Saucer Smear - Vol 43 No 09 - 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 43, No. 9
Date: November 15th, 1996
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, is dedicated to ufological journalism and features a cover warning about the dreaded 'X' on envelopes, signifying removal from the mailing list without a donation. The issue includes a 're-hash' of the 33rd Annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) held in Minneapolis on October 5th & 6th, 1996.

33rd Annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) Recap

The NUFOC, founded in 1964 by UFO enthusiasts in Cleveland, Ohio, has been holding annual conventions. James W. Moseley has served as Permanent Chairman since 1970. The 1996 convention's local chairman was Professor Cope Schellhorn, an expert on bizarre aspects of the unknown. The convention was held in Minneapolis.

Key speakers included Stanton Friedman, Karl Pflock, and Captain Kevin Randle (Ret.), all described as socially-acceptable experts on the Roswell Incident. However, none of them focused their lectures on Roswell. Friedman spoke on "Deceipt in Ufology," criticizing contactees like Mel Noel, Bob Lazar, Don Schmitt, Phil Klass, Carl Sagan, and the U.S. Government's alleged UFO secrecy policy. Pflock discussed early UFO cases from 1947 to 1960, avoiding mention of Project Mogul. Randle's topic was "Cultural and Folkloric Traditions of Abduction by Creatures of the Night."

Jerome Clark, a UFO historian, made a rare public appearance and spoke on ufology details. At the banquet dinner, Clark received the NUFOC's Ufologist of the Year Award, and Brad Steiger received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Steiger, Moseley, and others shared UFO and psychic experiences.

Abductionist Budd Hopkins presented his new book "Witnessed" about the Linda Napolitano abduction case. Despite a past public disagreement, Hopkins offered a truce to Moseley.

Colin Andrews, an expert on England's crop circles, noted that many people claim to have witnessed crop circles forming, but with varying descriptions. A video purportedly showing crop circle formation in Marlboro, England, on July 12th, 1996, has come under scrutiny, with some, like Erik Beckjord, believing it to be fake.

Other speakers mentioned include Curt Sutherly (author of "Strange Encounters"), Colonel Wendelle Stevens, Robyn Quail, Dr. Frank Stranges, Randolph Winters, Al Bielek, and James Courant. Tim Beckley was present but did not lecture.

Moseley congratulated Professor Schellhorn on the success of the convention, noting the nice hotel and larger-than-expected crowd. Plans for the next NUFOC are underway, with several "bids" received for hosting.

Moseley also mentioned a potential future UFO book co-authored with Karl Pflock.

Revolt of the MUFONites

Kelly and Henry Owens, MUFON co-directors for Georgia, have resigned. Their former MUFON colleagues in the state have not returned, forming a new organization called ISUR (International Society for UFO Research). ISUR intends to use the Internet to immediately post UFO cases, contrasting with MUFON's perceived slow dissemination of information.

Miscellaneous Ravings

Penthouse Magazine Alien Photos Update: Jun-Ichi Takanashi of the Japan UFO Science Society provided information about the origin of the Penthouse alien photos. The flaw in the "expose" was the incorrect date (Jan 1st, 1990) on the photos taken at the International UFO Museum in Roswell, which had not yet opened. The correct date is June 18th, 1995. Takanashi claims the incorrect date was due to a camera flaw. A fourth picture showing Takanashi with the alien dummy and a stuffed doctor at the museum was not widely distributed. Takanashi is the MUFON Director for Japan.

Roswell Fragment Follow-up: An alleged UFO fragment studied by the Los Alamos National Laboratory was found to have normal isotopic analysis, indicating it was not manufactured on Earth. It was identified as metal scrap from a jewelry shop in St. George, Utah, with its unusual appearance attributed to an ancient Japanese metalworking technique. The artist, Randy Fullbright, reportedly had his explanation rebuffed by the International UFO Museum people. The museum's Board of Directors will display the fragment with the story of its debunking.

David Huggins Art Show: Artist David Huggins, known for his "discovered" status by Linda Moulton Howe and featured in Saucer Smear, is exhibiting his ufologically-oriented paintings in a New York City art show called "Visions of Space & UFOs in Art." The New York Times described his work as depicting "graphic and disturbing images from a lifetime of supposed encounters," including alien-parented children and "gray alien heads with sloe eyes." His paintings have increased significantly in price.

Psychic Lea Boldt: Lea Boldt, a psychic from Key West, is mentioned for her ability to bend objects. An attempt to interest James Randi in her powers for his $740,000 award was unsuccessful, as it was determined that such feats could be achieved by normal physical strength.

Tidbits of Trash

Erik Beckjord has opened a "UFO, Bigfoot & Loch Ness Monster" museum in San Francisco.

Elaine Douglass and others are campaigning to help John Ford, a researcher jailed for plotting against public officials, who they believe may have been "framed."

Timothy Green Beckley is referred to as "Mr. UFO," Pat Marcatileo as "Dr. UFO," and James W. Moseley proclaims himself "Professor UFO" after receiving a PhD from the Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts.

A British UFO zine erroneously reported that Budd Hopkins was to marry Linda Cortile (alias Napolitano).

Ruth Norman, aka "Spaceship Ruthie," co-founder of the Unarius Society, has died at age 92. Carl Allen, aka Carlos Allende, associated with the Philadelphia Experiment, has also passed away.

John Bigelow, a millionaire, has purchased a "haunted" ranch in Utah for his new research organization, The National Institute for Discovery Science, which involves John Alexander.

Book Reviews

"FSR Flying Saucer Review, 1955-1994 An Index" compiled by Edward G. Stewart is reviewed as a "fascinating little-known book" and a "monumental task."

Another work by Ed Stewart, "Mutual UFO Network's MUFON UFO Journal & Skylook, 1967-1996 An Index," is also mentioned.

Letters to the Editor

Stanton Friedman writes regarding a previous mention of his book "TOP SECRET/MAJIC," clarifying that it is only available in hardcover for $22.95 and suggesting alternative purchase locations to Marlowe and Co. He also addresses claims about the MJ-12 documents and the definition of "leading" ufologists.

Christopher Allan of England critiques Stan Friedman's "TOP SECRET/MAJIC" and the MJ-12 documents, calling them a "completely lost cause." He also criticizes Friedman's use of Blue Book Special Report 14 statistics and mentions Allan Hendry's refutation.

Bill Moore states he is not a "fan" of the MJ-12 documents and considers the matter an "open question." He expresses concern about Friedman's "money-grubbing showman side" and advises those seeking answers to "stay away from the circus" of ufology, as many perpetuate the mystery rather than solve it.

Dr. Ellen Crystall, author of "Silent Invasion," responds to a comment about making money from UFOs, stating that only books that become movies make significant money.

Tony Loredo praises Kelly and Henry Owens for their work with MUFON in Georgia and for resurrecting a local UFO group.

Bill Knell writes to correct alleged slanderous statements made against him in a previous issue of Saucer Smear, denying being a "gun nut" or being arrested for selling handguns. He also states that John Ford never filed a lawsuit against him.

Tom Hackney adds a detail to a previous meteorite story, noting that the car owner's birthday coincided with the event, which he sees as another "coincidence" underscoring a flaw in NASA's SETI launch date.

Professor Alvin Lawson praises Moseley's open-mindedness and use of humor, but urges him to "stop inhaling" and suggests the UFO community needs him.

Kreskin, a mentalist, expresses delight with Saucer Smear, appreciating its open-mindedness, lack of extremes, and use of humor, which he believes is often lacking in the UFO and parapsychological fields.

Robert Anton Wilson finds the latest "Smear" amusing and comments on the "hilarious letters." He presents "laws of ufology" and "laws of debate," suggesting that photos can be faked and that loud debaters are often subjective.

Ed Stewart, author of two indexes, enjoys "Saucer Smear" for its insights and cartoons, believing it helps put things into context and is important from a sociological viewpoint.

Chris Roth comments on Bob Guccione's involvement in ufology journalism and the convergence of "Penthouse" and "Saucer Smear."

Gene Buck, a publicist, claims to have had a CIA transmitter removed from a tooth, which he believes was a sending and receiving device.

Dick Freeman, editor of "Batteries Not Included," jokingly offers to sneak into Wright Patterson AFB for photos of hidden USAF material if Guccione is willing to pay $200,000.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saucer Smear maintains its critical and often humorous stance on ufology. It highlights skepticism towards certain figures and claims (e.g., Bob Lazar, Don Schmitt, the MJ-12 documents) while acknowledging genuine research efforts. The magazine emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, the sociological aspects of the UFO phenomenon, and the use of humor to address serious topics. There's a recurring theme of debunking sensational claims and questioning the motives of some within the UFO community, particularly regarding financial gain. The editor, James W. Moseley, positions himself as a discerning voice, open to possibilities but wary of gullibility and "extremists."