Saucer Smear - Vol 56 No 02 - 2009

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: February 15th, 2009
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, addresses the perceived lack of recent UFO sightings in its pages, explaining that the focus has shifted due to the difficulty in verifying current cases and the prevalence of technological manipulation of evidence. The editor emphasizes a preference for well-documented classic cases from 1947-1980 and other Fortean mysteries.

Editorial and New Developments

The editorial highlights the advancements in telescope technology, such as the Kepler space telescope designed to find exoplanets and the Allen Telescope Array for listening for extraterrestrial signals. It also notes that 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, honoring Galileo. The editor also mentions receiving a donation from UFO promoter Pat Marcattilio and announces his upcoming convention in Bordentown, N.J.

Featured Reports and Analysis

MUFON Report on Stephenville, Texas

The issue reviews a 76-page MUFON report on the Stephenville, Texas UFO incident of January 8th, 2008. Despite extensive research, the report offers no definitive conclusions about the object's design, purpose, or origin.

"The Discovery of Life on Mars" Tract

Another reviewed item is a 41-page tract by Andrew D. Basiago, analyzing a NASA photo (PIA10214) for signs of life on Mars. The editor expresses skepticism, seeing only blurry blobs where Basiago claims to see statues and humanoids.

Classic UFO Cases

The issue revisits the Harry Sturdevant case from October 1956, where he received Workman's Compensation for being 'assaulted by a UFO,' though the compensation board only acknowledged his injury, not the UFO event itself.

"The World's First UFO Crash"

An item from Greg Bishop's blog discusses a historical event in 1783 Paris, where a large unmanned balloon was mistaken for a monstrous object, chased, and torn apart, highlighting the long history of misinterpretations of aerial phenomena.

The "Miracle" of Fatima

This section provides an in-depth look at the 1917 events in Fatima, Portugal, presenting them as potentially UFO/paranormal phenomena rather than purely religious or mass hysteria events. It details the apparitions seen by three children, the predictions made, and the 'Sun' phenomenon witnessed by tens of thousands on October 13th, 1917. The analysis suggests these events were objective and possibly extraterrestrial in nature, questioning why they receive less attention than Roswell.

UFO-Related Cults

The Raelians

The issue provides an update on the Raelians, a group claiming 70,000 members, founded by Rael, who believes humanity was created by aliens. Their planned 'Sex Fest' in Israel on 'International Orgasm Day' was canceled due to threats.

The Sub-Genius Cult

Another cult discussed is the Sub-Genius, characterized by its tongue-in-cheek approach to eschatology and its focus on nudity, sex, drugs, and music. The cult anticipates the end of the world on July 5th, with an annual outdoor convention.

Notable Individuals and Investigations

Gary McKinnon

The case of Gary McKinnon, a British hacker accused of accessing U.S. government computers in search of alien spacecraft images, is discussed. McKinnon claims he did wrong but believes his case is treated seriously due to fear of what he might have seen.

Gloria Lee

The story of Gloria Lee, a flight attendant turned UFO contactee in 1953, is recounted. She claimed to receive transmissions from an alien named 'J.W.' from Jupiter and founded the Cosmon Research Foundation. Her life ended tragically after a 66-day fast in Washington D.C. to draw attention to her cause.

Letters to the Editor and Contributions

D.P. Plunkett (BFSB)

D.P. Plunkett congratulates Saucer Smear on being the 'oldest UFO publication in the world' as they no longer publish their own magazine.

John Keel

John Keel sends a characteristically terse message, mentioning his move and alleged medical experimentation, and commenting on the Roswell incident and actress Demi Moore's connection to Stanton Friedman.

John Cork

John Cork responds regarding the documentary 'The Day the Earth Stood Still,' clarifying that the Aurora, Texas incident was included as an example of historical airship stories and that the complexity of the Roswell crash explanation is part of its enduring appeal.

Dr. Arlan Andrews

Dr. Arlan Andrews praises Saucer Smear for its controversial content and announces his upcoming column 'Arlan's Arcanae' in 'UFO Magazine,' which will offer a personal perspective on Roswell, suggesting the Mogul Project explains the phenomenon except for persistent misremembrances and fabrications.

Dr. Chris Roth

Dr. Chris Roth notes the death of 'Dr.' Frank Stranges, a contactee from the 'Golden Age,' and discusses Stranges' tangential connections to the JFK assassination and his business partnership with Fred Crisman.

Vince Ditchkus

Vince Ditchkus corrects an error in a previous issue, identifying Cindy McCain instead of Laura Bush in a photo with a 'Weekly World News' alien, and reiterating claims about McCain's alleged seduction of the alien for political support.

Erich A. Aggen, Jr.

Erich A. Aggen, Jr., editor of 'C-COM,' announces the cessation of his publication due to financial difficulties stemming from the Wall Street crash.

Paul Kimball

Paul Kimball offers a theory linking Donald H. Menzel to MJ-12 and the 'anti-Christ,' based on numerology.

Gary Hemphill

Gary Hemphill expresses anticipation for the revelation of UFO secrets in 2009 and mentions reading two tracts: 'The KowPflop Quarterly: Major Jesse Marcel: Folk Hero or Mythomaniac?' and 'The Roswell Incident and Project Mogul.'

Ray "X" (Boxholder)

Ray "X" comments on John Keel's theory about the Roswell crash involving a Japanese fire balloon (fugo), suggesting the government's cover-up put citizens at risk.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of Saucer Smear remains focused on investigating UFO phenomena with a critical eye, favoring well-documented historical cases over unverified recent sightings. The publication actively engages with a wide range of perspectives, from scientific advancements in astronomy to fringe theories and cult activities. There is a consistent theme of questioning official narratives and exploring the complexities and enduring mysteries of UFOlogy, often with a touch of skepticism and a critical examination of alleged hoaxes and misinterpretations. The magazine also highlights its long-standing presence in the field, positioning itself as a veteran publication.