Saucer Smear - Vol 49 No 02 - 2002

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Saucer Smear", dated February 20th, 2002, is the "Official Publication of the Saucer & Unexplained" from the Celestial Events Research Society. The editor is James W. Moseley, and the contributing editor is Karl T. Pflock. The cover features a bold headline "SHOCKINGLY CLOSE TO THE TRUTH!" and promotes a book of the same name by Moseley and Pflock.

Where Have All the Saucers Gone?

The editorial addresses a perceived slump in ufology, questioning if 'space people' have indeed left Earth as suggested by Karl Pflock, or if the phenomenon is a permanent part of the environment with fluctuating public interest. Recent opinion polls show decreased belief in UFOs, and major UFO organizations are reportedly in financial trouble, with some meeting groups folding. The Institute for UFO Research, founded by Dr. Leo Sprinkle, is ceasing its annual conventions due to rising costs and falling attendance.

Despite a report of doubled UFO sightings in Malaysia, the article notes a lack of public care for such items in the U.S.A. Three reasons are proposed for this negative situation: the seriousness of life highlighted by 9/11/01, the current recession, and the publication of Karl Pflock's book "Roswell: Inconvenient Facts & the Will to Believe", which the editors suggest may have inadvertently contributed to a decline in interest by challenging established narratives.

Book Review: "Shockingly Close to the Truth!"

Bob Girard's monthly book list highlights "Shockingly Close to the Truth: Confessions of a Grave-Robbing Ufologist" by James W. Moseley and Karl T. Pflock. The book is described as Moseley's account of his early experiences in the UFO movement, including a 1953 cross-country trip and his long-running "Saucer News" newsletter. It promises insights into the UFO community and anecdotes from figures like John Nebel.

Roswell Myth and Crop Circles

The magazine declares the "Roswell myth" to be "dead", suggesting that the collapse of this key case does not invalidate the entire subject of UFOs, though some may erroneously believe so. However, a recent case has rekindled interest: an incident in Holland where researchers Nancy Talbott and Robbert Broeke witnessed beams of light descend upon a field, resulting in a crop circle the next morning. While they did not directly see the formation, the article considers it a significant event, especially given Talbott's credentials.

National UFO Conference (NUFOC) Update

The 39th annual NUFOC, previously planned for Lima, Ohio, will now be hosted by Kenny Young near Cincinnati, Ohio, with dates to be announced. The 2003 NUFOC is scheduled for the Los Angeles area, organized by Ann Druffel, and will feature a two-day format focusing on abductions and 'nuts & bolts' sightings.

Tidbits of Trash

Karl Pflock is invited to speak at the "UnConvention" in London, sponsored by "Fortean Times", discussing the Betty & Barney Hill abduction and the book "Shockingly Close to the Truth!". James W. Moseley is a featured speaker at the Roswell Festival, while Pflock, author of an anti-Roswell book, is not on the program.

An eccentric Florida physicist, James Hughes, is attempting to sell an alleged flying saucer fragment for ten million dollars, which he claims contains "unusual metal alloys". The fragment was reportedly recovered after a UFO hovered over a dump site 44 years prior.

A cartoon by Matt Graeber illustrates a story about "Area 51" security guards going on strike.

An ethical crisis within MUFON is discussed, involving John Carpenter, Director of Abduction Research, who was accused of selling confidential abduction information. An Ethics Committee concluded that the charges lacked sufficient evidence, but Carpenter resigned.

Mothman Prophecies and Cryptozoology

The motion picture "The Mothman Prophecies", based on John Keel's book, is noted. Loren Coleman, a cryptozoologist, has released a book called "Mothman and Other Curious Encounters", detailing sightings of a giant bird-like creature in West Virginia. Coleman's approach is described as "nuts and bolts".

John Alexander of NIDS reviewed the Mothman movie favorably, noting that NIDS research at a ranch in eastern Utah involved similar phenomena, including UFO sightings, encounters with creatures, and poltergeist activities.

NIDS investigators have reportedly found oxindole, a sedative, in the head of a mutilated cow, suggesting a mysterious cause of death.

Phil Klass, a debunker, is mentioned as being in declining health.

Brief Biased Book Reviews

"Almanac of Alien Encounters" by Eric Elfman is reviewed as a comprehensive children's book covering various UFO cases and phenomena. Tim Beckley has released a book on William Cooper, "William Cooper: Death of a Conspiracy Salesman - Survivalist? Patriot? FANATIC!". Lloyd Pye's paperback "Everything You Know is Wrong Book One: Human Origins" proposes a theory that humans originated on another planet and co-existed with primitive hominoids.

PFlock PTalk / A Hairy Situation (Part 3A of "They Were Here")

Karl Pflock discusses "hairy dwarf" cases in South America, suggesting they might be cultural interpretations rather than literal extraterrestrial encounters. He notes similarities in behavior to other reported UFO occupants, such as collecting samples and using rays to paralyze witnesses. He also mentions the emergence of "el chupacabras" in Latin America.

Wild Alien Art!

The section features a painting by David Huggins, an abductee and artist, depicting his transfer from an older body to a new one by aliens, including an entity named "Crescent". Huggins has lectured on his experiences.

Ye Olde Letter Box (Or Whatever)

"RAY X" promotes his e-zine, the Ray X X-Rayer, and offers free sample copies via email and hardcopy for a fee.

Brenda Denzler, Ph.D., writes regarding her book "The Lure of the Edge", clarifying her use of the word "myth" and defending the book's technical apparatus and thorough research, noting that "Saucer Smear" was referenced.

Robert Davis comments on the magazine's perceived dismissal of "Harry Potter" and "Lord of the Rings" as mere fantasies, suggesting the editor "lighten up".

Rob Swiatek of FUFOR expresses puzzlement over Karl Pflock's articles suggesting UFOs left in the '70s, asserting that UFOs continue to be seen.

Letters to the Editor

Several readers respond to previous articles. One reader questions if UFO investigators have left field work for computers. Robert Sheaffer comments on the debate between Karl Pflock and Dick Hall. Dr. Phil Duke claims MUFON is suppressing his research on the AIDS-ET Connection Hypothesis and that MUFON's negative reputation is growing. Michael Dennett critiques "Saucer Smear" for promoting books and for its handling of the Bill Cooper case, defending Erik Beckjord's prominence despite a lack of substantial contribution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a concern over the current state of ufology, marked by declining public interest and financial difficulties for organizations. There's a critical examination of the Roswell myth's relevance and a discussion of how cultural influences might shape interpretations of UFO phenomena. The magazine maintains a skeptical yet engaged stance, featuring diverse viewpoints from researchers, authors, and critics within the UFO community. The editorial team, led by Moseley and Pflock, appears committed to exploring various facets of the UFO subject, even while acknowledging its challenges and controversies.