Saucer Smear - Vol 58 No 01 - 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 58, No. 1
Date: January 5th, 2011
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter

This issue of Saucer Smear, a publication dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism, arrives as a non-scheduled newsletter dated January 5th, 2011. The cover features a bold "Holy Shit!" headline, urging readers to send their annual "Free Will Love Offering." The editorial content begins with thanks to those who have renewed their non-subscriptions and then transitions into various articles and reader contributions.

"Rebel Without a Cause"?

The editor, James W. Moseley (J.S.), reflects on his own academic background, noting he earned only a partial B.A. from Princeton. He contrasts this with two staff members who have earned Ph.D.s and another with a B.A. in psychology. Moseley explains that his "J.S." designation, standing for "Journal Subscriber," was a demotion from his former role as State Section Director for Monroe County, Florida, a position he held due to a friendship with a former MUFON Director. He humorously notes that he did nothing to deserve the title and that there were no UFO cases in his area during his tenure.

MUFON and International UFO Affairs

The newsletter mentions that MUFON has evolved, now utilizing computers and engaging in more substantial work. It also introduces Mazian Othman, head of the United Nations' Office for Outer Space Affairs, as an official "greeter" for potential extraterrestrial visitors. Othman's office is also responsible for deciding actions in case of a deadly asteroid collision with Earth.

UFO Landing in Delphos, Kansas

This section details a "classic" UFO event from November 2nd, 1971, investigated by Ted Phillips and members of APRO. The sole witness, 16-year-old Ronnie Johnson, described a bright, mushroom-shaped object about 75 feet away, hovering approximately two feet above the ground. The object, about 9 feet wide and 10 feet high, was illuminated by multicolored lights and caused fear in nearby farm animals. After about five minutes, it ascended with a high-pitched jet noise. Physical evidence included a glowing ring on the ground and glowing areas on trees, with touching the dirt inside the ring causing numbness. Professional debunker Phil Klass suggested a hoax involving sheep urine, but failed to explain the glow. The local sheriff vouched for the integrity of the Johnson family.

UFOs and Bigfoot

The issue discusses a book by Stan Gordon, "Silent Invasion - The Pennsylvania UFO Bigfoot Casebook," which covers the 1973 Pennsylvania UFO flap. While acknowledging the book's scope, the review criticizes the use of pseudonyms for witnesses, hindering verification. It notes that Bigfoot sightings described in the book are remarkably consistent, leading the reviewer to conclude Bigfoot is real, possibly a paranormal creature. A specific case from the book describes three women witnessing a metallic, rectangular UFO near Jeannette, Pennsylvania, from which two tall, hairy Bigfoot-like creatures emerged and entered the woods.

The UFO Abduction Wars

This section focuses on the ongoing dispute between abduction researcher Dr. David Jacobs of Temple University and an abductee, pseudonym Emma Woods, from New Zealand. The feud, conducted primarily via telephone hypnosis sessions, raises questions about the efficacy of remote hypnosis and the possibility of false memories. The article questions the qualifications of researchers like Jacobs and his associate Budd Hopkins, given their lack of formal psychology or psychiatry degrees. The feud has been posted online, with Woods seeking disciplinary action against Jacobs, who claims she is mentally ill. The article concludes by noting the complexity of abduction syndrome and the difficulty in resolving such personal experiences.

A postscript references a December 2010 MUFON Journal article detailing a 1992 Roper poll, which concluded that 3.2 million Americans suffer from "UFO abduction syndrome."

Roswell and Other Topics

The issue touches on the Roswell incident, with a reader noting that the Air Force did not have a crashed saucer in 1948, but believers claim advisory board members lacked clearance to know. Another section discusses the availability of Saucer Smear issues on the FATE Magazine website. A story about Bob Guccione's acquisition of alleged Roswell crash photos is recounted, noting that the photos were later identified as being of an exhibit at the International UFO Museum in Roswell. The Loch Ness Monster is also briefly mentioned with a recent sighting near Aldourie Castle.

Letters to the Editor

Several readers contribute their thoughts. Norman Howard praises the magazine's improvement and renews his non-subscription. Jerry Clark, a UFO historian, clarifies his stance on Roswell, stating he has no emotional investment and believes simple testimony is insufficient proof for an extraterrestrial crash, given the lack of post-1947 ramifications. Anthony Bragalia questions the editor's accusation of him being "sinister" for exposing UFO hoaxes while still believing in ET reality. Ann Druffel defends the authenticity of the Heflin photos against anonymous online critics. Matt Graeber shares his interview with abductee Emma Woods and his observations of a hypnotic session conducted by Dr. David Jacobs, mentioning a disturbing detail about a chastity belt offer.

Researcher Contributions

Kevin Henderson discusses the Emma Woods/David Jacobs case, suggesting it could expose the "ETH Abduction Cult." Dr. Chris Roth offers his opinion on Zechariah Sitchin, calling him a "complete fraud" whose work influenced ufological thinking. Skeptic Robert Sheaffer promotes his "Bad UFOs" blog. David Clewell expresses his preference for traditional communication methods over the internet and shares his thoughts on the "Men in Black Suits" depositing a computer at his college.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate and research into UFO sightings, alien abductions, and the nature of evidence in ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning claims, and encouraging readers to examine evidence rationally, while acknowledging the possibility of genuine phenomena. There is a consistent skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a focus on the investigative process, even when dealing with controversial topics like abductions and the Roswell incident. The magazine also highlights the contributions and opinions of various researchers and readers, fostering a sense of community and ongoing discussion within the ufological field.