Saucer Smear - Vol 51 No 09 - 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: October 15th, 2004
Publisher: OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Character: This issue of "Saucer Smear" offers a critical and often skeptical look at recent UFO-related news and articles, interspersed with personal recollections and announcements.

Editorial Content

MUFON Journal Critiques

The issue begins with a critique of the August 2004 MUFON Journal, specifically an article titled "Salve Analyzed from Strange Case in Alaska." The author expresses bewilderment at the article's focus on chemical analysis of a salve used by a couple who appeared mysteriously, finding no connection to UFOs despite the author's pro-abduction views. The magazine questions the MUFON Journal's decision to publish such content without addressing the anomalous aspects of the event.

Another article from the same MUFON Journal issue is highlighted: an engineer named Scott Ramsey's extensive research into the Aztec UFO landing story. Ramsey has reportedly spent over $200,000 investigating the 1948 incident, which involved two men finding a "large disc" on a New Mexico mesa. The article notes that witness accounts differ and that the story originated in Frank Scully's 1950 book, which included information from Silas Newton and a "Dr. G," a story later exposed as a hoax by J.P. Cahn. The Roswell crash of 1947 is notably absent from Scully's book. Despite personal skepticism, the "Smear" editor interviewed Scully and Newton in 1953 and was unconvinced. However, Nuclear Physicist Stanton Friedman is cited as being favorably impressed with Ramsey and has changed his mind about the Aztec case.

The September issue of the MUFON UFO Journal is also reviewed, described as "even more weird." It includes an advertisement for the National UFO Conference. Criticisms are leveled at a cover drawing of an alien hybrid, a case rated low for strangeness, a pro-reptilian article by Reverend Bev Trout, and a report on "Mantis' Entities" in Arkansas. A review of Budd Hopkins' book "Sight Unseen: UFO Invisibility and Transgenic Beings" is also mentioned, highlighting an anecdote about UFO abductee Katherina Wilson experiencing automatic faucets not working for her at Chicago airport, suggesting aliens can make humans invisible.

Miscellaneous Musings

Under "Miscellaneous Ravings," the magazine reports on the detection of radio signals from space, picked up by a telescope in Puerto Rico, which could be from an unknown astronomical phenomenon or a telescope byproduct. Astronomers worldwide are reportedly excited by this discovery.

The 41st National UFO Conference

An announcement is made for the 41st National UFO Conference (NUFOC) to be held at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Hollywood, California, from October 29th to 31st, 2004. Details on the hotel rate, mailing address, and contact information are provided. The conference is co-hosted by UFO researcher John Miller and Ms. Lisa Davis. The article notes that the conference has been delivering invaluable data for over 40 years and is committed to presenting objective information.

Research and Investigations

Dr. Paul Horowitz of Harvard University is quoted regarding signals detected via the SETI@home project, dismissing them as "not much of anything." The magazine also discusses Larry Bryant's "An Open Letter to the New Mexico Governor" regarding the Roswell Incident, questioning the official narrative and demanding a grand jury investigation into the crash retrieval operation. The article suggests Governor Bill Richardson's interest may be politically motivated, aimed at increasing tourism.

Personal Recollections and Case Files

Karl Pflock, the contributing editor, shares personal recollections of his youth, including hearing a crashed saucer tale at a birthday party in 1948 or 1949. He describes the story of a downed flying saucer and the bodies of its small crew, which he believes predates Frank Scully's account of the Aztec crash. Pflock notes that while the man who told the story was known for embellishment, the tale fascinated him and sparked a lifelong interest in UFOs.

Lucius Farish's "UFO Newsclipping Service" is mentioned for carrying translations of articles about events in South America, including a report on "chupacabras" in Chile where a man named Juan Acuna was attacked by two winged, dog-faced creatures.

A new expedition of Russian researchers claims to have found evidence of an alien spaceship involved in the 1908 Siberian explosion, though no wreckage has been found. They report locating an "extraterrestrial device" made of metal. The orthodox explanation remains a meteorite explosion.

The Falkville, Alabama incident of October 17th, 1973, is recounted, where policeman Jeffrey Greenhaw took polaroid photos of a mysterious humanoid. The humanoid was described as human-sized, wearing a tinfoil-type "spacesuit," with rigid movements. The article suggests the incident might be a hoax.

In Memoriam: Dr. John Mack

The passing of Dr. John Mack, a Harvard University psychiatrist and researcher of alien abductions, is reported. He died in London after being hit by a drunken driver. The article notes his belief in both physical and spiritual components of abduction experiences, differing from other researchers. His biography of T. E. Laurence won him a Pulitzer Prize, and his work on UFOs developed later in his career. A committee appointed by the Dean of Harvard Medical School investigated his treatment of abductees and found in his favor.

"Smear" Editor Resigns as Permanent Chairman

James W. Moseley, the "Smear" editor, announces his resignation as Permanent Chairman of the National UFO Conference, a position he held since 1971. He co-founded the conference in 1964. The 2003 and 2004 conferences were hosted by Dr. John Miller and Ms. Lisa Davis, with Ms. Davis set to take over as Permanent Chairman for the 2005 convention. The intention is to hold the NUFOC annually in southern California.

Lisa Davis is described as an abduction researcher who formed the Foundation for Abduction Research and Support (FFARS) to educate and support individuals involved in abduction experiences. She is working on a book exploring different theories on the abduction mystery.

Letters to the Editor

Martin Kottmeyer writes, questioning his own classification as a "Super-Skeptic" and noting that in ufology, only a few individuals like "Jerry," "Uncle Phil," and "Supreme Commander" have "No-Surname-Required" recognition.

Dr. John Miller expresses his satisfaction with Ms. Davis taking over the National Chairmanship of NUFOC, citing her financial resources and enthusiasm. He plans to assist her but will not be the main organizer next year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena and related research. While acknowledging the existence of mysteries and intriguing cases, the editorial team often questions the evidence, methodology, and conclusions presented by other organizations like MUFON. There is a strong emphasis on personal recollections and historical accounts, balanced with skepticism towards sensationalism. The magazine appears to value rigorous investigation and open-minded inquiry, while remaining wary of unsubstantiated claims and potential hoaxes. The recurring theme is the pursuit of "Truth" in ufology, even when it is "Shockingly Close" and requires careful examination.