Okay, this is infuriating. I remember that press conference, several years ago. March 21, 1996 - sounds about right. Somehow Pravda has picked up a story from another Russian newspaper, Vecherny Volgograd. Someone along the way has come under the impression that Hoagland is some sort of official NASA spokesperson, no doubt fostered by Hoagland himself.

Hoagland got himself invited to some sort of NASA Headquarters special luncheon speakers program. They bring in speakers and allow the employees to attend. It is not an official NASA position, but rather a sort of after-hours or extra-curricular program. Hoagland has been spinning it for all that he's worth. As I recall, the press-conference was so ridiculous most of the people walked out on it. This as reported via a local radio correspondent covering it for a radio station in Houston.

Hello journalistic integrity, where are you going?