Saucer Smear - Vol 24 No 01 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER ZOOS
Issue: Vol. 24, No. 1
Date: January 15th, 1977
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER ZOOS, a non-scheduled newsletter, is dedicated to James Moseley and features a mix of commentary, reader contributions, and announcements. The publication appears to be a satirical and critical take on the field of ufology.

Misc. Ravings

The "Misc. Ravings" section begins with a suggestion to buy the annual edition of the National Enquirer and save its predictions for the year to see how accurate they are. The newsletter notes that the Enquirer's 1976 predictions included startling revelations such as Paul Newman winning a seat in Congress, a presidency for Nelson Rockefeller, Richard Nixon's comeback, Johnny Carson's new TV series, President Ford not running for office, Queen Elizabeth abdicating, and trained chimpanzees replacing human workers. The editor expresses amusement at the accuracy of these predictions and announces that SAUCER ZOOS will publish its own "PREDICTIONS FOR 1977" in the next issue.

Tribute to Dr. Donald Menzel

The issue notes the recent death of Dr. Donald Menzel, described as the former Director of Harvard Observatory and a leading "anti-saucerer." Menzel was also an artist, with three drawings of mythical Martians decorating the publication's headquarters. The editor remembers Menzel as an "irascible, irrational sort of man" but personally liked him. A quotation from a Christmas letter, apparently sent shortly before his death, is presented as an epitaph. The quote, accompanied by a drawing by Menzel, humorously describes a newly discovered "Planetoid Menzel" and its inhabitants.

Christmas Picture and Other Notes

A note expresses regret that a favorite Christmas picture from the New York Daily News could not be published due to space constraints. The picture showed a Santa Claus examining a gun, which was actually a decoy cop looking for shoplifters. The News received criticism for the image. The editor also notes the absence of Allen Greenfield's name in recent issues, before mentioning him. A promotion is offered for obtaining an "Accredited Press" card for approximately $10.00. Additionally, a satirical newsletter called "The Subterranean Sociology Newsletter," published by Marcello Truzzi, is recommended for those seeking "highbrow laughs."

KING KONG Movie Review

A section titled "KING KONG (A low-level in-depth 'Saucer Zoos' movie review)" offers a critical and satirical interpretation of the film. The review posits that Kong represents the "Capitalist Boss" and that the movie exhibits racism and sexism. It analyzes the film's plot points, including the exchange of Black Sisters for a white woman, Kong's alleged rape of a lighthouse, and the followers' loss of faith in Capitalism. The review concludes that the movie is "offensive, but probably harmless to children under two."

The Olde Letter Bag

This section contains correspondence from readers:

• James Oberg, an "arch anti-saucerer," writes about his challenge to ufologists, receiving only one letter from a kid who believes UFOs come from Paraguay. He mentions his upcoming publications in various magazines and expresses his view that many ufologists are deluded, contrasting them with his own "point of view" which offers "a lot more laughs."
• George Montgomery, a poet and novelist, recalls seeing the editor with Bob Dylan at a poetry reading in 1963 or '64. He mentions working on a novel about a "first lady president" named Alice Fuchs.
• A letter from Hackensack, N.J., accuses the editor of being a "transvestite" and an "egomaniac," referencing a Christmas incident. The writer also promotes their own book and offers a poem for the newsletter.
• Lama Robert Dickhoff offers thoughts on the "U.S. Moves on Moon Aliens" headline, suggesting it refers to the "Moonies" cult rather than Lunarians. He also dismisses W. H. Spaulding and others, claiming to have witnessed "mothership-spaceship phenomena" that cannot be explained away. He states his intention to remain on Moseley's list for publicity.
• Ted Zilch, a UFO researcher, expresses frustration with Dickhoff's "phony lama's innuendo" and defends himself. He recounts a story about smuggling the Dalai Lama out of Tibet during a conflict with Communist China and their subsequent friendship. Zilch claims the Dalai Lama had never heard of "lamas named Dick nor Off" and was preoccupied with levitating mountains rather than UFOs. He expresses anger at Dickhoff's perceived ingratitude.
• Laura Mundo discusses Connie Grzych, her former co-worker, and defends her own actions, suggesting Grzych's letter was influenced by Valium. She mentions witnesses to her relationship with Grzych and notes that Grzych still considers the Flying Saucer Information Center (FSIC) headquarters to be in Novil, Michigan.
• Robert Sheaffer, an "anti-ufological writer," requests to be added to the mailing list for the newsletter, stating he is an atheist on UFO matters and follows the footsteps of Phil Klass and Dr. Menzel. He warns that anything he says may be used against the reader but praises the newsletter's wit and charm. He also requests to receive the issues.
• Hayden Hewes, a ufological writer, is working on a book about "sexual encounters between UFO occupants and humans" and another about "computer analysis of UFO photographs." He is seeking reports and data for both projects.
• Richard Heiden, an "anti-contactee writer," recounts asking Dr. Hynek about an alleged ride in a flying saucer at a MUFON symposium, noting that Mrs. Hynek assured him her husband would appreciate the joke.
• Curt Sutherly (alias Xerox) mentions a rumor about Gene Steinberg's wedding in Woodstock, New York, presided over by Woodstock's mayor, John Keel.

Other Contributions and Announcements

• Bob Schiller praises "Saucer Views" for being unique among UFO zines, which he describes as "rubber stamps." He suggests UFOs are the product of a secret group on Earth, but also entertains the idea that they might be hallucinations, aligning with Robert Sheaffer's views. He criticizes conventional explanations and those who dismiss UFOs.
• Marcello Truzzi thanks the editor for liking his newsletter and mentions a new journal version of "The Zetetic." He also discusses "Fartean Phenomena" (F.P.) and its study in sociology, classifying it under "strepital communication."
• Steve Elliott of "Unknown Worlds" apologizes for a delayed reply due to illness and praises the artist of the back cover, hoping to see more of their work.

Fake Advertisement

A "FAKE ADVERTISEMENT" offers "conclusive evidence" for any UFO theory for $1.00, claiming the data is fabricated by a "poor but famous researcher." It invites readers to name their theory after themselves and is directed by Cayle Argoyle of the "Church of Saucer Worship."

1977 National UFO Conference

A letter from Dale Rettig announces the 14th Annual National UFO Conference to be held on Saturday, August 6, 1977, at the Hotel San Franciscan in San Francisco, California. The conference is described as a gathering for "middle ufologists" and others, with no group excluded. It notes that this is the first time the event has been held west of the Mississippi. Information on hotel reservations and rates is provided, and publishers of ufozines are asked to print the "vital statistics" of the conference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SAUCER ZOOS include skepticism towards mainstream ufology, satire, and a critical examination of prominent figures and organizations in the field. The editorial stance is clearly anti-ufological, often employing humor and sarcasm to debunk claims and critique researchers. There is a strong emphasis on personal opinions and anecdotal evidence, presented in a conversational and sometimes confrontational tone. The publication also engages with popular culture, as seen in the King Kong review, and promotes a sense of community among its readers through the "Letter Bag" section.