Saucer Smear - Vol 52 No 03 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 52, No. 3 (Whole Number 379)
Date: March 25th, 2005
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It features a mix of news briefs, in-depth articles, reader contributions, and commentary on UFOs and related phenomena.

News Briefs

The masthead now includes both telephone numbers for easier communication, as the publication is not on the internet. Pat Marcattilio of New Jersey is organizing a ufological conclave on April 16th-17th, featuring speakers like skeptic John Sherwood. A traveling exhibit from the International UFO Museum at Roswell visited Fort Myers, Florida. The annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) is scheduled for September 2nd-5th in Hollywood, California. The issue also mentions a radio show featuring Richard Doty and Greg Bishop discussing their book "Project Beta: The Story of Paul Bennewitz, National Security, and the Creation of a Modern UFO Myth," which the editor suggests could be titled "Breaking Dr. Paul."

Sidelines

Just Hanging Around: A report from the Florida Keys details an incident on July 12, 2004, where five young people were found dangling from meat hooks on a bamboo tripod. The Coast Guard and local police were called, but no laws were being broken.

Necrophilia Ban: California has officially banned sex with corpses after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill, marking the culmination of a two-year campaign.

Miscellaneous Ravings

UFOs: Seeings Is Believing Review: The issue reviews the ABC television special hosted by Peter Jennings, finding it well-done but adding little new to the subject. It highlights Michael Shermer's point about scientists needing physical evidence and acknowledges the work of Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The program touched on multi-witness cases and the idea that "only contact will solve the mystery." The segment on Roswell is praised, with Karl Pflock's perspective on the Mogul Balloon solution being featured. Stanton Friedman is characterized as a "money-grubber and an opportunist."

Whitley Strieber's Response: The editor includes a lengthy quote from Whitley Strieber's reaction to the Jennings special, titled "The Scum Rises: Peter Jennings on UFOs." Strieber asserts that Roswell was a "world-historical mistake" and that abduction is the primary point of contact with "outside" intelligences.

Skeptic's Reaction: Martin Kottmeyer was moderately pleased with the Jennings program. The editor notes that none of the critiques mentioned Karl Pflock by name, despite his prominent role.

UFOs Over Iran: The issue suggests that UFOs seen over Iran are likely American planes, with the Bush administration admitting to flying unmanned surveillance drones over the country for nearly a year to monitor nuclear weapons research and air defense weaknesses.

UFO Group Rivalry: A story from Wisconsin describes a rivalry between two UFO groups, with one owner complaining about the other group allegedly stalking her.

UFO Activity and Research

Ed Walters and Gulf Breeze: The case of Ed Walters of Gulf Breeze, Florida, is recounted, where he claimed to be molested by a low-flying UFO in 1987. An investigation showed that a neighbor had not seen anything unusual.

Karl Pflock on Johnny Carson and James Randi: Karl Pflock contributed an item claiming that Johnny Carson donated $100,000 to James Randi's "Education Foundation." The article discusses Randi's offer for proof of paranormal events and the editor's past clashes with Randi over alleged misconduct and libelous statements about Uri Geller.

Household Tip: A brief, unrelated item about Marie Calkins setting fire to her apartment due to her cat's litter box.

Psychics' Predictions: A section from "Skeptical Inquirer" highlights missed psychic predictions for 2004, including the supposed deaths of Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.

Life on Mars: Scientists believe there may be microscopic life beneath the surface of Mars, though NASA later issued a statement denying it.

"Angel Hair" Phenomenon: An interview with Brian Boldman, an investigator specializing in "angel hair" cases, is featured. "Angel hair" is described as a substance resembling spider webs but chemically different and unexplained, often associated with UFO sightings.

Ancient Paintings and Coins: The issue discusses ancient paintings that appear to show UFOs and a French coin from about 1680 depicting a hovering disc.

George Adamski and Carol Honey: The article details Carol Honey's continued belief in George Adamski's claims, including his alleged trip to Saturn. Honey is engaged in a feud with the George Adamski Foundation (GAF) over the distribution of Adamski's material.

"The Straith Letter" Hoax: The editor mentions "The Straith Letter," a hoax perpetrated on Adamski in 1957 by Gray Barker and himself.

Inner Earth Expedition: Details are provided about an upcoming expedition to the North Pole opening into the Inner Earth, organized by Dennis Crenshaw. The expedition is planned for June 26th to July 19th, 2006.

Robert Bigelow and Orbital Hotel: Multi-millionaire Robert Bigelow, former head of NIDS, is investing $500 million in the world's first hotel in orbit around Earth.

PFlock PTalk / The Making of a Saucer Fiend

Karl Pflock recounts his early fascination with UFOs, starting in childhood with stories of crashed flying saucers and their occupants. He describes his father's open-minded interest and their shared speculation about UFOs. Pflock details his early research, including reading "Life" magazine and "Weird Science-Fantasy," and his involvement in founding the National Committee for Investigation of UFOs (NCIUFO) in 1957 to pressure the U.S. Air Force for information. He notes that NCIUFO was listed as a nuisance organization in late-fifties air force intelligence studies.

Of Mice and Men: A Word from Our Esteemed Contributing Editor

Karl Pflock reveals that he has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). He discusses his prognosis, his participation in a clinical trial for a new drug, and provides websites for more information. He also mentions the case of Germaine Elisabeth Teissier, who received a doctorate for defending astrology.

The Readers Strike Back!

Chris Roth's Letter: Roth writes about an editorial in "India Daily" claiming a debate within the Indian government over revealing details of its contacts with extraterrestrials. He questions the credibility of the source and notes that the editorial suggests "invisible untold international protocols" prohibit disclosure that could cause fear.

Noah & Naomi's Expedition: Roth also mentions an ad for an expedition to the North Pole Opening in February 2005, organized by Noah & Naomi, who describe themselves as "spiritually open minded" and "poly minded," which Roth interprets as a reference to polygamy.

William Birnes on Philip Corso: William Birnes, publisher of "UFO Magazine," addresses statements made by the late Lt. Col. Philip Corso regarding mistakes in his book "The Day After Roswell." Birnes clarifies that Corso reviewed and endorsed the manuscript, and that any statements attributing mistakes to him were made in the context of litigation.

German UFO Photographic Expert Klaus Webner

Klaus Webner, a German UFO photographic expert, praises "Saucer Smear" as the only American UFO book he has read with great interest. He describes his own history in the UFO field, starting in 1973 by faking UFO movies and photos to study hoaxing methods. Webner states he is not a believer but a skeptical researcher and possesses one of the largest UFO film collections. He criticizes Stanton Friedman, calling him a "stupid charlatan." Webner also sent a copy of his 1993 book "Wesen aus dem Weltraum?" which deals with hoaxed UFO photos.

Rob MacGregor's Correspondence

Rob MacGregor comments on a previous "Smear" issue, finding a picture of Erik Beckjord bizarre, with only Marilyn Monroe's face visible on his tie.

Dave Swink on "Hall of Shame"

Dave Swink from Roswell, New Mexico, asks for more details on how 10 people were chosen for the "Hall of Shame" list, suggesting it could be a recurring feature.

Signs of Alien Abduction: A list of common signs of alien abduction is provided, including time loss, unexplained scars, bald patches on the head or neck, chronic sinus problems, unexplained electrical problems, and ringing in the ears.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The "Saucer Smear" consistently adopts a critical and often skeptical stance towards UFO phenomena, while still engaging with the subject matter. The publication features a mix of personal anecdotes, investigative reports, and commentary from various contributors, including its editor, James W. Moseley, and contributing editor, Karl T. Pflock. There is a clear interest in debunking hoaxes and exposing perceived charlatans within the UFO community, as seen in the critiques of Stanton Friedman and the discussion of James Randi. The magazine also covers significant UFO events and research, such as the Roswell incident and the "angel hair" phenomenon, but often with a discerning eye. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a grounded approach, even while acknowledging the enduring mysteries of the UFO field. The inclusion of reader feedback and diverse perspectives suggests an effort to foster discussion within the ufological community, albeit with a strong editorial voice guiding the narrative.