Saucer Smear - Vol 50 No 03 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 50, No. 3
Date: March 10th, 2003
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley
Contributing Editor: Karl T. Pflock

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, leads with the obituary of Marcello Truzzi, a noted skeptic and founder of CSICOP, who passed away at age 67. The publication reflects on Truzzi's balanced approach to paranormal phenomena, contrasting him with the more hard-line stance of CSICOP and Paul Kurtz. Truzzi, while personally not believing in flying saucers or the paranormal, was known to defend believers and had friends within the UFO community, including Jerome Clark of CUFOS and Uri Geller.

Key Articles and Features

Death of Marcello Truzzi

The lead article details the passing of Marcello Truzzi, a professor of sociology and co-founder of CSICOP. It highlights his departure from CSICOP due to philosophical differences and his subsequent publication of 'The Zetetic Scholar,' which aimed to present a more balanced view of paranormal arguments. The article notes Truzzi's unique position as a skeptic with many believer friends and mentions his involvement in providing information to 'Saucer Smear' during the legal dispute between Uri Geller and James Randi.

Tidbits of Trash (News Briefies)

• Mothman and Barn Owls: A photograph of a barn owl sent by Miller Johnson is presented as a potential 'Mothman apparition,' with the caveat that size exaggeration is typical in paranormal tales. The editors note its resemblance to the Flatwoods Monster.
• National UFO Conference (NUFOC): Ann Druffel of Pasadena, California, is organizing the 40th NUFOC, which will be held in the Los Angeles area on September 6th-7th. Druffel is described as a scientific UFO investigator who believes abductions involve human-mind interaction with mischievous entities.
• Yellow Ice in Iowa: A property in Lavenport, Iowa, has experienced mysterious 'yellow ice' falling three times in a year. While the theory suggests 'pee bombs' from airplane toilets, the location is not on a commercial flight path, and airplane toilets are typically emptied on the ground.
• 'Shockingly Close to the Truth!' Award: The magazine's editor, James W. Moseley, proudly announces that his book 'Shockingly Close to the Truth!' was chosen as 'Best Autobiography of the year 2002' by 'The Anomalist.'

Scare Tactics Lawsuit

An item from Reuters reports on a lawsuit filed by actress Kara Blanc against a TV 'reality' show called 'Scare Tactics.' Blanc claims physical injuries and emotional distress after being tricked into believing she was being attacked by a fake alien.

New Mexico Legislature and UFOs

A bill introduced in the New Mexico legislature by Republican Daniel Foley proposed designating the second Thursday of February as 'Extraterrestrial Culture Day' to recognize the state's connection to UFO phenomena. The bill is described as a 'joke bill' unlikely to pass.

John Alexander and Congressional Hearings

John Alexander claims that real Congressional hearings on UFOs were planned but were disrupted by Stephen Greer's event at the National Press Club in 2001.

Short Shit

• Rev. Frank Stranges: Recovering from heart surgery.
• Phil Klass: Experiencing complications from back surgery but continues to publish his 'Skeptics UFO Newsletter.'
• UFO Videotape: Possible explanations for a weird UFO videotape from Albany, NY, suggest it might be a camera reflection.
• Pat Marcattilio: 'Dr. UFO' is hosting two conventions near Trenton, NJ, in April and October.
• Offbeat UFO Con: The magazine plans to attend a UFO convention in Aztec, New Mexico, in March, commemorating an alleged 1948 crash.
• Exoplanets: 'New Scientist' magazine reports that about one in four planetary systems outside our solar system are capable of harboring Earth-like planets.

Brief Biased Book Bashings

Timothy Green Beckley's book 'Flying Saucers in the Holy Bible' is reviewed. The review notes that the book largely reprints Virginia Brasington's 1963 work and includes contributions from Sean Casteel, Tim Swartz, and 'Professor' Schellhorn. The reviewer points out several errors, including a misstated title and page numbers, and notes the book's price of $18.95.

MUFON and Gray Barker

MUFON is resuming 'appropriate' advertising due to financial reasons. Lin Simpson is the new Director of Membership. The article also mentions Gray Barker and his connection to the UFO field.

Carol Moseley-Braun

Former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun is considering a presidential run. The editor notes a distant family connection.

The Raelians

The Raelians, claiming 55,000 members globally, have not yet produced human clones.

PFlock PTalk / A Blast From The Past

Karl Pflock reviews C.A. Honey's book 'Flying Saucers 50 Years Later,' which details Honey's association with George Adamski. The book reportedly confesses to ghostwriting Adamski's later works and discusses various UFO-related subjects, including secrecy, alien identity, and psychic fraud.

Reader Contributions and Letters

• Stan Balderson: Filmed by police having sex with cows in Virginia, received a suspended sentence.
• Nude Jogger: A man arrested in New Jersey for running naked across a bridge, claiming it was to end a drought.
• Michael Dennett: A skeptic who questions the magazine's strong skeptical bent and asks for clarification on the term 'former Erik Beckjord.'
• Erik Beckjord: Now believes Bigfoot is biological with 'ultra weird abilities,' and that UFOs are 'nuts and bolts craft' with similar abilities. Nessie is also described as biological with super weird abilities.
• Martin Kottmeyer: Discusses Donald Johnson's prediction of a UFO wave and the cyclical theories behind it, questioning the cause of such cycles.
• Christopher Roth: Suggests George Hunt Williamson may have been the model for Indiana Jones.
• Carl B. Glover: A clinical psychologist praises James W. Moseley's book 'Shockingly Close to the Truth!' for its accurate portrayal of the UFO field and its personalities, while also inquiring about Moseley's relationship with Gray Barker.
• David Clewell: Sends a 'Love Offering' and praises 'Saucer Smear' and Moseley's book.
• Thomas Lee Curtin Jr.: Identifies as a sci-fi fan and UFO researcher, expressing concern that TV shows like 'TAKEN' may not be beneficial to the UFO field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently maintains a critical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. While featuring skeptical viewpoints and debunking efforts, it also provides a platform for various theories and personal accounts within the ufological community. There is a clear emphasis on journalistic integrity, even when discussing controversial or fringe topics. The editorial stance often involves a degree of wry humor and a preference for reasoned analysis over sensationalism, as exemplified by the tribute to Marcello Truzzi and the critical reviews of books and claims within the field. The magazine also highlights the ongoing debates and personalities within ufology, often through reader contributions and editor's notes.