Saucer Smear - Vol 54 No 01 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 54, No. 1 (Whole Number 397)
Date: January 10th, 2007
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of Saucer Smear, dedicated to ufological journalism, features a quote from the late Dr. J. Allen Hynek on the cover, highlighting his belief in the transformative potential of UFO problem solutions. The publication is the official organ of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY.

Miscellaneous Ravings

UFO Landing and Alien Encounter in North Dakota

The issue details a follow-up to a MUFON Journal story about a UFO landing on a North Dakota ranch. The second incident involved a young man, Evan Briese, who shot at an alien attempting to steal a 400-pound pregnant sow. The alien then reportedly threw Briese backwards. The creatures were described as seven to eight feet tall, dark-skinned, and skinny, unlike typical 'greys'. No craft was seen in this incident, though one was reported in an earlier event on the same ranch.

Mothman Death Curse?

A brief article by Loren Coleman discusses the recent death of Lisa McIntosh, associate producer of the Mothman movie, from a rare cancer. Coleman, a rational researcher, apparently believes this is part of a 'Mothman Death Curse', referencing an earlier article he wrote on the subject for 'Fortean Times'.

John Keel's Health and the 'Curse'

The issue notes the recent heart surgery of John Keel, a leading advocate for Mothman research, and questions if this is also part of the 'Curse'.

MUFON E-News and Sightings

The editor criticizes MUFON's organization, comparing it unfavorably to 'Filer's Files'. The 'MUFON E-News' October 14th edition reportedly contained about 25 sightings, but recent and older items were intermingled. A highlighted story, 'Huge Craft Shot Down', described twelve witnesses seeing a football arena-sized craft near Fort Carson, Colorado, which was then targeted by three missiles. However, the story lacked a date and sufficient detail.

Whistleblower Dies Suspiciously

A headline about a whistleblower dying in suspicious circumstances at a UFO conference is presented. Dean Warwick, a former U.S. government official, collapsed and died on stage at a conference in Blackpool, England. The article suggests this was an 'Intelligence agency hit' using an ELF weapon, possibly perfected at a CIA facility in Dulce, New Mexico. Warwick had reportedly spoken about missing children, extraterrestrial involvement, and a 'planned American holocaust', with a quote attributed to Henry Kissinger about reducing the global population.

'TMA-1' - A Martian Artifact?

The issue discusses 'TMA-1', a supposed Martian artifact identified by scientist Robert Morningstar from Mars Opportunity Rover photos. Morningstar believes it depicts the topography of Mars in 3D relief, including the Valles Marinari region. NASA's skepticism is noted, with Morningstar suggesting a policy of not disclosing evidence of extraterrestrial life due to potential public panic.

Kinross AFB UFO Incident - A Hoax?

Updates on the Kinross AFB story suggest the claim by the Great Lakes Dive Company to have found a crashed F-89 Scorpion jet and a UFO in Lake Superior may be a hoax. The company's website has disappeared, and its spokesman is unreachable. Reputable divers have no record of the company, and technical reasons question the authenticity of the images.

Alien Abduction Witness in Civil Suit

A witness in a complex civil suit, Gary Lowrey, claims to have had alien abduction experiences and captured footage of unknown creatures. The suit concerns environmental charges against an oil and gas producer. The defense lawyer is identified as Bela G. Lugosi, son of the actor.

Jesse Marcel III and the Roswell Wreckage

Robert Sheaffer reports on legal charges against Jesse Marcel III, grandson of the Roswell Incident rancher. Marcel III is accused of Medicare fraud and embezzlement from a nursing home. The article touches on the I-beam controversy related to the Roswell wreckage, with differing accounts of symbols remembered by Marcel Sr., Marcel Jr., and Marcel III.

UFOs and the Internet

Norman Howard notes an improvement in the newsletter's issues, attributing it to editing and comments rather than the internet. Denis Corey suggests that if the editor retires, the publication should also retire, as 'Smear' is synonymous with its editor.

'The Succession' and the UFO Movement

William Moore expresses concern about the demise of the 2006 National UFO Conference (NUFOC) and suggests the UFO movement is 'pretty much dead'. Dave Swink also predicts the disappearance of NUFOC and possibly 'Smear'.

SETI's Anomalous Results

Despite claims of failure, SETI has reportedly had at least two or three sensational anomalous results that were not publicized. One incident on Sept. 30th - Oct. 1st, 2002, involved powerful radio bursts from near the center of the galaxy.

Centre for Crop Circle Studies Closes

The Centre for Crop Circle Studies (C.C.C.S.) closed in late 2005 due to declining membership and the realization that most crop circles are man-made.

Erich Von Daniken's Mystery Park

Erich Von Daniken's theme park in Switzerland is reportedly facing bankruptcy unless it secures significant funding.

Bigfoot Trap in Oregon

A story from 'UFO Newsclipping Service' describes the world's first Bigfoot trap built in Oregon in 1974, which has fallen into disrepair but is ready for repair.

Tom Petty and Publicity Balloons

A U.S. rock star, Tom Petty, was distracted by 'enormous silver balls' while driving, which turned out to be publicity balloons, leading to a car crash.

Roswell Incident 60th Anniversary

The City of Roswell has taken over planning for the 60th Anniversary celebration of the Roswell Incident, following disputes with the International UFO Museum.

Jan Val Ellam's Alien Predictions

Brazilian researcher Jan Val Ellam predicts an upcoming encounter with several alien races between November 15th, 2006, and April, 2007, describing them as kindly and radically different from humans.

Uri Geller Seeks Protégé

Uri Geller is seeking a paranormal protégé for a reality television show being produced in Israel.

'Wife Swap' Seeks UFO-Obsessed Family

The TV show 'Wife Swap' is looking for a family obsessed with UFOs and conspiracy theories for a $20,000 prize.

Mike Menkin's Alien Abduction Device

Mike Menkin has invented an 'experimental device to stop alien abduction', a 'thought screen helmet' designed to block alien telepathy and mind control.

Teotihuacan Communication Project Canceled

A project to communicate with extraterrestrials from Mexico's Teotihuacan pyramid was canceled due to concerns about damaging the ancient ruins.

CSICOP Renames Itself CSI

The organization formerly known as CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) has shortened its name to CSI (Committee for Skeptical Inquiry).

John Mack's Post-Mortem Confirmation

According to a website, the late abduction guru John Mack has 'come through' from the Other Side, confirming his previous writings.

Robert Sheaffer on Jesse Marcel III's Legal Troubles

Robert Sheaffer reports that Jesse Marcel III has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for Medicare fraud and embezzlement. The article notes the tenuous connection to the Roswell claims.

John Keel's Health Update

John Keel writes about losing his dentures and being fed gruel and oatmeal, humorously referring to the editor as 'A Boil on the Ass of Ufology'. The editor wishes him well after recent heart surgery.

Paul Kimball on Symposium

Paul Kimball thanks Saucer Smear for mentioning their symposium in Halifax, Nova Scotia, correcting the date and noting the website address was correct.

Kathy Kasten on Don Schmitt and Julie Shuster

Kathy Kasten clarifies that Don Schmitt and Julie Shuster were married twice in 2005 and had a reception ceremony in Roswell. She suggests Julie Shuster keeps a close eye on Schmitt to ensure the Museum remains relevant and that Schmitt fulfills his promise to find a piece of the crashed spaceship.

John Merrell on Noreen Renier Lawsuit

John Merrell reports a legal victory against 'psychic detective' Noreen Renier for breaching a settlement contract related to the publication of her book 'A Mind for Murder'.

William Moore on UFO Movement Decline

William Moore expresses sorrow over the demise of the 2006 National UFO Conference (NUFOC) and believes the UFO movement is 'pretty much dead'.

Dave Swink on 'Inside Man' in Roswell

Dave Swink praises the editor's humor and knowledge of strange history, predicting the disappearance of NUFOC and possibly 'Smear'.

Norman Howard on Newsletter Improvement

Norman Howard notes the recent improvement in the newsletter's issues, attributing it to editing and comments rather than the internet.

Denis Corey on Editor's Retirement

Denis Corey suggests that if the editor retires, 'Smear' should also retire, emphasizing the editor's unique role.

Scott Bond on 'The Succession'

Scott Bond reflects on the mention of 'The Succession' and the potential end of 'Saucer Smear' without its Commander, musing on the 'End Times'.

Ray X on Newsletter Production

'Ray X' inquires about the production method of 'Smear', noting the difficulty of fitting items into a computer layout compared to a typewriter and glued-in items.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports on UFO sightings, alien encounters, and paranormal phenomena, often with a critical or skeptical eye towards claims, particularly from organizations like MUFON and CSICOP. The editor, James W. Moseley, injects personal commentary and humor throughout the articles, often questioning the validity of certain stories or the motives of those involved. There is a recurring theme of debunking or questioning sensational claims, while also presenting intriguing cases that warrant further investigation. The publication also seems to have a long-standing history, with references to past issues and the editor's personal involvement in the UFO community since the 1950s. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, balancing the presentation of extraordinary claims with a healthy dose of skepticism and a desire for verifiable evidence.