Saucer Smear - Vol 53 No 03 - 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: April 5th, 2006
Publisher: The Saucer & Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It features a quote from John Keel in the March 25th, 1977 issue of "Saucer Glues" (a former name of "Saucer Smear"), stating, "You are....a boil on the ass of ufology."

More About Phil Klass

The lead article discusses ufologist Phil Klass and his alleged negative campaign against UFOs. It references a web posting by documentary producer Paul Kimball titled "Phil Klass A Spy for the FBI?" which presents FBI files released after Klass' death. These files indicate that Klass was not in league with the FBI but was considered an "accusatory and argumentative" troublemaker and a "loose cannon" due to his publishing of classified material and "intemperate criticism and irrational statements." The files also reveal that Klass was not prosecuted for using classified information because it could not be declassified for prosecution purposes. The article concludes that Klass was neither respected nor liked by the FBI.

May God Heal Mr. Randi

This section reports on the bypass surgery of James Randi and urges readers to pray for his recovery. It also mentions that his "Educational Foundation" website has been taken over by someone else temporarily. A confidential postcard sent to Randi is quoted, humorously asking for his million-dollar prize if his recovery works.

Miscellaneous Ravings

This section covers several topics:

• Erich Von Daniken: The article discusses the Swiss author known for his theories about extraterrestrial presence in ancient Earth civilizations. It notes his past forgery conviction, the success of his book "Chariots of the Gods," and his current age (70) and claims about his theories being taught in schools. A personal anecdote recounts an encounter with him at a 1997 UFO convention in Roswell.
• "UFO Magazine" and "Serpo": The issue critiques a February-March issue of "UFO Magazine" that features a cover story on "Serpo," a supposed mythical planet visited by Americans in 1965. The article expresses skepticism about the story, noting that the magazine's editor and other "experts" seem to consider the account credible despite its incredible and contradictory nature.
• Richard Doty and the Bennewitz Affair: The article highlights Richard Doty, a former USAF Intelligence officer, as an "expert" on the "Serpo" story. It references his involvement in the Paul Bennewitz affair and his suspected role in the release of the MJ-12 documents. The author expresses distrust of Doty, stating that if he said the sun was coming up, one should verify it.
• Uri Geller: The famed spoon bender Uri Geller is mentioned as embarking on a new tour. The article recounts a past unimpressive performance by Geller and a private meeting, suggesting his abilities might be a combination of psychic powers and trickery, with James Randi having previously criticized him.
• Loch Ness Monster: The year 2005 is noted as a good year for Loch Ness Monster sightings, with four incidents and the first pictures since 2001, showing a four-foot-high head and neck. The creature was described as "dark green and silvery."

Christopher Roth's Contribution

Christopher Roth, a Ph.D. in anthropology, is featured for his contribution to Duke University Press's book "E.T. Culture: Anthropology in Outerspaces." His chapter, "Ufology as Anthropology: Race, Extraterrestrials, and the Occult," examines the link between American concepts of race and the integration of aliens into these frameworks, as well as the historical development of ufology and abduction phenomena. Roth's conclusion suggests that aliens are accommodated within existing racial and ethnic dimensions rather than transcending them.

Gary McKinnon and UFO Hacking

The issue discusses Gary McKinnon, an Englishman accused by the U.S. government of a major military computer hack. McKinnon claims his motive was to find out what information the government is withholding about UFOs, specifically concerning reverse-engineered anti-gravity propulsion systems. He insists he had no malicious intent, though his actions ruined his personal life. He did not find definitive UFO evidence but did find intriguing tidbits.

Frank & Ernest Cartoon

A "Frank & Ernest" cartoon depicts a couple discussing "Faith Healing" and the husband's perception of his own health.

Feline Fuel

A brief item about German inventor Christian Koch developing a bio-diesel alternative from garbage and dead cats, which is cheaper than petrol.

George Fawcett Retires

George Fawcett, an 86-year-old ufologist from North Carolina, is retiring from the saucer scene. He claims to have been devoted to UFOs since age ten, has written books, read extensively on the subject, and donated a large collection of UFO-related items to the International UFO Museum at Roswell.

UFO Mystery at Paisley Centre

An article from the Daily Express reports on a mysterious "crop circle" that appeared on the roof of Paisley Centre in England. The circle, greyish with gold edges, was burnt into the gravel covering and was accompanied by the simultaneous malfunctioning of electrical equipment, including a photocopier, fax machine, and CCTV. A satellite dish also malfunctioned. Unidentified metal-like material was found on the roof, leading to speculation about UFOs.

Pat Marcattilio's "Earth Mysteries & UFOs / ET Congress"

Pat Marcattilio, "Doctor UFO," announces his next "Earth Mysteries & UFOs / ET Congress," likely the last in the series due to venue changes. The conclaves, which have been held since around 1990, are noted for having interesting speakers but low attendance due to a lack of publicity.

"Doctor UFO" and UFO Museums

"Doctor UFO" (Pat Marcattilio), formerly of the U.S. postal service, is considering opening a real UFO museum but faces financial challenges. He also suggested the "Saucer Smear" editor open a skeptical UFO museum in Key West.

Futurama and the Roswell Incident

A recent episode of the "Futurama" cartoon series is mentioned for its depiction of the Roswell Incident, including an alien autopsy witnessed by President Harry Truman.

Timothy Rohn's Waste Rain Experience

A Michigan man, Timothy Rohn, has experienced human waste raining down on his house and yard twice. He believes it is human waste, citing its location in the flight path of airplanes and the difficulty of discharging waste in flight.

Indian Ice Fall

A large chunk of ice fell from the sky in India in January, described as absurd by a weather expert. Villagers gathered at the site, and the ice melted into a five-kilogram chunk.

Karl Pflock's Illness

Sad news is shared regarding Contributing Editor Karl Pflock, who has ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). His illness has progressed, affecting his ability to contribute regularly to "Smear," but he will continue to stay in touch.

Michael Swords' "Grass Roots UFOs"

A new book by ufological scholar Michael Swords, "Grass Roots UFOs: Case Reports from the Timmerman Files," is published by FUFOR. The book contains about a thousand UFO cases reported firsthand to John Timmerman, who had a UFO information exhibit.

John Timmerman's Research

John Timmerman, an 82-year-old retired bank executive, has dedicated years to ufology and had a UFO experience. The article discusses his book, "Grass Roots UFOs," and his belief that flying saucers are exclusively extraterrestrial vehicles, dismissing other paranormal events as "crazy."

Missives from the Masses

• Christopher Roth on Project Serpo: Roth expresses skepticism about the "Project Serpo" story, finding the borrowing from science fiction themes shameless and urging more imagination in UFO lore. He also comments on the "Church of the SudGenius."
• Robert Anton Wilson: It is noted that Robert Anton Wilson is a real non-subscriber, and that the "god" of the SubGenius cult, 'Bob,' was named after him.
• Jerry Black on Whitley Strieber: Researcher Jerry Black dismisses Whitley Strieber as a "joke" in ufology, citing his "Demon" encounters and alleged implant. Black investigated Strieber's claims and concluded there was no evidence for contact with "Demons" or alien beings, suggesting his claims were a hoax.

Skeptic Michael Dennett on Wayne Aho

Michael Dennett writes about the death of Wayne Aho, an avid UFO enthusiast and promoter from Seattle. Aho had proposed an UFO landing strip and was active in the New Age movement. Dennett recounts a memorable encounter where Aho threatened him during a radio debate but later cooled off and offered to buy him coffee.

Matt Graeber on Modern Aliens

Matt Graeber comments on modern-day aliens, contrasting "horrid little Greys" with C.G. Jung's "angelic aliens." He argues that abduction experts define alien descriptions, leading to the prevalence of Greys in contemporary UFO literature, and criticizes the reliance on "inventive" and "slanted" written words from self-appointed experts over objective empirical observations.

Russ Tyndall's Enthusiasm

Russ Tyndall writes about his enjoyment of "Shockingly Close to the Truth!" and "Saucer Smear," finding the humor and writing style delightful. He acknowledges that UFOs remain a mystery and attract "nuttiest people" but believes an answer will eventually be found.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards certain UFO claims and personalities (Phil Klass, Richard Doty, Whitley Strieber), a critical examination of UFO reporting and media coverage, and a focus on specific UFO cases and phenomena. The editorial stance is generally critical and questioning, often using humor and a direct, sometimes blunt, tone to express opinions on the subjects discussed. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible evidence and unsubstantiated speculation, with a particular distrust of sensationalism and unverified accounts. The publication also touches upon broader cultural aspects of ufology, such as its intersection with race and belief systems.