Saucer Smear - Vol 51 No 07 - 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 51, No. 7
Date: July 20th, 2004
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Type: Magazine Issue

This issue marks the Fiftieth Anniversary Edition of "Saucer Smear," a publication dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism. The magazine reflects on its fifty-year history, originating as "Nexus" and evolving through "Saucer News" to its current "Saucer Smear" format, which emphasizes humor, sarcasm, and offbeat thinking. The editorial team expresses gratitude to cartoonist Matt Graeber for the cover art.

The MUFON UFO Journal Does It Again

The lead story in the June 2004 issue of the MUFON UFO Journal, headlined "Entity Reportedly Photographed in Holland," features a striking picture. The article notes a surprising number of active ufologists no longer receive the Journal, suggesting a decline in circulation and a potential lack of new readership. The story centers on Robbert van den Broeke, a 24-year-old Dutchman from Hoeven, Holland, and his family, who interact with Nancy Talbott of "BLT Research, Inc." Talbott visits the family annually, intrigued by the strange phenomena occurring there.

Robbert's Photographic Evidence

Readers are reminded of an event in 2001 when Robbert and an associate witnessed a crop circle being formed. The current photos were taken in May of the current year, with Robbert alone in the house. He claims to have communicated mentally with the beings he photographed, describing them as distinct from the commonly reported "common greys" but responsible for crop circles. Robbert is described as having an "incredible ability" to perceive present and future events, with his father stating he is "always 100% correct." His family experiences numerous paranormal events, including "orbs" and crop circles. Robbert also claims healing powers and spends time meditating outdoors. Nancy Talbott confirms her impression of these phenomena, though she admits there is no definitive proof, despite claiming chemical proof of anomalous crop circles.

The article questions whether the photo is a hoax, noting MUFON's significant emphasis on it due to Robbert's perceived sincerity and reliability. The editors express a belief in a correlation between UFO cases and the human mind, acknowledging that while the photos could be easily faked, they are not dismissing them outright. The potential for a book by Robbert's father on the subject is mentioned, drawing parallels to George Adamski and Ed Walters.

One Last Miracle?

This section revisits the case of Betty Hill, famous for her alleged alien abduction experience in 1961. Now 84 years old and terminally ill with lung cancer, Betty is being cared for by her niece, Cathy Marden. A letter from Marden to John Schuessler of MUFON details a "high strangeness" event on June 15th or 16th. Betty, who is incapacitated due to a fractured arm and wrist, reportedly had her splint and sling removed and placed neatly on a chair, and the deadbolt on her back door was unlocked and the door left open. This occurred while her caretaker, Connie, slept through it. Betty's external appearance and pain level have also significantly improved. The incident is described as baffling, with the possibility of "Space People" visiting her raised. Betty herself stated she has no idea what happened.

Miscellaneous Ravings

MUFON UFO Journal Report

Another report from the MUFON UFO Journal details an incident on March 6th in Centerville, Ohio. Brilliant lightning-like flashes in the sky, without thunder or rain, caused power disruptions. One caller and his wife reported seeing a "house-sized object" hovering at near tree-top level, interacting with power lines and causing an arcing flash. The object was described as saucer-shaped with a metallic surface and rotating, flare-like lights of various colors. Despite the fire department responding and witnesses admitting to seeing the object, town officials provided no confirmation. The description relies heavily on one couple's account, leaving the incident mysterious.

Bob Shell and the Alien Autopsy Film

The infamous "alien autopsy" film from the 1947 Roswell UFO crash is mentioned, with Bob Shell's opinion that it showed "the dissection of non-human humanoid bodies of unknown origin." Shell is now facing felony murder charges in Virginia related to the overdose death of a 19-year-old woman who worked for him. He is also charged with drug distribution and other offenses.

Atomic Physics and UFOs

A brief mention of recent advancements in atomic physics, including the teleportation of "quantum states" between atoms, is made. The article speculates that the secrets of flying saucers and other anomalies might lie within the vast and little-known realm of atomic physics.

Anti-Terrorist Law and UFOs

A new anti-terrorist law is discussed, which allows government agents to seek information without identifying themselves or disclosing their purpose, and to recruit citizens as informants. This is seen as a consequence of the post-9/11 world, and the article expresses concern that a link between UFOs and National Security might be perceived.

Skeptical Inquirer

The "Skeptical Inquirer" magazine is criticized for its perceived agenda to extinguish anything that "smacks of superstition and/or irrational belief," comparing its objectivity unfavorably to a "New Age rant." The article notes the magazine's frequent discussions on the philosophy of science and expresses amusement and dismay at the title of one of its articles.

PFlock PTalk / Blasts From The Past

By Karl Pflock, Contributing Editor & Fifth Columnist

This section reviews two publications: "42 Years: A UFO Editor's Perspective" by Rick Hilberg, a compilation of articles from 1962-2002, and "The Carbondale UFO Crash: The Reality, the Hoaxes and the Legend" by Matt Graeber. Pflock describes Hilberg's work as a "unique picture of four decades of ufological history" and Graeber's as a "delightful style" investigation into an alleged UFO crash that turned out to be a hoax involving a lantern.

"Defending Science - Within Reason"

A piece by Susan Haack, titled "Defending Science - Within Reason: The Critical Common-sensist Manifesto," is mentioned. The article proposes a "Critical Common-sensist" account of scientific progress.

Larry Bryant's Lawsuit

Flying saucer activist Larry Bryant is suing Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, because a military newspaper refused to print his ad advocating for the impeachment of President Bush for alleged lying about the "Gulf of Persia Resolution."

Charles Dellschau and the Sonora Aero Club

By Dennis Stacy, former editor of the MUFON UFO Journal

This article explores the life and work of Charles Dellschau, born in Prussia in 1830, who immigrated to the U.S. and later, in retirement, created drawings of "brilliantly colored airships" in a "charming style." These drawings are presented as potentially related to the "Great Airship Mystery" of 1896-1897. Dellschau cast his airships in the context of a secretive California organization called the Sonora Aero Club, supposedly funded by NYMZA, with Peter Mennis as the pilot and inventor of an anti-gravity substance. Dellschau was the Club's draftsman.

Obstacles to a literal interpretation include the sheer volume of drawings, the complicated designs, and the lack of historical record for the Sonora Aero Club. The article suggests Dellschau might have been an "Outsider Artist," creating a personal flight of fancy rather than documenting a historical society. His work, discovered serendipitously, is seen as enhancing appreciation for Outsider Art, even if it doesn't illuminate UFO history. The article notes that the town of Sonora is currently in the news due to a website devoted to "The Sonora UFO Sightings."

Lettres to Ye Olde Editor

Skeptic Michael Dennett writes:

Dennett questions the validity of a "bogus item" in a previous issue, specifically a "monster narrative" involving Bigfoot. He asks for clarification on the "clues" provided, particularly regarding "large genitalia," and whether the magazine is making fun of Bigfoot. He also mentions Erik Beckjord's known animosity towards the editor.

The Editor responds that the "ringer" clue included large genitalia and the sighter's name, Claude Balsworth ("Clawed Balls"), and asserts that the review of "UFO Warning" was accurate.

Super-skeptic Robert Sheaffer writes:

Sheaffer apologizes for a delay in replying and comments that the publication has become "petty and mercenary." He retracts any overstatement about attendance at a previous NUFOC conference and apologizes if he created the impression of the editor being a "doddering old has-been." He mentions an upcoming article in the "Skeptical Inquirer" about Mexican infrared videos and offers a "love-offering" to be reinstated on the non-subscriber list, calling "Saucer Smear" a good source for "the lunacy of UFOdumb."

Pilot Bill Nash writes:

Nash enjoyed the inclusion of UFO sightings in the recent newsletter and finds the Mexican sightings strange, suggesting the visitors may have gone invisible. He states that "UFO Warning" is not the best saucer book ever written, attributing that title to a book by the editor and Karl Pflock.

Willard "Wild Bill" McIntyre writes:

McIntyre humorously asks how it feels to be "snubbed" by the "UFO Magazine Encyclopedia of UFOs," which includes an entry for Todd Zechel but not the editor. He notes William Birnes's effusive thanks to the editor in the introduction.

Richard ("Dick") Freeman writes:

Freeman comments on photos of Elvis on Mars and a woman resembling "Debbie D.," a "mermaid vampire" and "scream queen" who has appeared in R-rated films. He advises caution around her, suggesting protection against "major neck veins."

The Editor confirms that Debbie D. is one of Bob Durant's "Roswell Girls" and agrees there are sexual overtones.

Anthropologist & UFO enthusiast Chris Roth writes:

Roth announces that Duke University Press will publish an anthology of writings by anthropologists on culture and ufology, edited by Debbora Battaglia. His own piece, "Ufology as Anthropology: Race, Extraterrestreials, and the Occult," will be included, along with contributions from others who have done fieldwork among UFO believers. The book title is tentatively "Encountering the Extraterrestrial: Anthropology in Outerspaces" or "ET Culture: Anthropology in Outerspaces." Roth mentions cleaning out his desk at the University of Chicago as his post-doctoral position ends, suggesting this might be his last contribution to official academia.

That's No Lady...

A brief, humorous anecdote about a farmer in Fujian, China, who married a person who turned out to be a man, disguised as a woman using false breasts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" maintains its characteristic blend of serious UFO reporting, skeptical analysis, and a healthy dose of humor and satire. The anniversary edition reflects on the magazine's long history and its unique approach to ufology. Recurring themes include the critical examination of UFO evidence, the role of skepticism in the field, and the intersection of the paranormal with popular culture. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry tempered with a strong dose of critical thinking and a willingness to poke fun at the more outlandish aspects of the UFO community. The magazine champions a "critical common-sensist" approach to science and ufology, questioning unsubstantiated claims while remaining open to genuine mysteries.