Saucer Smear - Vol 51 No 10 - 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 51, No. 10 (Whole Number 376)
Date: December 1st, 2004
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, begins with an "Editor's Note" urging readers to renew their non-subscriptions and send money, as the publication has never been financially self-sustaining. The main content focuses on the 41st National UFO Conference (NUFOC) held in Hollywood, California, from October 29th-31st, 2004. Despite lower attendance than hoped, it was double that of the previous year. Speakers included Peter Davenport discussing National UFO Reporting Center cases, Lynn Kitei, M.D., on the Phoenix Lights, Terry Hansen on UFOs and national security, Bob Salas on the 1967 Missile Shutdown, and Paul Davis on his 'Roswell' documentary.

Other speakers at the conference included Richard Dolan on UFOs and the National Security State, Dr. Robert Wood on MJ-12 documents, Dr. Eric Kelson on the Rex Hefflin photographs, and Ann Druffel discussing her extensive involvement with the UFO phenomenon. A panel discussion included many of these speakers and the "Smear" editor.

The editor notes the convention's move to a consistent location in California to build a following. He also mentions a "no-host" cocktail party where he spoke about ufology and plugged his book, "Shockingly Close to the Truth!". He apologizes for misidentifying Ann Druffel as the 2003 conference host in a previous issue. The editor received a plaque honoring his 33 years as Permanent Chairman of the NUFOC.

Notable absences from the conference included Vicki Cooper and Don Ecker of "UFO Magazine," who had previously written a "libelous editorial" about the editor. The issue also mentions Brian Boldman as a leading researcher into "angel hair" phenomenon.

Dr. Eric Kelson is discussed as a bright mind in ufology, suggesting aliens might be earth-based and co-existing in another dimension. The editor also had a "secret" meeting with former ufologist William Moore, the details of which cannot be revealed. A reunion with Isabel Martinez, who shared experiences in Peruvian graveyards in the late 1950s, is also mentioned.

Betty Hill and the Demise of NIDS

The magazine reports on the demise of the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), citing the withdrawal of its multi-millionaire sponsor, Robert Bigelow, who is now focused on building an orbital hotel. Richard "Dick" Hall is quoted critically about Bigelow, calling him a "nouveau riche, manipulative egomaniac." Hall also makes a derogatory comment about the "Smear" editor during an internet "roast."

Another reason cited for NIDS's closure is the lack of new UFO/paranormal cases, likened to "Hell closing down because there are no more sinners."

The passing of Betty Hill, "The First Lady of UFOs," at age 85 is announced. She died of lung cancer around October 17th. A peculiar incident is recounted where, while she was asleep and in pain with a splint on her wrist, the splint, bandage, and sling were removed and neatly placed on a chair, with the back door unlocked and wide open. This event, which occurred without waking her, remains unexplained.

Betty Hill's 1961 abduction experience with Barney Hill, involving "missing time," was later refreshed under hypnosis. Despite a psychiatrist's conclusion that there was no objective reality, John Fuller's book "Interrupted Journey" became a bestseller, and a made-for-television movie was produced. Betty Hill lectured extensively about her experience and also reported numerous sightings in her New Hampshire home, which she considered a "window" area. In later years, she expressed concern about the deluge of abduction reports, feeling many were not physically real and that if they were true, airplanes would be grounded.

Other UFO Cases and Commentary

The issue includes a "FLASH" about a new book on the "Braxton County Monster" (Flatwoods Monster) by Frank Feschino Jr. The incident, which occurred on September 12th, 1952, involved a metallic creature perched in a tree that emitted a noxious mist. The magazine notes the passing of Gray Barker, who lived near the site and wrote one of the original reports.

A semi-mysterious disappearance of Curt Sutherly, a civilian employee of the U.S. Air Force and author of UFO books, is mentioned. He was later found to be on temporary duty in Canada.

Pat Marcattilio's recent convention featured Mexican journalist Jaime Maussan, who presented videos of invisible objects and winged humanoid creatures.

"MISSIVES FROM THE MASSES" includes a letter from Walt Andrus, retired International Director of MUFON, thanking "Smear" for keeping him informed and enclosing a contribution. He also inquires about hurricane damage in Florida.

Karl Pflock's "PFlock PTalk / SAUCERS OF THE SIXTIES" column reviews Richard Hall's book "Alien Invasion or Human Fantasy? The 1966-67 Wave," calling it an important contribution to the study of that era. Pflock highlights the significance of the 1966-67 UFO wave, the emergence of "swamp gas" as a joke, and the roles of Stan Friedman and James W. Moseley. He notes the disappointment with the University of Colorado UFO Project's lack of independence. The book is praised for its detailed compilation of 787 sighting reports and its analysis of sighting characteristics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently critiques speculative ufology, particularly the MUFON UFO Journal, which it deems increasingly "wilder" and less credible. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and factual reporting, while expressing skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims. There's a recurring theme of the challenges faced by ufologists in gaining mainstream acceptance and the impact of events like 9/11 on public focus. The magazine also highlights the passing of prominent figures in the UFO community, such as Betty Hill and Gordon Cooper, while emphasizing the importance of continued research and contributions from readers.

The "TIDBITS OF TRASH" section critiques the MUFON UFO Journal for its speculative content. The "MISSIVES" section includes a letter from Bill Jones defending an article in the MUFON UFO Journal about an Alaskan case involving a strange salve, arguing for its potential value as a documented case, even if the material wasn't anomalous. Christopher Roth writes about the deaths of John Mack and astronaut Gordon Cooper, noting Cooper's outspokenness on UFOs. A letter from Billy Rachels details the negative consequences faced by a police chief who reported an unknown encounter in Alabama, including death threats and his trailer home being burned.

The "Editor's Note" at the end of the "MISSIVES" section mentions an upcoming issue with contributions from Dr. Gary Posner and others, and wishes readers a Happy New Year.