SAUCER SMEAR

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 46, No. 11
Date: November 5th, 1999
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Saucer Smear, dedicated to ufological journalism, provides a detailed account of the 36th annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) held in San Antonio, Texas, on September 25th-26th, 1999. The conference, organized with the help of local host Dennis Stacy and Permanent Chairman Jim Moseley, is described as one of the most successful events, even making a modest profit. The issue also features various articles, letters, and reviews related to UFO phenomena, skepticism, and conspiracy theories.

RE-HASH OF OUR GLORIOUS SAN ANTONIO CONVENTION

The NUFOC featured a lineup of speakers including Whitley Strieber, who was honored as "Ufologist of the Year," and spoke about his experiences. Literary agent Cherry Weiner, handling the book "Shockingly Close to the Truth," also spoke. Walt Andrus discussed the disappearance of pilot Frederich Valentich. The editor, Jim Moseley, recounted his "Weird Personal Experiences of a Skeptical Believer." Patrick Huyghe spoke about unearthly creatures, and Constance Clear, a trained psychologist, presented her abduction research. Karl Pflock discussed the Aztec, New Mexico saucer crash. The event also saw a brief but tense exchange between Whitley Strieber and Kevin Randle.

Joe Firmage presented videos, including NASA footage, and spoke about UFOs and humanity's future. Tom Deuley clarified the El Indio-Guerrero case, explaining it as a military incident. Kevin Randle, who recently obtained a Ph.D., gave a skeptical lecture on abductions. Linda Corley shared details from her interview with Jesse Marcel Sr. regarding the Roswell crash. The Fox Network covered the convention, promising a TV special.

Tidbits of Trash

This section highlights a Winston cigarettes ad that satirizes alien abductions, which Peter Gersten of CAUS finds offensive and potentially actionable. It also mentions the mysterious death of conspiracy writer Jim Keith, co-author of "The Octopus," who died after routine surgery. Larry Bryant of CAUS is attempting to have a UFO recovered from northern Mexico returned to Mexican custody, though the incident is believed to be a 1944 friendly fire event.

The issue discusses the ongoing debate about the authenticity of the MJ-12 documents, with differing opinions from researchers like Timothy Good, Stanton Friedman, and Robert Todd. The case of Max Burns in Sheffield, England, is presented; Burns claimed a UFO shot down an RAF plane but was later revealed to be a drug dealer.

Book Reviews and Commentary

Joe Firmage was featured on A&E TV discussing celebrities involved in UFOs. Actor Dennis Weaver and Michael Shermer were also mentioned. The issue revisits Todd Zechel, a former ufological superstar who is now living with his father after a stroke. A hot flash notes that Larry Bryant of CAUS might be removed from MUFON's Board of Directors.

A review of Keay Davidson's biography of Carl Sagan, "Carl Sagan: A Life," is presented. The reviewer notes Sagan's unpopularity with ufologists for not endorsing unproven claims but acknowledges his search for scientific truth. Sagan's past use of marijuana for insights is also mentioned. A brief review of Dr. Leo Sprinkle's book "Soul Samples" is included, as is a review of a crop circle calendar.

Letters to the Editor

Joan Thompson praises the San Antonio conference and its speakers. Linda Cortile thanks Karl Pflock for kind words written about her. William Moore criticizes Kal Korff's ego and changing stance on cases. Jacques Vallee expresses hope for government revelation of UFO truths, comparing the situation to past calls for Congressional Hearings. Matt Graeber comments on the "court jester" label for Moseley and praises Sprinkle's book. Robert Sheaffer debunks the Trent photos, questioning the explanation of shadows. Christopher Roth thanks the magazine and confirms Jim Keith's involvement in "Commander X" books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Smear maintains a critical yet engaged stance on ufology. It highlights both the enthusiasm of UFO conferences and the skepticism surrounding the field. The magazine appears to value objective investigation, criticizing both fervent believers and dismissive skeptics for allowing their biases to cloud judgment. The editorial tone often incorporates humor and a degree of cynicism, particularly in the "Tidbits of Trash" section. There is a clear interest in historical UFO cases, government secrecy, and the personalities within the UFO community. The magazine also seems to champion the idea of open inquiry, even when it leads to uncomfortable truths or challenges established beliefs.