Saucer Smear - Vol 40 No 08 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 40, No. 9
Date: November 10th, 1993
Publisher: OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It begins with a "Pathetic Plea for Money," urging readers to donate to keep the publication going, noting that some subscribers have been freeloaders.

Another Beckley Extravaganza in Phoenix

The newsletter reports on Tim Beckley's "5th Annual National New Age, Alien Agenda & Cosmic Conspiracies Conference" held in Phoenix, Arizona. The event featured approximately 50 speakers. Notable absences included British UFO author Jenny Randles and Bill Cooper. The editor, James W. Moseley, was asked to speak twice due to scheduling issues. Bill Cooper's absence is attributed to a dispute with Beckley over a tax form, with Cooper being described as a "professional non-taxpayer."

Moseley attended lectures that fit his schedule and interests. He notes that Kevin Randle has become a "ufological superstar," surpassing Stanton Friedman. Randle reportedly claims eight people witnessed the Roswell crash and has identified the date as July 4th, 1947. Randle also correctly identified the infamous MJ-12 presidential briefing document as a hoax.

Other speakers mentioned include Calvin Parker (discussing his Pascagoula abduction experience with Charles Hickson), Dr. Brian O'Leary (former astronaut), Dr. Hal Wilcox, Wendelle Stevens' daughter Cece, and Gary Schultz. The editor also enjoyed hearing John Rogers' theory about dream worlds and outside forces, and Jim Dilettoso's UFO Band.

Notable speakers also included Dr. Frank Stranges, Bob English, John Lear, Al Bielek, Cope Schellhorn, Bob Short, and Mindy Gerber. Vance Davis, one of the "Gulf Breeze Six," was scheduled to speak but reportedly did not due to death threats.

The next issue will review the 30th National UFO Conference (NUFOC).

More on the Infamous James Randi "Blackmail Tape"

This section details the "blackmail tape" that was played in court during a libel and slander case brought by Dr. Eldon Byrd against magician James Randi. Randi testified in his own defense in Baltimore, Maryland. The tape, made between 1966-1968, was an attempt by Randi to record harassing phone calls he received. The chief of police in Rumson, N.J., suggested Randi record the calls and attempt to trace them. The telephone company, through a Mrs. Dunn, reportedly cooperated to some extent.

Dr. Eldon Byrd, however, claimed the tape was not the original and was not a "blackmail" tape, but rather solicitations for sex. Byrd stated his intention in having the tape played was to show Randi was a liar and that the tape was not what Randi purported it to be.

"Saucer Smear" possesses a copy of the tape and three transcripts. The issue notes that similar tapes and transcripts have been circulated, causing embarrassment to Randi.

The section draws a parallel to actress Hedy Lamar's attempt to buy up copies of her early film "Ecstacy."

Tidbits of Trash

This section provides brief news items:

• Dr. Frank Stranges is now offering a service to help people from other countries obtain U.S. permanent residence (Green Card).
• Betty Hill is recovering from stomach cancer surgery.
• There are many UFO conventions happening.
• A young man in Massachusetts, known as "Open File" (alias Dave Chase, Dave Hickey, or "The Founder" of TOFCON), has withdrawn from the ufological scene after defeating Bill Knell.
• Bill Knell has been removed from the college lecture circuit by Antonio Huneeus.
• Erik Beckjord has renamed faces found on Mars and Venus in NASA photos and has visited Area 51 and England, where he made a crop circle message to alleged aliens, which was interpreted as a "Disabled" symbol.
• A zine called "Dystopinion" published by Wangifesto Press is mentioned as being extremely cynical and in-depth regarding UFOs and the paranormal.

Missives from the Masses

This section features letters and contributions from readers:

• Tom McIver clarifies his previous statements regarding the Randi/Klass/Byrd case, emphasizing that Randi was found guilty of libel and slander, not criminal guilt.
• L. Pearce Williams, Professor of History of Science at Cornell University, writes a strong letter refuting Al Seckel's claims about his academic career at Cornell, stating Seckel was never a student and never graduated. Williams also mentions financial irregularities concerning Seckel.
• Editor's Note states that Al Seckel has resigned from CSICOP and the Southern California Skeptics due to Tom McIver's investigation.
• Phil Klass recounts terminating a radio interview with Rich Synderman due to Synderman's rudeness and limited knowledge of UFOs.
• Simone Mendez writes about a potential connection between an anonymous source providing Kevin Randle with a Roswell fragment and an "anonymous OSI type" she encountered.
• Elaine Douglass of MUFON criticizes the Associated Investigators Group (AIG) for their stance against Dr. Bruce Maccabee lecturing at the CIA and the Fund for UFO Research's funding of Stanton Friedman's MJ-12 research, which AIG deems a hoax.
• The Real Yellow Peril section includes a quote from "Saucer Smear" about China's population and a counter-jump, and a response from Fred Whiting refuting AIG's claims about the MJ-12 funding and Maccabee's involvement with the CIA.
• Ron Schaffner, Bigfoot researcher, comments on Erik Beckjord and Tim Curry's death.
• Robert Anton Wilson discusses non-reproducible events, science, and the "dogmatic deniers."
• Armand LaPrade shares an anecdote about identifying aliens by their lack of belly buttons and their egg-laying habits, attributing it to George Adamski's teachings. He also donates to "Saucer Smear" and encourages others to do so.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing controversies and debates within the ufology community, the skepticism surrounding certain claims and individuals (particularly James Randi and Al Seckel), and the financial struggles of independent publications like "Saucer Smear." The editorial stance, as expressed by James W. Moseley, is one of critical inquiry, often with a cynical and humorous tone, questioning the validity of claims while also engaging with various aspects of the UFO phenomenon. There's a clear distinction made between "nuts and bolts" ufology and "New Age" interpretations, with the editor leaning towards the former but acknowledging the latter's presence.