Saucer Smear - Vol 24 No 14 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER LOUS
Issue: Vol. 24, No. 14
Date: December 25th, 1977
Publisher: Official Publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Lous" is dedicated to "the non-mysterious Lou Farish; Lou Sahadi (editor of 'Argosy UFO'); the semi-mysterious Uncle Lou; and whoever else deserves it." It is presented as a "Non-Scheduled Newsletter" with a holiday greeting.

Wild Scene on Long John Show

Editor James W. Moseley recounts his appearance on the Long John Nebel - Candy Jones radio show on the night of December 7th (early morning of December 8th). The main guest was Ray Stanford, author of "Socorro 'Saucer' in a Pentagon Pantry," a book about the 1964 Socorro, New Mexico landing witnessed by policeman Lonnie Zamora. Initially, Stanford's commentary was low-keyed, but he became agitated when discussing psychic Uri Geller, with whom he had spent time. Stanford related a story about Geller teleporting his car, with him inside, several miles.

During the listener call-in segment, a question arose about Herbert Schirmer, a Nebraska policeman whose life was allegedly ruined by a UFO experience. Stanford boldly declared Schirmer to be a "psychopathic liar" and elaborated on his opinion. After the commercial break, Candy Jones informed Stanford about the station's policy of sending written apologies for slander. Stanford objected, stated he was leaving, and walked out. He attempted to rip up his standard release form, leading to a brief struggle with the show's producer. The torn form was recovered, and Stanford was escorted out. Moseley finished the show alone with Candy Jones.

Moseley notes that the listeners were unaware of Stanford's abrupt departure, as it was not explained when the show returned from commercial. He concludes that Ray Stanford is not the objective researcher he claims to be, despite directing Project Starlight International, and describes Stanford's behavior as "almost frightening."

Letters to Ye Olde Editor

Dr. Thornton Page of NASA writes about his experience viewing the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." He describes a preview screening attended by astronauts and other notable figures. Page found the movie's concept dated, citing repetitive scenes and a lack of originality. He criticizes Spielberg's direction and questions the $9 million budget. The film's plot involves a mother ship landing, aliens depicted as skeleton-like humanoids, and a young boy taken by them, who is later returned. J. Allen Hynek is mentioned as a consultant. Page notes that the MUFON representative present was also disappointed. He signed off as "UFOloger in Houston, non-subscriber" and mentioned paying his own postage.

The "Saucer Lous" editor responds, stating they would be more charitable in their opinion of the movie than Dr. Page but appreciate his letter and the use of a stamp.

Ramona Cortez of "Beyond Reality" Magazine inquires about Timothy Creep Beckley editing another magazine, questioning if it's the same project announced previously. She also comments on "Myron Ass" (or Fass?), suggesting the visitors were IRS agents investigating money flow from science fiction magazines. Cortez dismisses "Jeff Mudman of Country Wide" as a debunker who should stick to porno magazines. She concludes by stating she enjoys reading the newsletter.

Laura Mundo, a pro-contactee researcher, suggests a mass sighting that NASA might see, implying a need for proof. She compliments the newsletter's audacity and informative content, provided one is not offended.

John Keel, writing under the pseudonym Rufus L. Swip, expresses disagreement with Goy Barker and criticizes James Moseley, comparing him to Benedict Arnold. Keel argues that most UFO photos are unreliable due to generational degradation and copying, stating that "copies of polaroid pictures are worthless as evidence." He claims a photo of Phil Klass was processed and revealed him to be made of "swamp gas, ball lightning, and ashes from the funny cigarettes smoked during closed meetings of the National UFO Conference." He concludes with "Bah, Humbug!"

The editor admits to being a traitor to Klass.

Riley Crabb of B.S.R.A. enjoyed the "Saucer Shoes" newsletter and wishes for anecdotes about government cover-ups. He recounts an experience in Honolulu in the 1950s where, after giving a UFO lecture at a Mormon church group, the base commander abruptly ended the meeting. Later, the Information and Education Officer who arranged the talk was transferred to Washington.

James R. Harris writes that he has become interested in the flying saucer mystery and is now on the "dreaded non-subscriber list." He jokingly states that his parents warned him he would turn out like this. Harris claims John Keel has mutilated animals and offers vials of rabbit blood. He also mentions his own newsletter, UFOCUS, available for $2.00 for four issues, and a $5.00 option to never receive a copy.

Letters to the Editor (Continued)

Gilbert Ziemba writes that he lost a civil law suit and is discontinuing UFO research until his release from incarceration. He has cancelled his affiliation with C.R.U.S.H.

Dr. Leon Davidson (alias "Dr. D.") thanks Moseley for alerting him to the Long John Show appearance. He was interested in Ray Stanford's discussion of the Socorro craft's symbol but heard no mention of the CIA symbol. Davidson speculates that Long John Nebel may have vetoed its mention. He questions the financing of Stanford's Project Starlight International, suggesting CIA "donations." Davidson also notes that the PO Box number 163, when viewed upside down, appears as 391, which he interprets as "CIA."

The editor notes that Dr. Davidson believes the Socorro symbol, when twisted, spells CIA, providing a clue to its origin, but this theory was not discussed with Stanford due to his early departure from the show.

Fellow NICRAPian George Earley writes about "Saucer Hues" referring to the colors ufologists turn when their pretensions are laughed at. He mentions Hayden Hewes as an expert on anti-climaxes. Earley also discusses a swimming pool picture possibly taken near Cape Canaveral and describes the movie "Starship Invasions," starring Christopher Lee and Robert Vaughn, which involves aliens invading Earth and a pyramid-shaped sub-sea station.

Steve Miller of the Church of Saucer worship (CSw) mentions a recent seance and invites Moseley on a trip to Fire Island. The editor responds that they are interested in the trip but not in the accompanying suggestion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Lous" exhibits a critical and often skeptical stance towards certain aspects of ufology, particularly concerning photo evidence and the credibility of some researchers and contactees. The editor, James W. Moseley, is not afraid to publish controversial opinions and personal anecdotes, as seen in his account of Ray Stanford's dramatic exit from his radio show. There's a clear emphasis on media coverage of UFO topics, including radio shows and movies like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The newsletter also features reader contributions that range from serious commentary to humorous and satirical remarks, often questioning the motives and methods of other figures in the UFO community. The use of pseudonyms and direct critiques of individuals like John Keel and Ray Stanford highlight a willingness to engage in internal debates within the ufology field. The editorial stance appears to favor a more grounded, though not entirely dismissive, approach to UFO phenomena, while also enjoying the more sensational and sometimes absurd elements that emerge.