Saucer Smear - Vol 28 No 06 - 1981

Magazine Overview

"Son of Saucer Leer" is a non-scheduled newsletter, Volume 28, No. 6, dated May 20th, 1981. It is the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society, with a mailing address in Fort Lee, N.J. The editor and supreme commander is James W. Moseley.

Semi-Serious Editorial: Please Make Your Missives Short and Witty; Do Not Make Them Long and Gritty:

The editorial addresses a perceived trend among non-subscribers to submit lengthy, serious, and often boring letters to the editor. The editor expresses a preference for short, witty, and interesting comments, contrasting their publication with other ufological zines. While acknowledging their willingness to publish a wide range of content within reason, they lament the increasing workload and cost associated with longer submissions. The editor asks readers to return to the former "Vib" of the newsletter, emphasizing that it is not intended as a platform for equal-time debates but rather for entertainment and information. Long articles are suggested for publications like the "Saturday Evening Post."

This issue, titled "Son of Saucer Leer," is dedicated to catching up on leftover printable letters. The editor apologizes for becoming intense about reader intensity, suggesting that "Space People" would likely find the situation amusing.

Tid-Bits of Trash:

This section includes various short items. One is a humorous rejection slip from a Chinese economics journal, praising a manuscript with exaggerated delight. Another item mentions Tim Beckley of Global Communications and his latest soft-cover book, "The Riddle of Hangar 18," which includes a chapter based on a story by Gray Barker and allegedly written by the "Son of Saucer Leer" editor. A sequel, "Hangar 19," is threatened. The section also references an article in "Fate" magazine about James Randi, quoting D. Scott Rogo's observation that Randi and his associates seem intensely motivated to discredit parapsychology.

Letters to the Supreme Commander:

This section features correspondence from readers.

Kenneth Behrendt, director of "Proteus" and associate editor of "The Sixth Quark Journal," provides an analysis of a "Fish-Tank Man" photo. His findings indicate that the "alien body" was a small, wooden or plaster model, less than three feet long, wrapped in plastic. The "cryogenic suspension chamber" was an inexpensive cardboard box, and the "cryogenic ducts" were simulated using drinking glasses with ignited match heads to create mist. The entire setup was photographed on a slab of corrugated cardboard.

Tom Burch writes a lengthy lament about the organization MARCEN (founded October 11th, 1978). He criticizes its failure to meet its promise of 12 monthly newsletters, having published only four in 29 months. Burch points out that MARCEN's stated reason for delays (a broken printing press) is questionable, especially since Willard McIntyre, the Director, seems to find time for other projects, including writing a manuscript titled "The Great UFO Rip-Off," organizing "The Coalition of Concerned Ufologists," and collaborating on a publication called "Alien Body Photos: An Updated Report." Burch notes that McIntyre also found time to plan a conference at Kent State University in August 1980, the same month the MARCEN annual meeting was supposedly not adequately planned for. Burch expresses doubt about McIntyre's credibility, noting that even after the promised March newsletter, he had not received it despite living close to MARCEN headquarters. He concludes by quoting La Rochefoucauld: "Silence is the best tactic for he who distrusts himself."

Bill Moore, known for "Philadelphia Experiment," writes in response to a letter from Phil Klass. Moore defends Jerry Clark against Klass's accusations, suggesting Klass resorts to ad-hominum attacks when unable to refute arguments. Moore also questions how Klass's own attack on Jerry Clark, which appeared in a letter intended to denounce Clark's accusations, could have occurred.

Don Strachan, a non-subscriber, addresses the "Phenomenon/Phenomena" controversy. He criticizes Bill Moore's interpretation of the Harbrace Handbook of English regarding collective nouns. Strachan argues that "phenomena" is a standard plural noun, not a collective noun, and that an inability to distinguish between the singular and plural forms indicates a lack of critical thinking in UFO research.

Robert A. Goerman, a freelance writer and new non-subscriber, discusses a telephone conversation with Jerry Clark of "Fate" Magazine regarding his article "Alias Carlos Allende." Goerman expresses disappointment with the mail response to "Fate," which he characterizes as "sour grapes" from "true believers." He also addresses a letter from W. L. Moore, who claimed to possess voluminous documentation on Carlos M. Allende and that Goerman contributed little. Goerman questions why Moore would mislead readers in "The Philadelphia Experiment: Project Invisibility" if he had all the data.

Donald Loomis comments on Michael Cohen's letter regarding the "Philadelphia Experiment." Loomis argues that constructing an atomic bomb does not require "incredible technology" and that even irrational fanatics could assemble a fission bomb. He states that the primary flaw in the "Philadelphia Experiment" concept is technological, likening it to Leonardo da Vinci being unable to build an airplane without a combustion engine.

Mysteries of Time and Space:

Jon Beckjord of "Project Bigfoot" reports on defamatory hoax-type cartoons targeting the Bigfoot research field. He notes that one group is accused of being sexual deviates for adopting a non-shoot-em-up attitude. Beckjord states that this material was sent from Cleveland, Ohio, and typed on a different typewriter than the text. He also mentions that Willard McIntyre of MARCEN warned him that contributors to Moseley's publication might receive hoax material. Beckjord requests that anyone receiving such anonymous hoax material send copies to Project Bigfoot for comparison, with items postmarked Cleveland being particularly sought.

The editor notes that they suspect Charles Wilhelm and his OUFOOL group of this prank.

Earl Jones of OUFOOL sends comments on "Saucer Jeer." He criticizes Al Manak, an amateur astronomer, calling his opinion "block-brained" and suggesting he should be thankful for his outfit rather than complaining.

Robert J. Schadewald, a non-subscriber, shares a sighting of a large white rabbit running through a ditch, which he initially dismissed but later connected to a bright light seen in the sky. He humorously awaits a Field Investigator from the "Mutual Easter Bunny Observation Network."

Martin Kottmeyer provides an update on "lepufology" (UFOs and rabbits). He mentions chapter headings from "CETI" by A.T. Lawton & Jack Stoneley: "White Rabbits from Black Holes" and "Can We Ignore UFOs?". Kottmeyer also recounts seeing a commercial resembling J. Allen Hynek for a VW Rabbit, which he later found advertised in "Omni" magazine alongside a "Rabbit/Sunbird (=UFO??)" ad. He also describes a "dizzying experience" at a showing of R films, specifically an atrocious sci-fi fantasy called "Cinderella 2000," which featured a UFO and a fairy godfather who transformed rabbits into "hare/man-oids." He relates a story from a regular correspondent about seeing a large white rabbit in a field, followed by a brilliant white object in the sky, and wonders if this correspondent might be Schadewald.

George Fox discusses his confusion about "Stewart (?) Robb" connections and mentions sessions at the Ansonia Hotel in the '50s involving various individuals and organizations related to occult practices and hypnosis. He also touches upon his acquaintance with Marilyn Monroe and the general intrigue in the area.

X-rated cookies still on shelves

This is a news brief about an executive director of Maryland Moral Majority's failed attempt to persuade authorities to arrest a bakery owner for selling "X-rated" gingerbread men and women. The cookies, which depict simulated sex organs, were deemed not illegal by an assistant state's attorney, who found them "personally disgusting" but not a violation of Maryland law regarding the display or sale of items representing humans with simulated sex organs to minors. The bakery owner stated the cookies were popular and were kept covered, with sales not made to obviously underage customers.

Rancher Gets 3 Years For Torturing Aliens

This is a brief news item from Tucson, Arizona, stating a rancher received a 3-year sentence for torturing aliens.

California sheriff wants man shot by patrolman

This is a brief news item from The Cincinnati Post.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the nature of ufological discourse (brevity vs. length, seriousness vs. wit), critiques of prominent figures and organizations within the ufology community (MARCEN, Willard McIntyre, Phil Klass, James Randi), linguistic debates within the field ("phenomenon" vs. "phenomena"), and the investigation of alleged hoaxes and misrepresentations. The editorial stance, as expressed in the opening piece, favors a more lighthearted and concise approach to ufological discussion, while the letters section reveals a more contentious and analytical undercurrent within the community. There is a clear skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a focus on scrutinizing the evidence and motivations of individuals involved in ufology.