Saucer Smear - Vol 48 No 01 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 48, No. 1
Date: January 10th, 2001
Publisher: CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Description: Dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism, this issue of Saucer Smear, the official publication of The Saucer & Unexplained, addresses the potential dangers of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) to civil aviation, reviews recent developments in the field, and includes various personal accounts and opinions.

Are Flying Saucers a Danger to Civil Aviation?

The lead article raises concerns about the potential aerial danger posed by UAP to civilian air travel, a topic largely overlooked. It introduces NARCAP (National Aviation Reporting Center on Anomalous Phenomena), a new non-profit scientific organization based in Boulder Creek, California. NARCAP aims to improve aviation safety by providing pilots and air traffic controllers with a dedicated telephone number and confidential website for reporting UAP sightings. The chief scientist for NARCAP is Richard Haines, a psychologist and senior aerospace scientist formerly with NASA. Haines acknowledges that while UAP incidents do not currently present an immediate physical threat due to their high maneuverability, the potential for collision remains a concern. The article highlights the Frederick Valentich case from Australia (October 21st, 1978) as a famous, albeit rare, incident where a pilot's death might have been directly caused by a UFO. The magazine notes that this case sends a shiver up the editor's spine and references a previous article on the subject.

Dr. Mack is Back on the Track

This section introduces "P.E.E.R. Perspectives No. 3", a 24-page magazine from the Program for Extraordinary Experience Research (PEER), an organization led by Dr. John Mack of Harvard University. PEER focuses on exploring and integrating extraordinary experiences within a broader context of personal, societal, and global transformation, particularly UFO abductions and related phenomena. The article mentions Dr. Mack's first book, "Abduction", and his subsequent work to involve other academics. His new book, "Passport to the Cosmos: Human Transformation and Alien Encounters", is also noted. PEER collaborates with the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE). Dr. Mack's research suggests that the entities involved in abductions may be concerned about the protection of Earth's environment.

Tidbits of Trash

This section announces the upcoming publication of Karl Pflock's book, "Roswell: Inconvenient Facts and the Will to Believe", by Prometheus Press. It also mentions a lawsuit filed by Eldon Byrd against James Randi, which was dismissed on technicalities and may be refiled in Florida. The editor and contributing editor Karl Pflock are planning to attend a mini-Convention in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to view the Gray Barker collection. A larger event, the NUFOC Convention, is scheduled for Austin, Texas. A photograph of Pat Marcattilio, alias "Dr. UFO", is featured, showcasing his UFO material collection.

Book Reviews

Wendy Ann Connors' co-authored book, "Captain Edward J. Ruppelt Summer of the Saucers - 1952", is reviewed. The book focuses on Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, who headed the Air Force's saucer investigation project. It details the peak of UFO activity in 1952. The review also mentions Ruppelt's own book, "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects", and notes skepticism regarding his later skeptical chapters. Another book by the same team, "Alfred Loedding & the Great Flying Saucer Wave of 1947", is also mentioned. Michael David Hall's solo work, "UFOS - A Century of Sightings", is also listed.

PFlock PTalk / Mojave Time Warp

Karl Pflock's column explores the Mojave Desert, referencing George Adamski's 1952 encounter with "Orthon of Venus". Pflock visits locations associated with UFO lore, including the Carousel Cafe in Joshua Tree and Giant Rock, which hosted George Van Tassel's Interplanetary Spacecraft Conventions. The Integratron, built to specs by Van Tassel, is also mentioned.

Missives from the Masses

This section features letters from readers. Betty Hill writes about her experience, suggesting that the beeping sounds heard during her encounter may have been a tracking mechanism. J. D. Scarpellini of MUFON addresses issues regarding John Carpenter and the MUFON Board, questioning the transparency of information dissemination within the organization. Dr. Kevin D. Randle shares a humorous anecdote about identifying a high-class UFO conference. Gene Buck comments on "pedophiles" and wordplay. Researcher John Shirley expresses skepticism about the Betty and Barney Hill case, questioning the evidence and the credibility of hypnotic regression.

Additional Content

Ann Druffel, author of "How to Defend Yourself Against Alien Abduction", writes about the need for a clear statement on how to handle alien encounters and the strange lack of discussion on resistance techniques among abduction researchers. Harry Lime comments on the magazine's content, noting a perceived softening in the editor's stance and questioning the credentials of individuals mentioned. Paul Fisher also expresses a shift in his perception of "Saucer Smear", finding it more critical and less enthusiastic, and reiterates skepticism about the Betty and Barney Hill case and Roswell.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently maintains a critical yet engaged stance on UFO phenomena. While featuring accounts of sightings and experiences, it also incorporates skepticism and debunking, as seen in the book reviews and reader letters. The editorial focus is on ufological journalism, aiming to present information and encourage discussion, even when controversial. There's a recurring theme of questioning official narratives and exploring the more unusual aspects of the UFO field, often with a touch of humor and a critical eye towards the credibility of sources and claims. The magazine appears to value open inquiry and the presentation of diverse viewpoints within the UFO community.