Saucer Smear - Vol 29 No 08 - 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue Date: September 5th, 1982
Volume: 29, No. 8
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, presents a collection of "Miscellaneous Ravings," letters from readers, and humorous segments, reflecting the ongoing discourse and occasional controversies within the ufology community.

Miscellanous Ravings

The "Miscellaneous Ravings" section opens with a report of a UPI bulletin from August 19th detailing a Texas woman's claim that General Westmoreland was kidnapped by a flying saucer. The Army denied this, attributing it to the woman's unbalanced state. Tim Beckley is mentioned as having heard a rumor that the woman was Westmoreland's wife and that the article was intended to discredit her. The editor notes the general had not been located as of the story's date.

A follow-up on a previous account describes an unexplained chipmunk-like face seen on a viewing screen at the close of Jon Beckjord's lecture at the NUFOC convention in Cleveland. While some, like former researcher Gray Barker, claim to have seen the face, Barker's own video tape of the event does not show it. The editor ponders whether it was a 3-D experience, a hoax, or a hallucination, concluding that few people seem to care.

A "SECOND HORRIBLE HOAX LETTER" is presented, purportedly from the same "Amatucci Federici" as a previous one. Mailed from Clarksburg, West Virginia, the letter is described as threatening but ultimately a "Sick Joke." A particularly graphic excerpt describes a 300-pound Sicilian appearing and forcing the recipient to watch him consume large quantities of food, followed by a disturbing physical act.

The newsletter then announces an exclusive item for readers: an apparently serious "census short form" from the Vampire Research Center, a division of Fangoria Magazine. Readers are encouraged to fill it out and mail it in, with results to be released in statistical form. Thanks are given to scientific researcher Tom Benson for this item.

An "UFO flap of sorts" on the East Coast, attributed to meteorite showers, is mentioned. The publication admits to having failed to observe anything directly but notes that publicity about it was reported. More information is promised for the next issue.

Details are provided for a contactee-oriented UFO convention in Reno, Nevada, on November 12th and 13th, sponsored by researcher Miguel Ribera. The "Smear" editor may attend if circumstances permit, and speakers are being sought. Interested parties are directed to contact Ribera. The National UFO Conference (NUFOC) is also mentioned, planned for May 14th of the following year in Tucson, Arizona, with plans for an arm-wrestling contest between Coral Lorenzen and Walt Andrus.

Reader Correspondence and Commentary

Several letters and contributions are featured:

• Stan Friedman writes to clarify that he has not been silenced, dropped out of ufology, or taken a government job.
• Big Jim Oberg facetiously states his intention to solve future UFO cases by entering a hypnotic trance.
• August C. Roberts reports the death of New Jersey psychic Rev. Bill Daut.
• A recent UFO art exhibit at the Queens Museum in New York City, organized by Budd Hopkins, is described as "not as great as it might have been."
• Howard Kaufman informs that veteran UFO buff Armand Laprade has started a new zine called "Would You Believe," containing saucer and Fortean material. Contact information for Laprade is provided.

World's Worst UFO Humor

Inspired by a National Enquirer article, former researcher Gray Barker compiled a list of "World's Worst UFO Humor" items, presented as containing "more than a grain of truth":

• The world's worst Observatory: The Rissler Observatory of Philadelphia, Pa., with only a 10-power telescope kept in the basement.
• The world's most unsuccessful magazine: Timothy Green Beckley's psychic magazine, which never published a single issue.
• World's worst college professor: UFO researcher Gordon Evans.
• World's worst barber: Andy Sinatra, fired for vulgarity and nuttiness.
• World's worst UFO debunker: J. Allen Hynek, who is predicted to spend his last days in an asylum.
• World's worst UFO author: Gist Talmist, whose book was too incoherent to debunk.
• World's worst Prophet: Jean Dixon, whose prophecies included a Supreme Court appointment for Bert Lantz, a scandal involving Billy Graham, and a third term for Richard Nixon.
• Worst UFO ride: A promised flying saucer trip to South America by Dr. George Marlo, which was allegedly called off by CIA agents.
• Worst hoax in UFO history: The alleged burial of George Adamski, with claims that the coffin contained rocks and Adamski was taken away by a UFO.
• Worst-dressed UFO investigator: Richard Ford of Prescott, Arizona, arrested in a park nude and carrying a wooden cross.
• Worst grammar by a UFO investigator: Coral Lorenzen's use of "refer back."
• Worst Bigfoot sighting: In Louisville, Kentucky, 1979, police found stilts with artificial feet and a gorilla suit after investigating alleged huge tracks.
• Worst UFO photo hoax: Bud Willis of Decatur, Georgia, hurled a hubcap, which crashed through a police cruiser's window and was identified as stolen property.
• Worst UFO witness hush-up: Air Force ordered airline pilot Capt. John Woods to stop talking about his sighting, leading to his job loss after public intoxication conviction.

Groucho's Back & Strange Site

Two brief news items are included: the theft and return of Groucho Marx's ashes, and a sign reading "Ted Kennedy, the Next President 1984" painted on a guard rail at Chappaquiddick.

Cold Wave Linked To Temperatures

A brief note about the Polish-born planist Andre Tchaikowsky bequeathing his skull to the Royal Shakespeare Company to play "poor Yorick" posthumously in Hamlet's graveyard scene.

Medication Given To Children

A headline about medication given to children after a spinal meningitis death, and another headline stating "People from Mars are very secretive thief returns 10 creatures."

Letters to Ye Olde Supreme Commander

This section features correspondence from readers:

• Tom Benson writes, criticizing Captain Oberg's alleged "smear campaign" against Soviet ufologists and Tommy Roy Blann's "pangs of paranoia" regarding the governmental hypothesis.
• Jim Oberg responds to challenges from UFO enthusiasts, stating he will investigate the "Gordon Cooper UFO cases" but wants proponents to declare if they "never really believed" them beforehand. Skeptics are asked to register by November 30th, 1982.
• Bob Schmidt, a cartoonist and researcher, confesses to a "guilty non-subscriber" status and lists transgressions, including calling Phil Klass names, taking Sagan's name in vain, attempting to contact George Adamski via Ouija board, confessing to theft of a classified NICAP photo sold to APRO, donating the money to the Vatican, and having knowledge about Edward U. Condon.
• Todd Zechel sends a threatening letter to Jim, denying sending threatening mail and accusing "Smear" of attempting to blame him for McIntyre's "madness." He suggests the editor cease and desist and lay off "loco weed." The editor notes that Zechel is one of many suspects and that both Zechel and "Dr." McIntyre are leading suspects, but neither has proof.
• Howard Kaufman, an ex-police officer and psychic UFO researcher, expresses sadness at "immature" people trying to hurt the editor and offers to use his abilities if a photostatic copy of a threatening letter is provided. He praises "Saucer Smear" as a free publication and expresses frustration.
• Larry Peters reports that MARCEN, Inc., has been dissolved due to the disappearance of Williard McIntyre. He has been appointed Acting Executive Director, and a new board will determine the direction. He states they are willing to cooperate and will require payment for special documents, focusing on field research.
• Brent Raynes praises the newsletter for cutting through "double talk and sensationalism" and getting to the "nitty gritty" of people's feelings, calling it a "sociological service."
• Prof. Hans J. Petermann complains about Gray Barker's newsletter, stating that many "crazy people" write to him, turning his paper into a "bad joke." He criticizes the focus on "misnomer 'ufology'" rather than serious research and dismisses John Keel and Erich von Däniken's work as "trash." He also criticizes Mrs. Genzlinger's book "The Jessup Dimension."

Other Contributions

• Rick Hilberg reflects on the departure of ufologists from the field due to frustration or moving to other interests, praising Al Greenfield as a brilliant "thinker."
• Dr. Gary Posner critiques Marcello Truzzi's definition of "UFO," arguing it eliminates ET spacecraft and renders terms like "skeptic" and "debunker" useless. He contrasts this with his own definition implying phenomena foreign to current concepts.
• Phil Klass protests the prompt arrival of "Saucer Smear," suspecting CIA involvement. He quotes a letter from Marcello Truzzi calling Klass's stand skeptical and discusses the term "zetetic," linking it to flat-earthers and questioning the skepticism of those who use it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue is characterized by a critical and often skeptical approach to UFO claims, interspersed with humor and personal commentary. The editor, James W. Moseley, actively engages with readers, publishes letters that often contain strong opinions and accusations, and includes segments like "World's Worst UFO Humor" to lighten the tone. There is a clear demarcation between those who present evidence and those who engage in what the publication deems "smear campaigns" or "hoaxes." The editor's stance appears to be one of investigative journalism, seeking to uncover the truth behind UFO phenomena while acknowledging the prevalence of hoaxes and misinterpretations. The publication also seems to foster a sense of community among its readers, despite the often contentious debates presented.

The recurring themes include: the investigation of alleged UFO sightings and encounters, the analysis of hoaxes and potential disinformation, the personal experiences and opinions of researchers and enthusiasts, and the internal debates and disagreements within the ufology community. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, often challenging established narratives and encouraging readers to question claims, while also providing a platform for diverse viewpoints, even those considered fringe or controversial.

The inclusion of the Vampire Research Center census form, alongside UFO content, highlights a broader interest in the paranormal and unexplained, suggesting that "Saucer Smear" may cover a wider range of unusual topics beyond strictly UFOs. The publication seems to thrive on controversy and debate, using reader contributions to fuel its content and engage its audience.