Saucer Smear - Vol 32 No 08 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 32, No. 8
Date: October 20th, 1985
Publisher: James W. Moseley
Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter, Official Publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society.

This issue of Saucer Smear, dated October 20th, 1985, features a mix of ufological news, personal anecdotes, and reader contributions, maintaining its characteristic blend of serious reporting and wry commentary. The publication is dedicated to the highest principles of ufological journalism.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The issue opens with a somber report on the health of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Director of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). He underwent surgery for a brain tumor on September 24th in San Francisco and was recovering at his home in Phoenix, Arizona. Earlier, he had been ill at the MUFON conference in Massachusetts, where doctors initially found no issues. The editor expresses sincere wishes for Hynek's recovery, noting the field's dependence on his leadership.

Following this, the editor recounts a personal experience of spending a night in 'The Myrtles,' a notoriously haunted house near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, known for its history of murders. He teases a forthcoming article about this experience in FATE Magazine, mentioning that Jerry Clark of FATE, despite a recent negative editorial by "Smear" regarding the RendleSHAM case, is anticipating the article.

The newsletter also introduces the Small Press Writers and Artists Organization (SPWAO), an international group for creators in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. The editor notes that he easily qualifies for membership under these categories.

Flash News and Personal Accounts

A "FLASH" report details a story sent by non-subscriber Blaine Hamrick about a female Airman named Simone Mendez. While working in the communications room at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, in January 1982, Mendez allegedly received a Top Secret message indicating that Air Force surveillance systems detected UFOs entering the solar system from deep space. These objects reportedly entered Earth's atmosphere and hovered over Moscow at low altitude for over an hour. Mendez was questioned by the FBI and charged with espionage, facing a potential life sentence. She later attempted suicide and underwent psychiatric evaluation. Although her Top Secret clearance was revoked, the espionage charges were dropped. The message was eventually determined to be a hoax. The story is presented as being published for the first time, though Len Stringfield had previously printed part of it in his "Status Report III" after Mendez broke an affidavit of secrecy.

Phil Klass, a noted skeptic, is mentioned as writing an article about a similar fake Top Secret document for the next issue of "Skeptical Inquirer," sending a draft to "Smear" but keeping it classified until publication.

A prominent announcement declares that James Moseley will be paid ten million dollars if a winning number is returned by November 9, 1985, calling him "OUR BIGGEST WINNER EVER!" This prize is to be announced on NBC Television's "The Tonight Show."

International Conclaves and Wild Rumors

The issue mentions a "Really Big" international Conclave in San Jose, Costa Rica, scheduled for October 14th-19th, focusing on psychic research rather than UFOs. Potential attendees include John Keel, Charles Berlitz, Jacques Vallee, and Tim Beckley. The editor expresses a desire to attend but is unable to due to circumstances.

A "Wild Rumor" circulating at the recent MUFON convention suggests that Aliens may insert "spheres" up the nostrils of abductees to maintain contact. This rumor is speculatively linked to Ronald Reagan's recent operation for skin cancer on his nose, suggesting it was an operation to remove such a sphere, with the cancer story being a cover-up. Dr. Stephen Kurzweil is suggested as an expert to consult on this matter.

A note clarifies that a letter from the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) was received before a previous "negative" letter, affirming the publication's continued membership in the SSE.

A "PRESS-TIME FLASH" announces the release of Loren Coleman's new book, "Curious Encounters," published by Faber & Faber for $11.95.

The Skeptic and the Believer Play Saucer Poker

A comic strip titled "THE SKEPTIC AND THE BELIEVER PLAY SAUCER POKER" depicts a game where participants raise each other with increasingly specific items related to ufology, such as a Hynek article, an Oberg missive, and a "Close Encounters" videocassette. The strip humorously notes the absence of letters from Phil Klass and questions who wins the game.

Letters to Ye Olde Editor

Eric Beckjord writes, suggesting that UFOs may not be solid or physical but rather "Ultraterrestrials" or alternate dimensional beings. He argues that they are beyond current means of physical measurement and encourages resistance to skeptics who dismiss these concepts.

Phil Klass humorously comments on Tommy R. Blann's prediction of terrible times for UFO skeptics after September 3rd, 1985, expressing relief that the predicted catastrophe has not occurred.

Tommy R. Blann clarifies his earlier statement regarding the Cash/Landrum Case. He explains that information was to be released in federal court on September 3rd, 1985, but this was a preliminary hearing. He expresses concern that his earlier comments might be dismissed as "bullshit" but insists the information is factual and could expose a UFO cover-up. He notes that Mrs. Cash and Mrs. Landrum are experiencing ongoing health problems and hopes they will be alive for their court date. Blann apologizes for not being able to reveal more details but emphasizes the case's extreme interest and complexity.

Carlos Mentira writes a brief note praising a poem in the previous issue.

Christopher Allan from England challenges the notion that a UFO sighting over China was the largest, referring to a May 1916 sighting over Greenwich Observatory described by E. Walter Maunder. This object was estimated to be over fifty miles long and 133 miles up, moving at approximately 10 miles per second, and was part of a spectacular auroral display. Allan suggests this omission might risk expulsion from the Society for Scientific Exploration. He also poses a rumor that the Titanic did not strike an iceberg but a UFO.

Colman Vonkeviczky responds to a criticism from non-subscriber Tom Burch. Vonkeviczky details his Hungarian-American heritage, his military service as a Major and Chief of the Audio Visual Military Education Dept. in the former Royal Hungarian General Staff, and his Military University degree (MMSE). He contrasts his education with Burch's perceived lack thereof.

Editor's Response and Further Contributions

John Merrell writes about the "classic" 1950 Trent photographs from McMinnville, Oregon. He suggests that the case may have been sensationalized and, after visiting the site and speaking with locals, suspects the photographs were a hoax, possibly fabricated by the Trents to gain publicity. The editor concurs with this assessment.

Bob ("Raving Robert") Schiller expresses strong support for "Smear's" expose of the Society for Scientific Exploration, labeling them "unspeakable Wall Street imperialists" and "Capitalist slave bosses."

Stephen J. Kurzweil, M.D., requests renewal of his "non-subscription" for "delight and confusion," praising the publication for facing "real facts" and for his own perceived correctness regarding "Abductees for UFO Secrecy."

Ken Behrendt of AURA discusses the potential use of digital images and computer-processed television camera feeds as navigational aids for UFO pilots, creating a three-dimensional diorama of the external environment for real-time flight adjustment.

Poetry and Case Analysis

Gray Barker's "Seven Sagas" continues with a poem titled "THREE VIEWS ON THE ATOMIC BOMB," presented in Surrealist, Modernist, and Neo-Modernist styles, followed by "Conclusions by the Author" which mirrors the Surrealist section.

A news item reports that Joseph Monkiewicz pleaded guilty to stealing and selling city street paving blocks in Philadelphia to alleviate financial problems.

Society for Scientific Exploration Letter

A letter dated June 17, 1985, from Laurence W. Fredrick, Secretary of the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE), informs James W. Moseley that his application for membership has been accepted by the Membership Committee and Council. Fredrick explains the lengthy process due to the committee being spread across the U.S. and the Council meeting only twice a year. He encloses a form for the directory and information to help the Society function, requesting return with 1985 dues. The SSE had a successful meeting in Charlottesville and planned another for May 1986 in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

An advertisement for "EDUCATION" seeks descriptions of UFO sightings from the public, promising to include name, place, date, witnesses, time, and a drawing, for a $5 fee, sent to "KLARK KENT" in Dayton, Ohio.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a consistent editorial stance of skepticism towards sensational claims while acknowledging the genuine mystery surrounding UFO phenomena. James W. Moseley, as editor, uses humor and a direct, often provocative, tone to engage with his readership and fellow researchers. There is a clear demarcation between ufologists and skeptics, with figures like Phil Klass representing the latter and contributing to debates within the publication. The issue highlights the ongoing challenges in proving UFO cases, with a call for one "really proven case" rather than numerous "almost-proven ones." The publication also touches upon paranormal phenomena beyond UFOs, such as haunted houses and Bigfoot, and engages with the broader community of writers and artists in speculative genres. The editor's personality and sense of humor are evident throughout, as noted by Robert Sheaffer's quote on the cover.