Saucer Smear - Vol 54 No 02 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 54, No. 2
Date: February 10th, 2007
Publisher: James W. Moseley (Editor and Still Supreme Commander)
Country: USA
Language: English

Editorial: The Aliens Are Too Stupid To Get Here From There

The editorial, penned by James W. Moseley, presents a provocative theory that alien visitors may not be intelligent enough to have traveled from a distant planet. Drawing a parallel with skeptic Curtis Peebles' observation that aliens are 'too much like us,' the editorial posits that these entities are a permanent part of Earth's environment, originating from here rather than elsewhere. This '34-D Theory' (as Moseley terms it) suggests that UFOs, their crashes, their often-unfulfilled predictions, their varied ship designs, contradictory information, irrational behavior, and obsession with sex and reproduction, all point to an earthly origin. The editorial concludes by inviting readers to solve the UFO mystery themselves, having provided the 'clues.'

Contributing Editor: Paul Kimball - The Ravagers of the Extraterrestrial Orthodoxy

Paul Kimball, contributing editor, expresses his preference for the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) but acknowledges it as just a theory. He criticizes colleagues who dismiss other theories and individuals like Jacques Vallee and J. Allen Hynek, stating they understood the UFO phenomenon as a mystery beyond current scientific comprehension. Kimball argues that some researchers are unable to face the prospect of something 'out there' that transcends their secular worldview, preferring instead to believe in nuts-and-bolts craft. He laments their inability to admit 'we just don't know,' which he sees as a failure to grasp the true nature of wisdom and science as a method, not an end.

Announcements and Commercialization

'Saucer Smear' is now partnering with UFO-TV, a publisher of UFO documentaries, to sell its issues online for download at $1.99 each. An archive of past issues from 1994-2006 is also available on CD or for download for $29.95. Previously, 'Smear' was free online, but this will no longer be the case. A portion of the proceeds will go to the editor. The newsletter also hints at a potential successor for the print version, identifying Chris Roth, a Ph.D. in anthropology with a background in UFO research and radio hosting, as a candidate to carry on the publication.

Miscellaneous Ravings

This section covers several disparate topics:

• O'Hare Airport Sighting: A daylight UFO was reported by United Airlines workers at Chicago's O'Hare Airport on November 7th. The object was not seen on radar, and superiors showed little interest. The report surfaced online much later, suggesting a return to the days when reporting UFO incidents was an embarrassment.
• Book Review: Romancing the Raven: A positive review of Rob MacGregor's fantasy novel, which blends romance, mystery, and time travel.
• Mars Opportunity Rover 'Artifact': Christopher Allan writes to debunk claims by Robert Morningstar about an 'alien artifact' found by the Mars Opportunity Rover. Allan explains it was a carving made by the rover's abrasion tool to study rock composition.
• Snippy the Horse: The legend of Snippy, a horse that died mysteriously in 1967 in Alamosa, Colorado, is revisited. This incident is considered the start of the U.S. animal mutilation craze. The horse's bones, with bullet holes, are still a point of contention.
• Nazca Lines: Erich Von Daniken's theory that the Nazca Lines in Peru are landing fields for spaceships is mentioned, with a note that historians consider his conclusions pseudoscience.
• Time Travel Paradox: A new quantum model is discussed, suggesting time travel might be possible in a feedback loop that prevents altering the present.
• Animal Navigation: The mystery of how animals like dogs and cats navigate to find their way home over long distances is briefly pondered.
• Fortean Times Horse Story: A story from 'Fortean Times' about a pony that navigated home through thick fog is shared.
• USOs (Unidentified Submerged Objects): The concept of underwater UFOs is introduced, with a mention of Puerto Rico as a hotspot for such activity.
• Columbus and the Bermuda Triangle: An account from Chris Roth's log suggests that on October 11th, 1492, Christopher Columbus's ship encountered strange lights and a disc-shaped object in the Atlantic Ocean near the Bermuda Triangle.
• Flying Humanoids: The phenomenon of flying humanoids, often seen and videotaped in Mexico, is mentioned, with the note that they do not appear to be hostile.

Tidbits of Trash

This section provides brief news items and opinions:

• Robert Anton Wilson's Death: The passing of counterculture author Robert Anton Wilson is noted, with a cryptic quote about his state of being.
• Ufology Rankings: A poll by Paul Kimball is mentioned, ranking 'Smear' as a top UFO publication and its editor among influential ufologists. Jerry Clark and Phil Klass are also ranked.
• Roswell Rocket Launch: A U.S. company launched a sub-orbital rocket over Roswell, N.M., carrying cremated remains and other items, offering its contents to aliens, but none were taken.
• Ed Walters and Craig Myers: The ongoing dispute between Ed Walters and Pensacola reporter Craig Myers regarding the Gulf Breeze UFO incidents is discussed. Myers has written a book, 'War of the Words,' and the article speculates on Walters' motives for leaving the UFO scene.
• MUFON's Bias: The article criticizes MUFON's investigation into the Ed Walters case, calling it 'ludicrously biased.'
• James Randi Challenge: James Randi's foundation has tightened the rules for its million-dollar prize for proof of the paranormal, requiring applicants to have a 'media profile' and an academic endorsement.
• Church of the SubGenius: The Church of the SubGenius has announced the end of the world for July 5th, 2007, followed by an annual festival. The editor is a member but has never attended.
• Bob Girard's Books: Bob Girard of Arcturus Books, who sold UFO-related books, has eliminated his print version and is now facing financial difficulties.
• Gerald Ford and UFOs: The recent death of former president Gerald Ford is linked to his call for Congressional hearings on UFOs in 1966 following sightings in Michigan, with Dr. J. Allen Hynek's 'marsh gas' explanation mentioned.

Letters to the Editor

• Christopher Allan: Debunks the 'alien artifact' claim from Mars, identifying it as a tool mark from the Opportunity Rover.
• Robert Durant: Provides a synopsis of the legal dispute between John Merrell and psychic Noreen Renier, detailing defamation lawsuits and settlement agreements.
• Chris Roth: Reports the death of Robert Anton Wilson and discusses the concept of 'curses' in films, contrasting 'The Conqueror' and 'Superman' with the Mothman phenomenon. He also questions the discreetness of a covert operative named Dean Warwick and the 'planned American Holocaust' narrative.

Other Contributions

• Ed Mitchel: Sends a love offering and expresses anticipation for the weird events of 2007, acknowledging that the Internet is a source for both real and concocted weirdness.
• Greg Bishop / Nick Redfern: Mention a phone number for the Mothman, which reportedly yields strange recorded messages.
• Bryan Fields Sighting: A report of mysterious colorful lights hovering over western Arkansas, photographed by retired Air Force Colonel Bryan Fields, is highlighted as part of a larger 'flap' of similar incidents.
• Gary McKinnon: The case of the computer hacker Gary McKinnon, who is appealing extradition to the U.S. after allegedly finding UFO evidence in military and NASA systems, is mentioned.
• Vincent's Rant: 'Vincent' expresses skepticism about alien visitation due to the difficulties of space travel, arguing that if these obstacles exist for humans, they likely exist for extraterrestrials as well.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It frequently questions official explanations, highlights perceived inconsistencies in witness accounts and official investigations, and critiques the scientific establishment's reluctance to acknowledge the mystery. There's a strong emphasis on the 'human element' in UFO research, focusing on personalities and controversies within the field. The editorial stance often leans towards unconventional theories, such as the 'Earth-origin' hypothesis for aliens, while maintaining a critical eye for hoaxes and self-serving claims. The publication also engages with broader cultural and historical topics related to the paranormal and unexplained. A recurring theme is the commercial aspect of UFO research and publishing, with 'Saucer Smear' itself participating in this market.