Saucer Smear - Vol 49 No 08 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: October 5th, 2002
Volume: 49, No. 8
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It features a mix of articles, book reviews, personal accounts, and commentary on UFO phenomena and related mysteries.

Articles and Features

A British View of Roswell

This section, lifted from an article in "Fortean Times" by Bruce Lanier Wright, describes a visit to the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell. The author notes the museum's eclectic exhibits, including a fibreglass horse covered in newspaper clippings about the Roswell Incident. The museum attempts to present the case for the Incident, with occasional objective stabs. The author points out a potential connection between symbols recovered from Jesse Marcel Jr.'s childhood and markings on Mogul balloons.

More Aliens at Roswell!

This piece reports on an illegal Canadian immigrant named David Hudak, who was detained on weapons charges in connection with a training camp for Arabs near Roswell. Hudak, president of High Energy Access Tools Corp., had a multi-million dollar contract with the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. He was charged with possessing numerous unregistered firearms, including shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapons.

Tidbits of Trash

This section covers several brief items:

• Ufological Extravaganzas: An upcoming event hosted by Pat Marcattilio in Bordontown, N.J., titled "The Great UFO & Earth Mysteries Congress of 2002," featuring speakers like Bruce Maccabee, David Jacobs, Daniel Cohen, Ingo Swann, and the "Smear" editor.
• Walt Andrus Interview: An interview with retired MUFON czar Walt Andrus from "UFO Magazine" discusses his belief that aliens are hybridizing a species to create human-like hybrids.
• Mysterious Object Orbiting Earth: Speculation about a 16th-magnitude object initially thought to be orbiting Earth, which was later identified as the 3rd stage of Apollo 12.
• MEA CULPA: An apology for a poorly rendered drawing of Lonnie Zamora in a previous issue.
• Moving Notice: The publication announces its upcoming move from Key West to Stock Island, Florida, noting that while the mailing address and phone number will remain the same, they will be harder to locate.

India: Panic and Death After Monster Reports

This news report from Reuters details panic and death in a populous Indian state following reports of a flashing space creature or mutant bug. The creature reportedly scratches victims' faces at night. Police officers suggested it was an extraterrestrial, while terrified villagers killed suspected individuals. A scientist suggested lightning balls as a likely explanation for the incidents in the drought-stricken state.

PFlock PTalk / "It Looked Worse Than Frankenstein!"

This column by Karl Pflock discusses the Flatwoods Monster incident of September 12, 1952, in West Virginia. The event, which occurred fifty years prior to the publication date, involved three boys spotting a "silver dollar going through the sky" that landed near a hill. They encountered a strange fog, a nauseating stench, and a large, glowing sphere. A manlike creature with an orange head and green body was observed. The incident launched the ufological career of Gray Barker, who wrote about it for "Fate" magazine.

Brief Book Reviews

• "Rick Hilberg's UFOmation" by Rick Hilberg: This review discusses Hilberg's booklet, focusing on his revival of the 1897 airship mystery. The story is based on accounts from P.G. Navarro, who allegedly obtained eleven volumes of text and drawings from an eccentric named Dellschau. These documents discussed the Sonora (California) Aero Club and a supposed anti-gravity device called "NB gas."
• "Hauntings & Horrors: The Ultimate Guide to Spooky America" by Dan and Susan Cohen: This review of a children's book by noted skeptic Dan Cohen highlights its descriptions of spooky places across America. While acknowledging Cohen's skepticism, the review notes that the book doesn't aggressively debunk claims and is written for children. The authors' motivation for writing children's books is stated as "MONEY."

Letters to the Editor

• Dave Swink (Roswell): Comments on the local mentality in Roswell supporting the advertising of the "invisible," referencing the Roswell Inn motel.
• Paul Fuller (England): Praises "Shockingly Close to the Truth" for its insights into UFO mythology and humor. He also critiques research on crop circles, particularly the work of Messrs Burke, Levengood, and Talbot, suggesting iron fillings were deliberately placed by hoaxers.
• Randy Scott (Alaska): Submits a "love offering" and expresses enjoyment of the magazine, finding humor in the book's content and offering a whimsical explanation for UFOs as "dwarves from Suartalfheim."
• Julie C. Stranges: Thanks the editor for a notice about her husband, Reverend Frank Stranges's, medical problems, updating on his recovery from surgery.
• Chris Roth (Anthropologist): Reports on an "almost unprecedented UFO flap" in British Columbia, Canada, with 66 sightings in the region, including 17 in Terrace. He mentions Brian Vike and the HBCC-UFO Research organization, and the connection to crop circles and the "Signs" movie.
• Chris Allan: Critiques Brian Parks's resurrection of the MJ-12 topic, referencing the "Aquarius Document." Allan asserts, based on information from Bill Moore and a 1995 GAO report, that the document is a forgery and never existed in AFOSI archives.

Sidelines

• Tumbleweed Trap: A humorous anecdote about a woman in Denver complaining about being trapped by 3ft diameter tumbleweeds.
• Dihydrogen Monoxide Ban: A report on a student's science fair project that highlighted public gullibility by having people sign a petition to ban "dihydrogen monoxide" (water).
• Just Chute Me: A story about a paratrooper who survived a 7,000ft fall after both parachutes opened simultaneously.
• Near Thing: An anecdote from Larry Adler's book about Al Capone bribing a juror.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a biased yet critical approach to UFO phenomena. While featuring personal accounts and historical mysteries, it also includes skeptical viewpoints and scrutinizes claims, as seen in the book reviews and crop circle critiques. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, with a healthy dose of humor and a willingness to challenge established narratives, even within the UFO community itself. The publication values strong journalistic principles, as evidenced by the apology for an unconfirmed story and the emphasis on independent sources. The recurring theme is the exploration of UFO lore, debunking of hoaxes, and the presentation of diverse perspectives within the field.