Saucer Smear - Vol 53 No 02 - 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 53, No. 2
Date: February 25th, 2006
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of Saucer Smear, a publication dedicated to ufological journalism, features a mix of corrections, personal accounts, investigative reports, and commentary on UFO-related phenomena and personalities.

Corrections and Updates

The "MISCELLANEOUS RAVINGS" section begins with a correction to a previous article, stating that the Brazil UFO-related double murder occurred in 1966, not 1996. The editor notes it was "one hell of a story."

Personal Accounts and Experiences

Whitley Strieber's Alien Encounters

The issue highlights direct quotes from John Mack's 1999 book "Passport to the Cosmos," featuring Whitley Strieber's experiences with alien beings. Strieber describes his sexual relationship with an alien female as complex, rich, and difficult due to his marriage vows. He states that the experience was not under his control and that the physical dynamic of intercourse with the beings is different, more intense, and lasts longer than normal intercourse, leading to a blackout at the end. He emphasizes that he has fully informed his wife of these connections.

Project Serpo

There is significant discussion about "Project Serpo - The Zeta Reticuli Exchange Program," a purported top-secret exchange program involving twelve U.S. military personnel to Serpo, a planet of Zeta Reticuli, between 1965 and 1978. The information is allegedly being released by an anonymous source, a spokesman for a group of six DIA personnel. This material was shared by Tim Brigham, former editor of "The Devil's Advocate." The editor expresses skepticism due to the lack of documentation, noting that similar allegations have been heard before and wondering about the stance of ex-ufologist Bill Moore.

Roswell Incident Testimony

Walter Klinikowski, an 84-year-old retired Air Force colonel stationed at Roswell in 1947, offers his perspective on the Roswell Incident. He states that the recovered object looked like the reflector off a weather balloon and that the government was using weather balloons to monitor Soviet nuclear tests (Project Mogul). Klinikowski, who directed the technology division at Wright Patterson AFB, claims they never saw any alien spacecraft there. He also debunks the story about the Ballard Funeral Home being commissioned to make small coffins for alien crew members, stating his wife's aunt, who lived with the Ballards in 1947, confirmed no such order was received. The editor suggests Stanton Friedman should interview Klinikowski.

George Walsh and Wayne Aho

George Walsh, who announced the Roswell flying saucer crash on the air as a program manager at a Roswell radio station, has died at 88. The military later determined the UFO was a radar target. The issue also notes the passing of Wayne Aho, a UFO contactee and "free energy" pioneer, who had light beam and telepathic contact with space people and was involved with Otis T. Carr's attempt to launch a spacecraft. Aho is remembered as a colorful character, with an anecdote about him giving Tim Beckley "The Finger" when warned about time limits.

Skepticism and Paranormal Research

James Randi's Conclave

James Randi, described as a militant atheist and opponent of paranormal events, headed a conclave in Las Vegas discussing "Science in Politics and the Politics of Science." Randi is noted for his intelligence and MacArthur genius grant but is criticized by detractors for malice and hypocrisy in his efforts to debunk paranormal claims.

Church of the SubGenius

The issue mentions a convention of the Church of the SubGenius, described as a UFO cult predicting an apocalypse on July 5th. The cult's "god" is "Bob" Dobbs, a fictional character, and the actual founder is Ivan Stang. The convention literature suggests ministers will be rescued by escape vessels piloted by "Alien Sex Goddesses."

Michael Persinger's Research

Dr. Michael Persinger's human brain wave experiments, aimed at duplicating religious and UFO abduction experiences using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), are discussed. Persinger and about 15 students have reportedly been locked out of their laboratory at Laurentian University in Canada, with the students believing the issue involves Persinger's personality or research nature.

Skinwalker Ranch

The paranormal activity at Skinwalker Ranch in Utah, spanning over 50 years, is highlighted. The area is known for UFOs, Bigfoot encounters, mutilated animals, and bizarre phenomena. The last family to live there reported being terrorized by an unseen intelligence with phenomena such as shadowy figures, moving objects, disembodied voices, and precisely carved cattle. The National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) conducted an 8-year study, but none of the observed phenomena were reproducible. Dr. Colm Kelleher is quoted as saying the mystery remains unsolved.

Letters to the Editor and Commentary

Wendy Connors

Researcher Wendy Connors questions being referred to as a colleague by the editor, given her inclusion on the "Hall of Shame" list. She confirms rumors about an interview with Walter Haut regarding the Roswell cover-up, stating Haut observed one body and the object. She criticizes the magazine's perceived lack of technological progress.

Greg Bishop vs. Robert Durant

Greg Bishop responds to a review of his book "Project Beta" by Robert Durant in "International UFO Reporter." Bishop argues that Durant, like himself, has not read the book and is defending a dogma rather than facts. Bishop criticizes Durant for questioning why he didn't explain the AFOSI's actions regarding Paul Bennewitz, stating he did so in the book. Bishop believes Durant missed the point that "Project Beta" is critical of ufology and that fundamentalism trumps reason.

George Hansen

Parapsychologist George Hansen sends a contribution to the magazine.

Miller Johnson

Miller Johnson comments on "suspicious life-changing photos" on page 6 of a previous issue, suggesting they could boost circulation.

Chris Allan

Chris Allan discusses a letter written by Klass to Dr. A.G. McNamara in August 1980, concerning Stan Friedman's potential move to Canada and accusations of a UFO cover-up. Allan notes Klass's unflattering description of Friedman as a "snake-oil variety" lecturer with a "mountainous ego" and an "outcast."

Ann Druffel

Ann Druffel clarifies how Phil Klass allegedly caused Dr. James McDonald to lose an ONR grant, detailing this in her book "Firestorm: Dr. James E. McDonald's Fight for UFO Science." She notes that Karl Pflock's review of her book was the only negative one. Druffel recounts McDonald's initial attempt to work with Klass on a friendly basis in 1966, which was cut short by Klass's attacks.

Chris Roth

Chris Roth speculates that Klass might be a "mind-controlled Reptilian" but admits admiration for Klass, while finding his view of the universe impoverished. Roth also mentions the release of his chapter in the book "E.T. Culture: Anthropology in Outerspaces."

Martin Kottmeyer

Martin Kottmeyer critiques Susan Clancy's skeptical book "Abducted" and Matt Graeber's comments. Kottmeyer argues that Clancy's view of "greys" as technological angels is flawed and that abductions are more akin to horror stories involving pain, suffering, and violation of taboos, not angelic creatures.

Michael Dennett

Skeptic Michael Dennett praises Matt Graeber's cartooning talent but suggests he "chill" his writing.

Matt Graeber

Matt Graeber writes about Mary Sutherland's involvement in a "ufoological crap circle" and her posting of Larry Hatch's text on BUFO websites, suggesting copyright infringement.

Rob Swiatek

Rob Swiatek reports on the impact of Hurricane Richard (Hall) on the Fund for UFO Research, leading to Richard Hall's departure. He also promotes the book "Grass Roots UFOs: Cases From the Timmerman Files."

Pat Marcattilio

Pat Marcattilio, alias "Dr. UFO," mentions Kreskin's prediction that people with camera phones will receive calls from UFOs and Extraterrestrials in 2006, suggesting it could be a "Saucer Smear' Cellebration!" He also announces an upcoming UFO/ET Congress.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical yet engaged stance towards UFO phenomena. While publishing accounts of alleged encounters and investigations, the editors often inject skepticism, particularly regarding unsubstantiated claims or the more sensational aspects of ufology. There is a clear interest in historical cases like Roswell and ongoing phenomena like Skinwalker Ranch. The publication also features a robust letters section, allowing various researchers and skeptics to voice their opinions, contributing to a dynamic debate within the UFO community. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a healthy dose of critical thinking, even while exploring the more extraordinary claims.