UFO Newsclipping Service - 2011 03 - no 500

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE
Issue: Number 500
Volume: March 2011
Date: March 2011
Publisher: UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $5.00

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, its 500th edition, presents a collection of recent and historical UFO sightings and related discussions. The cover features a prominent headline celebrating the milestone and thanking subscribers.

The Longmont Times-Call: UFO claims in Lafayette baffle some

This article reports on a sighting of three red lights in a triangle formation over Lafayette, Colorado, on a Monday evening in March 2011. Witnesses, including Leroy Vandervegt and his son Nick, described the lights as silent, non-blinking, and moving slowly. The triangular shape of the lights reportedly changed. One light extinguished, and the remaining two then turned off. Denver International Airport officials declined to comment, and the FAA stated that radar returns showed no abnormal activity. Leroy Vandervegt posted his video on YouTube, garnering significant views and comments. Doug Wilson of MUFON received four reports and is sending investigators, noting that a triangle formation is a common UFO pattern. Skeptics suggested hot air balloons or Japanese lanterns as explanations.

The State Journal-Register: Dave Bakke: Where have all the UFOs gone?

This article explores the decline in reported UFO sightings in Springfield, Illinois, contrasting it with a history of frequent sightings in the 1950s and 1960s. The author recounts a call from an elderly woman recalling a sighting from about 60 years prior. The piece details several specific incidents from 1952, including a glowing object, multiple twirling objects, and a strange object that caused a stir. Sightings from 1966, 1967, 1971, 1973, 1975, and 1978 are also mentioned, often involving law enforcement witnesses. The author speculates that people may be less inclined to report sightings due to skepticism or official explanations like weather balloons, or that sightings are simply no longer making the news.

Chicago Sun-Times: UFO over Oswego? You've gotta see it to believe it ...

Brandon Tudor reported seeing a ball of fire falling at a 45-degree angle over Oswego, Illinois, which then extinguished its flame and rose at a 30-degree angle. He captured four pictures before two jets appeared and circled the area. Tudor, a conspiracy theorist, investigated possible explanations like meteors or hobby rockets, finding none satisfactory. He posted his experience online, seeking explanations. The article notes that while some commenters were skeptical, Tudor insists others must have seen the same phenomenon.

examiner.com: Massachusetts witness reports triangle object

This report details a Massachusetts witness's account of a lighted triangle-shaped object hovering over their home on March 2, 2011. The object was described as triangular/wide boomerang-shaped with three big/bright lights and a small blinking light. It emitted a low, electronic hum. The witness also reported seeing three black helicopters in the same area days later.

Tulsa World: Tulsa's UFO still unidentified

This article revisits the famous 1965 UFO photograph taken by Alan Smith in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The image is considered one of the first color photographs of a UFO. Smith described the object as a 'strange object' that was solid red, then turned white, made a pulsating, whining sound, and had lights that dimmed and brightened. The Air Force, after investigating, could neither confirm nor deny the identification of an unidentified flying object. The article also briefly mentions a 1942 incident over Los Angeles where unidentified flying objects were fired upon.

Mail Online: 'I believe in UFOs... and I've seen them': Former Canadian defence minister accuses American government of cover-up

Paul Hellyer, the former Canadian Minister of National Defense, asserts that UFOs are real and that aliens have visited Earth. He alleges that the U.S. government is covering up information about UFOs and has developed new energy forms using alien technology through secret 'black operation' units, driven by a 'shadow government.' Hellyer claims to have seen a UFO himself with his wife near Toronto. He believes about 20% of reported sightings are unexplained. The article also mentions Edgar Mitchell and John Alexander, who commented on Hellyer's theories.

The Brooklyn Paper: UFOs over Williamsburg? Man captures lights, action on camera

Philip DiPaolo, a community activist in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, reported seeing and filming a silently pulsing, moving light on camera. He described it as very weird and unlike an airplane, helicopter, or star. DiPaolo posted the video on YouTube seeking explanations. While some commenters were skeptical, calling it a hoax, DiPaolo received a voicemail from someone identifying as an FAA official suggesting it might have been the space shuttle Discovery. The article notes uncertainty about NASA spacecraft visibility and FAA's general response to UFO calls.

The Seattle Times: Residents see flying saucer over Vancouver, Washington

Several residents in Vancouver, Washington, reported seeing a saucer-shaped UFO on a Sunday evening. The object had bright green and red lights and hovered low in the sky. Witnesses described it as the 'weirdest thing I've ever seen' and noted it did not resemble typical aircraft. Dispatchers confirmed at least one report, referring it to the National UFO Reporting Center. Skeptics suggested fireworks, but witnesses insisted it was stationary with occasional side-to-side movements, and one compared it to something controlled from the ground.

Herald Tribunes: It's amazing MUFON's still around

This article discusses the longevity and internal issues of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), the nation's oldest functional UFO investigations outfit. It highlights a dispute involving a former investigator, Kristen Winslett, who resigned due to alleged database tampering. The article also details issues surrounding a contract with benefactor Robert Bigelow, who withdrew funding due to MUFON's apparent failure to comply with paperwork requirements. The formation of 'The Committee to Reform MUFON' is mentioned, seeking democratic reforms. The article contrasts MUFON's struggles with the significant funding provided to SETI by Paul Allen.

WPIX TV: Williamsburg man was walking his dog around 11 p.m. Monday night when he says he had a close encounter.

This report details Phil DePaolo's sighting of a pulsating, color-changing, and erratically moving object over Brooklyn, which he believes was a UFO. He recorded the event on his phone, noting it was not a plane or satellite. DePaolo was fascinated rather than scared. The object vanished after several minutes. The article also references other Brooklyn UFO sightings on YouTube and a previous sighting of round, yellowish objects over Chelsea in October 2010, which skeptics attributed to balloons.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Bright Mystery Object Reported Seen at Site of First A-Bomb Test

This archival report from November 1957 details sightings of a huge, strangely lighted mystery object over Southern New Mexico and West Texas, near the site of the first A-bomb test. Witnesses, including a Sheriff and deputies, reported the object. Military police patrols also reported sightings. The object was described as oval, blinking on and off, and descending to about 50 yards above the A-bomb bunkers. Witnesses reported car engines stopping and lights going out when driving near the object.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Texas Panic Caused by Big 'Rocket'

This archival report from November 1957 describes panic in Texas caused by a large, mystery 'rocket' or 'torpedo-shaped' object. Witnesses reported a flash of light, followed by their truck engines dying and lights going out. The object passed directly overhead with a great sound and rush of wind, emitting heat. It was described as much larger than a torpedo and lit up like it was on fire. Police and witnesses reported similar sightings, with the object changing to a bluish-green color before rising straight up and disappearing.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Air Force Discounts Strange Sky Objects

This archival report from November 1957 indicates the Air Force dismissed recent reports of strange lights and unusual objects in the sky. One case was labeled a 'hoax,' while others were attributed to exaggerations or misunderstandings. The Air Force suggested that automobile stallings might be caused by thunderstorms affecting ignition systems, and that glowing objects could be 'ball lightning' or 'St. Elmo's Fire.' Sightings involving aircraft or radar echoes were also considered, and a bright light seen near White Sands was explained by the planet Venus and cloud formations.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: 'SAUCERS' CALLED REAL

This article from July 1958 reports on a statement by Dr. Carl Jung, who stated that Unidentified Flying Objects are real and show signs of intelligent guidance by 'quasi-human pilots.' Jung asserted that these phenomena are not mere rumor and that a purely psychological explanation is ruled out. He gathered numerous observations of UFOs since 1944. The article also mentions a photograph of a 4000-foot aerial object taken over New Mexico in October 1957, which experts examined and found to be authentic.

FOREIGN NEWS: UFO Sightings are on the rise

This article from the South Shields Gazette in England discusses an increase in UFO sightings worldwide. It recounts historical sightings in South Tyneside, including a large cigar-shaped object seen by the Dinsdale family in July 1977, and two flying saucers with flashing lights seen by Kevin Crowther in April 1969. A disc-shaped UFO described as 'soft, golden' was seen by Ronnie Tuke in June 2003, and another golden disc was seen by Mary Nolan over Boldon Colliery. The article notes rumors of governments preparing to admit to extraterrestrial visitation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Newsclipping Service include the reporting of recent and historical UFO sightings, witness testimonies, skepticism versus belief, and the possibility of government cover-ups. There is a focus on specific incidents with detailed descriptions from witnesses, often highlighting unusual characteristics of the objects. The issue also touches upon the challenges and internal dynamics of UFO investigation organizations like MUFON. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting a wide range of UFO-related information and accounts, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for credible evidence.

This issue of the Daily Express, dated March 3, 2011, features a prominent cover story titled "UFOs...the truth is up there," by Cyril Dixon. The cover image depicts a mysterious orange, doughnut-shaped object. The issue also includes articles from various regional newspapers across England, Scotland, and Wales, all focusing on the release of declassified Ministry of Defence (MoD) files related to UFO sightings and related phenomena.

UFOs...the truth is up there (Daily Express)

Cyril Dixon reports on a bizarre, fluorescent orange, doughnut-shaped UFO spotted and photographed by a retired RAF officer in Sri Lanka seven years prior. Although the UFO Investigators declined to launch an inquiry due to the location, the details were filed away with other British 'X-files'. The ex-airman described the object as having a ring-like doughnut appearance with an orange colour and a white/cream finger pushed through. The head of the column glowed orange, and behind it was another cloud of colour and a further ring of orange. He likened the sighting to an atomic or nuclear explosion, but one that did not rise in the sky but headed downwards. The report notes that this was part of a batch of 35 files containing 8,500 pages of sightings, reports, and photographs from the five years leading up to 2005.

Believers in UFO crash are limited in their research (Leader, February 8)

This article, by Andy Roberts of Caerwys, responds to a previous piece about the alleged Berwyn Mountain UFO crash. Roberts critiques the research limitations of those who believe in the physical reality of UFO crashes, specifically mentioning Scott Felton's theory that one of the lights seen was a poacher's lamp. Roberts states he previously held this theory but altered it after finding new information. He asserts that there is no evidence to suggest an 'alien' spaceship crashed on the Berwyn Mountains on January 23, 1974, but acknowledges that the huge light observed by Pat Evans and her daughters remains unexplained.

Golden balls over London (South Shields Gazette)

Mike Hallowell recounts a strange encounter from April 22, 1978, involving Vera Bates, a ward receptionist in London. While asleep in her maisonette in Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, she was woken by an intense light and a droning noise. She saw a colossal, golden sphere hanging motionless outside her window. The light was rich and intense, and the object remained perfectly still. After moving to the lounge, the throbbing noise intensified. She later went onto the balcony and saw the orb still there. The object disappeared by dawn. The article notes that Bethnal Green police received no other reports of similar sightings that night. It also mentions a similar encounter by another young woman in London the following November, suggesting a pattern.

North Kent: Reports of sightings are made public (Dartford & Gravesend News Shopper)

Sophie Maden reports on government documents released under the Freedom of Information Act, detailing UFO sightings across the country from 2000 to 2005. John Jenkins, chairman of Truth Research Investigations, comments that while he'd like to believe in aliens, he doubts they are beaming up north Kent residents. The files include reports of a cartwheeling object in Gravesend in 1998, eight round objects emitting golden light above Gravesend in 2000, and an object above Dartford Bridge in 2000 that showed erratic movements. Jenkins suggests that the most interesting reports often come from military personnel, which are kept secret.

'Fiction not science' (The Northern Echo)

Nigel Burton reports on the declassification of Britain's real-life X Files, which include accounts of UFO encounters, an alien abduction in London, and a strange craft shadowing a Lancaster bomber. The files reveal how the phenomenon was discussed at the highest levels of government and security services, including the UN and CIA, and was debated in the House of Lords. The article highlights that while the term 'flying saucer' was coined in 1947, interest grew significantly by the Seventies. The release includes over 8,500 pages of sightings, reports, and photographs. It details an incident where RAF jets attempted to intercept a massive craft tracking a Tornado bomber over Europe, but the UFO accelerated away at incredible speed. Another account describes a black saucer shadowing a Lancaster bomber during a fly-past, captured on a photograph. The article also mentions a doughnut-shaped object photographed in Sri Lanka and a hoax by engineering students in 1967 involving six 'flying saucers' found in a line across southern England. Dr. David Clarke, author of 'The UFO Files', is quoted on the impact of the Freedom of Information Act on accessing these documents.

County is a 'UFO' hotspot (Boston Standard)

Reporter Gemma Gadd looks at UFO sightings in Boston and beyond, noting that the north of England was once considered the world's top hotspot. The article mentions a Chinese flying lantern mistaken for a UFO. It details repeated UFO activity in Boston in the '90s, according to MoD files. Stories include black triangles and orange lights, and 'tentacle' UFOs interacting with wind turbines. Eric Goring from Brinkhill claims regular visits from 'alien spaceships', though an investigation by the British UFO Research Association (BUFO-RA) found nothing more than car headlights. The article links Lincolnshire's UFO sightings to its numerous RAF and USAF bases, drawing a parallel with the secrecy surrounding the B-2 Stealth Bomber.

Police X-files are revealed: Calls to 999 on lights in the sky (Express & Star City Final)

Charlotte Cross reports on dozens of paranormal activity reports, including ghosts and UFOs, logged by West Midlands Police over three years. A total of 33 ghostly experiences and 21 UFO sightings were reported. The article mentions a security officer's claim of spotting the 'Dudley Dorito', a triangular-shaped UFO. West Mercia Police also revealed 28 unidentified sightings, including a UFO flying low over Clent in December 2009 and two UFOs in Kidderminster in September 2009 heading 'east at a very fast speed'. Paranormal investigator Sara Kettley believes people call the police out of fear when spotting unexplained objects.

'Car was followed by strange lights' (Scarborough Evening News)

Filey-based UFO investigator Russ Kellett reports on a motorist who witnessed strange lights following and overtaking his car near Scarborough. The incident occurred at 2:50 am on a Tuesday, with the witness seeing an extremely bright light come from behind, overtake the car, and then vanish. The object was estimated to be travelling at supersonic speed. Kellett also mentions a similar sighting by a woman driving along the Scarborough to Whitby Road. Yorkshire was named the previous year as a hotspot for UFO sightings.

Keep your pledge on Gary, hacker's mother tells Clegg (The Daily Mail)

This article focuses on the case of Gary McKinnon, a computer hacker fighting extradition to the US. His mother, Janis Sharp, is demanding a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to urge him to uphold his pre-election promises to keep Gary in the UK. McKinnon admits hacking into Pentagon and NASA computers for information on UFOs. His mother highlights his mental condition and the potential for suicide if extradited. The article also mentions the ongoing review of the Extradition treaty.

Pink Floyd star pays treatment fees of hacker in US trial fight (Western Daily Press)

David Gilmour, the rock legend, is paying for the psychiatric care of Gary McKinnon, who is fighting extradition to the US. McKinnon, who admits hacking into Pentagon and NASA computers for UFO information, is facing up to 60 years in jail. His mother, Janis, expressed worry about the funding cutbacks for his psychiatrist. The article notes a history of mental illness in Gary's family, which will be used in his defence. Experts have stated that suicide would be an inevitability if he were extradited.

MoD staff say something is out there (Western Daily Press)

Tristan Cork reports on new MoD files detailing UFO sightings, including those by MoD workers and police. One worker at an MoD base in Bath reported seeing a mysterious light speeding down over the city and later chased up the investigation. The files include sightings by ordinary people and MoD officers, with the latter being considered particularly surprising. One sighting on August 2, 1994, involved two MoD workers observing a silver, wingless object travelling at high speed and a steep angle of descent towards Bath. Another involved an MoD police officer in Colerne, Wiltshire, seeing three bright red lights pursued by a jet aircraft. A taxi driver in Somerset reported a white ball of light that transformed into a large, silver metal shining ball.

Aliens have landed ... perhaps (North Wales Chronicle)

Geraint Jones reports on claims by UFO researcher Russ Kellett that an incident off the coast of Anglesey could be the best evidence yet of an infamous North Wales close encounter. Kellett believes a coastguard document about 'Operation Photoflash' on the night of the Berwyn Mountain incident (January 23, 1974) supports his theory that one of three alien craft found off Anglesey crashed. The operation involved depth charges to locate alien craft at Puffin Island and off Anglesey. Kellett claims to have fragments of one craft and describes the beings as slim humanoid creatures. He suggests the MoD withheld information to prevent public panic. The article also mentions a meteor shower explanation for the Berwyn Incident's lights and earthquake.

A UFO hotspot (Stretford & Urmston Messenger)

This article highlights the north of England as a former 'hotspot' for UFO sightings. It mentions reports to the MoD, including a UFO spotted over Trafford in February 2008 and a cylinder-shaped object hovering over Kingsway Park Primary School. Stephen Mera of Paranormal Investigators believes reliable witnesses like airline pilots and police reporting alien spacecraft indicate humanity is not alone.

Crew's claims they saw a UFO are blown away (North Wales Chronicle)

Sailors on HMS Manchester and other Royal Navy ships claimed to have seen a UFO off the coast of Norway in the late 1990s. However, all evidence was lost when the ship's log was 'blown overboard' while docked in Norway. Lord Hill-Norton inquired about the sighting, and Lord Bach replied that the log was carried overboard by a strong gust of wind. No explanation was given for what the sailors saw.

UFOs close encounters and 'alien abduction' files released (Scottish Sunday Post)

This article summarizes the release of thousands of MoD documents detailing UFO sightings, an 'alien abduction', and an unidentified aircraft shadowing a Lancaster bomber. The phenomenon was discussed at the highest levels of government and security services worldwide. It mentions Sir Eric Gairy's proposal for a UN agency to research UFO sightings and the MoD's role in influencing this. The files include reports of unidentified aircraft approaching the UK in the months leading up to 9/11, and a single UFO report on September 11 itself. Other highlights include emergency procedures for landed/crashed satellites and UFOs, US policy files on UFOs, and the alleged sighting by the crew of HMS Manchester. The workload of the MoD's UFO desk increased by 50% in 1996/97 due to media interest surrounding the Roswell incident.

Mod 'X-Files' reveal nation's odd sightings (Aberdeen Press & Journal)

Stacey Horne reports on the release of UK Government X-files detailing sightings in Scotland, including saucer-shaped objects, 'flying jellyfish', and balls of fire. The MoD documents include reports of sightings at Stonehaven, Dundee, and Calvine. A drawing of a flying saucer from Craigluscar Reservoir is featured. The article quotes Aberdeen UFO expert Ian Taylor, who believes there have been many more sightings in Scotland than reported and that the phenomenon is global. He suggests people need to be more aware of what they are looking at.

Alien 'invasion' Secret UFO files show how police were fooled by student stunt (The Daily Telegraph)

This article details a 1967 hoax by engineering students from Farnborough Technical College, who planted six 'flying saucers' in a line across southern England, alerting police, the Army, and intelligence services. The stunt is documented in the MoD's largest release of paranormal documents. The files also cover military sightings, an alleged alien abduction in London, and a Lancaster bomber shadowed by an aircraft. The phenomenon was discussed at the highest levels of government and security services, including the UN and CIA, and was debated in the House of Lords. The article also mentions Sir Eric Gairy's proposal for UN research into UFOs and a report of a man who believed he was abducted by aliens.

A hump-backed hoax: Was the 'monster' spotted gliding through Lake Windermere no more than an old tyre? (Mail Online)

Abul Taher investigates the 'Bowness Monster' of Lake Windermere. Witnesses described a mysterious, four-humped form moving at 15mph. However, a large, cut-open tyre found by the lake was discovered to resemble the creature when floating. John Phillips believes the tyre was pulled by a rope. While IT worker Mr Pickles, who photographed the tyre, initially thought it was a creature, he later suggested it might be the tyre. However, Thomas Noblett, who runs a hotel in Windermere, remains convinced of a creature, citing a powerful force he felt while swimming. Nigel Wilkinson suggests the sightings could be otters.

Could it be Knobby? (The Star)

Jeff Melton reports on Thomas Byers of Shelby, North Carolina, who claims to have seen an apelike creature, possibly a sasquatch, cross the road near Bostic. Byers described the creature as about 300 pounds and 7 feet tall, with bushy brown fur and thick, powerful legs. He took photographs and recorded a video, though it was blurry. The article notes that Cleveland County has a history of bigfoot sightings, with the creature 'Knobby' being a local legend. There are discrepancies between Byers' sighting and previous reports of Knobby, particularly in height and beard colour. Dr. James English, an animal ecologist, analyzed Byers' video and suggested the figure has the gait of a human, possibly wearing blue jeans, and that the evidence is not convincing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles revolve around the release of declassified government documents pertaining to UFO sightings and related phenomena. There is a consistent focus on the Ministry of Defence's 'X-Files' and the information they contain, ranging from detailed sighting reports and photographs to accounts of alleged alien abductions and government investigations. The articles highlight the serious consideration given to these phenomena at high governmental and international levels (UN, CIA, House of Lords), contrasting with the often mundane or explainable nature of many individual reports (hoaxes, misidentifications, natural phenomena). There's an underlying tension between the desire for definitive proof of extraterrestrial visitation and the reality of the evidence presented, which often leaves mysteries unsolved but rarely confirms alien presence. The editorial stance across these publications appears to be one of reporting on the released information, exploring the public's fascination with UFOs, and presenting various perspectives, from skeptical analysis to the continued belief in unexplained phenomena. The theme of government secrecy and the impact of the Freedom of Information Act in revealing these documents is also prominent.