Saucer Smear - Vol 59 No 07 - 2012

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 59, No. 7 (Whole No. 453)
Date: August 20th, 2012
Publisher: SAUCER SMEAR
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR, dedicated to ufological journalism, features a mix of reported sightings, historical cases, book reviews, and editorial commentary. The cover poem reflects on the enduring nature of the Roswell crash narrative. The magazine is the official publication of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY.

UFO Sightings in the Florida Keys

The article notes that despite the scenic beauty of the Florida Keys, UFO sightings have been rare since the early 1970s. It details a specific sighting from 1989 by an unnamed naval radar operator in Key West. The witness described an object, approximately 7 feet long and 18 inches tall, shaped like a teardrop and silver in color, hovering about 10 feet above the water. It made stationary turns and then descended to about 6-12 inches above the water before rising and proceeding out to sea, stopping to avoid a collision with a sunset cruise boat. The object had no visible rivets or seams. The editor mentions living in Key West since 1983 and having seen nothing resembling a UFO, but recalls a local character named "Bucky" Hoffman who claimed to have seen a bright white light performing maneuvers near Key West.

Other Sightings and Cases

The issue also touches upon other UFO-related events:

• France Landing (1974/1975): A brief landing occurred in a New Jersey city park, witnessed only by the editor's neighbor.
• Cussac, France (August 29, 1967): This case, revisited from "Open Minds" magazine, describes two children witnessing four small, black-clad beings and a large sphere. The beings entered the craft by flying head-first into it, and the sphere ascended with a hissing noise and a sulfur smell. The case is noted for its enduring mystery and the difficulty in finding concrete explanations.
• Brush Creek, California (July 1953): A miner reported seeing a being in green attire with unusual shoes alight from a flying saucer, appearing to collect water.
• Gloucester, Massachusetts (1692): Mentions poltergeist-like sounds and figures performing bizarre actions.

Book Review: "Unexplained: Strange Sightings, Incredible Occurrences, and Puzzling Physical Phenomena - Third Edition"

This section reviews Jerome (Jerry) Clark's comprehensive book, which covers a wide range of unexplained phenomena. The reviewer notes the book's extensive material, including entries on various cryptids, anomalies, and historical mysteries. The editor's own mention in the book regarding the Nazca Lines is highlighted. Clark's philosophy on the unknown, emphasizing the difficulty of definitive explanations and the human tendency to invent them, is praised.

The Roswell Legend Grinds On

The magazine commemorates the 65th anniversary of the Roswell Incident. It contrasts the ongoing celebrations in Roswell with the less prominent annual event in Aztec, New Mexico. The article mentions the renaming of the International UFO Museum to The UFO Museum and Study Center and notes the replacement of its director, Julie Shuster, who is reportedly ill. The event included a parade, laser shows, and costume contests.

Flatwoods at 60

This section revisits the classic Flatwoods Monster case from September 12, 1952, in West Virginia. The event began with sightings of apparent meteors and a hovering object. A large, pulsating globular mass was then observed, accompanied by a strange odor and fog. The article references a book by Frank Feshino Jr. and a review by Dwight Connelly, noting that Feshino's work extends into theories of interplanetary warfare and cover-ups, which Connelly finds speculative.

Letters to the Editor and Commentary

• Stanton Friedman and Dr. Donald Menzel: Ufologist Stanton Friedman's insistence that Dr. Donald Menzel was part of MJ-12 and involved in disinformation is discussed. The editor expresses skepticism, contrasting Menzel's background with that of Phil Klass.
• Panama UFO Survey: Parapsychologist George Hansen shares a survey result indicating that 6% of Panamanians claim to have seen a UFO, and of those, 37% felt sexual desire, a feeling stronger than terror.
• William Moore on Aztec: Ufologist William Moore recounts a meeting with J.P. Cahn regarding the Aztec UFO incident and Silas Newton, describing Cahn as potentially furtive.
• Editor's Opinion on Scully: The editor offers a critical opinion on Scully, suggesting he was not stupid enough to believe the Aztec story and may have been a hypocrite.
• Chris Cockrell's Letter: A listener expresses enjoyment of "The Paracast" and compliments the discussion on Stanton Friedman's beard.

Gene Steinberg on UFOs and Disclosure

Gene Steinberg discusses the possibility of UFO disclosure, suggesting that if UFOs are not conventional spacecraft, governments may keep them secret due to their inexplicable nature. He believes the mystery is unlikely to be solved soon, predicting that expected solutions may not materialize or will lead to more questions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the enduring legacy of famous UFO cases like Roswell and Flatwoods, the investigation of specific sightings (Key West), and the exploration of historical and international UFO events (Cussac, France). The editorial stance, particularly from the editor Janos V. Moseley, leans towards skepticism regarding definitive explanations for paranormal phenomena, suggesting that they might be better understood as akin to poetry or dreams rather than purely scientific problems. There is a consistent emphasis on critical analysis and a questioning of claims, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained events. The magazine also features a strong interest in the history of ufology and the individuals who have shaped its discourse.