Saucer Smear - Vol 37 No 04 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 37, No. 4
Date: June 5th, 1990
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR, a non-scheduled newsletter, delves into various topics within the ufological community, including the MJ-12 affair, the controversial Gulf Breeze sightings, and upcoming UFO conventions. It also features a robust letters section where readers and contributors share their opinions and experiences.

Tidbits of Trash

The "Tidbits of Trash" section opens with a discussion of the MJ-12 affair, referencing an article by Christopher Allan in the March-April issue of "Orbiter." Allan's article suggests that the MJ-12 documents were indirectly inspired by the late Wilbert Smith of Canada, whom Allan characterizes as a "well-educated crackpot." The piece highlights the irony that a secret project may have originated from an "innocent bit of name dropping" by Smith. The editor notes that "Smear" has largely stopped commenting on MJ-12, awaiting a definitive paper from Stanton Friedman.

The section also touches upon the Gulf Breeze UFO case, mentioning that the same issue of "Orbiter" contains negative information about it, including a rehash of criticisms by researcher Bill Pitts. A point of interest is the alleged claim by a Polaroid technician named Harro Limbo, mentioned in Ed Walter's book, that he was unaware of the story when contacted later. The newsletter also reproduces an advertisement from the weekly Gulf Breeze Sentinel, placed by critic Phil Klass, which warns of hoax "UFO" balloons being flown near Gulf Breeze and provides Klass's home phone number.

Further commentary is given on a scathing review of Ed Walters' book by Bob Girard of Arcturus Books, questioning why Girard would sell a book he so heavily criticizes.

Correspondence and Updates

Ron Schaffner, editor of "Creature Chronicles," announces a new address. Mike Quast is introduced as the editor of a new Bigfoot zine called "The Sasquatch Report."

Bill English is reported to be filing a lawsuit against Bill Cooper for remarks made on a Las Vegas radio show hosted by Bill Goodman. The segment discusses how English, Cooper, and John Lear had presented at an unauthorized MUFON session in Las Vegas, with English and Cooper continuing to promote theories about alien invasion and secret underground bases.

Allen Benz, president of the Tucson-based Foundation for UFO Research, has submitted a notarized statement refuting remarks made by Bill Moore in his magazine "Focus." Benz denies being a U.S. Government agent or having been to Dulce, New Mexico for UFO hunting.

Details are provided for several upcoming UFO conventions: Wayne Aho's 29th annual New Space Age Conference, Dr. Leo Sprinkle's 11th Rocky Mountain Conference on UFO Investigation, the annual MUFON bash, and a Tim Beckley event in Phoenix.

Glorious Re-Hash of the Miami Beach NUFOC Convention

This section humorously recounts the "missing time" and "missing audience" at the Miami Beach NUFOC convention. The author notes the accidental loss of a watch down a toilet as a symbol of "missing time." The Friday night cocktail party featured Ed and Frances Walters signing books, with about a hundred ufologists present. A planned "UFO Watch" on the beach attracted TV crews but no UFOs were seen. The convention reportedly failed to meet expenses, partly due to media coverage neglecting to mention the hotel's name, leading to a "missing audience."

The convention featured speakers including Bill Nash, Carol Lynn Grant, Frank Stranges, Antonio Huneeus, Gypsy Graves, Rex & Carol Salisberry, Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Ed & Frances Walters, Virgilio Sanchez-Ocejo, Sue Wallace, Dr. Berthold Schwarz, Howard & Connie Menger, and Charles Berlitz. The author thanks Tim Beckley for publicity efforts and acknowledges other contributors. The 1991 convention is announced to be held in Cleveland, Ohio.

Back issues of "Smear" and a reprint of the "1957 Special Adamski Issue" are available for purchase, and donations are welcomed.

Letters to Ye Olde Editor

Henry Bauer, Professor of Chemistry & Science Studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, writes regarding a previous issue's claim that conference speeches were by "ufologists, not professionals." Bauer argues that professionals can also be ufologists and found the presentations at the TREAT II conference to be of high quality, with many mainstream professionals participating.

Lee Aho, wife of Wayne Aho, expresses shock at a report about Wayne, suggesting "sloppy reporting" and noting that Wayne only received a short paragraph. She acknowledges the quick rectification and emphasizes the importance of verifying rumors.

William Howard, a non-subscriber, expresses sadness about the publication's perceived inaccuracies and blames "DEROS" (Dirt Tunnelling, Root Eating, Fun Loving, Original Bad Guys from Down Under) for causing trouble.

Robert J. Durant writes that an article on Candy Jones conveyed "real, personal empathy" and that Candy Jones, Long John, and Jim Moseley seemed like "very fine people."

Hal Starr of Arizona MUFON corrects the magazine for referring to Kaigh Deigh as a "brilliant black actor," stating that Deigh is half Chinese and half exotic Southeast Asian, and a Buddhist Monk, not black.

Michael Talpas III defends the book "The Control of Candy Jones," written by Donald Bain, against criticism, stating it is not a "Crock of Shit" and that the "inside information" should be "inside disinformation."

Tom Adams, an investigator of cattle mutilations, discusses Kaigh Deigh's appearances, noting he played oriental roles and was not black, despite Long John Nebel's references. Adams suggests Deigh may have Middle Eastern origins.

Paris Flammonde, former producer for Long John Nebel, writes about his relationship with Nebel and a "bizarre and commercial book about Candy." He expresses disinterest in the project due to its "nonsense" and "vulgar, spiteful, and contemptible" speculations.

Zan Overall challenges the editor to state his belief regarding Ed Walters and the Gulf Breeze case, questioning if the editor is "just having fun."

Phil Klass clarifies that he did not suggest Morrow Publishing not print the Ed Walters book. He states that a friend from Hearst Corp. sought his views on the authenticity of Walters' claims and photos, which he provided. Klass also points out that Willy Smith's vitae indicates specialization in "Nuclear Engineering, Physics," and questions whether Smith is a "nuclear physicist" or a "UFO lecturer."

Monty Cantsin, a self-proclaimed UFO contactee, writes about the criticism of targeting "gypsies as the villains in a maniac society ruled by fascists."

Roderick Matheson expresses concern about the honesty of Monty Cantsin, noting that the name has been used by people in the Neoist non-art movement and suggests this needs checking.

Editor's Reply

The editor addresses several points raised in the letters. He confirms that he did know Long John Nebel well enough to "hate him." Regarding "The Control of Candy Jones," he reiterates his view that it is a "Crock of Shit," supported by Paris Flammonde's letter. On Kaigh Deigh, the editor states that while Deigh played oriental roles, he identified as partially black due to ancestry, and was socially considered black on the East Coast. The editor also confirms the story about Deigh quitting the Long John Show after Nebel called him "Boy" off-air.

Regarding the Gulf Breeze controversy, the editor reiterates the magazine's agnostic stance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAUCER SMEAR demonstrates a critical and often skeptical editorial stance towards many UFO claims and personalities within the community. While reporting on events like conventions and controversial cases such as MJ-12 and Gulf Breeze, the magazine frequently includes commentary that questions the validity of claims, highlights inconsistencies, and points out perceived flaws in reporting or evidence. The "Tidbits of Trash" section and the extensive "Letters to Ye Olde Editor" section serve as platforms for debate, correction, and the airing of diverse, often conflicting, viewpoints. The editor's direct replies to letters further emphasize a willingness to engage in controversy and defend the magazine's positions, even if it means admitting to occasional errors or expressing strong opinions, such as his confirmed "hate" for Long John Nebel and his assessment of "The Control of Candy Jones" as a "Crock of Shit."