Saucer Smear - Vol 49 No 09 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 49, No. 9
Date: November 10th, 2002
Publisher: CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of Saucer Smear, the official publication of the Saucer & Unexplained, is dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism. It covers recent UFO conferences, research, and notable incidents.

Convention Reports

39th National UFO Conference (NUFOC)

The editor, James W. Moseley, reports on attending the 39th NUFOC held at the Kings Island Resort Conference Center near Cincinnati, Ohio. He notes that he lectured on his new book and presented the Ufologist of the Year award to John Timmerman, who had been overlooked for it in 1985. Other speakers included Rick Hilberg, computer experts Don Weatherby & Wendy Ban, Jerry Black, Terry Endres, Derrel Sims, Donnie Blessing, and political candidate Stephen Bassett. Local radio personality Bill Boshears failed to appear despite promises. Moseley mentions recovering from bronchitis with "magic (legal) pills" provided by the Hilbergs.

A researcher named Bruce Forrester Jr., formerly known as Klark Kent, was selling a "Multi-Wave Oscillator" device, described as a healing and rejuvenation device, though its propaganda sheet stated it was not for medical purposes.

Pat Marcattilio's Conclave

The magazine also covers Pat Marcattilio's twice-yearly conclave, held at the Days Inn in Bordontown, New Jersey, titled "The Great UFO & Earth Mysteries Congress of 2002." The event featured speakers with Ph.D.s, including Drs. David Jacobs, Bruce Maccabee, Paul LaViolette, and Tom Van Flandern. LaViolette's theory about artificial pulsar signals and Van Flandern's case for the "Face on Mars" being artificial are mentioned. The article notes Van Flandern's dismissal of Richard Hoagland due to his lack of a doctorate.

Other speakers included Daniel Cohen, who discussed his falling out with CSICOP and Phil Klass, and his belief that James Randi's "million dollar offer" was insincere. Psychic Ingo Swann, a former government contractor who taught Remote Viewing, also spoke, claiming to be the "original remote viewer, and still the best."

Chris Styles spoke on the Shag Harbor UFO crash. The event was criticized for poor timing, with many attendees leaving before the final speakers.

UFO Research and Organizations

CUFOS and Financial Woes

The issue highlights a perceived lean financial period for major American UFO organizations. CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies), founded by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, is reportedly close to folding. The article critiques Jerry Clark's description of CUFOS's publication, "The International UFO Reporter" (IUR), as the "best UFO magazine," while also noting Clark's critical review of Moseley's book, "The Trivialist."

Flatwoods Monster Festival

A report from Mike Gensler details the 50th anniversary Flatwoods Monster festival in West Virginia. The festival marked the 50th anniversary of the encounter and the 100th anniversary of Flatwoods itself. Artist Frank Feschino presented a "Flatwoods Monster museum" with displays and paintings. Stanton Friedman was also present, hawking his wares and discussing his credibility. Gensler describes Feschino's museum as resembling a junior high science fair project.

During the festival, a controversy arose over stage microphones between a bluegrass band and a square dance band. Attendees watched the TV movie "The Night America Panicked." The festival concluded with a parade, featuring Frank Feschino and Kathleen May, and a religious message from the Flatwoods Baptist Church float.

Roswell and Project Mogul

Robert ("Bob") Durant writes about the Project Mogul flight 4, launched from Alamogordo, N.M., on June 4th, 1947. Skeptics believe this flight is the source of the debris found by rancher Mack Brazel, explaining the Roswell myth. However, physicists David Rudiak and Brad Sparks have challenged Professor C.B. Moore's reconstruction of the flight path, suggesting the array landed much further northeast of the ranch.

Personal Accounts and Theories

Kenneth Arnold and "Flying Saucers"

Karl Pflock's column discusses the origin of the term "flying saucer," attributing it to Kenneth Arnold's description of how the objects flew, which was misinterpreted by the press. Arnold himself described the objects as not circular but semi-circular with a V-shaped trailing edge.

Indiana UFO Sighting

A classic sighting from April 27th, 1950, involved TWA pilots Robert Adickes and Robert Manning encountering a large, glowing saucer over Indiana. The UFO flew in formation with their DC-3 airliner before speeding away. Five passengers, including someone named Moseley, also witnessed the event.

UFO-Related Death in Pennsylvania

A strange story is reported about a possible UFO-related death in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. On August 2nd, a hunter named Todd Sees disappeared, and his body was found with a look of horror. Witnesses reported seeing a large bright object and a light shining down, with something being pulled into it.

Jacques Vallee on Crop Circles

Jacques Vallee writes about crop circle theory, noting that his ideas were presented in the 1980s and featured in a New Age magazine in 1991. He suggests that crop circles might be formed by a space-based weapon using a combination of laser and microwave transmitters, or a maser, directed from a hovering dirigible. He also mentions that his novel "Fastwalker" is available as an audiobook.

Belgian UFO Wave

Marc Hallet from Belgium writes about his interest in ufology and his discovery that George Adamski was a "professional liar." He directs readers to his website for more information on the Belgian UFO wave.

Tom Benson on "Signs" Movie

Tom Benson, former MUFON Director for New Jersey, criticizes the movie "Signs" for portraying aliens as invaders rather than for their paraphysical and inter-dimensional aspects. He also references a 1991 article he wrote about government-sponsored experimental airframes.

Brian Parks on AFOSI Regulations

Researcher Brian Parks writes about AFOSI regulations, stating they do not confirm the authenticity of "leaked" information or documents, and questions the reference to them in an article.

Christopher Roth on Conspiracy Theories

Anthropologist Christopher Roth discusses conspiracy theories, including the belief that ruling elites are extraterrestrial reptilians, tracing these ideas back to older conspiracy theories.

Buzz, Ace Correspondent Report

"Buzz" reports on a New Mexico MUFON meeting hosted by State Director Don Burleson. David Perkins gave a presentation, and Carol Syska, former Director of Roswell's International UFO Museum and Research Center, discussed her belief in UFOs, referencing Clifford Stone's claims about seeing alien bodies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features a critical and often skeptical approach to ufology, while still engaging with the subject matter. There's a strong emphasis on debunking and questioning claims, particularly those made by figures like Stanton Friedman and George Adamski. The editor, James W. Moseley, often injects personal opinions and humor into the reporting. The publication seems to champion a more sober, research-based approach to UFO phenomena, contrasting it with what it perceives as "mythical or legendary belief" within the field. The recurring theme is the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics, and the challenges faced by ufological research in gaining mainstream acceptance.