A Magical Ride With Saucerer Moseley (Wheee!!)
I was sitting at the coffeehouse counter this evening when the barista asked me what I was reading. He noticed the name of the newsletter: Saucer Smear by James W. Moseley.
I eXplained it was about “flying saucers,” or UFOs.
The barista replied: “People still see those things?”
Just part of the sad state of modern ufology. Mosely has been around since the early days when aerial phenomena was called “flying discs." Jim is an amiable curmudgeon, a living flame who refuses to be extinguished by the Dark Ages.
What I like about Jim is that he doesn’t accept any crazy story that comes down the space pike – but neither does he side with the Absolute Skeptics. I sat there at the coffeehouse, sipping my brew and reading, educated and entertained at the same time. I know I was entertained; I chuckled out loud a few times.
Some might not be impressed with Jim’s snail mail retro-zine. It’s on plain paper, basic black and white, composed with a typewriter and judicious use of tape when outside items are included. (You kids can Google “typewriter;” I don’t have time to eXplain.) The stuff that serves as comment fodder in his zine mainly originates on the Net; I know that I’m familiar with most of the subjects he brings up. But Jim’s insight and humor turn prosaic facts into a ripping good read.
The latest issue - March 15th, 2007 – really hits the mark. It opens with an article entitled, “IS THE CURRENT UFO ‘FLAP’ REALLY A ‘FLOP’?” I was about to write a post about how boring ufology can be at times and Jim beat me to the punch. Like me, Jim he wants to believe, but isn’t there something else out there besides the same old cases being discussed without any definite proof to back them up? But despite his negative take, the article is still fun (except maybe to Dan Aykroyd).
So if you have a couple of dollars lying around, I would advise to send them in a security envelope to James W. Moseley, PO Box 1709, Key West, Florida 33041. Jim is an institution within UFOdom. Of course, what kind of institution is open to debate (mental?). Saucer Smear is an eight-page magic carpet ride without the bad aftereffects.
Comments
Saucer Smear is indeed a lot of fun - I just got the most recent ish at the office today, and I stopped everything I was doing to read it (nice note about Korff in there), as I always do. People will have a greater appreciation for Moseley once he's gone... alas.
Paul
http://www.martiansgohome.com/smear/
I'm afraid that the martians have indeed gone home; that link doesn't work anymore.
In the previous issue of Saucer Smear the Supreme Commander Moseley announced that individual online issues of SS will be available at www.ufotv.com . The price is $1.99 per download. And here's the reasoning behind it, as stated at that site:
"The proceeds from Download internet sales will keep Saucer Smear in print and help to provide for the modest needs and creature comforts of its founder and publisher James Mosley. [sic]"
A couple of years ago Jim was flooded out by a hurricane. So I don't blame him for trying to stay out of the red ink by charging for online copies.
You can find the links for SS issues under "Best Sellers" at ufotv.com .
Or just pop a couple of dollar bills in an envelope and sent it direct to Jim. Remember: the hardcopy version may burn but it will never crash.
Paul:
It's too bad that Jim's book about his "grave-robbing" days will probably won't see print. Karl Pflock was involved with that project before his untimely death. And then that hurricane damaged most of the materials. I think Jim's archeological adventures deserve to be recorded, beyond what he shared in "Shocking Close To The Truth."
Ray
Very few would have the time, patience or inclination to carry on the subject with a subject so demanding.
I must admit, however, to being unfamiliar with Saucer Smear. Thanks for the 411.