Saucer Smear - Vol 49 No 06 - 2002

Magazine Overview

This issue of "SAUCER SMEAR", the official publication of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY, dated August 10th, 2002, is primarily focused on reviewing the book "Shockingly Close to the Truth! Confessions of a Grave-Robbing Ufologist" by James W. Moseley and Karl T. Pflock. The newsletter also includes various news briefs, commentary, and updates from the ufological community.

Book Review: "Shockingly Close to the Truth!"

The issue opens with critiques of the book. Wendy Connors describes it as a "yawn-filled romp through the askewed ego of Ufoologist James W. Moseley and his Klass successor wannabee, Karl T. Pflock," noting some "excellent passages" but criticizing the overall quality. UFO historian Jerome Clark, in a Jan. 10, 1989 "Saucer Smear" quote, calls Moseley the "Greatest Living Authority on the history of saucer fandom and the funniest writer around," despite having "nothing of consequence to say about the UFO phenomenon."

Karl Pflock, the contributing editor, provides his own perspective in "PFlock PTalk / COBWEBS AND RUST SPOTS." He recounts how Prometheus Books sent a review copy of the book to Neil Barron, former SF Research Association Review editor, who deemed it "well outside our scope." Pflock also shares an anecdote from his youth about encountering George Adamski, whom he and a friend found to be less than credible regarding his claims of Venusian travel.

Pflock also explains photos from the Roswell Festival, including images of Miller Johnson, Jim Moseley, Don Schmitt, Glenn Dennis, and Walter Haut. He notes that their book "Shockingly..." was not allowed to be sold in the Roswell Museum gift shop.

News Briefs

This section covers various recent events and updates:

• Stan Gordon's Exhibit: Veteran UFO researcher Stan Gordon is holding a one-day display of UFO-related items, including photos, books, and government documents, on August 24th in Greensburg, Pa.
• The Amazing Kreskin Incident: The mentalist Kreskin reportedly made a fool of himself by predicting a UFO sighting that did not occur, leading to his barring from the Art Bell Show.
• Dr. Frank Stranges' Illness: Legendary ufological evangelist Dr. Frank Stranges is seriously ill following heart surgery. Well-wishers are encouraged to write to his wife, Julie.
• MUFON Convention & Roswell Festival: The MUFON convention clashed with the annual Roswell Festival, resulting in a small crowd at the Rochester, N.Y. event. The FUFOR office staff is reportedly in "suspended animation" due to a lack of ufological events.
• West Virginia Convention: A three-day convention is planned for mid-September in West Virginia, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Flatwoods Monster sighting.
• 1952 Radar UFO Flap: On the 50th anniversary of the 1952 radar UFO flap over Washington, D.C., a Maryland resident reported a military jet chasing a "light-blue object."
• Bob Girard's Catalogue: Bob Girard's Arcturus Books catalogue is described as a "real winner," with a quote criticizing flying saucer books.
• 1952 Saucer Photo: The New York Times is selling a famous 1952 saucer photo for $195, though it is in the public domain and typically costs around $15.
• South American UFO Activity: Reports detail UFO activity in San Jose de Maipo, Chile, declared a "UFO capital," and Chilca, Peru, known for its muck-filled lagoons with alleged alien-derived healing powers.

Roswell Does It Again!

James W. Moseley attended the Roswell Festival, where he was a scheduled speaker. He recounts his visits to the International UFO Museum in Roswell, noting the evolution of the museum and past anniversaries of the Roswell Incident. He mentions a debate about the Roswell Incident's explanation, with some defending an interplanetary event and others, including Pflock and Moseley, favoring the Mogul Balloon solution. Pflock's decision to skip the festival is noted, as is the rule against "personal attacks."

A "pro-Mogul display" at the museum credits Miller Johnson, Karl Pflock, Prof. Charles Moore, and Kent Jeffrey. Moseley expresses regret at missing the MUFON convention in New York, where Betty Hill was scheduled to speak.

Update: 39th Annual National UFO Conference

An update announces the 39th Annual National UFO Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 28th, 2002, with speakers including John Timmerman, Karl Pflock, and Jim Moseley.

Letters to the Editor

• Ed Grabowski: Praises "Shockingly Close to the Truth!" as the "most entertaining book on flying saucers that I have ever read." He finds the history of the UFO movement comprehensive and believes the "Secret of the Saucers" lies in individual belief, stating, "Belief is the fuel that has powered the engines of the saucers for these past 55 years."
• Robert Sheaffer: Debunks the claim that Jimmy Carter officially reported a UFO sighting to NICAP. Sheaffer explains that Hayden Hewes of the International UFO Bureau received the report form from Carter and later published it as if Carter had reported directly to NICAP, obscuring the fact that Carter had actually seen Venus.
• Professor Charles B. Moore: Congratulates Moseley on his "shocking opus" and wishes him well on a sequel.

Phil Klass Letter

Aging debunker Phil Klass writes regarding the Socorro, N.M. UFO landing case. He suggests Moseley re-read his book "UFOs Explained." Klass recounts his own visit to Socorro, where he suspected a "plasma-UFO" due to frequent lightning storms. He interviewed a member of the atmospheric physics staff who stated he never visited the "UFO landing site" because he doubted Zamora's tale. Klass also spoke with a man whose house was near the site, who reported hearing no loud roar and seeing no UFO, and who believed the alleged burn mark was from a Zippo lighter. Klass concludes that the incident was a hoax, though he would have preferred to explain it as a "plasma UFO."

Michael Hesemann Letter

Researcher Michael Hesemann corrects Moseley regarding a lecture given at the International UFO Congress. Hesemann clarifies that he showed an official film from Russia, not a photo from Georgia, depicting a creature found in Kalinov, Russia, in 1996. He defends the film's authenticity against Moseley's description of it as a "homemade prop."

Miller Johnson Report

Under the title "MOTHMAN, PRIME SUSPECT AT WEBBERS FALLS, OKLAHOMA," researcher Miller Johnson compiles an investigative report comparing the May 26th, 2002, Webbers Falls bridge collapse to the December 15th, 1967, Silver Bridge collapse in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Johnson draws numerical parallels and speculates on a Mothman connection to both disasters.

George Hansen Letter

Parapsychologist George Hansen congratulates Moseley on "Shockingly Close to the Truth!" and defends the promotion of UFO-related material, criticizing Moseley for lambasting the "Roswell? Yes" video's promotional tactics. Hansen suggests that the field needs all the help it can get and mentions market research for "Roswell? Yes" panty hose and convention appearances by "Debbie D The Ultimate Fantasy Queen."

Mary Martinek & Esteemed Contributing Editor

Mary Martinek comments on Tim Brigham's letter. The contributing editor speculates on the meaning of "the lifestyle" in relation to the rich and famous.

Ed Mitchel & Dick Freeman Letters

Researcher Ed Mitchel congratulates Moseley on his "unique look at my favorite phenomenon." Dick Freeman writes that he is printing his message using a computer to hack into Wright Patterson Air Force Base, finding only uniforms, and states that Moseley's book is "surprisingly close to excellent."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate surrounding the Roswell Incident's explanation, the critical examination of UFO claims and researchers (particularly concerning George Adamski and Phil Klass), and the promotion of books and events within the ufological community. The "Saucer Smear" publication, through its editor James W. Moseley and contributing editor Karl T. Pflock, appears to maintain a skeptical yet engaged stance, often questioning established narratives while also participating in the broader UFO discourse. There is a clear emphasis on historical cases, personal accounts, and the subjective nature of belief in UFO phenomena. The editorial stance seems to favor critical analysis and open discussion, even when it involves challenging prominent figures or established theories within the field.