Saucer Smear - Vol 57 No 08 - 2010

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 57, No. 8
Date: November 1st, 2010
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It features a quote from the late Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a scientific consultant to Project Blue Book, who believed that the solution to the UFO problem would be a "mighty and totally unexpected quantum leap" for science.

Lead Story: The "Life-Friendly" Planet Gliese 581g

The issue highlights the discovery of Gliese 581g, a planet described as "life-friendly" by astronomers. Despite being 120 trillion miles away (about 20 light years), it is considered "right in our face" compared to other stars. Scientists can deduce details about the planet by interpreting its effects on its star. Intriguingly, a single, possibly artificial signal was received from its vicinity in December 2008. The article notes that while primitive life might be common, intelligent life is much harder to find, even on Earth.

Editorial Musings and Staff Additions

Editor James W. Moseley introduces Dr. Tim Brigham as a new contributing editor. Moseley reflects on the complexity of the subject and humorously defines an "advanced planet" as one whose inhabitants read "Saucer Smear." He expresses a wish to live another fifty years to witness scientific marvels.

The editor also mentions recently deceased individuals, including non-subscribers and ufologists like Dr. Berthold Schwars and Dr. Alvin Lawson. He notes that if deaths continue at this pace, the publication might be renamed "The Ufological Passing Parade."

Moseley shares his long-standing membership in MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) and his engagement with their monthly journal, though he often disagrees with its content. He also comments on the repetitive nature of Stanton Friedman's columns and the addition of Ted Phillips, a researcher of "physical trace" UFO cases, who will contribute a column titled "Outside the Box."

Ted Phillips' "Outside the Box"

Ted Phillips' first column, "It's time to quit ignoring the paranormal aspects connected to many UFO cases," suggests that even "nuts and bolts" ufologists are reluctantly concluding that a paranormal aspect exists. The article includes a quote from Phillips' column, which is then followed by an excerpt from the MUFON Journal.

UFO Predictions and Disinformation

A screaming "Yahoo" headline announces a retired NORAD Officer's book predicting a "Tentative Worldwide UFO Display on October 13th, 2010," intended to avert a planetary catastrophe from carbon dioxide levels. However, the editor notes that on the predicted date, news coverage focused on the rescue of Chilean miners, implying the predicted UFO events did not occur or were overshadowed.

The issue also discusses Jacques Vallee's theory from his book "Messengers of Deception," suggesting UFOs might be devices that create reality distortions to change belief systems. The editor agrees with this perspective.

The Pascagoula UFO Abduction Case Revisited

This section revisits the 1973 Pascagoula UFO abduction case involving Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker. The two men reported being taken aboard a craft by humanoid creatures. The article notes that while Hickson lectures on the experience, Parker suffered a breakdown afterward. The editor expresses a desire for more information on Parker's fate and mentions that Hickson was to write a book, possibly in conjunction with Wendelle Stevens.

The description of the entities includes their height (a little over five feet), wrinkled skin, pointed noses, and "sort of slits for mouths." The article notes that there was no verbal or telepathic communication.

Man Says Aliens Target Him with Meteors

A brief report details Radivoje Lajic of Bosnia, who claims his home has been struck by meteors six times since November 2007. He believes he is being targeted by extraterrestrials, and experts have confirmed the rocks are meteorites.

The Travis Walton Abduction and the "Alien Autopsy" Film

The issue reviews the Travis Walton abduction case, which occurred in 1975. It also addresses a recent posting on the "UFO Media Matters" website claiming to be from Travis Walton himself, contradicting previous information. The editor expresses skepticism about the authenticity of this new claim.

A significant portion is dedicated to debunking the "Roswell Alien Autopsy" film, which surfaced in England in 1995. The article argues that the film is a "money-making scam," citing the implausibility of security lapses and the gruesome nature of the alleged autopsy. The conclusion is that neither the original film nor the aging cameraman exist, and the film makes the Roswell crash seem more ludicrous.

Dr. Paul Kurtz and the Center for Skeptical Inquiry

A postscript discusses the exile of Dr. Paul Kurtz, founder and CEO of CSI (Center for Skeptical Inquiry). An article from the New York Times reveals clashes with a new CEO, Ronald Lindsay, over office discipline and the promotion of atheism, leading to Kurtz's resignation.

Ode to Ye Druids and Stonehenge

The editor shares a personal anecdote about humorously listing his religion as "DRUID" on a police form. He then discusses the official recognition of Druids as a religion in Britain, allowing for tax exemptions. The article mentions a news report about a "Druid princess" dancing naked at Stonehenge and the editor's own visit to the site in 1997, noting strict preservation rules.

Letters to the Editor

Jerry Clark on Wendelle Stevens and John Stuart: Famed UFO historian Jerry Clark writes about the passing of Wendelle Stevens, acknowledging his awareness of Stevens' work but having no personal interaction. He expresses doubt about claims that Stevens was a victim of a government agency, questioning the motive unless publishing "bad, virtually illiterate books" has become a national security issue. Clark also comments on John Stuart's book "UFO Warning," asserting that Stuart believed his story and that Gray Barker's role was primarily editing.

Gary Hemphill on "Shades of Gray": Gary Hemphill congratulates the editor on "Shades of Gray," noting its availability on Netflix and playfully suggesting the editor and Rick Hilberg are "movie stars" who should maintain their ethical standards.

Dr. Chris Roth on Contactees and Skepticism: Dr. Chris Roth expresses interest in David Huggins' update, feeling Huggins is a sincere contactee, but worries about his statements potentially indicating suicidal ideation. Roth also comments on the obituary for Wendelle C. Stevens, finding it balanced but acknowledging the issue of his alleged sexual indiscretions. He mentions "Robert the Haunted Doll" as a source of nightmares and includes an obituary for Alvin Lawson, a skeptic.

Christopher Allan on Levelland Sightings and Sputnik: Christopher Allan provides details about the Levelland, Texas, UFO sightings of November 2nd, 1957, clarifying that they occurred an hour after the launch of Sputnik Two, not Sputnik One. He notes that the US was unaware of Laika's launch when the Levelland reports began. Allan also recalls reports of "dognappings" by UFO occupants in the US shortly after Sputnik Two's launch, which he finds interesting but unexplainable.

Ray X on "Law & Odor" and Repression: Ray X comments on a statement about Arizona being a "harsh right-wing Law & Odor state," questioning the nature of the "odor."

Gene Steinberg on Government UFO Fakery: Gene Steinberg, writing for "The Paracast," suggests that private citizens may have been complicit in government UFO fakery. He names Jim Moseley and Gray Barker as individuals who, years ago, spread "silliness" to keep the UFO field alive. Steinberg credits Barker with popularizing the "Men in Black" legend. He also recounts a prank by Moseley in 1966, where he reported a UFO sighting to the police.

Roswell Devotee Jerry Lucci

Jerry Lucci describes the new "Smear" as "a breath of musky air - the smell of ufoology growing old and more insane." He critiques Nick Redfern's theory that the Roswell craft was a "Trojan Horse planted by Satan." Lucci also mentions Nick Pope as a potential "saucer spy" and anticipates more revelations about government deception. He believes the Roswell craft was a secret project, not an ET craft, citing the Schulgen collection memo. Lucci questions why governments would shoot down UFOs if they weren't threats.

Dr. Tim Brigham's Background

Dr. Tim Brigham, a new contributing editor, shares his background, holding a PhD in Cognitive-Experimental Psychology. His research focuses on cognitive neuroscience, memory, and altered states of consciousness. He states his belief that unusual phenomena have a basis in reality outside the human mind and that explaining them requires understanding how minds produce unusual consciousness states and interact with external factors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" exhibits a consistent editorial stance that blends a critical examination of UFO phenomena with a degree of open-mindedness. The editor, James W. Moseley, is skeptical of certain claims, particularly those involving channeled information and elaborate hoaxes like the "Alien Autopsy" film. However, he also acknowledges the possibility of genuine unusual phenomena and encourages readers to remain observant. The publication engages with a wide range of topics, from scientific discoveries about exoplanets to historical UFO cases and the cultural impact of UFOlogy. There is a clear emphasis on investigating "physical trace" evidence and questioning official narratives. The inclusion of letters from various contributors, including skeptics and believers, provides a diverse perspective on the UFO field. The recurring theme of questioning authority and seeking deeper understanding of consciousness and reality is evident throughout the issue.