Saucer Smear - Vol 55 No 09 - 2008

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Vol. 55, No. 9
Date: October 10th, 2008
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, covers a variety of topics within the UFO and paranormal realm, including a Bigfoot hoax, critiques of UFO predictions, updates on prominent figures in the field, and discussions on scientific and pseudoscientific endeavors.

News Briefies

Bigfoot Hoax and Loren Coleman's Financial Woes

The issue begins with news of a hoax involving two Georgia men, Rick Dyer and Matthew Whitton, who claimed to have a dead Bigfoot. Their presentation, which included photographs and a carcass made of animal parts and a costume, was eventually sold for $50,000. The article notes that this story gained significant attention online. In contrast, the long-time cryptozoologist Loren Coleman, curator of the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine, is facing serious financial trouble due to an IRS audit. He allegedly failed to separate his personal income from the museum's finances, and needs to raise donations to rectify the situation and prevent the museum from being declared a hobby rather than a business. The editor expresses a brief acquaintance with Coleman but acknowledges his legendary reputation.

Historical 'Man from Mars' Scare

The article briefly revisits a 1953 'Man from Mars' scare in Atlanta, Georgia, which was less gruesome than the Bigfoot hoax. This incident, involving a monkey presented as an alien, was re-hashed in an article about a mini-museum. The monkey was later identified, and the perpetrators confessed. The editor notes that he was on a UFO-related tour in late 1953 and attempted to find the hoaxters but they had moved.

UFO Debunkers and 'Post-Disclosure'

Stephen Bassett of Paradigm Research Group (PRG) is launching a project to create an online archive of comments by notable UFO/ET debunkers from the past sixty years. The stated reason is to counter attempts by these debunkers to re-establish themselves as experts after a hypothetical 'post-Disclosure' event. The editor dismisses the idea of a government 'post-Disclosure' announcement as ludicrous. He also comments on the CSI (formerly CSICOP) exhibit in San Francisco that ridicules common superstitions, and expresses a personal understanding of the situation of debunkers, suggesting they might not be happy if pro-UFO extremists targeted them.

'Alien Worlds' Magazine and Paul Kimball's Views

The magazine references a previous light-hearted remark about the British UFO zine 'Alien Worlds' and includes a quote from an article by film maker Paul Kimball. Kimball's quote criticizes the focus on 'little green/grey men' in spaceships, arguing it has done a disservice to the search for truth about the UFO phenomenon and its origins, akin to how religious leaders have historically framed the concept of God. The editor agrees with Kimball's statement.

Gary McKinnon Case Update

An update is provided on Gary McKinnon, the computer hacker accused of penetrating US military systems. McKinnon is fighting extradition to the US from Britain, where he faces a potential 70-year prison sentence. His lawyers recently met with US prosecutors, but notes from these meetings mysteriously disappeared. McKinnon has appealed to the European Court of Human Rights, which could delay extradition for at least two years. The editor, while acknowledging his US citizenship, agrees with the American stance that sabotage must be punished.

'Still Waiting: A List of Predictions'

Vince Ditchkus shares a treatise by Martin Kottmeyer titled "Still Waiting: A List of Predictions from the 'UFO Culture'", which documents over 200 predictions by ufologists, most of which have not come to pass. Kottmeyer's "Fetridge's Law" suggests that important events do not happen, especially when watched. The article notes that UFO predictions often fail, with believers having a lower success rate than skeptics, whose predictions are often modest. The list includes predictions from figures like Phil Klass, John Keel, Stanton Friedman, and Jerry Clark. A rare successful prediction mentioned is a fourth-grade class in Roosevelt, Utah, accurately predicting a UFO sighting over a hospital on February 23rd, 1967.

UFO Predictions and the 'System of Nines'

The editor discusses current UFO predictions, including one from Dr. Michael Salla regarding an ET vehicle appearing on October 14th, and another from Prophet Yahweh about UFO appearances over Las Vegas. The article also touches upon the Large Hadron Collider experiment in France and Switzerland, noting the potential for microscopic 'black holes' as a skeptical concern. The editor expresses skepticism about ouija boards and predicting future events but is impressed by the Roosevelt UFO sighting story.

The Passing Parade: Todd Zechel and Wilhelm Reich

This section commemorates the passing of Todd Zechel, described as a colorful ufologist and 'exopolitician' known for promoting theories about a UFO crash near Del Rio, Texas. Zechel had a varied career, including managing a porn shop. The article also mentions Wilhelm Reich, who conducted experiments with 'orgone energy' and died in federal prison. His daughter, Eva Reich, who continued promoting his theories, recently passed away.

UFO Debunkers and 'Pompous Asses'

Paul Kimball, a documentary film maker, is retiring from UFO 'blogging' but has more projects planned. He is critical of the 'ufology' field for its strong belief systems and lack of critical reasoning. The editor agrees with Kimball's assessment and notes Kimball's comment that Jerry Clark is a "pompous ass". The issue also mentions Kimball's documentary project on Kal K. Korff, an American citizen who has been expelled from the Czech Republic.

James Randi's Paranormal Challenge

Dr. Colin Ross, an American psychiatrist, is reportedly attempting to win James Randi's $1 Million Paranormal Challenge by demonstrating the ability to make a tone sound using an energy beam from his eyes. The article notes that no one has come close to winning the challenge, with most applicants being self-deluded amateurs. Randi is withdrawing the offer soon. The editor expresses doubt about Ross winning but acknowledges that psychic powers do exist, though they are not always reliable.

Reprint of 'Behind the Flying Saucers'

Tin Beckley of Global Communications has reprinted Frank Scully's 1950 book "Behind the Flying Saucers", with additional material. The book focuses on an alleged UFO crash near Aztec, New Mexico, in 1947. The editor recalls interviewing Frank Scully and Silas Newton in 1953. The Aztec case was later exposed as a hoax by a newspaper reporter. The editor rejects the authenticity of Scully's story due to the measurements described, which are multiples of nine, and the use of feet and inches as a crude measuring system.

"Did You Make The List?"

A web posting titled "Did You Make The List?" categorizes UFO personalities. "The Good" includes about one hundred UFO personalities, including the editor. "The Unreliable" list includes figures like George Adamski, Bill Birnes, Richard Boylan, Stanton Friedman, Steven Greer, Budd Hopkins, Linda Moulton Cowe, David Jacobs, Philip Klass, Kevin Randle, Carl Sagan, Ray Santilli, Dennis Stacy, and Orson Welles. "The Bad" list includes John Alexander, Robert Bigelow, Ed Danes, Richard Hall, George Knapp, Kal K. Korff, Bruce Maccabee, Nick Redfern, Don Schmitt, William Shatner, Clifford Stone, Jacques Vallee, and Ryan Wood. The editor considers Nick Redfern a good guy and notes that Dr. Jacques Vallee is on the 'Bad' list.

Missives From The Masses

Allen Greenfield responds to criticism from the editor and Rick Hilberg regarding his UFO prediction for Houston, Texas. Greenfield clarifies that his method is based on a cipher system, not psychic powers, and suggests critics try his method. He defends his prediction of a UFO sighting on July 3rd, 2008, near Houston, citing two witness reports and a videotaped sighting. Michael Dennett comments on the front page photo, suspecting it is fake due to the Weekly World News having gone out of business and the figure appearing to be a dummy. Denis Corey expresses fatigue with rehashed UFO content and agrees that the mystery is unlikely to be solved in our lifetime.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Smear maintains its critical and often skeptical stance towards many aspects of ufology, while still engaging with the subject matter. The editor, James W. Moseley, frequently injects personal anecdotes and opinions, often with a humorous or sarcastic tone. There is a recurring theme of debunking hoaxes and questionable claims, as seen in the Bigfoot story and the critique of UFO predictions. The magazine also highlights the financial and personal struggles of prominent figures in the field, such as Loren Coleman. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and what the editor perceives as self-serving or unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community. The publication seems to value critical thinking and rigorous analysis, even while acknowledging the enduring mystery of UFOs. The inclusion of reader letters and responses (