Saucer Smear - Vol 25 No 13 - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER CRONE
Issue: Vol. 25, No. 13
Date: November 15th, 1978
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Crone" is dedicated to Mrs. Coral Lorenzen, described as a "venerable matriarch of the UFO tribe." The publication serves as the official newsletter for the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society.

A VOICE FROM "INSIDE" (formerly "MISC. RAVINGS")

Rosemary DeWitt's Sighting Attempt

On the morning of November 1st, Virginia psychic Rosemary DeWitt led a group of UFO enthusiasts to a location where she claimed a craft would appear, based on information from "Space People." Despite prior sightings in the area and a meteorite shower that night, no craft was observed. The editor expresses mild disappointment, suggesting "Better luck next time!"

Candy Jones Hallowe'en Show Appearance

On October 31st, the editor, along with Timothy Greed Beckley ("Ms. UFO"), appeared on the Candy Jones Hallowe'en show. A significant topic of discussion was the recent "Australian Case," involving a young pilot and his plane that disappeared after radioing about being harassed by a low-flying UFO. The editor notes the sensational nature of the case and hopes for follow-up information on whether the pilot and plane were found.

Admiral Byrd's Secret Diary

An item in "Saucer Phone" about the missing secret diary of Admiral Byrd generated a large response, with many readers seeking more information. Two sources for information are provided: the International Society for a Complete Earth (addressing Tawani W. Shoush) and the Hollow Earth Research Society (addressing Ivan Boyes).

NICRAP's Financial Woes

The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICRAP) organization is reportedly facing bankruptcy again. Their latest magazine issue, the first since May, reported a deficit of $4,500 for 1977, largely due to "contracting services."

"Just Cause" FOI Suit

The "Just Cause" group, associated with Todd Zechel, is soliciting donations for a new Freedom of Information suit concerning a crashed disc case from the late 1940s. They require $5,000 and provide a contact for their lawyer, Peter Gersten.

"The UFO Examiner" Update

The current issue of "The UFO Examiner" provides an update on the 1964 UFO landing at Socorro, New Mexico. Two additional witnesses, not previously known, have been interviewed separately. Their descriptions of the object differ from Lonnie Zamora's, and the article analyzes these discrepancies.

MISSIVES FROM THE MASSES

Llama Robert Dickhoff's Letter

Llama Robert Dickhoff sends a strongly worded letter, criticizing the "pre-Hallowe'en issue of 'Saucer Phone'" and its contributors, including the editor. He refers to the editor's associate as "Grumpy Erotic Fart" and accuses them of being "Weirdos." He also mentions Augie Roberts and a hideout in New Jersey, and complains about "phony calls" and a returned letter marked "refused."

Jennings Frederick's Report

Jennings Frederick, an Individual Scientific Researcher, writes about the feud between Todd Zechel and Philip Klass, describing it as a "Hatfield and McCoy feud." He also reports a UFO sighting with a witness on October 22nd and mentions his car window being shot out in broad daylight, narrowly missing him.

Charles Wilhelm's Observations

Charles Wilhelm expresses sympathy regarding Perry Collins' situation and speculates about his "Space Friends." He also addresses a statement by Mr. Jim Harris concerning NUFOC's respectability, questioning the basis for such claims and noting the prevalence of unsubstantiated claims among "so-called Ufologists." Wilhelm also reports on the third Ohio Coalition meeting, noting that Mr. Moyars and Mr. Earl Neff did not participate, suggesting a trend among older ufologists to only consider the Extraterrestrial Theory.

The Inevitable Bob Sheaffer

Bob Sheaffer recounts a trip to Texas, including a tour of NASA by "Captain Jim." He describes the trip as a "disaster," with his wife and himself falling ill, and his baby son contracting a "yeast infection." His wife Cookie also had a fall from a horse. Gregory Oberg, their baby son, bit him. Sheaffer humorously critiques NASA's astronaut photography, calling the photos "terrible" and "badly exposed." He also includes a suggested caption for a photograph (not included in the scan) showing James Oberg and Thornton Page "stashing UFO information into NASA's top-secret files" into a trash bin marked "CLASSIFIED WASTE ONLY."

Hayden Hewes' Radio Show and Book Proposal

Hayden Hewes invites readers west of the Mississippi to tune into his radio show "Perspective" on KOMA Radio. He also discusses Art Gatti's book "UFO Encounters of the Fourth Kind," claiming Gatti had previously approached him and co-author James Maney for material for a book proposal titled "Sex, Outer Space Style," which was rejected by Gatti's editors. Hewes feels they were "screwed" as Gatti later published a similar book.

Robert Carson on Witchcraft Survey

Witchcraft Expert Robert Carson sends a note acknowledging "Saucer Phone" and "Saucer Clone." He mentions that he and Sandy Teller are finalizing their 7th annual witchcraft survey, which will be sent out soon.

Philip J. Klass's Letter

Philip J. Klass writes to the editor, addressing claims that his efforts to expose Todd Zechel are motivated by a fear of UFOs being extraterrestrial and thus triggering his $10,000 "offer contracts." Klass details a contract with James M. McCampbell, who lost his job and was unable to make his annual payment. Klass offered to keep the contract "in limbo" and even stated he would pay the $10,000 if a "payoff" incident occurred that year, regardless of McCampbell's payment. McCampbell gratefully accepted this revision. Klass concludes by stating this is "perhaps the best indication of how worried I am that Zechel, or anyone, will ever uncover any 'proof of extraterrestrial spaceships'." He also mentions a fear of missing a UFO sighting while sailing, as he posts a sign informing UFOs of his location.

Riley Crabb's Media Encounter

Riley Crabb recounts an experience from the early 1960s on a flying saucer lecture trail. He was scheduled for a TV show in Houston, Texas, but after stating his belief in the "3-D reality of the UFOs" and an "official coverup," the hostess abruptly ended the program. Crabb was told by station staff that the switchboard was flooded with calls, but none were put through to his telephone. He interprets this as evidence of "media control" and the "flying saucer coverup."

Timothy Greed Beckley's Review

Timothy Greed Beckley writes about a "Ufological affair" and a "super 8 motion picture" shown by Stella Lansing, which he found impressive, with a skeptical guest commenting it would take many people to fake it. He also mentions sending a review copy of Arthur Shuttlewood's book "UFO Prophecy." Beckley's publication, "UFO Review," has gained over 1500 subscribers and prints 20,000 copies per issue. Lee Spiegel provides a daily "UFO Update" on NBC radio.

Margaret Sachs' Appreciation

Margaret Sachs expresses her enjoyment of the newsletters, appreciating the content beyond "skeptics' tired old 'little green men' jokes." She mentions a visit from Gabe Green of the Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America, who brought her "tiny little green grapes" he grew in his Yucca Valley garden.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and the research efforts within the ufology community. There is a clear division between believers and skeptics, with the editor and many contributors leaning towards the belief in extraterrestrial origins of UFOs. The publication also highlights the personal anecdotes and opinions of its readers and contributors, often with a critical or humorous tone towards official institutions like NASA and skeptical figures like Philip Klass. The editor, James W. Moseley, appears to maintain a stance that encourages discussion and investigation within the UFO field, while also acknowledging and sometimes participating in the debates and rivalries within the community.