Saucer Smear - Vol 24 No 10 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER HUGHES
Issue: Vol. 24, No. 10
Date: September 25th, 1977
Publisher: THE SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of the non-scheduled newsletter "Saucer Hughes" is dedicated to the late, great Howard Hughes, with the editor noting that Hughes "never had anything to do with UFO's as far as we know, but who gave all of us 'Hughes Watchers' our money's worth." The editor also humorously laments the difficulty in finding good rhyming titles.

Party Time!

An invitation is extended to non-subscribers for an elite social gathering to be held on the evening of October 15th at the organization's new Interplanetary Headquarters in Guttenberg, New Jersey. The event is described as a combination Housewarming and Thank-God-It's-Mid-October party. Directions are provided, including how to reach 69th Street in Guttenberg from Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel and public transport. Refreshments will be served, but attendees are encouraged to "B.Y.O." (Bring Your Own) if they have exotic tastes. Dress is optional, with a humorous caveat about refusing admittance to anyone appearing nude until after midnight.

The Man Who Came to Dinner: Todd Zechel

This section introduces Todd Zechel, also known as Ted Zilch or Todd Zilchovich, who is presented as a real-life individual despite rumors to the contrary. Zechel was hired by a movie outfit called Scotia-American to research a UFO documentary. His specialty was crashed disc stories from former military personnel, aligning with the theme of Frank Scully's 1950 book, "Behind the Flying Saucers." However, the research dragged, and Scotia-American lost interest after about a month, deciding to base the film on more well-known UFO tales. Zechel had an agreement to use his material for a book if the movie company did not. He stayed at the editor's New Jersey headquarters for a few weeks to work on his book. During this time, his research was primarily conducted via telephone. The editor recounts with horror that Zechel incurred a phone bill of $735 for one month, with a significant portion attributed to calls to a single California researcher. In total, Zechel's three-month visit cost the editor nearly $2,000, with some bills still outstanding. Zechel has since returned to Wisconsin. The editor expresses hope to help Zechel with his book and potentially recoup costs through royalties, but notes that only someone like Howard Hughes could afford such a guest. The editor questions whether Zechel's research warrants the expenditure, stating that while he has the makings of a good book, his cases and evidence "still lack convincing proof." The pursuit of the UFO mystery is likened to chasing a rainbow.

Letters from the Audience

James ("Capt. Jim") Oberg writes about the death of Ray Palmer and reflects on their past relationship, focusing on common interests like space exploration. He expresses frustration with those who overanalyze relationships and discusses the "hole in the north pole" theory, dismissing it as a "screwball theory." He also mentions Brinsley Le Poer Trench's similar idea and the recent visit of the Soviet ice breaker 'Arktika' to the North Pole, suggesting it's "food for thought among pole-holers."

Charles Wilhelm comments on the "Saucer Stews" publication and offers suggestions for the National UFO Conference, advocating for "new blood" and an "all-out honest effort." He recalls attending the 13th National UFO Conference and feeling that promises made to his group (OUFOIL) were unfulfilled. He mentions Dale Rettig and Tim Beckley promising material he is still waiting for and notes that only Bob Easley replied to his inquiries. He expresses concern about the potential loss of interest from individuals like Hilberg and Manak. Wilhelm poses several questions for the conference members regarding their future direction, openness to new ideas, and commitment to Ufology. He reiterates OUFOIL's offer of help.

Ron Westrum provides "TOP SECRET" information regarding an article by Gray Barker in 'Saga UFO Report' about a secret MUFON meeting concerning societal reactions to UFO contacts. Westrum claims Barker's memory is nearly photographic but that he himself does not recall such a meeting. He alludes to "terrifying secrets" and mentions a meeting that Gray Barker was excluded from, which involved the "allocation of MUFON groupies," fearing Barker's "insatiable appetites."

Gray Barker writes, commending the publication's objective reporting on his visit with Carlos Allende. He expresses disappointment that a photograph he attempted to take of himself and Capt. Allende shaking hands was not mentioned. The photo reportedly showed a white, aura-like mass obscuring their features, which Polaroid experts could not explain.

Dave Reissig thanks the editor for adding him to the "dreaded Non-Scheduled Newslettre Mailing List," humorously suggesting he has reached a "new and higher level of Being." He defends the editor against J. Gordon Melton's criticism, interpreting Melton's backward collar as a "bad sign." Reissig also comments on the editor using the same address for the newsletter and a realty business, joking about selling real estate to aliens.

"Raving Robert" Schiller states that the rediscovery of Carlos Allende is the "hottest UFO news in decades" and credits the publication with scooping all others if the information is legitimate.

Lucius Farish compliments the editor's sneaky approach to broadcasting on the Mutual Radio Network, suggesting he is trying to circumvent MUFON. He calls the editor a genius.

Russ Rueger expresses disappointment at not receiving responses to his letter about "Official UFO" and his hope for a "full expose of the affair" in a large circulation magazine. He mentions receiving similar threatening letters from westlaco, Texas, while editing "Official UFO," and that these letters were kept in a "nut file." He recounts how publisher Myron Fass became upset when he admitted receiving mail from "unbalanced types," viewing it as a negative reflection on the magazine's readers.

Hans Nintzel writes about "Lloigor," a species of inhuman creatures postulated by H.P. Lovecraft and August Derleth, mentioning Cthuluhu, Shub-Niggeruth, and Azathoth.

Uncle Lou proposes a "JADOO WALLAH CONTEST" related to John A. Keel. He recounts introducing Keel at a Vestigia meeting and a debate over whether he referred to Keel as "the man without peers" or "the man without fears." The contest requires participants to submit appropriate words that rhyme with "peers" and "fears" to complete the sentence "John Keel is the man without ____," with explanations in 25 words or less. The winner receives a trophy, which they must pay for themselves. He also asks if "jakeel" spelled backwards is pronounced "leakage."

George Earley comments on NICAP accepting the editor as a member, interpreting it as a sign that they "must need money worse than I thought."

George Fox expresses his feeling that the untimely death of Ray Palmer is a great loss. He suggests Palmer may have inadvertently ingested food containing P.B.B. and notes that he and Palmer were both born in 1910. He also mentions possessing a copy of Ken Arnold's book autographed by Ray Palmer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently features a critical and often humorous tone, particularly towards the UFO community and its personalities. There is a strong emphasis on personal accounts, reader contributions, and commentary on the publishing and organizational aspects of ufology. The editor, James W. Moseley, maintains a distinct voice, often employing sarcasm and directness in his responses and editorial notes. Themes include the challenges of UFO research, the personalities within the field, the business of UFO publications, and the pursuit of evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism mixed with a genuine interest in uncovering the truth, often expressed through a cynical lens regarding the motivations and claims of others in the field. The newsletter also highlights the financial and personal costs associated with pursuing UFO research and publication.