UFO Newsclipping Service - 2007 10 - no 459

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Newsclipping Service, dated October 2007, number 459, is published by Lucius Farish and edited by Lucius Farish. The cover headline is "Are we alone?" posing questions about UFOs, aliens, and intelligent life beyond Earth, while noting that many locals are hesitant to discuss their beliefs publicly.

Article: Are we alone?

This feature by Jeanné McCartin explores the public's reticence to openly discuss their belief in extraterrestrial life, despite a majority privately holding such beliefs. The article cites a 2006 poll by the University of Connecticut indicating that 3 million Americans believe they've encountered bright lights or incurred bodily marks indicative of alien encounters. It highlights the case of Betty and Barney Hill, who became famous for claiming abduction in 1961. Scott Seely, with a B.A. in astronomy, believes it's scientifically logical to assume intelligent life exists elsewhere due to the vast number of stars and planets. Melissa Scott, an author, notes that while she has created one nonhuman species for her books, she finds it easier to write about humans. Kathleen Marden, niece of Betty and Barney Hill, believes there is sufficient evidence that some people have been abducted, citing cases like Travis Walton and others.

The article also touches on the Drake Equation, a formula to estimate the chances of intelligent life in the universe, suggesting that optimism leads to a 'yes' answer, while pessimism leads to a 'vanishing small' answer. The concept of a 'shadow biosphere' on Earth, where life might exist in forms unlike what we know, is also mentioned.

Article: Marker placed near Kelso to honor pilots in '47 crash

This article from the DAILY NEWS (Longview, WA) on August 3, 2007, details the placement of a memorial marker for Capt. William Davidson and Lt. Frank Brown, who died in a B25 bomber crash near Kelso on August 1, 1947. Barry Fisher, great-nephew of Lt. Brown, discovered a piece of the plane, possibly exhaust or landing gear. The plane was reportedly carrying a top-secret payload, and a Tacoma News Tribune report suggested it carried pieces of 'flying discs' that broke up over Maury Island on June 21, 1947. Philip Lipson and Charlette LeFevre of the Seattle Museum of the Mysteries are interested in the site, drawing parallels to the Roswell incident and suggesting the 'Northwest's Roswell' is Kelso.

Article: Sound science on crop circles

This letter to the editor in the SPOKESMAN REVIEW (Spokane, WA) on June 19, 2007, defends crop circle research, inviting skeptics to visit bltresearch.com for scientific information. The author expresses dismay at judgmental comments and advocates for awe, wonder, and curiosity rather than knee-jerk reactions towards unexplained phenomena.

Article: Far-out believers gathering in San Jose

This article from the CHRONICLE (San Francisco, CA) on August 25, 2007, covers the 9th annual Bay Area UFO Expo in San Jose. The event aims to bring together believers and experts to discuss UFO phenomena, with speakers including former CIA spy pilot John Lear and author William Birnes. Actor Gary Busey is also mentioned as performing. Mark Allen, co-owner of AboveTopSecret.com, acknowledges the presence of 'hucksters' but emphasizes the serious nature of the subject, with NASA people and astrophysicists participating. Topics include the Roswell incident, crop circles, and sightings of 'USOs' (Unidentified Submergible Objects). Ruben Uriarte, director of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), asserts that UFOs exist based on evidence. Robert Perala shares a personal abduction experience, claiming DNA was extracted by aliens.

Article: The Aliens Among Us (Maybe)

This article by Joel Achenbach in the POST (Washington, DC) on July 29, 2007, discusses the search for alien life, particularly microscopic forms, and the definition of life itself. A National Research Council report, "The Limits of Organic Life in Planetary Systems," suggests life might exist in forms unlike those on Earth ('Weird Life'). The article explores the possibility of a 'shadow biosphere' on Earth and the scientific search for life on moons like Titan and Enceladus. It also touches on the idea of manipulating human evolution via Lamarckian processes and the fundamental chemical nature of life, based on carbon and water. Paul Davies suggests that life might have had multiple origins on Earth, and the best way to settle the debate about life elsewhere is to see if it has started many times over on Earth. The article concludes by urging readers to keep an open mind and look for what is truly happening around them.

Article: BUTLER GROUP IS SKEPTICAL OF DISBELIEF IN PARANORMAL EVENTS

This POST-GAZETTE (Pittsburgh, PA) article from September 16, 2007, profiles the Butler Organization for Research of the Unexplained (BORU), a group that meets monthly to discuss paranormal events like UFO sightings, ghosts, and cryptids. Brian Seech, a member, has not seen Bigfoot but his wife, Terrie, has reported encounters with spirits. BORU director Dan Hageman notes that members are torn between publicizing information and not wanting to be labeled as 'kooks.' The article mentions the 'cryptozoology' effort to find and classify animals from folklore, citing the Loch Ness monster and the discovery of the saola. BORU meetings are informal, and members share experiences. The article also discusses the theory that the U.S. government suppresses evidence of paranormal phenomena, particularly UFOs, citing the Roswell incident and Area 51. Members like Michelle George and Joe Rice express concerns about societal reaction to confirmed alien existence.

Article: Life elsewhere likely. Visits? No

This POST-GAZETTE (Pittsburgh, PA) article from September 16, 2007, features astronomer John Radzilowicz, who believes that while life on other planets is likely, there is no conclusive evidence that aliens have visited Earth. He questions why aliens would need to hide their presence if they possessed advanced technology and points to the Air Force's Project Blue Book, which concluded no UFO sightings threatened national security or indicated extraterrestrial vehicles. Radzilowicz argues that unexplained UFO sightings should be treated logically, similar to unsolved murders, rather than jumping to alien conclusions. He dismisses conspiracy theories about government cover-ups, citing the Watergate scandal as an example of how difficult it is to keep information secret.

Article: Monroe County Crop Circle - The Real Thing?

This article from the MONROE CO. BUZZ (Madisonville, TN) on May 29, 2007, reports on an investigation of a nine-circle crop formation in Madisonville by the Independent Crop Circle Researchers Association (ICCRA). Experts found 'no sign of man-made activities' and noted the complexity of the 'swirled' patterns within each circle, calling them 'unhoaxable.' The article mentions 'random downed formations' (RDFs) indicating energy spillover and high electromagnetic readings in most circles. While not definitively calling it alien-made, the ICCRA stated it was 'definitely complex and not something you'd ordinarily see a hoaxer do.' The diameter of the central formation was measured at 170 feet.

Article: Meath Hill had a crop circle

This DAILY OBSERVER (Pembroke, Ontario, Canada) article from July 25, 2007, discusses a crop circle found on Meath Hill in the mid-1970s. David Croft, who saw the 14-foot scorched ring, believes something unusual happened. Pembroke resident Isabel Hudson recalls seeing a shimmering, reddish ball of light that descended and vibrated. The farmer at the time suggested it was a fungus growth, but Croft and Hudson doubt this, with Hudson believing a flying object caused it. The article notes that three rings appeared in Pontiac County in 1969 after UFO sightings and that UFO sightings are on the rise in Ontario.

Article: Planet earth is not ours! Aliens? They're already here

This EVENING GAZETTE (Colchester, England) article from April 4, 2007, presents Gerald Walden's belief that aliens have been on Earth for a very long time and are the 'real owners of planet earth.' He references Kirlian photography proving the existence of a soul and afterlife, and suggests that abductees have metal implants. Walden dismisses science fiction as 'idiotic' and argues that scientists' denial of the unknown is a defense mechanism.

Article: Motel was scene of UFO sighting

This HERALD EXPRESS (Torquay, England) letter from July 5, 2007, recounts a UFO sighting on February 11, 1998. Fred Lewis-Goodwin, a retired engineer, witnessed a large, box-like structure appear out of thin air behind the Torbay Holiday Motel, which then rose and moved along a hillside before exploding into a brilliant ball of light. The event was also seen by a motel employee. The witness shared his story on an American radio program.

Article: UFO near Warwick?

This OBSERVER (Leamington, England) article from June 21, 2007, reports on a sighting of unusual lights near Warwick on a Saturday evening. A retired pilot and his companions observed approximately 21 bright lights moving slowly from east to west, low in the sky, with no sound or trail. They concluded the lights were not aircraft and questioned what they could be.

Article: Were strange, hovering lights coming from a UFO?

This CAMBRIAN NEWS (Wales) article from May 10, 2007, details a sighting of strange lights over the Dyfi Valley. An anonymous driver on the A470 saw a group of bright lights resembling a 50ft wingspan aircraft with a central bright light and a glowing dome containing two figures. The object appeared to be having difficulty flying straight. The driver stopped and reported it, but police and aviation authorities had no record of any aircraft in the area. The object was referred to as a UFO because it remained unidentified.

Article: THE X-LARGE TERRESTRIAL

This SUN (London, England) article from June 22, 2007, reports on the sighting of two large, cigar-shaped UFOs, potentially a mile wide, off the coast of Guernsey by an airline pilot and passengers. The objects were yellow and stationary. The report was filed with the Civil Aviation Authority and allegedly sent to the US Air Force Space Agency. The article also mentions sightings of bright yellow lights near Guernsey two days prior, which were reportedly precursors to an earth tremor in Kent.

Article: Experts seek solution to enduring mystery of the 'UFO'

This article from the POST, Yorkshire, England, on June 12, 2007, discusses the ongoing investigation into the 'Silpho saucer,' a mysterious object found in November 1957. Russ Kellett of the British Flying Saucer Bureau is leading the investigation to determine if it was proof of alien contact or a hoax. The 18-inch metallic saucer contained 17 copper sheets with hieroglyphics. The whereabouts of the saucer are uncertain, with rumors of it being sold to a scrapyard or appearing in a fish and chip shop. Harry Challenger, editor of the Flying Saucer Review, calls the Silpho disc a 'signal or a wakening call' but notes it has never been authenticated.

Article: Were there any reported sightings of UFOs in Victorian times?

This DAILY MAIL (London, England) article from July 2, 2007, explores historical UFO sightings, predating the Victorian era, with mentions of cave paintings and shapes resembling flying saucers. It highlights Dr. Jacques Vallee's research cataloging Victorian-era UFO sightings, including examples from 1897 in the southern United States, such as a 'aerial construction' in Copiago, Chile, and a 'strange balloon' in Lamy, New Mexico.

Article: Circling in on hidden messages

This WESTERN DAILY PRESS (Bristol, England) article from April 6, 2007, discusses the annual spring conference on Unexplained Mysteries in Dorchester, focusing on crop circles. Organizer David Kingston's 'Project X' research suggests a possible connection between human thought and crop circle formation, with a 20-30% success rate in predicting shapes. The article also mentions other speakers discussing ancient civilizations, pyramids, and the 'War on Terror.' Barbara Lamb, a psychotherapist, has researched crop circles in England since 1990.

Article: UFOS: TRUTH IS OUT THERE

This GUARDIAN (Somerset, England) article from July 5, 2007, reports that 'top secret x-files' held by Irish authorities could be released if Labour or Green Party leaders are elected. A Labour spokesman indicated willingness to consider releasing UFO files. The Green Party also stated they would make files available. The article notes that the Irish Army holds one official UFO file dating back to 1978, but Dail records show at least eight UFO sightings were investigated between 1962 and 1976. Carl Nally of UFO and Paranormal Research Ireland emphasizes the need to investigate objects flying at impossible speeds and performing impossible maneuvers.

Article: Sightings of UFOs make the front page

This GUARDIAN (Somerset, England) article from July 5, 2007, details two separate sightings of a UFO over Norton Radstock. The first sighting involved a dark blue mass emitting a high-pitched noise, witnessed by a father and son. Shortly after, two policemen and others saw a bright light moving north across the sky at high speed and altitude, with no sound or trail. Police searched the area but found nothing, and the facts were recorded by the UFO collating centre in London.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, alien life, and unexplained phenomena. There's a clear exploration of both the scientific and anecdotal evidence, ranging from astronomical probabilities of life elsewhere to personal accounts of sightings and alleged abductions. The issue highlights the public's fascination with these topics, as well as the skepticism and official dismissals that often accompany them. The articles touch upon the possibility of government cover-ups, the investigation of crop circles, and the historical context of UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and encouraging readers to consider the evidence and possibilities without necessarily endorsing any single conclusion, while also acknowledging the difficulty in definitively proving or disproving claims.

This issue of the Evening Herald, dated June 5, 2007, features a prominent cover story about a mysterious "domed" shape photographed in the sky over Dartmoor. The main headline, "Strange shape is snapped in the sky," is accompanied by a dramatic image of the landscape under a starry sky with the unexplained object hovering above.

Mystery of domed UFO over moors

The lead article, written by Diana Prince, details the experience of Stephen Edgcumbe, a 43-year-old amateur photographer from Plymouth. Edgcumbe reportedly captured the image of the "mysterious dark object" on April 7, 2007, while walking his dog at the Merrivale firing range near Princetown. He described the object as having a "domed" shape, with no visible wings, and stated that his "jaw dropped" when he downloaded the photograph weeks later.

Edgcumbe recounted that he was trying out his new Canon Eos 350D digital camera when he took the picture. He did not see anything in the sky at the time and only noticed the anomaly when zooming in on the digital image. He ruled out it being a speck of dust as there were no similar marks on previous or subsequent photos. He emphasized that he was not claiming to know what the object was, only that it was "unexplained."

When contacted, a spokesperson for the Army stated that there were no military exercises on Dartmoor on the day of the sighting and that they do not conduct firing at Merrivale on Saturdays or Sundays. The police also confirmed that they received no reports of unidentified flying objects on April 7.

Edgcumbe revealed that he believes in the paranormal and mentioned that his mother is a firm believer, while his father had seen lights over Lee Moor in the late 1970s or early 1980s.

Other Content

While the primary focus is the UFO sighting, the issue also includes other articles. A separate section, "POST & TIMES, Leek, England - July 4, 2007," features a letter from David Gittings inquiring about a UFO sighting in Leek in 1952, where a police officer and two civilians reportedly saw an orange object change shape to a cigar and turn blue before accelerating away at high speed. Gittings also mentions a near-miss between a Boeing 737 and an unknown object over Leek in 1995.

Another article, "ARGUS, Brighton, England - March 22, 2007," contains a letter from Joyce Walker describing a UFO sighting around 7:30 pm, where she observed a bright orange, hovering object that moved slowly towards Mile Oak. She noted it was soundless and had no flashing lights like a plane.

The "EXPRESS & STAR, Wolverhampton, England - June 13, 2007" section reports on over 10 separate UFO sightings across the West Midlands, with details of reports including a "bright round light that moved in steps" in Tipton, a "UFO doing funny sharp turns" in Walsall, a "white light" in Dudley, a "circular object with a dull orange colour/light" in Lichfield, and "two triangular shaped objects" reported by an RAF sergeant in Wolverhampton. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated that reports are examined for potential defense significance, but none had revealed evidence of a threat.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the included articles is the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, UFO sightings, and related anecdotal evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events as presented by witnesses and researchers, while also including official statements from authorities and acknowledging skepticism. The publication seems to aim to present these stories to the public, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.