Saucer Smear - Vol 58 No 05 - 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: May 15th, 2011
Volume: 58, No. 5 (Whole Number 440)
Publisher: OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of Saucer Smear, the non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, is primarily focused on the legacy of the late Gray Barker and other historical and contemporary UFO-related topics.

The Lost Creek Saucer and Gray Barker

The cover story discusses a photograph from 1966 featuring the late Gray Barker and an unidentified young man. The photo is linked to the 'Lost Creek Saucer,' a small UFO model (approximately 6 inches in diameter) that was used as a prop in a short film. This film was created by James W. Moseley, the editor, and Gray Barker, and was used in Moseley's college lecture series. Moseley explains that the film was created to break the monotony of his lectures and that he and Barker fabricated a story to go with it. Barker, described as an entertainer, was instrumental in this endeavor.

The issue also mentions a new documentary about Gray Barker's career titled "Shades of Gray," produced by Bob Wilkinson, available for purchase online. The documentary is described as capturing Barker's spirit as an entertainer, though it is noted that he considered himself primarily an entertainer rather than someone deeply investigating the nature of UFOs.

The 1966 Marsh Gas Flap and Dr. J. Allan Hynek

The magazine recounts the famous "Marsh Gas" flap near Dexter, Michigan, in 1966. Dr. J. Allan Hynek, then an Air Force scientific consultant, investigated some of the sightings and suggested that 'Marsh Gas' might have caused the phenomena. This explanation was met with ridicule by the press, which also targeted Dr. Hynek. The editor expresses admiration for Hynek, noting that he later became a pro-UFO spokesman and was open-minded about the origin of UFOs, influenced by Dr. Jacques Vallee.

The publicity surrounding the 1966 flap provided a significant opportunity for Moseley, who was based in New York City. This led to numerous media appearances and the organization of the 1967 convention in NYC, which was the largest indoor UFO convention at the time. Moseley also lectured at colleges nationwide.

The Flatwoods Monster Case

The issue revisits the classic 1952 Flatwoods (West Virginia) Monster case, connecting it to Gray Barker, who lived nearby and was one of the first researchers to investigate the incident. Barker's involvement marked his first in-person investigation of a mysterious occurrence. The Air Force's explanation of the event as a 'bright meteor' is discussed, with a recent blog by Kevin Randle suggesting it might be the answer, though acknowledging that witnesses' accounts vary. The article notes that Randle concludes an ET object was unlikely involved.

New books on the Flatwoods Monster are mentioned, including "The Braxton County Monster: The Cover-Up of the Flatwoods Monster Revealed" by Frank Feschino and "Shoot Them Down: The Flying Saucer Air Wars of 1952." The magazine expresses skepticism about these books, particularly noting former nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman's endorsement of them.

Critiques of Ufologists Bill Knell and John Ford

Under the heading "UFOLOGY AT ITS WORST - PART TWO," the magazine addresses issues concerning ufologists Bill Knell and John Ford. Bill Knell is accused by many researchers of pirating audio and video material. A recent report indicates that Knell and his wife, Catherine, have been charged with child neglect, with testimony describing their home as being in a state of filth.

John Ford is described as having written a 4-page rant in 2009, revealing a paranoid personality. His writings suggest he believed many people he knew were agents involved in a 'KGB Honey Pot' operation to compromise him. The magazine finds his claims highly unlikely, suggesting the girl he met may have simply liked him.

Numerology and Calendar Predictions

The issue discusses the prediction of the 'Rapture of Believers' on May 21st, 2011, by the president of Family Radio. The magazine argues that prophecies based on Biblical lore are often unreliable. It also points out that the Gregorian calendar's year 1 A.D. is not precisely aligned with the birth of Christ, and that any predictions based on biblical numerology or chapter/verse numbers are meaningless because these numbers were assigned centuries later.

Charles Fort and Calendar Reform

The magazine touches upon Charles Fort's idea for calendar reform, proposing a system of 13 months, each with 28 days, to simplify scheduling and holidays. This idea, though constructive, never gained traction.

The Nazca Lines and Sacsayhuaman

An article originally written for the January 2011 issue of "Ray X" zine, titled "The Somewhat Mysterious Nazca Lines of Peru," is discussed. The editor, James W. Moseley, is credited with being among the first to suggest the Nazca Lines might have been an ET runway, an idea later popularized by Erich von Daniken. The magazine notes that while archaeologists know which pre-Inca tribe built the Lines, their purpose remains a mystery. The article also mentions the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuaman near Cuzco, Peru, highlighting the mystery surrounding its construction due to the massive size of its stones.

The Menace of Iran

This section reports on Iran's claim of building the world's first flying saucer, named ZOHAL. The magazine expresses skepticism, particularly regarding the claim that it can 'also fly indoors,' suggesting this invalidates the story. The report also touches upon Iran's ambitious space program and its potential dual use for missile technology and atomic power.

"REAL ALIENS, SPACE BEINGS, AND CREATURES FROM OTHER WORLDS"

A review of a book by Brad Steiger and Sherry Hansen Steiger is presented. The book is described as a lengthy tome exploring various off-beat subjects. The review notes that the Steigers aim to open readers' minds to new possibilities. A chapter titled "Sex with Aliens" is highlighted, mentioning the 1957 case of Antonio Villas Boas.

What Happens When UFO Research Organizations Die?

This section discusses the fate of files collected by defunct UFO research organizations. It mentions that after NICAP (National Committee on Aerial Phenomena) ceased operations, some of its files had to be rescued from trash containers. The death of APRO (Aerial Phenomena Research Organization) is also noted, with a recent account by Clas Svahn on the Net. APRO was founded in 1952 by Coral and Jim Lorenzen, who accumulated about 15,000 case files. The magazine mentions that the Lorenzens did not acknowledge material sent to them by the editor for 'Saucer News.' The article also touches upon the complex situation regarding the APRO collection after Coral Lorenzen's death, involving Brian Myers, Tina Choate, and Dr. J. Allan Hynek's organization, CUFOS.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are included:

• Gene Steinberg comments on remarks made by Paul Kimball regarding forum moderation and the handling of controversial abductee Emma Woods. Steinberg defends his editorial decisions.
• Rob Swiatek writes about MUFON's current crisis and its potential future, suggesting that economic downturns or natural disasters could impact UFO groups. He also expresses his belief that UFO phenomena likely involve other dimensions rather than just space travel.
• Curt Collins writes about James W. Moseley's article on the Nazca Lines and credits Moseley with propagating the idea that they were an ET runway.
• Curtis Peebles, a skeptical aviation expert, comments on Dr. Gerald K. Haines' articles regarding the CIA's role in UFO studies and the declassification of the NRO.
• Jerry Lucci asks about Kathy Kasten, describing her as potentially delusional and a future 'Ufoology star.'
• Carlos Mentira offers a brief note of encouragement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently expresses a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It often critiques sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within the ufology community, while also acknowledging historical cases and ongoing research. The editor, James W. Moseley, appears to value critical analysis and historical accuracy, as evidenced by his debunking of certain claims and his detailed recounting of events. There is a recurring theme of questioning the motives and methods of various ufologists and organizations. The publication also demonstrates an interest in historical figures like Charles Fort and Gray Barker, and in ancient mysteries such as the Nazca Lines and Sacsayhuaman, though it maintains a distinction between these and UFO phenomena unless a direct link is established. The editorial stance seems to favor evidence-based reasoning and a healthy dose of skepticism, even when discussing potentially extraordinary claims.