Feature by Lane Bjelkevig "You saw the lights and the stars because I was throwing rocks at your head!"

Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Features | Send mail to The Voice UFO believers meet to discuss the paranormal UFO posters and art decorate the interior of UFO Pizza. People meet every Thursday night to talk about their own alien encoucters from around the world. -Lane Bjelkevig, photo From the flying saucer on the ceiling to the trio of bikini-garbed aliens on the menu, UFO Pizza is one of the hottest pizza places on the planet, if not the universe. Walls plastered with posters of little green men and the occasional feature of Greek culture illustrate the passions and beliefs of the vivacious owner, Alkis Sakoulas. He believes in two main things: the existence of aliens and the preservation of his native Greek culture. Not only is his pizza out of this world, but so also are the believers of extraterrestrial existence who gather each Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. These believers meet to discuss their personal encounters with creatures from outer space and their speculations about government cover-ups. These usually dynamic meetings encompass a wide range of beliefs. Certain believers are convinced aliens exist while others believe they themselves are aliens. A select few believe aliens live in other dimensions and choose to appear in our own. Whatever the case, no one seems to know what's real. However, these faithful life-forms do gravitate to one solid tenet: "The truth is out there." Six years ago this UFO mecca opened as a spin-off of the former UFO Café. The one-man operation runs six days a week with an animated weekly meeting of UFO believers. The eccentric come from far and wide to exchange their unique stories and interesting theories. During one such meeting, united under the banner of faith in paranormal activity, a human named George claimed to have seen bright red, green and blue lights while tending sheep in his Grecian homeland. His long-time counterpart, Mr. Sakoulas, interrupted his captivating, shocking tale and quipped: "You saw the lights and the stars because I was throwing rocks at your head!" These stimulating meetings always seem to inform but, perhaps most of all, to entertain. George's gray, one-inch-long eyebrows raised once again, revealing his dark brown Greek eyes as he leaned in to tell his next chilling tale of his encounter with an inexplicable alien being. Early one morning at the Gresham courthouse, at about 7:45, George spotted a tall, young, mid-30's man of possible German descent who apparently was lost. George, being a kind, caring, older gentleman, asked the man if he needed help. The young man turned, said nothing, and stared. His eyes were what captivated and shook George's very being. His eyes were large, wide, and pointed at the lateral ends. His eyes appeared the hue of deep purple, nearly black. "I got shivers all over, and the hair of my head stood straight up. They were like lizard's eyes. This was no human defect. I'm not sure what it was, but I know what I saw," George said with conviction. "Seeing is believing," Mr. Sakoulas said. "If you have not seen aliens, you cannot believe." For those hopeful or skeptical and still wishing to see an alien, don't worry; you can't find them. As Mr. Sakoulas said, "They come to you, my friend." Another man told about a possible incident involving UFOs while driving to the Oregon coast with his mother. Weaving through the winding roads just after dark, he thought the trip seemed like a pleasant, peaceful jaunt. Then the man spotted something unusual in the evening sky. Just above the looming cedars hovered large green, red and blue lights. The object lingered for a moment until the road curved, changing the man's course. The lights disappeared from sight. Realizing what he saw wasn't ordinary, he hit the brakes, whirled around and checked again. Gone. Just another normal, dark, empty sky. That night was the first and last time he would see such an odd occurrence. These pleasantly puzzling stories are examples of what so many come to share and enjoy at UFO Pizza. All earthly life-forms are welcome to attend the meetings. Aside from the intriguing meetings, the pizza served is second to none. Generous slices fresh out of the oven are well worth the $2.75 invested to satisfy your appetite. Galactic topping combos range from the simple Moon Cheese to the Venus Special. The Mars Pepperoni is highly recommended. If you're looking for friendly service, out-of-this-world pizza, and an astronomically good time, check out UFO Pizza, at 6024 N.E. Glisan. The ceiling collapsed during the recent ice storm, but rumor has it the aliens were trying to contact someone. Where were you? The truth is out there. Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Features | Top Of Page Send mail to The Voice| Journalism department website © 2004 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.