Saucer Smear - Vol 49 No 04 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 49, No. 4
Date: May 5th, 2002
Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter

This issue of "Saucer Smear" features a report from editor James W. Moseley on his trip to London to speak at the "UnConvention" sponsored by "Fortean Times" magazine. He discusses the event, the audience, and his co-author Karl T. Pflock's inability to attend, necessitating Moseley to present their shared views.

UnConvention Report and Book Promotion

Moseley recounts his experience at the "UnConvention" in London, noting the large attendance and the focus on "4-D" thinking, which he contrasts with American ufology. His main purpose was to promote their book, "Shockingly Close to the Truth!", co-authored with Karl T. Pflock. He mentions that while he presented their views, even on matters of disagreement, the British audience was less receptive to "3-D ufology."

The report touches upon the diverse topics discussed at the convention, including paranormal subjects and cryptozoology, and highlights the editor's interactions with other attendees and organizers like Bob Rickard and Paul Sieveking of "Fortean Times". Moseley concludes his reflections on England with a comparison to America, noting perceived differences in human values.

Book Reviews and Critiques

The newsletter includes a book review of Colin Bennett's "Looking for Orthon - The story of GEORGE ADAMSKI, the first flying saucer contactee, and HOW he CHANGED the WORLD." Moseley acknowledges Bennett's attention to Adamski but criticizes his admiration as excessive, calling it "hero worship at its worst." He also notes Bennett's suggestion of Adamski's bisexuality and mentions the mysterious 1953 disappearance of Karl Hunrath and Wilbur Wilkinson, a case Bennett allegedly missed.

A review of "The Mothman Prophecies" is also presented, with a letter from Harry Lime pointing out the shift in the book's description from non-fiction to "a work of fiction" in its 2002 edition, questioning the implications for its original presentation.

UFO News and Tidbits

Several short news items and updates are included:

• John Keel: It is reported that John Keel did not write the column attributed to him in "Fate Magazine," but rather it was based on a telephone interview, due to his failing eyesight.
• BFSB: Denis Plunkett, founder of the British Flying Saucer Bureau (BFSB), denies rumors of its closure.
• McMinnville UFO Fest: The Third Annual McMinnville UFO Fest is announced, with the editor planning to attend the Roswell Festival instead.
• Dr. Bruce Maccabee: Mentioned for his belief in the genuineness of the Trent photos and Ed Walters' Gulf Breeze photos.
• Michael Hesemann: His report of an alleged interplanetary baby found in the Republic of Georgia is recounted, with the photo described as looking like a "homemade prop for a Halloween costume."
• Karl T. Pflock's Resignation: Pflock has resigned as MUFON state section director for Bernalillo and Sandoval counties due to dissatisfaction with a recent reorganization.

"El Indio" Incident and MJ-12

Karl Pflock discusses his participation in a pilot for a Science Fiction Channel series hosted by Richard Belzer, focusing on the MJ-12 and Roswell conspiracies. He recounts a dinner conversation with Stanton Friedman where Pflock questioned the authenticity of the MJ-12 Eisenhower Briefing Document due to the inclusion of the "El Indio" incident. Pflock notes that Friedman seemed to dismiss the issue, suggesting he had overlooked this detail in his focus on other aspects of the MJ-12 evidence.

Other Contributions and Updates

• Paul Kurtz: President of Prometheus Books expresses delight with the book "Shockingly Close to the Truth!"
• Martin Kottmeyer: Corrects an error in a previous "Saucer Smear" statement regarding the number of Project Blue Book reports in July 1952, providing updated figures from the National UFO Reporting Center.
• George Hansen: Describes Karl Pflock as "The John Calvin of Ufology," suggesting Pflock advocates for a reformed ufology that excludes later miracles and focuses only on historical accounts.
• Chris Roth: Reports on a controversy surrounding a Canadian movie about the Ogopogo lake monster, which was moved to New Zealand due to local indigenous concerns.
• Christopher Allan: Critiques the title of Moseley and Pflock's book and asks Pflock to reveal what "big black triangles" are not.
• Roswell UFO Festival: An announcement for the festival, listing speakers including Stanton Friedman and Jim Moseley.
• Dennis Stacy: Reviews "The Anomalist 10," highlighting its size and color cover, and provides subscription details.
• Kevin Henderson: Comments on the non-subscription of Bill Cooper and his radio show "The Hour of the Time."
• Dale Rettig: Reviews the movie "The Mothman Prophecies" as "pretty bad" and expresses a desire to find a documentary about Gray Barker.
• Scott Bond: Defends "Mothman Prophecies" as entertaining and notes Indrid Cold's appearance in the movie.
• Matt Graeber: Suggests it is fortunate Robert Anton Wilson did not write the introduction for "Shockingly," due to Wilson's reputation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" continues its tradition of critical examination of UFO phenomena, often with a skeptical or debunking approach, particularly concerning hoaxes and misinterpretations. The editorial stance, as exemplified by Moseley and Pflock, appears to favor a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology, sometimes bordering on iconoclasm, as seen in their critiques of prominent figures like George Adamski and their questioning of certain UFO narratives. There is a recurring theme of separating genuine investigation from what they perceive as "wackier regions" of ufology and "foul-mouthed philosophers." The newsletter also engages with the broader Fortean and paranormal communities, reflecting an interest in unexplained phenomena beyond just UFOs. The editor's personal opinions, particularly regarding American politics and values, are also expressed, adding a distinct voice to the publication.