SAUCER SMEAR

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Saucer Smear" (Vol. 56, No. 1, Jan. 10th, 2009) is the official publication of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY. The editor and Supreme Commander is James W. Moseley. Contributing editors include Vince Ditchkus and Dr. Chris Roth. The cover features a photograph of a giant inflatable dog turd that blew away from a Swiss museum, with the headline "FLYING TURD".

Editorial Content

The editorial expresses satisfaction with a negative review of ufologist Stanton Friedman's book "Flying Saucers and Science: A Scientist Investigates the Mysteries of UFOs" in "Fortean Times". The reviewer, Peter Brookesmith, criticized Friedman's arguments, stating he produced no evidence of ET presence and that the book was propaganda, not science, earning a rating of 3 out of 10. In contrast, "Fortean Times" had previously given a positive review (9 out of 10) to "Saucer Smear's" autobiographical UFO book, "Shockingly Close to the Truth!".

Stanton Friedman and the Roswell Incident

The magazine defends Stanton Friedman against a critical letter from Florida State University physics professor Paul Cottle, who called Friedman a "charlaton" and accused the Mary Brogan Museum of Art & Science of promoting pseudoscience by hosting his lectures. The museum defended Friedman's credentials, and his lectures were well-attended.

The Passing of Dr. Frank Stranges

The issue notes the death of Dr. Frank Stranges of California at age 81. Stranges was described as a preacher, ufologist, immigration lawyer, and judge. His most famous work was the 1967 book "Stranger at the Pentagon", detailing his alleged encounters with a spaceman named Val Thor. The magazine recounts how the story of Val Thor's hands, which appeared smooth and veinless, led to photos being taken by August C. Roberts and passed to Stranges. Stranges had been trying to promote a film based on his book, requiring a $25 million budget. The article also mentions a recent claim by Patti Jeanne Spencer of having met and married Commander Thor in 1950, and that Val's spaceship, "Victor One", is reportedly located near Lake Mead.

Roswell Debate and Alternative Explanations

"Saucer Smear" addresses a blog post by Dr. / Major Kevin Randle, who criticized the magazine's continued suggestion that the 1947 Roswell Incident was merely the crash of a Mogul Balloon train. "Saucer Smear" asserts it is the oldest continuously published UFO zine, established in 1954, predating Randle's "The KowPflop Quarterly". The magazine argues that stories of alien bodies from Roswell have been discredited, leaving only descriptions of debris. It dismisses the Mogul Balloon explanation, questioning why such debris would be from an interplanetary spacecraft. Alternative theories for Roswell mentioned include a secret U.S. experiment, or something from Russian friends. John Keel's theory of a Japanese Fugo balloon is also mentioned, though noted as problematic due to the timing after WWII.

Other UFO Cases and Phenomena

The issue highlights the 1964 Socorro, New Mexico incident involving policeman Lonnie Zamora, who reported seeing a landed craft and two humanoids. Dr. Donald Burleson's claim that confiscated photos were fogged by radiation is presented, but questioned due to the photos never being seen. Professor Charles Moore, who visited the site with the editor, had no explanation.

A list of "Paranormala's Top Ten Unexplained Phenomena" is partially presented. #8 is the Dropa Stones from China, described as ancient, etched hieroglyphic stones with associated small humanoid skeletons, though noted as possibly a hoax. #7 is the "Miracle of the Sun" from Fatima, Portugal (1917). #6 is MORGELLONS disease. #5 is the "Taos Hum". #4 is Near Death Experiences. #3 is Doppelgangers. #2 is the Sudarium of Oviedo. #1 is "Black Triangle UFOs".

An item from "Inexplicata - The Journal of Hispanic Ufology" describes strange, deep geometric marks found on wheat fields in Chicoana, Argentina, attributed to enormous structures seen in the night sky. The lights moved erratically, and cell phone cameras failed.

Fate Magazine and Other News

The magazine congratulates "Fate Magazine" on its 60th anniversary, recalling its founding by Ray Palmer and its focus on the paranormal. The editor notes his own contributions to "Fate" since 1955.

Peter Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC) expresses frustration with the public's lack of cooperation. A "Weekly World News" report claims an alien switched support from Barack Obama to John McCain and was seen with Laura Bush.

Skeptical Contributions and Predictions

Peter Davenport is described as eccentric, living in a bunker, and alienating people. The magazine hopes he doesn't quit his ufological work.

Recent ufological predictions are reviewed: Prophet Yahweh of Las Vegas predicted space ships on November 11th or November 2008, which did not occur. Dr. Richard Boylan of California predicted an asteroid strike on November 15th, which also did not happen. Boylan is remembered for being "defrocked" as a psychologist due to a "hot tub massage".

A forthcoming "Underground Base" Conference in Dulce, New Mexico, is mentioned as a pathetic tourist event.

News briefs include the demise of "Alien Worlds" Magazine and the second edition of Gray Barker's book "The Silver Bridge". Sightings of "lights in the sky" in Stephenville, Texas, are noted.

Letters to the Editor and Reader Contributions

Researcher Matt Graeber writes in response to Kevin Randle, criticizing Randle's attempt to defend Major Jesse Marcel and accusing Randle of an "insidious, ill-mannered, callous" attack on individuals. Graeber questions Randle's claims and asks for proof.

Curtis Peebles sends a check for his non-subscription to "Saucer Smear", calling it the only UFO publication with a sense of fun.

Dan Kelley visited the Roswell UFO Museum and found early issues of "Saucer Smear" in the library.

Scott Bond looks forward to another year of "Saucer Smear" and comments on "UFO Hunters" featuring Bill Birnes & co. investigating a supposed UFO crash site in Aurora, Texas, finding only murky water, soggy clods, and a snake.

Gary Hemphill praises "Saucer Smear" for its directness and willingness to call out charlatans, sending a donation.

Skeptic Michael Dennett agrees that "Smear" is the best UFO magazine.

Norman Howard believes the UFO phenomenon is Earth-based or from another dimension, and praises "Saucer Smear's" improved writing and directness.

John Merrell encourages a federal bail-out for "Saucer Smear" to convert non-subscribers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine maintains a critical stance towards what it perceives as pseudoscience and overly zealous ufologists, while celebrating its own longevity and directness. It frequently revisits the Roswell Incident, offering alternative explanations and challenging conventional narratives. There is a recurring theme of the "old guard" of ufology passing away and being replaced by newcomers. The editorial stance is often skeptical of claims lacking strong evidence, yet open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The publication emphasizes its unique blend of serious investigation and a sense of humor, as noted by its readers.