Saucer Smear - Vol 25 No 06 - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SPUD

Issue Date: May 1st, 1978

Volume: Vol. 25, No. 6

Editor: James W. Moseley

Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEA

Country of Publication: USA

Original Language: English

Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SAUCER SPUD, a non-scheduled newsletter, is dedicated in honor of Howard Menger and his "Moon Potato." It features a quote from John Keel and serves as the official publication of the SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEA. The mailing address is P.O. BOX 163, FORT LEE, N.J. 07024.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The "Editor's" section, titled "MISC. RAVINGS," begins with a warning about a "Dreaded 'X'" on mailing labels, indicating the last issue unless the recipient responds. The newsletter welcomes back Staff Artist Betty Moseley, age 14. It notes the "hushing up" of "Uncle Lou," a researcher and satirist, who has asked to be removed from the mailing list. Upcoming events are announced: the National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in Cleveland, Ohio on August 12th, a MUFON convention in Dayton, Ohio on July 29th, and a Fortean Society meeting near Washington, D.C. on August 5th and 6th.

News and Commentary

Death of Long John Nebel: The issue reports the death of talk-show pioneer Long John Nebel from cancer. His all-night program, which began in 1956 and was known for its focus on UFOs and off-beat subjects, aired on WOR, WNBC, and finally WMCA. Nebel is credited with promoting the UFO subject through publicity, even though he never claimed to believe in UFOs himself. The WMCA show continues as "The Long John Nebel Candy Jones Show." The editor appeared on the show on April 18th with science-fiction writers Lester Del Rey and Fred Pohl, who are described as skeptical. There is speculation that Candy Jones might lose her spot on the WMCA show.

UFO Encounter Group Symposium: On April 16th, the editor attended a flying saucer symposium in New Haven, Connecticut, sponsored by the UFO Encounter Group. Speakers included a "silent contactee" named Perry Collins and Timothy Greed Beckley. The event was praised for its professional handling by local clubhead Tony Ranciato.

Interplanetary "Think-In": An experiment is being prepared by California advertising consultants called the world's first interplanetary "think-in," aiming to send ESP messages to Space People simultaneously worldwide.

Todd Zechel Controversy: Todd Zechel is reportedly threatening to sue the newsletter for defamation. The editor notes Zechel's past use of pseudonyms and his refusal to use the newsletter's pages to present his views. The editor believes Zechel possesses important UFO information but needs to organize it into a book. The complex issues involving Scotia-American Productions, Zechel, and the "Saucer Spud" editor are mentioned as unresolved.

Brandon Blackman in Trinidad: Brandon Blackman is visiting his native Trinidad, where a local newspaper featured him due to his appearances in American movies, despite not having speaking roles.

Critique of "Official UFO" Magazine: The magazine "Official UFO" is heavily criticized for its absurd content, including a story about an Elvis Presley clone escaping a laboratory, a worldwide network of alien tunnels, an alien prisoner, and an American city run by an alien. The editor states that the magazine is giving science fiction a bad name.

Letter from Paul Caruso: A letter from Paul Caruso of Pleasantville, Arizona, published in "UFO Report," praises "Saucer Crud" (referring to "Saucer Spud") for its critical stance on ufology. However, the editor notes that Pleasantville, Arizona, does not exist, suggesting the letter might be a "house letter."

Jim Randi's Event: The editor attended an event in New York City sponsored by Jim Randi and the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. The event offered a $10,000 reward for demonstrated paranormal powers. Sue Wallace, Ed Hennessy, and Don Lepore participated, with the outcome for Lepore's table-levitation attempt unknown.

Letters to the Editor

Dr. Thornton Page (NASA): Disagrees with "Uncle Lou" regarding UFO investigations, recommending the book "UFOs: A Scientific Debate." He suggests that while some ufologists are "loose screws," investigators are needed, and commends J. Allen Hynek and CUFOS.

Dan Cohen (Science Writer): Thanks the newsletter for mentioning his book "The World of UFOs" and corrects a previous statement about SAUCER NEWS' circulation.

Eugene Steinberg: Expresses concern about the direction of UFO publishing, noting a lack of acceptance for new UFO books despite the success of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." He humorously suggests that UFO fiction might be more accurate in another reality.

Richard Heiden: Continues his critique of George Adamski and the UFO Education Center in Appleton, Wisconsin, founded by Charlotte Blob. Heiden argues that such groups give UFOs a bad name and can potentially harm witnesses who believe in "benevolent Space Brothers." He details how the Center has become a religion, using hypnosis and programming to gain disciples, and has extracted significant funds. Three followers have been deprogrammed by Ted Patrick, and parents are seeking help.

Dr. Leon Davidson: The editor addresses Dr. Davidson's claims that the CIA is behind the UFO phenomenon, including the New Mexican "green fireballs" and Washington radar cases. The editor questions if Davidson has used the Freedom of Information Act and suggests he might be deliberately misleading people, given the phenomenon's long history predating the CIA.

Rick Hilberg (National UFO Conference): Provides details for the NUFOC convention in Strongsville, Ohio, including "closed sessions" and a public meeting. He also mentions delegate housing at the Holiday Inn and the formation of the Northern Ohio UFO Group.

Captain Jim Oberg: Challenges Jacques Vallee's claim that astronauts Carpenter, Young, and Cernan saw UFOs, noting the lack of documentation. He also comments on Dr. James McCampbell's perceived loss of humor and asserts that the best UFO cases are becoming older and more distant.

Bob Sheaffer: Reviews a skeptical UFO book from the Netherlands, "UFOs Boven de Lage Landen," recommending it despite not having read it, following a tradition of reviewing books without reading them.

Steve Miller: Writes that he has run out of funny things to say and is staying on the mailing list.

Charles Wilhelm (OUFOIL): States that their publication is finished and will be sent to the newsletter.

Bob Schiller: Describes various strange events and attempts to contact UFOs, including Portland's TV station experiment, London's signal attempts, and the Atlanta Braves' UFO request. He also mentions a mayor re-elected despite facing charges and the Minneapolis police selling machine guns.

Budget Includes Funds for Control of Aliens, Heroin

A brief news item from WASHINGTON (AP) states that President Carter's new budget includes funds for controlling aliens and heroin.

Moonies To Solicit Funds In Jupiter

A headline indicates a story about "Moonies" soliciting funds in Jupiter.

Continued from Page 2 (Jim Randi Event)

The report on Jim Randi's event continues, detailing a contestant's attempt to guess magnetized cigarettes. The editor had to leave before the final act, Don Lepore's table-levitation attempt, and could not determine the outcome.

Lama Robert Dickhoff's UFO Spot

Lama Robert Dickhoff has promised to show the editor a spot in a New York City park where a UFO allegedly landed, leaving behind symbols burned in rocks. The editor hopes to visit the spot soon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAUCER SPUD demonstrates a strong editorial stance that balances reporting on UFO phenomena with a healthy dose of skepticism and critical analysis. Recurring themes include:

• Ufology as a Field: The newsletter frequently discusses the state of ufology, critiquing sensationalist publications like "Official UFO" and questioning the credibility of certain researchers and claims. There's a clear effort to distinguish between serious investigation and what the editor deems "crud" or "morons."
• Skepticism and Debunking: The involvement of figures like Jim Randi and the mention of skeptical books and writers highlight a commitment to critical examination of UFO claims. The newsletter doesn't shy away from challenging perceived absurdities.
• Media and Publicity: The role of media, from talk shows like Long John Nebel's to magazines and newsletters, in shaping public perception of UFOs is a consistent focus. The editor acknowledges how media can promote a subject, even without personal belief.
• Upcoming Events: The consistent announcement of UFO conferences and meetings suggests an aim to keep readers informed about the community's activities and provide opportunities for engagement.
• Personal Anecdotes and Correspondence: The inclusion of letters from readers and personal accounts from the editor provides a direct connection to the community and diverse viewpoints within the UFO field.

The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry but with a strong emphasis on rational thought, evidence, and a critical perspective, particularly when dealing with claims that border on the sensational or lack substantiation. The newsletter aims to be a platform for discussion and information within the UFO community, while also serving as a voice of reason against what it perceives as excesses or unfounded beliefs.