Saucer Smear - Vol 23 No 28 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER PHEWS
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 28
Date: October 30th, 1976
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER PHEWS, a non-scheduled newsletter, features a lead article titled "Fortean vs. Fartean Phenomena," contributed by a new non-subscriber known as "Uncle Lou." The publication also includes letters to the editor from various individuals within the ufology community, discussing a range of topics from personal encounters to critiques of fellow researchers and theories.

Fortean vs. Fartean Phenomena

The main article introduces "Fartean Phenomena" as a subcategory of "Fortean Phenomena," focusing specifically on unexplained odors and sounds. It is noted that while Charles Fort lent his name to the broader category, "Fartean Phenomena" is named after Melvin Fart, an early investigator. The article cites examples from Melvin Fart's diary, including an incident from The London Times in 1897 where a passenger experienced a cabbage soup aroma and staccato outbursts on a train, with only some passengers perceiving the phenomena.

Melvin Fart reportedly recorded approximately 8,000 similar instances, leading to the colloquialism "I smell a Melvin." The article mentions that Science magazine in 1932 suggested honoring Fart by using his name for this category. Related phenomena are also listed, such as bubbles appearing in bathwater, strange tan or brown images on underclothing, hissing noises perceived as whispered voices, whistling or squeaking noises, physical debility like abdominal pains, and in rare cases, a "glowing fireball" issuing from the rear of a medium's suit jacket. The article notes that author John Keelhaul has reported over 15,000 instances of hearing these sounds. It is suggested that these phenomena might be demonstrations of an "ultraterrestrial dimension" penetrating our space-time continuum, possibly through "vile vortices," and that certain foods, like beans, might induce an environment conducive to their production.

Letters to ye olde Editor

The "Letters to ye olde Editor" section features several correspondents:

• Yonah Fartner (alias Yonah ibn Aharon): A former contributor to the old SAUCER NEWS, Fartner writes about his perceived status as an "Unperson" in the saucer scene. He recounts his early work in ufology, including originating the theory of Extraterrestrialism and co-authoring the Code of Ethics. Fartner expresses strong objections to Allen J. Greenfield, a friend of many years, for virtually omitting his name from historical surveys. He criticizes Greenfield's perceived ethnic and philosophical heritage and accuses him of lacking common civility and good taste, suggesting Greenfield and his associates should "wall themselves in" on a ranch in Western Australia.

• Lama Robert Dickhoff: Dickhoff criticizes the publication for ridiculing his color photo of a "Mothership." He argues that the Ground Saucer Watch needs a more sophisticated computer that records zebra stripes instead of thumbprints. He claims his photo, taken on July 4th, 1976, was "outright spectacular" and that the "thumbprint thesis is absurd" given the scale of the alleged spacecraft. Dickhoff mentions his psychic daughter Xandra's belief that the Ground Saucer Watch aims to ruin his reputation. He also notes that the National Enquirer returned his submission, and criticizes J. Oberg for his handwritten notes.

• Steve Barnett: Barnett expresses his pleasure at being mentioned in "Saucer Screws" but humorously laments the lack of "hard core porno" and suggests articles on the sex lives of Venusians or saucer buffs, or even Ray Palmer.

• Ted Zilch: Zilch critiques "Saucer Screws," suggesting it proves "there are plenty of nuts around." He questions the scientific approach of figures like Oberg, Klass, and Sheaffer, implying they possess mystical powers to solve mysteries. Zilch proposes that these individuals should instead focus their "solving" expertise on unsolved crimes, arguing that solving crimes and convicting individuals, even if erroneously, would restore confidence in police forces and provide public reassurance.

• Brent Raynes: A UFO researcher, Raynes thanks the editor for previous editions and encourages the continuation of the newsletter, emphasizing its role in preserving the ufological fellowship and providing an open forum. He praises the editor's knowledge and experience.

• Jennings Frederick: A UFO contactee, Frederick recounts an encounter where he was taken aboard a "saucer as big as a football field" by an entity named "Zarcon" from "Triangus Terri Elipson." He describes undergoing a physical examination. Frederick states his intention to have his "Zarcon" report and encounter covered by the National Enquirer, but emphasizes his pursuit of truth over publicity. He offers xerox copies of his report and encounter for a fee, plus postage.

Artwork

The issue includes a drawing by "Saucer Phews" Staff Artist Betty Moseley, depicting a "rock-like inhabitant of Mars" as described in "Saucer Screws."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, particularly "Fartean Phenomena" (unexplained odors and sounds), UFO sightings, and the personal experiences and theories of individuals within the ufology community. The editorial stance, as inferred from the letters and the main article, appears to be open to exploring unconventional phenomena and fostering discussion, even when controversial or humorous. The editor actively engages with reader feedback, sometimes with a touch of sarcasm, as seen in the response to Steve Barnett's letter.