Saucer Smear - Vol 24 No 12 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER HUES
Issue: Vol. 24, No. 12
Date: November 10th, 1977
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Hues" is presented as a "Non-Scheduled Newsletter" for "Our Psychedelically-Inclined Readers." It begins with an important notice regarding the mailing list, indicating that an 'X' on the envelope signifies removal unless the recipient contacts the publication. The issue features an "EXCLUSIVE PHOTO SECTION" intended to share some of the photographs that pass through the "Saucer Hues" Headquarters.

Photo Section and Featured Articles

The "Exclusive Photo Section" includes a picture of the editor, James W. Moseley, with fans, and another of him taken several years prior at a swimming pool in Fort Lee, with the George Washington Bridge visible in the background to prove its authenticity. More mysteriously, a photograph is presented, accompanied by a quote from a letter by a "well-known Ufologist" concerning a "peculiar photograph" received from a "closet Ufologist" named Prof. Humbert Mensch. Mensch, described as an astro-archaeologist, claims to have found proof of a connection between UFOs, ancient visitors, the planet Mars, and similar phenomena. The artifact in the photograph is depicted as a saucer-like device with a four-armed being nearby. Mensch has been unable to relate the incised markings to any known language and has not revealed how he acquired the artifact. The editor notes that the lush grass in the photo suggests a location other than Death Valley.

Miscellaneous Contributions and Observations

The newsletter includes a section titled "MISC. RAVINGS," featuring a piece by Alan Abel, described as a writer and professional hoaxer, who complains about an insurance company's low settlement offer for property damage and his method of "getting even." George Earley, an engineer, is mentioned as being available for Ufological and Fortean slide lecture presentations.

A UPI story about a Pan American World Airways jumbo jet setting a speed record for circling the globe over both poles is cited, prompting a call for information from "Holes-in-Poles fans" and Capt. Oberg.

The editor announces his upcoming appearances on the "Long John Nebel - Candy Jones" radio show to discuss UFOs with author Paris Flamonde and later with Ray Stanford, author of "Socorro 'Saucer' in a Pentagon Pantry," a book about the 1964 Socorro, New Mexico landing.

Jadoo Wallah Contest and Letters to the Editor

The "JADOO WALLAH CONTEST" results are announced, with the editor humorously declaring himself the winner as all seven entries were "house entries." John Keel (under the pseudonym Quarble F. Armbruster) is quoted, offering an autographed Black Widow Spider and a certificate for three free electroshock treatments to the contest winner.

The "LETTRES TO YE EDITOR" section features a letter from Rick Hilberg responding to Charles Wilhelm's comments about the National UFO Conference (NUFOC). Hilberg clarifies the attendance of Wilhelm's group, addresses a lack of communication regarding assistance, and emphasizes the need for support from "Middle Ufologists." He expresses his belief that the NUFOC can be a forum for this group and welcomes "new blood."

Another communication is presented from John Keel, who canceled his attendance at a "dismal quasi-social affair" but sent his "politically-confused colleague, Red Jackman." Keel jokingly claims Jackman photographed "secret documents" proving the editor is an agent of the "Dark Forces."

Don Strachan (alias Art Wand) writes about attending a laser show in Boston and encloses an excerpt from an interview with Doug Trumbull, the special effects wizard for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The interview details how Trumbull planned to create a Zapruder film-like sequence of a flying saucer sighting using motion tracking systems and miniature models.

UFO Theories and Philosophical Musings

Hayden Hewes writes in, praising the newsletter and noting it was the first time a UFO researcher was named in an issue. Bob Sheaffer offers a lengthy and elaborate theory about "holes in the poles," suggesting NASA is covering up their existence because astronauts are afraid to explore "Inner Space." He proposes that the polar ice caps are actually massive corks preventing oceans from flooding, placed by an underground race of supermen discovered by Admiral Byrd. He also speculates about sex-crazed swordfish and a conscripted race of beings holding holes in the cork.

The "Semi-Mysterious Uncle Lou" presents the "Uncle Lou Theory (ULT)" on the nature of reality, stating that reality began less than a minute ago and everything else is a false memory. He asserts that only the mind and the "Great Omnipotent Derriere" (G.O.D.) are real, and all else is illusion. He concludes by stating that "Uncle Lou" does not exist, though he will always appear otherwise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Saucer Hues" revolve around UFO sightings, the nature of evidence, the role of hoaxes in ufology, and philosophical explorations of reality. The editorial stance, as conveyed by James W. Moseley, appears to be one of open inquiry, a willingness to present diverse and sometimes unconventional viewpoints, and a touch of humor, particularly in acknowledging the often-speculative nature of the field. The editor actively engages with contributors and readers, fostering a sense of community among those interested in unexplained celestial events, while also maintaining a critical eye towards potential deception or misunderstanding within the ufological community.