Saucer Smear - Vol 37 No 03 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 37, No. 3
Date: April 30th, 1990
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: Jim Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, dedicates itself to ufological journalism, addressing errors from previous publications and previewing upcoming events.

Corrections and Apologies

The editor begins by issuing apologies for factual errors in the previous issue. First, the report of UFO contactee Wayne Aho's death, attributed to 'numerology ace' George Fox, was incorrect; Aho is alive. Second, an embarrassing "boner" was made regarding the TREAT II conference in Virginia, where it was stated that abduction researcher Whitley Strieber was "conspicuously not invited." The editor clarifies that the intended statement was that abductionists Dr. David Jacobs and Budd Hopkins were not invited due to a clash with the event's organizer, New York psychiatrist Dr. Rima Laibow. The newsletter acknowledges receiving "pounds of correspondence" on the subject. A third apology is made for the incorrect date printed on the last issue, which read "February 10th, 1990" instead of "March 10th, 1990." The editor humorously speculates if "invisible 'greys'" are manipulating the typewriter or if a "wrong brand of Scotch" is being consumed, emphasizing the goal of accuracy and amusement, and the principle that "only the Dead never sue."

Upcoming Miami Beach Convention

The newsletter provides details for the "Glorious Forthcoming Miami Beach Convention," the 27th annual National UFO Conference, scheduled for May 11th-13th. Several speakers have been changed or added to the lineup. Prof. Bill Trantham and Bonnie Tynes have been removed. Bob Reid has been replaced by Rex and Carol Salisbury, who will present slides and discuss Gulf Breeze sightings beyond those by Ed Walters. New additions include psychiatrist/psychic investigator Dr. Berthold Schwarz, 1950's contactee Howard Menger and his wife Connie, New Age ladies Sue Wallace and Carol Lynn Grant from Florida, and ufologist Pat Diegel from Sedona, Arizona. Other speakers include retired pilot Bill Nash, Miami author and UFO investigator Virgilio Sanchez-Ocejo, Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Gypsy Graves (speaking on psychic archaeology), Antonio Huneeus, and famed UFO contactee Dr. Frank Stranges. Ed and Frances Walters of Gulf Breeze are listed as guests of honor.

Convention Logistics

Information is provided for booking accommodations at the Holiday Inn Oceanside (2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach) with a special convention rate of $67.50 for single rooms and doubles, mentioning "UFO" when reserving. The phone number for reservations is 305-534-1511. For more information, readers are encouraged to write or call 305-294-1873. A tentative convention schedule is referenced on Page Eight.

Miscellaneous Ravings

This section covers various UFO-related topics and news items:

• Roswell Incident Theory: John Keel, in a recent FATE Magazine article titled "Beyond the Known," proposes a terrestrial explanation for the Roswell Incident. He suggests that the craft might have been a Japanese "fugo" balloon, part of a World War II program to send incendiary bombs. Keel's theory attempts to explain the government secrecy, the reported strange writing (Japanese), and other factors, though the timing of its appearance long after the war remains a question. The newsletter encourages considering non-extraterrestrial explanations.
• Lawsuits Against Skeptics: The ongoing lawsuits filed by psychologist Dr. Eldon Byrd and his wife against CSICOP and James Randi are mentioned. Additionally, spoon-bender Uri Geller has filed two suits against Randi, one for $13,500,000 and another for $55,000,000. The newsletter notes that if Randi loses these cases, he might need assistance from Donald Trump.
• CSICOP Convention and Randi: For the first time in several years, James Randi is not listed on the program for the 1990 annual CSICOP convention, leading to speculation that the organization might be distancing itself from him. Randi is still active, lecturing on crime prevention, targeting "Gypsies and 'other traveling groups.'"
• Editor's Convention Experiences: The editor recounts attending two of three eastern conclaves held on consecutive weekends. The "New Age Star People Connection" in New York City had good food and speakers but a small crowd, resulting in a financial loss for Tim Beckley. The editor gave a talk comparing the Gulf Breeze case to Howard Menger's experiences. Another interesting talk was by Bob Collins, who presented the idea that "ufonauts want control of our souls" and have historically appeared in various guises, inadvertently encouraging humanity to develop weapons.
• Trenton (N.J.) Convention: The editor attended Pat Marcattilio's convention in Trenton, where speakers included Andrija Puharich (discussing psychics Uri Geller and Peter Herkos, and his own 35-year UFO contactee experience, promoting a "Teslar Watch" against ELF fields), Charles Hickson (one of the abductees from the 1973 Mississippi UFO incident), and Dr. James Harder (discussing communication with 53 advanced alien civilizations). Dr. Harder's talk, while discussing long-lived alien civilizations, was perceived as a subtle pitch for birth control. The convention was considered a professional success for Marcattilio, even turning a profit.
• Ozark UFO Conference: The spotlight shifted to the Ozark UFO Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the following weekend. The newsletter notes the increasing number of UFO conventions annually and the sustained public interest, expressing hope that this trend will benefit their upcoming Miami Beach event.

Tidbits of Trash

This section presents various brief news items and opinions:

• March on Washington Proposal: Researcher Art Sielicki proposed a March on Washington against governmental UFO secrecy but received little support from UFO organizations. Some researchers felt such a march might be unpatriotic.
• Phil Klass's Newsletter: Phil Klass published the second issue of his anti-UFO newsletter, expressing his views individually rather than as head of CSICOP's UFO Subcommittee. The newsletter is criticized for its size and for failing to address "Smear's" questions regarding Dr. Willy Smith's educational background in its discussion of the Gulf Breeze case.
• Alien Frog Consumption Theory: According to "Weekly World News," UFO researcher Walter Caine claims that space aliens are causing the decline of the world's frog population by eating tadpoles and using mature frogs for research. He reportedly has hundreds of eyewitness reports.
• Greg Long's Book: Greg Long, a CUFOS member and writer, has published a book titled "Examining the Earthlight Theory," based on UFO research in Washington State. It is available for $19.95 through CUFOS.
• MUFON Convention Reminder: The annual MUFON convention will be held in Pensacola, Florida, on July 6th-8th, with Walt Andrus and "Smear" editor among the attendees.

Horrible News (Stephen King Quote)

A quote from horror novelist Stephen King in Rolling Stone expresses his anticipation of Dan Rather on CBS's evening news potentially "going bonkers" and revealing government secrets about aliens and "bodies in hangar 18."

Missives From the Masses (Letters to the Editor)

Several readers and researchers submit letters:

• Anne Strieber: Wife of Whitley Strieber, she refutes the claim that Dr. Rima Laibow had a "severe clash" with her husband and that they were "conspicuously not invited" to the TREAT II conference. She states they are friendly with Dr. Laibow and respects her work, and that they were busy and did not attend for reasons unrelated to ufological disputes. She requests that "Smear" ask for opinions before printing such statements.
• Ed Walters: He thanks "Smear" for fair coverage and shares a personal tidbit: his 1966 forgery conviction (signing another's name to a check) has been used by a Gulf Breeze debunker to portray him as "shady." He is proud to report that Governor Bob Martinez of Florida has granted him a Full Pardon after a background investigation.
• Dr. Willy Smith: He disputes "Smear's" quotation from "American Men and Women of Science," stating that the omitted material clarifies his "Conc. positions" as "ASSOC PROF PHYSICS, LYCOMING COLLEGE," and that he also held concurrent positions as Visiting Professor in Spain and Chairman of his department. He accuses "Jerry, Ed et al." of lying and "Smear" of falling for it. The editor appends the full text of Smith's entry from the 1986 edition, noting that Smith has misrepresented his Ph.D. as being in physics rather than nuclear engineering.
• Phil Klass: He writes to "Smear" regarding an accusation of "vicious efforts to suppress the (Ed Walters) book by supplying the publisher with unproven negative claims." Klass states that he never asked if the allegation was true and would have informed them it was false. He requests that "Smear" set the record straight and admit to publishing false information without verification.
• Zan Overall: He defends himself against accusations of "viciously" attempting to "suppress" Ed's book. He states that Randy Gil of Morrow welcomed information, both positive and negative, and that Ed and Bruce (Maccabee) supplied the former while he and Klass supplied the latter. He questions if freedom of speech is one-way and suggests a motto for Morrow: "We put the bottom line uppermost."
• Jerry Clark (CUFOS): He congratulates Timothy Greenbacks "Mr. UFO" Beckley for potentially solving the Gulf Breeze mystery by explaining how objects that look like toys could be authentic, suggesting "Toys from outer space is obviously the only logical explanation." He humorously adds that this could have saved mental strain and kept faculties fresh for staring at the TV.
• Dennis Stacy (MUFON UFO Journal): He writes to the "Commander of the Faithless" (Jim Moseley) and expresses intrigue about the late Candy Jones. He mentions a West Coast ufologist, Martin Cannon, who compares abduction experiences to hypnotic brainwashing techniques like the Manchurian Candidate scenarios. Stacy notes that Candy Jones' ghosted autobiography, published by Playboy Press, alleged she may have been a victim of experimentation, possibly involving sexual servicing. He asks if Candy was a victim of manipulative CIA agents.

Editor's Response to Candy Jones Query

The editor states that their "inside information" suggests Candy Jones' autobiography, "The Control of Candy Jones," is a "Crock of Shit." He notes the unrelated fact that Kaigh Deigh, star of "The Manchurian Candidate," was a "regular" on Long John's talk show and quit after John referred to him as "boy."

Reader Contributions and Humor

• Richard Dell'Aquila: He writes about finding an "X" on his label, filling him with "deep foreboding" and expressing anticipation for each issue. He describes a family ritual of gathering to hear the latest pronouncements from "Smear."
• How Many Ufologists Does It Take to Screw in a Light Bulb?: This section presents humorous answers to a contest question:
• Jim Speiser: "Ufologists don't screw in light bulbs. They screw in underground bases."
• Dennis Stillings: After extensive research, he concludes it's impossible to fit two ufologists into a light bulb, even with reduced space requirements, calling the question "futile."
• Monty Cantsin: "Two ufologists to screw in a light bulb: one to stand on the saucer & hold the bulb in the socket, & one to press the button that makes the saucer spin."
• Kevin Danzey: "Five ufologists to screw in a light bulb: One to screw in the bulb. One to take a blurry box-brownie picture. One to claim the bulb gave them a pregnancy test. One to start a religion around the bulb. And one to undergo hypnotic regression to find out if the bulb really exists."
• S & S Toth: "One. The ufologist gets a firm grip on the bulb and then waits for the rest of the world to revolve around him. This is why so many ufologists seem to be in the dark."
• Joan Jeffers: "None. They apparently don't use them, since after 43 years they have shed little light on the mystery."
• Tim Ayres: "As far as I can tell, if you put any number of ufologists together in a room, they just end up screwing each other."

The editor thanks all contributors and directs readers to the next page for the Miami Beach convention schedule.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debates and controversies within the UFO community, the challenges of maintaining accuracy in reporting, and the promotion of UFO conferences. The editorial stance, as expressed by Jim Moseley, is to pursue ufological journalism with a blend of accuracy and amusement, while acknowledging the inherent difficulties and occasional errors. There's a clear engagement with both proponents and skeptics of UFO phenomena, evidenced by the inclusion of letters from various individuals with differing viewpoints. The newsletter also highlights the commercial aspect of the UFO field, with discussions of book sales, convention fees, and the financial viability of events. The editor's tone is often self-deprecating and humorous, particularly when addressing mistakes, but also firm in defending the publication's reporting, as seen in the response to Dr. Willy Smith.