News and Comment

The 'Green Cloud' and relation can be made. Since most rocket the Soviet UFO Scene launchings from Plesetsk are made for officially nonexistent military projects, OVIET SCIENTISTS are continu­ the odds of any official announcement Sing to struggle with the question range from slim to none. of UFOs, and some recent official dis­ However, a slight inkling of the closures have helped clear up a number truth has begun to emerge from official of famous Soviet sightings of the past. Soviet sources. The breach in the wall But in a society as secretive as the Soviet of secrecy first appeared in mid-1983 Union, all sorts of man-made stimuli when Pravda published an article about may cause massive "flying-saucer UFO sightings caused by launchings panics" and still remain classified, arti­ from Plesetsk (SI, vol. 8, no. 2). This ficially inflating the number of unidenti­ was all the more remarkable because it fied flying objects in the skies of the was the first mention of the 20-year-old USSR. missile center ever to appear in the Another good example appeared Soviet news media. early this year with a published account The following year, as had been of a "green cloud" UFO that reportedly the case in 1980 and 1981 (SI, vol. 7, followed an airliner over the far western no. 1), more attention was drawn to USSR. The description of a bright yel­ Plesetsk when some launchings were low light that shot a white ray to the seen from—of all places—South ground and then turned into concentric America. The rockets routinely fire a cones of light seemed almost arche­ fourth stage after circling Earth halfway, typical of the pseudo-UFOs seen in that and on March 16 and July 3, 1984, region for more than a decade. The such firings left huge glowing clouds in earlier ones have been traced to unan­ the evening skies of Argentina and nounced space-shots from the super- Chile. Nationwide panic followed, secret rocket center near Plesetsk, north presumably much to the embarrassment of Moscow (57, vol. 2, no. 1; vol 3. no. of Soviet space-officials who refused to 2). They engendered many of the same confess to being the cause of it all. perceptions, including spurious cases of Late that year, two top Soviet sci­ "radar corroboration." entists involved in the official study of This latest case could well be "atmospheric anomalous phenomena" another such event but, since the date publicly admitted that other spectacular of the encounter was not given, no cor­ Soviet UFOs—such as the giant "jelly-

306 THE SKEPTICAL INQUIRER, Vol. 9 YORK TIMES. THE NEW Lore Soviet Adds to cans*. .mi*"", Cloud ****?>

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fish" over Petrozavodsk in 1977, along fied to protect Soviet state-secrets. with cases on June 14, 1980, and May Western UFO groups continue to 15, 1981—were due to space shots. Their endorse the validity of this charade for impetus may well have been the circula­ their own propagandistic purposes. tion, in a Russian-language emigre Similar restrictions surround many magazine named Our Country and the other space events in the USSR. (For World, published in Munich, of a example, the new SS-X-25 ICBM, pos­ detailed study of precisely those sibly a violation of SALT-2, is tested at "pseudo-UFOs" and the near-comical Plesetsk and could have been the cause official Soviet position of denying the of the recently reported "UFO" sight­ reality of the rocket base. Since Pravda ing.) Hence it should not be surprising had disclosed the existence of Plesetsk if this Soviet UFO, as with so many a year earlier, noted scientists Vsevolod others in that country, remains "uniden­ Troitskiy and Vladimir Migulin evi­ tified"—because Moscow wants it so. dently felt safe in telling the truth about these incidents. —James E. Oberg The full story, however, is unlikely to come out. It is inconceivable, for CSICOP Fellow James Oberg, author example, that the official Academy of of Red Sky in Orbit, UFOs and Outer Sciences UFO study (the so-called Space Mysteries, and other books, is Gindilis Report) of 1979 will ever be an authority on the Soviet space pro­ repudiated, since the 1967 "flying-saucer gram. wave" so carefully endorsed by the sci­ entists was actually caused by fireball re-entries of Soviet space-to-earth California Intact, Psychics Too, nuclear warheads (SI, vol. 7, no. 3)— Despite Flubs on '84 Predictions which Moscow had just signed an inter­ national treaty outlawing. Those At the start of each year, the Bay Area "UFOs" must remain forever unidenti­ Skeptics issues a report on psychics'

Summer 1985 307 predictions for the previous year. Here, excerpted from the January BASIS, the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, is a condensed version of their report on predictions for 1984. As usual, it prompted much media coverage.

HE CALIFORNIA COAST didn't Tdrop into the Pacific Ocean, and President Reagan wasn't shot during his re-election campaign. John Glenn didn't get the Democratic nomination, and Ted Kennedy didn't elope to Europe with his secretary. These are only a few of the bizarre things that had been pre­ dicted for 1984 by famous "psychics" but failed to happen. confidently told a reporter for the San As in past years, the batting Jose Mercury News that during J984 average of these "psychics" was near the California coast would drop into zero, reports the Bay Area Skeptics, a the Pacific Ocean. The coast was still group dedicated to the critical examina­ there the last time we looked. tion of paranormal claims. While a few The famous psychic Jeane Dixon, predictions did come true, especially of Washington, D.C., likewise predicted those that are not particularly difficult disasters for 1984 that failed to occur. to guess, and while many predictions This past January, she told a reporter were so vague that it is impossible to for the Baltimore Sun that her vision say for sure whether they came true or for 1984 was too grim to talk about. "I not, there was not a single correct pre­ hope you can take it, because this guy diction that was both very specific and Orwell knew what he was talking about. very surprising. The world isn't ready for all the things For example, many psychics pre­ 1 know," said Dixon, who refused to dicted the re-election of President be more specific. Her 1984 New Year's Reagan, but Reagan was of course a predictions published in the tabloid The heavy favorite. Likewise, you didn't Star were less ominous, predicting that really need psychic powers to predict Fidel Castro's agents would take over that Mondale would be the Democratic two small countries in Latin America, nominee. Not one psychic, however, that there would be naval battles in the predicted the genuinely surprising events Caribbean between U.S.-backed and of 1984, such as the assassination of Soviet-backed forces, and that athletic Indira Gandhi, the sudden death of scandals involving drugs would "leave Richard Burton, Gary Hart's surprising the outcome of the Olympic games in victories in the Democratic primaries, doubt." Dixon also predicted that and the massive poison gas disaster in Richard Burton was "very likely" to step Bhopal, India. back into Elizabeth Taylor's life, failing The most dramatic prediction made somehow to foresee Burton's death for 1984 by a psychic here in the Bay during 1984. Area was made by Woods Mattingley, In December 1983, San Francisco's who runs a group called "Seeker's prestigious Commonwealth Club invited Quest" in San Jose. Almost two years local psychic Barbara Mousalam, who ago, in January of 1983, Mattingley claims to have been 80 percent accurate

308 THE SKEPTICAL INQUIRER, Vol. 9 in the past, to present her predictions it back after this latest batch of failed for 1984. Mousalam did no better than predictions. one might expect to do by guessing. Dallas psychic John Catchings, She predicted an assassination attempt who claims to have helped the police against President Reagan on a campaign locate missing persons, predicted that a tour during October, that the Republi­ vaccine against AIDS would be cans would lose control of the Senate developed and that Ted Kennedy would in the election, that the draft would be elope in Europe with a secretary in his reinstated, the electoral college would office. be abolished, the U.S.-Soviet arms Miami psychic Micki Dahne pre­ agreement would be signed, Khomeini dicted that a huge earthquake in Cali­ would be out of power in Iran, and a fornia would unearth a major new gold "guarded but stable peace" would be vein, triggering a new gold rush, and achieved in the Middle East—none of that Mr. T would be struck by a light­ which happened during 1984. Mousa­ ning bolt attracted to his gold jewelry. lam did make one good prediction— Many predictions by psychics were that a woman would run for vice presi­ so vague that it is difficult to say for dent on the Democratic ticket. How­ sure whether they came true or not. ever, political analyst Jack Anderson For example, Jeane Dixon's prediction made the same prediction in his article that Nancy Reagan "will have one of in Parade magazine, "Headlines You the busiest and most trying summers of Could See in 1984," indicating the her life" is not clearly true or false. degree of speculation that was already Looking only at those predictions that widespread concerning the possibility of can be definitely evaluated and were a woman on the ticket. Jeane Dixon not easy to guess (as in "unrest in the also mentioned the possibility of a Middle East" or "the president will be woman on the ticket in April, and even re-elected"), only a very few were either named Ferraro as a likely choice, but correct or partially correct—about as predicted that the Democratic VP can­ many as you'd expect to get by guessing. didate would not be a woman this year. And while many predictions were Jack Anderson, incidentally, had two very specific and very surprising, not a correct predictions out of nine, a better single prediction was very specific, very percentage than most psychics. surprising—and correct. "If some psy­ Despite the miserable failure of chic had said a year ago, 'Indira Gandhi nearly all of Barbara Mousalam's pre­ will be assassinated next fall by a Sikh dictions for 1984, the Commonweath fanatic,' I'd have been very much Club invited her back in January to impressed," said Robert Sheaffer of Bay prognosticate for 1985. Area Skeptics. "Or if someone had pre­ French psychic Marie Gadrine pre­ dicted that more than 1,000 people dicted that President Reagan would lose would be killed in India by a poison- the November election to a handsome gas leak in December, we'd begin to young "dark horse" candidate. She also think that maybe psychic powers really predicted that Khomeini would be do exist. deposed and that a jumbo jetliner would "But nobody makes accurate pre­ crash into a seaside resort town. dictions as specific as that, no matter Gadrine claims to have won France's what they claim," said Sheaffer. Silver Medal of Merit for "exceptional Noting that Sylvia Brown and some services to humanity" through her psy­ other psychics often charge $300 and chic counseling. No word from the up for private readings, Sheaffer says, French as to whether she'll have to give "When you look at the actual track

Summer 1985 309 record of predictions by these 'psychics,' An early one described CSICOP and it certainly appears that you don't get some of its tests of paranormal claims. much for your money." If you do con­ Another contrasted the views on UFOs sult a psychic, he suggests, "insist on of James Oberg ("a strong case for the getting a written guarantee that you'll rational side") and J. Allen Hynek get your money back if the predictions (whom Gordon criticized for using fail to come true." • rhetorical questions, "commonplace among paranormalists"). It was based on Gordon's observations at the AAAS Gordon's Debunking Column "Edges of Science" symposium (SI, Fall Reaches 500,000 Weekly 1984). Another explained why, despite the "prestigious background" of British UR PAGES HAVE often enough psychologist H. J. Eysenck, Gordon Ocriticized newspapers' handling of finds his writings about the paranormal the paranormal. It is refreshing to report naive and misleading. that for the past year and a half one While most newspapers were pub­ major metropolitan daily has been pub­ lishing stories promoting the sensational lishing a weekly column critically claims of psi advocates Russell Targ examining paranormal claims. and Keith Harary (Mind Race), Since December 1983, the Toronto Gordon's column was providing clear Sunday Star, Canada's largest newspa­ and cogent criticism. Another reported per, has been publishing on its "Trends on fortune tellers convicted of bilking and Ideas" page a topical, thoughtful, victims of amounts from $200 to $5,000, well-informed column called "Debunk­ noted that his files contain almost ing," written by Canadian magician/ identical stories going back decades, and broadcaster/lecturer and CS1COP Fel­ went on to explain how the powerful low Henry Gordon. Gordon is a mem­ desire to believe in comforting fantasies ber of the Canadian branch of allows the clever psychic to take advan­ CSICOP. tage of victims. The same column "As far as I know," says Gordon, related Gordon's experience after an "it's the only column of its kind in a appearance at a television station in major newspaper on this continent." Baltimore confronting several "psy­ The columns have covered virtually chics." A young woman told him, "I every subject of current public interest. really enjoyed your presentation—I agree with you 100 percent." Then she quickly added, ". . . because I think TRENDS AND IDEAS, these psychics are aided and abetted by evil spirits." Fear and superstition, noted Gordon, are the charlatans' allies. Recent columns have discussed the special problem posed by "psychics" on radio shows, the methods of fraudulent psychics, and the issue of personal experiences that people interpret as ESP. A January column was devoted entirely to the work of CSICOP and the SKEPTICAL INQUIRER. To introduce Gordon's column as a regular Sunday feature, editor Gerry Hall published a lengthy "Editor's

THE SKEPTICAL INQUIRER, Vol. 9 Notebook" column touting Gordon's demonstrations were provided for civic abilities as a magician to see through groups and schools. psychic trickery and approving of his Research by REASON members call for controlled scientific investiga­ included debunking studies of astrology, tions of psychics' claims. "Henry biorhythms, and the "unusual" similari­ Gordon is perhaps the best man in ties between identical twins (see Canada to scrutinize the world of the "Similarities Between Identical Twins unexplained," wrote Hall. "He knows and Between Unrelated People," every psychic trick in the book." W. Joseph Wyatt, et al., SI, Fall 1984). The editor's column was headlined There was a measure of national atten­ "We Need a Little Dash of Debunking." tion and considerable local interest Gordon says he's been getting good when REASON offered a $1,000 prize mail-response to his columns and is for the demonstration of a paranormal pleased the scientific perspective on phenomenon or ability under controlled paranormal claims is being spread to conditions. The prize remains unwon. an important part of Canada and REASON begins its second year bordering cities in the United States. optimistically, with a brand-new news­ letter, a sizable dues-paying member­ —Kendrick Frazier ship, and better scientific and educa­ tional resources. Inquiries about the organization, its activities, or its news­ REASON in West Virginia: letter may be directed to: Steven Cody, An Eventful First Year Chairperson, REASON, Department of Psychology, Marshall University, PRING 1985 brought the first Huntington, WV 25701. Sanniversary of the formation of the Committee for Research, Education and —Steven Cody Science Over Nonsense (REASON), in Huntington, West Virginia. Sponsored by the Department of Bay Area Group Opposes Psychology at Marshall University, Licensing Psychics REASON advocates quality science education and a skeptical approach The following resolution was prepared toward claims of the paranormal, and and issued by the Bay Area Skeptics in draws its members from both the response to a proposed ordinance by university and the surrounding commu­ the City Council of Concord, California, nity. It has become a resource for the to license "fortune tellers" and "psy­ local media on scientific, pseudoscien- chics. " tific, and paranormal topics, and at present incorporates a Scientific and BAY AREA SKEPTICS Technical Board, divisions for Psychic RESOLUTION REGARDING Claims Testing and Paranormal Health THE LICENSING OF "FORTUNE TELLERS- Claims, and a general membership. ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE BOARD In its first year, REASON spon­ JANUARY 26. 1985 sored a series of educational programs, with films, panels, and speakers on Bay Area Skeptics opposes the licensing topics like the Tina Resch case, the of "fortune tellers" and "psychics." Such recent controversial NOVA film on licensing legitimizes activities of those remote viewing, and the writings of whose claims have never been demon­ Erich von Daniken. Speakers and strated to be valid. Furthermore, it

Summer 1985 311 would be impossible for the City of two miles from Baugh's primary exca­ Concord (or any other governmental vation site. Parker reported on August agency) to regulate these activities, as 16 that "about 90 percent of the skeleton there are no standards or criteria by has been uncovered, including a 38- which they could be judged. Bay Area inch-long leg bone and six claws." Skeptics and other organizations, such Baugh confidently identified the con­ as the Committee for the Scientific tiguous sequence of vertebrae found in Investigation of Claims of the Paranor­ the rock as the neck of a sauropod mal (CSICOP), as well as the general (plant-eating) dinosaur. He was ecstatic scientific community, have for many about the claws, which he considered years investigated psychic claims. The so valuable that he put them in a safe- conclusion is that there is no credible deposit box. evidence that these claims are valid. We Well (skeptics be damned), Baugh can provide material, including books really did find dinosaur remains. Wann and learned periodicals, to back up Langston, Jr., a paleontologist with the these statements. University of Texas, visited the site and We oppose legitimizing so-called verified that fact. As for the details, psychic and fortune-telling activities. We however, Langston found that Baugh's consider the irrational appeals of such analysis of his discovery was wrong claims to be harmful to society. The from start to finish. What Baugh identi­ survival of a democratic society depends fied as the neck of a sauropod was actu­ upon the ability of its citizens, especially ally the tail of a carnosaur. What Baugh those entrusted with the responsibility identified as a leg bone was an ischium, to make and interpret laws, to deter­ part of the pelvic arch. Baugh's unfos- mine the difference between sense and silized "dinosaur claws" were actually nonsense. fossilized goniopholid crocodile teeth! To show his versatility, Baugh was also showing people a mammoth tooth and Baugh's Dinosaur: calling it a fossil from a sabertooth Paleontology on the Paluxy tiger. A few months after the initial dis­ HEN LAST WE saw the covery, Baugh announced that he had W Reverend Carl Baugh, that found another dinosaur a few feet away. intrepid Bible-scientist was at the 1984 (Langston suspects that Baugh actually National Bible-Science Conference in found more bones from the same ani­ Cleveland, proclaiming that two rock mal.) Soon afterward, a Texas "gully- concretions were the fossilized skulls of washer" raised the Paluxy River enough a cat and a primate. More recently he to flood the site and wash everything has been busy at his diggings on the away. It's not clear what bones Baugh Paluxy River near Glen Rose, Texas, had recovered, or in what condition. where he claims to find human and The whole story would be hilarious dinosaur footprints in the same rock except that Baugh's dinosaur was almost strata. And last summer, according to certainly important. While Langston the December 1984 Bible-Science News­ could not positively identify the animal letter, Baugh "discovered an actual from the few bones he saw at the site, dinosaur skeleton with some parts still he suspects that they belonged to an not fossilized" (italics in original). Acrocanthrosaurus, a genus known only Baugh called the bones a "fairly from a few partial skeletons. Baugh's complete dinosaur skeleton." They were excavation and preservation methods found on the ranch of Al Parker, about leave much to be desired. (He had the

312 THE SKEPTICAL INQUIRER. Vol. 9 two small rocks he thought were impor­ have on the minds of children. To me, tant fossilized cat and primate skulls it represents a total departure from the cut in half with a rock saw, which took previous integrity of your series. out a quarter-inch kerf!) It appears that an important paleontological find has been lost to science. A Pox on Prognosticators

—Robert Schadewald O YOU GET asked, "What harm Dcan going to a fortune teller do?" Robert Schadewald keeps close watch Ann Landers's nationally syndi­ on the creationist scene. cated newspaper column for November 15, 1984, had a good answer. A reader wrote that a friend had persuaded her Time-Life's Supernatural Series to go to a "trance medium" who would recite incidents from her past and The following letter was sent to Time- present and also predict the future. The Life Books by SI reader Jeremy Lamer, woman went to the medium, paid her who has given us permission to reprint $40, and went through the session. At it here. the end, she realized the medium had said nothing about her having any chil­ Dear Sirs: dren in her life. She was a newlywed and wanted a family. The medium When my children were growing up, 1 informed her she saw no children in subscribed to your Science and Nature her future. series, and found myself impressed and "Ann, 1 was devastated," the reader gratified to see the scrupulosity and care wrote. "I cried all the way home and with which your writers and editors lived with a kind of aching sadness for marshaled a vast amount of scientific the next year." information. It made me proud to have The story has a happy ending. once been a free-lance writer for Life "Thank God. 1 now have a happy, magazine. 1 am sure your publications healthy, wonderful 8-month-old son. helped my children to form a more But believe me, my pregnancy was filled accurate impression of the world around with anxiety and fear. For heaven's them. sake, if there is anyone out there who Imagine my dismay, then, to see is tempted to go to a fortune teller, your advertisements on television for save yourself the money, needless worry, your new series on the supernatural. and pain. What will be, will be." Your ads make it seem as if claims of She signed herself, "A Pox on All psychic powers are a matter of scientific Prognosticators." debate and might even be scientifically "Those gazers are awfully good verifiable. People of your sophistication guessers." Landers responded. "Thanks surely know that no one has ever veri­ for shattering their crystal balls." fied the kind of feats you depict in your advertisements. I can only conclude you —K.F. are cynically exploiting the public, most of which unfortunately does not know the difference between real and pseudo- Silly Season science. It is particularly unfortunate to N ITS JANUARY 2, 1985. edition, imagine the effects this approach may Ithe syndicated TV show "PM Maga-

Summer 1985 313 zine" took a refreshing approach to the tion. Had he really invested, Forbes flurry of psychic predictions in the would have come out ahead by far. The supermarket tabloids. It ignored the new Dow-Jones overall figure for the four- ones and instead took a retrospective year period of the experiment was a look at the predictions the National 19-percent increase, but Forbes's darts Enquirer had published a year earlier came up with stocks that soared 119 for 1984. percent! As for reporter Jensen, perhaps The tabloid had made 54 predic­ he is eyeing Forbes's job and has a very tions. The scorecard, said the TV hosts, slightly better throwing arm. He beat came out this way: 2 right (drops in the Dow-Jones too, with a 120-percent inflation and unemployment), 2 partly increase in his choice of stocks. right, 38 wrong, and 12 "just plain silly."

—K.F. UFO Federation Falls on Hard Times

Darts, Anyone? DVANCE PUBLICITY for the A 1982 annual conference of the S PART OF its coverage of 1984 Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), held Aevents at year's end, NBC-TV in Toronto, touted the meeting as a presented staffer Mike Jensen reporting "Summit Conference" for leaders of the the results of an experiment begun in many diverse UFO organizations in the 1980. He and economist-publisher United States and Canada. For the Malcolm Forbes had each tossed darts world of UFOlogy, it could be as at the stock page of the Wall Street important as the Constitutional Con­ Journal, then theoretically bought vention held two centuries earlier in the stocks in response to that random selec­ United States. After all, the leaders of most of the UFO groups espoused the same dogma: that UFOs almost cer­ tainly are extraterrestrial craft and that the U.S. government (if not all govern­ ments) is engaged in a gigantic con­ spiracy to withhold the truth about UFOs from the public. In unity there could be sorely needed strength. UFO leaders who journeyed to Toronto agreed to create a federation to speed the achievement of their oft- stated common goal: to solve the UFO mystery. They agreed to form the North American UFO Federation (NAUFOF), and a steering committee was named to prepare its bylaws. At the next year's annual MUFON conference in Pasadena, on July 3, 1983, a nine-person board of directors for NAUFOF was elected, representing nearly as many different UFO organiza­ tions. Board members included Walt Andrus, international director of

314 THE SKEPTICAL INQUIRER, Vol. 9 MUFON; J. Allen Hynek, head of the for more than a year. Then, in the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS); and December 1984 MUFON journal, Richard F. Haines and Richard Hall, Andrus revealed the bad news to representing the Fund for UFO MUFON's 1,300 members in the fol­ Research. Hall earlier was deputy direc­ lowing words: tor of the now-defunct National Investi­ gating Committee of Aerial Phenomena On July 7. 1984. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, (NICAP) when it was the nation's John Timmerman [also of CUFOS], largest UFO group. Richard H. Hall, John F. Schuessler (a MUFON official] and Walt Andrus According to the new bylaws, met in San Antonio to discuss the NAUFOFs objectives included "to unite potential future of the North American UFO organizations in North America UFO Federation (NAUFOF) as it con­ in a format of understanding, coopera­ cerned CUFOS, MUFON, and the tion, and harmony of efforts to study Fund for UFO Research. The Board and resolve the UFO phenomenon" and of Directors of CUFOS had already "to share information on UFO sightings made a decision not to support and analyses." NAUFOF and Dr. J. Allen Hynek MUFON's Andrus hailed the crea­ resigned from the NAUFOF Board. tion of NAUFOF as "a giant step for­ With the resignation of Dr. Richard F. Haines as Director [of NAUFOF] ward in securing cooperation between in September, 1984, the future looked UFO groups in North America and very bleak considering who would presenting a united front in UFOlogy automatically ascend to the director­ to the World." As reported in the July ship. [The person was not identified.] 1983 MUFON UFO Journal, the new MUFON. SKYNET and the Fund federation "will work directly with the for UFO Research were the only worldwide International Committee on organizations who paid membership UFO Research"—then slated to meet dues in 1983-84. After due considera­ the next month in England—which had tion, MUFON has elected not to pro­ similar objectives for global UFOlogy. vide financial support to the NAUFOF One UFO group was notable in its for 1984-85 since it has deteriorated to absence from NAUFOF—the Aerial an association of UFO splinter groups that are not interested in cooperation Phenomenon Research Organization except on their own terms. Such an (APRO). It was the oldest UFO group organization is not qualified to repre­ in the United States, and Andrus had sent the North American Continent in been one of its most active members international UFO circles. until he split with its founders, Mr. and Therefore Richard H. Hall and Mrs. James L. Lorenzen, to create his Walt Andrus proposed that the own organization. NAUFOF be dissolved through a vote In the September 1983 MUFON of the Board of Directors. Insufficient votes were cast for the dissolution of journal, Andrus discussed a tiny cloud the Federation. MUFON and CUFOS on NAUFOFs glowing horizon—how are already member organizations of to finance its operations. The obvious the International Committee for UFO solution was to ask member UFO- Research (ICUR), therefore our finan­ groups to contribute funds, but Andrus cial and research activities will be indicated that MUFON (the nation's directed to this prestigious interna­ largest) could ill afford to do this with­ tional body. out increasing its membership dues, which he was not eager to do. While MUFON's members did not MUFON members heard nothing learn of NAUFOFs problems until late more of consequence about NAUFOF 1984, six months earlier the word had

Summer 1985 315 reached UFOlogists lucky enough to be bers as to whether or not it is worth­ on the mailing list of an irreverent while continuing this well-intentioned monthly newsletter called Saucer Smear. but largely unsuccessful organization." It is published by longtime UFOlogist- humorist James W. Moseley, whom —Philip J. Klass Andrus refuses to accept as a member of MUFON. Philip J. Klass is author of UFOs: The In early August, Moseley's news­ Public Deceived and chairman of letter reported that Haines was "step­ CSICOP's UFO Subcommittee. ping down" as NAUFOFs leader, that Hynek did not want the position, and that it would most likely go to Peter Astrology Disclaimer Update Mazzola, the federation's deputy direc­ tor. Mazzola and his Scientific Bureau HE PITTSBURGH POST of Investigation (SBI) are comparative T GAZETTE has joined the list of newcomers in the world of UFOlogy. newspapers whose editors have agreed Moseley reported that "a vote by mail to publish CSICOP's suggested dis­ is now in process among Board mem- claimer with their astrology columns

Additions to The CSICOP Roster

E ARE PLEASED to announce that the CSICOP Executive Coun­ Wcil recently elected Murray Gell-Mann, Stephen Toulmin, Andrew Fraknoi, David Marks, Henry Gordon, Robert Steiner, Lee Nisbet, and John Cole as Fellows of the Committee. Murray Gell-Mann is a Nobel Prize laureate and professor of physics at the California Institute of Tech­ nology. Stephen Toulmin is professor of social thought and philosophy at the University of Chicago. Andrew Fraknoi, a CSICOP scientific consultant since 1981, is the executive officer of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. David Marks, head of the New Zealand branch of CSICOP and a former CSICOP scientific consultant, is temporarily professor of psychology at University College London. Henry Gordon, a magician and newspaper columnist in Toronto, has been a technical consultant to CSICOP for many years. Robert Steiner is a magician and a longtime CSICOP technical consultant. Lee Nisbet, associate professor of philosophy at Medaille College and executive director of the Committee since its founding, has been appointed special projects director. John Cole has taken the position of full-time executive director; he is an anthropologist and has been a CSICOP scientific consultant since 1978. The Council has also elected the following scientific or technical con­ sultants: Richard Busch, a magician in Pittsburgh; Steven D. Schafersman. a geologist at Rice University in Houston, and Steven N. Shore, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore.

Paul Kurtz CSICOP Chairman

316 THE SKEPTICAL INQUIRER, Vol. 9 (see SI. Spring 1985, pp. 194-195). In be spurious. In any case, the implication the meantime, the newspapers that have of a causal relationship is not justified printed CSlCOP's request as a letter to on purely statistical grounds. There the editor, published stories about it by seems not a hint of a reasonable their own staffers, and/or carried the explanation for them. The successful article on the scientific evidence for replications are essentially only those astrology by Paul Kurtz and Andrew by Gauquelin; Eysenck omits reference Fraknoi now number in the hundreds. to the several careful studies that failed to confirm the effect. . . . Eysenck refers —Andrea Szalanski to the work of the Gauquelins as a 'nugget of gold' amidst the rubbish of evidential support for astrology. . . . On the Record: Astrology We will be very surprised if the golden and Cosmobiology nugget does not turn out to be iron pyrite." "To us, the Gauquelin correlations make no physical sense and are inconsistent —Astronomers Philip A. Ianna and with the body of natural empirical Roger B. Culver, in Nature, Feb. evidence. The correlations, are weak, 7, 1985, replying to a review by and it is not clear that they could not H. J. Eysenck

There's just no call for paperclip twisting. When you get to spoon bending, we'll talk. Okav?

Summer 1985 317