Saucer Smear - Vol 51 No 04 - 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: April 15th, 2004 (Volume 51, No. 4, Whole Number 370)
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley
Contributing Editor: Karl T. Pflock

This issue of Saucer Smear, a publication dedicated to ufological journalism, addresses several points of interest and ongoing debates within the field. The editorial section begins with an apology for the light print in the previous issue, attributing it to an aging electric typewriter, and assures readers that steps have been taken to correct this. It also corrects a significant typographical error regarding the sentencing of Giordano Bruno, noting the date was 404 years ago, not 4004. The issue provides the home phone number for direct contact and notes the absence of an answering machine.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The "Miscellaneous Ravings" section highlights an article from the MUFON UFO Journal about a glowing green stone circle found in Poland in 1998. An elderly woman reported seeing a red object descend and land nearby. The investigation revealed a circle of stones with a faint greenish glow. The article also notes the significant price increase of the MUFON UFO Journal to $45 per year.

William Moore is mentioned as having written a private letter expressing displeasure with the magazine's editorial stance, particularly regarding a refusal to meet privately during a convention and the portrayal of his relationship with Charles Berlitz. The editor defends their position, suggesting Moore's sensitivity to being perceived as unimportant.

Jerome ("Jerry") Clark is also noted as being upset, specifically regarding a review of the book "Shockingly Close to the Truth" and an obituary for Yonah Fortner. Clark's shifting stance on publishing a letter and his apparent admiration for George Hunt Williamson over Yonah Fortner are discussed, with a suggestion of a possible anti-Semitic nuance.

Bigfoot and Mars

The issue delves into the ongoing debate surrounding the Bigfoot phenomenon, specifically referencing Bob Heironimus's claim that he was the person in the famous Patterson film clip from 1967. The article discusses Greg Long's book "The Making of Bigfoot," which traces the costume to a North Carolina specialist. The broadcast of this claim on Jeff Rense's radio show is also mentioned, along with the participation of former UFO researcher Kal K. Korff and Robert Kiviat.

The discussion then shifts to Mars, referencing Richard Hoagland's claims about artificial objects, including the "Face on Mars" and a large "worm-like" object. Philip Plait, author of "Bad Astronomy," is presented as a scientist who is challenging Hoagland's interpretations, attributing formations to natural processes like shadows and sand dunes. The article notes Hoagland's lack of formal degrees in relevant fields.

Ufological Feuds and Controversies

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a feud involving Dr. Bruce Maccabee, a physicist who endorsed Ed Walters' Gulf Breeze UFO photos. Researcher Jerry Brown of Ohio alleges that Maccabee received payments from Ed to influence his opinion and has challenged him to a lie detector test. Kenny Young is supporting Brown, while Jerry Clark, Richard Hall, and Wendy Connors are presented as supporting Maccabee's integrity. The article notes that the original information about the Gulf Breeze incidents came from Tom Benson.

News and Updates

Several short news items are included:

• Safety First: The mayor of Bocaiuva do Sul, Brazil, cancelled an alien spaceship landing during a football match due to concerns about abduction.
• Holy Racket: A Romanian priest was defrocked, and another sent to a new diocese, for disrupting each other's Masses.
• Computer Glitch: A Norwegian insurance firm apologized for issuing the password "wooden penis" to a customer.

Roswell Festivities: Dave Swink provides an update on the upcoming UFO museum festivities in Roswell, New Mexico, scheduled for the July 4th weekend. The event's title has been changed from "Roswell UFO Festival" to "Roswell 2004 Festival," which is attributed to local embarrassment and a desire to broaden the event's focus beyond just UFOs. Former astronaut Edgar Mitchell is scheduled to speak, along with musical groups and film screenings. The article notes that Julie Shuster, the museum director, has a difficult relationship with the magazine's editor.

Magazine Closures: Christopher Allan reports from England that the UK "UFO Magazine" has folded six months after the death of its editor, Graham Birdsall. He expresses concern about the future of UFO magazines in the age of the internet.

Seven Oaks Resort Fire: Dennis Stacy reports the arson and destruction of the Seven Oaks Resort in San Antonio, Texas, which had hosted the NUFOC convention.

Charles A.A. Dellschau Exhibit: An exhibit of Charles A.A. Dellschau's artwork, focusing on his portrayals of pre-Wright Brothers airships, is on display at the Mennelo Museum of American Folk Art in Orlando, Florida.

Letters and Contributions

Several researchers and correspondents share their views:

• Ann Druffel defends her book "FIRESTORM: Dr. James E. McDonald's Fight for UFO Science" against Karl Pflock's critical review, citing numerous positive reviews from other scientists and professionals.
• Bob Pratt shares his extensive research on UFO sightings in Brazil, noting that witnesses come from all walks of life and recounting an experience of communicating with occupants of UFOs via light signals.
• Steve Dunn discusses the concept of "SETA" (Search for Extra Terrestrial Artifacts) and an article from 1973 about a potential alien space probe at the Earth/Moon Lagrangian point.
• Michael Dennett thanks the magazine for keeping the topic of flying saucers in the public eye.
• Richard Freeman mentions a discussion about alien implants and the possibility of developing less scarring methods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions ufological journalism and presents a critical, often skeptical, yet open-minded approach to the subject matter. It engages in debates within the community, highlights controversies, and provides updates on UFO-related events and research. The editorial stance appears to be one of independence, often challenging established narratives and figures within the field, as evidenced by the ongoing disputes with figures like William Moore and the critical examination of claims by researchers like Richard Hoagland and Dr. Bruce Maccabee. The magazine also shows a commitment to presenting diverse viewpoints, even those it disagrees with, as seen in the inclusion of letters from various contributors and the policy of presenting all sides of important issues.