Caveat Emptor - vol 1 no 1

Magazine Overview

CAVEAT EMPTOR, Vol. 1, No. 1, Fall 1971, is the inaugural issue of a quarterly publication by G & G Enterprises, based in Charleston, South Carolina. The magazine aims to explore the 'unknown' in all its facets, going beyond typical UFOlogy to encompass broader aspects of life that demand further understanding, including politics, religion, and intelligent satire. The editors emphasize that the views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the staff's opinions.

Editorial Stance and Purpose

In his editorial, Eugene Steinberg expresses a desire to produce a high-quality publication, acknowledging that the three years since the magazine's conception have not been solely dedicated to production. He outlines the magazine's purpose: to explore the 'unknown,' which includes flying saucers, ESP, and other borderline fields, as well as any aspect of life demanding deeper understanding. The editors admit to having much to learn and intend for the magazine to be an informational resource for both readers and themselves. They express skepticism towards self-proclaimed UFO experts, noting that little progress has been made in solving the UFO enigma, with many researchers becoming disillusioned.

Steinberg also touches upon the U.S. Air Force's decision to close its UFO investigating project, noting that sightings continued. He recounts a personal sighting by the editors of a pinpoint light in the sky. The editorial expresses a distrust of many UFO 'experts' and suggests that the phenomenon may be more complex than conventional explanations allow, possibly being related to human history.

Key Articles and Features

Culture Corner

This section, introduced by an editor's note, is a 'potpourri of anything of unusual interest,' including records, books, movies, and television shows. The material reviewed is emphasized as being of unusual interest, and readers are invited to submit their own material or reviews. The reviews published express the author's opinions.

#### "The Poisons in Your Food" by William Longgood

This review of William Longgood's book recommends it for weight-watchers, warning that it will 'take away your appetite' due to its revelations about poisons in food. The author argues that while laws exist, they are not strict enough or properly enforced. The article highlights the extensive use of insecticides on crops, which is presented as a practice to increase production. It questions the safety of pesticides and points out that workers are warned to stay out of treated fields for thirty days unless wearing protective gear. The piece also addresses the issue of food additives, stating that the average American consumes three pounds of additives annually. It suggests that frequent illnesses like headaches and colds might be linked to these substances and encourages a return to organically grown, unprocessed food.

Editorials

Eugene Steinberg's editorial, titled "Editorials," reiterates the magazine's purpose to explore the unknown and present intelligent satire. He notes that many subscribers expect a focus on UFOs and related subjects, which will be covered. He also mentions the challenges in launching the magazine, including having to move locations multiple times. Steinberg acknowledges that the magazine is not a newcomer to offbeat material, having been involved in such publications for over 10 years, but admits there is still much to learn. He discusses the Air Force's UFO project closure and the continued sightings, including a personal one by the editors. He expresses skepticism towards UFO 'experts' and suggests the phenomenon is complex, possibly linked to human history.

Steinberg also addresses the waning interest in UFOs versus the rise of 'Astrology,' questioning the generalizations in horoscopes. He critiques the practice of UFO researchers exposing each other, mentioning the 'golden era' of such activities in the mid-1950s to mid-1960s. He brings up the 'Men In Black' and notes a recent letter suggesting that Richard E. Wallace (a pseudonym used by the magazine's staff) and Eugene Steinberg were the same person. He clarifies that 'Richard E. Wallace' was a banner name used for multiple writers, including himself and Geneva Steinberg.

"A NEW PERSPECTIVE: THE 'ALTERNATE REALITY' THEORY EXPLAINED" by Allen H. Greenfield

This article introduces a theoretical framework for understanding reality. Greenfield, a UFOlogist and Founder/Executive Director of the Foundation for Philosophic Advancement, posits that historical anomalies, such as stories of fairies and elves, mysterious disappearances, and objects in the sky, may be linked and fit into a single web of phenomena. He questions whether these are psychological manifestations or objective realities. Greenfield explores the 'interplanetary solution' for UFOs but finds it less convincing due to scientific limitations and the phenomena's tie to human history. He then introduces the 'Alternate Reality' (AR) theory, which suggests that other worlds exist parallel to ours, potentially communicating with us. This theory, he argues, can explain many unanswered questions and historical oddities. He discusses 'visions' as glimpses into these alternate realities and suggests flying saucers could be vehicles from them. The theory also offers explanations for disappearances.

"THE CAVEAT EMPTOR INTERVIEW: RAY PALMER"

This interview with Ray Palmer, a pioneer in collecting and publishing information on flying saucers, covers his connection to the 'Shaver mystery.' Palmer explains how Richard Shaver's letters, initially presented as science-fiction in 'Amazing Stories,' detailed an inhabited world beneath the Earth. Palmer shocked the science-fiction community by claiming Shaver's accounts were true. Palmer, a co-founder of 'Fate' magazine, discusses his own UFO experiences and his belief that Shaver's information, despite being from an asylum inmate, was remarkably accurate, particularly regarding the prediction of flying saucer appearances and descriptions. Palmer reveals that Shaver claimed to have received information from underground beings called 'deros' and 'teros' and that Earth is honeycombed with caverns inhabited by descendants of an ancient race. Palmer believes Shaver's experiences were not in physical caves but in the astral plane.

"THE DEATH THROES OF UFOLOGY" by Lt. Philip Cestling, USAR

This article, written by a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve, discusses the perceived decline of ufology. The author suggests that the field has become stagnant, with researchers repeating old theories and failing to make significant progress. He implies that the military's involvement or lack thereof has contributed to this state, possibly due to a lack of credible evidence or a deliberate withholding of information.

"HOW TO TELL A SPOOKLIGHT FROM AN AIRPORT BEACON" by Eugene Steinberg

This article likely provides practical advice or information on distinguishing between unexplained aerial lights ('spooklights') and conventional aircraft lighting, suggesting a focus on critical observation and analysis within the context of UFO phenomena.

"RANDOM SPECULATIONS ON UFOS AND SUCH" by Geneva Steinberg

This piece offers speculative thoughts on UFOs and related topics, likely exploring various theories and possibilities without necessarily presenting firm conclusions, aligning with the magazine's exploratory nature.

Editorials (Continued)

Eugene Steinberg's editorial continues by discussing the public's recent awakening to the dangers of pollution and pesticides, contrasting it with past indifference. He notes the rise of health food stores and the growing concern about malnutrition. He also touches upon the U.S. Army's extensive domestic intelligence activities, revealing that files had been gathered on at least 25 million American citizens, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance, and the potential for this information to be shared with other agencies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CAVEAT EMPTOR include UFO phenomena, the nature of reality, government surveillance, and concerns about environmental and food safety. The editorial stance is one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging critical thinking and the exploration of unconventional ideas while cautioning against accepting claims uncritically. The magazine positions itself as a platform for discussing topics often ignored by mainstream publications, aiming to inform and provoke thought among its readers.

CAVEAT EMPTOR, Fall 1971, Volume 1, Issue Fall 1971. This issue of the magazine delves into the state of UFOlogy in the early 1970s, featuring interviews and articles that explore various aspects of the phenomenon, from personal experiences to critical analyses.

The Shaver Mystery and Personal Encounters

Editor Ray Palmer recounts an incident where a special issue of "Amazing Stories" devoted to the "Shaver mystery" faced significant complications during typesetting, with over 200 errors on a single page that the typesetter could not explain. He also shares a personal experience of a near-fatal car incident, which he attributes to the same mysterious influence that affected the typesetter, suggesting it was more than a mere coincidence.

Palmer discusses his belief that flying saucers exist in various phases of existence, some physical, some perhaps astral or in a 'fifth dimension.' He posits that humanity is not alone on this planet and that the development of mankind's spiritual and mental faculties lags behind its mechanical development, suggesting that flying saucers might be a way to make humanity think and deepen the mystery.

Palmer also touches upon his 'fact' that allows him to judge the truthfulness of UFO sightings. He explains this 'fact' through an anecdote about a story involving a trip to the North Pole and Russian atomic submarines, which he found unbelievable. However, he was convinced by a detail about the aliens' clothing being peculiar to 16th-century Spaniards, which he found to be a specific and verifiable detail.

The Decline of UFOlogy and Convention Critiques

Lt. Philip Cestling, USAR, in "The Death Throes of UFOLOGY," argues that the science of UFOlogy is nearing its end in the 1970s. He observes that legislators, generals, and scientists who were once interested have returned to more meaningful pursuits, leaving the field to 'crackpots, money-grubbers, and teen-age study groups.' Cestling critiques two recent flying saucer conventions, the 'Giant Rock Spacecraft Convention' on the California desert and a convention in Baltimore sponsored by APRO. He describes the Rock convention as having devolved into a scene of drunkenness, drugs, and violence, with a dwindling and less discerning crowd. He notes the presence of figures like Stan Friedman, Gray Barker, and James W. Moseley, whose commercial ventures are also scrutinized.

The Baltimore convention, while featuring more qualified speakers like physicist Ted Spickler, psychiatrist Dr. Berthold Schwartz, and nuclear engineer Thomas Olsen, is also discussed. The main speaker, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, is mentioned for his past association with the Air Force's UFO project and his controversial 'marsh gas' statement.

Spooklights and Local Legends

Eugene Steinberg's article, "How to Tell a Spooklight from an Airport Beacon," explores the phenomenon of unexplained lights, particularly the Brown Mountain lights in North Carolina. Steinberg recounts a trip with Allen Greenfield to investigate these lights, encountering difficulties with the Interstate Highway system and local roads. They meet Ralph Lael, who claims expertise on the Brown Mountain lights and has investigated them extensively.

Lael's story involves telepathic communication with lights that revealed themselves as intelligent creatures from Venus. Steinberg expresses skepticism, suggesting Lael might be a 'country-bumpkin trying to chisel a few extra dollars.' The article also mentions a mysterious visitor who stayed with Lael for three days without eating, drawing parallels to 'Men In Black' stories.

Steinberg and Greenfield's investigation at Wiseman's View to see the lights is described. They observe faint flickers of light, but ultimately conclude that what they saw was an airport beacon, highlighting the difficulty in distinguishing genuine phenomena from mundane explanations. The article also touches upon legends in the Summerville, South Carolina area, including a ghost story of an engineer's wife with a lantern and a more macabre version involving a disembodied head.

UFOlogists and the 'Silence Game'

Geneva Steinberg's "Random Speculations on UFOs and Such" examines the nature of UFOlogists themselves, describing them as 'immensely entertaining and somewhat scatter-brained.' She notes that due to the lack of scientific recognition, UFOlogy has attracted amateurs, some well-meaning but incompetent, others less so. A major stumbling block identified is the 'EGO,' leading to a 'Silence Game' where individuals try to make themselves feel important by withholding information or forming exclusive groups.

Steinberg discusses the 'I know something you don't!' and 'I know something but I can't tell anybody' variations of the Silence Game. She also touches upon the idea that 'They' (UFO occupants) might tamper with minds, making UFOlogists potential victims. The article references Brad Steiger's 'New UFO Breakthrough' and an article from 'Science and Mechanics' about an 'Ithica's Terrifying Flying Saucer Epidemic,' detailing a sighting by a 13-year-old boy named Donald Chiszar, who described a hovering saucer with occupants and a control panel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CAVEAT EMPTOR include skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, a critical examination of the UFOlogy community, and an exploration of unexplained phenomena like spooklights. The editorial stance, particularly evident in the contributions of Ray Palmer and Eugene Steinberg, leans towards a rational and critical approach, questioning the validity of contactee stories and seeking logical explanations for reported sightings. There is a clear emphasis on the need for critical thinking and a cautious approach to the UFO phenomenon, distinguishing between genuine investigation and the exploitation of public interest.

CAVEAT EMPTOR, Fall 1971, Volume IX. This issue delves into the complex and often speculative world of UFO phenomena, exploring various theories and presenting reviews of relevant literature. The magazine adopts a critical yet open-minded approach, questioning established narratives and encouraging readers to consider unconventional explanations.

UFO Theories and Psychology

The issue begins by exploring the idea that UFOs might be based on a simple, yet advanced, principle that humanity has yet to discover. It posits that UFOs could be a product of advanced psychology, perhaps even a means of keeping humanity from developing certain technologies. The author discusses the 'Men in Black' phenomenon, suggesting that their intimidating tactics might stem from cowardice and fear of exposure.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the theory that UFOs might be entities from the future, possibly time travelers. Two primary motives are suggested: simple observation or an attempt to avert a future catastrophe by transporting people or resources to the present. This theory could explain the presence of UFOs throughout history and the lack of discovered ruins from advanced civilizations.

The psychological aspect of UFO encounters is also examined. The author notes that while psychology has advanced, it may not be comparable to technological advancements, and suggests that our understanding of psychology might be intentionally retarded. The 'absent-minded professor' myth is mentioned as a basis for understanding how great inventors might operate outside their usual fields.

John Keel's 'UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse'

The magazine features a review of John Keel's book, "UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse." Keel's work is described as a must-read for anyone interested in the UFO mystery, as he attempts to trace unexplained phenomena through the ages to a single controlling force, which he likens to 'God.' While the book is noted as being somewhat disorganized, its value lies in the extensive information and theories it presents. Keel argues that UFOs adapt to the observers of their time, evolving from sightings of 'derigibles' and 'air ships' to modern 'spaceships.'

Keel speculates that UFOs might be attempting to communicate a message to humanity that our minds cannot directly comprehend, delivering it in fragments that gain importance over time. He also suggests that certain individuals, particularly children and those under the influence of psychedelic drugs, are more susceptible to seeing these phenomena.

Keel introduces the concept of 'elementals' or 'Earth spirits' as the force behind UFOs. He notes that some contactees report that flying saucers cannot operate outside the Earth's magnetic field, supporting the idea that these phenomena are tied to our planet. The review also touches upon the idea that these 'elementals' might not possess intelligence in the human sense but could function according to their own laws, similar to insects in a beehive.

Contactees and Misinformation

The issue raises concerns about contactees being deliberately misled by UFO entities. An example cited is the case of Gloria Lee Byrd, who allegedly starved herself to death after instructions from 'Space People.' The magazine questions the dismissal of claims from individuals who are perceived as 'crazy' or 'drunk,' arguing that they are just as likely to witness phenomena as anyone else.

Keel suggests that UFO entities provide reliable information up to a point and then 'let them down hard.' The names given by these entities are often noted as puns, sometimes referencing legendary gods. The review mentions a 'First Minister of the Church of the Golden Cross' claiming to receive messages from 'Diophantes of Sirius II,' a name interpreted as 'Unreal God' or 'False God.'

The 'Gassed Children' Story and Psychological Influence

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a peculiar story about a method for quieting crying children using oven gas. The author recounts hearing this story from a nurse and later finding a similar account in Esquire magazine. The author expresses bewilderment about the origin of such a story, questioning if it was planted in his mind by an unknown force. This leads to a discussion on how ideas can be planted in a person's mind, even under hypnosis, and how individuals might fabricate details to support these implanted notions.

The magazine explores the idea that changing one's mental attitude might influence the forces that control one's life, drawing parallels to concepts like 'Power of Positive Thinking' and the idea of living under a 'Black Cloud.'

UFOs and Technology

The issue touches upon the limitations of interstellar travel due to the vast distances involved, unless faster-than-light travel or teleportation becomes possible. It also considers the possibility of UFOs operating on a sub-atomic level, vibrating particles at speeds faster than light.

References and Further Reading

CAVEAT EMPTOR provides extensive lists of recommended reading, categorizing them into imaginative fiction (related to the 'AR concept') and non-fiction works on mythology, paranormal phenomena, and specifically UFOs. Authors like L. Sprague de Camp, Poul Anderson, J.R.R. Tolkien, Thomas Bulfinch, Robert Graves, and Montague Summers are mentioned.

The 'Death Throes of UFOLOGY'

This section critiques a convention where Dr. Hynek gave a talk on UFO sightings. The event was marred by the showing of a poorly received UFO film, leading to an awkward situation where attendees wished they had left. Dr. Hynek was observed leaving the hall abruptly. The section also details a confrontation between Gray Barker and Coral Lorenzen outside a 'secret' APRO meeting, highlighting internal conflicts within the UFO community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CAVEAT EMPTOR include the exploration of unconventional theories about UFOs, such as time travel and alternate realities. There is a strong emphasis on the psychological aspects of these phenomena and the potential for manipulation or misinformation. The magazine appears to champion a critical, investigative stance, encouraging readers to question established beliefs and to consider the possibility of forces beyond conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, acknowledging the mystery of UFOs while also scrutinizing the claims and motivations of those involved in the field.