Saucer Smear - Vol 30 No 02 - 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Vol. 30, No. 2
Date: February 15th, 1983
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor and Supreme Commander: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, covers a range of topics including UFO conferences, alleged sightings, psychic phenomena, and Bigfoot investigations. The publication features contributions from various researchers, readers, and skeptics, offering a diverse perspective on unexplained celestial events.

Misc. Ravings

National UFO Conference Preview Researcher Kal K. Korff is highlighted for his upcoming lecture on "The UFO Phenomenon" at the National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in Tucson, Arizona, on May 14th. Korff is the author of "The Billy Meier Hoax" and "The UFO Dictionary." Other lecturers include Hal Starr and Rick Hilberg. James W. Moseley will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Details for the event can be obtained from Ed Biebel.

Mary Robinson's Sightings Mary Robinson, widow of UFO researcher Jack Robinson, reports seeing "weird entities and creatures" near her Jersey City apartment. She describes these as "4-D apparitions" that her friends cannot see. Notably, she has observed Mothman flapping its wings and seemingly drawing power from electric lines. The editorial speculates that Mothman may have migrated to New York City due to the recession.

Editor's Radio Appearance On January 13th, editor James W. Moseley appeared on the Candy Jones radio show on WMCA in New York. The program featured Marc Brinkerhoff discussing "nature spirits" and author Walter Wager.

'Magic or Miracle' Special The NBC-TV special "Magic or Miracle," starring James Randi and Uri Geller, is reviewed. The show is praised for being highly entertaining and reasonably objective, presenting psychic phenomena in a way that could interest viewers. The review notes that Randi set up two young men to cheat in psychic experiments, but the researchers, including Dr. Berthold Schwarz, refused to accept the evidence of cheating due to their "Will to Believe."

Psychic Experiments and Cheating Dr. Berthold Schwarz is mentioned in relation to his pamphlet detailing his favorable view of psychic performances, despite evidence of cheating. The editorial notes that Schwarz's photographer, Augie Roberts, believes the TV "expose" on the show was not printable.

Randi and Geller's Stance Uri Geller's statement that "psychic power does not want to be proven in laboratories" is quoted as a convenient "cop-out." The publication suggests that neither Randi nor Geller have a monopoly on truth, and that Geller may cheat at times but possesses mysterious powers.

Randi's Ceylon Adventures The TV show also covered James Randi's adventures in Ceylon, where he witnessed fire walking. Randi admitted he would have tried it himself if not under contract.

Billy Meier Case Ufology was mentioned on the show only in passing, with the Billy Meier case being the sole example, a case that many in the field have disavowed. This is seen as unfair treatment of serious UFO research.

Laura Mundo's Book Laura Mundo, a veteran UFO buff, has published "The Mundo UFO Report" through Vantage Press. The book chronicles her experiences and theories, particularly concerning the high level of sunspots and their effect on the planet, which she links to atomic theories from "Space People." Mundo is described as a contactee who has been seriously ill. The review also mentions her previous book, "Flying Saucers and the Father's Plan," published by Saucerian Publishers and Gray Barker, noting a dispute over profits and proofreading.

Missives from the Masses

Amy Davidson on Wendelle Stevens Amy Davidson writes in response to a statement by Prof. Hans J. Petermann regarding UFO conference in Reno. Davidson defends Wendelle Stevens, calling him a thorough investigator who spent months with a witness in the Pleiades case and extensively investigated other cases. She urges Petermann to "check your facts thoroughly."

Ken Behrendt on Wendelle Stevens Ken Behrendt also defends Wendelle Stevens, describing him as dedicated to ufology and a key figure in keeping interest alive during a slump through his publications. Behrendt acknowledges that Stevens may have promoted material beyond his resources but commends his open mind and impact.

Walt Andrus on MUFON Walt Andrus, supreme czar of MUFON, sends greetings and acknowledges receiving "Saucer Smear." He appreciates the humorous treatment of events and people in ufology, even when he is the subject. Andrus mentions the 1982 MUFON UFO symposium in Toronto and the 1982 UFO summit meeting, contrasting them favorably with the Reno affair. He requests permission to publish Piet Hoebens' cartoon of Phil Klass and Robert Sheaffer.

Dr. Thornton Page on Roswell Dr. Thornton Page of NASA writes about the Roswell N.M. case, where an "aerial object" allegedly crashed in July 1947. He mentions Jesse Marcel's report and the rumor that wreckage and bodies were removed to Wright-Patterson AFB and deposited in the "Blue Room." He notes that Senator Barry Goldwater could not find the "Blue Room."

Betty Hill on UFO Sightings Contactee Betty Hill sends newspaper clippings of UFO sightings in New Hampshire, noting a significant increase in the last four months. She also mentions a sighting in Stockholm, Sweden, of a UFO over the King's palace. Hill reports receiving sighting reports from India, Russia, Germany, Hong Kong, Australia, and New England, stating that UFOs are seen in great numbers but not always reported. She emphasizes an interest in "just the FACTS."

Tommy R. Blann on UFO Activity Ufologist Tommy R. Blann writes that UFO activity is ongoing worldwide, but news is suppressed due to the economic crunch. He suggests UFOs need to take more drastic actions to gain attention, such as landing on the White House lawn or abducting President Reagan.

Elizabeth Philip on 'Frontiers of Science' Elizabeth Philip reports that "Frontiers of Science" is going out of business due to financial difficulties.

Jerry Clark on Dave Schroth Jerry Clark of FATE Magazine responds to Dave Schroth, finding his outbursts boring and a distraction. Clark challenges Schroth to identify mainstream ufologists who support Billy Meier. Clark also clarifies his own stance on "paraufology," stating he no longer associates with it and has been critical of the approach.

Ron Schaffner on Jon Beckjord Ron Schaffner criticizes Jon Beckjord's "3D Theory" and investigative techniques, particularly his soil compression tests for Bigfoot tracks. Schaffner suggests Beckjord's methods are unscientific and his weight estimates are inconclusive, comparing them to the weight of a Kodiak bear.

Earthlings Sprout, Martian Antennae A small boxed item mentions a mystery outhouse appearing as a Halloween prank for the 53rd consecutive year.

Frank Bruckman on Bigfoot Investigators

Frank Bruckman comments on the difference between UFO/Bigfoot investigators, attributing it to the amount of "bullshit produced." He humorously suggests that a 3,000 lb. Bigfoot's droppings might be minerals that disappear into the ground.

Charles Wilhelm on Ufology

Charles Wilhelm of OUFOIL finds ufology "stuck in gear" and criticizes statements about the "Blue Room" and "Hangar 18" as imaginary terminology. He questions claims about U.S. Government debunking propaganda and supports criticisms of Wendelle Stevens' work on the Herrmann Case. Wilhelm also dismisses Jon Beckjord's methods for measuring ground resistance and criticizes Walt Andrus' recommendation to read Denis Pilichis' "Night Siege."

Jon Beckjord Responds Jon Beckjord defends his weight test procedures for Bigfoot tracks, proposing a modified method involving a large drum with interchangeable footprint molds. He also poses a question about "momentum" and challenges skeptics' potential explanations for Bigfoot tracks.

Michael Dennett on Timothy Beckley

Michael Dennett reports on Timothy Beckley's appearance in Seattle, where Beckley discussed a UFO base under Lake Ontario and endorsed Billy Meier. Beckley also mentioned astronaut Gordon Cooper's claim about NASA meeting with "members of another planet" and speculated that the "Bermuda Triangle" is a "time warp." Dennett notes that Beckley and Wayne Aho confirmed telepathy and ESP, with Aho stating he believes he is not from Earth.

Other Books and Films

• "Taming the Poltergeist" by Berthold Schwarz is mentioned as a pamphlet that might better be called "Taming the Investigators."
• "George Adamski the Untold Story" by Lou Zinsstag & Timothy Good is described as pro-Adamski, despite the editor's previous "George Adamski Expose."
• "Status Update No. 3 on the UFO Crash/Retrieval Syndrome" by Len Stringfield is noted as a painstaking research effort that, as admitted by the author, proves nothing.
• "Alien Bases on the Moon" by Fred Steckling is mentioned as a new weird moon book.
• Bill Moore is selling UFO books and booklets to combat the recession.
• Cattle mutilation expert Tom Adams discusses the fictional film "Endangered Species."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features a critical yet engaged stance on ufology and related phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on investigative journalism, with a willingness to question claims and expose perceived inconsistencies or "bullshit." The publication appears to value factual reporting ("just the FACTS") while also engaging with speculative theories and personal accounts. Skepticism is present, particularly regarding claims that lack verifiable evidence, but the overall tone is one of open inquiry into the unexplained. The editor, James W. Moseley, often injects humor and personal commentary, creating a distinctive voice for the publication. Debates and disagreements among researchers and investigators are a recurring theme, highlighting the often contentious nature of the field.