Saucer Smear - Vol 36 No 02 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 36, No. 2
Date: February 5th, 1989
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, dedicates significant space to the controversial Gulf Breeze UFO case, featuring an exclusive interview with an individual identified as "Mr. Ed." It also reports on the confiscation of John Keel's literary license by Federal Authorities and includes various letters and contributions from other ufologists and researchers.

John Keel's Literary License Confiscated by Federal Authorities

The lead story reports that unspecified Federal Agents have seized John Keel's literary license following the publication of his book, "Disneyland of the Gods." While details are vague, the article notes that Keel's book references a "doppleganger" of New York ufologist James Moseley. The editor humorously comments on Keel's attempt to master the "Saucer Smear" style and mentions Keel is feuding with his publisher, urging readers to order the book directly from him.

Part Two of Our Report on Our Exclusive Interview with "Mr. Ed" of Gulf Breeze

This section delves into the sightings behind the photos related to the Gulf Breeze controversy. The magazine notes the unrelated collapse of a bridge in Gulf Breeze, drawing a parallel to the Mothman controversy in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.

Ed's Sightings:

• November 11th, 1987: The first and most controversial sighting occurred in front of "Ed's" house. An argument ensued whether "Ed" omitted or added the "blue beam" from the UFO to make the story sound less or more weird. It is also revealed that the UFO communicated telepathically with "Ed," telling him to stay calm, and lifted him off the ground, possibly in an attempt to "Spacenap" him.
• December 2nd, 1987 (approx. 3:30 a.m.): "Ed" and his wife saw a creature on their back porch, described as "weird, sleazy," resembling the figure from the movie "Communion." The creature appeared to be trying to enter their house. "Ed" grabbed a gun and camera and went outside, seeing a craft over the house as the creature disappeared. He took a picture of the UFO.
• December 28th, 1987 (approx. 8 p.m.): "Ed" had another sighting at his house with his wife and two children. He managed to capture about 1.5 minutes of 8mm video film of the craft. Bob Oechsler, a MUFON Maryland State Section Director, analyzed the film and believes it is of a genuine craft 12 to 14 feet in diameter.
• January 12th, 1988 (approx. 5 p.m.): While on his way to a job site on highway 191B in Gulf Breeze, a low-flying UFO passed over "Ed's" truck. It flashed a white beam that made his arms numb, causing him to almost drive off the road. He stopped, took cover under his truck, and took a clear photo of an object with two rows of "portholes" hovering low over the highway. Four "Communion" type creatures with shields and rods emerged from the UFO and marched toward the truck. "Ed" turned his truck around and sped away.
• January 13th, 1988: Two men identifying themselves as being from the "Air Force Special Security Services" visited "Ed's" house and gruffly demanded his photographs.
• January 24th, 1988: "Ed" and Duane Cook, editor of the Gulf Breeze Sentinel, went on a saucer hunt. "Ed" heard a humming in his head. Duane filmed "Ed" with a video camera. In the film, "Ed" appears to be under psychic attack, raving in pain and fear, and eventually takes a Polaroid picture of a briefly appearing UFO. The UFO was not visible on the video, but the photographic evidence of "Ed" taking the picture was satisfactory.
• April 31st/May 1st, 1988 (climactic May 1st events): "Ed" experienced "Missing Time" at a scenic parking area overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Under hypnotic regression, he recalled being in a small, pie-shaped room with a gray-hooded creature and three other beings. He ended up alone in an adjoining room with a table displaying strange symbols. Upon returning to reality, he was lying on the sand, bruised, with red dots on his face and a strange smell on his right hand.

"Ed" realized he had four similar episodes of Missing Time earlier in his life and believes the May 1st incident broke the link with his extraterrestrial "tormenters."

Letters to the Editor

• Stanton Friedman, Nuclear Physicist: Admires the magazine's courage in discussing Gulf Breeze objectively. He is trying to understand the connection between Menzel's jottings and MJ-12, and mentions meeting Mrs. Menzel and receiving a drawing. He asks for the name under which Donald Menzel wrote science fiction.
• Mrs. Donald Menzel: States she received the "Smear" and is pleased it doesn't believe "Mr. Friedman's bunk." She claims Donald's UFO material is in another library archive, the name of which she will not reveal. She asserts that the "twelve men" quoted (MJ-12) were reputable scientists and raking up the business after their death is dishonest.
• Jean Sider, French Researcher: Recalls a conversation with an astrophysicist in Paris who had an encounter with Dr. Donald Menzel in the 1960s. Menzel was sketching flying saucers with occupants, which astrophysicists found curious. The friend stated that Menzel's drawings were a way to express anxiety about UFO crash investigations, possibly involving military agencies.
• Jennings H. Frederick, Jr.: Responds to Dr. Kenneth Ring's "Omega Project," agreeing to participate but expressing a desire to write his own book about his UFO experiences to avoid exploitation.
• Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee (Alias "Joe Cool"): Provides a photo taken on December 23rd, 1987, showing three UFOs. He notes that the photo is of a genuine craft and that the "blue beam" claims are being debated. He also mentions that "Ed" is known by two different "last" names and that he has not provided original photos for analysis.
• Dr. Willy Smith (UNICAT Project): Criticizes "Mr. Ed," calling him a "con man" and suggesting "Jim" (the editor) has succumbed to his charm. Smith claims "Ed" is not truthful and uses two different names. He questions the authenticity of "Ed's" photos, suggesting they might be double exposures, and criticizes the magazine for not being fair to the UNICAT Project, which offered to finance photo analysis.
• Tom Stults, Illinois State Director for MUFON: Believes "Ed's" story, while not completely proven, is highly probable and suggests revisiting the Billy Meier story.
• John Rimmer, Editor of MAGONIA (England): Compares "Mr. Ed's" photographic artistry to Billy Meier's, noting that supporters of one often deprecate the other. He expresses skepticism about testimonials of pleasant UFO photographers, predicting that hoaxters are typically genial and welcoming.

Tidbits of Trash

• John Lear's Theory: John Lear's latest idea is that John Kennedy was assassinated by the Secret Service agent driving his limousine because Kennedy insisted on knowing about MJ-12 secrets.
• "Caveat Emptor" Magazine: The magazine features an interview with "Mr. Ed" in its upcoming issue.
• Fredrick Davies: The late astrologer Fredrick Davies allegedly submitted an astrological chart in 1978 that ended with March instead of December.
• Saucer Smear's Format: The editor explains that the magazine's 8-page format is due to the use of thick paper to avoid "see-through" and to stay under one ounce for postage, costing 25 cents.
• The Twenty Year Curse: This curse supposedly causes the death in office of every U.S. president elected in a year ending in "00." Examples include William Henry Harrison (1840), Warren Harding (1920), Franklin D. Roosevelt (1940), Abraham Lincoln (1860), James Garfield (1880), William McKinley (1900), and John F. Kennedy (1960).
• T. Scott Crain's Review: A review of the 25th National UFO Conference appears in SEARCH Magazine.

Unpaid Free Plugs for Misc. Items Dept.

• Jim Speiser's "ParaNet": Has a zine with an interview with Phil Klass.
• Curtis Peebles: Needs issues of TRUE and FATE from the late 1940s and early 1950s.
• Christa Tilton and Tom Adams: Sell second-hand UFO books and share a P.O. Box.
• Mark Opsasnick: Is selling a booklet called "Maryland Bigfoot Notebook, Update '88."
• Phillip Robertson: Is starting a newsletter called "Independent Aerial Phenomena Research."

UFO bun stole my knickers

A humorous anecdote about a cake shop worker named Fatma Mahaat who claims an alien meringue flew up her pinny, stealing her knickers. An alien expert suggests UFOs are taking on the form of common food items for safety, possibly being "alien battlecruisers."

Dr. Menzel and UFOs

A friend of the editor recalls Dr. Menzel sketching flying saucers with occupants during astrophysics gatherings in the 1960s. The friend suggests Menzel's drawings were a way to express anxiety about UFO crash investigations.

Dr. Willy Smith's Critique of "Mr. Ed"

Dr. Willy Smith of the UNICAT Project writes a critical letter regarding "Mr. Ed" and the Gulf Breeze case. He accuses "Ed" of being a "con man" and suggests the editor has been deceived. Smith questions the authenticity of "Ed's" photos, proposing they might be double exposures, and criticizes the magazine for not accepting the UNICAT Project's offer to finance independent analysis of the photos.

"MR. ED" Responds

"Mr. Ed" thanks "Saucer Smear" for its open-mindedness and humor. He expresses gratitude for the "confidential" postcards and the lifting of stress by a "cosmic hand."

Phil Klass on Gulf Breeze

Phil Klass states that the National Security Agency's computer analysis of "Mr. Ed's" UFO photos has convinced the NSA and himself that the photos are authentic. He mentions that a decoded message from the UFOs says, "Please call George Adamski and Billy Meier and say hello." He also notes that proving Adamski's or Meier's photos are hoaxes has been difficult.

Other Contributors

• Tom Stults (MUFON): Believes "Ed's" story is highly probable and suggests revisiting the Billy Meier story.
• John Rimmer (MAGONIA): Compares "Mr. Ed's" photos to Billy Meier's and expresses skepticism about testimonials, suggesting hoaxters are typically genial.
• Jim Speiser (ParaNet): Responds to John Lear's accusations of treason, finding them flattering but mystifying. He also comments on the Phoenix conference and historical UFO artifacts.
• Dr. Thornton Page (formerly of NASA): Enjoyed the "Caveat Emptor" interview and notes his own evolution as a UFO "expert."
• Brian Chapman: Cynically suggests that Jim Speiser's UFO evidence display could include mundane items like hubcaps and garbage can lids.
• Tommy Roy Blann: Reports that his research and belongings were stolen from his storage unit in Nashville.

Cartoons

The issue includes two cartoons: "The Far Side" by Gary Larson and "Bizarro" by Dan Piraro, both with UFO-related themes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation and debate surrounding the Gulf Breeze UFO case, the credibility of photographic evidence, and the potential involvement of government agencies in UFO phenomena. The magazine also touches upon historical UFO cases and figures, such as MJ-12 and Donald Menzel. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and evidence, while also maintaining a critical and sometimes humorous perspective, as seen in the "Tidbits of Trash" section and the editor's notes.