Saucer Smear - Vol 52 No 10 - 2005

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Saucer Smear" (Volume 52, No. 10, dated December 1st, 2005) is the official publication of the Saucer & Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society. The editor and publisher is James W. Moseley J.S., with Karl T. Pflock as contributing editor. The magazine's cover features a warning about the 'DREADED "X"!' and an editor's note urging readers to renew their non-subscriptions. The issue is dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism.

Heavy Persecution at "Smear" Headquarters

The editorial section details the impact of Hurricane Wilma on the editor's location in Key West, Florida, describing significant flooding and loss of materials. This serves as a preamble to the annual non-renewal pitch, asking for donations to keep the publication going. The editor humorously requests checks or money orders be made out to James Moseley, not "Saucer Smear," and accepts various forms of payment including cash, gold coins, stamps, and Euros. Contact phone numbers are provided, and the editor wishes readers a Merry Christmas from the "entire staff" (implying a single person).

The editorial also notes the passing of Gray Barker in December 1984, remembering him as a co-worker of Ray Palmer and Timothy Green Beckley, and cryptically quoting him saying, "It's all part of the pattern."

Articles and Reports

Typo Corrections and Notable Mentions

The issue begins with corrections from the previous issue, including a misstatement about a haunted house being "explained" rather than "unexplained," and a misspelling of Jackie Gleason's name. Gleason is remembered for his claim that Richard Nixon showed him alien bodies at Homestead AFE.

Buzz Aldrin's UFO Claim

A significant report details UFO promoter Pat Marcattilio's "scoop" regarding Buzz Aldrin's announcement on the Discovery Science TV network (October 25, 2005). Aldrin claimed that he, Michael Collins, and Neil Armstrong saw and filmed two UFOs during their Apollo 11 trip to the Moon, approximately 200,000 miles from Earth. Aldrin explained their reluctance to report it at the time due to potential public reaction and the need to avoid complications. The TV show narrator stated the event was never officially acknowledged.

MUFON Journal and Ufological Politics

The magazine references the October issue of the MUFON Journal, comparing reading it to a trip through Oz. It notes Richard ("Dick") Hall's resignation from the board of the Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR), citing FUFOR as "moribund" and "out of touch." Hall's past accusations against the "Smear" editor regarding phone tapping are also mentioned.

Grant Cameron's U.S. Entry Denial

Another item from the MUFON Journal discusses UFO lecturer Grant Cameron being denied entry into the U.S. to speak at the NUFOC convention in Hollywood, California. The issue was his attempt to lecture for a fee without proper work authorization. The article questions why he didn't enter as a tourist and suggests that some ufologists believe this was a government effort to suppress his message, though the author finds this viewpoint gives undue importance to Cameron and ufology.

"Orbs" and "Supersolids"

Two items from MUFON E-News are discussed. The first explores explanations for "orbs," with scientists replicating orb images using digital cameras, suggesting stray reflections or diffraction from the flash as possible causes. The second item, "Walking through Walls," discusses Pennsylvania State University's creation of "supersolids," bizarre crystals that can "slide through each other like ghosts," potentially relating to claims by UFO abductees of being moved through solid objects.

Bob Durant's Article on "Body Snatchers"

An article by Bob Durant in the International UFO Reporter is reviewed. Durant discusses Greg Bishop's "Project Beta: The Story of Paul Bennewitz" and Nick Redfern's "Body Snatchers in the Desert." The review suggests that the government may have promoted outrageous stories about alien bases, questioning whether this was disinformation or the actions of rogue agents.

Toads in Montana and Puerto Rico UFOs

A bizarre event involving thousands of toads invading a town in Montana is mentioned, baffling locals. The issue also highlights a new English-language book by Jorge Martin, "Vieques: Caribbean UFO Cover-up of the Third Kind," which chronicles sensational UFO incidents on the island of Puerto Rico, related to U.S. Navy presence and bombing practices.

"La Cucaracha" Comic Strip

A comic strip by Lalo Alcaraz, "La Cucaracha," features a dialogue between a "Jerktoonist" and "Chuy P. Cabra" about the Chupacabra and laziness in cartooning.

Lea Boldt's Report on UFOs in Vieques

Lea Boldt's report on UFOs in Vieques is mentioned, noting credible reports of UFOs entering and exiting the ocean. Martin's book refers to a "secret special order" by President Clinton concerning U.S. security from foreign powers or extraterrestrials.

Peru and Flying Saucer Stories

The editor recounts his first trips to Peru in 1954, involving treasure hunting and chasing flying saucer stories, even making the front page of Lima's newspaper with fabricated UFO tales. The article notes that Peru is a hotbed of flying saucer activity, though Brazil and Argentina receive more attention online.

Jonathan Reed's Alien Encounter

An outlandish tale from a Lima, Peru saucer convention is recounted, where Jonathan Reed claimed his pet dog was torn apart by a "gray alien with an elongated head." Reed allegedly kept the alien for nine days and communicated with it telepathically.

UFO Speakers and Organizations

The conference was organized by the Alpha and Omega Group, which believes in a fleet of UFOs arriving at the end of the world. Two American speakers are highlighted: retired Air Force Colonel Donald Ware, formerly MUFON's Eastern Regional Director, and retired Air Force Colonel Wendelle Stevens, who claims to have seen alien craft multiple times and spent time in prison.

Bizarre Item from Las Vegas Sun

A bizarre item from the Las Vegas Sun reports on the discovery of a decomposing body identified as Ambassador Merlyn Merlyn II (David Venus Solomon), a self-proclaimed alien lobbyist. He was known to Pat Travis of the Little Alien Inn in Rachel, Nevada, and was involved in the campaign to change Nevada State Route 375 to "The Extraterrestrial Highway." Solomon was barred from the state legislature for exposing himself to an employee.

Australian UFO Sighting (1966)

A "Blast from the Past" describes a 1966 incident where over 200 Australian students and staff witnessed an unidentified object land in a field in broad daylight. The object was described as a low-flying silver/grey "cup turned upside down on a saucer." The Victorian UFO Research Society investigated but reached no conclusion, and witnesses were reportedly told by the RAAF to remain silent.

Whitley Strieber's "Unknown Country" Posting

The most hilarious web posting read in a long time comes from Whitley Strieber's "Unknown Country," describing Linda Moulton Howe as "our Dreamland science reporter."

"Herman" Comic Strip

A "Herman" comic strip by Jim Unger depicts a character who "can't believe I forgot to have my midlife crisis!"

Crop Circles and Sacred Geometry Conference

Linda will be lecturing at a convention in Tempe, Az., on "Crop Circles, Mary Magdalene and Sacred Geometry."

Zigmund Adamski Case

Another "Blast from the Past" details the disappearance and death of Zigmund Adamski, a miner from Wakefield, England, in 1980. George Adamski (a UFO contactee) theorized aliens abducted him by mistake. Zigmund's body was found with burns on his head, neck, and shoulders, and an unidentified ointment was applied to the burns. The coroner called it the biggest mystery of his career.

Aurora, Texas Saucer Crash (1897)

The oldest U.S. crashed saucer story from Aurora, Texas, in 1897, is revisited. The object reportedly exploded and crashed into a windmill, killing the pilot who was buried in the local cemetery. Jerry Clark suggests it was a newspaper hoax. A film crew from Weller/Grossman Productions is making a documentary about the incident.

"The Zeonions" Cartoon

A cartoon titled "The Zeonions" shows characters with answers to universe secrets and thick glasses and a deer rifle.

"I Get Jupiter and Saturn Mixed Up" Comic

A comic strip shows one character asking another to cover for him in the bathroom, with the response, "NO... YOU WANTED THE JOB; YOU SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES."

Nazi Sex Dolls

A brief item reports that in 1941, Hitler ordered Danish doctor Olen Hannussen to develop an inflatable sex doll for German soldiers, specifying its appearance and size. The project was never realized due to Allied bombing.

Atlantis Research

Robert Sermast is researching the lost continent of Atlantis, placing it in an underwater strip between Cyprus and Syria. His final dive will be broadcast in a live documentary.

Letters to the Editor

#### William Moore's Letter

Former UFO investigator William Moore writes a lengthy letter to the editor, expressing strong negative feelings towards "Mr. Klass" and criticizing the editor for his comments about Klass. Moore feels the editor was disrespectful and missed the point of Greg Bishop's book "Project Beta." He also references an anonymous poem about Phil Klass, which he considers "utter trash."

#### Gary Hemphill's Letter

Researcher Gary Hemphill congratulates Ms. Linda Moulton Cowe on her marriage. He praises Phil Klass for demanding proof from UFO researchers, stating that without him, ufology might be dull. Hemphill argues that ufology is a religion that requires faith, and Klass served the purpose of having doubters and skeptics.

#### Chris Roth's Letter

Sociologist and author Chris Roth enjoyed a news snippet about Superman sightings in Serbia, relating it to a "Saturday Night Live" sketch about a Nazi Superman.

#### Martin Kottmeyer's Letter

Skeptic Martin Kottmeyer reviews Susan Chancy's book "Abducted," published by Harvard University Press. He finds the book well-written and accepting of diverse abduction experiences but criticizes its conclusion, which he feels bows to Carl Jung's theories and suggests UFO believers are happier. He contrasts this with the reality of abductions starring Greys and their connection to Bond villains, questioning intellectuals' soft spot for Jung.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Saucer Smear" include UFO sightings and reports from around the world, the impact of natural disasters on ufological research, political and personal dynamics within the ufology community, and the ongoing debate between scientific inquiry and belief. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical engagement, often with a touch of humor and skepticism, while still presenting a wide range of UFO-related phenomena and opinions. The publication seems to value direct reporting and personal accounts, even when they are bizarre or controversial. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of evidence and proof, as highlighted by the discussion of Phil Klass's role in ufology.