Saucer Smear - Vol 59 No 03 - 2012

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 59, No. 3 (Whole No. 449)
Date: March 15th, 2012
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, focuses on the enduring mystery of the Roswell Incident and the late ufological journalist John Keel. It also touches upon the work of skeptics, paranormal phenomena, and personal experiences of the editor and contributors.

Roswell Again, and the Late John Keel

The lead article revisits the Roswell Incident, addressing John Keel's theory that it was caused by Japanese "Fugo balloons." The editor notes that Keel was adamant about this theory, but the timeline (occurring two years after WWII) made it problematic. A recent posting by Nick Redfern is mentioned, which suggests Keel was referring to improved Japanese manned balloons. However, the editor expresses skepticism about the time-frame and notes that Redfern is still exploring details without necessarily endorsing the theory. The article concludes by asserting that the "stylized flowers" and "hieroglyphics" reported by witnesses were the same thing, linking them to Project Mogul.

Project Mogul and the Roswell Debris

Further discussion on the Roswell Incident presents the view of Fred Whiting, former executive of the Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR), who has become a skeptic. Whiting is convinced the debris was from Project Mogul, explaining the "alien writing" as tape from a novelty store with flowers, a description matching that provided by Mac Brazel's daughter. The article dismisses claims of alien bodies and craft as coming from unreliable witnesses, calling their promotion by "self-styled UFO 'investigators'" shameful. Professor Charles Moore's explanation of the "flower tape" on the Mogul assembly is detailed, describing six pinkish-purple flowers repeated in sequence, which could resemble hieroglyphics. The presence of thick-walled aluminum rings, also mentioned by Brazel's daughter, is cited as further evidence for Mogul wreckage.

Your Paracast Newsletter & Long John Nebel

The editor mentions Gene Steinberg's "The Paracast," a paranormal internet radio program, and his own appearances on it. He recalls being a guest with Gene and Chris O'Brien, and later with Kevin Randle, author of a new UFO book. The discussion on "The Paracast" with Randle, who has extensive knowledge of the Roswell case, is noted. The editor also acknowledges a favorable mention of himself in "Your Paracast Newsletter," titled "The UFO Field's Enduring Treasure."

Editor's Past Adventures

The editor briefly recounts his past as a "forcefully (by the Peruvian government) retired treasure hunter" in Peru during the late 1950s, where he found gold objects and antiquities. This experience was intended for a book with the late Karl Pflock, "Shockingly Close to the Truth," but it never materialized.

Paranormal Mind Games

This section discusses the editor's approach to paranormal belief systems, stating he does not dismiss them but finds many unprovable and unreliable. He expresses skepticism towards astrology and prediction, as the future is unknown. However, he recounts a brief personal experience of precognition, seeing a suit and number of playing cards before looking at them.

Miracle of Fatima

An "outstanding mystery" rarely mentioned in UFO literature is the Miracle of Fatima in Portugal, 1917. Approximately seventy thousand witnesses saw a strange object under cloud cover that emitted heat, leading many to believe the sun was descending. The article notes that while the event involved a UFO, its religious overtones often lead to it being disconnected from UFO discussions. The accurate prediction of the date is highlighted as a reason for the large number of witnesses.

Skeptics Phil Klass and Donald Menzel Revisited

The issue examines the late skeptic Phil Klass, who died in 2005. The editor, who knew Klass well, describes him as having many friends among skeptics and high-ranking military and civilian figures due to his position at Aviation Week. Klass's anti-UFO stance is attributed to his belief that criticizing the government's apparent anti-UFO stance was unpatriotic. The article mentions Billy Cox's criticism of Klass, including accusations of calling the Travis Walton abduction a hoax and allegedly offering money to confirm it was made up. The editor dismisses Cox's claim that Klass's damage to ufology was "irreparable," believing the truth about UFOs will eventually emerge.

Dr. Donald Menzel, former head of Harvard Observatory and an arch-skeptic, is also discussed. Like Klass, Menzel wrote anti-UFO books and offered "fantastic" explanations for cases. Menzel is described as a science fiction writer and artist, with a painting of a "bare-breasted Martian maiden" mentioned. A peculiar explanation by Menzel for a photographed meteor-like object over Miami is cited: he claimed it was "light reflecting from a cobweb."

Update on Roswell Festival Funding

The annual UFO Festival in Roswell, N.M., has had its funding cut in half, from $150,000 to $75,000. Julie Shuster, curator of the International UFO Museum, removed city-donated displays in protest. The reason for the funding decrease is unclear, possibly due to the recession or competing interests like bird-watching societies.

Curt Collins: A New Contributing Editor

Curt Collins is introduced as a new contributing editor, specializing in the Cash-Landrum case and the Miracle of Fatima. He describes himself as a 53-year-old "writer & researcher" with a lifelong fascination for modern mysteries, carefully avoiding the word "belief" and questioning conclusions of both believers and debunkers. He advocates for scientific examination of UFOs. The editor categorizes him as a "Closet Skeptic."

Editorial Policy and Personal Experiences

The editor states that Saucer Smear no longer prints current UFO sightings, finding them repetitive and boring since 1980. The focus remains on "classic" UFO cases and "interesting events/gossip." The editor admits they don't know what UFOs are but have had a dozen paranormal experiences, a few involving UFOs. They occasionally publish personal experiences.

Reader Contributions and Book Reviews

Several readers contribute letters. Paul Kimball praises "Saucer Smear" and recommends "Shockingly Close to the Truth." Kevin Randle discusses his book, clarifying his background and expressing his search for a terrestrial explanation for the Roswell case, while also noting the skepticism already attacking their findings. Patrick Huyghe, editor of Anomalist Books, comments on Randle's book and the editor's role. Gary Baucom requests a sample copy of "Saucer Smear," expressing appreciation for the editor's insights on "The Paracast."

Steve Barnett of Santa Fe describes a venue with a large collection of alien-themed items. Jim Wales, editor of "Update," comments on Moseley's consistent presence in lists of UFO figures and his financing of his mission. Joe Roderick expresses admiration for the editor and requests a copy of "Saucer Smear." Mike Decker shares his transformative experience reading Moseley's book "Shockingly Close to the Truth," finding it restored his sanity and sense of the world.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the re-examination of the Roswell Incident through the lens of Project Mogul and skepticism, the critical analysis of prominent ufologists and skeptics, and the acknowledgment of UFOs as a real, albeit unexplained, paranormal phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, valuing scientific examination while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge. The editor expresses a personal belief in UFOs as a paranormal phenomenon but avoids definitive pronouncements, preferring to explore the subject with a degree of skepticism and humor.