Saucer Smear - Vol 53 No 05 - 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 53, No. 5
Date: June 5th, 2006
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Saucer Smear" delves into a variety of UFO and paranormal topics, featuring updates on ongoing investigations, historical cases, and commentary from prominent figures in the ufology community. The magazine maintains its critical and often skeptical stance while exploring the latest developments and controversies.

"Smear" Now Has New Web Site

Vince Ditchkus, the new contributing editor, has established a new email account for "Smear" at [email protected]. Readers are encouraged to send links to material they find worthwhile. The guidelines for submissions include brief UFO, Fortean, and paranormal stories with a new or interesting twist, updates on classic cases like Roswell, and current gossip about well-known UFO personalities. The magazine also notes its existing web presence at www.martiansgohome.com/smear, maintained by Steve Mansee.

Roswell Again (or Still:)

The issue highlights a potential confession regarding the notorious "alien autopsy video" released in 1995. This confession is linked to a recently released documentary in Britain about the making of the video. John Humphreys, identified as a principal hoaxer, claims the film was made in a London apartment, not in the New Mexico desert in 1947. He states the bug-eyed alien models were filled with sheep brains and other materials. Ray Santilli, who claimed to have bought the footage, is also mentioned. The editors express skepticism about the video's authenticity, noting its crude and sloppy presentation.

Ufologist Poll Results

A poll conducted by "Saucer Smear" asked readers to vote for the "greatest ufologist ever." Dr. Jacques Vallee emerged as the winner, followed by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Stanton T. Friedman, Dr. James McDonald, and James Moseley. The results are presented with vote counts for various ufologists.

Court Jester

A section titled "Court Jester" discusses James Moseley's base of support, acknowledging his "Court Jester" role within ufology and his often overlooked serious contributions.

Tom Armstrong and the Roswell Museum

Tom Armstrong, a Roswell, New Mexico entrepreneur, plans to open a complex of buildings in 2008 focused on fringe science, including crop circles. He states he has no connection with the International UFO Museum and has never met its director, Julie Shuster. Armstrong's venture is independent of the museum and its focus on the Roswell crash.

The Integratron

The "Integratron," a structure in Southern California erected by George Van Tassel based on instructions from an alleged Venusian visitor, is discussed. Originally intended as a "fountain of youth," it is now owned by three sisters and hosts New Age events. The article notes its history, construction, and the claims of spirituality and healing powers associated with it.

Miscellaneous Ravings

Don Ecker, "Director of Research" for "UFO Magazine," is quoted expressing concern over the lack of "nuts-and-bolts" research and the prevalence of "day-dreaming" in the UFO field, particularly regarding the Project Serpo story. The "Saucer Smear" editor questions why "UFO Magazine" devoted significant space to this story if it lacks evidence.

Paul Kimball's discussion of Dr. Roger Leir's alien-implant agenda at the International UFO Congress is mentioned. Kimball is critical of Leir's methods. The preparation of a fictional movie, "Earth's Original Sin," to fund a UFO research center is also noted, with Kimball questioning the business model.

Dr. Frank Stranges' epic motion picture based on his book "Stranger at the Pentagon" is mentioned, noting that the story of Val Thor will be "jazzed up" with fictional elements.

The Great UFO Scare of 1896

This section revisits the "very first modern UFO 'flap'" that occurred 110 years prior to the issue date. The "Great UFO Scare of 1896" involved sightings of unidentified "airships" along the California coast. While some accounts are dismissed as potentially influenced by alcohol or newspaper hoaxes, others are considered intriguing. The article references a forthcoming book, "Secrets of Dellschau - The Sonora Aero Club and the Airships of the 1800s," which suggests a secret society of German airship enthusiasts may have inspired these events.

Karl Pflock's Health

A brief update on Karl Pflock's health status indicates he is not doing well and his AIS disease is gradually worsening.

Missives from the Masses

Paul Kimball writes, expressing his appreciation for "Saucer Smear" and correcting some details from the ufologist poll. He notes that Rendlesham Forest was voted the top case, not Cash-Landrum. He also expresses his respect for the "Saucer Smear" editor.

Christopher Roth discusses Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the leader of Kalmykia, who claims to communicate with aliens. Roth also comments on Paul Kimball being a nephew of Stanton Friedman and expresses surprise.

News Briefs

James Randi is recovering from heart surgery. The issue of "huge chunks of ice falling from cloudless skies" is linked to Global Warming. A Russian report about lightning selecting victims is mentioned, along with the case of Roy Sullivan, who was struck seven times. Marta Maikia of Bulgaria had three husbands killed in a similar fashion.

British computer hacker Gary McKinnon is fighting extradition to the U.S.A. over alleged intrusions into military internet systems.

"Blasphemy" Concerning Roswell

Ace cartoonist Matt Graeber writes about the Roswell International UFO Museum and Research Center, questioning its contributions to UFO research and its promotional activities. He refers to the museum as potentially a "UFO Museum and 'Trinketorium'" and notes the sale of inflatable greys.

I-Beam Replica Controversy

Miller Johnson, a graphic artist who worked on the I-Beam replica for the Roswell UFO Museum, writes about a new version of the I-Beam being sold online, which differs in appearance and price from the original approved replica. He contacted Dr. Jesse Marcel Jr., who confirmed that the replica Johnson fabricated is still valid and that the new version is his son's project.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" demonstrates a continued focus on critical examination of UFO phenomena, with a particular emphasis on debunking hoaxes (like the alien autopsy video) and questioning the commercialization of UFO-related sites and products. The magazine maintains a skeptical yet engaged approach, presenting diverse viewpoints and historical cases while encouraging reader participation through its new email address. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous research and evidence-based analysis, often expressed with a touch of dry humor and a critical eye towards sensationalism within the ufology community.