Saucer Smear - Vol 52 No 09 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: October 20th, 2005
Volume: 52, No. 9
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley
Contributing Editor: Karl T. Pflock

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is dedicated to the memory and legacy of the late ufologist Philip J. Klass, who passed away in 2005. The publication, an official organ of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY, features a mix of commentary, news, and book reviews related to ufology and related phenomena.

Tributes and Reactions to Philip J. Klass

The issue opens with a tribute to Philip J. Klass, featuring a photograph of him and a recollection of his appearance at the Fortean Times "UnConvention" in London in 1997. The editor, James W. Moseley, recounts how Klass managed to alienate much of the audience with his talk. More controversially, the issue includes a harsh reaction to Klass's death from former ufologist William Moore, who stated, "The world is better off without him. My sainted grandmother told me not to say anything about the dead unless I could say something good. He's dead. Good!" Moseley expresses disappointment in Moore's sentiments. The issue also references a "mellow" obituary in The Fortean Times, which noted Klass's enjoyment of his notoriety and his interactions with both believers and skeptics. A mention is made of "The Last Will and Testament of Philip J. Klass," previously published in "Smear" in 1983, where Klass bequeathed "THE UFO CURSE" to his critics.

Miscellaneous Ravings and News

"The Fog" and the Bermuda Triangle

Long-time "Smear" non-subscriber Rob MacGregor has collaborated with pilot Bruce Gernon on a pocketbook titled "THE FOG," which presents a new theory about the Bermuda Triangle phenomenon. The book suggests an "electronic fog" as a natural explanation, though UFOs are mentioned.

World UFO Conference in Dalian, China

The issue reports on the 2005 World UFO Conference held in Dalian, China, marking the first time the event took place in that country. Stanton Friedman, a nuclear physicist and UFO expert, was a main speaker, noting that "Ufology is blossoming in China, and the participants are mostly professionals." The hope is expressed that these professionals will be more skeptical of wilder UFO claims.

"Superman Spotted in Serbia"

A story from the website Ananora describes residents of Ljubovija, Serbia, witnessing a cloaked person flying above buildings, compared to Superman or Batman, with no rational explanation.

Haunted Restaurant Property in Orlando

In Orlando, Florida, owners of a commercial building are suing prospective restaurant tenants who backed out of a lease agreement due to the property being believed to be haunted.

Lost Dog Takes Train Home

A heartwarming story is shared about a black Labrador named Archie that became separated from its owner at a Scottish train station but managed to board the correct train home on its own.

National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in Hollywood

The issue features a photograph of speakers at a panel discussion during the National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in Hollywood, California. Speakers included Rob Simone, Michael Horn, Ed & Kris Sherwood, Bernard Mendez, Preston Bennett, Terry Hansen, Lynne Kitel, David Sereda, Farah Yurdzou, Rich Dolan, Steven Bassett, Jim Moseley, Nick Redfern, Linda Moulton Cowe, Greg Bishop, Grant Cameron, and Richard Sauder. NUFOC's executive director, Lisa Davis, is also mentioned. The editor notes disappointment in the attendance, particularly from the "hard core" saucer enthusiasts. Conversations with Las Vegas researcher Norman Howard and an abductee named Barbara are highlighted. Barbara's experiences, which began in childhood, did not lead to increased spirituality or a cosmic message, leading her to believe the phenomenon is "genetic."

Sex & Saucers: The Raelians

The issue revisits the Raelians, a cult that believes humans were created by extraterrestrials. They are described as promoting Free Love and holding sexually-oriented seminars. A conservative pair of filmmakers reportedly infiltrated a seminar and captured footage, expressing concern over the sexual freedom and noting that one filmmaker admitted to being "seduced by a couple of the women."

Unusual Insurance Policies and the Loch Ness Monster

From "News of the Weird," the issue reports on unusual insurance policies, including one covering alien abductions and pregnancies, even for males. Additionally, competitors in the Visit Scotland Adventure Triathlon were offered insurance up to $1.8 million dollars against attacks by the Loch Ness Monster.

Book Reviews and Case Files

"Project Beta: The Story of Paul Pennewitz"

The book "Project Beta" by Greg Bishop is discussed. Bill Moore considers it the most important offering of the year. The book is described as "The horrifying true story of a government-authorized campaign of disinformation that defined an era of alien paranoia and destroyed one man's life," detailing how physicist Paul Bennewitz was allegedly targeted by Air Force Intelligence for disinformation.

"Hair of the Alien" by Bill Chalker

"Hair of the Alien" by Bill Chalker is nominated as "UFO Book of the Month." It details an Australian case from 1992 where a man found two women in his bed, one blond and one Asian, who appeared human but not entirely so. The man bit off a piece of one woman's nipple, causing her to release him. The case is noted for its complexity and potential DNA test results, though its ludicrous nature might prevent it from being taken seriously.

"UFO Warning" by John Stuart

John Stuart's 1955 book "UFO Warning" is mentioned as a precursor, detailing a case where a damsel was allegedly raped by invisible monsters.

David Huggins' "On the Way to the Lake"

Artist David Huggins' painting "On the Way to the Lake" is presented, depicting an incident in 1960 where he lost his virginity to an alien named Crescent. Huggins has had multiple encounters with this entity.

Missives From The Masses

Paul Kimball on "Saucer Smear" and Stan Friedman

Paul Kimball, a documentary filmmaker and UFO investigator, writes to praise "Saucer Smear" and its editor, James W. Moseley, for his role as a "court jester" in ufology. Kimball discusses his relationship with Stanton Friedman, his uncle, noting their disagreements on topics like MJ-12 and exopolitics, but also their shared respect.

Matt Graeber on the Carbondale UFO Crash

Cartoonist Matt Graeber writes about the alleged 1974 Carbondale, Pa. UFO crash, criticizing researcher Mary Sutherland. Graeber claims Sutherland angered witnesses and damaged relationships by posting "false" and "grossly exaggerated" accounts of the incident. He also points out Sutherland's alleged misrepresentation of a field investigator's testimony regarding the event.

Norman Howard on "Prophet Yahweh"

Norman Howard reports on a man in Las Vegas calling himself "Prophet Yahweh," who claimed he could summon a UFO on demand. Investigators found the man to be Raymond Watkins, who had a history of mental health issues. Prophet Yahweh allegedly became enraged when not paid and made threats against MUFON investigators.

News Briefs

Brief news items include NASA being sued by a Russian astrologer over a comet probe, a guide dog biting its blind owner, and a report of a two kg block of ice falling from the sky.

Letters and Contributions

Timothy Good on the "Straith Letter"

UFO researcher Timothy Good writes about the "Straith Letter," confirming it was a hoax and that he inserted warnings in subsequent copies of a book about George Adamski.

Christopher Roth on Michael Jackson's UFO Beliefs

Sociologist Christopher Roth discusses Michael Jackson's alleged UFO beliefs and the possibility of an abduction connection, citing reports of odd medical procedures at his Neverland estate.

Bill Osborne on Hopkinsville and "Saucer Smear"

Researcher Bill Osborne comments on a celebration of the "50th Anniversary of the Kelly Green Men" in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He notes that many locals do not recall the 1955 incident and that the event may be more about tourism. Osborne praises "Saucer Smear" and its "light-hearted look at 'ufoology'."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" maintains its critical and often skeptical stance towards many aspects of ufology, particularly evident in its commentary on Philip J. Klass and the critique of Mary Sutherland's handling of the Carbondale case. The magazine seems to value a more grounded, investigative approach, while also acknowledging the more sensational and fringe elements of the UFO community. There is a recurring theme of distinguishing between genuine mystery and sensationalism or potential hoaxes. The publication also appears to have a long-standing relationship with its readership, featuring numerous letters and contributions from "Smear" fans and researchers. The overall editorial stance seems to be one of informed skepticism, with a touch of humor and a dedication to exploring the complexities of the UFO phenomenon without necessarily endorsing every claim.