Saucer Smear - Vol 52 No 02 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 52, No. 2
Date: February 15th, 2005
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of Saucer Smear, the official publication of the SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY, delves into various aspects of ufology, with a strong focus on its ongoing "Hall of Shame" list and the reactions it provokes. The magazine features contributions from its editor, James W. Moseley, and contributing editor, Karl T. Pflock, alongside correspondence from readers and researchers.

Proposed Changes and Refinements Regarding the "Saucer Smear" "Hall of Shame" List

The editorial begins by acknowledging the strong reactions to the previous issue's "Hall of Shame" list, clarifying that it only includes ufologists with whom the editor has had personal interaction. Several individuals are discussed in relation to their potential inclusion or exclusion from the list. Carlos Mentira is mentioned for questioning the omission of Todd Zechel, who is described as having caused financial trouble and engaged in various questionable activities, including running a porn shop, pretending to be a government agent, promoting the Del Rio UFO crash story, and criticizing Phil Klass. Wendy Connors is also considered, with her critical remarks about the editor's work being noted. However, Jerry Clark is discussed as a candidate to be removed from the list due to his evolving ufological thinking, particularly his agreement with the editor's stance on government secrecy regarding UFOs, as expressed in an interview with "Fortean Times".

Tidbits of Trash

This section covers various news items and announcements. A glaring typo in the previous issue's advertisement for the book "Shockingly Close to the Truth!" is apologized for, and the book is again offered for sale. An apology is also made for a typo in the same issue where "congratulations" became "congratularions". The photo of Richard Hall is noted as not turning out well, but humorously accepted. The book "UFO Crash Secrets at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base" is also mentioned as being available. Dennis Crenshaw, publisher of the weekly internet report "Unraveling the Secrets", is highlighted for his motto and his approach to compiling information from various websites. His past zine title, "The Hollow Earth Insider", is recalled, and his current reach of approximately 4,000 people is noted. His exposure of the Admiral Byrd diary as a fake is also mentioned.

Dennis Crenshaw's upcoming book, "The Secrets of Dellschau", co-written with Peter Navarro, is announced. This book pertains to the "Sonora (California) Aero Club" and the UFO flap of 1897. An article on this topic by Dennis Stacy in a previous "Smear" issue is referenced. Crenshaw's interest in the Hollow Earth is also discussed, with a mention of an expedition to the North Polar Opening organized by Steve Currey of The Expedition Company, which is described as a tourist venture with potential risks.

Actor Dan Aykroyd's interview in "UFO Magazine" is mentioned, where he discusses his views on UFO lore and a strange incident involving a black sedan that seemed to disappear. His talk-show series on Sci Fi channel was subsequently cancelled. A news item from a net source reports that the Iranian government has ordered its air force to attack UFOs near its nuclear facilities, with the speculation that U.S. spy planes might be involved. Jim Wales, a follower of George Adamski, is noted for including the "Smear" editor's name in his zine "Update", despite their differing views on contactee phenomena.

PFlock PTalk / Not So Mysterious

Karl T. Pflock's column addresses the term "mysterious" as it is used in ufology, suggesting it is often applied to events involving "malevolent forces" like Reptilians or MJ-12. He shares his personal experience of having surgery for spinal cord compression and the subsequent difficulties he faced, including trouble with his computer keyboard. His private email about his condition was published in a leading UFO Journal under the headline "Karl. Pflock Suffering from Mysterious Illness", leading to calls from strangers inquiring if he was an abductee. Pflock argues that UFO phenomena are mysterious enough on their own and do not need to be embellished with "bogus mysteries". He also mentions a photo and text from the "Bigfoot Times" zine, featuring Erik Beckjord, who was a member of the "Hall of Shame" list.

Missives From The Masses

This section compiles letters and comments from readers. John Keel, a former UFO authority, writes a critical letter, calling the magazine "impoverished and irresponsible" and its readers "victims of misguided moronism". He encloses foreign currency in response to a renewal request. Dave Swink of Roswell praises the "Hall of Shame" list and the "Roast" of the editor, expressing admiration for Moseley's ability to keep up with the UFO scene. Jerry Lucci comments on Wendy Connors, who has proclaimed herself "Queen of Ufology". Rob MacGregor expresses surprise at James Randi's omission from the "Hall of Shame" list and makes a donation to help with legal costs. Christopher Allan of England discusses Richard Hall's negative reaction to a defense of Phil Klass and Hall's disputes with Stanton Friedman over a book about the Flatwoods Monster. A patent for a "Motionless Magnetic Generator" is mentioned as a potential free energy device.

Matt Graeber, an ace cartoonist, congratulates the magazine on its "Hall of Shame" list but wishes for more explanation. He nominates Dr. David Jacobs for an "Ain't That a Shame" listing, noting Jacobs' shift from a rational approach to an "abduction specialist". Graeber criticizes the theories of Jacobs and Budd Hopkins regarding alien abduction, suggesting they transform mundane childhood incidents into alien encounters. He also mentions concerns about an "invasion of the planet snatchers" and Airbus's plans for a new passenger plane. He humorously describes his own low-tech security measures against potential alien infiltration.

Random Thoughts

This section includes brief notes. Kenny Young, a researcher from Ohio, died of cancer. The editor suggests that with the U.S. government focused on terrestrial conflicts, attention to interplanetary saucers is unlikely. Thanks are extended to Miller Johnson of New Mexico MUFON.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of individuals within the ufology community, particularly through the "Hall of Shame" list. There is a clear editorial stance against what the magazine perceives as sensationalism, egomania, and unsubstantiated claims within the field. The editor, James W. Moseley, appears to favor a more grounded, albeit still critical, approach to UFO research, as evidenced by his comments on Jerry Clark's evolving views and his own skepticism towards certain aspects of ufology, as expressed in Karl T. Pflock's column. The magazine also highlights various books, zines, and upcoming events related to UFOs and unexplained phenomena, indicating a commitment to covering the breadth of the subject matter, even while maintaining a critical perspective.