Saucer Smear - Vol 28 No 11 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: No. 11
Volume: 28
Date: November 10th, 1981
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter

This issue of Saucer Smear, a publication dedicated to ufological journalism, covers a range of topics including UFO sightings, conventions, personal accounts, and debates within the UFO community. The content is primarily composed of letters from readers, news briefs, and reports from events.

MISC. RAVINGS

The "MISC. RAVINGS" section announces the Fall 1981 UFO Party & Disorganized Get-Together scheduled for Saturday, December 5th, at Headquarters in Guttenberg, N.J. The phone number provided is 201-869-8053.

Yugoslavian Madonna Sighting

Harry Lebelson brings attention to a story from the October 26th issue of the New York Post about young girls in Yugoslavia who reported seeing a "golden-haired Madonna floating over a mountain meadow." The national Communist Party reportedly expelled 11 people and warned 48 others for visiting the site, which the government subsequently fenced off.

The 9th Annual "Fortfest"

The editor, James W. Moseley, attended the 9th annual "Fortfest" (or "Fart Feast") near Washington, D.C., on October 17th & 18th. He describes the event as poorly planned, with an arts and crafts fair held in the same ballroom as the lectures, leading to distractions like medieval flutes. Attendance was low, with fewer than 100 people present at any time. Despite the organizational issues, some excellent presentations were given. Speakers included Jerry Clark of "Fate," who discussed Forteans and the balance between credulity and disbelief; Loren Coleman, who spoke on sightings of unusual animals in urban areas and lake monsters; and John Keel, whose performance is described as disappointing. Robert Stephanos presented a theory that ancient Jerusalem was located at the site of modern Edinburgh, Scotland. Joseph Zarzynski provided an update on the "Champ" monster in Lake Champlain.

Other Fortfest Speakers

Further speakers at Fortfest included Peter Jordan of "Vestigia," who presented on "ghost light" phenomena and cattle mutilation. Larry Arnold gave a presentation on Spontaneous Human Combustion (S.H.C.). Other speakers mentioned are Ron Westrum, Alvin Holm, C.L. Ellenberger, and Robert Anton Wilson, who reportedly spoke about the Intelligence Community and paranoia. The Saturday night social event, a "Gala Masked Ball," was poorly attended and ultimately canceled. "Dishonorable mention" was given to Dr. Bruce Maccabee for his "Trashfoot" costume.

NEWS BRIEFIES

• Tom Benson, editor of "The Sixth Quark Journal," has announced he is leaving UFO research.
• Non-subscriber David Fideler, a Fortean researcher, married Elizabeth Weldon on September 18th.
• Michael G. Mann of Brooklyn, N.Y., is divorcing his wife, Marcia.
• Brad Sparks claims the "Saucer Smear" editor had a hand in the Straith Letter hoax of the late 1950s.
• Daniel Cohen's latest book, "The Great Airship Mystery," discusses the 1897 airship flap, concluding that the events remain unexplained.
• The "STARBABY" controversy continues, involving Jerry Clark, Dennis Rawlins, and Philip J. Klass of CSICOP.
• Philip J. Klass's presence reportedly caused Peter Gersten and Harry Lebelson of OMNI to withdraw from a Bill Boggs network TV show.

LETTERS TO YE OLDE SUPREME COMMANDER

Michael Dennett

Skeptically-inclined Michael Dennett comments on the "missives from the masses" section and asks about John Timmerman's future, scoring a debate between Clark and Schroth as Schroth 43, Clark 0.

John P. Timmerman

John P. Timmerman of CUFOS expresses devastation and announces his resignation as Treasurer of CUFOS due to the workload and low pay. He also mentions enclosing a Christmas Card from Dr. Hynek.

Allan Hendry

Allan Hendry, formerly of CUFOS, writes regarding an OMNI magazine article based on his work about the Betty Hill UFO star map. He states that the article was editorially rewritten with inaccurate and unwarranted statements, including the claim that the case was "reveal(ed)" as a hoax, which he did not author or approve. He is taking steps to ensure OMNI prints a retraction.

J. Richard Greenwell

J. Richard Greenwell writes from Africa, where he is looking for dinosaurs. He mentions his new book "UFOs and the Limits of Science," which has drawn criticism from both debunkers and believers. He suggests that 1982 will be a significant year for UFOs.

Robert Goerman

Robert Goerman shares a threatening letter from Carlos Miguel Allende (aka Carl Allen), who expressed a desire to shoot Goerman. Allende's father also wrote a note about Goerman on an envelope.

Steve Barnett

Steve Barnett writes about a photo of a "pickled little man in the bottle" published in the "Smear," questioning the government's affordance for display cases.

Loren Coleman

Loren Coleman looks forward to an in-depth report on the Fortfest, mentioning the poor accommodation at the "Best Western" inn and an incident at the Saddleback Go-Go Bar. He also recalls John Keel almost fainting when the editor picked up the first tab.

Cover Stories

• ELEPHANT DUNG IS COLOSSAL AS A FUEL: An article from Portland, Ore., discusses the potential use of animal manure as fuel, with officials demonstrating its use at the Washington Park Zoo.
• Agents round up aliens by copter: This headline is accompanied by a quote from John Jennings expressing concern about the country being invaded by aliens.
• Dead widow eaten by 10 pet cats: A brief, unsettling headline.

Letters and Contributions

George Montgomery

Former Beat Poet George Montgomery writes to the editor, regretting mentioning the magazine in his column due to its "dirty" pictures and people eating each other. He offers his services for Beatnik poetry readings and asks if a contribution he sent was received.

Rofert (alias "Bob") Sheaffer

Rofert Sheaffer writes about an "Air Force training manuel" concerning UFOs, stating that the information is not new and dates back to 1969. He explains that a UFO buff in the Air Force academy wrote a chapter on UFOs, which was later rewritten. He advises keeping an eye on the UFO scene rather than "peddling old wine in new bottles."

Todd Zechel

Todd Zechel writes about his immersion in Hollywood activities and offers advice on encountering "Big Feet" (Bigfoot). He speculates that aliens may have quit showing up because people became too interested. He also advises on "Reagannomics" and suggests hiring bodyguards or moving to Costa Rica. He congratulates skeptics on their "victory over Ufology," specifically commending Oberg for reducing the subject to boredom.

Kal K. Korff

Kal K. Korff writes an open letter to Jim Oberg, questioning Oberg's statements about "prosaic" explanations for the Roswell Incident. Korff asserts his knowledge of copyright laws and defends his attempt to sell his Meier expose to OMNI. He criticizes Oberg for continuing to discuss astronaut sightings if he believes the subject is "kaput."

Gene Duplantier

Gene Duplantier is researching a "hum" heard by people worldwide and asks for experiences. He is also researching impersonation of ufologists and asks for details from anyone who has experienced or knows of such cases.

Other Articles and Mentions

• CHICKEN HOLDS WIFE PRISONER: A headline about a crime.
• Violent-crime report urges war on gangs: A report from Washington urging action against street gangs.
• Shroud a hoax, he says: Walter C. McCrone, a microscopist, claims the Shroud of Turin is a hoax, stating the images were painted.
• Mother of 4 Girls Weds Jailed Rapist: A story about a woman marrying a jailed rapist.
• Giant Panda Gives Birth to Baby Boy: A brief news item.
• Unnecessary Mutilation Cited: A brief news item.
• Ruptured Men Get $9.95 gift for trying this!: An advertisement.

Letters and Contributions (Continued)

Diane Enion

Diane Enion expresses frustration about not receiving her "MARCEN" (or similar) Journal for two years, despite paying $15. She calls for a refund if the publication cannot be delivered.

Joan Jeffers

Joan Jeffers discusses hypnosis, differentiating between "stage" and "medical" hypnosis and noting the possibility of subjects lying or elaborating under hypnosis. She also comments on Bigfoot, suggesting it may have migrated from Pennsylvania and eats birds and small animals, citing analyses of stool samples. She mentions a friend who camped near Mt. Hood during the St. Helens eruption hoping to encounter Bigfoot.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Saucer Smear include ongoing debates within the UFO community, skepticism versus belief, the reporting of unusual phenomena, and critiques of organizational planning and journalistic practices. The editor, James W. Moseley, maintains a somewhat irreverent and critical tone, often injecting personal opinions and humor into the reporting. There is a clear emphasis on reader contributions, with a significant portion of the magazine dedicated to letters and personal accounts. The editorial stance appears to favor open discussion of UFO phenomena while also acknowledging and sometimes humorously critiquing the actions and claims of individuals and organizations within the field. The magazine also includes unrelated news items and brief reports, suggesting a broad interest in the unusual.