum, noting its exhibits, including a staged alien autopsy from the movie "Roswell."

UFOs: Government is Keeping Something

This letter to the editor expresses a belief that the government is withholding information about UFOs. The author, Joy French, recounts a personal sighting in Washington in the early 1980s and a subsequent trip to Roswell, which she believes confirmed her experience. She advocates for open discussion and the formation of a UFO group, citing other countries' transparency on the subject.

Seeing is Believing: Experience Prompts Woman to Start Group

Joy French, an 83-year-old resident of Coeur d'Alene, is motivated to start a UFO group after her own experiences and a visit to Roswell. She describes a blinding light and a stopped car incident in the early 1980s in Washington. Local UFO expert Jan Rosco advises caution, emphasizing the need for psychological support and scientific understanding when dealing with witnesses. French, undeterred by potential skepticism, points to the large number of people who attended a UFO meeting in Post Falls as evidence of public interest. The article also notes numerous UFO sightings reported in Idaho and surrounding areas, according to the National UFO Reporting Center.

Delaplaine Experiences a Crop Circle

This article reports on the discovery of a crop circle on Freddy Ray Gates' farm near Delaplaine. The intricate design, noted for its clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation and woven stalks, was first spotted by a crop duster. Investigators from the BLT Research Team are examining the site, noting evidence of unusual energies, such as microwave radiation and electrical pulses, that may have affected the plants and soil. They are seeking local assistance for further field work.

Circles in Wheat Cause National Buzz

This article details the discovery of nine crop circles in a wheat field near Coulee, Washington. The formations, described as artistic and precisely made, have attracted significant attention. Investigator Peter Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center believes the circles were not made by humans. The article mentions theories ranging from pranks to UFO activity and notes that the wheat harvest is imminent, potentially obscuring the formations.

Foreign News: Half of French UFOs Remain Unexplained

France has made its archives of UFO investigations publicly accessible online through a new website documenting 1,600 cases spanning three decades. The Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES) declassified and scanned these files. Chris Rutkowski notes the high traffic to the site. The archives categorize incidents as solved, likely solved, unsolved due to lack of information, or unsolved mysteries. A significant portion, 58%, remain unexplained. The article provides examples, including a mysterious metal cylinder found in a field and a case from 1967 involving children witnessing a sphere and small black beings. Jacques Patenet of GEIPAN emphasizes the need to separate UFO studies from the paranormal and encourages scientific inquiry.

'Did You See This UFO Hovering Over Town?' asks Spotter

Spig Ulan of Slough, England, reported spotting a silver, saucer-shaped object unlike any aircraft. He managed to photograph the object, which he described as hovering and moving silently. The Met Office could not explain the sighting, and the images are being investigated by a UFO research organization.

Residents Report Strange Sightings, but RAF Did Not See Anything

Residents in Witney, England, reported seeing a 'spooky' slow-moving orange light during a lunar eclipse on March 3, 2007. Witnesses described it as not being a plane or meteorite due to its changing direction and lack of sound. The RAF and Oxford Airport reported no unusual activity at the time. The sightings are being investigated by the Anomalous Phenomena Research Agency.

Close Encounters of the Local Kind

This article discusses a purported incident at Fort Dix Military Base in 1978, where an MP allegedly shot an alien and a hovering flying saucer. McGuire Air Force Base historian Gary Boyd dismisses the story as a hoax. UFOlogists, however, cite an eyewitness account and a military report, though Boyd points out inaccuracies in the document. The National Institute of Discovery Science investigated the case but found no conclusive evidence and noted the absence of memory from key Air Force officials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFO sightings and the ongoing efforts to investigate and understand them. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony, the challenges of obtaining credible evidence, and the role of government secrecy or transparency in the study of UFO phenomena. The articles highlight both well-known historical cases like Betty and Barney Hill's abduction and the Roswell Incident, as well as more recent events such as crop circles and unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the sharing of information and the pursuit of scientific investigation, while acknowledging the skepticism and challenges involved in researching such topics. The declassification of French UFO archives is presented as a positive step towards greater transparency.

This issue of the Evening Advertiser, dated December 21, 2006, features a prominent cover story titled "WHAT UFO? THAT'S OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY LIGHTS," which addresses a recent UFO sighting in Swindon. The magazine also includes articles on other unexplained phenomena, including a historical alien encounter in Scotland, the release of French government UFO files, and ongoing investigations into mythical creatures like the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot.

Cover Story: Christmas Party Lights Explained?

The main cover story by Joanna Sugden reports on a series of UFO sightings in Swindon, where residents had reported seeing a bright, silvery object. Chris Moran, an 18-year-old student, described an oval, silver metallic object with a white glow that disappeared within seconds. However, Simon Maddison, director of the events company Planet Pursuits, has claimed responsibility, stating that the 'UFO' was actually a powerful light beam, the Sky Rose 2500 HMI, used to guide guests to their Christmas parties at the Steam Museum. The light is so powerful that the company requires an aviation license to operate it. Maddison explained that the light emits 10 different beams and moves across the sky, making it plausible for people to mistake it for a UFO. Despite Maddison's explanation, Chris Moran remains unconvinced, stating the object he saw was too solid to be a beam of light. Swindon astronomer Andy Maguire suggested the sightings could be explained by the annual Geminids meteor shower, which typically occurs between December 7 and 16.

Bob Taylor: The Forester Who Claimed Alien Attack

A Daily Telegraph article from March 23, 2007, by Bob Taylor, recounts the unique case of Bob Taylor, a forester who claimed to have been attacked by a UFO at Livingston. The article highlights that this case remains unique in British history as the only example of an alien sighting that led to a criminal investigation. On November 9, 1979, Taylor reported encountering a strange metal sphere, about 20 ft across, and two smaller spheres that attached themselves to his trousers. He experienced a hissing sound, an acrid smell, and a sensation of being grabbed, rendering him unconscious for about 20 minutes. The police investigated the site and found ladder-shaped marks in the soil and marks from the smaller objects. A doctor found grazes on Taylor's legs and chin. Despite exhaustive inquiries, the police were baffled and filed the incident as a criminal assault, leaving the case open. The site became a magnet for UFO enthusiasts, and Taylor, who maintained his account, moved away from the area after the incident.

Are We Truly Alone? Letters to the Editor

This section includes letters to the editor concerning UFOs and extraterrestrial life. Scott Van Wynsberghe's article, "We're Still Alone," is addressed by Chris Rutkowski of Ufology Research. Rutkowski clarifies misconceptions about the search for extraterrestrial life and UFOs, noting that while many sightings are explainable, the value of explained cases, possible explanations, and cases with insufficient data should be considered. He argues that dismissing the possibility of alien visitation based on current detection capabilities or the lack of confirmed civilizations is premature. Rutkowski also questions the certainty of claims about government conspiracies to conceal alien visitations. He concludes that UFOs, whether physical or psychological phenomena, should be taken seriously and studied.

Another letter from Jim Deacove challenges Scott Van Wynsberghe's skepticism, urging deeper research and pointing to evidence like the Mexico City sightings and the film "Fastwalkers." Deacove suggests that the abundance of evidence for alien contacts means those who deny their existence haven't done their homework.

Revealed: The Hidden X-Files

A Daily Express article by Julie Carpenter discusses the release of over 1,600 French government UFO cases, referred to as 'X files.' The article highlights the case of Renato Nicolai, a French farmer who, in 1981, witnessed an object land in his field, leaving burn marks and compressing the ground. The French agency for the study of 'non-identified aerospatial phenomena' (OVNIs) has launched a website to document these cases, a move that has garnered significant public interest. The article contrasts France's approach with that of the British government, with historian Dr. David Clarke suggesting the French agency has done a better job than the UK's Ministry of Defence. The article also mentions a sighting by British RAF Tornado jet fighters in 1990, which was classified as 'unexplained' in British records but identified as space debris by French investigators.

Nick Pope, who previously ran the UK government's UFO research program, believes the French release will increase pressure on the UK to open its own files. The article notes that while some UFO reports are explained, a significant percentage remain classified as 'type D' – unexplained despite good data and credible witnesses. Examples include a 1994 Air France flight sighting and a case involving a British family who witnessed a wingless, tail-less object accelerating rapidly.

UFO Sightings in the News

Several smaller news items report on UFO sightings:

• Shropshire, England (Jan. 8, 2007): A second sighting of a metallic cylinder-like object with red and yellow flames was reported by engineer Ian Adams and retired policeman Mike Lindop.
• Stroud, England (Feb. 28, 2007): A teacher, Richard Pearse, reported seeing two very bright, stationary lights in the sky.
• Oswestry, England (Jan. 31, 2007): Mrs. M. Jones reported a greyish, cigar-shaped craft with spinning lights underneath hovering over her bungalow.
• Scunthorpe, England (Feb. 26, 2007): Official records show the last UFO sightings in North Lincolnshire were in 2002, including reports of circling lights and a dark blue, torpedo-shaped object.
• Pembroke, Canada (July 11, 2007): An article details various UFO sightings in the Ottawa Valley, including 'foo fighters' during WWII, a blazing light causing a car accident, a shimmering egg-shaped cloud, a fireball, and a UFO landing that created crop circles.
• Toronto, Canada (April 11, 2007): A letter to the editor defends the study of UFOs, criticizing skepticism from physicists and advocating for serious investigation.
• Toronto, Canada (June 18, 2007): Another letter challenges skepticism about UFOs, citing evidence from Mexico City and the film "Fastwalkers."
• Argentina (June 4, 2007): Witnesses in Tucuman reported seeing strange lights moving irregularly and making rapid course changes.
• Chile (June 13, 2007): A correspondent recorded a multicolored light moving over a mining region, identified as a possible UFO.
• Mexico (June 14, 2007): The crew of a Boeing 737 reported a spherical UFO entering and exiting a cloud.
• Chile (June 23, 2007): An outlandish explanation involving UFOs is considered for the evaporation of a southern Chilean lake.
• Costa Rica (July ?, 2007): A security guard recorded a UFO over Tres Rios, describing it as a flying saucer.
• Colombia (June 26, 2007): Experts are analyzing images that appear to show an 'unidentified flying object' over Pasto.
• Spain (June 28, 2007): An incident involving a dense fog and witnesses finding themselves in a completely different location is described as a possible teleportation.
• Chile (July 23, 2007): Victoria Ampuero photographed an unidentified flying object over Lenga.
• Costa Rica (July 26, 2007): Amateur video captured what is believed to be an alleged UFO.

Loch Ness Legend Persists

A Forteana News article by Shirley Robinson explores the enduring legend of the Loch Ness Monster. It discusses the historical accounts, including carvings by the Picts and the earliest written record from Saint Columba in 565 A.D. The article highlights modern investigations using SONAR and photography, mentioning Robert Rines's work and the controversial flipper image that suggested a plesiosaur. It notes that while most scientists dismiss the idea of a surviving dinosaur, the possibility of 'living fossils' like the coelacanth and frilled shark is acknowledged. The article also touches upon ancient artifacts and legends of reptilian creatures worldwide, including descriptions in the Book of Job.

"Fetid Beast" Still Haunts Amazon

A Post article by Larry Rohter discusses the mapinguary, a South American monster from Amazonian folklore. Scientists suggest the legend may stem from contact with the now-extinct giant ground sloth. The creature is described as tall, emitting a strong odor, and having thick fur and a carapace. While its existence is debated, the folklore is widespread among Amazonian tribes.

Was the Car Invented 1400 Years Ago?

A Weekly News article by Mike Edwards-Smith investigates ancient inventions, suggesting that technologies like railways (dating back to 6th century BC Greece) and 'wind cars' (used in China 1400 years ago) predate modern assumptions. It also mentions engineer Giovanni Fontana's concept of a rocket car in 15th-century Italy and early evidence of flying machines in ancient Egypt and Greece.

Squatch Watch: Bigfoot in Portland

A Portland Monthly article by Charlie Gocio describes a meeting of the International Bigfoot Society in St. Johns, Oregon. The article touches on the search for Bigfoot, the debate over evidence like 'blobsquatches,' and the controversy surrounding Bigfoot hunters like Tom Biscardi. It highlights the transformation of the Bigfoot legend into a tourist attraction.

Loch Ness Monster Capture on Video

A Buffalo News article by Ben McConville reports on a lab technician, Gordon Holmes, who captured what is believed to be footage of the Loch Ness Monster. Adrian Shine, a Nessie watcher and biologist, views the video as some of the best footage seen, despite his skepticism. The article notes the depth and mystery of Loch Ness and the long history of sightings, dating back to St. Columba.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and cryptids, across various geographical locations. There is a recurring tension between skeptical scientific explanations and the persistent accounts of eyewitnesses, often supported by anecdotal evidence or intriguing, though inconclusive, photographic and video material. The articles highlight the public's fascination with these mysteries and the ongoing debate about whether they represent undiscovered species, natural phenomena, or evidence of extraterrestrial activity. The release of the French UFO files signifies a shift towards greater transparency in government investigations. The overall stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of phenomena beyond current scientific understanding while also presenting rational explanations where available.