Saucer Smear - Vol 41 No 09 - 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 41, No. 9
Date: December 5th, 1994
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter

This issue of "Saucer Smear" provides a detailed account of the "Project Awareness" UFO convention held in Pensacola, Florida, from October 14th-16th, 1994. The editor, James W. Moseley, attended the event, which was organized by a New Age group that had separated from MUFON. The newsletter also includes various reader contributions, news briefs, and commentary on current UFO-related topics and personalities.

"Smear" Attends a "Project Awareness" UFO Convention in Pensacola, Florida

The editor recounts his experience at the Pensacola convention, noting that while it was well-organized, the attendance was not as high as expected. He mentions that "Mr. Ed" Walters, known for his UFO pictures from Gulf Breeze, was notably absent and expressed a feeling that "Project Awareness" was "Too Far Out." The convention featured numerous lectures and workshops by leading ufologists. The editor also describes a negative encounter with Budd Hopkins at a "Nightcap with the Speakers" party, where Hopkins allegedly reacted aggressively to Moseley's critical stance on the Linda Cortile abduction case.

Speakers and Topics at the Convention

The convention featured several speakers of interest. British author Jenny Randles was scheduled but could not attend due to family illness, and was replaced by Kevin Randle, who is now publishing a newsletter dedicated to the Roswell case. Other speakers included former Sergeant Bob Dean, who claims to have seen classified evaluations about alien observation of Earth, and Linda Howe, who presented new cattle mutilation stories. Dr. Leo Sprinkle also presented benign observations about aliens. The newsletter highlights the "Allagash Four" case, involving a UFO abduction experience of four men in Maine in 1976, which has been featured on "Unsolved Mysteries" and in a book by Ray Fowler.

Controversies and Criticisms

The issue delves into several controversies within the ufology community. The editor's critical stance on the Linda Napolitano (aka Cortile) abduction case has led to public confrontations with Budd Hopkins. The newsletter also features a critique of Karl Pflock, who was mistakenly identified as a CIA agent, and clarifies that he is a CIA ufologist. Erik Beckjord writes in to refute Moseley's claim that he witnessed Beckjord attacking Harley Byrd, stating that Moseley was not present and that Beckjord himself received a death threat from Byrd.

Reader Contributions and Miscellany

Several readers submitted their thoughts. Robert Anton Wilson discusses UFO cases that fall into Jacques Vallee's categories of strangeness and the UMMO phenomenon, suggesting that "Weird Shit Happens" and people lack the language to describe it. Phil Klass humorously outlines a plan to win MUFON's "Outstanding Ufologist Award" by buying 1,000 subscriptions. Christa Tilton has published a book exposing Harley Byrd's alleged plagiarism and fraudulent practices, including a conviction for indecent exposure. The newsletter also mentions upcoming UFO events in 1995, including conferences in Tampa, Florida, and San Rafael, California.

News Briefs and Other Items

Brief news items include Armand Laprade, former editor of "Would You Believe?" magazine, suffering a stroke. Walter Webb has written a book, "Encounter at Buff Ledge," about the abduction of two teenagers. The status of John Keel's New York Fortean Society is noted as potentially dying out. A brief mention is made of the 32nd National UFO Conference to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, with Allen Greenfield as the local chairman.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" maintains its critical and often skeptical editorial stance towards certain aspects of ufology, particularly concerning abduction claims and the personalities involved. The newsletter actively engages with and critiques prominent figures like Budd Hopkins and Harley Byrd, often highlighting perceived inconsistencies or questionable practices. The publication serves as a platform for reader opinions and debates, reflecting the internal discussions and controversies within the UFO research community. The editor's willingness to challenge established narratives and individuals is a recurring theme, balanced with reporting on conventions and new research.