Saucer Smear - Vol 28 No 03 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER GEAR
Issue: Volume 28, No. 3
Date: March 10th, 1981
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of "Saucer Gear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to "Nuts and Bolts" theorists, focusing on UFO research and events. It features news, opinions, and debates within the ufology community.

Big Annual Event Coming Up

The 18th National UFO Conference (NUFOC) is announced for Saturday, June 27th, at the Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge in De Pere, Wisconsin. The event will feature speakers such as Bill Moore, Colonel Wendelle Stevens, Rick Hilberg, and the editor, James W. Moseley. There will be two public sessions in the afternoon and evening, costing $6 per session at the door or $5 in advance. A free morning session is planned for delegates, including the NUFOC annual business meeting and a discussion of current Ufological topics. Interested parties are advised to make room reservations with Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and can contact Ronald Spanbauer for more information.

Tid-Bits of Trash

Lecture on Crashed Disc Stories: The editor, James W. Moseley, gave a lecture on March 5th to the Northern Ohio UFO Group in Cleveland about the recent rash of crashed disc stories. He presented details about "The Wright Field Story," investigated in 1954 and fictionalized by Gray Barker, concerning a civilian employee who saw photos of a crashed disc being transported in 1952.

Ufological Award: The Fund for UFO Research, Inc., chaired by Dr. Bruce Maccabee, will present an annual $1,000 Ufological award in the name of Prof. Alvin H. Lawson. This award will recognize the best published Ufological article of 1981, with details available from Prof. Lawson at California State University.

Future Conferences: The 1982 National UFO Conference is scheduled to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, with details to be supplied later.

Permanent Organizing Committee Vacancy Filled

Timothy Green Beckley of Global Communications in New York City has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the "Permanent Organizing Committee" of the National UFO Conference, previously held by Eugene Steinberg.

Letters to the Editor and Other Notes

Several letters could not be published due to lack of space. Gilbert Ziemba of The Carbondale (Illinois) UFO Study Group is mentioned. The passing of non-subscriber Jack Rockel of Springfield, Ohio, is noted. A party in New York City hosted by Phyllis Giarnese and contactee Mark Brinkerhoff is mentioned, with attendees including John Keel, Bryce Bond, Harold Salkin, Herb Bailey, and Tim Beckley. The editor also comments on Richard Ogden's $15 expose, deeming it not worth the money.

Len Stringfield's Letter

Len Stringfield writes a detailed letter addressing a report from the "Coalition of Concerned Ufologists." He disputes claims of a MUFON-Spaulding plot to discredit the Coalition's photos, stating the Spaulding analysis was independent. He clarifies his role in the "McIntyre Enigma," questioning why McIntyre released photos through Wilhelm and Pilichis. Stringfield denies referring to the Coalition's photos as a "hoax" and criticizes the report's interpretation of his talk at a CUP meeting. He also refutes the claim that Bob Barry is the source of his photos and points out a discrepancy in the description of an alien body, noting the use of 'Stratified' versus 'Striated'. He refers readers to the December 1980 issue of "MUFON UFO Journal" for the true story of his involvement with photos.

Editor's Note: The editor adds that at the 1979 NUFOC convention, OUFOOL leaders claimed Stringfield had become a contactee, and that Wilhelm and McIntyre began their association at that time.

Bill McIntyre's Response

Bill McIntyre of MARCEN responds to Len Stringfield, challenging his "conservative careful investigator" reputation. McIntyre states that the report is not a successor to the MARCEN Journal and criticizes Stringfield for calling their photos a "hoax" without seeing them. He alleges Stringfield engaged in a "scurrilous campaign of outright prevarications and character assassinations." McIntyre questions why Stringfield waited until November to have his photos examined after disclosing them in September. He asserts that experts have provided documentation that the photos are not of monkeys and that Stringfield has not submitted his own photos for analysis. McIntyre clarifies that he is not the sole editor of the report and that Stringfield received a gratis copy.

Report Availability: The report is available for $6.00 from the UFO Information Network, Box 5012, Rome, Ohio 44085.

R. E. Straith Report: Joan Jeffers mentions a report on R. E. Straith and government indications that key pages will not be released.

Joan Jeffers' Letter

Joan Jeffers writes about the development of paranoia in ufologists and mentions Stan Friedman's suggestion to include Randi. She notes the Pennsylvania State Game Commission's concern about disappearing rabbits and a marked increase in rabbits in dome-shaped brush piles. She also questions if "Airport '81" will feature a UFO abduction.

Bill Moore's Open Memorandum

Bill Moore addresses "anonymous D.L.," refusing to respond to taunts under the guise of anonymity. He then addresses George Earley, emphasizing the importance of railroads in moving crashed saucers, citing the "Roswell Incident" and the movement of the Palomar telescope mirror as examples.

Bob Easley's Letter

Bob Easley praises "Saucer Spear" as a good piece of journalism and awards it the "Harry S. Truman Mucker Award" for 1981 for its analysis of the dead alien controversy. He explains the award's origin and encourages the continuation of reporting true facts.

Anonymous "D.L."'s Letter

An anonymous writer discusses the "Tomato Man" epic and Bill Spaulding's conclusions on early crashed saucer reports.

Michael Cohen's Letter

Michael Cohen disagrees with "D.L."'s theory regarding the Philadelphia Experiment.

Dr. Scot Morris's Contribution

Dr. Scot Morris, Senior Editor of OMNI Magazine, discusses his work on the UFO Update column and an upcoming interview with Martin Gardner. He mentions preparing a column on lens flares with Randi and reports capturing an unidentified flying object on film near Central Park. He shares "honorable mentions" from OMNI's "Unconfirmed Rumors Contest," including humorous and conspiratorial ideas about Isaac Asimov, Martin Gardner, James Randi, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," and government attempts to gather information.

Tim Beckley's Letter

Tim Beckley criticizes Oberg's statements about astronauts seeing UFOs, denying he admitted astronauts haven't seen legit UFOs. He accuses Oberg of twisting words and relying on sensationalist sources.

Peter Edler's Letter

Peter Edler thanks "Saucer Gear" for plugging "Soldiers of Earth" and describes it as a factionalized book. He expresses gratitude for the editorial attention.

Diane Enion's Letter

Diane Enion expresses her anticipation for the newsletter and praises its timely delivery, contrasting it with the defunct "MARCEN Journal" from which she received only three issues despite paying for twelve. She warns against sending money to "fly by night" UFO groups and emphasizes her group's 14-year history of fighting for respect and reputation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the organization and promotion of UFO conferences, the investigation and reporting of UFO incidents (like the "Wright Field Story"), and the ongoing debates and controversies within the ufology community regarding evidence, research methods, and the credibility of various sources. The editorial stance appears to be one of open discussion, presenting different viewpoints and engaging in critical analysis, while also promoting upcoming events and publications. There is a clear emphasis on "nuts and bolts" theorizing and a critical approach to unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the editor's commentary and the inclusion of letters that challenge or defend specific research findings and individuals.