1985 01 00 OMNI - Saucer Smear

Magazine Overview

OMNI magazine, January 1985 issue, priced at $2.50, features a striking cover with the bold title 'OMNI' and a headline proclaiming 'CHINA'S PSYCHIC CHILDREN.' Additional cover blurbs highlight articles on 'BRINGING DINOSAURS BACK TO LIFE' and 'HOW SATELLITES FOUND A LOST CITY.' The magazine's visual aesthetic is futuristic and somewhat surreal, with the main image depicting a stylized black face against a vibrant, abstract background.

Anti-Matter: UFO UPDATE

This section delves into 'Saucer Smear,' a unique newsletter described as a source of news, gossip, and sorely needed humor within the realms of ufology, the paranormal, and the unexplained. The article questions how an antique dealer, James W. Moseley, came to be writing such a publication. Moseley, who established his antique gallery in Key West, Florida, explains that his interest in UFOs began in 1947 when he was sixteen. By 1954, he had started a magazine on the subject but found he had too little time to continue publishing. By the mid-Seventies, his lecturing career had waned, leading him to create Saucer Smear.

The newsletter, which has been in circulation for over two years, has had various titles, including Saucer News, Saucer Glues, and Saucer Smut. It is sent only to nonsubscribers and has a circulation of several hundred. Despite a dedication to 'the highest principles of ufological journalism,' it often features two quotations: one praising the editor's satires and another calling it 'a boil on the ass of utology.'

Moseley states that he is more interested in people and gossip than in UFO sightings themselves. He notes that there are many feuds among UFO researchers and that Saucer Smear often reports on individuals who have acted improperly in the field. He does not see himself as a 'Jack Anderson' but believes that every field needs someone to uphold standards. He adds, 'I don't have any great mission.'

The article quotes a reader who described Saucer Smut as 'truly the only 'zine that combines the right amount of sanity, insanity, and porn all in one!' The mailing address for Saucer Smear was previously a post office box in Fart Lee, NJ, but has since moved to Key West, Florida.

Other Articles and Themes

While the 'Anti-Matter' section focuses on the niche publication 'Saucer Smear,' the cover headlines suggest a broader range of topics within the January 1985 issue. The prominent mention of 'China's Psychic Children' indicates a focus on parapsychology and unusual human abilities. The article on 'Bringing Dinosaurs Back to Life' points towards scientific speculation, paleontology, or perhaps even speculative fiction related to genetic engineering or cloning. The piece on 'How Satellites Found a Lost City' suggests content related to archaeology, remote sensing technology, and historical discovery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Based on the available information, OMNI magazine appears to cover a wide spectrum of science, technology, and the unexplained, often with a speculative or sensationalist bent, as suggested by the cover headlines. The inclusion of 'Saucer Smear,' a publication known for its satirical and gossipy approach to ufology, indicates that the magazine may also feature commentary on the culture surrounding these topics, potentially including humor and critique of the field's personalities and practices. The overall editorial stance seems to embrace curiosity about the frontiers of science and the mysteries of the unknown, while also being willing to engage with the more eccentric or controversial aspects of these subjects. The January 1985 issue promises a mix of scientific inquiry, speculative exploration, and perhaps even a touch of irreverent commentary.