Magazine Summary

SAUCER CLIT

Magazine Issue SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY 1970s

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Summary

Overview

This issue of Saucer Clit newsletter from November 5th, 1979, includes news briefs about an upcoming open house party and staff artist Betty Moseley's marriage. It features miscellaneous ravings, including a list-cleaning notice and an update on John Keel's recovery. The newsletter also discusses Dave Fideler's reorganized Michigan Anomaly Research Organization and its publication. A significant portion is dedicated to predictions about Ted Kennedy and the '20-year Curse'. It addresses hoax letters and a purported letter from the University of Chicago regarding UFO examination. Audience reactions include predictions from George Montgomery and commentary from Phil Collins and Mrs. Doris Van Tassel. Researcher Tommy Roy Blann debunks a NASA UFO case as lead dross. Philip J. Klass protests a ban on mentioning the National Sex Association. Jerry Clark refutes Phil Klass's claims about his involvement with CAUS. Jim Oberg's participation in a London UFO event is mentioned, along with the death of Christopher Evans. The Cutty Sark award for scientific papers is discussed, with a critique of the judging. Tom Benson writes about his 'Honorary Irish Poet' status. George Earley offers thoughts on directed energy and UFO contact. Bill McIntyre of MARCEN clarifies his organization's stance on MUFON and other groups. Gene Steinberg responds to Tom Benson regarding the NUFOC. Richard Heiden discusses the moon's appearance and the cancellation of Dr. George Hunt Williamson from a San Diego UFO conference. An editor's note mentions Williamson's past exposure and provides details for the San Diego Con. Stanton T. Friedman critiques Jim Oberg's comments on the Cutty Sark award, questioning the impartiality of the judges and the accuracy of Oberg's work, and presents a poll on UFO acceptance among engineers and scientists.

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER CLIT
Issue: Volume 26, No. 12
Date: November 5th, 1979
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This non-scheduled newsletter from the SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY provides a mix of news, personal opinions, and reactions from readers within the ufology community. The publication, edited by James W. Moseley, covers a range of topics from upcoming society events to critiques of UFO research and prominent figures in the field.

News Briefies

The newsletter begins with news briefs, reminding subscribers about an annual "open house" party for non-subscribers on November 10th at a secret location in Guttenberg, N.J., with a provided phone number. It announces that Betty Moseley, the "Saucer Clit" staff artist, has married Edward Becker. Charles Wilhelm of OUFOIL has resigned from the Permanent Organizing Committee of the National UFO Conference and has been replaced by Tom Benson. Plans for the next year's convention are in progress, and the editor mentions attending a convention in San Diego.

Miscellaneous Ravings

A section titled "Miscellaneous Ravings" includes a notice about list cleaning, asking recipients with an "X" on their envelope to respond to remain on the mailing list. It reports that John Keel has been seriously ill but is recovering, and provides his New York address for well-wishers. Dave Fideler has reorganized his Michigan Anomaly Research Organization (MAR) and released a new zine, "Report on Current Research," with contact information provided. The editor also expresses an interest in "Assassination Fans" and discusses the "John Kennedy killing" and the "20-year Curse," predicting Ted Kennedy's election and death in office. The editor humorously states his intention to vote for Ted Kennedy for one of these reasons.

Hoax Letters and University of Chicago Letter

The newsletter recalls a "WAVE OF HOAX LETTERS" previously discussed, with Bill McIntyre of MARCEN still receiving them. Two hoax letters from England are mentioned, alleging government suppression and the murder of a contactee. A more intriguing, though allegedly false, letter dated May 3rd, 1979, from the University of Chicago's Department of Biology to Todd Zechel, is presented. This letter claims that university archives confirm examinations of "very strange humanoid bodies" in 1948 and 1952, with results classified by government agents. It mentions "four-foot-tall sexless bodies" thought to be products of Nazi cloning and genetic experiments. Readers are urged to write to the University of Chicago for verification.

Reactions From The Audience

This section features letters from readers:

  • George Montgomery criticizes the newsletter for going "downhill" and offers predictions for the coming year, including political events and the deaths of several public figures. He also mentions Ed Sanders's alleged conversion to Evangelism.
  • Phil Collins finds the newsletter "educational" and appreciates the blend of seriousness and humor.
  • Mrs. Doris Van Tassel, widow of George, expresses appreciation for the editor's writing and mentions being involved in a legal battle with the Christology Church.
  • Gene Duplantier enjoyed the "Elsie the Cow" comic strip in "More Saucer Tit."
  • Tommy Roy Blann, a researcher, writes an open letter to Dr. Thornton Page of NASA, debunking a UFO case involving "unusual chunks" found in Frisco, Texas, as lead dross from the Gould Battery Company.
  • Philip J. Klass protests the newsletter's ban on mentioning the National Sex Association.
  • Jerry Clark refutes Phil Klass's claims regarding his involvement with CAUS and Todd Zechel's departure, calling Klass's allegations "bizarre" and a "cover-up."

Jim Oberg and the Cutty Sark Award

Jim Oberg, a former Air Force officer, writes about his "London sojourn," which was marred by the death of Christopher Evans. He also discusses the Cutty Sark scientific paper competition, noting that 173 entries were received. The newsletter includes a cartoon with the caption, "Tell me, Judge Crater, after all these years, how does it feel to be homeward bound?"

Stanton T. Friedman's Critique

Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist, writes a critical letter to Jim Moseley regarding Jim Oberg's comments on the Cutty Sark award. Friedman suggests an "incestuous relationship" between Oberg and the judges, who he claims included individuals with anti-UFO sentiments or limited knowledge of the subject (Dr. Bernard Dixon, Patrick Moore, Christopher Evans). He points out that Dixon and Evans are associated with organizations that include Oberg and Klass, and that Dixon had previously published articles accepting Klass's explanations. Friedman questions the impartiality of the selection process and suggests that Oberg's work may be biased. He also encloses results from an Industrial Research magazine poll indicating that a majority of engineers and scientists accept UFO reality.

Other Contributions

  • Tom Benson writes about receiving accolades as an "Honorary Irish Poet" from the Paddy and Murphy's Irish Whiskey Company.
  • George Earley offers his perspective on "directed energy" and UFO contact, suggesting that human actions have little impact on potential extraterrestrial contact.
  • Bill McIntyre of MARCEN clarifies his organization's position, stating they have not attempted to raid other organizations' memberships and have focused on promoting cooperation. He notes that MARCEN has become a viable alternative for some groups concerned about MUFON and outlines plans to increase MARCEN's membership significantly.
  • Gene Steinberg responds to Tom Benson's criticism regarding the National UFO Conference (NUFOC), asserting consistency in his viewpoints and expressing dissatisfaction with the NUFOC's format and public sessions.
  • Richard Heiden discusses the appearance of the moon and the cancellation of "Dr." George Hunt Williamson from the San Diego UFO Con. due to his alleged lack of credentials and charlatanism. Heiden notes that Williamson was previously "exposed" in SAUCER NEWS. The San Diego Con. details are provided, including dates and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently features a critical and often skeptical stance towards official narratives and certain figures within the ufology community, particularly evident in the critiques of Phil Klass and Jim Oberg. There is a strong emphasis on debunking hoaxes and exposing perceived charlatans. The editor, James W. Moseley, injects personal opinions and humor throughout, as seen in his political predictions and commentary. The publication also serves as a platform for reader feedback, including diverse opinions and personal anecdotes. Themes of conspiracy, government secrecy, and the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena are recurrent, often presented with a contrarian viewpoint. The newsletter champions independent research and critical analysis, even when it challenges established figures or organizations within the field.

I deeply regret that Benson is piqued at me for some unknown reason. I have always thought well of him and treated him in a friendly manner. The kind of debate he wants is best left to the political arena, where it belongs

— Richard Heiden

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the 'X' on the envelope?

An 'X' on the envelope indicates that the recipient will be removed from the mailing list unless they contact the newsletter.

What is the '20-year Curse' mentioned in the newsletter?

The '20-year Curse' refers to a pattern where U.S. presidents elected in years ending in 0, starting from 1840, have died in office, either naturally or by assassination.

What was the outcome of the Cutty Sark scientific paper competition?

The Cutty Sark prize elicited significant new UFO research, with one paper being selected for publication and others being considered for a book. The competition aimed to encourage specialists to contribute to UFO research.

What is the stance of MARCEN regarding MUFON?

MARCEN states that while many organizations have expressed concern about MUFON, MARCEN has not attempted to raid memberships and has tried to promote cooperation. They have become a viable alternative for some organizations.

What does the Industrial Research magazine poll indicate about scientists' views on UFOs?

The poll shows that a great majority of engineers and scientists involved in research and development activities accept UFO reality, with 69% of those expressing an opinion doing so, and 59% believing UFOs originate from 'outer space'.

In This Issue

People Mentioned

  • James W. MoseleyEditor
  • Betty MoseleyStaff artist
  • Edward BeckerPainter
  • Charles WilhelmOUFOIL
  • Tom BensonNUFOC representative
  • John KeelUfologist
  • Dave FidelerMichigan Anomaly Research Organization
  • Ted KennedyPolitician
  • Bill McIntyreMARCEN
  • Todd ZechelRecipient of letter
  • Leigh Van ValenProfessor
  • George MontgomeryFormer Beat Poet
  • +8 more

Organisations

  • SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
  • OUFOIL
  • National UFO Conference (NUFOC)
  • Michigan Anomaly Research Organization (MAR)
  • MARCEN
  • University of Chicago
  • Christology Church
  • NASA
  • National Sex Association
  • CAUS
  • APRO
  • Paddy and Murphy's Irish Whiskey Company
  • Cutty Sark
  • New Scientist
  • +3 more

Locations

  • Guttenberg, USA
  • New York, USA
  • Grand Rapids, USA
  • Michigan, USA
  • Africa
  • South America
  • Cuba
  • England, United Kingdom
  • San Diego, USA
  • Scotland, United Kingdom
  • Frisco, USA
  • Texas, USA
  • Main St., USA
  • King of Prussia, USA
  • +4 more

Topics & Themes

UfologyConspiracyHoaxesPolitical predictionsUFO researchUFOnewsletterresearchconferencehoaxpredictionKennedy curseMARCENMUFONCutty Sark awardscientific papercharlatanextraterrestrial