Steamshovel Press - Issue 16

Magazine Overview

Title: Steamshovel Press
Issue: #16
Volume: SIXTEEN
Date: 1998
Price: $6.00
Publisher: Steamshovel Press
Country: USA
ISSN: 10602-3795

This issue of Steamshovel Press, titled 'Returns!', presents a deep dive into conspiracy theories, counter-culture movements, and alleged clandestine operations. The cover features a striking image of a devil's head and a photograph of a man with a '666' sign, hinting at the dark and controversial themes within.

Contents and Key Articles

The Finders Keeper: An Interview with Marion David Pettie

This extensive interview, conducted by Kenn Thomas and Len Bracken, forms a significant portion of the issue. It explores the enigmatic group known as 'The Finders.' Pettie, who describes himself as having a mission to 'know everything and do nothing,' discusses the group's origins, which he traces back to the 1930s and his own practice of keeping an 'open house.'

Contrasting accounts of The Finders are presented. One reference work describes them as a 'spontaneous non-organization' focused on life as a game. However, investigator Ted Gunderson's description paints a far more sinister picture, labeling The Finders as a 'CIA front established in the 1960s' with the task of 'kidnapping and torture-programming young children' and engaging in Satanic rituals. The interview touches upon a 1987 incident in Tallahassee, Florida, where two men associated with The Finders were arrested for child abuse.

Pettie addresses allegations connecting The Finders to pedophilia rings and the CIA. He suggests that disinformation stories might be planted to link the group to such activities. He also recounts his own history of surveillance, dating back forty years, and his interactions with intelligence agencies like the CIA, FBI, and ONI. He mentions his past connections with figures like Tim Leary and his interest in Arthur Koestler's work.

Other Featured Articles:

• Paranoid Iconography by Max Well (pages 11-12)
• Project Mind Kontrol: Did the U.S. Government Actually Create Programmed Assassins? by Curt Rowlett (pages 13-23)
• The Manhattan Project to Manufacture the First Yuppies by Martin Kauffman (pages 25-30)
• Saucer Section: Flying Saucers Over Los Angeles (Book Excerpt, pages 31-33)
• JFK Redux: The Strange Business of Dan Griffith (pages 34-37)
• Conspiracy 101: An Interview with John Coleman by Uri Dowbenko (pages 38-47)
• Caries, Cabals and Correspondence (pages 49-56)
• Book Reviews: Pynchon's Mason & Dixon (pages 57-61)

Editorial and Financial Situation

The editorial section, titled 'What's with the infrequency, Kenneth?', explains the magazine's irregular publication schedule. The primary reason cited is the bankruptcy of its major distributor, Fine Print in Austin, Texas. This event resulted in significant financial losses for Steamshovel, as the distributor owed money for issues and had received copies of another issue without payment. The magazine had to scramble to recover and re-organize, with a subscriber notice and solicitation helping to retire some debts.

Submissions and Back Issues

Information is provided for subscriptions and back issues, with prices listed for full issues and photocopies of certain out-of-print issues. Submissions are accepted, with the guaranteed payment being three contributor copies. The preferred format for submissions is IBM ASCII text or email.

'Steamshovel Debris: The Finders'

This section provides additional material related to 'The Finders,' including excerpts from a memo titled 'Investigative Leads.' It details Pettie's early connections with figures like Joseph Chiang, the OSS, and Charles E. Marsh, who ran a private intelligence network and was an intimate of FDR. Marsh became Pettie's mentor, influencing his career. The section also mentions Marsh's connections to Colonel Edward M. House and the Council on Foreign Relations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Steamshovel Press consistently engages with themes of conspiracy, government secrecy, counter-intelligence, and alternative histories. The magazine appears to operate from a perspective that questions official narratives and explores the hidden machinations behind societal events. The interview with Marion Pettie, in particular, highlights a fascination with groups that challenge social paradigms and operate outside conventional structures, often with alleged connections to intelligence agencies. The editorial stance seems to be one of critical inquiry into power structures and covert activities, often presenting controversial topics without necessarily endorsing them, but rather exploring them through interviews and investigative pieces.

This issue of Steamshovel Press, dated page 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, focuses heavily on conspiracy theories, particularly the CIA's alleged mind-control program, MKULTRA, and its potential role in creating programmed assassins. It also touches upon UFO sightings and symbolic iconography.

Article: Project Mind Kontrol: Did the U.S. Government Actually Create Programmed Assassins?

This extensive article by Curt Rowlett explores the possibility that the U.S. government, specifically the CIA, may have created programmed assassins. The author draws parallels to the 1970s spy thriller "Telefon," where Russian agents were programmed to commit assassinations and then suicide via telephone triggers. Rowlett posits that the CIA, through programs like MKULTRA, would have had a strong interest in creating agents who were unaware of their own actions, providing plausible deniability.

The article references documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, indicating CIA experiments in sensory deprivation, sleep teaching, ESP, subliminal projection, and electronic brain stimulation, all aimed at behavior modification. A key quote highlights a project designed to turn people into programmed assassins.

MKULTRA's origins are traced back to Nazi death camps and the post-WWII Project Paperclip, which brought Nazi scientists to the U.S. The program gained momentum with the Cold War and the Korean War, fueled by the concept of "brainwashing."

The article details several alleged abuses and deaths linked to MKULTRA:

• Frank Olson: An Army scientist working on MKULTRA, who was allegedly given LSD without his consent, leading to paranoia and his death by falling from a hotel window. Doubts are raised about whether he jumped unaided.
• Dr. Ewen Cameron: A psychiatrist who, with CIA funding, developed "sleep therapy" involving sedatives, massive electroshocks, and LSD to wipe out past behavior patterns, followed by "psychic driving" through tape recordings.
• Harold Blauer: Died in 1953 after an injection of MDA, a psychedelic drug supplied by the Army Chemical Corps in cooperation with MKULTRA.
• Dr. Paul Hoch: Conducted experiments on psychiatric patients, giving them LSD and mescaline before lobotomizing them, and even asking them to describe visual experiences while surgeons removed brain pieces.

The article then examines several high-profile assassinations and incidents, suggesting they may have been the result of programmed assassins or "lone nut" narratives masking conspiracies:

• Lee Harvey Oswald: The alleged assassin of JFK, who had ties to the intelligence community and served in the Marines in Japan during a time when LSD was reportedly used.
• James Earl Ray: The alleged assassin of Martin Luther King, with evidence of FBI and CIA involvement and the mention of a mysterious contact named "Raoul."
• Sirhan Sirhan: The assassin of Robert F. Kennedy, with strong evidence of CIA presence and suggestions of mind-control programming through hypnosis and drugs. Witnesses reported Sirhan being with a woman just before the shooting.
• Charles Manson: His followers committed the Tate-LaBianca murders, with Manson using mind-control techniques. The article speculates that Manson may have been a CIA-controlled agent provocateur.
• Arthur Bremer: The attempted assassin of George Wallace, described as a "deranged loner" but potentially linked to the CIA and Nixon/Watergate "plumbers."
• Mark David Chapman: The assassin of John Lennon, who had possible ties to the CIA through World Vision, an organization allegedly involved in espionage. Chapman's fascination with "The Catcher in the Rye" is suggested as a potential trigger.
• John Hinckley, Jr.: The attempted assassin of Ronald Reagan, also linked to World Vision and possessing "The Catcher in the Rye." Reports of a Hinckley "double" and his psychiatric "treatment" prior to the attempt are noted.

The article concludes that while direct proof of successful programmed assassins is elusive, the pattern of "lone nut" narratives surrounding these events, coupled with the known CIA mind-control experiments, provides compelling evidence.

Article: Paranoiac Iconography by Max Well

This section, accompanied by images, discusses the symbolism of various groups fighting for control, represented by geometric shapes like circles and triangles. It introduces a "fourth secret group" manifesting in symbols that yield 34 degrees when measured with a protractor, one degree above the Masonic 33rd degree. The article claims this symbolism is ubiquitous in malls, on trucks, and in corporate icons. It references a book by William J. Schnoebelen and James Spencer, "Mormonism's Temple of Doom," and a video for understanding this symbolism. Examples shown include symbols on the American eagle, the US Post Office's Priority Mail logo, and emblems from "Star Trek."

Article: Alien Intervention - DVD and Forbidden Archeology - DVD

This section promotes two DVD products available from theUFOstore.com:

• Alien Intervention - DVD: Features an interview with Travis Walton, discussing his 1975 abduction experience in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona. It is described as one of the most controversial and compelling UFO abduction cases.
• Forbidden Archeology - DVD: A comprehensive multi-DVD set by Michael Cremo, exploring bones and artifacts that challenge conventional views of human origins and antiquity. Cremo is presented as a researcher challenging the scientific establishment and presenting a case for negotiating a new consensus on the nature of reality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are deeply rooted in conspiracy theories, particularly concerning government secrecy, mind control, and covert operations. The editorial stance is highly critical of official narratives and actively seeks to expose alleged hidden agendas and manipulations by intelligence agencies like the CIA. There is a strong emphasis on questioning authority and exploring alternative explanations for historical events, especially assassinations and unexplained phenomena like UFOs. The publication appears to align with a worldview that sees powerful, hidden forces at play, manipulating events and public perception.

This issue of Steamshovel Press, identified by page numbers starting from 19, delves into a range of controversial topics, including conspiracy theories surrounding the JFK assassination, mind control experiments, the rise of serial killers, and the media's role in shaping societal trends like the 'yuppie' culture. The publication appears to be a counter-cultural or investigative journal, presenting information that challenges official narratives and explores hidden histories.

JFK Assassination and Mind Control

The issue extensively discusses Kerry Thornley's claims about his involvement and connection to Lee Harvey Oswald in the JFK assassination. Thornley, who served in the Marines with Oswald, believes they were both mind-controlled and part of a conspiracy. He recounts meeting individuals like Guy Bannister and David Ferrie in New Orleans and later John Roselli, a mobster. A significant part of Thornley's narrative involves Gary Kirstein (potentially E. Howard Hunt), who he claims debated assassination theories and accurately predicted future events, including the Manson Family and the Vietnam War. Thornley suggests Kirstein may have been his controller and implanted a device in his brain. The article also touches upon the possibility of mind-control experiments being used in various events, including the SLA's activities and the Jonestown massacre.

The SLA and Jonestown

Donald DeFreeze, the leader of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), is presented as potentially having been mind-controlled or a CIA/FBI 'agent provocateur.' His release from Vacaville prison is linked to undergoing psychiatric experiments. The SLA's public actions, such as the assassination of Dr. Marcus Foster, are discussed. The Jonestown massacre is heavily scrutinized, with the article suggesting it was not a mass suicide but an MKULTRA mind-control experiment conducted by the CIA, noting the discovery of large quantities of Thorazine and the presence of CIA agent Richard Dwyer.

Serial Killers and the Zebra Killings

The phenomenon of serial killers in the 1980s is explored, with the possibility raised that these individuals might be 'sleepers' activated by mind-control experiments gone awry. The 'Zebra Killings' in San Francisco are presented as a murder spree allegedly perpetrated by American Black Muslims motivated by 'revenge' on the white race. However, the article speculates that this could have been a CIA program to discredit the Muslim movement, with whites in blackface makeup possibly committing the crimes. The 'Death Angels' group and their belief system are detailed.

Hollywood and Disguise

The role of Hollywood makeup artists, particularly John Chambers, is examined in relation to government-sponsored 'black box' work. Chambers is rumored to have created disguises for covert operations, including faking the death of a foreign ruler and engaging in 'nontheatrical' projects. Bob Schiffer, head of Disney's makeup department, confirms that Hollywood makeup artists have been instrumental in military/intelligence projects, citing camouflage work in World War II and disguises for the Bay of Pigs invasion.

The 'Yuppie' Phenomenon

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to analyzing the origins of the 'yuppie' culture. Martin Kaufman's article, "The Manhattan Project to Manufacture the First Yuppies," argues that media outlets like The New York Times and New York Magazine actively manufactured this phenomenon. The New York Times' 'Living' section, launched in 1976, is highlighted for featuring early yuppie fixations on luxury, status, and consumerism, eight years before the term became widespread. New York Magazine is credited with subtly promoting a consumerist lifestyle in the early 70s, aiming to transform the anti-materialistic 60s generation into responsible Americans who would buy on command. The article suggests this shift was influenced by elitist groups like the Trilateral Commission, concerned about a 'crisis of democracy.'

Media and Government Connections

The article also touches upon the connections between media figures and government intelligence agencies. Clay Felker, editor of New York Magazine, is noted for his involvement in a CIA-funded newspaper, The Helsinki Youth News, in 1962, alongside Gloria Steinem. The Redstockings' accusation that Felker and Steinem's Ms. Magazine were an elitist attempt to co-opt the women's movement is mentioned, linking it to the CIA's 'Operation Chaos' project.

Disconnected Connections and Future Implications

The issue concludes by exploring 'disconnected connections,' questioning the implications of government involvement in events like Jonestown and the known MKULTRA program. It raises concerns about future repetitions of such history and speculates on CIA/intelligence ties behind other groups, such as the Branch Davidians, and potential mind-control devices implanted in individuals like Timothy McVeigh. The article notes that despite Congress forbidding mind-control research in 1977, 'black programs' continue, now operating more covertly with technologies like 'synthetic telepathy' and Less Than Lethal (LTL) weapons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are deeply rooted in skepticism towards official narratives, a focus on conspiracy theories, and an exploration of hidden or suppressed information. The editorial stance is critical of government actions, intelligence agencies, and the mainstream media, suggesting a pattern of manipulation and control. There is a strong emphasis on the idea that powerful forces, often clandestine, shape societal events and perceptions. The articles collectively advocate for a deeper, more critical examination of historical events and societal trends, encouraging readers to question established truths and look for underlying conspiracies and covert operations. The publication positions itself as a source of alternative information, challenging the status quo and exposing what it perceives as the manipulation of public consciousness.

Title: STEAMSHOVEL PRESS
Issue: #16
Date: 1998
Publisher: STEAMSHOVEL PRESS
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Steamshovel Press, dated 1998, features a diverse range of articles covering cultural phenomena, psychological studies, and deep-seated conspiracy theories. The cover story, an excerpt from DeWayne Johnson's "Flying Saucers Over Los Angeles," is titled "A Mild Case of Something Or Other." The magazine also includes an examination of the "yuppie" phenomenon, an investigation into the activities of Dan Griffith, and an interview with John Coleman about the "Committee of 300."

The Rise of the Yuppie

The article traces the emergence of the "yuppie" (Young Urban Professional) phenomenon, noting how publications like The Times and New York Magazine, starting in the 1970s, contributed to its rise by celebrating excess, consumerism, and a focus on material possessions. The piece critiques the media's role in programming these attitudes, suggesting it fostered a "shallowness" and a "lack of gentility and moderation." It highlights how early efforts by magazines like 'Living' and 'New York' paved the way for a culture that valued design and status over substance. The post-1987 stock market crash saw a brief moment of reflection in the media about "ostentatious consumption," but this was quickly replaced by a continued focus on consumerism, exemplified by gift guides.

Mass Hysteria and Psychological Phenomena

An excerpt from DeWayne Johnson's "Flying Saucers Over Los Angeles" delves into the concept of "mass hysteria." It discusses the work of psychologists like Hadley Cantril and Donald M. Johnson, who studied incidents such as the "Phantom Anesthetist" of Mattoon, Illinois, in 1944. In Mattoon, a series of events involving a mysterious "gasser" led to widespread fear, illness, and paralysis, which was ultimately attributed to mass hysteria. The article draws parallels between this and the public reaction to Orson Welles' 1938 radio broadcast of "The War of the Worlds." Cantril's research indicated that individuals with lower income and educational brackets were more suggestible to the broadcast, while those with a "critical faculty" were less affected. The excerpt questions whether flying saucer sightings could also be a manifestation of mass hysteria, noting that the characteristics of those involved in flying saucer cases do not always align with victims of typical mass hysteria.

The Strange Business of Dan Griffith

This section details the extensive and seemingly orchestrated harassment and surveillance experienced by Dan Griffith over a fifteen-year period. Griffith, a former S&I. manager and realtor, believes his life changed in March 1983 when he began to be tracked by individuals connected to intelligence agencies. His pursuit of answers has led him across fifty states and internationally, involving encounters with various federal agencies, local police, and even mob figures. The narrative recounts incidents such as being run down by a car in Portugal, the murder of an acquaintance, and threats following his investigation into suspicious deaths. Griffith has submitted numerous FOIA requests, faced legal challenges, and believes that operatives from 1963 are still active. His investigation has led him to explore connections to the JFK assassination, with researchers suggesting that the same individuals involved in that event may be responsible for his predicament.

Conspiracy 101: An Interview with John Coleman

Uri Dowbenko interviews John Coleman, author of "Conspirators Hierarchy: The Story of the Committee of 300." Coleman, a former British intelligence officer, claims to have seen classified documents detailing a plan between the British and U.S. governments to establish a "New World Order" under the guise of fighting communism. He identifies the "Committee of 300" (also known as the "Olympians" or "Controlling Body") as the orchestrators of this plan. Coleman explains that the Committee's origins are tied to the British Empire's historical involvement in the opium trade, particularly through the British East India Company. He asserts that this group controls global events and aims for a total communist take-over, despite appearing to work against it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of conspiracy, media manipulation, and psychological phenomena. Steamshovel Press appears to champion investigative journalism that challenges official narratives and exposes hidden power structures. The editorial stance is critical of mainstream media's role in shaping public perception and promoting consumerism. The magazine also shows a strong interest in UFO phenomena and the potential for mass hysteria to explain certain events, while also presenting detailed accounts of alleged government surveillance and clandestine operations. The publication aims to provide a platform for alternative perspectives and in-depth research into controversial topics.

This issue of Steamshovel Press, spanning pages 39-49, delves into various conspiracy theories and critiques of global power structures, with a strong focus on the alleged activities of the 'Committee of 300' and the Tavistock Institute. The publication features an interview format, posing questions to an unnamed source who provides detailed, often alarming, insights into secret societies, mind control, and historical events.

The Committee of 300 and Global Control

The core of the discussion revolves around the 'Committee of 300,' described as an elite, untouchable ruling class that includes royalty and powerful corporate leaders. The source explains its origins, tracing it back to the structure of the British East India Company, which had 300 members with equal voting rights to prevent any single entity from gaining undue power. This organization, it is claimed, continues to this day and has expanded its influence into political control across numerous countries, including the United States, Germany, France, and Italy.

Historically, the Committee of 300 is said to have decided, after the death of Queen Victoria, to collaborate with non-aristocratic corporate leaders to achieve global control. A key meeting is alluded to, with evidence supposedly contained in the records of Walter Rathenau, a German official who managed the finances of the Kaiser and the Rothschilds. Rathenau reportedly identified the Committee of 300 as a secret society ruling the world, and was assassinated a year later in 1923.

Tavistock Institute and Mind Control

The Tavistock Institute of Human Relations in England is presented as a 'premier brainwashing institution.' The source claims it was founded by Brigadier John Rawlings Reese, who believed in controlling individuals and groups. It is alleged that 80,000 British troops were used as 'guinea pigs' to develop these mind control techniques. The institute is controversially linked to the creation of the Beatles and rock music, with the aim of confusing the youth and making them susceptible. Theo Adorno, a musician and professor of music, is cited as having worked with music designed to disorient listeners, using repetitive beats and discordant notes. This research was commissioned by the Committee of 300 to prepare for a 'huge drug invasion in America,' building on their profitable drug empire in China.

Furthermore, the Tavistock Institute is accused of being at war with the United States since 1946. During World War II, they allegedly devised a plan, the 'Prudential Bombing Survey,' to bomb 60% of German worker housing to break the public's will to fight, a strategy that purportedly led to Germany's collapse. The institute continues to employ similar formulas, expanding its communication systems to confuse people and make them give up fighting against the system.

AIDS, Population Control, and 'Global 2000'

The issue raises concerns about the promotion of abortion, euthanasia, and suicide as part of the 'Global 2000' plan, a blueprint prepared by the Club of Rome and adopted as US policy under President Carter. This plan allegedly aimed to reduce the world's population by half by the year 2000, viewing a significant portion of the population as 'useless eaters' consuming resources and polluting the earth. AIDS is presented as one of the means to achieve this goal, with Bertrand Russell's suggestion for the return of the Black Plague being echoed, implying AIDS is a modernized version.

The Kennedy Assassination and Other Conspiracies

The publication revisits the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, with Barry Chamish's work suggesting it was not the act of a lone fanatic but a more sinister plot. The source claims Rabin was targeted for disobeying orders, particularly regarding the printing of U.S. Treasury notes independent of the Federal Reserve, and was publicly executed to demonstrate the power of those in control.

Additionally, the issue touches upon the Oklahoma City bombing, CIA mind control operations in America, and the integration of Nazis into the U.S. government. It also discusses the NSA's advanced electronic surveillance capabilities, claiming they are 18 years ahead of current computer technology and can perform computer-to-mind transfers, creating false images and implanting commands.

Call to Action and Faith

In the face of overwhelming information about these conspiracies, the advice given is to have faith in the country, the institutions of the Republic, and the Constitution. The source emphasizes that the U.S. is a confederated republic, not a democracy, and that its laws are based on the laws of God. The call is to turn back to God, invoke the Constitution against unconstitutional bills, know history, and thus take charge of one's own destiny.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are global conspiracy, secret societies, mind control, government manipulation, and the alleged subversion of societal institutions. The editorial stance is critical of established power structures, presenting a narrative of hidden agendas and control exerted by elite groups. The publication appears to align with a worldview that views mainstream narratives with deep suspicion, advocating for awareness of clandestine operations and a return to foundational principles like faith and constitutional law.

This issue of Steamshovel, published by Steamshovel Press, features a collection of letters and commentary on political, historical, and social issues. The content is primarily in English and originates from the USA.

Letters and Commentary

Gerard Clinton Responds to G.J. Krupey

Gerard Clinton addresses commentary from G.J. Krupey in Steamshovel #15, refuting accusations of racism and clarifying his political stance. Clinton asserts he is anti-fascist and progressive, not a "leftist" in the way Krupey implies, and that his politics are not secret. He contrasts his approach to identifying "Nazis" with Joe McCarthy's hunt for communists, noting that actual Nazis exist in positions of power and are involved with the US military and intelligence complex. Clinton also identifies as an "honorary" Jew and "honorary" gay, and a graduate of the "Mae Brussell school of Jewish paranoia." He criticizes the "military might" of the US, viewing it as a greater threat than the former Soviet Union or Israel. Clinton argues against the idea of a "Soviet invasion of the US," attributing the red scare to US-created boogeymen and nuclear deterrence. He dismisses the notion of secret Jewish or Nazi cabals running the world. Clinton criticizes Krupey for his "sexist, racist and anti-communist rhetoric" and for questioning his consistency. He defends his stance on not advocating for trials of former communists or war crimes against Israelis, while also criticizing the "mute" stance on Israeli actions. Clinton rejects the idea that he is a "KGB-Mossad disinformation agent," suggesting such an entity exists only in Krupey's imagination. He further critiques the militia movement, describing them as "overwhelmingly white, and even (the horror) proud of it," and "overwhelmingly male, macho and stupidly reactionary, as well as being racist." He believes their paramilitary mentality is counter-productive and smacks of vigilantism, and that these groups are often infiltrated by the government. Clinton advocates for open exposure and real democracy as solutions to fascism, rather than individual vigilantism.

John Judge on Political Activism and Historical Figures

John Judge, writing from Washington, DC, comments on the political landscape, drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary issues. He criticizes the militia movement, stating that their agenda is not progressive social justice but simple revenge. Judge believes the government, military, and corporations are "rotten" and "fascist," but not in a communist or New World Order sense, rather an "old boys order." He contrasts the focus on the militia with the historical treatment of groups like the Black Panthers, whom he describes as victims of a "Black Holocaust." Judge also mentions the shootings at Jackson State University and the Kent State massacre, and the Waco incident, suggesting a pattern of violence against certain groups. He expresses skepticism about the idea of a "Soviet invasion" and critiques the "molehill/mountain" logic regarding historical atrocities. Judge concludes by stating his belief in open exposure and real democracy as the path forward, rejecting individual or small group vigilantism.

Robin Marie Head's Legal Troubles

Robin Marie Head, identifying as a "Texas madam," writes from prison about her ten-year sentence for "organized crime." She claims her sentence is a result of refusing to work for the BATF, DEA, or FBI, suggesting these agencies were interested in her clientele of "selective" state and political officials. Head implies this information could be used to gain influence and power, drawing a parallel to J. Edgar Hoover's authority and questioning the "Filegate" incident.

Jack Turner on Houston and Mystery

Jack Turner, writing from Houston, TX, describes his proximity to the University of Saint Thomas and the Menil Museum. He notes a recurring mystery on campus: for three days in January, the campus closes and hosts "mysterious well-to-do visitors" for a private celebration of Saint Sulpicius day, which he connects to the Magdalene. Turner mentions encountering notable figures at the Rothko Chapel, including the Dalai Lama, Jimmy Carter, and French President Mitterand.

Marcin Biernacki on Science and Discovery

Marcin Biernacki, from Poland, expresses skepticism about the current direction of scientific research, particularly regarding telescopes and radiotelescopes. He questions the utility of the Hubble telescope and the slow speed of radio waves for interstellar communication. Biernacki wonders if there are scientists exploring alternative viewpoints beyond conventional physics, citing Einstein, Reich, and Daniken as examples.

Book Review: Mason & Dixon by Thomas Pynchon

The issue includes commentary on Thomas Pynchon's novel "Mason & Dixon," presented as a paper from the 1998 International Pynchon Week conference. The commentary, written by Gary Ryan, Thomas Gremaud, Kenn Thomas, and David Warren, Ph.D., analyzes Pynchon's use of historical fact to create plausibility. It critiques the portrayal of George Washington as a "land-grabbing, pot-smoking, schemer" as an "insult to the country." The review discusses how Pynchon integrates 20th-century popular culture elements to create an empathetic bond with the reader. It highlights the scene of Mason and Dixon's coach ride, comparing it to modern air travel, and mentions Washington's pot-smoking and Franklin's antics. The commentary questions whether Pynchon's work is about History, about "us," or both. It analyzes the meeting between Mason, Dixon, and Washington, noting Pynchon's use of Reverend Cherrycoke's "Spiritual Day-Book" to filter events through a 17th-century sensibility. The review points out Washington's discussion of land speculation and his advice to represent themselves as "Deist" to avoid religious conflict. It also details an anecdote where Washington inquires about Indian hemp and offers "magnificent Punch," leading to a scene where Washington, Dixon, and Gershom get stoned. The commentary notes Martha Washington's appearance and the characters' subsequent song. It also touches upon Washington's obsession with the Ohio Company and Dixon's stoned insight about lead plates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include a strong critique of political figures and movements, particularly concerning fascism, racism, and government overreach. There is a consistent anti-statist and anti-militarist stance, advocating for open democracy and critical thinking. The magazine appears to challenge mainstream narratives and encourages readers to question authority and conventional historical interpretations. The editorial stance is critical, analytical, and often contrarian, engaging with complex social and political issues through a lens of historical context and personal experience.

This issue of Steamshovel Press, identified by page numbers 60-61, delves into a variety of topics related to conspiracy, history, and the paranormal. The content appears to be a continuation from previous pages, focusing on historical speculation and UFO-related media.

Article: Pynchon's 'Mason & Dixon' and Historical Speculation

The articles on pages 60-61 explore elements from Thomas Pynchon's novel 'Mason & Dixon,' examining how the author weaves historical figures and events into a speculative narrative. The text discusses a scene where Washington shows Dixon a lead plate, leading to a conversation about Chinese writing and Jesuits. Washington warns Dixon about Jesuits from Quebec disguised to cause mischief. The chapter concludes with Franklin expanding on Jesuit inventions, suggesting they combine "Brain-Power on Earth with Asian Mysteries to make up a 'small Army of Dark Engineers who could run the World'."

The text then poses a series of questions for readers to consider regarding historical plausibility within Pynchon's work, such as Washington's role in the French Indian War, his personal life, and whether he might have sounded African or had a black valet named Gershom. It also questions Washington's role as a real estate speculator and who else benefited from the Mason Dixon Line. The possibility of Washington using the phrase "Proclamation Shlocklamation" and whether there was a sense of "We're not Brits, we're Americans" in 1761 are also raised. Finally, the article touches upon the "Transit-of-Venus Wig" as a potential element in the novel.

The article notes that many of these elements, while seeming like comic anachronisms or fantasy, have a basis in actual history. It highlights the transit of Venus, observed by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon from the South African cape, and how Pynchon's portrayal of George Washington connects this event to popular culture. The transit of Venus wig, pudding, and song are presented as examples of how this celestial event entered 18th-century American popular culture. While the existence of such artifacts as the wig might be difficult to verify, the article argues that the concept of a colonial woman wearing a transit-of-Venus wig and pudding is plausible, assuming 18th-century America had a popular culture.

The presence of Mason and Dixon at the cape for the transit of Venus observation is discussed, noting the time they spent there allowed them to become acquainted with the community and generate excitement about the global event. The article emphasizes that the transit of Venus was a global event, observed simultaneously by astronomers worldwide, including in the North American colonies, which likely generated popular interest.

Advertisements and Promotions

UFO Products from theUFOstore.com

• The issue features advertisements for UFO-related products from theUFOstore.com. These include:
• Alien Intervention - DVD: An interview with Travis Walton about his abduction experience, described as one of the most controversial and compelling cases in ufology. It details the events of November 5, 1975, in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona, where Walton witnessed a "luminous object, shaped like a flattened disc."
• Forbidden Archeology - DVD: A comprehensive 2-DVD set by Michael Cremo, exploring "The Hidden History of the Human Race." It challenges the scientific establishment's views on human origins and antiquity by presenting bones and artifacts that suggest people existed millions of years ago. Michael Cremo is presented as a member of the World Archeological Congress and the European Association of Archaeologists.
• Other Products: The site also offers UFO DVDs, audio CDs, MP3 downloads, e-books, e-mags, gifts, and collectibles.

Other Media and Publications

• Osi74 Programming: Advertisements for various programs on OSI 74, including "12:01 Beyond" (narrated by Cat Thompson), "Cult Movies TV" (hosted by Buddy Barnett and Michael Copner), "In Spite Of... Reality" (hosted by Mr. Lobo, covering Bigfoots, Nazis, and UFOs), "Pantry Manor" (featuring Bunny Galore), "Midnight Frights" (hosted by Eric Miller), and "Super-8 Action Theatre" (hosted by Karlos Borloff).
• Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis: Promotion for a nightly radio show focusing on conspiracy and paranormal topics.
• Adventures Unlimited: An advertisement for a free 64-page catalog of unusual books and DVDs, with featured titles like "The Secret Space Age" and "The Truth Agenda" by Andy Thomas. Contact information for Adventures Unlimited is provided.
• Conspiracy Channel: An advertisement for "Conspiracy Channel," offering "1000's of hours of Conspiracy, UFO and Paranormal Films & Series." A coupon code "STEAMSHOVEL" is offered for two months free.

Publisher Information

Steamshovel Press is located at POB 23715, St. Louis, MO 63121. The publication's slogan is "All Conspiracy. No Theory." Readers are encouraged to share copies and visit the website for more free issues and articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFOs, conspiracy theories, historical revisionism, and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance, as indicated by the publisher's slogan "All Conspiracy. No Theory," suggests a focus on presenting information and theories related to these subjects without necessarily endorsing them as established fact, but rather as subjects for exploration and discussion. The content encourages critical thinking about historical narratives and the possibility of hidden truths or alternative explanations for events and phenomena.