UFO Newsclipping Service - 2007 09 - no 458

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated September 2007, number 458, is published by Lucius Farish and features a cover headline about "Crop circles in Arkansas flummox farmers, visitors." The publication delves into various UFO-related phenomena, including crop circles, alleged alien encounters, and historical sightings, drawing from multiple newspaper clippings across the United States and the United Kingdom.

Crop Circles in Arkansas

The lead story, "Crop circles in Arkansas flummox farmers, visitors" by Kenneth Heard, reports on intricate patterns appearing in wheat fields in Clay County, Arkansas, over several summers. One researcher, JoAnne Scarpellini, a retired neurochemist and crop-circle investigator, believes these could be "gentle" signs from aliens, preparing humanity for a friendly visitation. She notes magnetic anomalies within the circles, which she states are too complex for humans to create. However, local farmers are more concerned about agricultural pests, and some, like Clay County Cooperative Extension agent Andy Vangilder, suspect human involvement using GPS technology. The circles have caused minor damage to crops, estimated between $250 to $500.

Scarpellini has studied three such circles in Clay County, finding blades of wheat interwoven in a way that suggests significant time and effort. She concludes there is "no evidence we've found that indicates they were made by people." She predicts more circles will appear in the area due to an unknown attraction. Despite the skepticism, Delaplaine Mayor Larry Myrick humorously suggests "intelligent youngsters" might be responsible, while also noting that "whoever is doing it isn't doing much talking about it."

Historical UFO Incidents and Theories

Several articles explore historical UFO events and theories:

The McGuire Case

An article by Rick Murray discusses the alleged 1978 incident at McGuire Air Force Base where a Military Policeman supposedly shot an alien and a flying saucer. UFologists argue that evidence supports the case, but the U.S. Air Force denies it, calling it a hoax. The National Institute of Discovery Science (NIDS) investigated and found no admission from base officials, deeming it likely a hoax but leaving the case "still pending."

The Flatwoods Monster and Military Engagements

Frank Feschino, author of "The Flatwoods Monster," is featured discussing his research. He posits that in 1952, the U.S. military engaged alien aircraft in a battle off the Atlantic Coast under orders from President Truman to "Shoot Them Down." Feschino claims this was a response to growing public anxiety over UFO sightings. He also notes that UFO sightings were prolific in 1952, with thousands reported across the U.S. The Flatwoods Monster phenomenon itself occurred in West Virginia in 1952, involving a metallic object and a sulfuric odor.

Maury Island Incident

An article by Amelia Heagerty details the Maury Island Incident of June 1947, considered by some to be the first alleged UFO sighting in U.S. history. Seaman Harold Dahl reported seeing six "donut-shaped aircraft" near Maury Island, one of which spewed hot lava-like rocks and metal, injuring his son and killing his dog. This incident was followed by a visit from a "Man in Black" who warned Dahl. Later, two Army officers investigating the incident died when their plane crashed near Kelso, Washington, shortly after collecting samples of the alleged UFO material.

Rainier: Birthplace of the Flying Saucer

This section highlights the story of pilot Ken Arnold, who in June 1947 spotted "saucer-like" objects near Mount Rainier, coining the term "flying saucer." James Clarkson, a UFO investigator and retired detective, discusses the history and evaluation of UFO sightings, emphasizing Washington state's rich UFO history and the possibility of government cover-ups. He notes the similarities between Arnold's sighting and the Roswell incident.

UFOs in the UK

Several clippings focus on UFO sightings in the United Kingdom:

• Wakefield UFOs: An article from the Express discusses mysterious lights seen over Wakefield, with DC Gary Heseltine, a police officer and UFO investigator, noting that while many sightings are explainable, some, like multiple bright white lights, are more interesting.
• Hertfordshire UFO Mystery: The Mercury reports on a "dark cylindrical object" seen over Hertford, which was later identified as a "Solar Airship," a large, hot-air balloon, suggesting an earthly explanation for the phenomenon.
• Northern Echo Reports: Records from the Ministry of Defence reveal numerous UFO sightings in the North of England between 1999 and 2007, including silver pyramids, arrow-shaped craft, and diamond-shaped objects reported by police officers and RAF pilots. While most are considered misidentifications, some remain unexplained.
• Oxford Mail Sighting: Frances Morrill reported seeing an erratic white object with a long tail over Eynsham, convinced it was not a balloon or a fire lantern, unlike other recent sightings in the area.

Other UFO-Related Content

• Monroe County Crop Circle: An article from Monroe Co. Buzz reports on a crop circle in Madisonville, TN, with investigator Roger Sugden claiming the pattern appeared to him in a dream months prior. He noted the presence of milk-thistle plants arranged along the circle's lines and believes the formation is not a hoax.
• Healing the Unbelievers: Elke Macartney, a spiritual guidance counselor, discusses helping clients who have experienced UFO encounters or abductions, emphasizing acceptance and coping mechanisms.
• UFO Believer Wants Skeptics On Board: Joy French is organizing a lecture by author Gloria Ann Hawker to raise awareness about alien abductions and unidentified flying objects, aiming to mobilize the public to demand government disclosure.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding UFO sightings, the debate between natural/human explanations versus extraterrestrial origins, and the role of government secrecy or potential cover-ups. The publication appears to present a wide range of perspectives, from skeptical debunking to earnest belief and investigation, highlighting the ongoing public fascination with the unexplained and the search for answers about our place in the universe. The editorial stance, as reflected in the collection of articles, is one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and expert opinions from various sources while acknowledging the lack of definitive conclusions in many cases.

This issue of the ADVERTISER, dated May 17, 2007, focuses on paranormal and unexplained phenomena, with a prominent cover story about an alleged alien implant.

Implant Put There by Aliens - Claim The lead story features Steve Munday, a 46-year-old man from Rugby, England, who claims that aliens planted a probe into his arm when he was 13. Munday has become an internet figure after a video interview on YouTube, where he revealed the tic-tac-sized object in his arm. He recounts losing two hours of time while cycling to a friend's house near Northampton, a journey that normally takes 15 minutes. Munday states the probe has become a part of him and he has no plans to remove it, although it sets off metal detectors. He views the experience as making him 'special' and an exception to ordinary lives.

UFO Mystery's Final Answer? In a comment piece by Lynne Mortimer from the East Anglian Daily Times (May 5, 2007), the Ministry of Defence is set to release documents surrounding UFO incidents over the past four decades. Mortimer highlights the Rendlesham Forest UFO sighting in 1980 as a key event of local interest, questioning whether the documents will confirm reports of radiation and potentially settle the debate between skeptics and believers.

Robert Taylor: Alien Abduction Victim The ECONOMIST (March 31, 2007) reports on the death of Robert Taylor at age 88, a man who claimed to be a victim of alien abduction on November 9, 1979, near Livingston, Scotland. Taylor described a 'flying dome' and entities that removed his trousers. The incident led to a criminal investigation for assault, the only one in Britain arising from a UFO sighting. His case is linked to the high number of UFO sightings in the 'Falkirk Triangle' area.

UFO Sighting is 27th to be Reported in Essex The EVENING GAZETTE (April 17, 2007) covers a UFO sighting over Boxted, Colchester, England, where bright lights were seen for half an hour. Police confirmed their helicopter was not in the area. This sighting is noted as the 27th in Essex since 2002, with a previous similar sighting on Mersea Island in April 2003. The event was attributed to unexplained meteorological phenomena, though a local UFO research group deemed it unexplainable.

£50K On ET Probe: UFO Study Rap The SUN (March 30, 2007) reports that the government spent £50,000 of taxpayers' money on a secret report titled 'Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in the UK Air Defence Region.' Defence Minister Adam Ingram admitted the report was undertaken by a contractor but refused to reveal its findings, stating that UFO reports contained no information of defence intelligence interest.

Avon-calling UFOs The METRO (July 25, 2007) details a sighting of five unexplained flying objects over Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. Dozens of people witnessed the spectacle, with one likening it to 'Independence Day.' The objects were described as glowing spheres, moving at high speed but without sound. Military and airport authorities denied responsibility.

Pensioners Claim UFO Sighting The NEWS & STAR (March 31, 2007) reports that police in south-west Scotland are investigating a UFO sighting by a pensioner near Ecclefechan. The witness described a white light moving at high speed, faster than a jet and silent. This is the second such report in Dumfriesshire recently. Investigations involving the RAF and air traffic control found no explanation.

Translations: South American and Other UFO Reports Page 3-6 of the magazine contain translations of UFO-related incidents from South American and other Spanish-language media sources:

• Argentina (July 30, 2007): Cattle mutilations are on the rise in Entre Rios Province, with animals found with perfect incisions, genitals, tongues, and udders removed. Alfredo Crettaz reported a case where the animal appeared 'flayed,' dismissing natural causes.
• Mexico (July 31, 2007): A UFO sighting over Merida, Yucatan, captured on a cellphone video by Alberto Perez Valencia, shows a large object described as being as big as a truck. The recording is considered genuine evidence.
• Puerto Rico (August 2, 2007): Several witnesses in Guanica reported seeing a multicolored, spinning top-shaped object emerge from nowhere overnight. A smaller light detached and fell into the sea.
• Argentina (August 7, 2007): Growing concern over mutilated animals in Parana, Entre Rios Province, with cattle found with genitals, tongues, udders, and rectums removed. The phenomenon is described as strange, as wild animals refuse to feed on the remains.
• Argentina (Date unspecified, likely 1978): The Estancia La Dulce case involved a UFO encounter with amorphous entities. The Arias family witnessed a large, dark, oscillating object and two entities that surveyed the area. The event occurred during a blackout and was accompanied by strong winds.
• Argentina (August 1978): A mini-flap of 21 UFO cases occurred near Necochea, including circular objects, luminous clouds, and objects with powerful lights. Several cases involved sightings of strange amorphous creatures.
• Argentina (January 1988): In La Serena, Mar del Plata, Leonardo Fuster and Gabriel witnessed a white light and a creature with red square eyes, experiencing a time distortion where a few minutes felt like hours.

Western Tales: Cattle Deaths Without Blood Are No Mystery C.F. Eckhardt writes about cattle deaths, attributing them not to UFOs or cults, but to natural causes. Texas lawman Mike Bradshaw explains that missing body parts (genitals, eyes, tongues, rectums) are due to rats and buzzards, and the 'lack of blood' is due to blood clotting after death and sinking to the lowest point, a phenomenon similar to 'post-mortem lividity' in humans. The 'spacecraft pod' marks are explained as hoofprints.

Group Goes on 2-Day Hunt for a Sasquatch The POST-INTELLIGENCER (June 28, 2007) reports on a group of about 45 people searching for Bigfoot in the Uinta Mountains, Utah, using parabolic microphones and night-vision goggles. Matt Moneymaker of the BFRO founded the organization to centralize Bigfoot sightings. Eyewitnesses describe profound life changes after seeing the creature.

Nursing Home Cat Has a Sixth Sense The NW FLORIDA DAILY NEWS (July 26, 2007) features Oscar, a hospice cat at Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence, R.I., who reportedly predicts when patients are about to die by curling up next to them. Staff members call family members when Oscar chooses a patient, indicating they have less than four hours to live.

So Is The Earth Flat After All? The DAILY EXPRESS (July 19, 2007) discusses Christine Garwood's book 'Flat Earth,' which challenges the myth that Columbus proved the Earth was round. The article explains that the belief in a flat Earth was prominent in the 19th century, driven by figures like Samuel Birley Rowbotham ('Parallax') who used arguments and fictional experiments to support the theory against scientific advances.

Bigfoot Threatens All of Humanity A letter to the editor in NEWS-REVIEW (June 12, 2007) by Todd Partain argues that Bigfoot is not a metaphor but a real creature that attacked his childhood trailer. He criticizes scientists for being narrow-minded and unable to accept the existence of such beings, which he believes threaten established paradigms.

A Huge Amazon Monster Is Only a Myth. Or Is It? TIMES (July 8, 2007) explores the legend of the mapinguary, a giant slothlike monster in the Amazon. While skeptics suggest it's based on encounters with extinct ground sloths, tribal accounts consistently describe the creature. Scientists like David Oren believe the legend stems from contact with the last ground sloths, while others, like Glenn Shepard Jr., suggest it could be an ancient remembrance of a giant sloth. The mapinguary is described as aggressive and unlike the Bigfoot or Yeti, not fleeing humans but hunting them.

On the Path of Bigfoot Truth The SUN (June 28, 2007) reports that researchers will visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula to search for evidence of Bigfoot, focusing on eastern Marquette County. The article notes that skeptics challenge Bigfoot sightings, and hoaxes have been staged.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The issue predominantly features articles on UFOs, alien encounters, and cryptozoology, including alleged alien implants, sightings, and abductions. There's a recurring theme of questioning established scientific explanations and exploring the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The articles present eyewitness accounts and research findings, often contrasting them with skeptical viewpoints or conventional explanations. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting evidence and theories from various perspectives, from personal claims to scientific investigations and folklore.