Saucer Smear - Vol 53 No 09 - 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: October 5th, 2006 (Volume 53, No. 9, Whole Number 395)
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley
Contributing Editor: Vince Ditchkus

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, presents a collection of miscellaneous ravings and such, covering a range of topics from UFO sightings and conferences to astronomical debates and book reviews.

Key Articles and Features

Jerry Clark on James Moseley

The issue opens with a quote from famed UFO historian Jerry Clark, who reflects on James Moseley's long-standing involvement in ufology, dating back to the beginning of the UFO era. Clark describes Moseley as a colorful personality and entertaining writer, suggesting that history will remember him for these qualities, while larger claims would require a leap of faith.

Upcoming UFO Events

Several UFO-related events are highlighted. Paul Kimball is hosting a "New Frontiers Symposium" in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on October 16th, featuring speakers like Stanton Friedman, Mac Tonnies, Greg Bishop, and Nick Redfern. Pat Marcatillio's "Earth Mysteries & UFO/ET Congress" is scheduled for October 7th-8th in Bordentown, N.J., with Dr. Bruce Maccabee and "Dr. Internet" among the speakers. The National UFO Conference (NUFOC) is slated for December 1st-3rd in San Diego, California, with Dr. David Jacobs and Budd Hopkins as speakers.

SETI and Dr. Steven Greer's Claims

Dr. Steven Greer is reported to have accused SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) of covering up the fact that they have received numerous extraterrestrial signals. SETI has denied these claims, with a spokesman calling Greer "the bane of SETI's existence." Greer also criticizes ufologists like Michael Salla for promoting negative opinions about aliens, including an accusation that a "tall, white ET race" caused the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.

Pluto's Planetary Status

The issue discusses the recent decision by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to downgrade Pluto from a planet to a Kuiper Belt object, recognizing only eight planets in the solar system. This decision has apparently angered many astrologers. Chris Allan, writing from the UK, notes that George Adamski had previously stated there were 12 planets, and wonders if this was also part of a classified interplanetary secret.

UFO Magazine's Anniversary

Saucer Smear congratulates UFO Magazine on its 20th anniversary, while noting a history of "bad vibes" with its editors, Vicki Cooper and Don Ecker, due to Saucer Smear's critical stance on "obvious B.S." Nevertheless, they acknowledge the magazine's "nerve" to publish ufological content.

Book Reviews and Mentions

• "The Canadian UFO Report: Best Cases Revealed" by Chris Rutkowski and Geoff Dittman is mentioned. The book covers over 800 sightings, and Rutkowski believes something real is happening, though he admits there's no "incontrovertible evidence" for alien spacecraft.
• The Cash-Landrum UFO Incident by John Schuessler is reviewed. The case involves a UFO sighting in 1980 where Vickie Landrum and others were allegedly harmed by radiation. Skeptic Dr. Gary Posner questions the evidence, suggesting the medical records would not support the claims of significant harm.
• "Secrets of Dellschau: The Sonora Aero Club and the Airships of the 1800s" by Dennis Crenshaw and Pete Navarro is noted as being indefinitely delayed due to the publisher's bankruptcy.

Notable Sightings and Cases

• Dr. Clyde Tombaugh's Sighting: In August 1949, Tombaugh, the discoverer of Pluto, and his wife witnessed a UFO described as ten faint, rectangular, yellowish-green lights moving rapidly.
• Stefan Michalak Case: An amateur prospector was allegedly burned by the exhaust of a disc-shaped craft that landed near Falcon Lake, Manitoba, in 1967. The object was thought by some to be a secret American military vehicle.
• Shag Harbour Case: In 1967, witnesses saw a bright object crash into the ocean off Nova Scotia, with luminous foam found on the water.
• F-89 Scorpion Incident: In 1953, an F-89 fighter jet chasing a UFO disappeared from radar near Kinross Air Force Base, Michigan. Its wreckage has reportedly been located in Lake Superior, along with a smaller metallic object.
• Voronezh UFO Landing: An undated report from Moscow's Tass news agency claims scientists confirmed the landing of an alien spaceship carrying giant people with tiny heads.
• Mystery Animal: Steve Barnett sent a photo of a dead animal found in Maine, described as dog-like with large teeth, found in an area where strange animal cries and glowing eyes have been reported for 15 years.

Erik Beckjord and "ufowatchdog.com"

The issue discusses Bigfootologist Erik Beckjord's past relationship with Saucer Smear and his recent actions against the website "ufowatchdog.com." Beckjord allegedly threatened to sue the website's internet service provider and succeeded in temporarily shutting it down after objecting to being called a "lunatic," "moron," or "asshole."

Karl Pflock's Passing

The death of Karl Pflock, a UFO researcher and co-author of "Shockingly Close to the Truth!" with James Moseley, is noted. Pflock concluded that the Roswell crash was likely explained by a balloon array from Project Mogul. His contributions to ufology are remembered.

Other Missives and Commentary

• Chris Allan writes about George Adamski's claim of 12 planets and the IAU's decision regarding Pluto.
• Curtis Peebles comments on the IAU's decision, suggesting Pluto and other objects should be considered Kuiper Belt objects.
• Ingo Swann sends a brief, sardonic reply regarding his past as a "remote viewer" for the U.S. government.
• Chris Roth discusses the "Cryptoterrestrial Hypothesis," comparing it to John Keel's ideas and ancient Greek concepts.
• Dr. Gary Posner, a skeptic, critiques the evidence presented for the Cash-Landrum UFO Incident, questioning the severity of the alleged injuries.
• Ann Druffel corrects a statement about Lisa Davis's role in organizing NUFOC conferences.
• Dr. Kevin Randle writes about Karl Pflock's research into the Roswell crash and his eventual conclusion about Project Mogul.
• David Halperin expresses his appreciation for Karl Pflock's book on Roswell.
• Robert Sheaffer, a skeptic, comments on Karl Pflock's "Confidential UFO Project."

Cartoon

A cartoon by Bill Amend satirizes the IAU's decision to reclassify Pluto, questioning the authority of Earth-based astronomers and the exclusion of Plutonian voices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Smear maintains its critical and often skeptical stance towards many UFO claims, while still engaging with the subject matter. The editorial team, led by James Moseley, appears to value rigorous investigation and is not afraid to question or debunk what they perceive as "B.S." The publication provides a platform for various viewpoints within the ufology community, including those of researchers, skeptics, and eyewitnesses. There is a clear emphasis on historical cases, book reviews, and commentary on current events and debates within the field. The magazine also seems to have a long-standing tradition of critiquing prominent figures and organizations within ufology, as evidenced by their comments on UFO Magazine and their detailed discussions of various researchers' work and claims. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, but with a strong inclination towards rational explanation and a healthy dose of skepticism towards extraordinary claims.