Saucer Smear - Vol 24 No 13 - 1977

Magazine Overview

'Saucer Shoes' is the non-scheduled newsletter, Vol. 24, No. 13, dated December 10th, 1977, published by the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society. The publication's subtitle, '(FOR THE UFOLOGIST WHO IS ALWAYS PUTTING HIS FOOT IN HIS MOUTH)', suggests a blend of serious UFO investigation with a dose of humor and self-awareness. The editor is James W. Moseley.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The issue opens with 'Miscellaneous Ravings,' detailing several current events and opinions within the ufology community. An attempt is being made to salvage the National UFO Conference with an informal meeting in Cleveland on New Year's Eve. Stan Friedman reports an upheaval within the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), with Marcello Truzzi resigning as editor of 'The Zetetic' due to 'very serious disputes.' The anti-UFO subcommittee, consisting of Klass, Oberg, and Sheaffer, remains active.

Editor James W. Moseley recounts his experience on the 'Long John' radio show, which had a surprisingly low call volume. He also mentions Paris Flammonde, author of 'UFO Exist,' and Timothy Greed Beckley, who is named UFO Editor for a new magazine tied to the movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' The newsletter touches upon literature promoting the theory that UFOs are successors to Nazi secret weapons, offering a 'Nazi spotter identification chart' and an 'official Nazi saucer investigator pass.' Todd Zechel, a former saucer researcher, has moved to a 'large midwestern company.' The issue's title is credited to ufologist Bob Easley.

Ye Olde Mail Bag

The 'Ye Olde Mail Bag' section features correspondence from readers. Dave FidelRE comments on the photographic section, humorously noting the ease of getting a photo taken and questioning the editor's fan base. Steve Miller's comments on a poolside shot are also relayed, with a suggestive remark about the editor's legs.

Another reader requests that 'Saucer Shoes' mention the Anomaly Research Bulletin (ARB), praising it as one of the best 'middle ufology' zines and providing its address. Super-skeptic Robert Sheaffer questions an account of a new world record for an around-the-world over-the-poles flight, suggesting a Pan American jumbo jet may have deceptively entered a polar opening rather than circumnavigating the globe. He also poses a question about the strategic value of polar holes compared to the Panama Canal.

Jeffrey Goodman, editor of 'Official UFO,' expresses surprise at not being mentioned in 'Saucer Hues,' humorously demanding to be debunked. He also notes that his receptionist considers George Earley a 'square.' Goodman's recent 'kidnapping' is referenced, with a tease about future dreadful events in 'Official UFO.'

Salvatore Longo rates 'Saucer Shoes' alongside 'Mad Magazine' for its 'zany permissiveness' and announces plans to edit a forthcoming newsletter. He inquires about the whereabouts of Gilbert J. Ziemba, who is rumored to have left ufology.

Robert Gillard comments on a poolside photo, questioning the editor's balance and facial expression, but still expresses enjoyment of the zine.

Gay Barker compares ufologists to historical figures: Major Keyhoe as 'the Billy Mitchell of the Saucer Movement,' August C. Roberts as 'the Matthew Brady of the Saucer Movement,' Gene Duplantier as the Picasso, Allen J. Hynek as the Billy Graham, Coral E. Lorenzen as the Anita Bryant, and James W. Moseley as the Walter Winchell.

Steve Elliott praises 'Saucer Shoes' as a 'bastion of sanity' in the confused field of Ufology, despite finding the front-page photos 'extremely dull.' He references the 'Uncle Lou Theory' (ULT) and the Holy Bible in a discussion about the nature of reality, ultimately expressing doubt about all theories. He also comments on the editor's rhyming titles.

James ('Captain Jim') Oberg asks about 'Official UFO' and a potential ground burning in Chester, Illinois. He suggests readers might help Marjorie Palmer at 'Search' with UFO book reprints and opinions. Oberg plans to submit an article on 'space photos of the hole in the pole.' He analyzes the object photographed by Skylab-3, identifying it as a likely Earth satellite and downplaying its significance, noting that Skylab crews frequently observed passing satellites.

Lizette Leveille finds 'Saucer Hues' enjoyable despite its lack of apparent sense. She recounts an incident where a reader was confused by a photo on the front page.

Reader Contributions and Analysis

A reader from Bath, Maine, inquires about a center called the 'Earth Radiations Research Center' and asks if the editor wants information on it. They also speculate about areas where the Post Office might lose mail, possibly related to ley lines or UFO activity.

Bill Spaulding of GSW provides a detailed computer analysis of a photograph from the issue, concluding it represents a 'crude attempt to 'cover up' valuable evidence.' His analysis points to the subject being indoors, in a box-like structure, with artificially colored facial areas, a cold IR image, and suggests it might be a 'mummified ancient astronaut body.' He humorously states GSW will present this proof to Philip Klass and the National Enquirer.

James Maney writes as a friend and collaborator of Hayden Hewes, expressing surprise at the naming of a 'Saucer Whatevers' issue in Hewes' honor. Maney acknowledges Hewes' contributions to UFO research, particularly regarding the Tulsa (Smith) photograph, the Piedmont, Missouri sighting case, and the Eddie Laxson occupant case.

Robert Dickhoff, the 'Manhattan Lama,' comments on the editor's tolerance for contributors, using strong language. He dismisses theories about a 'Spacecraft chiseled into same' and the 'Hole in the North Pole' idea as 'horse-manure' and products of delusion. He questions the 'Uncle Lou' theory and its implications for reality.

Lucius Farish provides a list of available UFO books, including titles by Leonard, Sanderson, Charroux, Wisner, Macvey, and Cohane. He mentions Hynek's upcoming paperback and a collection of material from 'Flying Saucer Review.' He also notes he has taken over Rod Dyke's UFO Newsclipping Service.

Satirical CIA Bulletin

A 'TOP SECRET BULLETIN FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CIA,' dated November 19, 1977, is included. It humorously directs agents to conserve energy and materials by destroying bulletins that close with 'eat this page' in that manner, and using all bulletins as toilet tissue before destruction. Requests for duplicate copies will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'Saucer Shoes' include the ongoing debates and personalities within the ufology community, the skepticism of certain researchers versus the enthusiasm of believers, and the role of humor and satire in discussing these topics. The editorial stance appears to be one that embraces open discussion, even with dissenting opinions, and uses wit to navigate the often-serious subject matter. The publication acts as a forum for reader contributions, reflecting a diverse range of views and analyses within the UFO field.