Saucer Smear - Vol 46 No 09 - 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 46, No. 9
Date: September 1st, 1999
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, featuring a mix of news, opinions, book reviews, and letters to the editor.

Tidbits of Trash

The "Tidbits of Trash" section opens with a report from "CNI News" about an alleged pig abduction in Brazil, witnessed by over 50 people who saw the animal levitated towards a bright light. This is contrasted with a previous report of an elk abduction. The section also notes that other animal abductions, including cattle and a horse, have been reported in recent years.

It then introduces Robert Bigelow, a Las Vegas businessman involved with the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), which investigates cattle mutilations, UFOs, and the paranormal. NIDS owns a ranch in Utah and has published a book on European UFO sightings. Bigelow is reportedly willing to invest up to half a billion dollars in a project to build a 100-passenger luxury cruise ship that would orbit the Moon, offering excursions for the wealthy at a high price.

The section also mentions UFO debunker Kal K. Korff, who has written two books for Prometheus, the publishing arm of CSICOP. His books cover the Billy Meier case and the Roswell incident. Korff reportedly plans to expose cases like Kenneth Arnold, Rex Heflin, and the Betty & Barney Hill incident in future works. The editor notes a past incident where Korff allegedly mishandled the 22nd National UFO Conference in Fremont, California, which had a very small attendance.

News and Updates

The newsletter reports on the impending resignation of Walt Andrus as International Director of MUFON after thirty years, with John Schussler set to take over. Andrus is scheduled to speak at the upcoming NUFOC convention in San Antonio, Texas, where the editor will also be a speaker and Master of Ceremonies.

William Cooper, described as a right-wing extremist, is mentioned for his online rant interpreting recent shootings as government-induced mind control to promote gun control and a "socialistic 'New World Odor'".

FATE Magazine is noted for having two new male co-editors who are reportedly trying to shake up the readership. The August issue features articles on witchcraft and, surprisingly, "gigantic wooden penises in Thailand".

The "Saucer Smear" expresses gratitude to its fans for sending material and to Contributing Editor Karl Pflock for his significant contributions.

Upcoming Conventions

A list of upcoming UFO conventions is provided, including the Bay Area UFO Expo (September 4-5), the 36th Annual National UFO Conference in San Antonio (September 25-26), the 10th UFO/ET Congress in Bordentown, NJ (October 9-10), and the Clearwater Beach UFO Conference (November 12-14).

Randi Update

This section focuses on James Randi and the infamous "Blackmail Tape". Parts of the tape have appeared online, and the newsletter challenges Randi to allow the transcript to be mailed out. The editor states that Randi and his lawyer fought against the tape being played in court during a lawsuit involving Eldon Byrd, though it was eventually played for the jury. Randi's claim that he has not paid any of the people who sued him is contrasted with a statement where he offers $3,000 to a "psychic detective" named Riley G. to drop a claim related to Randi's Foundation's offer of $1 million to anyone who can prove psychic powers. The issue suggests Randi has a habit of "shooting from the lip". The "Blackmail Tape" transcript is reported to be back on the Net, available on multiple sites.

The Book Brigade

This section reviews several books:

• "Criptozoology A to Z" by Loren Coleman and Jerome Clark: Published by Fireside Books, this softcover tome features nearly two hundred entries on semi-mythical animals. The review recommends it for those interested in the subject matter, noting the omission of Mothman and the absence of Erik Beckjord.
• "The Source – Journey through the Unexplained" by Art Bell and Brad Steiger: Published by Paper Chase Press, this hardcover book covers various paranormal topics, including human origins, ancient civilizations, UFO cover-ups, crop circles, and ghosts. While some chapters are deemed objective, the authors are criticized for discussing too many theories superficially without reaching conclusions. The review notes a statistic showing an increase in belief in the supernatural and mentions Carl Sagon being indexed next to Satan.

A prediction from page 192 of the book suggests that Phoenix, Arizona, will become a major seaport on a newly created western coastline before 1999.

PFlock PTalk / The Future of UFology - Is There One? (Part 2)

By Karl Pflock, Contributing Editor:
Pflock argues that while 95% of ufology is "crap", the remaining 5% is improving. He highlights the importance of historical research, re-investigating old UFO cases, and utilizing technology to preserve information. An oral-history project is underway to capture personal recollections of key figures.

Pflock praises Brad Sparks' re-examination of the 1957 RB-47 radar-visual case, asserting that Sparks conclusively demonstrates it as the first scientific proof of UFO existence, refuting Phil Klass' debunking efforts. He notes that "Popular Ufology", "skeptics", and "Real Science" have not acknowledged Sparks' work. The McMinnville case is also mentioned.

Letters to Ye Olde Editor

• Eldon Byrd writes to clarify that he is not a psychic and disdains parapsychology, identifying himself as an engineer and scientist. He questions why James Randi continues to bring up the "blackmail tape" after being convicted for defamation.
• Robert Davis responds to a query about a Truman quote, stating it appears in "Flying Saucer Review" but lacks a clear source citation. He provides contact information for the magazine.
• Tom Benson researched the Truman quote and found that while Truman did have a press conference on March 30th, 1950, and indirectly answered questions about saucers on April 4th, 1950, his response was negative and lacked a direct quote.
• Dr. Gary Posner of the Tampa Bay Skeptics criticizes George Hansen's "irrational attack" on his character, attributing Hansen's behavior to overzealousness and emotional personality. Posner directs readers to his website for his response.
• Matt Graeber takes exception to George Hansen's use of the term "ufoology" and his attack on Gary Posner, suggesting Hansen should "lighten up".
• George Hansen writes to retract his comments about Gary Posner's ambitions, assuring that Posner has no interest in becoming a major debunker. He notes that his previous characterization was meant humorously.
• Phil Klass responds to George Hansen's suspicion that Klass is grooming Posner as his successor, stating it is "WRONG". Klass claims Posner offered him $10,000,000 per year to designate him as his UFO-debunker successor, while a "certain Agency" pays Klass $100,000,000 per year for his debunking efforts. Klass is currently seeking bids from other figures in the field.
• Phil Duke Ph.D. thanks the editor for a review of his book, "The AIDS-ET Connection", praising "Saucer Smear" as a great publication.

Letters (Continued)

• Rhea White (editor of the Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research) sided with the "Saucer Smear" editor in a dispute with Jerry Clark (Hansen's source), providing personal letters with additional comments.
• Christopher Allan questions if smoking is banned at Stonehenge and regards anti-smoking legislation as paranoia.
• Skeptic Michael Dennett expresses concern about the timeliness of articles and questions the announcement of Randal Raydon's departure from "Smear", suggesting it might be a coverup.
• Colm Kelleher Ph.D. of NIDS enjoys the electronic version of the newsletter and believes Ufology needs humor. He requests a review of a book published by NIDS titled "Best UFO Cases - Europe".
• Carlos Mentira criticizes "Saucer Smear" for picking on James Randi, stating that his sex life is private and that the focus should be on facts, not personalities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include ongoing debates within the ufology community, particularly concerning the credibility of researchers and debunkers. There is a clear editorial stance against James Randi and a critical view of organizations like CSICOP. The newsletter champions a more rigorous approach to UFO research, as exemplified by the re-examination of historical cases. The editor also maintains a somewhat skeptical yet open-minded perspective, evident in the "Tidbits of Trash" and the critical reviews of books and personalities. The publication appears to value direct evidence and thorough investigation, while also acknowledging the need for humor and a critical eye towards sensationalism within the field.