Saucer Smear - Vol 47 No 10 - 2000

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 47, No. 10
Date: December 1st, 2000
Publisher: CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It opens with a holiday greeting and a call for subscription renewals, humorously noting the "Dreaded X" on envelopes for those whose subscriptions are due. The editor, James W. Moseley, expresses gratitude to contributors and mentions the magazine's website, www.martiansgohome.com/smear.

Convention Reports

The editor recounts attending two UFO conventions in October. The first was Pat Marcatillio's event in Bordontown, New Jersey, which featured Hans Holzer, known for his work on ghosts, and Don Ecker and Vicki Ecker of "UFO Magazine" (who were unable to attend). The editor gave a talk titled "Weird Personal Experiences of a Skeptical Ufologist".

The second convention was in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, hosted by "Journeys Beyond." This event had shifted its focus from UFOs to the paranormal in general. A planned lecture by former astronaut Dr. Brian O'Leary was replaced by a presentation from Philip Corso Jr. (son of the author of "The Day After Roswell"), his lawyer, and an aircraft technician. They discussed building a craft through "reverse engineering" of alien parts, security levels, and details of the "Philadelphia Experiment" and the Roswell crash.

UFO Theories and Controversies

The issue delves into several controversial theories. One is the idea that AIDS was introduced to Africa by a world-wide conspiracy of the Illuminati to reduce the population, a theory presented in Bill Cooper's book "Behold a Pale Horse." Bill Cooper himself is mentioned as a former frequent lecturer at UFO conventions who has since disappeared from the UFO scene, possibly involved in right-wing militia circles.

Another bizarre theory about AIDS is promoted by Dr. Phillip S. Duke in his book "The AIDS-ET Connection," which posits that aliens deliberately introduced the disease to cause human civilization to collapse. "Saucer Smear" is noted as being one of the few American UFO magazines to review this book.

The magazine also discusses a commercial outfit called Alien Abductions, Inc., which promises to implant memories of alien abductions through hypnosis, raising concerns about subliminal advertisements and potential adverse side-effects.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• "Reaching for Reality" by Constance Clear: An abduction book featuring seven patients' stories. The review notes that four of the patients are public school teachers and that the narratives are subjective, with no clear distinction between dreams and reality.
• "The Real World of Fairies" by Dora Van Gelder: A first-person account by a former president of the Theosophical Society who claimed to have psychically seen fairies.
• "The Chinese Roswell UFO Encounters in the Far East from Ancient Times to the Present" by Harlwic Hausdorf: A paperback exploring evidence of extraterrestrial visitations in the distant past.

The review section also humorously lists potential future book titles, including "Naked Alien Sex Orgies in Roswell" by James W. Moseley.

News Briefies and Personal Notes

Under "News Briefies (formerly TIDBITS OF TRASH)," the issue mentions a website called "UFO Hall of Frauds, Dirtbags, Dupes and Morons" which exposes various ufologists. A list of named ufologists is provided.

There is a mention of the retirement of MUFON czar Walt Andrus and the relocation of MUFON headquarters to Denver, Colorado. The MUFON UFO Journal's circulation has reportedly decreased.

Phil Klass, an arch-skeptic, is mentioned as recovering from a second spinal operation, though his condition is uncertain.

"UFO Magazine" is reportedly cutting personnel costs by making its editor-in-chief, Vicki Ecker, an "independent contractor."

Karl Pflock's article in England's "Fortean Times" is highlighted for adding new information to the Travis Walton abduction story, suggesting a resemblance to a science fiction story, though Walton did not reply to Pflock's inquiry about this.

PFlock PTalk: "BEEP-BEEP!" WENT THE SAUCER?

Contributing Editor Karl Pflock discusses the Barney and Betty Hill abduction case. While convinced they were abducted, Pflock suggests that the "strange beeping sounds" they reported might have originated from their car's trunk lid not being properly latched, rather than from the alien saucer's technology. He posits that the bouncing of the unsecured trunk lid as the car moved could have created the sounds and vibrations.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are included:

• Joseph J. Stefula (Ret.): Notes the re-appearance of early players in the 1980s-era government cover-up conspiracy on an obscure computer discussion group, including Robert Collins, Rick Doty, Dr. Christopher Green, Dr. John Alexander, and Karl Pflock, discussing UFO cover-ups and history.
• Denis Corey: Expresses exhaustion with the ongoing disputes between Uri Geller and James Randi.
• George Hansen: Poses humorous questions distinguishing high-class UFO conferences from high-class skeptics' conferences.
• Alexander Mebane: Congratulates the editor on a FATE article and sympathizes with Pflock regarding his views on "UFO crashes" being fictitious.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and related controversies. There is a strong emphasis on skepticism towards certain aspects of ufology, as seen in the critique of the Barney and Betty Hill case and the questioning of abduction claims. The publication also engages with conspiracy theories, particularly those involving government cover-ups and extraterrestrial influence. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to present information and diverse viewpoints within the UFO field, while maintaining a distinct, often contrarian, perspective. The inclusion of book reviews and convention reports indicates a commitment to chronicling developments and discussions within the ufological community.