Saucer Smear - Vol 52 No 08 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 52, No. 8
Date: September 15th, 2005
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Type: Official publication of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY.

Main Cover Story: Super-Skeptic Phil Klass Moves On

The lead article announces the death of Philip J. Klass at age 85, describing him as the "most outstanding villain" in the flying saucer field. Klass, a senior avionics editor for "Aviation Week", was a co-founder of CSICOP and a prolific writer of anti-UFO material. The article notes that many UFO enthusiasts believed his skepticism was part of a government conspiracy to hide the truth. Klass was known for his relentless digging into negative material on pro-saucer individuals, such as revealing Ed Walters' past legal troubles. Despite their disagreements, the "Smear" editor considered Klass a friend and respected his sincerity, though not his views. Klass was recognized on "Fate Magazine's" list of top ufologists and Paul Kimball's 'Top 10' and 'Bottom 10' lists.

Other Articles and News Briefs

UFO Sightings and Incidents:

• Exeter, New Hampshire Sighting: A Navy veteran reported seeing a large, cigar-shaped object with windows hovering slowly, changing colors, and disappearing. The article questions the witness's anonymity and the lack of other witnesses, though Peter Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center suggested the object's technology might have made it selectively visible.
• Brush Creek, California Sighting (Part 2): Karl Pflock continues his account of a miner named John Black who reported seeing a flying saucer multiple times in 1953. One incident involved the saucer hovering near a sandbar, emitting a hissing sound, and leaving human-appearing footprints.
• Mysterious Flying Humanoids in Mexico: An article from "C-COM - Classified Communications" discusses recent incidents in Mexico involving human-like creatures seen flying or hovering, concluding that this phenomenon presents a major research challenge.
• Loch Ness Monster: A new ferry service has begun operation on Loch Ness to help tourists search for the legendary beast.
• Unknown Creature in China: A fisherman found a large, dead creature near a sea-wall in Ningbo City, China, described as nearly 12 meters long with orange stripes and a heavy skull. Its identity remains unknown.
• Lajas, Puerto Rico UFO Festival: The town celebrated its designation as "The UFO Capital of Puerto Rico" with its 4th annual flying saucer festival.

Personalities and Investigations:

• Bob Lazar: Lazar, previously featured in "Smear", is now reportedly working on a conversion kit for hydrogen-powered cars, distancing himself from his earlier claims about Element 115 and Area 51.
• Ed Dames: The "Cursed Net" names Ed Dames as "UFO Dirtbag of the Month" for his unfulfilled predictions regarding remote viewing, including finding gold and disabling computers. The article criticizes his appearances on "Coast to Coast AM" with Art Bell.
• George Adamski and the Straith Letter: A discussion about the infamous 'Straith Letter', which was revealed to be a hoax authored by Gray Barker and the "Smear" editor, despite claims by researchers like Tim Good.
• James Randi: The article mentions James Randi's online store selling skeptical books and novelty items. It also touches on his past legal disputes and his "flying pig emblem" and "Randi Emblem". A lady referred to as "Mrs. X" is reportedly writing an authorized biography of Randi.
• Nick Redfern's "Body Snatchers in the Desert" Book: Karl Pflock expresses his disagreement with Redfern's claims and terminates their planned collaboration on a book about the alleged 1948 Aztec saucer crash.
• Wendy Connors and Print vs. Internet: Rick Hilberg defends the importance of print publications like "Smear" for historical research, arguing that the internet, while vast, is often unfiltered and ephemeral, making experienced editors crucial for discerning valuable material.
• Bob Pratt on Brazil's UFO Files: Bob Pratt clarifies that the Brazilian government has not officially opened its UFO files, though some documents from "Operation Prato" have been leaked and are available online. He corrects the spelling of "Gevaerd".

Conference Report:

• National UFO Conference (NUFOC): The 42nd annual conference was held in Hollywood, California. The "Smear" editor presented tales from the ufological past at the Saturday night banquet. The event featured about 18 speakers, but press attendance was low.

Other Mentions:

• Michael Jackson: An article in "Globe" magazine discusses Michael Jackson's belief that he is an alien from a planet called "A Capricious Anomaly in the Sea of Space".
• Robert Anton Wilson: Famed writer Robert Anton Wilson has a cover story in "Metro Santa Cruz". He is noted as the inspiration for J.R. "Bob" Dobbs of the Church of the SubGenius.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" maintains its critical and skeptical stance towards many UFO claims, exemplified by its extensive coverage of Philip Klass's passing and his role as a debunker. However, the magazine also acknowledges the enduring nature of UFO mysteries and the importance of research, even from a skeptical viewpoint. There's a recurring theme of questioning the authenticity of claims and exposing hoaxes, as seen with the 'Straith Letter' and the critique of Ed Dames. The publication also champions the value of traditional print media in preserving information against the perceived ephemerality of the internet. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, a willingness to challenge established narratives (both pro- and anti-UFO), and a dedication to documenting the history of ufology, even if it involves controversial figures and past deceptions.