Saucer Smear - Vol 56 No 10 - 2009

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: November 15th, 2009 (Vol. 56, No. 10, Whole Number 426)
Publisher: Saucer Smear
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter that offers a light-hearted yet positive perspective on UFO phenomena. It features a mix of investigative articles, book reviews, personal anecdotes, and editorial commentary.

Pitiful Plea for Donations

Editor James W. Moseley opens the issue with a humorous plea for financial support from non-subscribers, citing tough times and a dry moat around his 'palacial headquarters.' He encourages donations via checks or money orders payable to him personally, and humorously notes that cash is also acceptable.

Book Review: 'The Secrets of Dellschau'

The magazine dedicates significant space to reviewing the book "The Secrets of Dellschau" by Dennis Crenshaw and P.G. Navarro. This book details the story of Charles Dellschau, a German artist born in 1830, who immigrated to the U.S. and spent the last twenty years of his life as a recluse. He produced thousands of drawings of strange airships allegedly constructed in the 1850s by a secret group called the Sonora Aero Club. The narrative is based on Dellschau's drawings and marginal notes, which were in bad English and German and required deciphering using a substitution code. The book explores the possibility that these 1850s craft were connected to the 1896-1897 UFO flap, a connection that "Saucer Smear" editors believe is plausible, unlike the theory that the flap was merely a series of literary hoaxes.

The review highlights that the Sonora Aero Club might have been mythical, but if it existed, it comprised ordinary humans. The 1896-1897 airships are considered real, piloted by ordinary humans, with the only potentially 'alien' angle being the mysterious 'NB gas' used for propulsion. The review also criticizes the book for referencing 'alien elements' below hydrogen in the Periodic Table, stating this is scientifically impossible.

The Socorro UFO Incident: A Re-examination

The issue delves into the classic 1964 Socorro, New Mexico UFO landing case, involving policeman Lonnie Zamora. The editor addresses recent theories, particularly those proposed by researcher Anthony Bragalia. Bragalia suggests the event was a 'school prank' by students at New Mexico Tech, citing a notation from the institution's then-president, Dr. Stirling Colgate. Bragalia also previously attempted to link the Roswell Incident to 'memory metal.'

"Saucer Smear" strongly refutes Bragalia's theories, calling them 'ludicrous' and a stretch of facts. The editor recalls a conversation with Professor Charles Moore, who was involved in investigating the Socorro case and had no recollection of any 'prank' theory, stating, "If it wasn't a Surveyor, then I don't know what it was."

Personal Anecdotes and Editorials

James W. Moseley shares his personal experiences and opinions on various UFO-related matters. He addresses Lt. Col. Kevin Randle's statement about withdrawing from the UFO field, humorously noting Randle's offer to sell his files for a million dollars.

The editor also comments on Gary McKinnon, the British hacker, suggesting Stephen Bassett of the Paradigm Disclosure Project could gain more traction by spearheading a "Justice for McKinnon" campaign.

Jaime Maussan, a well-known Mexican UFO researcher, is discussed in the context of a lawsuit filed by Professor Ana Luisa Cid. Maussan is accused of promoting a hoax case, the "Alvin, Texas UFO," and is generally believed to accept any Mexican UFO video as genuine.

The editor shares personal UFO sightings, including the 'worst' (Gulf Breeze UFO, circa 1990) and the 'best' (two bright lights observed in Peru in the late 1950s during treasure hunting). The Peruvian sighting involved two mysterious lights near Mount Chachani, observed with a Dutch adventurer named Andy Rost.

Letters to the Editor and Contributing Editor Comments

James Randi of the James Randi Educational Foundation writes in, correcting inaccuracies in a previous announcement about his health and the foundation's financial status, stating they are not in 'financial trouble' and have sufficient operating funds.

Dr. Chris Roth, a contributing editor, questions the nature of the 'Randi dolls' sold at the 'Amazing Meeting,' suggesting they might allude to Randi's private life. He also mentions seeing Dellschau originals and their incorporation into bizarre collages.

Robert Sheaffer, a skeptic, humorously comments on an internal 'daisy chain' correspondence ranking ufologists by their closeness to 'Uncle Phil,' placing himself and others in the list.

Jerry Clark, a UFO historian, contributes a 1896 Wisconsin newspaper clipping about a boy who suffered from pains after drinking from a pond, which were relieved by the expulsion of a dead snake.

Rob MacGregor, known for his work on the Bermuda Triangle, writes, agreeing that "Smear" is unique and that the editor is 'unique - like everyone else!' He notes the issue's focus on death and mentions Budd Hopkins in a way that could be interpreted as a pre-obituary.

Other Mentions

The issue also includes a brief mention of the death of UFO researcher Mac Tonnies at age 34, and a news item about a Southern California immigrant rights group asking Target stores to stop selling an 'illegal alien' Halloween costume.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical yet engaged stance on UFO phenomena. While presenting information on various cases and theories, it is not afraid to offer skepticism, particularly towards what it deems unsubstantiated claims or sensationalism, as seen in the critique of Anthony Bragalia's theories. The publication champions historical research, as evidenced by the extensive coverage of "The Secrets of Dellschau" and the 1896-1897 airship flap. There's a clear editorial preference for grounded, human-centric explanations where possible, while acknowledging the enduring mystery of certain unexplained events. The tone is often informal and humorous, reflecting the editor's personality and approach to the subject matter. The magazine also engages with prominent figures in the UFO community, both critically and in dialogue, as seen in the exchange with James Randi and the discussion of Jaime Maussan.