SAUCER DRONE

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER DRONE
Issue: Volume 26, No. 2
Date: February 15th, 1979
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER DRONE, a non-scheduled newsletter, is dedicated to "rank & file ufologists who are destined to remain mere background figures in the saucer scene." It covers a range of topics within ufology and Fortean phenomena, featuring news, commentary, and reader contributions.

Misc. Ravings

Ohio Coalition of Ufologists Charles Wilhelm of OUFOIL is described as the "Coalition Whip" for the recently formed Ohio Coalition of Ufologists. He sent a letter to many ufologists, asking them to categorize themselves into one of seven groups: 'Sorcerer's Apprentices,' 'James Bond Types,' 'Celebrity Types,' 'Armed Guards,' 'Ass Sitters,' 'Prickassologists,' or 'Rare Breeds.' The newsletter's editors humorously place themselves in the 'Rare Breeds' category, a combination of all seven types, and note that this analysis does not apply to them as they do not live in Ohio.

Dave Fideler's 'Anomalty Research Bulletin' Dave Fideler has ceased publication of his 'Anomalty Research Bulletin' with issue #232. The editors express regret, calling it "one of the best zines around" and a "uniquely professional effort," especially considering Fideler's young age, with the possible exception of Max Miller's 'Saucers' from years ago.

MUFON's Unorthodox Research Information received suggests that MUFON's Pennsylvania State Section Director, Edwin Bailey, and a co-worker are engaged in "rather unorthodox UFO research." This research reportedly involves the Bible, psychic phenomena, and "Circle 9 Math," a new type of math that explains the circle's connection to human undertakings. The newsletter questions whether MUFON's International Czar, Walter Andrus, is aware of this, suggesting it might be "time for a Purge."

Tom Bearden's '3½ D' Theory Tom Bearden, editor of the magazine 'Specula,' presents a "3½ D" Theory of UFO origin. Simplified, the theory posits that life forms like UFOs, monsters, and fairies exist in an alternate universe that can occasionally breach the threshold of scientific detection. The more people believe in a phenomenon, the more detectable it becomes. Bearden also connects cattle mutilation to Freudian symbolism and the Russian arms build-up, a connection the newsletter finds "on shaky ground." 'Specula' is recommended as a sophisticated and interesting zine.

Ground Saucer Watch

Todd Zechel and the CIA Lawsuit Todd Zechel appeared on the "Today" Show with non-subscriber Bill Spaulding of GSW, discussing the results of their successful lawsuit against the CIA. The newsletter notes that "Ole Todd" has removed them from the CAUS mailing list, despite the editor being a member of GSW and possibly its only "Grand Dragon." Zechel is reportedly living in Washington, D.C., at a location he refuses to disclose for security reasons.

Bill Spaulding on Tom Snyder Bill Spaulding of GSW was on Tom Snyder's "Tomorrow" Show discussing his UFO photo analysis techniques.

National UFO Conference (NUFOC) The 16th annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) is scheduled to be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the weekend of July 14th. Further details will be announced in a future issue.

Spontaneous Human Combustion An article in the "National Enquirer" details cases of "spontaneous human combustion," described as incidents where people suddenly burst into flames for no apparent reason. The newsletter notes this as a "Fortean" area that researchers have not pursued.

Missives From The Masses

Howard Menger Howard Menger, a well-known contactee, writes that he is looking forward to better weather to do radio and television appearances. He states there is a need for updating on UFOs and his own status, noting that he can speak more freely now after more than 10 years since 1956. He mentions that 72-degree weather was experienced recently in Vero Beach, Florida, where there are 49 millionaires. He also sends a message to "Candy Jones," asserting he is "not a hoaxter."

James Maney James Maney, a "Sex & Saucers" researcher, addresses a gripe he and Hayden Hewes have with Art Gatti. The issue is not that Gatti stole material, but that after expressing interest in a book-length version of the "UFO seduction story," Gatti, through Zebra Books, declined. Later, Gatti released a UFO-sex book published by Zebra Books. Maney finds this "galling" and notes that "UFO Missionaries" also did not appear in local bookstores. He humorously suggests "Saucer Blown?" was named in honor of the work Hewes and he did in the field of UFOs and sex.

Phil Klass's Satirical Proposal Phil Klass writes about the lawsuit by Todd Zechel's group, CAUS, aimed at forcing the Air Force to reveal information about an alleged UFO crash in the late 1940s. Klass proposes a satirical "Committee to Provide a Decent Christian Burial for the 'Little Green Men' Ufonauts" (CPDCBLGMU). He solicits contributions to buy cemetery plots and tombstones for the alleged alien bodies and crashed saucer, suggesting they deserve a "decent Christian burial" near Cape Canaveral. Any surplus funds would go to Todd Zechel to help pay off his financial debts. The proposal is presented with a mock advertisement for "FREE TICKETS!!" to an exhibit of "LITTLE GREEN MEN" pickled at Wright-Patterson AFB, featuring details about their age, "outercourse," and a tape recording of the leader's last words: "RU FOE REAL?"

Randy Sarbacher Randy Sarbacher writes that "Saucer Blown?" was great and that the cartoon "really cracked me up" (because there was "nothing to read"). He mentions having an alien like one described in his neighborhood but has never seen her antennas.

Tom Lind Tom Lind thanks the newsletter for issues of "Saucer Loan," "Phone," etc., stating that the magazine "does for Ufology what Billy Carter does for the country."

George Fox Psychic researcher George Fox comments on "Dickhoff," stating that "A real Lama doesn't use vile language." He questions why Dickhoff writes if he finds someone "wanting in the balance" and mentions his CIA connection, humorously noting the CIA never told him. He prefers Peter Jordan for the time being, referencing a comment by "Barker" about Menger being brainwashed.

Note on Page Four A note indicates that an item on page four was passed around at the MUFON convention by "trouble-makers who wish to remain anonymous."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of SAUCER DRONE appears to be critical and often satirical, particularly towards established UFO organizations like MUFON and individuals perceived as seeking personal gain or publicity. The newsletter champions the "rank & file ufologists" and expresses skepticism towards official narratives and certain prominent figures in the field. Themes include the categorization of ufologists, the challenges of UFO research, the potential for commercialization of findings, and the satirical treatment of alleged alien encounters and government cover-ups. The use of humor and sarcasm is a prominent feature, as seen in the "Little Green Men" burial proposal and the commentary on various contributors.