Saucer Smear - Vol 34 No 02 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 34, Number 2
Date: February 10th, 1987
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism, presents a mix of convention news, book reviews, incident reports, and opinionated commentary on UFO phenomena and related topics.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The editor announces the upcoming 1987 National UFO Conference (NUFOC), scheduled for June 12th-14th at the Burbank (California) Hilton Hotel. James W. Moseley, the "Smear" editor, is the Permanent Chairman of NUFOC. The event will feature lectures, workshops, and a cocktail party. There is no conflict with the MUFON convention, which is to be held in Washington, D.C., two weeks later. A photograph on page 1 shows Moseley with President Ronald Reagan, discussing UFOs, "Star Wars," and Iran.

Convention Details

Further details about the NUFOC convention are provided, including a Friday evening cocktail reception and a full schedule of lectures and workshops on Saturday and Sunday. The hotel rate is expected to be $55 per night. Speakers will include Bill Moore, Stanton Friedman, Hal Starr, Timothy Good from England, and Dr. Richard Neal. Moseley will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Contact information for Bill Moore is provided.

Book Review: "Sky Crash: The Best UFO Story in Years"

Riley Crabb, former director of Borderland Sciences Research Foundation (BSRF), has written a soft-cover booklet reviewing the book "Sky Crash" (or "Sky Trash"), which discusses an alleged UFO incident near an air base in England in late 1980. Crabb's commentary includes a reference to a "Saucer Smear" article about "Star Wars" being a joint U.S.-Russian effort to repel invaders. The magazine criticizes Crabb for having a "Will to Believe," selectively picking evidence that confirms his ideas and ignoring contradictory evidence, while also noting that "Smear" had previously published a detailed debunking of the Rendlesham Forest story.

UFO Incident Over Alaska

The newsletter discusses a UFO incident over Alaska on November 18th that gained media attention. The pilot of a Japan Air Lines cargo jet, Capt. Kenju Terauchi, reported sightings of two dark cylinders with spinning amber lights and a white light for nearly an hour. While the flight crew saw the white light, only Terauchi witnessed the closer encounters. Later investigation reportedly brought forth radar confirmation, though it was considered dubious. The magazine expresses skepticism about Terauchi's account, noting his 19 years of piloting experience and a subsequent, more doubtful UFO experience. Skeptic Phil Klass of CSICOP suggested Jupiter as a possible explanation, but the magazine questions this, pointing to the spinning lights.

News Briefies

Tom Benson has been chosen for the Governing Board of the National UFO Conference. He is also selling used UFO books and back issues of his "Sixth Quark Journal." Antonio Huneeus denies authorship of a letter and drawing previously published in "Smear." The passing of ufologist Gray Barker is noted. A pro-contactee convention is planned for Reno, Nevada, hosted by Miguel Ribera. James W. Moseley is featured in a "personality profile" in "The Missing Link." An attempt to contact Col. Wendelle Stevens at a given address was returned as "Prohibited Correspondence; Need Inmate Number."

"Sucked Into a Giant Spaceship! 'We Did the Alley Cat On an Alien Talk Show'"

This article recounts the bizarre experience of Phil and Fran Bunza from Tipton, Vermont, who claim they were abducted by a flying saucer and appeared on an alien talk show on the planet Pez-Alpha. They were interviewed by host Belzar and other guests about various topics, including photosynthesis, atomic power, and dancing the Alley Cat. The show reportedly lasted two and a half months, and they were returned home without pay. They claim Martin Luther had appeared on the show the previous week.

Missives From The Masses

Rick Hilberg writes about the demise of the "Cleveland Faction" and the coverage it received, comparing it to the "Contragate" flap. He mentions a heart condition that limited his activity and expresses hope that the organization will do well in the future, noting that the 1987 Convention details were still uncertain.

Hans Petermann, writing as "Mad Scientist," shares information about Victor Schauberger's work on "flying saucers" developed in 1934, emphasizing the use of copper and water as fuel and the principles of implosive and explosive forces. He hopes this work will inspire further research into natural energy and preservation of life.

An anonymous letter addresses the status of NICAP, stating that Mr. Sherman J. Larsen holds the 35 file drawers of NICAP case files and has incorporated NICAP as a not-for-profit Illinois corporation. The letter credits Larsen with reprinting "The UFO Evidence" and creating an index, and notes that NICAP is now the oldest active resource organization in the U.S., unlike APRO. Larsen's credentials and his role in forming the "Center for UFO Studies" with Dr. Hynek are mentioned.

John A. Keel writes about the new New York Fortean Society, inviting people to join for meetings, lectures, and field trips to Fortean sites.

Erik Beckjord is seeking specific back issues of "Bigfoot Bibliography" and is willing to trade or pay for them. He also comments on the slow publication of "Cryptozoology Journal" and newsletters from the International Society of Cryptozoology, questioning the use of donations given Richard Greenwell's salary.

Dave Reissig offers a philosophical perspective, suggesting that UFOs might be temporarily real projections of the sighter's mind, similar to dreams.

Harv Howard expresses interest in the newsletter after reading an interview with Aileen Edwards, provided it does not pay homage to MUFON, Dr. Hynek, Richard Hall, or the Scientific Method. He compares the newsletter to Ray Palmer's "Flying Saucers."

Susan & Earl Hoskins request that their names not be removed from the mailing list, stating that "Smear" makes them laugh, smile, and believe in UFOs.

Blaine Hamrick reports a startling UFO sighting in Dallas, Texas, near Arlington, home of the University of Texas at Arlington, where SDI energy research is conducted. He speculates that aliens might be interested in primitive earth science.

Armand LaPrade comments on the perception of Moseley as a "rich clown" or "scrooge" due to his complex nature and the influence of planetary alignments.

Public Notice: Alien Space Monsters

A prominent article on page 8, titled "ALIEN SPACE MONSTERS ARE TRYING TO CONTROL OUR MINDS!!", presents a sensationalist theory that alien space monsters are responsible for the influx of illicit drugs into the U.S. The article claims these aliens are using "scout saucers" to deliver drugs and are attempting to enslave humanity by controlling minds and infiltrating government. It urges readers to form neighborhood saucer watches and be prepared to defend themselves against alien invasion. The article is presented as a public service by "The Citizens for Increased Awareness" and "The Remote Control Institute."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Saucer Smear consistently adopts a critical and often satirical stance towards the UFO community, frequently questioning the motives and beliefs of prominent figures and organizations. The publication seems to favor investigative journalism, debunking sensational claims, and focusing on the more controversial or gossipy aspects of ufology, as stated in its preference for the "Dark Underbelly of UFO research, namely feuds, gossip, etc., plus a bit of satire and Sick Humor." The magazine also highlights reader contributions, providing a platform for diverse opinions and experiences within the UFO field, while maintaining its own distinct editorial voice, often characterized by skepticism and a dry wit.