Saucer Smear - Vol 23 No 30 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER FLUS
Issue Date: December 10th, 1976
Issue Identifier: Vol. 23, No. 30
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Type: NON-SCHEDULED NEWSLETTER

This issue of SAUCER FLUS, dated December 10, 1976, is dedicated to Ruth Netherton and Eugene R Steinberg. The cover prominently features the headline "U.S. Moves on Moon Aliens," attributed to Eugene L. Meyer, a Washington Post Staff Writer, suggesting significant developments in UFOlogy.

Main Articles and Features

U.S. Moves on Moon Aliens

This article, by Eugene L. Meyer, presents a headline from a legitimate newspaper that indicates exciting Ufological events are occurring, though the general public may be unaware. The newsletter acknowledges not having the full text of the original newspaper article but uses the headline to suggest the ongoing relevance and potential significance of UFO phenomena.

Reader Mail and Commentary

The newsletter includes a significant amount of reader correspondence, offering diverse perspectives and updates within the ufology community:

• Envelope Star Indicator: A note explains that a star (*) on the envelope means the recipient is about to be removed from the non-subscriber list unless they contact the publication.
• John Keel: Mentioned as possibly being in Switzerland for a personality transplant, with a note about the absence of recent "Hate Letters" from him.
• George Fox: His theories are mentioned as puzzling to the editor.
• "Crossroads Quarterly": A new UFOish New Age zine published by two young people is noted, with subscription details provided.
• "UFO Rundown": A publication by George Holcombe III (alias "Hoppy") is mentioned.
• "The Robinson Report": Another newsletter from colleague Jack Robinson is referenced.
• August C. Roberts: Has moved to Florida, and his extensive UFO book collection was given to former UFO personality Gray Barker.
• Dr. Leon Davidson: The 5th Edition of his book, "Flying Saucers: An Analysis of the Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14," is announced. It reportedly contains additional material on the CIA, Air Force, and occult groups. It is available from Blue-Book Publishers for $4.50.
• "The Twelfth Planet": A new book by Zacharia Sitchin is discussed. Following the theme of Erich von Däniken, Sitchin proposes that god-like beings arrived on Earth from another planet 450,000 years ago seeking gold for their electronic systems. Yonah ibn Aharon contends that material was stolen from his articles in SAUCER NEWS.
• Mathematical Prodigy: A young woman from Calcutta, India, is described as being able to calculate cube roots of three-digit numbers faster than a computer and determine the day of the week for any given birth date. She is noted as having average intelligence otherwise, suggesting unexplained mental powers.

Letters to You-Know-Who:

This section features direct correspondence from readers:

• Ruth Netherton: Criticizes the newsletter's "juvenile, vulgar terminology," suggesting the editor "grow up."
• Patricia Barringer (Universal Life Church, Inc.): Thanks the editor for a letter and sends an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Charter and two issues of Universal Life.
• Bob Schiller: Discusses the "Smellies" associated with Sasquatch encounters and questions if this could be related to UFOs. He also supports the Universal Life Church's approach to public engagement and questions why citizens can't access "tax-free action."
• Gray Barker: Acknowledges receiving "Saucer Pews" (likely a typo for "Saucer Flus") and agrees with the editor regarding the Universal Life Church. He states he is a Minister and holds a Doctor of Divinity Degree from the organization, humorously declaring himself "The Greatest."
• Steven Elliott: Praises an article in "Saucer Pews" and agrees with the philosophy of the Universal Life Church but is wary of Kirby J. Hensley's method of becoming a minister without financial support. He also agrees with the stance on the National UFO Conference (NUFOC).
• Rev. Janice Croy: Explains that she became a legally ordained minister of the Church of Gospel Ministry for $10. She asserts that a 7-year seminary school is not required and that her ministry includes preaching about UFOs. She encourages the editor to consider being a "true minister."
• William H. Spaulding (Director, Western Division of Ground Saucer Watch): Responds to criticism of the "flying thumbprint" photo evaluation. He states their evaluation was detailed, utilized footprint enhancement, and was reversed for analysis. Dr. J. Allen Hynek reportedly called the "thumbprint" an "authentic artifact from a nuts and bolts source" and noted its similarity to fingerprints observed during the Travis Walton abduction. Spaulding suggests ufologists are not ready for computer techniques and science, appreciating the newsletter as a "refreshing change."
• Lama Robert Dickhoff: Recounts an astral experience on October 26, 1976, involving a "Dum-Dum-shaped spacecraft" and five dwarf beings who manipulated computer devices. He was invited into the craft and later picked up three girls in India. He also comments on Laura Mundo and Ted Zilch.
• Connie Grzych: Writes about her negative experiences living with Laura Mundo, attributing her depression to Laura's "mental tricks" and possible involvement in rituals. She notes feeling better after Laura left and mentions Laura equating herself with the Flying Saucer Information Center.
• David Fideler: Expresses congratulations for surviving Halloween and suggests that Laura Mundo and the "Flying Saucer Information Center" gang are "off her rocker."
• The Amazing Xerox (alias Curt Sutherly): Fills in for John Keel in the "Miserable Letter Department," humorously stating his aim is to write worse material than Keel.
• George Earley: Comments on a drawing of a "rock-like inhabitant of Mars" in "Saucer Ooze," suggesting the artist, Betty, might achieve Smithsonian recognition like Dr. Donald Menzel.

Cartoon

A cartoon by Ted Zilch depicts a banner proclaiming "EARTH WELCOMES ITS FIRST ALIEN VISITORS." A futuristic spacecraft is shown, with small alien figures disembarking and being observed by a military officer. The caption reads: "Call Moseley and tell him his friends have arrived!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently features reader contributions, reflecting a broad spectrum of ufological interests and opinions. There's a recurring discussion and debate surrounding the Universal Life Church and its ministers, with some embracing it and others expressing skepticism. The publication also engages with current UFO research, book releases, and personal accounts of encounters and experiences. The editor, James W. Moseley, maintains a somewhat irreverent and critical tone, as evidenced by the "FREE, in the interests of Insanity!" tagline and his commentary on reader submissions. The overall stance appears to be one of open discussion within the ufology community, while also maintaining a critical eye on claims and personalities.