Saucer Smear - Vol 53 No 07 - 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: July 30th, 2006
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: Jim Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. The editor, Jim Moseley, clarifies the publication's stance on UFOs, stating that while they believe in the mystery, they do not automatically equate UFOs with alien spaceships. Instead, they suggest UFOs might be a long-standing part of Earth's environment, possibly from other dimensions or times. The magazine criticizes the American tendency to view UFOs solely as spaceships, contrasting it with a more open-minded approach observed in England.

Policy Statement: Another Vague "Saucer Smear" Policy Statement

Jim Moseley reiterates that "Saucer Smear" is not a skeptic or debunker publication. They believe a small percentage of UFO sightings are genuinely unexplained. However, they caution against jumping to the conclusion that these are alien spacecraft, proposing that UFOs might be an intrinsic part of Earth's environment, possibly linked to other dimensions or times. Moseley dismisses simplistic explanations and notes that in England, people are more open to complex possibilities, citing lectures given at the "Fortean Times" "UnConvention" in London. He expresses skepticism about government knowledge of UFOs, stating there have been no confirmed crashes or alien recoveries, referencing the Roswell incident dismissively. He also believes world leaders are not focused on UFOs due to terrorism and repression, as UFOs are not perceived as a national security threat. The subject is seen as a scientific mystery that may eventually be solved, potentially overlapping with phenomena like ghosts and poltergeists.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The issue presents the closing figures from Paul Kimball's "Best Evidence" poll. While some cases are unfamiliar, the Cash-Landrum case is highlighted as the best, along with the Frederick Valentich disappearance in Australia. The magazine notes that most cases on Kimball's list are over fifteen years old, prompting speculation about whether human methods of solving cases have improved, if UFO activity has decreased, or if another factor is at play. Paul Kimball's new list, "Ufology's Generation NOW," is also mentioned, featuring ten researchers, including England's Nick Pope, Nick Redfern, Greg Bishop, and John Greenewald, Jr. Pope is noted for not believing in a government conspiracy.

What is the UFO case with the "best evidence" ever?

A poll is presented listing various UFO cases and their vote counts. The Bentwaters (Rendlesham) case received the most votes (23%), followed by the "Other" category (16%) and Belgium (1990) (11%). Other notable cases include Valentich (1978) with 6% and Cash Landrum (1980) with 9%. The total number of votes was 179.

Reptile Disfunction

A London newspaper article details a British jazz singer, Pamela Stonebrook, who claims to have had sexual encounters with a reptilian alien. The article notes that Stonebrook admits to past psychedelic drug use and denies her claims are a publicity stunt, stating they have been detrimental to her career. The alien is described as a six-foot-tall human-lizard hybrid, a concept championed by researcher David Icke.

Brown Mountain

The mysterious "earth lights" of Brown Mountain in western North Carolina are discussed. A recent article from the Winston-Salem Journal is mentioned, though the reporter and the "Smear" editor saw nothing during their visits. Sightings typically involve large, glowing colored balls rising from the forest. The most plausible explanation offered is "ball lightning," a poorly understood form of electricity. The article dismisses claims that these lights are alien craft, suggesting they are a natural, local phenomenon.

UFO Hall of Shame and Fame

"ufowatchdog.com," run by Royce Myers, features a "UFO Hall of Shame" and "UFO Hall of Fame." The "Shame" list includes Sean David Morton, Ray Santilli, Philip Klass, Richard Hoagland, Art Bell, Richard Boylan, Jim Dilettoso, Joe Nickell, Peter Gersten, Erik Beckjord, Ed Dames, Steven Greer, Donald Schmitt, Billy Meier, Shirley Maclaine, Bob Lazar, Jaime Maussan, Linda Moulton Howe, Wendell Stevens, and the Raelian cult leaders. Sean Morton is highlighted for having sued Royce Myers for libel and losing the case. The "Hall of Fame" list is headed by the "Greatest Ufologist Ever."

Celebrity Stories

Two celebrity stories of dubious validity are presented. The first involves comedian Jackie Gleason and former President Richard Nixon allegedly viewing a crashed flying saucer and alien remains at Homestead Air Force Base in 1974. The story, relayed by UFO researcher Larry Warren, is questioned due to its implausibility and Warren's reputation. The second story, "The Night the Aliens Called On John Lennon," is attributed to Uri Geller, who claims Lennon described an encounter with bug-eyed aliens and presented Geller with a strange metal egg-like object.

News Briefies

• The National UFO Conference (NUFOC) for 2006 has been canceled due to issues with the executive director, Lisa Davis. It is expected to resume in Spring 2007.
• "C-Com," a publication by Erich Aggen, is noted for its May 2006 issue containing articles on Canadian UFO sightings and "little men" from the early 1900s, as well as a piece by Paul Kimball on internet censorship.
• The "John Titor's Story" of a self-proclaimed time traveler from 2036 is mentioned, with the magazine noting that Titor's predictions about civil war did not materialize.
• Ufologist Dr. Willy Smith of Florida has died. He was known for his work on the Gulf Breeze case but was also criticized for creating hoaxed photos.

Tributes to Karl Pflock

Several researchers and colleagues share their memories and tributes to the late Karl Pflock. William Moore describes Pflock as a decent sort with a genuine interest in UFOs, not part of a conspiracy. Christopher Roth calls Pflock an "irreverent, intelligent, and necessary voice" in ufology, lamenting the silencing of his unique perspective. Rob Swiatek recalls Pflock's generosity, particularly in sharing slides from a lecture on the Desverges case, and notes his wife Mary. Simone Mendez expresses anger at not having met Pflock, highlighting his belief in her despite her skepticism. Michael Dennett expresses sorrow at Pflock's passing, acknowledging his tribute in "Saucer Smear" and noting Pflock was not a true skeptic but voiced critical thoughts. Sam Randlett mentions a new Stonehenge replica in Maryhill, Washington.

Gulf Breeze Controversy and Other Cases

Zan Overall's 1990 book "Gulf Breeze Double Exposed - The 'Ghost Demon' Photo Controversy," co-authored by Dr. Willy Smith, is discussed. The booklet analyzes hoaxed photos created by Ed Walters. MUFON's continued endorsement of the Gulf Breeze photographs is criticized. The magazine also mentions a long-ago classic flying saucer case and notes that Uri Geller, along with two others, attempted to buy Elvis Presley's former home on eBay, but the purchase fell through, leading Geller to sue.

"Stranger at the Pentagon" and Gray Barker

Dr. Frank Stranges is mentioned regarding his forthcoming motion picture based on his book "Stranger at the Pentagon." Rob MacGregor offers a humorous tribute to Jim Moseley, comparing him to Edward Leedskalnin and praising his typewriter-based publishing. Tony Loredo congratulates "Saucer Smear" on its publication status and asks about the future of the magazine after Moseley's passing. Ralph Coon, producer of the Gray Barker documentary "Whispers from Space," sends a letter addressing perceived criticisms and humorously describes a bizarre proposal to exhibit Gray Barker's exhumed body.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the nature of UFO belief, the critique of simplistic explanations, the examination of prominent UFO cases and personalities, and personal tributes to the late Karl Pflock. The editorial stance, as articulated by Jim Moseley, is one of open-minded inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging its mysterious nature without succumbing to dogma or automatic assumptions about extraterrestrial origins. The publication maintains a critical yet engaged perspective on ufology, often injecting humor and personal commentary.