Saucer Smear - Vol 54 No 06 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 54, No. 6 (Whole Number 402)
Date: July 5th, 2007
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: Janos W. Moseley, J.S.
Contributing Editor: Vince Ditchkus

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It features a mix of news briefs, in-depth articles, letters to the editor, and commentary on various UFO-related topics, including alleged sightings, research, skepticism, and related cultural phenomena.

News Briefs

The issue opens with news about a documentary by Canadian filmmaker Paul Kimball titled "Best Evidence," which highlights ten significant UFO cases, notably excluding Roswell. The documentary is praised for its objectivity and features commentators like Stanton Friedman, Brad Sparks, and Dick Hall. Among the cases mentioned are "RB47" from 1957, England's Rendlesham Forest (1980), McMinnville, Oregon (1950), and Shag Harbor, Canada (1967), with all ten events dating from 1980 or earlier.

A particularly bizarre encounter is detailed, originating from famed historian Jerry Clark and reported by Aileen Garoutte. In 1977, a Georgia man named Tom Dawson witnessed a "strange circular object" land, from which five humanoid beings emerged. Two were nude, and one repeatedly exclaimed, "I am Jimmy Hoffa." The beings then conducted a frightening physical examination on Dawson before departing. Dawson was treated for hysteria but maintained the story was true.

Loch Ness Monster and Other Anomalies

Recent news regarding Scotland's Loch Ness Monster includes a video captured by Gordon Holmes showing a fast-moving object on the water's surface, estimated to be between 4 to 6 feet or 45 feet long. Scientific efforts using 15 shoebox-sized metallic submarines called VideoRays to obtain deep-water photos of Nessie yielded no apparent results.

David Perkins contributed a copy of Christopher O'Brien's book, "Secrets of the Mysterious Valley," which focuses on the San Luis Valley in Colorado, known for anomalous phenomena, animal mutilations, UFOs, and strange creatures. The book's investigators aim for objectivity, ruling out ETs and government activities, but are left with strange tentative theories.

Roswell, Etc.

Researcher Revin Randle discusses the Roswell Incident, presenting the testimony of Bessie Brazel, who was 14 in 1947. She described the debris as pieces of a burst balloon, made of a double-sided material, foil-like on one side and rubber-like on the other, grayish silver in color. Some sticks had faint, pastel-colored flower-like designs, consistent with Professor Charles Moore's recollection of the Mogul Balloon project, with no mention of alien bodies.

The issue also references Karl Pflock's book "Roswell: Inconvenient Facts and the Will to Believe." A new pro-Roswell book by Tom Carey and Don Schmitt, "Witness to Roswell," is mentioned, detailing government cover-ups, dead aliens, and death threats.

A planned UFO-oriented theme park in Roswell is described, costing millions and featuring an indoor roller coaster for simulated alien abductions. The park is proposed to cover 60 to 80 acres and expand to 150, including an exhibit hall.

Kal K. Korff and Skepticism

Kal K. Korff (KKK), described as an ufological skeptic living in the Czech Republic, is reportedly releasing a nine-volume series of anti-Roswell books. One book, "DumbSchmitt: The Roswell UFO Research Scandals of Kevin Randle," is co-authored by Ms. Martina Tycova, described as a Czech Super-model and former Israeli secret service agent. Korff is also targeting researcher Royce Myers. Vince Ditchkus humorously notes that Korff's promotion to Colonel in the mysterious "S3" group is easy when the organization doesn't exist and he's the only member.

The Church of the SubGenius has accused the City of Roswell of scheduling its annual festival on a date that conflicts with their own convention.

Tidbits of Trash

This section covers various miscellaneous items:

• Samuel Eaton Thompson: A recent posting suggests Thompson, not George Adamski, was the first 1950s UFO contactee. He claimed to have met two Venusians in March 1950, who were naked and invited him for a chat about other planets. Fate Magazine reportedly decided not to publish his story due to its unbelievable nature, possibly due to the nudity aspect.
• Dennis Crenshaw: A meeting with researcher Dennis Crenshaw and his wife is noted. Crenshaw co-authored a book with Pete Navarro titled "Secrets of Dellschau: The Sonora (California) Aero Club and the Airships of the 1800s," concerning the 1896-1897 airship "flap."
• Anomalist Books: This publishing house, run by Dennis Stacy and Patrick Huyghe, specializes in off-beat topics and is considering the "Dellschau" book. They also published a book on the Betty & Barney Hill abduction case.
• Raelian Cult: The Raelian cult is reportedly moving its headquarters from Canada to Las Vegas, Nevada.

UFO Images and Technology

A strangely-shaped craft, similar to one pictured, has been seen recently and received attention online. It is described as silent, smooth, and moving at low altitudes, disappearing quickly. Vince Ditchkus suggests this could be a computer-generated hoax or a U.S.-made drone, noting that modern technology can simulate "huge craft" realistically, potentially making Billy Meier's work seem dated.

Flatwoods Monster Convention and Skepticism

This year's convention in West Virginia honors the 55th anniversary of the Flatwoods Monster case and promises "proof" regarding the Monster, Roswell, and other UFO cases. Stanton Friedman is listed as a speaker. The issue recalls Gray Barker's investigation of the Flatwoods Monster incident for his UFO magazine, noting complications involving aerial warfare between alien craft and U.S. military planes.

The "Tampa Bay Skeptics Report," an offshoot of the "Skeptical Inquirer" (now CSICOP/CSI), is mentioned. The editor, Gary Posner, is a medical doctor and friend of the late Phil Klass. The "Smear" editor explains their differing views from CSI's extremism. Posner's article "UFOs and Bovine Excrement" is also highlighted.

Guy Lyon Playfair's article "Has CSICOP Lost the 30 Years' War?" is quoted, criticizing CSICOP's history of examining questionable claims and its promotion of secular humanism, which involves attacking religion. The article argues that CSICOP/CSI functions as a religious organization in its zealous pursuit of its principles.

Letters to the Editor

Chris Roth: The future editor of "Smear" comments on the artwork of the French edition of Karl Pflock's Roswell book, suggesting sensationalism sells and that the droopy tentacles on the cover might lead to false "memories" of Roswell aliens.

David Clewell: He identifies the cover art of Pflock's book as being from the June 1952 issue of "Fantastic Stories" or "Startling Stories," drawn by Pierguy for Jack Williamson's story "Dragon's Island." He notes the creatures were algae-based and the craft was grown by mad scientists, not alien.

Martin Kottmeyer: He confirms the "Startling Stories" origin of the artwork and criticizes its use for a skeptical book on Roswell, noting it doesn't depict a crashed Mogul balloon.

"RAY X" (BOXHOLDER): He found the image used for Pflock's book online and questions the accuracy of the French translation, given the deceptive use of the cover art.

Jerry Clark: He shares his views on ufological panic and the need for scientists with expertise and funding to advance ufology, stating that other issues like crime and corruption are more urgent.

Mike Luckman: He criticizes "Smear" editor Moseley, promoting his own book "ALIEN ROCK: The Rock 'n' Roll Extraterrestrial Connection," which he claims has received praise and is being made into a major motion picture.

Connie Menger: On behalf of Howard Menger, she thanks "Saucer Smear" for years of news and remembers Gray Barker, who published their book "From Outer Space to You."

Barry Greenwood: He thanks "Smear" for publishing an "oldest UFO photograph" and clarifies that a stereo card of Mount Washington, when viewed in 3-D, shows a snow mound with a stick and a dark object, not a UFO. He notes that the image has been misrepresented and sold for high prices online.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features a critical yet engaged perspective on ufology. While reporting on alleged sightings and research, there is a strong undercurrent of skepticism, particularly towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance often questions the validity of certain phenomena and the motives of individuals and organizations involved. The publication seems to value rigorous investigation and critical analysis, as evidenced by its commentary on skeptical groups like CSICOP and its questioning of the accuracy of certain UFO imagery and narratives. The inclusion of diverse viewpoints through letters to the editor further enriches this multifaceted approach to the subject matter.