Saucer Smear - Vol 52 No 05 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 52, No. 5 (Whole Number 381)
Date: June 15th, 2005
Publisher: Official Publication of the Saucer & Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Saucer Smear, edited by James W. Moseley and with contributions from Karl T. Pflock, delves into various aspects of ufology, skepticism, and related phenomena. The publication is dedicated to the "highest principles of ufological journalism."

Fate Magazine's List of "The 100 Most Influential People in UFology Today"

The lead article discusses Fate Magazine's special issue listing influential ufologists. The editors note that while the list aims for international scope, most individuals are American, with a few Brits included. Notable inclusions are Nick Pope, former British Ministry of Defense official; film producer Steven Spielberg; and actor Dan Akroyd. Skeptic Phil Klass is also mentioned. The editors proudly announce that James W. Moseley himself made the list, as did Contributing Editor Karl Pflock and Lisa Davis of NUFOC. The write-up for Billy Meier, a one-armed Swiss contactee, is highlighted for its colorful description. Meier is presented as a mediator for Pleiadians from planet Erra, claiming to have over 1,000 UFO photos. However, the article also notes criticisms, such as Underground Video, Inc. claiming one of Meier's alleged beamship photos from 1981 is a miniature model made from household items, and that a photo of the alien Semjase was a copy of a Sears catalogue model.

Saucer Smear's own "Hall of Shame" list includes Lucius Farish, Jerry Clark, John Keel, Vicki Cooper, Don Ecker, Richard Hall, Budd Hopkins, and Brad Sparks. Those not on Fate's list but included on Saucer Smear's "Shame" list are Richard Ogden, Julie Shuster, Erik Beckjord, Todd Zechel of CAUS, and Wendy Conners. The issue recommends purchasing Fate's Special Issue, which was reportedly out of print.

Miscellaneous Ravings

This section features various short reports and opinions. Lucius Farish's "UFO Newsclipping Service" is mentioned, which includes translations of UFO and creature items from Spanish-speaking countries, such as animal mutilations and the chupacabras. A creature called "The Rooftop Madman" from Argentina is also noted.

A detailed account is given of an incident on March 20, 2005, in Argentina, where two witnesses driving on National Highway No. 35 saw a "beam or 'tube of light'" approximately 50 meters from the road. The tube, about 1.5 meters wide and entirely white, seemed suspended in mid-air, projecting from a height of 8 meters. Inside, two figures in apparent descent were visible, wearing silvery, astronaut-type jumpsuits and holding an element in their hands. The witnesses, whose names are not provided, sped away in fear.

The editors express admiration for Farish's work but criticize him for being a "True Believer" who ignores their skepticism regarding Billy Meier. They emphasize that their "Hall of Shame" list should not be taken too seriously but also not ignored.

Other Reports and Commentary

Ancient Manuscripts and UFOs

A brief mention is made of a breakthrough in reading ancient Greek and Roman manuscripts using infra-red light, potentially revealing lost texts. A link is provided to a news article about this technique.

Washington D.C. and England UFO Incidents

An incident from the previous issue concerning a possible UFO on radar over Washington D.C. is referenced. Additionally, an incident from England's "Fortean Times" is noted, where a webcam recorded a blurred airborne shape on February 10th, with no clear explanation.

James Randi and the Pentagon Incident

James Randi appeared on Miami TV news on May 23rd to refute a theory that the commercial aircraft that hit the Pentagon on 9/11/01 was actually a smaller plane or missile. The editors express surprise at Randi's involvement, questioning his expertise in aviation, though acknowledging he lives near Miami.

"Dalphin and ET Civilizations" Conference

Rob MacGregor brought attention to an unusual conference in Hawaii called "Dalphin and ET Civilizations," which attempts to link dolphins with Space Visitors. The conference aims to explore how dolphins impart knowledge and provide examples of cooperative living, and discusses the significance of dolphin tones and frequencies in relation to human DNA.

Stanton Friedman vs. Paul Kimball

Nuclear Physicist Stanton Friedman, in his MUFON Journal column, criticizes Paul Kimball, a Canadian lawyer and filmmaker known for documentaries about MJ-12 and the Aztec UFO crash. Kimball, who was previously sympathetic to Friedman's views, has apparently changed his mind. The article notes that Kimball is Friedman's nephew, suggesting a potential generation gap.

Summoning UFOs

Another report from Rob MacGregor discusses Prophet Yahweh from Las Vegas, who claims to have discovered the "lost, ancient art of summoning UFOs and spaceships on demand." Yahweh claims to have summoned over 1,500 UFOs and spaceships since 1979. He began "going public" on June 1st, and a TV station reportedly captured footage of him successfully calling down a UFO. The object was seen hovering for about a minute before disappearing. Yahweh also gave an interview on George Norey's radio show.

Argentina's "Rooftop Madman"

An update on the "Rooftop Madman" from Argentina is provided, detailing how the entity has terrorized Santa Fe. Eyewitnesses describe it as having glowing red eyes, standing 6 feet tall, dressed in black, with long wavy hair, and wearing a cape. It is seen scaling walls and leaping between rooftops, howling or crying. Despite numerous shots fired by one witness, the entity was unharmed. The report questions whether it is real or "mass hysteria," but notes that the phenomenon is causing significant concern.

"Chemtrails" and "Angel Hair"

Robert Sheaffer, an arch-skeptic, discusses James Randi's challenge and the term "angel hair." He notes that "angel hair" is making a comeback, now associated with "chemtrails" rather than UFOs. "Chemtrails" are described as a supposed covert government scheme of aerial spraying. The movie "Aerosol Crimes" by Clifford E. Camicom is mentioned, which discusses a light, stringy substance found as a residue after aerial spraying, referred to as "angel hair."

Reader Contributions and Letters

Several readers submitted letters. Paul Fuller of England writes about his sadness regarding bad news for the editor and shares positive remarks from Andy Roberts about Jim's contributions to ufology. Fuller also apologizes for a previous mistake in misidentifying the individual with ALS. Matt Graeber writes about Mary Sutherland and her organization BUFO (Burlington UFO and Paranormal Radio), highlighting her aggressive promotion of UFO-related merchandise and media. He mentions her investigation into the 1974 Carbondale UFO crash and Mr. Peruka's claim about Olyphant being near the center of the Universe.

Robert Sheaffer critiques the idea that psychics could meet Randi's standards and discusses the "angel hair" phenomenon in relation to "chemtrails."

Hal Pattee comments on James Randi's involvement with UFO topics, noting Randi's piece on Betty Hill's "star map" as being outside his usual expertise.

Chris Roth expresses surprise that conspiracy theorists have not seized upon the flying-saucer-shaped urns used in papal conclaves.

Retired pilot Bill Nash praises Jim's journal and book for covering the UFO story.

Bill Osborne enjoyed Jim's book "Shockingly Close to the Truth," recalling incidents from the 1950s and the "Golden Age of Flying Saucers." He notes that while he still looks for UFOs, he has yet to see anything he cannot identify.

Other Brief Items

Short, humorous anecdotes are included, such as a thief put to sleep by a grandmother's photo album, a fight between costumed characters at a burger van, and three golfers hitting holes-in-one in quick succession.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards many UFO claims, particularly those involving contactees like Billy Meier. While acknowledging the existence of anomalous phenomena and the importance of UFO research, the editors often question the motives and evidence presented by proponents. There is a strong emphasis on investigative journalism and a desire for verifiable evidence. The publication also engages with and critiques the work of prominent skeptics like James Randi, while also featuring contributions from those who hold more conventional ufological beliefs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism, aiming to separate genuine mysteries from hoaxes or misinterpretations.