Saucer Smear - Vol 33 No 02 - 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 33, Number 2
Date: March 1st, 1986
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. The cover prominently announces a "GIANT CON.COMING!" with details on page 8, highlighting the upcoming 23rd annual National UFO Conference.

National UFO Conference Announcement

The main focus of the issue is the upcoming 23rd annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC), scheduled to take place from May 16th to May 18th, 1986, at the Executive Park Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. The local host is radio/TV personality Hal Starr. The theme for the convention is "UFOs Fact or Fantasy".

Speakers being lined up include Robert Sheaffer, chairman of the Bay Area CSICOP chapter, who will offer a skeptical viewpoint, and author Bill Moore, who will discuss the Roswell Incident and his ongoing UFO investigations. There is also a possibility of contactee Travis Walton and the legendary Dan Fry speaking. The editor, James W. Moseley, and his wife Anna, will also be present. Tables for attendees to sell their wares will be available for $25 each.

Hal Starr provides a detailed schedule for the convention, including a "Get Acquainted Party", various speaking sessions, Q&A sessions, a roundtable discussion, a cocktail party, and a banquet. Room rates at the Executive Park Hotel are specially discounted for attendees. Starr expresses his expectation of a good turnout, especially from the Southwest, due to his planned talk show appearances.

Analysis of the "Lost Creek" Saucer Case

An article by the editor attempts to re-examine the famous "Lost Creek" saucer case. German UFO researchers Werner Walter and Klaus Webner have requested more information about a UFO movie taken in 1966 near Lost Creek, West Virginia. The article presents a photograph, supposedly of Gray Barker with witness John Sheets, and analyzes it. However, Klaus Webner points out that the young man in the photograph does not resemble John Sheets from the film, nor does the saucer model match. The editor admits confusion and plans to search through old scrapbooks for the original photograph.

The article also mentions that Gray Barker used to sell a group of three UFO films through his newsletter, including the "Lost Creek" film, which was later used in the documentary "Overlords of the UFOs". The editor himself used this film in his UFO lectures during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Tidbits of Trash

This section provides various short news items and updates from the ufological community:

• George Hunt Williamson: The UFO pioneer, author of "Secret Places of the Lions", died of a heart attack around January 25th, 1986. He was one of the six witnesses to George Adamski's "Desert Contact" and his real name was Michel d'Obrenovic.
• Rick Hilberg: Involved in UFO zines for 25 years, Hilberg is seeking help to co-produce a new UFO zine due to the disintegration of the Cleveland UFO "hard core" group.
• Gene Duplantier: Has launched a new magazine called "Delve", focusing on ufological history.
• Mary Robinson: Widow of researcher John J. Robinson, suffered a serious stroke.
• Pete Mazzola: His Scientific Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has folded.
• APRO: The organization, previously thought to have folded, is publishing its bulletin again, featuring an account of a radar sighting over Tucson, Arizona, with 50-100 mystery objects.
• Larry Bryant: CAUS (Citizens Against UFO Secrecy) is facing job harassment due to his efforts to place ads seeking crashed saucer evidence.
• Dave Reissig: Publishes "weird little booklets" on various subjects.
• Howard Menger: The 1950s contactee is alive and well in Florida, painting signs and doing "New Age" work, but no longer having contacts.
• CSICOP: The organization will mark its tenth anniversary with a convention at the University of Colorado at Boulder, featuring speakers like Phil Klass, James Randi, and Paul Kurtz.

Missives from the Masses

This section features letters and comments from readers:

• Michael Dennett (Northwest Skeptics): Disagrees with a previous article's assessment of "Smear" and seeks contact information for a Mr. Brian Myers, a guest on a Seattle TV program about UFOs.
• John Timmerman (CUFOS): Resigned as Chairman and Treasurer of the Center for UFO Studies due to the office move and the availability of a new treasurer, Nancy Conrad. He wishes to remain on the Board of Directors.
• Blaine Hamrick: States that the UFO message from NORAD that affected Simone Mendez's career was real and that another account of a Moscow sighting matches well.
• Erik Beckjord: Provides two points of information: (1) The Cryptozoology Museum is planning a BIGFOOT HOTLINE (213-456-6769). (2) The late George Haas's Bigfoot library is now managed by the Bay Area Group, which publishes a Bigfoot Bibliography.
• George Earley (Former NICRAP): Suggests the Rendlesham case might have been an experimental NATO VTOL or a Russian defector, and promotes a publication called "THE GATE".
• Christopher Allan: Poses the question: "WHY ARE THERE NO COLORED UFOLOGISTS?", asking if the subject is exclusively for white Caucasians and if readers know of any interested colored people.
• Hans J. Petermann: Announces a patent in Canada for a converter-generator and invites investment in PRAN TECHNOLOGIES.
• Ken Behrendt (AURA): Expresses a depressing tone about the state of ufology, noting the decline of organizations and interest. He argues that for ufology to survive, it must convince the public that it is progressing and can offer solutions, by formulating testable hypotheses and using the scientific method to explore UFO technology.
• Phil Klass: Announces his retirement as Aviation Week's senior avionics editor after 34 years, and that he has declined offers to write a new book.
• Barry Hoffman: A cartoonist, humorously critiques the editor's "dull & dreary" attitude and offers to draw a cartoon.
• Belle Fontaine: Continues her non-subscription and inquires about a rumor of "Alien Hemorrhoids" affecting some non-subscribers.
• Tom Benson (MUFON): Relays a rumor about a bounty on the editor's head for alleged grave robbing and smuggling of artifacts, and mentions Ecuador's interest in shrinking his head.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a mix of reporting on UFO events, analysis of specific cases, and commentary on the state of the ufology field. There's a clear engagement with both proponents and skeptics, as evidenced by the inclusion of speakers like Robert Sheaffer and the critical examination of UFO evidence. The "Tidbits of Trash" and "Missives from the Masses" sections highlight the diverse and sometimes contentious nature of the UFO community, with discussions ranging from historical cases and research efforts to personal opinions and even controversial questions like the lack of diversity in ufology. The editor, James W. Moseley, maintains a direct and often witty tone, engaging with readers and offering his own perspectives, as seen in his response to Barry Hoffman and his editorial comments.

The recurring themes include the upcoming UFO conference, the analysis of past UFO cases, the activities of various UFO organizations and researchers, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. The editorial stance appears to be one of active participation and critical inquiry within the field of ufology, encouraging discussion and the sharing of information, while also acknowledging the challenges and controversies that plague the subject.