Saucer Smear - Vol 58 No 06 - 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 58, No. 6
Date: June 15th, 2011
Publisher: SAUCER SMEAR
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Saucer Smear, dedicated to upholding the principles of ufological journalism, features a variety of articles and commentary on UFO phenomena, historical cases, and related personalities.

"Mr. Creepo" Does It Again!

The issue opens with a reference to Tim Beckley, described as "Mr. Creepo" when not writing about UFOs, and his latest re-issue of a long-ago UFO-related book. The book, "Round Trip to Hell in a Flying Saucer: UFO Parasites; Alien 'Soul Suckers', Invaders from Demonic Realms," is a 300-page soft-cover tome edited by Beckley and Sean Casteel, with contributions from various ufologists. The original author, Cecil Michael, is noted as a contactee era figure who is likely deceased. The review suggests the book is intended for entertainment rather than scientific rigor, and mentions Beckley's autographed warning to the editor about selling the book to a collector named Tom Benson.

What Happens When UFO Research Organizations Die? - Part Two: NICAP

This article delves into the history and eventual decline of NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena). It draws information from Jerry Clark's "UFO Encyclopedia," a Wikipedia entry, and an article by Richard Hall. The piece discusses the organization's move to suburban Washington and questions whether NICAP files were retrieved from a trash bin after its demise, with the files eventually ending up with CUFOS. Major Donald Keyhoe is identified as the leader of NICAP during its most productive period (1957-1969). The article notes Keyhoe's background as an aviation writer and his initial imposition of an anti-Communist oath for members. NICAP's peak membership in the late 1960s is mentioned, along with the impact of the 1969 Condon Report, which led to a decline. Keyhoe is described as arrogant, a poor administrator, and obsessed with the Air Force's knowledge of UFOs. The article recounts the editor's own experiences with obtaining Project Bluebook UFO files from the Pentagon, contrasting it with Keyhoe's limited access. Donald Keyhoe and Assistant Director Gordon Lore were fired in late 1969. The organization continued until 1980 with diminishing influence.

More Confusion Regarding the Classic 1964 Zamora Sighting in New Mexico

This section discusses the 1964 Lonnie Zamora sighting in Socorro, New Mexico, focusing on a symbol or insignia seen on the landed craft. The article presents a "Top Drawing" of the symbol as seen by Zamora and a "Bottom Drawing" as the "actual" symbol according to Dr. Allen Hynek and Air Force files. It notes that horizontal lines were added to approximate what Zamora saw, supposedly to prevent hoaxers. The symbol was also seen by Gary Chopic on a triangular UFO in California in 1973, leading to the belief that Zamora's UFO was a U.S. military prototype. The article suggests that keeping Zamora's original drawing secret has hindered researchers and allowed for the assumption that the Socorro sighting is a top UFO case. It questions why horizontal lines were added and who Gary Chopic was, seeking reader input.

Obama Bin Laden

This brief section shifts focus to current events, expressing satisfaction with the killing of Osama bin Laden but questioning the delay in finding him and the public's fear of Muslims. It also touches on the Obama administration's handling of his birth certificate.

New Mexico Book: Roswell UFO Was Russian Craft

A brief news item reports on Annie Jacobsen's theory in her book "Area 51" that the Roswell incident involved a Russian spacecraft developed through experiments by Nazi doctor Josef Mengele, sent by Joseph Stalin to spark public hysteria.

What Happens When UFO Research Organizations Die? - Part Two: NICAP (Continued)

The article continues its discussion on NICAP, noting that the organization limped on until 1980 with decreasing influence. It mentions that the files eventually went to CUFOS.

SETI's Funding Issues

A FLASH report indicates that the Allen Telescope Array, used by SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), was closed down due to lack of funding. The timing is noted as unfortunate given NASA's Kepler telescope discoveries. The article suggests that SETI's association with UFO beliefs contributes to its low credibility and difficulty in attracting donations, as ufology is considered the "kiss of death" in scientific circles. A SETI spokesman is quoted stating the need to distance themselves from UFOs to avoid conflation.

World Fails to End: Triangular UFOs Fail to Be Reported

This section comments on the predicted May 21st "End of the World" scare, noting that it did not produce significant real-world changes. It also mentions a hoax by an online group called "anonymous" that planned to report fake sightings of triangular UFOs to "Un websites."

"Open Minds" Magazine Review

The issue reviews "Open Minds" Magazine, describing it as a slick, bi-monthly publication. It discusses an article about a "Survivor at Roswell" by Don Schmitt, whom the editor considers unreliable. Another article, "Three International UFO Crashes" by Antonio Huneeus, covers the 1967 Shag Harbour, Canada crash; the 1978 Tarija, Bolivia incident; and the 1986 Dalnegorsk, Russia crash. The Shag Harbour incident is detailed, including witness accounts of unidentified lights falling into the ocean and an official document describing a dark object descending into the water with a whistling sound and a bright flash. A later part of the story suggests the underwater object moved to a submarine base and flew away.

Missives From The Masses

This section features correspondence from readers:

• Stanton Friedman writes about the Betty Hill Star Map, correcting misinformation and detailing the facts from the hypnosis sessions. He explains that the map was a 2D representation of a 3D projection of star points and trade routes, and that Marjorie Fish's work to find a 3D analog was challenging.
• Researcher Hal Pattee comments on the Betty Hill star map, calling it typical "proofs" in UFO stories and noting Betty Hill's enjoyment of her fringe celebrity role, though some found her embarrassing. He also mentions her poor slide presentation at a 1960 UFO convention.
• Famed UFO historian Jerry Clark is quoted regarding a confusion between CIA historian Gerald Haines and psychologist Richard Haines, clarifying that the former wrote a paper attributing UFOs to spy planes, while the latter is a smart guy with books on aviation-related cases.
• Alejandro Rojas, staff member of Open Minds Magazine, thanks the editor for an interview and mentions that many people are coming to the "Trickster" conclusion about UFOs, citing Whitley Strieber. He also sends an article he was inspired to write.
• Curt Collins, a new non-subscriber, expresses his impressions after reading back issues, noting the "passings" of people in the field and the hit-or-miss coverage of UFO cases. He appreciates Moseley's candor in calling "bullshit by name."
• Norman Howard expresses excitement at having his letter printed in the "first spot" of the reader response section.
• Alejandro Rojas is quoted again, discussing James Moseley's view on the paranormal and the "Trickster" concept. He also references a quote from Jerome Clark about Moseley having "entertained just about every view it is possible to hold about UFOs."

Tom Benson's UFO Experience

Tom Benson, former New Jersey State Director for MUFON, recounts an exciting UFO experience from July 1953. He describes seeing two UFO-like crafts with orange coloration and bright white lights. One craft tilted and displayed a cross-structure rotating internally, then moved towards the other craft, with an arc of blue light jumping between them. The crafts then moved towards him, with one directly overhead. He heard a throbbing sound and described the elliptical crafts as having oval bottom conveyances propelled by a gyroscopic structure. The center of the craft was filled with a gaseous, plasma-like substance. Benson also recalls dream-like memories of being onboard a craft and interacting with a human-like occupant who spoke of "stirring the cosmic soup" to fix "time dilation and space continuum." He suggests that focusing on physical aspects of UFOs may be a distraction and that new laws of physics might be needed to understand the phenomenon.

Other Items

• A note from Gene Steinberg, host of "The Paracast," seeking help in getting their shows on more radio stations.
• A brief mention of Anglicans writing to the Pope accepting his offer to become Catholic.
• A headline about "Possum-throwing" being branded immoral.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical analysis of prominent UFO cases and organizations, the personal experiences and opinions of ufologists, and a critical examination of information presented within the UFO community. The editorial stance, as exemplified by James W. Moseley, appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, a willingness to challenge conventional narratives, and a focus on providing a platform for diverse viewpoints, even if controversial. There is a clear emphasis on historical accuracy and a critical approach to ufological research, as seen in the discussions of NICAP's downfall and the analysis of the Betty Hill Star Map. The magazine also touches upon broader societal issues and current events, often with a critical or cynical undertone.