Saucer Smear - Vol 48 No 06 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 48, No. 6
Date: June 25th, 2001
Publisher: OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, delves into various aspects of ufology and related phenomena. It features a review of Karl T. Pflock's book 'Roswell: Inconvenient Facts and the Will to Believe,' which challenges the conventional narrative of the Roswell incident. The newsletter also touches upon the 'Mothman' phenomenon, a 'Monkey Man' scare in New Delhi, and a controversy involving researcher Steven Greer and astronaut Ed Mitchell.

Book Review: ROSWELL: INCONVENIENT FACTS AND THE WILL TO BELIEVE

The issue highlights Karl T. Pflock's book, published by Prometheus in 2001. The review states that Pflock, after initially believing in some truth to the Roswell incident, found through his investigation using classified records that the government never had UFOs or alien bodies from Roswell. The book reportedly uses critical weather data to explain the case and suggests that it relies on a single witness who manipulated investigators. The book is priced at $25.00.

Mothman Si, Chupacabras No!

This section discusses 'Mothmania' as featured in Fate Magazine's June 2001 issue, in connection with the upcoming movie 'Mothman Prophecies.' An outfit called Nevermore Creations is launching a line of 'Legendary Monsters' toys, including a Mothman action figure. The author facetiously wonders if John Keel action figures will follow. The article notes that Chupacabras, literally 'goat sucker' in Spanish, is a foreign monster not seen in several years, while Mothman is presented as quintessentially American, originating from West Virginia.

'Monkey Man' Causes Panic in New Delhi, India

This report details a terrifying entity called 'Monkey Man' causing panic in New Delhi. Due to the creature being nocturnal and not clearly seen, the article includes a cartoon rendition. The situation is described as serious, with one man dead from panic and others hospitalized with injuries. The descriptions of the monster vary, and it is suggested that a person with a monkey mask might be behind the mischief. The suburbs of New Delhi are reportedly in a state of panic, with police using reinforcements.

Dr. Steven Greer Under Fire

An internet item reveals that astronaut Ed Mitchell is unhappy with Dr. Steven Greer for using his name as a 'disclosure witness' at a press conference. Mitchell states he cooperated with Greer years ago but withdrew due to Greer overreaching his data. While Mitchell believes in government disclosure, he objects to being misused and associated with claims that are not true. He clarifies that he never received UFO briefings or saw anything suggesting UFOs, and his knowledge comes from individuals in government and intelligence, not first-hand experience. The article also mentions that Whitley Strieber, a famed abductee, criticized Greer's press conference.

Cash-Landrum UFO Incident

A 323-page softcover book by John Schuessler about the Cash-Landrum UFO incident is available from MUFON for $19.95 plus $2 for postage and handling.

Tidbits of Trash

This section contains various short news items:

• Peter Gersten of CAUS: Rumor suggests Peter Gersten is considering getting a 'Real Job' managing a health spa in Phoenix due to insufficient donations.
• 'The Allies of Humanity': An internet intelligence report purportedly from non-human interplanetary agents warns humanity about ET visitors, describing them as commercial resource explorers seeking advantage. The report urges public education and resistance to ET usurpation. The article notes this is a disguised advertisement for a book.
• James Randi vs. Rosemary Altea: A report on James Randi's appearance on Larry King Live, where he debated psychic Rosemary Altea. Randi failed to convince Altea or King about his million-dollar offer for proof of psychic abilities, while Altea did not produce spectacular 'cold readings'.

Fraud-Buster: James Randi

A photograph of a 'RESTRICTED AREA - NO TRESPASSING - BEYOND THIS POINT' sign, identified as protecting 'Area 51' in Nevada, is presented. The sign is noted for lacking any mention of 'deadly force,' unlike some fake signs seen at UFO conventions.

Dr. Williard ("Wild Bill") McIntyre and NIDS

'Wild Bill' McIntyre, formerly of the MARCEN saucer research group, contacted the editor. He claimed scientists at NIDS' 'mystery ranch' in Utah had a 'Vision' of a spaceman discussing Free Energy. However, McIntyre had not heard of Dr. John Alexander, who is associated with Robert Bigelow, the funder of NIDS. This raises questions about McIntyre's knowledge.

John Alexander and NIDS Mystery Ranch Events

John Alexander, associated with NIDS, reported two weird events at the 'mystery ranch' 2-3 years prior: the mutilation of a newborn calf and a night scene where observers saw an entity crawl out and walk away.

Erik Beckjord's New Book

Erik Beckjord, a Fortean researcher, is working on a book titled 'Sex and the Supernatural Sasquatch,' with a subtitle that is considered less catchy than the one for Pflock's upcoming UFO book.

Area 51 Protest Incident

A June 6th item from the Net describes an incident where a government employee drove a pick-up truck at high speed into a crowd of civilian protesters near the entrance to Area 51. Film crews were present, and criminal charges were filed, though the prediction is that nothing substantial will come of it.

Thanks to Matt Graeber

The editor expresses sincere thanks to cartoonist Matt Graeber for his contributions to the issue and past issues of 'Smear.'

Books to Keep Your Bonfire Burning Brightly

This section reviews books:

• 'Extraterrestrial Contact: The Evidence and Implications' by Dr. Steven Greer: A 526-page book published by Crossing Point, Inc. Greer, an emergency physician, heads CSETI. The book is noted for listing Ed Mitchell and Burl Ives among its supporters. Greer advocates for public disclosure of alien visitation but believes free energy and other gifts from space people could create a utopian world, a notion the author finds unlikely due to human selfishness.
• 'The Allies of Humanity: An Urgent Message About the Extraterrestrial Presence in the World Today' by M.V. Summers: This book is described as a 90-page paperback selling for $14.95. The review notes that the information on the cover is sufficient, and the reviewer refuses to read further, implying skepticism.

PFlock PTalk / Not Bad Even If It's By Richard ("Dick") Hall

Karl Pflock reviews Richard ("Dick") Hall's sequel, 'The UFO Evidence II.' Pflock notes Hall's long history in ufology and his past work with NICAP. The review criticizes Hall's 'UFO Evidence II' for grouping evidence by categories, including abduction phenomena and Roswell, which Pflock believes will not attract favorable scientific attention. While acknowledging the book's significant contributions from various ufologists, Pflock points out inexpert cross-referencing and a too-short index, despite outstanding footnotes and bibliographies.

Letters to Ye Olde Editor

• William Moore: Moore writes about the 'Book of Mormon' and Eldon Byrd's letter. He presents new historical evidence suggesting Rigdon met Smith before the alleged finding of the golden plates, that Spalding had multiple manuscripts, and that Rigdon and Spalding were in Pittsburgh as early as 1812, contradicting Mormon claims.
• Frederic Whiting: Whiting encourages readers to buy Karl Pflock's book 'Roswell: Inconvenient Facts and the Will to Believe,' attesting to Pflock's thorough research and sound conclusions.
• Karl Pflock: Pflock corrects a misreported date regarding Stan Friedman circulating the Wilbert Smith memo, attributing the error to 'MIB mind manipulation.' He stands by his other revelations.

UFO Historian Ron Story

Ron Story announces his new address and phone number for ETEP (The Extraterrestrial Encyclopedia Project). His 'Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters' is set for publication on September 4th, 2001. He describes it as more balanced than Jerry Clark's encyclopedia and longer than his own previous work.

Cartoonist Matt Graeber

Matt Graeber comments on the 'Monkey Man' article, suggesting the creature might be common to other phenomena like Mothman and the South American 'goat sucking' monster, possibly stemming from 'crazed observers.' He humorously suggests luring the 'Monkey Man' with bananas and tranquilizing it with John Schuessler's MUFON Journal article on 'Stress Management for Ufologists.' He also makes critical remarks about Bill Moore's comments on Phil Klass.

Book Reviews (Continued)

This section continues the book reviews from page 5. The reviewer expresses less optimism than Dr. Greer about alien observation, finding Greer's evidence inconclusive and misleading. A book titled 'The Allies of Humanity: An Urgent Message About the Extraterrestrial Presence in the World Today' by M.V. Summers is mentioned, but the reviewer refuses to read it after seeing the cover information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Smear maintains a critical and often skeptical stance towards many ufological claims, particularly those involving government cover-ups and sensationalized accounts. The editorial team, led by James W. Moseley, appears to favor rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions, as seen in the review of Karl Pflock's book and the critique of Steven Greer's claims. There is a recurring theme of debunking or questioning sensational stories, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting books and conferences within the UFO community, albeit with a discerning editorial eye. The tone is often informal and sometimes sarcastic, reflecting a long-standing engagement with the subject matter.