Saucer Smear - Vol 59 No 02 - 2012

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 59, No. 2
Date: February 15th, 2012
Publisher: The Flying Saucer Information Center
Editor: James W. Moseley, J.S.

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR delves into a variety of UFO-related topics, from the unusual intersection of Hollywood and ufology to detailed investigations of classic cases.

Heidi Fleiss and the UFO Hotspot

The cover story highlights Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss opening two new brothels near Area 51 in Nevada, a region known for UFO sightings. The article, borrowing from the National Enquirer, notes that Fleiss, who previously faced legal issues, sees sex as her passion and aims to attract long-distance truckers. The brothels will be legal, with one located about an hour's drive from Las Vegas, along the "Extraterrestrial Highway." The area is described as desolate, with the town of Rachel being a notable landmark, home to the "Little Alien Inn," which serves as a gathering place for locals and potentially soldiers from Area 51. The piece humorously suggests that without sex, none of us would be here.

Adios to Aztec, New Mexico

This section discusses the final UFO convention held in Aztec, New Mexico, after a 14-year run. The convention focused on a UFO crash/landing allegedly occurring in the area in 1948, a year after Roswell. While the Aztec event never reached the same level of hysteria as Roswell, it was a significant focus for researcher Scott Ramsey, who planned to co-author a book on the subject. The editor notes that the convention speakers had become increasingly "far out" over the years. The article questions the validity of the Aztec case, pointing out that it was first mentioned in Frank Scully's 1950 book, whose source, Silas Newton, was later convicted of oil fraud. Furthermore, the notorious MJ-12 papers, released in 1987, detail the Roswell Incident but make no mention of Aztec. The editor shares personal anecdotes of interviewing Dwight Eisenhower and Harry Truman, but had no incentive to ask about Aztec or Roswell at the time. A key piece of potential evidence for the Aztec case is a large concrete block found in the New Mexico desert, supposedly used to support a crane for moving a craft.

The editor expresses skepticism about the Aztec case, particularly regarding the "system of nines" mentioned by Scully, finding the use of archaic English measurements for visiting spacemen absurd. A phone conversation with Scott Ramsey did not sway the editor's opinion.

Secret Saucer??

This brief section discusses a picture featured in the MUFON Journal's November 2011 issue. The details provided are insufficient to make an informed decision about the photo's authenticity. A similar photo was taken in Arizona in 2009. The article speculates that while something strange may be in the sky, it might not be extraterrestrial.

Unidentified Ground Object in Kansas

Residents of a small town in Crowley County, Kansas, reported a UFO sighting on December 18th. The object, described as diamond-shaped and wrapped in a silver tarp, was seen on the back of a flatbed truck traveling down U.S. Highway 70. The object measured about 32 feet and appeared to have flashing lights. The trucking company requested the local sheriff minimize news of the craft, but the object's size made it difficult to pass through town without causing a spectacle. This incident is compared to the Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, case. The article also mentions a large UFO flap near Kansas City, Missouri, in the latter months of the previous year, with about half of the 85 reported sightings remaining unexplained after MUFON's investigation.

Update! (Zine Review)

This section reviews "Update," a UFO zine published by James (Jim) Wales, a follower of Laura Mundo and George Adamski. The zine is free and based on the teachings of Mundo and Adamski. The masthead of "Update" includes seven names, most of whom are deceased, including Adamski, Howard Menger, and Nikola Tesla. Jim Wales, the editor, is still alive. Wales considers the "Saucer Smear" editor a "MAJOR Player" in the UFO field. The philosophy presented in "Update" is described as unusual and difficult to understand or believe.

Sex and Saucers - Again!

This segment revisits the Raelian UFO cult, which claims the human race was seeded by extraterrestrials. The cult gained publicity in 2002 for claiming to have created the first human clone, which is suggested to be a publicity stunt. The Raelians are known for their atheism and devotion to sexual freedom. The article notes that Iran, with its strict "Sharia Law," is not a friendly environment for such beliefs. Negar Azizmoradi, the leader of the Iranian branch of the International Raelian Movement, has been granted political asylum in the United States after facing persecution in her home country for publicly stating her beliefs.

"Reflections of a UFO Investigator" (Book Review)

This section reviews Kevin Randle's latest book, "Reflections of a UFO Investigator." Randle, who has a mail-order Ph.D. and is a retired military officer, has written extensively on UFOs. The book lacks standard structural elements like a table of contents or index but includes a "Conclusions" section where Randle reaffirms his belief in Roswell as an ET event, without considering other anomalous explanations. The book discusses numerous UFO cases, some of which turned out to be hoaxes. Randle is described as a thorough and unbiased researcher, particularly adept at distinguishing genuine military personnel from fakes. However, his objectivity falters when discussing Roswell, which is his obsession. The review questions the nature of the debris found at Roswell, suggesting it does not resemble spaceship parts. A significant point highlighted is the testimony of Bessie Brazel, daughter of rancher Mack Brazel, who described the debris, including tape with "flower-like designs." This description closely matches the material used in Mogul balloons, as described by Prof. Charles Moore. The article suggests that Bessie Brazel's description, if accurate, independently corroborates the Mogul balloon theory.

Reply to D.P. Plunkett (BFSB)

This section includes a reply from Denis Plunkett of the British Flying Saucer Bureau (BFSB), thanking the editor for a letter and acknowledging SAUCER SMEAR as "the oldest UFO publication in the world."

Cash-Landrum, Still Again

This ongoing examination of the Cash-Landrum case continues without a definitive identification of the UFO. Investigators initially preferred a spaceship explanation over a secret U.S. device. The research is described as sometimes biased, incomplete, and scientifically poor, with John Schuessler losing objectivity due to his friendship with the witnesses. Schuessler doubts he will ever learn what happened but concluded it wasn't one of ours, estimating the vehicle was at least 90 feet tall. The article questions whether witnesses actually stated the vehicle was 90 feet tall. Researcher Curt Collins has provided significant information. The section also mentions Nick Redfern's book "KEEP OUT," which covers various high-security facilities and UFO-related topics like Area 51, Bob Lazar, Dulce, cattle mutilations, and the Montauk project.

Missives from the Masses

This section features contributions from various researchers:

• Curtis Peebles discusses the Cash-Landrum incident, noting two sets of witnesses: Cash-Landrum saw both helicopters and a diamond-shaped object, while others saw Chinook helicopters but not the object. Peebles suggests the object could have been a hot-air balloon or a misinterpretation of a helicopter searchlight.
• Curt Collins, an investigator of the Cash-Landrum case, points to a seemingly minor detail in a 1986 MUFON Journal letter by Steuart Campbell. Campbell cited an article by Schuessler that mentioned the Moon's appearance after midnight, suggesting it was used to brighten the sky. Collins believes Schuessler may have added the Moon as background detail based on an almanac, potentially indicating issues with how evidence was gathered and presented.
• Scott Bond expresses enjoyment of the recent updates on the Cash-Landrum sighting, calling it one of his favorites and stating that researchers are closer to the truth.
• Tim Printy, editor of "SUNlite," comments on the "Dream Team" assembled for Roswell, noting Kevin Randle's forgiveness of Don Schmitt. Printy questions whether this team will uncover new revelations or repeat old stories, and whether they would reveal a terrestrial source if found.
• Hal Pattee describes a "hoax" involving Jose Alvarez (presented as mystic Carlos) and James Randi on Australian television. Pattee questions how this reflects on Randi's abilities and suggests Randi should marry Alvarez.

Tim Beckley's Facebook Experience: Tim Beckley recounts being locked inside Macy's on 34th Street during Black Friday, an experience he found amusing.

Chris Roth's Comment: Chris Roth suggests Beckley's experience could be the basis for a movie, embellished with "blood-soaked debutantes going apeshit in the chainsaw aisle."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SAUCER SMEAR include the persistent investigation of classic UFO cases like Roswell and Cash-Landrum, the exploration of unusual connections between UFO phenomena and popular culture (e.g., Hollywood figures), and a critical examination of evidence and researcher objectivity. The editorial stance, particularly from James W. Moseley, appears to be one of skepticism towards overly sensational claims, a focus on rigorous investigation, and a tendency to question established narratives, while still maintaining an interest in the unexplained. There is also a recurring, albeit often humorous, emphasis on the role of sex in UFO lore, dating back to Gray Barker's theories.