Saucer Smear - Vol 24 No 05 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCRE NEWS
Issue: Vol. 24, No. 5
Date: April 20th, 1977
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucre News" is dedicated to Allen Gerenfield and his "unfettREd NewslettRE."

Feature Article: Editor's Radio Triumph and Oberg's Retreat

The lead article, titled "'SAUCRE NEWS' EDITOR IN TRIUMPHAL RETURN TO LONG JOHN SHOW; CAPTAIN OBERG ROUTED; RETREATS TO WASHINGTON TO RE-GROUP," details editor James W. Moseley's appearance on the Long John Nebel - Candy Jones radio program on WMCA in New York City. This marked Moseley's return to the show after approximately seven years. The occasion was a brief trip to New York by arch anti-saucerer Captain James Oberg, who was the featured guest. The article humorously describes Oberg cracking up, being dragged from the studio, and a subsequent confiscation of film by military security guards. However, the editor admits this was a "diseased imagination" and that Oberg is an articulate gentleman. Moseley acknowledges getting in "a few good jabs" for the pro-saucer view, but concedes it was "Oberg's evening." It is noted that Oberg was on his way to confer with Sheaffer and Klass and was to receive a space award. The editor also offers sincere sympathy to Long John Nebel for his ill health and praises Candy Jones as a warm personality.

Miscellaneous Ravings: Cattle Mutilation and Ed Sanders

Under the heading "MISC. RAVINGS," the publication notes the current popularity of cattle mutilation as a mystery. It highlights a new magazine, "The Cattle Report," devoted to this phenomenon, published by Ed Sanders. Sanders is identified as a former editor of a "beat poetry" zine called "Fuck You - A Magazine of the Arts" and a member of the rock group "The Fugs." He is described as a "brilliant but slightly paranoid personality."

Ufologist Updates and Correspondence

Uri Geller and Ufologist Directory

The issue mentions Uri Geller signing a marketing agreement to sell platinum bent keys. Ufologist Gilbert Ziemba is noted for starting a new organization called the "Twilight Research Center" and provides contact information.

National UFO Conference and Fate Magazine Congress

Details are provided for the FOURTEENTH ANNUAL NATIONAL UFO CONFERENCE to be held in San Francisco on August 6th, with the public session in the Crystal Ball Room of the Hotel San Franciscan. The editor also plans to attend Fate Magazine's International UFO Congress in Chicago on June 24th-26th.

Mail Bag - John A. Keel

John A. Keel writes, denying sending letters disguised to imitate his style and expressing surprise that the editor would fall for such a ploy. He states he has always spoken highly of Moseley to government agencies and calls him "the rock upon which the myths of ufology have been built." Keel doubts he can attend the San Francisco convention but might attend the Chicago event, offering autographs. He humorously comments on Tim Beckley's career in reviewing porn movies and notes he hasn't heard from Mr. Jackman in a year.

Mail Bag - James Maney and OCRAP

Ufologist James Maney announces the formation of the Organization for Civilian Research in Aerial Phenomena (OCRAP), a group focused on "Unidentified Flatulent Odors." Membership is selective, based on having "their shit together" or being "full of shit." Contact is via P.O. Box 355, Boynton Beach, Florida.

Mail Bag - Jim Moseley's Self-Praise

Jim Moseley writes a self-praising review of his own return to the Long John Nebel show, calling it "like a breath of Spring in a cesspool" and praising his own "wit, charm, humor, intelligence, warmth, dexterity, depth, and raw nerve."

Mail Bag - "Uncle Lou" and Polish Sausages

"Uncle Lou" apologizes for sending a Polish sausage slice instead of an alleged Polish Saucer, which had been printed in "Saucer Clues." He raises the point that many reported saucers are actually sausages, attributing this error to George Adamski's mispronunciation of "frying sausages" as "flying saucers."

Mail Bag - Lama Dickhoff

Lama Dickhoff writes, praising "Saucer Glues" for its "witty sarcasm and insinuations" and commending the index placing Nixon #69 and finding "God" on pages 1-6.

Mail Bag - Harry Belil

Harry Belil of "Beyond Reality" notes Rev. Dickhoff lecturing on masturbation and expresses surprise that Hayden Phews is still around.

Mail Bag - Steve Miller (KRELL)

Steve Miller, alias KRELL, writes about successful time machine experiments and claims he will return to take control of the galaxy. He states his message is reaching the editor via interstellar postal services and that postmen are androids. He also mentions monitoring the editor's mind and claims David Fideler's mind is being operated by "us."

Mail Bag - Gray Barker

Gray Barker proposes the establishment of an "Old Ufologists' Home," financed by a 5% royalty on saucerzines and UFO books. He suggests the editor, being closer to retirement age, would benefit from this.

Further Correspondence and Reports

Dr. Ernest Taves on Donald Menzel

Dr. Ernest Taves of Cambridge, Mass., thanks the publication for its mailing list and notes that Jim Oberg suggested the "enclosed trash" be sent to him. Taves takes exception to the description of Donald Menzel as irrational, stating Menzel was his best friend and a collaborator on a book, describing him as irascible but not irrational.

Gilbert Ziemba on Allen H. Greenfield

Gilbert Ziemba praises Allen H. Greenfield's efforts in sustaining ufologists and calls him a sincere and dedicated ufologist.

Steve Elliott's Complaint

Steve Elliott writes, enjoying the "ravings" and "name-calling, childishness, and profanity" in the letters section. He criticizes Captain Oberg's letter as a waste of time and space. Elliott complains about not being mentioned in the latest issue and demands that all "pro-Elliott comments" be printed.

Captain Oberg's Self-Correction

A postcard from Captain Oberg acknowledges a mistake in quoting a "top Soviet scientist" (Dr. Florenskiy, deputy at the Vernadskiy Institute) and admits it was a "sloppy mistake."

Bob Sheaffer on Ufology's Courage

Bob Sheaffer writes that "serious" Ufologists possess the intellectual courage of a cockroach, always running for cover. He concludes that Ufology will remain in the "shadow-world of kookdom" until practitioners "grow up."

Rick Hilberg on Bill Spaulding and Cleveland Ufologists

Ufologist Rick Hilberg donates the issue to a parakeet for cage lining. He expresses surprise that Bill Spaulding admits to being Oberg's "brother," sired by a Cleveland ufologist. Hilberg hints at "real reasons" why these "illegitimate children" left Cleveland, fearing revelation might damage the city's name.

Bill Spaulding on GSW's Accomplishments

Bill Spaulding writes about GSW's UFO investigation accomplishments, including exposing the Travis Walton hoax and analyzing UFO photographs. He claims GSW is the only civilian UFO organization to certify investigators, give lectures, and teach UFO classes, and is the only group to tell "peers" to go to hell if they don't investigate scientifically. He mentions GSW sponsoring the MUFON Symposium in Phoenix and attending Dr. Harder's hypnosis class.

Richard Taylor's Invitation

Richard Taylor of Strange Creek, West Virginia, invites readers to his farm for a gathering of minds and "general bull session" on weekends, noting it's free and he has one of the largest privately-owned telescopes in the United States.

Jennings Frederick's "Fartean Hypothesis"

Jennings Frederick proposes the "Fartean hypothesis," suggesting UFOs operate off of natural gas (methane) from the human anatomy. He also recounts personal UFO encounters, including an attack by a green creature, a Bigfoot encounter, and an abduction by an alien named "Zarcon."

George Holcombe III's Enthusiastic Review

George Holcombe III, alias "Hoppy," gives an enthusiastic review of the latest "Saucer Glues," calling it "completely original" and stating it's "getting better."

Letter from Church of Saucer Worship

David Fideler on Rumors and Idi Amin Sighting

David Fideler of the Church of Saucer Worship (CSW) writes to Jim Moseley, refuting rumors that CSW is connected to a drug and sex ring. He states that CSW is not a bona fide church or research group but a "major connection in a huge international drug and sex ring." Fideler claims he has been followed by "men" in a black Cadillac (a "Keel-mobile") and that his mail is being tampered with. He also reports on a sighting by Ugandan President Idi Amin on March 3rd, 1973, of a mysterious object that splashed into Lake Victoria and then lifted off. Amin considered it a "sign of good luck to Uganda."

Editorial Evaluation of Amin Sighting

The publication's evaluation of the Amin sighting states that even though Amin's mind is "fettered by the last stage of terminal syphilis," he is a "Famous Person" and the sighting receives the "GREAT MOMENTS IN UFOLOGY Seal of Approval."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently displays a highly informal, often sarcastic, and sometimes confrontational editorial stance, particularly towards perceived adversaries like Captain Oberg and Donald Menzel. There is a strong emphasis on humor, satire, and personal opinions, often blurring the lines between reporting and commentary. The publication seems to embrace a contrarian viewpoint, challenging established figures and promoting its own interpretations of UFO phenomena, as seen in the "Fartean hypothesis" and the humorous dismissal of serious ufologists. The recurring theme of mail bag contributions highlights a community of individuals actively engaged in discussing and debating UFO-related topics, albeit with a distinctively irreverent tone.