Caveat Emptor - vol 5 no 4

Magazine Overview

Title: Caveat Emptor
Issue: No. 23 (Vol. 5, No. 4)
Date: Fall 1990
Publisher: Cross-Country Communications
Type: A New Age Journal

Editorial: The Myth-Makers

Gene Steinberg, the editor, reflects on the evolution of UFO beliefs over three decades. He contrasts the 1950s vision of aliens as benevolent beings with the later, more nightmarish 'abduction' scenarios. Steinberg recounts his own early involvement in the subject, noting how the 'conventional wisdom' about UFOs has shifted. He discusses the shift from beliefs in Venusians and Martians to concepts of other dimensions and realities. The editorial also touches upon the 'men in black' phenomenon and the growing complexity of the UFO enigma, suggesting that while government disinformation might exist, it doesn't negate the possibility of something real and unknown.

Steinberg emphasizes the importance of questioning and not blindly accepting every claim, stating that the magazine's purpose is to 'let the buyer beware.' He notes that despite 43 years of UFO research, there is a lack of solid evidence, and many current stories are based on old memories. He also mentions the 'Majestic 12' committee and the ongoing debate surrounding its authenticity.

The Caveat Emptor Interview: Dr. David Jacobs

Floyd Murray interviews Dr. David Jacobs, an Associate Professor of History and UFO researcher, about his forthcoming book on the abduction phenomenon. Jacobs, who has been researching UFOs for 25 years and has a background in history, has spent the last four years conducting primary research on abductions. He believes that abductions offer a significant breakthrough in understanding UFOs, providing insights into the 'why' questions and the motivations of the alleged visitors, unlike mere sightings. His book, expected the following year, is based on extensive research and interviews with abductees.

Feature Articles

• The Howard Menger Story by James W. Moseley: This article profiles Howard Menger, a prominent 'contactee' figure from the 1950s. Moseley, who was a 'contactee critic,' writes about this still-active personality.

• The Ego Corner: The Good, The Bad & The Weird by Geneva Hagen: This piece offers Geneva Hagen's commentary on various topics, including sixties-like behavior in Eastern Europe, crop circles, and politics.

• The Convention From Hell: A Personal View of the 1990 Guildford ISC/BFS Convention by Jon Erik Beckjord: Beckjord shares his personal experience at the convention, contrasting it with the activities of Bigfoot hunters.

• Here It Is: The MJ-12 Wrap-Up by Curt Sutherly: This article revisits the controversial MJ-12 documents, despite the editors' previous promise to move on from the topic.

Departments

• Editorial: "The Myth-Makers... 'nuff said." This section contains Gene Steinberg's editorial discussed above.

• Reader's Forum: Letters from readers offering their opinions and feedback.
• Christopher D. Allan from Stoke-on-Trent, England, argues that the Roswell incident is clearly explained by the FBI teletype identifying the object as a balloon, and dismisses current theories as myths based on old memories. He criticizes Stanton Friedman's stance on MJ-12.
• Robert Shortz, Jr. from Dallas, PA, challenges John Keel's article "The Sorry State of UFO Research," questioning his dismissal of certain cases and his nomination of Dennis Stillings as an academic leader. Shortz defends the value of firsthand accounts and expresses skepticism about academicians imposing theories on UFO experiences.
• Riley Crabb from Orewa, New Zealand, writes about his past interactions with John Keel and expresses concern about the potential impact of UFO beliefs on human consciousness. He also mentions his positive impression of an extraterrestrial named Suzanne.
• Dennis Stillings, Director of the Archaeus Project, corrects an address error and clarifies that his project has not invited Budd Hopkins to speak.
• Robert G. Todd from Ardmore, PA, responds to the editorial regarding the MJ-12 documents, suggesting that Bill Moore and his 'research team' are the most likely creators of the documents, regardless of whether they profited from it.

• Culture Corner: Reviews of new books, including works by Howard Blum and Raymond Fowler.

• Newswatch: Brief news items, including a mention of Americo Candusso.

Other Content

• Advertising Rates: A detailed list of advertising prices for various placements within the magazine.
• Deadlines: Information for the Winter 1990-91 issue.
• Rare Back Issues: A list and description of available back issues of Caveat Emptor, with prices.
• Artifex: An advertisement for "A Journal for Jungian Investigations into Anomalous Phenomena."
• Archaeus: An advertisement for "Cyberbiological Studies of the Imaginal Component in the UFO Contact Experience."
• Desktop Photo Fakery: Gene Steinberg discusses how modern technology, like desktop computers, can be used to create convincing fake UFO photographs.
• Just the Fax: Steinberg shares his recent acquisition of a fax machine and provides contact information via fax, e-mail, and traditional mail.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO research, the evolution of UFO narratives (from benevolent visitors to abductors), the skepticism and critical inquiry that should be applied to claims, and the potential for government disinformation. The editorial stance, as articulated by Gene Steinberg, is one of cautious skepticism and a commitment to questioning. Caveat Emptor aims to present a platform for diverse viewpoints while encouraging readers to 'let the buyer beware,' avoiding both outright dismissal and blind acceptance of UFO-related phenomena. The magazine also highlights its commitment to providing a space for readers to voice their opinions through the 'Reader's Forum.'

This issue of Caveat Emptor, dated Fall 1990, features a prominent article titled "The Howard Menger Story" by James W. Moseley, detailing the experiences of a 1950s UFO contactee. The magazine also includes an interview with abduction researcher Budd Hopkins, discussions on the 'War on Drugs', environmental issues, and technological advancements.

The Howard Menger Story

The lead article focuses on Howard Menger, a UFO contactee from High Bridge, New Jersey, active in the 1950s. Unlike later accounts involving 'greys' and involuntary abductions, Menger's early contacts, starting around ages eight to ten (1930-1931), involved beautiful, advanced beings who claimed to be from other planets, particularly Venus. His first contact was with a woman described as 25 years old, with long blond hair and gold-colored eyes, wearing a glowing, seamless outfit. She communicated telepathically, conveying a message of love. Menger later met more human-looking entities during his military service in World War II. His most famous series of sightings began in 1956, involving luminous spacecraft and telepathic communication with beings who he later suggested might not have been extraterrestrial. Menger also claimed to have traveled in a saucer and viewed Venus through a three-dimensional viewer. The article notes comparisons between Menger's experiences and those of George Adamski.

Interview with Budd Hopkins

An extensive interview with Budd Hopkins, a prominent abduction researcher, is featured. Hopkins discusses his book, based on 47 abductee interviews and 275 hypnotic sessions. He asserts that the abduction phenomenon is a real, physical event, not psychological, and describes a "systematic program of exploitation of human beings for sperm and eggs." He notes the appearance of small, strange-looking babies presented to abductees and a structured program of physical, mental, and reproductive procedures. Hopkins emphasizes the devastating effects on abductees' lives and dismisses psychological explanations, noting that psychologists and psychiatrists who have examined the data agree it's not psychological. He also touches on the use of hypnosis, stating that people remember these incidents without it, and that hypnosis is a form of focused concentration and heightened suggestibility.

Other Articles and Columns

The Ego Corner by Geneva Hagen: This column presents a sampling of "obscure stuff" including increased UFO sightings, particularly in Eastern Europe, possibly linked to LSD parties. It also mentions contact and abduction reports in the U.S. and Canada, with a Vancouver researcher reporting over 6,000 abductees. Satanic Abuse reports are also noted, with similarities to abduction cases. Hagen speculates that both phenomena might be "symbolic memories" of real events from early childhood, like childbirth or surgery.

Researchers Go In Circles: This section critiques an "Operation Blackbird" experiment in England where scientists failed to detect human activity in a grain field, mistaking it for UFO formation. The article questions the scientists' expectations and suggests the phenomenon might be designed to mislead.

Star Wars Revisited: The article discusses U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle's suggestion to convert the Star Wars defense program to deflect meteor impacts. It also touches on conspiracy theories suggesting Star Wars is a cover-up for secret projects involving "Evil Space Beings."

"Swamp Gas" Time Bomb From Hell: This piece details the radioactive waste spill at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington State, creating a large, deep lake of contamination that is entering the Columbia River system. It also mentions the danger of underground storage tank 101-SY exploding and releasing radioactive material.

Water As An Auto Fuel: This section explores the potential of hydrogen as a non-polluting auto fuel, convertible from water using electric current. It notes that while the technology exists, conversion kits are not readily available, and mass production could make it cost-effective.

"Just Say Know": This column, referencing Robert Anton Wilson, critiques the "War on Drugs" as a media hype for a police state, increasing drug prices and making trade more profitable. It suggests the war provides an excuse for U.S. intervention in foreign nations and has led to the erosion of personal rights, such as mandatory urine tests and property confiscation without conviction. The article also mentions proposed legislation for "concentration camps" and national ID cards.

Where There's Smoke, There's Fire!: This section highlights the environmental impact of tobacco cultivation, including deforestation and substantial deaths in Colombia. It also notes that tobacco is expected to cause 20 million deaths a year worldwide, exceeding deaths from world hunger.

Red-Faced International Bankers: The World Bank admits to having made mistakes with "structural adjustment policies" in the 1980s, which led to cuts in social services and increased poverty. New recommendations urge poor countries to focus on human labor and food production, and ensure access to basic needs.

Candlelight Vigil For Children: This announcement promotes a global candlelight vigil on the Fall Equinox to draw attention to a Children's Summit at the UN, urging world leaders to prioritize children's well-being and adopt measures to save millions of children's lives.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official narratives and government actions, particularly concerning the "War on Drugs" and its implications for civil liberties. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards conventional explanations for phenomena like UFOs and abductions, favoring more unconventional or extraterrestrial hypotheses. The publication appears to advocate for greater awareness of hidden truths and potential dangers, encouraging readers to question authority and explore alternative perspectives. The editorial stance is critical of government policies and societal trends that may infringe on freedoms or harm individuals and the environment.

This issue of CAVEAT EMPTOR, dated Fall 1990, focuses on UFO contactee Howard Menger and his controversial claims, alongside discussions of cryptozoology and a report on a convention.

Howard Menger: Contactee and Radio Star

The article details Howard Menger's entry into the UFO field, not through George Adamski, but via George Van Tassel, who claimed space contacts and built the 'Integratron' in California. Van Tassel's lectures and appearances on the Long John Nebel radio show in New York in October 1956 led to Menger's own extensive participation. Menger, described as a former carnival pitchman, became a star on Nebel's all-night talk show, which was seeking to boost ratings. Their mutual admiration society lasted for months, with Menger appearing dozens of times, often accompanied by skeptics from the Saucer Intelligence group (CSI) and a lawyer named Jules St. Germain.

A significant incident occurred in mid-1957 when Dr. J. E. Schmidt, a psychiatrist, filed a formal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission, calling Long John's show a 'public hazard to mental health' and objecting to the flying saucer programs. This caused Nebel to temporarily 'cool it' on such subjects, though Menger and his opponents eventually returned to the airwaves.

The author, James W. Moseley, notes his own involvement in UFO research since 1953 and his publication of 'Saucer News.' He recounts writing an exposé on George Adamski and an article on Menger in 1957, calling him the 'Jersey Adamski.' Moseley spent much of the late 1950s treasure hunting in Peru.

Menger's Space Claims and Skeptical Scrutiny

The issue recounts a story where a policeman allegedly saw Menger's car speeding and running a red light. Menger, backed by followers, claimed that at the time, he was indoors conducting a UFO meeting and that the car seen was a 'thought image' of his old car, which had been sold and was elsewhere. The judge dismissed the charge.

Menger's followers believed his space stories, and on several occasions, were shown 'spacemen' and 'thought' discs at a distance at night. These beings were described as leaping like clowns, and never spoke. Witnesses were not allowed to use flashlights, as Menger deemed such light 'unnatural.'

A report details a disillusionment incident where a supposed spacewoman, known as 'C.W.,' was recognized by a disciple as someone she knew well, exposing a deception. These and other issues with Menger's stories were discussed on the Long John Show by Jules St. Germain and others.

The Moon Trip

Menger's greatest triumph, according to the article, was his claimed trip to the surface of the Moon in the Fall of 1957, 12 years before the first human moon landing. Aboard a spacecraft with three other Earthlings, Menger was told of an atomic physical system processing to adjust their bodies to the Moon's environment. The journey required about a week and a half. Upon arrival, they entered a domed building with lounges, plants, and refreshments. They then traveled on a highway above the lunar terrain in a wheel-less vehicle. Menger described a moment where they briefly stuck their heads out, finding the heat like a blast furnace. The author points out a scientific error in this account, suggesting that the air inside the 'train' should have rushed out into the vacuum.

Menger reportedly took photos of dome-shaped buildings, the spacecraft, and distant mountains, which are mentioned as being in his out-of-print book, 'From Outer Space to You.' However, he was not allowed to photograph surface details, people, or mechanical installations.

Photographic Evidence and Menger's Ambiguity

Skeptics at CSI criticized Menger's earlier photographs, including one that allegedly showed grass height relative to a saucer indicating either a large grass or a small saucer, and another showing a large saucer that appeared to be a painting. The article notes Menger's background as a sign painter.

Despite his alleged experiences, Menger occasionally stated that he might have been fooled by government agents conducting psychological experiments. He insisted this was not a hoax.

Conflict with Long John and Later Years

Around 1960, Menger appeared on Long John's television show and discussed government plots and psychological warfare instead of the 'sweetness and light' of space people, which angered Nebel, who vowed never to have Menger on again.

Moseley maintained contact with Menger and invited him to speak at a convention in 1967. He also recounts Menger and his second wife Connie staying at his apartment rent-free during the planning of a Miami Beach convention, where Menger performed for expenses.

Moseley states he does not dislike Howard Menger personally but finds him not particularly spiritual, despite his UFO experiences. He notes Menger's tendency to contradict himself, particularly regarding his birthplace.

Menger claimed to have built small, remote-controlled flying saucer models, with the design supposedly given by space people. One model built in 1951 crashed near the Ohio/Pennsylvania border after being launched from Washington, New Jersey. He recalled FBI agents retrieving the broken pieces and showing interest in the propulsion system.

Menger is currently trying to raise money to build a slightly larger flying model and has applied for government funding. He and Connie are also working on a new book.

Comparison with Edward Walters

The article compares Menger with another contactee, Edward Walters. While Menger was interested in UFOs since childhood, Walters' interest began in 1987. Menger's contacts were described as messages of sweetness and light, whereas Walters' were frightening and involuntary. Menger's people resembled humans, while Walters' entities were described as ugly 'greys.' Menger's people were from nearby planets, while Walters' are from an unknown source. Menger never took a lie detector test, while Walters claims to have passed several tests.

Similarities include neither being particularly spiritual and both continuing their previous professions. Telepathy is highlighted as a key communication method for both.

The article also mentions the controversy over a model UFO discovered at Walters' former home, drawing a parallel to the controversy over Menger's UFO photos nearly 35 years prior.

Moseley concludes by stating he cannot definitively say which of the two gentlemen is telling the truth, quoting George Adamski: 'Time will tell.'

The Convention From Hell: 1990 Guildford ISC/BFS Convention

Jon Erik Beckjord reports on the 1990 Guildford ISC/BFS convention, which he describes as 'Fabulous Beasts: Fact and Folklore.' The convention was held during an unprecedented heat wave in Britain, with temperatures reaching 105°F inside the lecture halls due to a lack of air conditioning.

The Setting and Attendees

The convention took place at the University of Surrey. Beckjord notes the presence of prominent figures like Bernard Heuvelmans, Roy Mackal, and Richard Greenwell. He mentions meeting other investigators and folklorists.

The Heat and the 'Paper From Hell'

The oppressive heat was a major issue, leading to discomfort and people seeking refuge in the college pub. The 'Paper From Hell' was a lengthy presentation on Morris dancers' carved animal heads, which Beckjord found tedious and boring, causing much of the audience to leave.

The Pub as the Convention's Heart

The pub served as the social hub, where ideological groups mingled. Beckjord highlights meeting Ed Fuchs, a geologist, and Jean-Paul Debenat.

Bigfoot and the 'Liberal Attack'

A presentation on Bigfoot, featuring the Patterson film, was shown in a TV lounge. Politics interfered when the folklorist faction was reluctant to allow the use of a slide projector, despite prior approval.

The 'Third Position' and Photographic Evidence

Beckjord discusses his own contributions, including distributing a xerox of a Loch Ness photo showing a 'face' that most viewers identified positively. He contrasts this with the 'materialistic cryptozoologists' and folklorists, proposing a 'third position' that acknowledges anomalous phenomena without necessarily adhering to established theories.

Black Cougars and Yowies

A paper by a young Australian discussed reports of 'black panthers' (melanistic leopards, jaguars, or cougars) in Australia. The lecturer suggested they might be escaped U.S. Air Force cougar mascots, a theory Beckjord doubts. Beckjord suggests focusing on locating the 'Yowie' (Australian Bigfoot) rather than black panthers, warning that the latter might be hunted as sheep killers.

Politics and Research Goals

Beckjord criticizes the focus on recognition in papers over scientific achievement, noting that many investigators prioritize fame. He also discusses the rejection of a paper on Bigfoot tracks by Richard Greenwell, who later agreed to consider printing it as a 'Comment.'

Sir Maurice Burton's Appearance

Zoologist Sir Maurice Burton, who had concluded the Loch Ness Monster was not an animal species, attended the convention. Beckjord drove him to the event, noting Burton's age (93) and his wheelchair.

Materialistic Cryptozoology Fights Back

This section summarizes papers presented by materialistic cryptozoologists, including Michael Heany on Soviet Cryptozoology, Ed Fusch on 'large bipedal hominoids,' and Jan-Ojvind Swahn. Beckjord recounts an exchange with a female folklorist, Barbara Levey, who categorized Indian stories as 'folk motifs,' which Beckjord challenged, suggesting a cultural bias.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance towards UFO and cryptozoological claims. It scrutinizes evidence, highlights inconsistencies, and contrasts different viewpoints, particularly between 'True Believers' and skeptics. The editorial tone often questions the motives and methods of investigators, emphasizing the need for rigorous evidence while acknowledging the persistence of anomalous phenomena. The magazine appears to champion a critical approach, encouraging readers to question and analyze the information presented, as suggested by its title, 'Caveat Emptor' (Let the buyer beware).

This issue of STRANGE Magazine, dated Fall 1990, features a diverse range of articles on paranormal phenomena, cryptozoology, and UFOs. The cover story highlights the "Dolphin Massacre Off Our Coast and What You Can Do To Stop It," accompanied by striking imagery of dolphins and canned tuna.

Key Articles and Reviews

"Culture Corner: Books from Howard Blum, Raymond Fowler, Timothy Good and more"

This section reviews several books related to the paranormal and UFOs:

• "OUT THERE" by Howard Blum: Reviewed by Victoria Lacas, this book is described as a meticulous and thorough investigation into the UFO mystery, covering government interest, radio astronomy, SETI, and evaluating various sightings and phenomena like the Gulf Breeze Sightings, Hudson Valley Sightings, Missing Time, and underground bases. The review notes Blum's objective approach and his detailing of the government's early interest in UFOs and the beginnings of radio astronomy and SETI. It also touches upon the MJ-12 documents and William L. Moore's involvement.
• "THE WATCHERS: The Secret Design Behind UFO Abduction" by Raymond E. Fowler: Also reviewed by Victoria Lacas, this book is presented as the completion of a trilogy on Betty Andreasson Luca's lifelong interaction with extraterrestrials. The review discusses the shift in terminology from 'abductors' to 'visitors' or 'watchers' and highlights Fowler's own family encounters with beings. It praises the book for its information, drawings, and scientific background, suggesting it answers many questions about aliens and their intent.
• "EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES (Personal Accounts of the Paranormal in Canada)" by John Robert Colombo: Reviewed by W. Ritchie Benedict, this book is lauded as a comprehensive collection of paranormal accounts from Canada. It includes UFOs, lake monsters, psychic healing, ghosts, poltergeists, visions, Bigfoot sightings, and crisis apparitions. The review notes the book's thoroughness and the inclusion of historical accounts alongside modern ones.
• "THE UFO REPORT 1990" edited by Timothy Good: Reviewed by Doug Girling, this book is described as a collection of invited essays on various aspects of the UFO phenomenon. It covers British, World, and USA reports, including studies on crop circles, the RAF Brentwaters encounter, and a taxonomy of ufologists. The review notes the book's comprehensive nature, its reference lists, and its value as both an introductory and contemporary reference.

"Newswatch: Mr. Ed on the carpet, the name game, and more goodies"

This section, written by Curt Sutherly, delves into several UFO-related controversies and events:

• Ed Walters and the Gulf Breeze UFOs: The article discusses the controversy surrounding Ed Walters, a UFO contactee from Gulf Breeze, Florida. It mentions Philip Klass and Dr. Willy Smith's skepticism and the discovery of a model spaceship in Walters' former home, which Klass and Smith believe implicates Walters in a hoax. However, the article also notes Walters' successful passing of multiple lie detector tests and the claims of other Gulf Breeze residents who have reported similar sightings. The section also touches upon Tom Smith's allegations of creating fake UFO pictures with Walters and others.
• AWOL Soldiers: Six U.S. Army soldiers assigned to intelligence duties in Augsburg, West Germany, went AWOL and traveled to Gulf Breeze, Florida. The Pentagon stated they were part of an "End of the World" cult. Their journey was discovered due to a traffic violation, leading to their apprehension and general discharges.
• The Name Game: This part discusses the importance of trademarks and intellectual property, using examples like Coca-Cola and Jello. It then addresses a dispute between Timothy Green Beckley, publisher of New Age books, and William Moore, a proponent of the MJ-12 documents. Moore was reportedly upset about Beckley's book title, "The Philadelphia Experiment and Other UFO Conspiracies," which used the phrase from Moore's earlier book.

"Here it is: The MJ-12 Wrap-up" by Curt Sutherly

This is a review of Stanton T. Friedman's study of the MJ-12 documents. Sutherly notes that Friedman's report covers his involvement in the MJ-12 controversy and presents the documents with an appendix. Friedman acknowledges the possibility that the documents could be fraudulent but adopts the stance that the burden of proof lies on those who claim they are forged. He suggests that a U.S. government group has withheld proof of alien existence. Sutherly points out Friedman's personal bias towards the UFO phenomenon and his belief in alien visitation, while also commending his perseverance in research.

"Weird Science?" by N/A

This section is a personal reflection on astrology and numerology. The author admits to not necessarily believing in them but expresses fascination with the unknown. They describe an experiment where they had a comprehensive astrological reading generated by a computer program that synthesized the work of multiple astrologers. The author invites readers to participate in a similar experiment, offering readings for a fee.

"The Dolphin Massacre Off Our Coast and What You Can Do To Stop It."

This article details the slaughter of dolphins by U.S. and foreign tuna fleets, estimating that between 75,000 and 150,000 dolphins are massacred annually. It describes the brutal process of dolphins being caught in nets and drowned. The article urges readers to boycott all canned tuna, particularly yellowfin tuna, and to send contributions to Earth Island Institute to support efforts for stronger protection laws for dolphins.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFOs, cryptozoology, and paranormal phenomena, often presenting detailed accounts and investigations. There's a clear interest in controversial topics like the MJ-12 documents and alleged alien encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints, including skepticism and belief, while encouraging readers to engage with the material and take action on issues like the dolphin massacre. The magazine also seems to value thorough research and detailed reporting, as evidenced by the book reviews and the in-depth articles on specific cases.

This issue of CAVEAT EMPTOR, dated Fall 1990, presents a collection of articles focused on controversial aspects of the UFO phenomenon, government secrecy, and the paranormal. The magazine aims to provide a platform for less conventional viewpoints, contrasting with mainstream media coverage.

Key Articles and Topics

The 'Philadelphia Experiment' and Roswell Incident

The issue addresses the ongoing debate surrounding the 'Philadelphia Experiment,' noting that the story and phrase originated in the 1950s with letters to UFO writer Morris K. Jessup. It mentions the story's influence on a science fiction film and discusses legal disputes over the title, with author Beckley questioning the claims of ownership and suggesting Jessup's estate might have a stronger claim.

The Roswell crashed disc story, dating back to 1947, is also revisited. The article notes that Moore, co-author of a 1980 book, threatened a lawsuit over the use of the word 'Roswell,' prompting speculation about the residents' reactions.

The Tragic Death of D. Scott Rogo

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the death of D. Scott Rogo, a California occult writer, who was found stabbed to death in August 1990 at the age of 40. The editors of Caveat Emptor express their appreciation for Rogo's work, which explored areas of human experience often dismissed as fantasy. The article notes that police are investigating the murder as a random act of violence, with no arrests made at the time of publication. An upcoming issue of Fate magazine is mentioned as containing Rogo's last interview.

Underground Alien Bases and Military Intelligence

Under the headline "MILITARY INTELLIGENCE OFFERS SHOCKING PROOF... FLYING SAUCERS COME FROM INSIDE THE EARTH!", the magazine presents claims from a retired military intelligence officer known as "Commander X." According to "Commander X," aliens have established underground UFO bases globally, with entrances in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. These aliens allegedly use "mind-altering 'beam rays'" to control humans, and some government officials are reportedly siding with them. The article discusses an "ancient tunnel system" beneath the Earth, constructed by a pre-Atlantean civilization and later utilized by unfriendly space aliens and a race known as "Dero" to exploit Earth's resources. Humans were purportedly taken as slaves to work in these tunnels.

"Commander X" also claims that underground bases function as "genetics laboratories" where experiments, including cross-breeding Earth women with alien species, are conducted to create a "super race" for future infiltration. Eyewitness accounts describe various strange beings within these bases, such as multi-legged "humans," reptilian-humans, and furry creatures.

The magazine highlights a personal account from "C.T." of Oklahoma, who describes a terrifying experience of being taken underground and subjected to examination, leaving her with physical "scars."

The issue promotes the book "UNDERGROUND ALIEN BASES" by Commander X, offering it for $15 plus postage.

Resources and Software

Technical details about the hardware and software used for producing the magazine are listed, including Apple Macintosh IIcx, LaserWriter II NTX printer, Microsoft Word, MacWrite II, QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator, Type-Styler, Helvetica Condensed, Helvetica Neue, ITC Stone Informal typefaces, and Agfa ProSet 9800 imagesetter.

Classified Advertising

The classified section features various offerings:

• CAVEAT EMPTOR GRAB BAG: A sale of assorted UFO and New Age magazines from the 1960s and 1970s for $10 per bag.
• UFO-GOVERNMENT Interaction Exposes: Videos and an inquiry catalog are advertised.
• Eden Press: Offers books by Jerome Eden on topics like Orgone Energy and Animal Magnetism.
• FLYING SAUCER DIGEST: A quarterly journal covering the UFO scene since 1967, with sample copies available.
• THE NIGHT MUTILATORS: A book by Gene Duplantier investigating animal mutilations and their connection to UFO sightings.

UFO Magazine Back Issues

A comprehensive list of back issues of "UFO Magazine" is provided, detailing volume, issue numbers, and prices, with some issues available as high-quality photocopied reprints.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a stance that challenges mainstream narratives and presents controversial theories as potentially factual. There is a strong emphasis on government secrecy, the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence, and the exploration of paranormal phenomena. The editorial approach appears to favor investigative journalism that delves into fringe topics, often citing anonymous sources or individuals with alleged insider knowledge. The inclusion of classified ads for related books and magazines suggests a commitment to promoting further research and discussion within the UFO and paranormal communities.