Saucer Smear - Vol 49 No 03 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 49, No. 3
Date: April 1, 2002
Publisher: CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, is dated April 1st, 2002. It features a prominent review of the movie "The Mothman Prophecies" and delves into various UFO-related topics, including the perceived decline of traditional flying saucer sightings, controversial cults, and updates from the ufological community.

"Mothman Prophecies" Movie Review

The lead article, "'MOTHMAN PROPHECIES' MOVIE SOARS BEYOND MEDIOCRITY!", by the editor, James W. Moseley, discusses his experience seeing the film. While acknowledging it might be a loose interpretation of John Keel's book, Moseley finds it to be good science fiction that enhances the atmosphere of mystery. He notes subtle elements like the hero's name (John Klein, similar to Keel) and the misstated details of the 1967 Silver Bridge disaster. The article also contrasts the film's producers' treatment of Keel with how J. Allen Hynek was allegedly treated by the producers of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

Miller Johnson, writing from Albuquerque, also saw the movie and found it to be "HOLLYWOODIZED into 99% BULLSHIT," suggesting John Keel should sue. Thomas Lee Curtin Jr. expresses disappointment, feeling the movie did no justice to Keel's book.

UFO Trends and the "Golden Age of Saucers"

Contributing Editor Karl T. Pflock, in his "Fifth Columnist" piece, argues that "flying saucers have gone away" and that the "Golden Age of Saucers" ended about 30 years prior. He posits that the current UFO landscape is characterized by a "cargo-cult-like hangover," influenced by media, the internet, and ufological hucksters. Pflock suggests that the real answers to the UFO mystery lie in historical data rather than recent sightings.

Mothman Lore and Related Incidents

The issue touches upon the Mothman sightings in West Virginia in 1966-1967, noting that the movie does not attempt to depict the alleged creature. It also mentions the collapse of the Silver Bridge in relation to these events. The article references Gray Barker's book "The Silver Bridge" and John Keel's "The Mothman Prophecies." The "Criminal Records" store in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, which has a web address related to Mothman, reports increased business due to the movie.

Raelians and Human Cloning

A news brief discusses the Raelian cult, founded by Claude Vorilhon, who claims to have met aliens. The cult asserts that extraterrestrial scientists created life on Earth and will soon return. The Raelians are reportedly seeking young women to serve as hostesses for the aliens and to carry cloned babies. The article notes the political controversy surrounding human cloning in the United States.

Ufological Community Updates and Controversies

Several sections provide updates on the ufological community:

• Conventions: The "UnConvention" in London and the National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in Cincinnati are mentioned, with lists of speakers including Kenny Young, Bill Boshears, Karl Pflock, and James W. Moseley.
• Publications: The issue of "The Anomalist" is noted as the last in print. A book review discusses Larry Bryant's "UFO Politics at the White House."
• Personalities: The issue mentions Stanton Friedman's involvement in selling a translated UFO report and the passing of Bigfoot authority Professor Grover Krantz.
• Controversies: Robert Anton Wilson was reportedly excommunicated from the "Prophets Conference" for using profanity on his website. Loren Coleman reports fake online personas impersonating him.

Letters and Contributions

The "MISSIVES FROM THE MASSES" section features contributions from various individuals:

• William Moore: Comments on the Raelian cloning issue and expresses dismay at Moseley's association with Prometheus.
• Jerry Clark: Discusses the cyclical nature of public interest in UFOs and argues that ufology is not in a profound slump.
• Chris Roth: Raises questions about the shift from 'little man' sightings to abduction scenarios and discusses cultural filters in interpreting strange phenomena.
• Dr. Leo Sprinkle: Provides information on the Rocky Mountain UFO Conference.
• Ingo Swann: Inquires about the lack of mention of Joseph Trainor's "UFO Roundup" in Saucer Smear.
• Kenn Thomas: Discusses the Prophets Conference's dropping of Robert Anton Wilson and the issue of free speech.
• Robert Anton Wilson: Writes about his excommunication from the Prophets Conference.
• Matt Graeber: Reviews "The Mothman Prophecies" movie, giving it 1½ stars out of 5.
• Thomas Lee Curtin Jr.: Expresses love for John Keel's books but disappointment with the movie adaptation.
• Ed Komarek: Makes a humorous suggestion about Moseley and Pflock moving in together.
• Greg Bishop: Critiques Steven Greer's presentation style at MUFON, questioning his approach to reaching the public.

Other Mentions

• A "Publishers Weekly" blurb from February 4, 2002, promotes James W. Moseley's book "Shockingly Close to the Truth!: Confessions of a Grave-Robbing Ufologist."
• The NASA Kepler Mission, aimed at searching for habitable planets, is mentioned as being scheduled for launch in 2006.
• The "Dear Dr. Science" column offers a humorous explanation for how bacteria might have built Martian canals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of UFO phenomena, popular culture (specifically the "Mothman Prophecies" movie), and the evolving nature of ufological research. The editorial stance, particularly from James W. Moseley and Karl T. Pflock, seems to favor a critical examination of current UFO trends, a focus on historical data, and a skepticism towards what they perceive as a decline in genuine "flying saucer" reports. There's also a consistent thread of commentary on the internal politics and controversies within the ufological community, often expressed with a blunt and sometimes provocative tone, as indicated by the repeated use of "F**K CENSORSHIP!" and similar phrases.