Saucer Smear - Vol 59 No 01 - 2012

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 59, No. 1 (Whole Number 447)
Date: January 15, 2012
Publisher: Saucer Smear / SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, published by James W. Moseley, delves into several prominent topics within ufology and related mysteries, maintaining its characteristic dedication to 'Upological Journalism.' The cover boldly proclaims 'Holy Shit!' and urges readers to send their 'Free Will Love Offering.'

Mayan Calendar and the End of the World

The lead article addresses the approaching end of the Mayan calendar on December 21, 2012, and the associated 'doomsday theory.' This theory stems from inscriptions on ancient tablets that describe the return of a Mayan god at the end of a 13-period cycle, coinciding with the 2012 date. This cycle is noted as the end of a 5,125-year period since 3113 B.C. The article highlights how tourism officials in southern Mexico are capitalizing on this event, with one director, Manolo Pinot, viewing it as an 'opportunity for rebirth' and a chance for people to 'fill their body with energy.'

The Cash-Landrum Incident Revisited

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Cash-Landrum incident. The narrative is presented as a personal account from the 'Above Top Secret' website, detailing a road journey in January 1981 near New Caney, Texas, shortly after the incident. The author and a friend encountered a roadblock and were turned back due to road repairs. They observed heavy equipment and smelled creosote and asphalt, noting the peculiar lack of reflective gear on the workers. Weeks later, they realized the pristine blacktop laid down was the exact site where the diamond-shaped UFO had allegedly come down and melted the road, providing physical evidence of a UFO sighting. The article expresses frustration that this evidence was 'deliberately destroyed and paved-over.'

Further details on the Cash-Landrum case are provided through contributions from researchers. Curt Collins writes that new information suggests the UFO was dark, not ringed with lights, and that erupting flames were the source of illumination. He also mentions Chris Lambright's interviews with Vickie Landrum. Curtis Peebles offers observations on the energy emitted by the object, suggesting it was ionizing radiation, and discusses the potential exposure levels for helicopter crews involved in the incident. He notes that while the UFO itself is questionable, the presence of CH-47 and Huey helicopters in the area was confirmed by witnesses. Peebles speculates that these helicopters might have been part of preparations for a second Iran Hostage Crisis rescue attempt.

Roswell Research and the 'Dream Team'

The issue touches upon the ongoing research into the Roswell incident. It mentions that researchers Dr. Kevin Randle, Don Schmitt, and Tom Carey have formed a 'dream team' to re-evaluate the evidence and plan to write a book. The inclusion of researcher Anthony Bragalia, who believes 'whatever he believes because he believes it,' is noted with amusement. Randle's observation that Bragalia identified the 1964 Socorro, N.M. case as a hoax by university students is highlighted, with other researchers, including the editor, disagreeing.

Chris Rutkowski is mentioned as having joined the Roswell research team, though his statement that it's a matter of speculation whether the recovered material was non-terrestrial is quoted. The article also discusses Bragalia's claims about a new technology for lie detection and his assertion that Jessie Marcel Sr. passed the test regarding his taped statements. However, it also references a previous skeptical researcher, Robert Todd, who obtained health records suggesting Marcel lied or exaggerated.

Plans to move the International UFO Museum to a new location have reportedly been dropped due to economic conditions, disappointing curator Julie Shuster.

Bigfoot and Other Mysteries

Under the heading 'BIGFOOT LIVES?', the magazine features a piece about Ms. Molly Hanson, who is working with the materials of the late Bigfoot hunter Erik Beckjord. Beckjord had also investigated the Loch Ness Monster. Hanson has not yet managed to organize Beckjord's videos and notes into a comprehensive format. The article notes that no Bigfoot body has ever been found in the US, leading to the conclusion that Bigfoot sightings might not exist, or that Bigfoot, like all creatures, eventually dies.

Nostalgia and Personal Reflections

The 'Nostalgia Department' recalls ufological pioneer Albert K. Bender, who is now about 90 years old and living in California. His 'Space Review' zine in 1952 was the first internationally distributed flying saucer magazine, with Gray Barker serving as 'Director of Research.' Bender was reportedly 'Silenced' by Men in Black. His book, 'Flying Saucers and the Three Men,' is described as reading like cheap science fiction.

Letters to the Editor and Other Contributions

The issue includes various letters and contributions:

• Curt Collins: Researches the Cash-Landrum Case and expresses enthusiasm for its coverage, providing details on the UFO's appearance and the involvement of Chris Lambright.
• Tim Printy: Editor of 'SUNlite' zine, recommends Moseley's book, calling it a 'worthy read' and a 'time machine into the past.'
• Curtis Peebles: Aviation expert, comments on experiments measuring subatomic particles exceeding the speed of light, noting the need for repetition and the potential impact on physics if proven true.
• Smiles Lewis: Sends an annual 'True Love Offering' and expresses appreciation for the magazine's content.
• Gary Hemphill: A non-subscriber, makes a donation and notes the shift from 'classic' UFO accounts to 'endless boredom,' suggesting a change in the phenomenon or its perception.
• Anonymous writer: Submits a 'Free Will Offering' and provides information on Albert K. Bender's current address and a photo of his house, obtained from the internet.
• Ed Mitchel: Encloses a donation and wishes for another year of 'Saucer Smear,' believing the world is scheduled to end in December 2012.
• Steve Barnett: A long-time friend, finds 'Saucer Smear' his primary source for UFO news and expresses a sense of mundane reality in the 21st century compared to his expectations of a more speculative future.
• George Hansen: A parapsychologist, calls the magazine 'the best UFO zine in the world.'
• David Perkins: Responds to Curt Collins' letter regarding Tom Adams, confirming Adams is alive and noting his disappearance from ufology in 2002.
• Dr. John Miller: Comments on a piece about Joseph McMoneagle, defending the relevance of remote viewing and mentioning meeting McMoneagle at a 'Crash-Retrieval' UFO conference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the anticipation of the Mayan calendar's end in 2012, the detailed investigation and re-examination of the Cash-Landrum incident, and ongoing debates surrounding the Roswell incident. The magazine also touches upon the enduring mystery of Bigfoot. The editorial stance, as reflected in James W. Moseley's contributions and the overall content, is one of persistent inquiry into unexplained phenomena, often with a skeptical yet open-minded approach to evidence and claims. There's a clear dedication to presenting diverse viewpoints and ongoing research within the ufology community, while also acknowledging the challenges and controversies inherent in the field. The magazine seems to value 'classic' UFO accounts and critical analysis over sensationalism, though its title and cover suggest a provocative style.