SAUCER SMEAR

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 39, No. 8
Date: September 5th, 1992
Publisher: SAUCER SMEAR
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is dedicated to the principles of ufological journalism and presents a collection of articles, letters, and reviews related to UFO phenomena, skepticism, and related topics.

The Budd Hopkins Manhattan UFO Abduction Case

The lead article details the case of Linda Napalitano, who claims to have been abducted from her 12th-floor New York City apartment in November 1989 by "greys" from a hovering spaceship. The incident was reportedly witnessed by two security guards, identified only as Dan and Richard (or Rich). Budd Hopkins, described as an "ace abduction researcher," is investigating the case. Linda was reportedly part of Hopkins' "support group" prior to this incident, having claimed previous abductions. The article notes that Hopkins lives close to Linda in lower Manhattan, facilitating their interaction. The narrative also touches upon the mysterious nature of Dan and Rich, who have not met Hopkins and whose last names are unknown. The article includes a segment of a Christmas card sent by "Danny" to Linda, in which he claims to be in a mental ward and believes Linda is a hybrid alien. He describes his obsession with her and his intention to find a place for her.

Guy Stuff Comic Strips

Two "Guy Stuff" comic strips are included. The first humorously suggests that TV shows about alien abductions might be the cause of "post-alien abduction trauma." The second strip humorously depicts a character experiencing "missing time" during his freshman year in college due to "a few keg parties."

Book Reviews

The issue features several "Very Brief & Almost Meaningless Book Reviews."

• "UFO Encounters: Sightings, Visitations and Investigations" by Jerry Clark of CUFOS. This 128-page book is described as the best of the recent batch, focusing on dozens of well-known UFO cases and personalities. The publisher is Publications International, Ltd.
• "Forbidden Science" by Dr. Jacques Vallee. This 450-page tome is published by North Atlantic Books and is priced at $24.95 plus postage & handling. The editor is mentioned on page 158.
• "Subterranean Worlds Inside Earth" from Tim Beckley's Inner Light Publications. The cover is noted as beautiful, featuring a bizarre photograph of Beckley.
• "Visionaries, Mystics, and Contactees" by Salvadore Freixedo, with an introduction by John Keel. Freixedo's works are widely published in Spanish but this is the first translated into English. The publisher is IllumiNet Press.
• "Pardon the Intrusion; or UFOs Over, On, and Under (?) the State of New Mexico" by Tom Adams, a cattle mutilation expert. Adams can be reached via Project Stigma.
• "Ohio UFO Notebook, Supplement 1-92" from MidOhio Research Associates.
• "Circles of Note: A Reader's Guide to the Crop Circle Phenomenon", a booklet compiled and edited by Michael Chorost and Dennis Stacy, published by MUFON UFO Journal.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are included:

• Dr. Bruce Maccabee writes a critical letter regarding James Moseley's replacement as editor of "Saucer Excrement" and discusses the Gulf Breeze sightings, suggesting a complex pyrotechnic device or a motorized blimp rather than a simple explanation. He also analyzes Mark Curtis' identification of lights as flares, arguing against it based on trajectory and visual characteristics.
• Bill Moore addresses the machinations of Henry Azadehdel (alias Armen Victorian, Henry Gray, 'Dr.' Henry), who he identifies as a former smuggler and potential Libyan spy. Moore states that "the Aviary" is aware of Azadehdel's activities and is not concerned. He suggests that Ronald Pandolphi, a CIA analyst, may be aware of Azadehdel's true nature and is playing games with him.
• Tom McIver criticizes CSICOP, noting that Klass admitted Randi's statement about Eldon Byrd's sentencing was in error. McIver discusses the new "Skeptic" magazine, edited by Michael Shermer, and expresses hope that it will attract readers away from CSICOP, which he believes no longer deserves support.
• Fearon L. Hicks, former State Section Director for MUFON, praises "Saucer Smear" for its lack of sacred cows and its willingness to tackle controversial topics.
• Linda Cornett writes about John Gibson producing replicas of the "Braxton County Monster."
• Sherry Baker, a UFO researcher, encourages the continued exploration of ufology in "Saucer Smear" and notes that Bruce Maccabee has concluded a photo of the editor and a woman was not a hoax.

CSICOP Protects Public from Pseudoscience

This article critiques CSICOP (Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), accusing it of conducting a public relations campaign rather than scientific research. It suggests that CSICOP's efforts create a hostile climate towards paranormal investigation.

Other Contributions

• James Greenen announces the opening of a UFO museum in Orlando, Florida.
• Michael Brown expresses skepticism about UFOs, calling the "entire UFO fallacy" a "God syndrome" and suggesting that people are seeking imaginary playmates.
• Monty Cantsin makes a brief, unrelated comment about "Simone Mendez."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a pro-UFO investigation stance, often critical of skeptical organizations like CSICOP. There is a clear editorial preference for exploring paranormal claims and challenging conventional explanations. The editor, James W. Moseley, is presented as a central figure in the UFO community, involved in various aspects of research and publication. The publication appears to be a platform for disseminating information, personal accounts, and sometimes controversial opinions within the UFO field, often with a critical eye towards those who dismiss or debunk such claims.