Saucer Smear - Vol 54 No 03 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 54, No. 3 (Whole Number 399)
Date: March 15th, 2007
Publisher: Official Publication of the Saucer & Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Editor: James W. Moseley
Contributing Editor: Vince Ditchkus

This issue of "Saucer Smear" takes a critical look at the current state of UFO reporting, questioning the validity of what is termed a UFO "flap" and dissecting various cases, personalities, and controversies within the ufology community.

Is the Current UFO "Flap" Actually a "Flop"?

The lead article expresses amazement at the current "flap" being discussed by readers, suggesting that most cases are either old, lack sufficient detail, include unconvincing photos, or have other significant flaws. The editor, James W. Moseley, along with contributing editor Vince Ditchkus, review web postings from MUFON, George Filer, and Whitley Strieber, finding them largely wanting. Examples cited include "Foo Fighter" sightings from World War II, an account of "scoop marks" on a knee without any mention of UFOs or entities, and MUFON's "Voices in the Head" item, which suggests voices might be aliens or the military. The authors conclude that much of the "serious" postings are "pure garbage."

Daylight Sighting and Dan Aykroyd

The article points to a daylight sighting on November 7th as a potential start to the "flap," where United Airlines employees reportedly saw a solid object zoom out of sight. This was followed by meaningless photos and actor Dan Aykroyd's claim of having exclusive video footage for a future DVD.

Brian Fields Sighting

Another item discussed is a sighting by retired Air Force colonel Brian Fields on January 9th, who observed intensely bright lights. Initially speculating about "End Times" prophecies, the lights were later explained as military flares from an Air Force training mission. Despite the explanation, Fields urges vigilance.

Digital Projection Expert's Analysis

A digital-projection expert analyzed Fields' photographs, finding a "clean silhouette of someone sitting behind a console or flight control," with visible eyes and a mouth, humorously described as a "pilot" in a military flare.

Past "Flaps" and Explanations

The article notes that Fields' sighting has inspired others and mentions the comeback of the 1997 "Phoenix Lights." It also recalls a 1954 incident in France involving citizens landing craft with humanoids, which was also explained.

The Above Object Was Recovered by Bob White During His UFO Encounter in 1985

This section details an interesting Net story about Bob White and a friend who saw a strange light near the Colorado/Utah border. The light ejected a glowing object that White recovered. The object is described as metallic, about 7.5 inches long, resembling petrified wood, and is believed by White to be of extraterrestrial origin. It has been analyzed by eight major labs, including Los Alamos National Laboratories, with one senior scientist allegedly confirming its extraterrestrial nature before retracting the statement. The object reportedly heats and cools rapidly and picks up radio signals, and once disabled electronics in a casino safe. The article concludes that it is a manufactured artifact and questions its origin.

The "Andreasson Affair" Controversy

Robert Luca Jr., son of Betty Andreasson's husband, claims the "Andreasson Affair," a well-known abduction syndrome, is a 30+ year hoax orchestrated by his father and others. He alleges that material was fabricated for press releases and books, and that his father ensured no one from their side of the family was interviewed. Luca Jr. states he is not a UFO skeptic but wants to set the record straight, describing his mother as believing she is a prophet contacted by God through UFOs.

Kal K. Korff: Ufological Misfit

The magazine expresses a personal grievance with Kal K. Korff, who hosted their 1985 National UFO Conference (NU-FOC) in Fremont, California, which is described as the worst convention in NU-FOC's history. Korff allegedly scheduled only one speakers' session with himself and ufologist William Moore, with very few attendees. Korff has since written debunking books and is described as playing "cloak and dagger games," including a claim to have met with former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter. "Ufowatchdog.com" concludes that Korff is "completely full of shit." Korff also claims a "500 book deal," identifies himself as a Captain in "Special Secret Services (S3)", and claims to have been an "expert witness" at the O.J. Simpson trial, which has been shown to be bogus. He also apparently has a cooking column in a Prague newspaper.

Erik Beckjord and the Patterson Bigfoot Film

The issue revisits Erik Beckjord, an amateur cryptozoologist, who has been chasing "Bigfeet" and the Loch Ness Monster. The magazine recalls past negative interactions, including an attempted extortion. Beckjord is reported to have cancer. He claims to have a good copy of the Patterson Bigfoot film, taken in 1967, which he has tried unsuccessfully to sell on eBay for one million dollars. The film is considered a controversial fake by many.

Uri Geller's TV Show and Psychic Powers

Uri Geller has a TV show in Israel called "Uri Geller Looks for a Successor," which has generated controversy. While some performers demonstrate magic tricks, the show aims to explore psychic powers. Geller believes controversy is good PR. However, most participants have been stage magicians, leading to accusations of misrepresentation. The article recalls Geller's infamous appearance on the Johnny Carson Show in 1973, where he was allegedly tricked by James Randi and never invited back. The magazine concludes Geller is likely a fake, though psychic powers may exist intermittently.

News Briefies

This section covers various UFO-related news items:

• City Exploitation of UFO Sightings: Numerous American cities are capitalizing on past UFO sightings, including Sutton (Flatwoods Monster), Point Pleasant (Mothman), Aztec (saucer crash), McMinnville (photos), Phoenix (lights), and Roswell (1947 crash).
• Roswell Museum and Festival: The International UFO Museum in Roswell is described as an "international joke" despite high attendance. Plans are underway for a larger museum and a huge alien-themed amusement park. The city is also promoting the "2007 Amazing Roswell UFO Festival."
• Whitley Strieber's New Novel: Author Whitley Strieber is releasing a "fact-based fiction" novel called "The Grays," which deals with interactions with "grays" and "blonds" or "Nordics."
• Hollow Earth Expedition: An expedition into the Earth's interior is being planned, requiring approximately two million dollars for a Russian nuclear-powered ice breaker to reach the North Pole.
• UFOdex Project: A new group, "UFOdex Project: UFO Intelligence Foundation," aims to acquire and integrate all UFO knowledge. Contributors receive free access to UFOdex.net.
• Art Bell's Career: A partial biography of radio host Art Bell is presented, detailing his show's history, personal tragedies (son's kidnapping and rape), retirements, and his current life in Pahrump, Nevada, with his Filipino wife.
• Vicki Cooper Leaving UFO Magazine: Vicki Cooper, a co-founder of UFO Magazine, is reportedly leaving, while her husband Don Ecker remains as "Director of Research."

Missives From the Masses

This section features letters and comments from readers:

• Tristram Jones: Expresses frustration with the inability to access "Saucer Smear" online for free and encloses a payment for a non-subscription.
• Michael Dennett: Questions if Chris Roth is a "stealth skeptic" and notes that "Smear" is already skeptical.
• Chris Roth: Gladly mentions the Church of the SubGenius and Robert Anton Wilson, noting that the deity "Bob" may have been named after Wilson.
• Steve Barnett: Expresses pleasure that Chris Roth might be a successor to the editor and prefers paper "Smears" over disc, appreciating the use of a typewriter.
• Matt (Buzz) Graeber: Discusses a posting about a phone number to converse with the Mothman, reporting that his attempt to call was unsuccessful but resulted in a compulsion to stick his face into light bulbs and an aversion to camphor flakes.

Extraterrestrial Sexual Contacts and Blue-Skinned Baby

The final item discusses the lack of scientific evidence for alien sexual contacts, but notes legends of such encounters. It mentions a 19-year-old Californian girl who claimed to have been gang-raped by "web-footed aliens" and gave birth to a blue-skinned, web-footed baby as proof.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" consistently adopts a skeptical and critical stance towards UFO phenomena and reporting. The editorial team actively questions claims, highlights inconsistencies, and points out potential hoaxes or misinterpretations. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, the publication emphasizes the need for rigorous evidence and detailed analysis, often dismissing sensationalized accounts as "garbage." There is a clear preference for factual reporting and a distrust of unsubstantiated claims, even from established figures in the ufology community. The magazine also seems to enjoy debunking and exposing what it perceives as fraudulent or exaggerated stories, often with a sarcastic or humorous tone. The recurring theme is a call for critical thinking and a "don't believe it unless it's proven" approach to UFO research.