Saucer Smear - Vol 49 No 05 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: June 10th, 2002
Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter, Official Publication of the Saucer & Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society.

This issue of Saucer Smear, edited by James W. Moseley with contributing editor Karl T. Pflock, presents a collection of news briefs, personal anecdotes, book reviews, and correspondence from the ufological community. The publication maintains a critical and often skeptical tone, even towards figures within the UFO field.

Key Articles and Features

Seedy Saucerers from Sarasota Slink into Key West for a Seaside Symposium

The lead story details a UFO lecture series held in Key West, Florida, organized by a couple named Michael and Aurora El Legion from Sarasota. The "Smear" editor was reportedly forbidden from attending by Aurora El Legion, who cited his perceived lack of seriousness about the UFO subject. The editor expresses disdain for the El Legions' alleged shady business dealings and their attempt to bar him from the public lecture.

News Briefies (formerly Tidbits of Trash)

• This section includes several short news items:
• Larry Bryant: Hard-core UFO activist Larry Bryant is preparing to file more FOIA lawsuits against the government, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting.
• "Roswell? Yes!" Video: A review of a video by Robert Durant, which presents a 90-minute monologue on the Roswell case. The video aims to prove that the crash debris could not be from a Mogul Balloon. The reviewer, while acknowledging Durant's narration, dismisses the claims of alien bodies and criticizes Durant for cheapening his presentation by issuing T-shirts and caps. The video is available for purchase.
• Stephen Bassett for Congress: Stephen Bassett is announced as a candidate for Congress in Maryland's 8th District, making the flying saucer issue the keynote of his campaign. He is expected to speak at the upcoming National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in Cincinnati.

Poetry

A poem titled "ROSWELL" by Phyllis L. Hunt (alias "Morning Glory") is included, reflecting on imagination, dreams, and the search for truth.

Update: 39th Annual National UFO Conference

An announcement for the 39th Annual National UFO Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 28th, 2002, listing speakers such as John Timmerman, Karl Pflock, and Jim Moseley.

Items lifted from FORTEAN TIMES

• This section features several short, eclectic news items:
• New Parent Evening: A PTA event at Rossett School discussing sex and drugs.
• Ambitious Scheme: Michael Marcum, 21, was found guilty of stealing electrical transformers to build a time machine to win the lottery.
• New High: Scorpion-smoking is described as a new trend in Quetta, Pakistan.
• End Game: A Catholic priest in Mexico conducted a ritual burning of Pokémon cards and magazines due to perceived "subliminal demonic influences."

Book Reviews and Commentary

• "Mothman - The Facts Behind the Legend": A review of a 155-page softcover book by Donnie Sergent Jr. and Jeff Wamsley. The book features eyewitness accounts and previously unpublished material related to the Mothman sightings. It includes an interview with a woman named Linda who was central to the 1966-67 events. The review notes photocopies of letters from John Keel offering advice on investigating UFO landing sites, including collecting jelly-like liquid and metal spheres.
• "Extraordinary Happenings - 1965 Revisited": A review of a booklet by Rick Hilberg of the United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA). It highlights a sighting of three small humanoids by a wood chopper in Waynesboro, Virginia.
• Tim Beckley Books: A brief mention of two books by Tim Beckley: "Develop Your Own Paranormal Powers" and "How to Travel to Other Dimensions."

Karl Pflock's "PFlock PTalk / Random Thoughts & Potshots"

• Karl Pflock discusses several items:
• Typo Corrections: He clarifies that typos in his previous column were not his own doing.
• MUFON Resignation: He resigned as MUFON New Mexico state section director.
• UFO Report Numbers: He addresses Marty Kottmeyer's correction regarding the number of UFO reports made to Blue Book in July 1952, comparing it to modern numbers from the National UFO Reporting Center.
• Solipsistic Existential Zen Logical Positivist: Pflock humorously describes his philosophical stance regarding UFO data.
• Rick Hilberg's Book: He briefly reviews Hilberg's "Extraordinary Happenings - 1965 Revisited," noting the Brooksville, Florida case and encouraging readers to purchase the book.
• Tim Beckley Books: He mentions Beckley's books on paranormal powers and interdimensional travel, suggesting they are good for starting a fire.

Missives from the Masses

• This section contains letters from readers:
• Linda Cortile: Sends a photo and a letter from Ground Zero, expressing her feelings about the 9/11 tragedy and her desire for aliens to take away the "sons-of-bitches" responsible.
• Ralph Coon: Writes about shoplifting Moseley's book "Shockingly Close to the Truth" and expresses disappointment at not being mentioned. He also discusses his reading list and his research into Gray Barker.
• Tim Brigham: Comments cryptically on the "Profit$ Conference" and defends Moseley and Pflock against criticism.

Correspondence and Reviews

• Harry Lime: Comments on the Bush dynasty, the British monarchy, and America's global standing.
• William L. Moore: Praises the title and cover of Moseley's book "Shockingly Close to the Truth" but questions the publisher. He also discusses Karl Pflock's dismissal of the MJ-12 Tex-Mex UFO crash and John Keel's failing eyesight.
• Larry Bryant: Acknowledges receiving Moseley's book and places it in his reading pile, noting the "Zechelian period" write-up and the "ufostalgia" of the photos.
• John Rimmer: Editor of "Magonia," calls Moseley's book a "Triumph" and guarantees a favorable review.
• Bill Nash: A former UFO sighter and pilot, enjoyed Moseley's book and discusses his past correspondence with George Adamski, whom he found to be uninformed.
• George Earley: Chuckles through "Shockingly Close to the Truth," noting its placement alongside works by Donald Menzel and Curtis Peebles. He also comments on the Mothperson movie and John Keel's declining sight.
• Matt Graeber: A cartoonist, praises Moseley's "Shockingly" as a landmark book.
• Scott Bond: Expresses delight with the autographed hardcover edition of "Shockingly Close to the Truth," calling it an insider's look at ufology.
• Curtis Peebles: Congratulates Moseley and Pflock on their book, finding it illuminating and adding a new dimension to saucer history. He shares anecdotes about George Adamski and mentions the McMinnville UFO Fest and the Spruce Goose.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong skepticism towards many aspects of ufology, even while documenting various claims and personalities within the field. The editor, James Moseley, and contributing editor, Karl Pflock, often inject humor and critical commentary. Themes include the history of UFO investigation, the personalities involved, the Roswell incident, and the Mothman sightings. There is a consistent emphasis on separating credible evidence from speculation and perceived "phoniness" within the UFO community. The publication appears to value candidness and a critical approach, as evidenced by the title and the editor's own direct style of commentary.