Saucer Smear - Vol 25 No 02 - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER CRUD
Issue: Vol. 25, No. 2
Date: February 5th, 1978
Publisher: Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Crud" is a non-scheduled newsletter that presents a mix of UFO-related news, personal accounts, and satirical commentary. The publication aims to be a platform for discussions and reports within the UFO community.

Miscellany and News

The "MISC. RAVINGS" section covers several brief news items. The Long John Nebel and Candy Jones radio show is moving from the Mutual Network to local New York City station WMCA, reportedly at Nebel's request due to commercial time constraints. A UFO movie titled "Skywatch," produced by Scotia-American Productions, is slated for release, with the editor humorously noting that the company owes him money and he intends to sue if necessary. The editor also highlights "UFOLK," a new zine dedicated to UFO photographs, edited by Gene Duplantier, which features photos of the "Saucer Crud" editor. The price for "UFOLK" is $2.00, available from Gene Duplantier in Willowdale, Ontario, Canada. Another publication mentioned is "The Internation UFOCUS Report," edited by Jim Harris, noted for its regular satire.

The newsletter also touches upon a mysterious non-subscriber identified as Dick Henry from NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C. An AP wire story about an alleged alien invasion of Chester, Illinois, as reported in "Official UFO," is mentioned, with Timothy Greed Beckley noting the town is enjoying the unexpected publicity. A prediction from Lama Robert Dickhoff of New York foresees a violent war in the Mideast with a nuclear bomb blast in Egypt. Finally, a follow-up on a story about Carlos Miguel Allende details his sending of six tapes to Gray Barker, followed by a seventh tape of curses when Barker refused payment.

Stanton Friedman and Close Encounters

A "BREATHLESS PRESS-TIME FLASH" reports on a clipping from the January 13th, 1978, Chicago Tribune, suggesting that UFO lecturer Stanton Friedman might be a "Closet Contactee." The clipping includes a photo of Friedman holding a sculpture of a humanoid alien, reportedly made under hypnosis after he and his wife claimed to have been taken aboard a spacecraft in 1971. The sketch was used by Universal Pictures for the TV film "The UFO Incident."

Under the heading "A CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE FOURTH KIND," the newsletter presents a letter from Dr. Jake Alune Heinrick of the Limburger Observatory in Bombay, India. Dr. Heinrick describes observing a circular, brightly-lit object through his telescope. The object landed, and three naked women descended, approaching him with sexual intent. He describes a "joyous encounter" and warns readers to "proceed with caution." The editor's note encourages non-subscribers who have similar experiences to report them, emphasizing the value of photos of the alien women and stating that data will be sent to CUFOS.

Member Correspondence and Commentary

"MISSIVES FROM THE MEMBERSHIP" features letters from readers. T. Mensch, Ph.D., expresses disappointment with the negative reaction to a photograph of an artifact he shared, stating this will likely be his final communication until his research is ready for public announcement. He also notes that the mail drop used by "Our Mutual Friend" is now closed.

Jim Harris, co-editor of "The Internation UFOCUS Report," comments on the end of "Saucer Etc." and the beginning of "Saucer Crud," offering a prediction that 1978 will be a repeat of "100,000 B.C." He also mentions enclosing a tape with "the obvious answer to the UFO Mystery."

Philip J. Klass, identified as a "SuperSkeptic," disputes a previous "USAF payoff" report, claiming his long-distance phone bill for a call to Norad was $1.04, making the payoff a "MINUS (-) 64 cents." He humorously notes his AT&T stock ownership might offset the cost.

Uncle Lou writes a cryptic note, questioning whether the editor believes UFOs are a joke and expressing enjoyment of the zine, while also dropping his membership in other organizations.

Gene Duplantier of SS&S Publications thanks the editor for a plug for "UFOLK" and discusses the potential for future issues based on response. He also mentions being ripped off by "Steinberg" for UFO detectors and hopes "Uncle Gray" remembers him in his will.

Dave Fideler expresses honor at having his letters published and comments on the new title "Saucer Crud," finding it descriptive. He states he is a serious UFO researcher who confines his "weirdness" to the publication.

Gilbert Ziemba inquires about "strange Fartean phenomena" and loud atmospheric explosions detected by scientific instruments, asking who the "guilty party" is.

Graphological Analysis of Philip J. Klass Signature

A letter from Careywood, ID, dated January 11, 1978, presents a graphological analysis by Mr. Decimus Hands of a signature attributed to Philip J. Klass. Hands concludes the signature is a forgery, incompatible with the meticulous text of the letter. He describes the signature as that of an "obnoxious egomaniac," particularly noting the large initial "Pee" which he interprets as pointing to an "enormously enlarged posterior." He suggests the combined script reads "Pill" or "Pil," intended to prejudice readers against the writer. The analysis is presented "(In absentia)" as Hands never signs his own letters.

A postscript from Jerome Eden refers to an article titled "Verbal Diarrhea" on page 19 of the Eden Bulletin concerning "THE HEFLEY REPORT."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing discussion and reporting of UFO sightings and related phenomena, the personal experiences of alleged contactees, and the skepticism and critical analysis of UFO claims. There is a strong element of satire and humor, particularly in the "MISC. RAVINGS" section and the commentary on various individuals and publications within the UFO community. The editorial stance appears to be one of open reporting of diverse viewpoints, including the bizarre and the critical, while maintaining a somewhat irreverent and humorous tone. The editor actively solicits reader participation and reports on their contributions.