Saucer Smear - Vol 54 No 05 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 54, No. 5
Date: May 25th, 2007
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of "Saucer Smear" opens with a nostalgic look back at the publication's history, referencing the whimsical drawing that graced its early issues and mentioning "Jim Moseley's Book of Saucer News," an anthology from 1967. The editor, James W. Moseley, notes the surprising current market value of this book. He then introduces a spin-off publication, "Jim Moseley and the Saucer Years," edited by Rick Hilberg, which features articles by prominent UFO researchers of the past, including John P. Bessor, Harold T. Wilkins, Frank Reed, Bob Berry, Lonzo Dove, and John Keel. Moseley humorously remarks on Keel's "paranoid ufological ravings" and the potential future value of printed books.

Miscellaneous Musings

The "Miscellaneous Ravings" section touches upon a 3-day ufological "multimedia celebration" scheduled in New York City, with guest speakers like David Huggins, William and Nancy Birnes, Budd Hopkins, Michael Luckman, and MUFONite Harold Egeln. The editor also discusses a blog by Roswell authority Major Kevin Randle, who detailed an interview with Roswell witness Jesse Marcel Sr. Randle admits that Marcel Sr. made claims in this interview that were not made elsewhere and some of which were false, though Marcel Sr. is still considered one of the few Roswell witnesses not totally discredited. The issue also mentions Robert Todd's negative conclusions about Marcel Sr. based on military transcripts and the fact that Glenn Dennis's purported Roswell military nurse never existed, a fact that influenced Karl Pflock's "Mogul Balloon" explanation.

The controversy surrounding UFO contactee Billy Meier is revisited, with Michael Horn identified as his U.S. "official spokesman." Horn's new DVD and radio appearances have reportedly irritated ufologists. The article contrasts this with Meier's critic, Kal K. Korff, who is also described as unbelievable and engaged in a feud with Kevin Randle over Roswell.

The passing of Bob Taylor, an "unknown (in America) but important ufological figure," is noted. Taylor had a peculiar UFO encounter on November 9th, 1979, in Scotland, which became the subject of a criminal investigation.

Bob Taylor Encounter

Bob Taylor's encounter involved him discovering a "huge flying dome" or "spaceship" in a clearing. Two smaller spheres detached from the larger craft, attached themselves to his trousers, and caused him to lose consciousness for about 20 minutes. He experienced an acrid smell and a sensation of being grabbed. Upon regaining consciousness, he found his trousers ripped and had grazes on his legs and chin. The police were baffled, and the case remains open. Taylor was reportedly never hypnotized to recover "missing time" and did not seek publicity.

Karl Pflock's Roswell Book and Other Topics

The issue references a French translation of Karl Pflock's 2001 book, "Roswell: The Ultimate Encounter," noting that the aliens in the original depiction are bright green with no hands or feet, and questioning the cover art's resemblance to a Mogul Balloon crash.

Astronomers have discovered a planet potentially suitable for life, located about 20 light-years away, orbiting Gliese 581. The editor humorously suggests this might be a future destination for humanity.

A net article about "USOs" (Unidentified Submerged Objects) in the "Dragon Triangle" is discussed, referencing Charles Berlitz. Satellite images reportedly show three disc-shaped and one rectangular underwater objects. The article claims over 1,500 vessels and hundreds of aircraft have vanished in the Dragon Triangle since World War II, a figure the editor believes is exaggerated. The disappearance of the schooner Amelia in 1920 is mentioned.

Public Opinion and Cults

A poll on "Who has more credibility?" is presented, with the Easter Bunny surprisingly topping the list with 41% of the votes, followed by Linda Moulton Howe (30%) and Steven Greer (24%). Ray Santilli received no votes.

The Raelian UFO cult in Switzerland is reported to be facing legal and social challenges, including refusal of residence and meeting hall reservations, and being denied service in Swiss bars. Rael has filed a lawsuit charging discrimination.

Fortean Weirdness: Spoon Bending and Angel Hair

The editor reflects on overlooked areas of Fortean weirdness, including spoon bending, popularized by Uri Geller. Moseley recounts a private demonstration by Geller in Miami and mentions owning an autographed bent spoon. Lea Boldt, a German lady who learned spoon bending, is also discussed, with an anecdote about her impressing Timothy Green Beckley at a convention.

Brian Boldman's article "Angel Hair Physical Analyses: A Review" for the Journal of UFO Studies is mentioned. "Angel hair" cases, where a mysterious falling substance resembling spider webs appears, are discussed. UFO sightings accompany about half of these cases, and the substance sometimes vanishes even in sealed containers.

Gary McKinnon and UFO Casebook

An update is provided on British computer hacker Gary McKinnon, who embarrassed the U.S. military in 2001 by hacking into hundreds of machines. McKinnon claims he was looking for UFO information but cannot prove it. He has lost his High Court bid to avoid extradition to the U.S. and faces a potential 70-year prison sentence. He describes himself as "schizophrenic emotionally" and advises his younger self not to hack.

A "dubious item" from "UFO Casebook" #252, titled "Artifacts with Extraterrestrial Writing Discovered Near Tunguska Site," is mentioned. This refers to claims by Russian scientists in 2006 about finding quartz boulders with mysterious writing near the 1908 Tunguska crash site. The article questions how the extraterrestrial origin was determined and notes the absence of photos.

MUFON and Skepticism

Sean Feeney of The Anomaly Response Network complained about threats from James Carrion, the new director of MUFON, over negative remarks. Feeney's criticisms of MUFON's endorsement of the "Gulf Breeze syndrome" are noted. The editor describes MUFON as "basically honest, semi-competent, and entertaining."

Miscellaneous Sightings and Events

"Mysterious sand circles" found in the Rio Grande riverbed in West El Paso are attributed to an artist named Michael Alford, who claims he did not intend to fool anyone.

A photograph is presented as potentially the "oldest UFO photograph ever taken," dating from 1870 in Mount Washington, New Hampshire, though few details are given.

MUFON's Origins and Leadership

The editor discusses Walt Andrus, the founder of MUFON in 1967, who retired in 2000 but has since remarried and returned as an Assistant State Director. Andrus admits to being computer illiterate. John Schuessler took over from Andrus, and Carrion took over the group last year.

Karl Pflock's Book on Betty and Barney Hill

A new book, "Encounters at Indian Head: The Betty and Barney Hill UFO Abduction Revisited," co-edited and partially written by the late Karl Pflock, is reviewed. The book features contributions from various researchers and discusses the complex Hill case, with contributors holding differing views from skepticism to belief. The editor, while not believing the case was a hoax, notes that Betty Hill's activities after the abduction did not enhance her credibility. The publisher is Anomalist Books, and the price is $17.95.

Retro UFO Two Convention and Integratron

The "Retro UFO Two Spaceship Convention" near Landers, California, is mentioned, an event aimed at reviving the large conventions of the 1950s and 1960s. The editor attended several of these. A photo of attendees at Giant Rock trying to absorb its energy is described. The nearby Integratron, built by George Van Tassel based on instructions from "Space People," is also mentioned as being used for special events.

Skepticism and Debunking

Klaus Werner, a German super-skeptic, criticizes William Moore for promoting a "never-occurred saucer crash incident at Roswell" and calls for Moore to confess the "MJ-12 hoax" and other alleged deceptions.

Skeptic John Merrell writes about a lawsuit against Court TV and FBI psychic Noreen Renier, detailing financial damages awarded to him and the fallout for Renier's book and promotional fees.

Ace UFO cartoonist Matt Graeber comments on the French edition's cover of Karl Pflock's Roswell book, finding the depiction of aliens unusual and questioning its accuracy.

Researcher Ed Grabowski suggests that serious interest in the UFO phenomenon has declined since before 1970, describing the current field as a "P.T. Barnum snake-oil-selling enterprise" with individuals like Stanton Friedman, Whitley Strieber, and Budd Hopkins "conning the Rubes." He criticizes the repetitive coverage of incidents like "Roswell" on cable TV channels.

Letters and Contributions

A net posting from "Eteponge" questions the motivations of "super-skeptic" James Randi.

A letter from "John Rooney" praises the editor's "articulate, pointed dissections of the UFO community" and his objective approach to questions.

Mike Gensler writes about playing "UFO B.S. Bingo" and asks for the editor's own psychic experiences.

Christopher Roth, future editor of "Saucer Smear," responds to Michael Dennett, identifying himself as a "stealth True Believer in Skeptic's garb." He comments on the discovery of a potentially habitable planet orbiting Gliese 581, expressing concern about Earth's future.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical context of UFO research, the ongoing debates surrounding key cases like Roswell, the credibility of various researchers and witnesses, and the challenges faced by the UFO community. The editorial stance, as expressed through Moseley's writings and the selection of contributions, appears to be one of critical engagement with UFO claims, acknowledging the enduring mystery while maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism and a critical eye towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated assertions. There's a clear appreciation for objective inquiry and a disdain for what the editor perceives as charlatanism or exploitation within the field.