Saucer Smear - Vol 25 No 01 - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER CRUD
Issue: Vol. 25, No. 1
Date: January 10th, 1978
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Crud" marks a New Year's resolution to move away from rhyming titles, thanking contributors and acknowledging those whose suggestions were not used. The publication is described as a "NON-SCHEDULED NEWSLETTER."

MISC. RAVINGS

A meeting of the "hard core" Faithful of the National UFO Conference was held in Cleveland on December 30th-31st. Tentative plans were made for conventions in the summers of 1978 and 1979, with details to be announced later. Captain Jim Oberg was scheduled to appear on the Long John Nebel - Candy Jones radio show on January 19th, along with publicist Timothy Greed Beckley. An apology was issued to researcher Bob Easley for a previous misimplication about his past employment. The editor promised to publish the next letter from Allen Greenfield in full, provided it fits the format.

AMERICA'S LEADING PSYCHICS "STRIKE OUT" AGAIN

Following a tradition begun the previous year, the editor reviewed the National Enquirer's predictions for 1977 from "ten leading psychics." The conclusion was that not a single prediction definitively came true, labeling this phenomenon as "negative ESP." The article highlights several predictions, some described as "foolish" and "ghoulish," such as Freddie Prince becoming a father of twins and Elvis Presley undergoing a delicate eye operation, with the entertainer donating millions for eye research.

For "Space Fans," predictions included Mrs. Bryant's claim that archaeologists in Egypt would discover a crashed alien spaceship, and Shawn Robbins' prediction of an unmanned alien spacecraft crashing in Arizona. Hollywood psychic Kebrina Kinkade foresaw the Air Force revealing a captured alien spacecraft and its occupants communicating telepathically about their advanced, disease-free planet.

The article contrasts these predictions with real-world events. Sophia Loren, despite a prediction that she would give up acting after an unsuccessful kidnap attempt on her child, had just signed a million-dollar contract for U.S. commercials. Similarly, a prediction of a major oil industry strike causing price hikes was juxtaposed with the stabilization of international oil prices for at least six months into 1978. Other "gems" included predictions that Barbara Walters would quit television and Redd Fox would suffer a heart attack.

The editor expresses mild belief in psychic phenomena but dismisses the Enquirer's predictions as "pure rubbish" and "BULLSHIT!"

Ye Olde Mail Baq

Dr. J. Allen Hynek writes, "Keep up the good work. We need perspective of a jolly kind."

Bill Nash, a Pan American Airlines pilot, recalls a "classic" UFO sighting in 1952 and enjoys the "laughs" and "Truly Newsy" content.

Captain Jim Oberg discusses his experience seeing "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" at a pre-screening. He questions where the special effects money went and speculates about Russian involvement. While acknowledging it's a good movie with good acting, he doubts it will generate significant public imagination or UFO hysteria. He notes it's good publicity for Hynek and CUFOS but criticizes the movie's portrayal of the 1945 'Flight 19' tragedy as sensationalized and unforgivable.

Oberg also mentions Brad Sparks' manuscript on "debunking debunkers," offering first publication rights for 98 cents. He comments on the "Playboy Panel" on UFOs, noting that astronaut UFO reports are still highlighted by Vallee and Harder, while Hynek has changed his stance. Oberg dismisses Harder's fixation on the Gemini-4 tadpole, calling it an "indefensible stand" and suggesting a NASA photo technician's mistake was ballyhooed into a top UFO photograph. He admits fallibility regarding the Maccabee on Gemini-II theory and hints that Sparks may have found another explanation, for which he claims partial credit.

John Peldyak addresses the recurring North Pole photo requests, enclosing a scientific photograph of the area from Apollo 11 that reveals "nothing unusual." The photo shows Canada, Greenland, Iceland, part of the U.S., and a flying saucer near the North Pole, intended to put the "silly Polar Controversy to rest."

Letters from Readers

Gilbert Ziemba clarifies rumors about his departure from Ufology, stating he has given up UFO research for the time being but remains involved socially and journalistically. He is currently incarcerated, which limits his social activities, and hopes to resume socially and journalistically by late 1978.

Peter Sutherland enjoyed "Saucer Shoes" and "Official UFO," calling the latter the only magazine he truly enjoys. He offers a unique explanation for "angel hair" as frozen UFO sewerage that melts upon contact with Earth, causing a peculiar smell.

Carl Wilfong congratulates the newsletters and states that UFOCUS professionals do not care what "trash" they receive. He humorously suggests that giving anyone a typewriter will lead to their hanging themselves, with the rope sent C.O.D.

David FidelRE expresses surprise at his previous letter being featured in "Ye Olde Mail Bag" and notes that his comments about "MillRE" may have damaged his credibility. He criticizes "Official UFO" editor Jeffrey Goodman, pointing out an error in his letter and suggesting that "Official UFO" material is fabricated by staff writers, predicting an "I was raped by the Space Beings" article.

Kevin McCray enjoys the publication despite its peculiarity and requests a notice of his new address, aiming to rekindle his UFO interest by surveying current literature. He previously published "Ufology Report."

Bob ("Raving Robert") Schiller congratulates the publication on its title "Saucer Lous" for 1977 and jokes about "ole Barker's" neglect in replying to crank letters. He mentions receiving genuine MIB and Janice Croy Christmas cards and humorously suggests he might have received one from the "Texas nut group" or Ray Stanford.

Page 4 Content

Larry Stephens plans to publish his newsletter 12 times a year under three separate titles, each four pages long, starting January 1978, for $4.50 per annum. He mentions an exchange program and a "blanket copyright permission form" for reprinting issues.

Lou Farish responds to Cap'n Oberg's comments on Skylab-3 'UFO' photos, adding that the object was red, unlike typical satellites. He suggests Oberg re-examine the photos, questioning if he dismisses red objects as Russian satellites.

Hayden Hewes promotes "The Hefley Report," a new psychic tabloid newsmagazine, offering complementary issues and noting it's a new writers' market.

The current issue features an interview with George Van Tassel about his "Integration."

Dave FidelRE provides "Fearless Psychic Predictions for 1978," including predictions that Moseley will continue publishing "SaucRE WhatevRE," John Keel is an android, Steve Miller will disappear from Ufology, Bob Sheaffer will develop a belief in fairies, Lou Wiedemann will investigate "Fartean phenomena," Allen Greenfield will be investigated by NWLSODUT, Arizona will drop into the sea, W. Todd Zechel will never be heard from again, and a Cleveland Ufologist will appear in "Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind."

The editor notes that "Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind" is the title of a forthcoming parody article for "Saucer Crud."

Page 5 Content

Philip J. Klass writes to "Jim" (presumably the editor) with "PROOF POSITIVE" that he has been paid off by the U.S. Air Force to the tune of $300 for his years of debunking UFOs and a recent lecture at the Air Force Academy. He encloses a copy of his expenses, which totaled $300, including $276 for airfare and $6.60 for a donated book. His net profit is stated as 40 cents.

Klass recounts a background incident from 9-10 years prior when Paul Cerny accused him of being paid by the USAF, CIA, or government. Klass offered $10,000 for substantiation, which Cerny never provided. In spring 1975, during a promotion for his book "UFOs Explained," Cerny again made such charges. Klass raised his offer to $25,000, contingent on Cerny allowing examination of his tax returns if Klass allowed examination of his. Cerny publicly agreed to this.

Klass sent Cerny a Xerox copy of his 1966 Federal Tax Return, proposing an exchange for Cerny's returns. Cerny returned the letter and tax return unopened, marked "Refused, return to sender." Klass notes that despite this, many people believe Cerny kept his word.

Klass concludes that his 40-cent profit from the Air Force Academy lecture must be added to his list of exceptions, which includes a Social Security death benefit and a tax refund.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the skepticism towards psychic predictions, the critical examination of UFO-related media and publications, and the ongoing debate and personal accounts within the ufology community. The editor's stance is clearly one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those made by psychics and sensationalist media outlets like the National Enquirer. He champions a more grounded, albeit still open, approach to UFO phenomena, as evidenced by his direct and often blunt language ("BULLSHIT!") and his willingness to engage in debates and challenge perceived inaccuracies. The issue also highlights the personal rivalries and differing methodologies within the ufology field, particularly through the exchanges involving Philip J. Klass and Paul Cerny.