Saucer Smear - Vol 27 No 10 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER REAR
Issue Date: October 25th, 1980
Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter, Volume 27, No. 10
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER REAR, dated October 25, 1980, is a newsletter dedicated to UFOs and unexplained celestial events. It features a mix of news briefs, event announcements, discussions of alleged hoaxes, and letters from readers.

News Briefies

The newsletter announces the Fall 1980 UFO Party, scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, at their Interplanetary 32-D Headquarters in Guttenberg, N.J. The event is open to all, including non-subscribers and their friends, with a note about the availability of "nations of booze, etc."

Bill Spaulding, described as the Exaulted Leader of GSW, appeared on the TV show "That's Incredible" to discuss his photo analysis. The newsletter notes that GSW was referred to as an "elite group" of UFO researchers. The editor, James W. Moseley, remains the New Jersey Director of GSW despite differences with Spaulding.

A new zine titled "The Hilberg-Easley Report" has been launched by Rick Hilberg and Bob Easley from Cleveland. The first issue focuses on "theological feuds" within ufology. The zine is free, with donations appreciated, and its address is provided.

The National UFO Congress convention is announced for Saturday, June 27th (with a press conference the previous day) at the Howard Johnson Motor Lodge in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Ronald Spanbauer is listed as the local chairman.

The editor mentions being on a talk show on station WCTC in New Brunswick, N.J., discussing the book "The Roswell Incident." He notes the presence of Peter Jordan and Jim Fillow, co-director of The SBI (Scientific Bureau of Investigation), and comments on the unexpected pleasantness from Fillow, given past perceived antagonism from The SBI.

Gray Barker, former UFO researcher and publisher of the Saucerian Press, is reported to have resolved computer issues caused by insects in his office.

UFOs and Natural Phenomena

A Canadian crop researcher, Charles Lilly, has presented evidence suggesting that lightning may cause the burned-out circles in farmers' fields often associated with UFO landings. However, the newsletter points out that this explanation doesn't account for UFO sightings preceding the appearance of these circles.

Convention Report: Disappointing Event in Pittsburgh

Timothy Greed Beckley sponsored an "UFO & Space Expo" in Pittsburgh on October 11th. Despite publicity, the event had low attendance, with the auditorium being less than half full. Contributing factors cited include parking problems, lack of cooperation from local UFO groups, and overpriced tickets.

The program included five lectures and a panel discussion moderated by the "Saucer Rear" editor. John Keel's presentation on animal mutilations and the lack of physical reality in contactee cases was deemed suitable for an intellectual audience but may have been beyond the comprehension of the attendees.

Gray Barker presented an "entertaining (but hardly factual)" film on the "Three Men in Black" motif. Pennsylvania researcher Joan Jeffers gave a slide lecture on UFO history. Jane Allyson shared a contactee story, and Elgar Brom attempted to explain her contacts, an effort described as the "worst presentation of the day."

Tim Beckley reportedly lost a significant amount of money on the event.

Persecution and Political Planks

The newsletter recounts an incident where a Federal Officer questioned the editor about a drawing at the bottom of a page in "Saucer Beer." This inquiry stemmed from a complaint to the White House regarding an allegedly pornographic drawing placed on the same page as a letter to the White House requesting a "pro-UFO" plank in the Democratic party platform. The editor expresses skepticism about receiving a sensible answer or a pro-UFO plank from the White House.

The Fickle Finger of "Fate"

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to an article in "Fate" Magazine by Karl T. Pflock, titled "Anatomy of a UFO Hoax." The article details how Tom Monteleone allegedly fabricated a story about visiting the planet Lanulous, which was corroborated by Woody Derenberger, a UFO contactee. Derenberger's manager, Harold Salkin, became involved, leading to the story being written up by Tim Beckley, John Keel, and others. Monteleone also lectured on his experience.

The "Saucer Rear" editor recalls his impression that Tom Monteleone did not believe his own story, noting his intelligence and science fiction orientation.

John Keel is particularly upset by the "Fate" article, viewing it as an "attempt to discredit my entire body of work and my professional reputation." Keel intends to sue and claims that while he never believed Monteleone, Monteleone continues to stick to his story privately.

Letters to the Esteemed Editor

Tom Burch writes regarding an editorial in "Saucer Queer." He clarifies that the Coalition of Concerned Ufologists was not founded to oppose specific individuals or groups. He also questions the alleged bribery involved in placing the editor's photo alongside a review of the UFO Encyclopedia in "Second Look" magazine.

The editor responds that the photo was taken with Charles Berlitz at the National UFO Conference. He notes that "Second Look" has changed its name to "Frontiers of Science" and is now owned by the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS).

Phil Klass states he will not tolerate nice things being said about him and may cancel his non-subscription.

Bill Lutters thanks the editor for a copy of "Saucer Queer" and agrees with Laura Mundo's objection to a lack of female representation in a photo in "Beer," suggesting a photographer be sent to Laura.

Dave Reissig shares two anecdotes: one about a "master masterbation baiter" and another about a man unable to buy a house because someone had previously smoked marijuana in it.

Reader Contributions and Reviews

Bob ("Raving Robert") Schiller contributes a humorous piece, suggesting that the "Saucer Queer" logo should have been more explicit to identify those who might be offended.

Michael Dennett reviews "Saucer Steer," noting the "Tomato Man" photo and questioning the government's alleged possession of secret UFO information, suggesting the opposite may be true. He also finds the claim of U.S. military personnel being invited to a crash site by Mexican authorities improbable, given historical context.

Gene Duplantier comments on the use of his cartoon and mentions a report from Eileen about cattle drained of blood in the Canadian west, attributed to mosquitoes, urging a "coverup" cry.

John Barlow discusses the film "Hangar 18" and its portrayal of official secrecy. He also reviews "UFO Confidential" by Myron Fass, finding it less compelling than Fass's previous work. Barlow praises "Messengers of Deception" and "Invisible College" by Jacques Vallee, advocating for a balance of doubt and an inquiring mind.

Martin Kottmeyer of MEBON reports on the vindication of their group due to a "Globe" photo showing the body of a UFO pilot at a crash site, which he describes as an "alien rabbit."

Richard Heiden writes to the editor, questioning the repeated use of quotes around "Dr." when referring to Willard McIntyre, suggesting it's a deliberate attempt to undermine his credibility.

Jennings H. Frederick sends a brief note of encouragement.

Bill Retoff offers a mixed review of "Saucer Steer," calling it "bull" but praising the editing and the service provided to the saucer community.

Barry Greenwood discusses recent revelations about Stealth radar-proof aircraft and their implications for UFO research. He notes the argument that if UFOs were real, they would be tracked by radar, and contrasts this with radar-invisible UFO sightings. He suggests that the U.S. government might be adopting UFO-like aircraft designs, such as a manta ray shape, possibly influenced by "others."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SAUCER REAR newsletter, through its editor James W. Moseley, maintains a critical and often skeptical stance towards certain aspects of ufology, particularly internal disputes, alleged hoaxes, and what it perceives as sensationalism. The publication actively engages with its readership through letters and contributions, fostering a sense of community while also airing disagreements and controversies. There's a recurring theme of questioning official narratives and exploring the complexities of UFO research, often with a dry wit and a willingness to challenge established figures and claims within the field. The newsletter also serves as a platform for promoting events and publications relevant to the UFO community.