Saucer Smear - Vol 53 No 04 - 2006

Magazine Overview

This issue of SAUCER magazine, Volume 53, No. 4, dated May 1st, 2006 (Whole Number 390), is the official publication of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY. It is dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism.

Important Notice

The magazine announces that Karl T. Pflock, a long-time contributor and co-author of 'Shockingly Close to the Truth!', can no longer contribute regularly due to serious illness. His column 'PFlock PTalk' was a regular feature from 1998 to part of 2005. A planned book, 'Grave Robbing for Fun and Profit', is on hold. Vince Ditchkus, who has been providing material from the internet for about a year, is added as a Contributing Editor. Ditchkus has been interested in ufology since the mid-1960s, inspired by the Betty and Barney Hill case, and describes himself as a mainframe database specialist.

Tidbits of Trash

• NUFOC Conference: Lisa Davis, executive director of the NUFOC, announced this year's conclave will be in San Diego in August or October, featuring speakers like Budd Hopkins, David Jacobs, Greg Bishop, Yvonne Smith, Travis Walton, Roger Leir, and Dr. John Miller. The exact date and whether the editor will be a speaker are yet to be determined.
• UFO Magazine: The editor comments on the April 2006 issue of 'UFO Magazine', edited by Don and Vicki Ecker, noting confusion about its new monthly schedule and criticizing the increase in content and price.
• Phil Klass and the FBI: Larry Bryant, a columnist for 'UFO', presents information about Phil Klass's negative relationship with the FBI, a topic also covered in the April 5th issue of 'Smear'.
• Paul Hellyer on UFOs: Former Canadian Minister of Defense Paul Hellyer is mentioned in an article about a UN General Assembly resolution concerning diplomatic relations with advanced civilizations. Hellyer is quoted as saying, "UFOs are as real as the airplanes that fly over your head."
• Nick Redfern's New Book: British writer Nick Redfern has released a new book, 'On the Trail of the Saucer Spies', which suggests the government has been monitoring UFO researchers for years. The article notes that J. Edgar Hoover allegedly possessed a copy of Gray Barker's book 'They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers', and the 'Smear' editor is mentioned in Redfern's work.
• 'Messages from the Hollow Earth': An article by remote viewer Dianne Robbins is mentioned, with the editor sarcastically noting the absence of science fiction in 'UFO' magazine.
• MUFON Journal: The March 2006 MUFON Journal is discussed, including a renewal request for 'Journal Subscriber' status at $45.00 per year.
• Budd Hopkins and Whitley Strieber: An article by Budd Hopkins details his interactions with Whitley Strieber in 1986 during the writing of 'Communion'. Strieber hired an artist to depict 'Gray' aliens, which he initially found accurate. However, upon seeing the finished painting, Hopkins was disappointed, finding the cranium too small and the eyes disproportionate, calling it "grotesque." Strieber later agreed with Hopkins' assessment, though the editor questions why Strieber didn't notice this earlier.

Experts and Images

• Alien Depictions: The issue includes a cartoon illustrating different alien facial expressions and a note about how "experts" mold the image of an alien. The editor uses an analogy of a Greek philosopher's bed to illustrate how perceptions can be manipulated.
• Robb MacGregor: Robb MacGregor, co-author of 'The Fog', sent two items from the Net: one about Senator Barry Goldwater and the reclassification of documents by the Bush administration, and another about Dr. John Mack reportedly sending messages from the "Other Side."
• Coral Castle: An article from Michael Shermer's 'Skeptic' Magazine discusses Coral Castle in Florida, built by Ed Leedskainin. The editor notes that Leedskainin built the castle with simple tools and that the mystery of its construction remains unsolved, even by skeptics.

Ufologist Polls and Research

• Paul Kimball's Polls: Paul Kimball, a ufologist with a website called 'The Other Side of Truth', conducted polls for "Ufology's Top Ten" and "Ufology's Bottom Ten" researchers. Dr. Jacques Vallee won the "Greatest Ufologist Ever" poll, followed by Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Stanton Friedman. The 'Smear' editor was tied for 4th place. The poll received only 64 votes, leading the editor to question its scientific validity.
• Cash-Landrum Case: Kimball also asked for the UFO case with the "Best Evidence" Ever, with the Cash-Landrum case winning with four votes.
• Dr. Roger Leir's Implant Research: Dr. Roger Leir, who believes aliens implant artifacts in humans, is discussed. The editor is critical of this research, calling the subject of implants the "most ludicrous part of the whole abduction syndrome" and questioning their purpose.
• William Cooper: An item by Greg Szymanski about William Cooper, who was killed by police in 2001, is mentioned. Doyel Shamley claims Cooper was "brutally murdered" as part of a conspiracy, while the official account states Cooper opened fire on police serving an arrest warrant.

News Briefs and Commentary

• Jacques Vallee on ET Hypothesis: Jacques Vallee suggests that the first-degree ET hypothesis may be too limited to explain the phenomenon and advocates for exploring a wider range of potential hypotheses, including psychical research and esoteric traditions.
• Remote Controlled Saucers: Two technicians in the UK are reportedly scaring neighbors with home-made, remotely controlled saucer models.
• Loch Ness Monster Theory: A theory suggests the Loch Ness Monster legend originated from circus elephants in 1933.
• Idaho Sighting: A sighting from Idaho describes two drunken youths encountering a 3½-foot-tall creature from a flying saucer.
• Falling Ice Phenomenon (FIP): Robb MacGregor provides an update on the FIP, linking it to global warming and Strieber's 'Unknown Country' website. The phenomenon is explained as ultra-cold stratosphere causing ice blocks to form from contrails or airplane wings.
• Whitley Strieber and Art Bell: The editor notes the connection between Strieber and Art Bell regarding the "Coming Global Superstorm" book.

Sidelines

• Who Needs Evidence?: A Hungarian supermarket fired over two dozen employees based on a clairvoyant's assessment of their personnel files.
• France: A 76-year-old performance artist was arrested for attacking Marcel Duchamp's 'Fountain' urinal at the Pompidou Center in Paris.

Letters to the Editor

• John Merrell: A hard-core skeptic, Merrell writes about his return to the paranormal scene and his past lawsuit against a psychic. He discusses Phil Klass and the potential connection between UFOs and psychic claims.
• William ("Bill") Moore: Moore comments on the FBI's attitude towards Phil Klass, suggesting Klass may have been used to leak disinformation. He also expresses sympathy for Karl Pflock's illness and notes that the "Planet Serpo" story might be a cover for something else. He mentions Bob Lazar's attempts to regain notoriety.
• Wendy Connors: Connors writes about the Roswell Incident, suggesting the case has become muddled and is now more of a joke. She criticizes the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell for its lack of significant research and for fleecing tourists.
• Stanton Friedman: Friedman corrects a comment about his involvement with the Aztec case, stating he became convinced of a saucer crash and cover-up after doing his homework and visiting the site. He ranks Roswell as the number one crash.
• Paul Kimball: Kimball thanks 'Smear' for mentioning him and discusses the Phil Klass article, suggesting that while the FBI may have had a low opinion of Klass, other agencies might have used him.
• Chris Roth: Roth thanks 'Smear' for reviewing his book 'E.T. Culture' and congratulates the editor on his ranking in Kimball's poll. He also expresses sadness about Karl Pflock's illness.
• Matt Graeber: Graeber describes 'Smear' as a "ufologist's delight and an acquired taste" that appeals to both believers and skeptics, humorously questioning if the editor is a ufological sociologist for the FBI.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine maintains a critical and often skeptical stance towards many claims within the ufology community, while still engaging with the subject matter. The editor frequently injects personal opinions and humor, often poking fun at prominent figures and perceived absurdities in the field. There's a recurring theme of questioning the validity of evidence, the motives of researchers, and the scientific rigor applied to UFO investigations. The magazine also highlights the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics, and the challenges of discerning truth amidst sensationalism and misinformation. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, valuing factual reporting while not shying away from expressing doubt and criticism.