Saucer Smear - Vol 54 No 04 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 54, No. 4
Date: April 25th, 2007
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Saucer Smear" marks its 400th issue, having started in 1954. The publication is described as the "Official Publication of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY."

Editorial Content

B.S. Bingo for UFO Skeptics

The issue opens with a humorous "B.S. Bingo for UFO Skeptics" card, a playful take on common jargon used at UFO conventions. The editor notes that while not strictly skeptics, they find the concept amusing and might even try it themselves.

Editor's Comments

The editor reflects on the magazine's long history, noting that only a few UFO zines have achieved such longevity. They mention subscribing to Lucius Farish's "UFO Newsclipping Service" despite its high cost and Farish's apparent dislike for "Saucer Smear" due to their belief that Swiss contactee Billy Meier is a hoaxer. The editor ironically states that they exhibit the same "kind, gentle spirit" as Farish.

EDITORIAL: THE GOVERNMENT ONLY CARES ABOUT NATIONAL SECURITY, NOT MYSTERIOUS UFOs

This editorial argues that the government's interest in UFOs has waned because they were initially perceived as a potential Russian threat. Once it became clear they were not Russian, and likely not a threat, interest diminished. The editorial suggests that while fear of ridicule is a factor for witnesses, the primary government concern shifted after 9/11/01 to fears of "evil Arabs." The recent sighting at Chicago's O'Hare Airport is cited as an example where pilots and employees might have hesitated to report due to potential interrogations by Homeland Security. The editor concludes that the situation has returned to "Square One" regarding UFOs.

Articles and Features

"Toad in the Hole" - Fortean Times

This section discusses an article from England's "Fortean Times" about "Toad in the Hole," a phenomenon where living toads or frogs have been found trapped inside ancient rocks or stones. The article cites Jan Bondeson, a British physician, who concludes that this phenomenon is inexplicable and lacks a reasonable explanation.

Unidentified Flying Humanoids (UFHs)

The issue references an article in the March 2007 MUFON Journal about "UFHs - Unidentified Flying Humanoids." These sightings, reportedly videotaped in Mexico and linked to Jaine Maussan, are presented as potentially extraterrestrial beings who may have lost their spaceships. The editor expresses skepticism, finding the idea of hibernating frogs more plausible.

"Flying 'Man' in Black in Russia"

Another item from "UFOexperiences" describes a sighting in Russia in 1936 where a woman named E.E. Loznaya witnessed a "manlike figure" moving rapidly through the sky without visible limbs or feet, accompanied by a rumbling sound.

Human Mutilations

A Net article titled "Human Mutilations: The Sun of all Fears" by Scott Corrales is mentioned. The article focuses on cases from South America, but the editor finds the link to extraterrestrial predators weak and the cases old with insufficient detail.

Double Protection

A brief anecdote about Bill Henry, who was saved from being shot when a bullet hit two New Testaments in his shirt pocket.

SEVENTEEN PAGE UFO VIDEO ANALYSIS FOR SALE AT "SAUCER SMEAR" HEADQUARTERS

This section promotes a 17-page analysis of the "Nellis Range UFO video." The analysis, dated around 1994, describes an unidentified anomalous flying object captured on military camera with overlaid tracking data. The object exhibited characteristics like high speeds, rapid acceleration/deceleration, and right-angle turns, ruling out conventional aircraft. It also showed no evidence of a propulsion system. The analysis is available for purchase.

NEWS BRIEFS

• Nick Redfern: Britain's Nick Redfern, a prolific writer on paranormal subjects, has had the rights to his book "Three Men Seeking Monsters" sold to Universal Pictures.
• Brad Steiger: The issue highlights an article by Brad Steiger in "Fate Magazine" discussing "60 Years of UFO Research" and the ongoing debate about UFO origins (outer space, inner space, or metaphysical). Steiger is quoted as saying that after 60 years, researchers can't agree on the enigma's origin and that he has 17 theories but cringes when people claim to know exactly what UFOs are.
• Bob Girard: Owner of Arcturus Books, Bob Girard is moving his headquarters and having a "50% Off" sale.
• CSI (formerly CSICOP): The organization is reportedly facing financial difficulties and has dipped into its line of credit.
• Robert Todd: The death of Robert Todd, editor of "Cowflop Quarterly," is reported. Todd was known for obtaining negative information about the Roswell Incident, including Major Jesse Marcel's military records, suggesting Marcel may have exaggerated his claims.

AN AMERICAN HOLIDAY

A brief, darkly humorous anecdote about Osama bin Laden consulting a psychic about his death, with the psychic predicting it would be declared a "national holiday."

LETTERS TO YE OLDE EDITOR

• Michael Dennett: Praises the return of Jim Moseley's humor.
• Christopher Allan: Corrects the editor on the status of Czechoslovakia, noting it split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
• Dr. John Miller: Encloses a donation and comments on former Governor Symington's report of the Phoenix Lights, criticizing the FAA's handling of the O'Hare Airport UFO sighting, suggesting it represents a hazard to aerial navigation.
• Well, Stone Me: Reports on a large boulder that appeared in a field in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, estimated at 15,000 lbs, too large to have been rolled and not appearing to be a meteorite.

Skeptical UFO Photo Expert Klaus Webner

Klaus Webner criticizes American censorship, particularly in UFO videos, where even the area of a plastic doll's genitalia is pixelated, contrasting it with uncensored nudity on German TV.

Famed UFO Authority Jerry Clark

Jerry Clark writes about his historical research into pre-1947 UFO reports, noting that UFOs similar to modern ones were seen in the 19th century.

Long-time Abduction Researcher Dr. Leo Sprinkle

Dr. Sprinkle suggests that abduction encounters should be called "Addactions" and proposes an "Education Model" where individuals are "taken toward" the stars, shifting from "Planetary Person" to "Cosmic Citizen."

Kevin Henderson

Henderson discusses rereading Gray Barker's "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers," appreciating Barker's storytelling despite his absurd conclusions.

Anthropologist Chris Roth

Roth comments on the Betty Andreasson abduction case, noting the questions surrounding Ray Fowler's response to Robert Luca's claims and the seclusion of Betty and Bob Sr. Roth expresses disappointment if the case turns out to be a fabrication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine maintains a stance of open inquiry into UFO phenomena and Fortean mysteries, often with a critical and sometimes humorous perspective. While not outright dismissive of possibilities, the editors frequently express skepticism towards sensational claims and elaborate theories, preferring evidence-based analysis or acknowledging the inexplicable. There is a recurring theme of questioning official narratives and government transparency regarding UFOs, often framed within the context of national security. The magazine also highlights the work of various researchers and writers in the field, both those who align with its perspective and those with differing views. The editorial stance is generally one of critical engagement, valuing humor and a degree of contrarianism, as exemplified by the "B.S. Bingo" card and the critical commentary on other publications and researchers.