Saucer Smear - Vol 53 No 06 - 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 53, No. 6
Date: June 30th, 2006
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, leads with the sad news of the passing of its esteemed contributing editor, Karl T. Pflock, at the age of 63. Pflock succumbed to ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). The editorial highlights Pflock's significant contributions to the magazine, including his co-authorship of "Shockingly Close to the Truth" (2002), and emphasizes that his lifetime interest in UFOs, dating back to NICAP, was separate from his earlier career, which included a stint as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.

Karl T. Pflock Obituary

The magazine eulogizes Karl T. Pflock, noting that while his association with "Smear" might have been the least of his accomplishments, he was a true friend and invaluable help. His background with the CIA, though jokingly referenced, did not endear him to ufologists, but his dedication to UFO research, particularly the Roswell Incident, is presented as genuine and separate from his government service. Pflock retired in 1992 to focus on writing and lived in Placitas, New Mexico. He died after a year-long battle with ALS, having been diagnosed a little over a year prior.

UFO Publication Poll Results

The issue presents results from a recent ufological poll, with "Saucer Smear" receiving 44 votes (36% of the total) from Paul Kimball's Web blog "The Other Side of Truth." Jerry Clark of the International UFO Reporter (IUR) acknowledged the poll results, noting that "Saucer Smear" won by a narrow margin over IUR. The poll also showed IUR performing significantly better than MUFON Journal. The magazine editor humorously notes his own 5th place finish in a previous "Greatest Ufologist Ever" poll.

UFO Case Poll

Another poll discussed is the "Best UFO Case Ever." While final results are pending, leading candidates include Bentwaters (Rendlesham), Shag Harbor, Valentich, and Cash-Landrum. Father Gill is noted as far behind. The publication's vote is for the Cash-Landrum case, citing the testimony of the occupants. Notably, the Roswell Incident (1947) is not in contention, as one criterion for eligibility was being seen in the air by at least two witnesses.

Documentaries and Media

Paul Kimball is working on a documentary film titled "Best Evidence - Top Ten UFO Cases." Additionally, the town of Roswell, New Mexico, was recently highlighted by "USA Weekend" as a top "out of the way" place to visit.

Miscellaneous Ravings

Whitley Strieber and Anne Strieber

The issue addresses a claim from the MUFON Journal that Warren Aston stated Whitley Strieber's wife Anne admitted his writings were fiction. Anne Strieber reportedly denies this, clarifying that she meant only that Whitley's pre-"Communion" works were intended as fiction.

The Philadelphia Experiment

Researcher William Moore shared information about a scientist named Ron Milione who intends to duplicate the legendary "Philadelphia Experiment." This alleged U.S. Navy experiment in 1943 aimed to make the destroyer escort vessel Eldridge invisible and teleport it. The side-effects were reportedly dramatic, leading to crew members vanishing. The article connects this to the "Allende Letters" sent to Morris K. Jessup in the 1950s.

Bob Lazar and Area 51

An update on Bob Lazar, the engineer who gained notoriety for his claims about working on UFO technology at Area 51. Lazar is now facing government charges related to chemicals sold by his company, which he believes are intended to suppress free energy technology. He feels his "UFO Guy" reputation hinders his scientific work.

Art Bell and Radio

A biography of radio personality Art Bell, host of "Coast to Coast AM" and "Dreamland," is presented. The article notes Bell's career shifts, including a retirement due to his son's kidnapping and rape, and a recent marriage to a much younger woman. The editor contrasts this with his own past appearances on Long John Nebel's show.

Mirages and UFOs

A news photo depicts a mirage in Penglai, China, creating the illusion of a city. The article questions whether any unusual phenomena were visible in the original photos.

Steven Greer and the Disclosure Project

Dr. Steven Greer, a former emergency-room physician turned UFO advocate, is discussed. His "Disclosure Project" in 2001 brought forth alleged witnesses to a "UFO Cover-Up," but failed to build momentum. Greer's beliefs include levitating cars and communicating with interplanetary beings.

Alien Face in a Duck X-ray

The International Bird Rescue Research Center at Vallejo, California, X-rayed a dying mallard duck and found a pattern resembling an alien face. This image is being used for fundraising T-shirts and will be auctioned on eBay.

Extraterrestrial Civilizations and World Peace Conference

A conference in Kona, Hawaii, sponsored by the Exopolitics Institute, focused on studying evidence of extraterrestrial civilizations. Speakers included Dr. Michael Salla and Paul Hellyer. The article expresses skepticism about the premise of interacting with aliens who have not been proven to exist.

Roswell UFO Festival

The 2006 Roswell UFO Festival has been moved to a new location to allow for beer sales, a decision supported by the International UFO Museum. Attendance has been declining in recent years.

News Briefs

John Keel and Dennis Crenshaw

Folklorist John Keel once called the editor "a boil on the ass of ufology." Dennis Crenshaw, editor of "Unraveling the Secrets," was hospitalized with a boil.

"Secrets of Dellschau" Book

A forthcoming book, "Secrets of Dellschau: The Sonora Aero Club and the Airships of the 1800s," by Dennis Crenshaw and others, is mentioned.

Paul Kimball and Wilbert Smith

Paul Kimball presented at a symposium in England on "The Wilbert Smith Story," aiming to separate fact from fiction regarding the ufological icon.

Invisibility Cloaks

Scientists are reportedly working on materials for "cloaks" that could render objects invisible by steering light and electromagnetic radiation, though these would need to be very thick.

Stonehenge Recreation

An ambitious project is planned to rebuild Stonehenge in a new location, including seven original stone circles, with completion expected by 2009. Visitors will be allowed to walk among the stones.

Elvis Presley's Home

Uri Geller and two partners purchased Elvis Presley's original Tennessee home for over $900,000.

SETI Results

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) has not yielded the expected results after forty years. A suggestion is made to search the Moon for alien space debris.

Cartoon

A cartoon depicts a car owner anticipating bodywork after a visit to Madame ZooDoo, a fortune teller.

Delayed Democracy in Bhutan

Bhutan's introduction of democracy has been postponed until 2008 based on the advice of royal astrologers.

Letters to the Editor

Jerry Clark (IUR)

Jerry Clark responded to the UFO publication poll results, offering multiple interpretations, including "Saucer Smear" winning by a squeaker and IUR leaving MUFON Journal behind.

Matt Graeber (Cartoonist)

Matt Graeber expressed enthusiasm for "Saucer Smear's" high ranking in the poll, finding it superior and more humorous than other publications. He also commented on a Dan Ackroyd DVD about UFOs and a story about aliens landing in an African village.

Simone Mendez (Researcher)

Simone Mendez enjoyed hearing Paul Kimball mention "Saucer Smear" on the radio and wished for a full guest spot. She also recounted experiences with Art Bell's radio show and his recent personal life changes.

Mike Gensler

Mike Gensler mentioned Ralph Coon and Mike Merchant working on a DVD version of Gray Barker's "Whispers from Space" documentary.

Chris Roth (Cultural Anthropologist)

Chris Roth expressed bafflement at the acceptance of scenarios like "Project Serpo" and reptilians, and enclosed an article about an alien face found in a duck's X-ray.

Dr. Frank Stranges

Dr. Frank Stranges provided an update on the motion picture 'Stranger at the Pentagon,' stating that fundraising for the $25 million budget is ongoing and production will not begin until the full amount is secured.

Nemo Debreffney McClusky

Nemo Debreffney McClusky submitted a letter proposing that UFO abductees are not extraterrestrials but victims of a ruse by a renegade Catholic order, the Brothers of the Lavender Rose, potentially infiltrating various institutions for disinformation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a continued focus on UFO research, investigations, and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on the Roswell Incident and the Philadelphia Experiment. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging different viewpoints while often expressing skepticism towards certain claims or individuals, as seen in the commentary on Steven Greer and the "crackpot letter." The magazine maintains a strong connection to its readership through letters and contributions from various researchers and enthusiasts, while also engaging with media coverage of UFO topics. There is a clear dedication to preserving the legacy of figures like Karl T. Pflock and to continuing the discussion on unexplained celestial events.