AI Magazine Summary
SBI Report - No 12 - Vol 1 No 12
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Title: THE SBI REPORT Issue: Volume 1, NO 12 Date: February 1980 Publisher: Scientific Bureau of Investigation, Inc. Country: U.S.A. Language: English
Magazine Overview
Title: THE SBI REPORT
Issue: Volume 1, NO 12
Date: February 1980
Publisher: Scientific Bureau of Investigation, Inc.
Country: U.S.A.
Language: English
This issue of The SBI Report, dated February 1980, focuses heavily on predictions for the coming decade, particularly the 1980s, exploring how technology and societal changes will reshape various aspects of life. The cover features a flying saucer illustration and the bold statement "We've Got It All," along with a list of services and benefits offered by the Scientific Bureau of Investigation (SBI), such as seminars, membership, UFO reporting, and investigative resources. The SBI is presented as a non-profit organization dedicated to UFO phenomena, inviting public participation and contributions.
Features
"Looking into the '80s" by George Harrar
This extensive feature article, spread across multiple pages, delves into a wide range of predictions for the 1980s, driven by technological advancements. The article posits that computers will fundamentally alter daily life, offering new options for leisure and work. Key predictions include:
- Home Life: Computers will allow for detailed vacation planning, checking tourist density, ocean temperatures, and making reservations. Robots are expected to assist with tasks like baby-sitting and home monitoring. The concept of the "Great Room" is introduced as a way to create the illusion of space in smaller urban dwellings.
- Technology and Automation: The microprocessor is highlighted as the core of this technological revolution. Computers will shrink from room-sized machines to fit into cars and homes. Future homes may feature robots for various chores, wrist-worn phones, and electric trolley lines for transportation. Health monitoring and international TV access will also be integrated.
- Work: The nature of work is expected to shift, with a significant portion of the workforce involved in information handling. Payment may be based on delivered work rather than hours spent. Home-based work-study centers are envisioned.
- Transportation: Cars will become more aerodynamic, with electric vehicles and improved battery technology becoming more prevalent. The "interactive highway" concept suggests in-road signals providing information to drivers. Space travel is also touched upon, with the possibility of civilian rides on space shuttles.
- Food: While supermarket food costs may not decrease, convenience will increase with dehydrated and single-serving packaged foods. The traditional family dinner may give way to more on-the-run meals, though the idea of nutrient pills for sustenance is dismissed due to the social aspect of eating.
- Education: Computers will play a significant role in education, moving beyond simple responses to fostering creativity through interactive scenarios. "Branch programming" will tailor learning to individual student progress. The article suggests that computers could eventually replace many books and magazines, with encyclopedias and manuals being digitized.
- Health: The 1980s are predicted to bring advancements in healthcare, including potential cures for leukemia and hypertension, and new methods for transplants and surgery. However, the biggest revolution is not expected to be in medical procedures but in preventative health measures.
Tom Mandel, a policy analyst for Stanford Research Institute International, is quoted stating, "We're on the verge of an information revolution. There will be as profound a change in our lives as the automobile caused-only it'll happen much faster." He emphasizes the need for individuals to arm themselves with information and learn how to make choices in this new era.
Other Articles and Departments
- "Fighting for You" by Jim Fillow: Content not detailed in the provided scan.
- "Special Report": Content not detailed in the provided scan.
- "Confidential" by Dr. Riley H. Crabb: Content not detailed in the provided scan.
- "Grapevine": Likely a news or gossip column, content not detailed.
- "Reader Feedback": A section for letters or comments from readers, content not detailed.
- "Spotlight" by Dorothy Soultanokis: Content not detailed.
Scientific Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Information
The magazine provides detailed information about the SBI, identifying its publisher as the Scientific Bureau of Investigation, Inc., located at 23 Mac Arthur Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10312. The publication is copyrighted 1979 and printed monthly in the U.S.A. It is described as an official copyrighted publication issued to members and subscribers. The SBI is a non-profit corporation established under Delaware law, recognized as a federally scientific and educational tax-exempt organization dedicated to the solution of the enigma of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO).
The "Board of Officers" includes Peter Mazzola (International Director), James Fillow (International Director), Dr. Marvin Weinstein (Director of Research), Luis Molina (Public Relations), Elaine Mazzola (Treasurer), Margaret Fillow (Recording Secretary), and Peter Spangler (Regional Director). The "Staff" lists legal consultants, office managers, artists, and translators.
Membership and subscription details are provided, with annual dues for the United States set at $12.00, Canada & Mexico at $15.00, and all other countries at $17.00. A subscription-only option (12 issues) is also $12.00 per year, with discounted rates of $8.00 per year for students and senior citizens.
The magazine also includes sections for "Manuscripts and Photos" and "Analyzations." The SBI offers to evaluate manuscripts, photographs, and artifacts (soil, liquid, metal) related to UFO phenomena at no cost to the owner/finder. They urge anyone with UFO-related items or occurrences to contact them via mail or phone. All investigations, documentations, and analyses are handled with confidentiality.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The primary theme of this issue is futurism, specifically focusing on the technological and societal transformations anticipated in the 1980s. The magazine adopts an optimistic and forward-looking stance, highlighting the potential benefits of advancements in computers, robotics, and communication. There is a strong emphasis on the role of information and the need for individuals to adapt and educate themselves for the coming changes. The publication also serves as a promotional tool for the Scientific Bureau of Investigation, encouraging reader engagement and support for their work in UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of proactive exploration and dissemination of information regarding both future trends and paranormal investigations.
This issue of the SBI Report, dated July 1973 for the reprinted article and likely from the late 1970s or early 1980s based on content, focuses on a mix of future predictions, UFOlogy, and investigative technology. The publication is from the Scientific Bureau of Investigation (SBI), based in the USA.
Health Care Predictions for the 1980s
The issue begins with a discussion of predicted health care advancements for the 1980s. Dr. Charles A. Sanders, general director of The Massachusetts General Hospital, is quoted stating that health care will move from doctor's offices into communities and homes, with health stations offering basic checks. Ultrasound is expected to replace X-rays as the standard diagnostic tool. The article anticipates a rise in home health hardware, including biofeedback devices to control heart rate and pulse meters to stimulate nerves and block pain. A general metabolic indicator is also predicted to inform individuals about their daily metabolic state.
The text also touches on personal health management, suggesting that positive readings from health monitoring machines indicate optimal well-being, while negative ones prompt adjustments with vitamins and minerals, likening it to tuning a car.
Futurism and Societal Shifts
Looking ahead to the 1980s, the article suggests a shift towards counterculture retreats offering relief from technological society, with some people trying out a 'woodman or farmer' lifestyle. It acknowledges uncertainty about the global economy due to politics, war, and fuel supplies, but posits that even if a depression occurs, new inventions and ways of doing things will only be delayed, not denied.
'Project WASA' and UFOlogy
A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to promoting and reviewing 'Project WASA (World Authority for Spatial Affairs),' a book by Major Colman von Keviczky. The SBI Report describes it as a 'blockbusting bombshell' that exposes a 'global seriousness & gravity of the UFO problem.' The book is said to be profusely illustrated with factual documents and photographs, and it contrasts the 'official UFO line' from government mouthpieces with documented evidence, claiming the former are lies. Vonkeviczky is presented as a fighter exposing a 'tacit & overt conspiracy at all levels of most major governments, politics, the world's "scientific" & military establishments' to censor and suppress UFO facts. The book reportedly details how efforts to bring attention to the UN were 'squashed' and how news media, including the Associated Press, The New York Times, and OMNI Magazine, became tools of suppression. Vonkeviczky's work concludes that UFOs are real and that a global cover-up has been ongoing for decades, warning of potential interplanetary conflict due to foolish military actions. He calls for international cooperation to address the alien threat.
Review of the 'Truth Machine'
An article by Jim Fillow investigates a new invention called the 'Truth Machine,' a voice stress analyzer promoted by TELESTAR, Inc. The SBI obtained three machines for a 90-day testing period. The machine is advertised as a mini-version of psychological stress evaluators used to detect falsehoods in human speech. However, after testing it on 165 UFO-related cases, the SBI found that the machine did not perform well. Its accuracy in determining stress was questionable, with LED readouts jumping erratically. It also suffered from frequent malfunctions. While acknowledging good ideas like its lightweight structure, compact size, and low cost ($149.00), the SBI concluded that the machine was not practical for investigatory work due to its poor calibration, complicated instructions, limited questioning format ('yes' or 'no'), and reliance on electricity.
The article advises readers to be cautious of ads promising 'free-of-charge,' '30 day guarantees,' or 'full refunds,' and suggests inquiring with Better Business Bureaus, Consumer Affairs departments, State Attorneys General, and Postal Inspections Divisions before purchasing. The SBI stated they could not recommend TELESTAR's product for scientific investigations but would be open to testing future machines.
Brain Control and EEG Research
A special report by David Waters, an SBI Field Investigator, proposes a new method for investigating UFO encounters: using electro-encephalograms (EEG) on victims of Close Encounters, particularly those requiring medical attention. Waters suggests that EEGs could reveal slight brain damage caused by strong 'electromagnetic effects' or forced mental reprogramming. He notes that France is the only country openly conducting such research on parapyschology, UFOs, and EM effects, with government consent, while the US and Russia conduct similar research privately.
Waters includes a reprinted article from Popular Electronics (July 1973 issue) by L. George Lawrence, which explains brain control and the human brain as an electronic machine. The article discusses the complexity of the brain with its billions of neurons and glial cells, and the role of synaptic transmission. It mentions that electrical stimulation of brain tissue can trigger lucid audio-visual recalls of past events. The article poses questions about where emotional components and memory are stored and how the brain is susceptible to microwaves and other electromagnetic frequencies. It describes the synapse as a junctional region between nerve cells and mentions the role of RNA molecules in stimulating glial cells.
Waters' own opinion is that interference with normal brain functions due to UFO encounters would be provable. He emphasizes the need for new and modern methods for investigating UFO cases, as older methods have proved inconclusive.
Advertising and Services
The issue also contains advertisements for UFO-related materials and services. One ad promotes 'THE SBI REPORT' for advertising, highlighting 'INTERNATIONAL CIRCULATION' and offering 'low rates.' Another ad offers back issues of 'Ideal's UFO Magazine' for sale via mail order. There is also a listing for the 'UFO/FORTEAN RESEARCH AND RARE BOOK AND MAGAZINE SERVICE' based in Rome, Ohio, offering a large selection of UFO materials and a free package with requests.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The SBI Report consistently promotes a skeptical yet investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. It highlights the need for rigorous research and critical evaluation of claims, as seen in the review of the 'Truth Machine.' The publication appears to be a platform for its members to share research, suggestions, and opinions on UFOs and related topics, including fringe science and future technology. There's a clear interest in exposing perceived government cover-ups and advocating for open discussion and scientific study of UFOs. The editorial stance encourages members to submit their findings and engage in critical thinking, while also warning against unsubstantiated claims and deceptive advertising.
Title: POPULAR ELECTRONICS Including Electronics World
Issue: JULY 1973
Volume: 20
Publisher: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company
Country: USA
Price: $1.00
This issue of Popular Electronics explores the fascinating intersection of electromagnetic phenomena, the human brain, and unidentified flying objects (UFOs). It features articles on how the brain might process electromagnetic signals, potential applications in animal control, and significant developments in UFO research and government acknowledgment.
The Electrical Nature of Synaptic Transmission and Brain Control
The issue begins by discussing the nature of synaptic transmission, suggesting it is essentially electrical. The presence of electrical dipoles in synaptic mechanisms could, when arranged in arrays, produce an electric field strong enough to initiate excitation or depolarization. This leads to the possibility of human brain control via external electromagnetic forces, with the potential to elicit synchronous responses in the neuron-synaptic complex and trigger programmed motor functions.
Experiments by Dr. Frey and others are highlighted, indicating that the human auditory system can respond to electromagnetic energy within the radio-frequency (r-f) spectrum, not just acoustic energy. Subjects reported hearing buzzing sounds at frequencies as low as 200 MHz and as high as 3 GHz. Notably, deaf subjects often demonstrated the ability to hear r-f sound. This research has led to the development of r-f type hearing aids, such as the Neurophone Model GPF-1, which operates at 100 kHz.
The concept of electrophonic hearing is also mentioned, where electrostatic potentials applied to the human head can act on the tympanic membranes in a quasi-mechanical manner. This is presented as a potential research tool for specialized psycho-physiological studies.
Brain Control of Birds
Radar technology is being employed to address the problem of birds interfering with fast-flying aircraft. The goal is to trigger a bird's brain into motor functions to initiate collision avoidance. The National Research Council of Canada is conducting promising research in bird-brain control using microwave radiation. When exposed to microwaves, birds exhibit escape reactions. Studies show that microwave beams interact with the nervous system, causing behavioral changes such as wing collapse or leg paralysis. The research aims to develop microwave brain-control systems that are effective yet use minimal power.
Feathers appear to play a significant role in the sensory complex of birds, with new feather tips protruding from the skin showing reactions to microwave fields. The piezoelectric properties of quill tissue are suggested as a potential mechanism for this interaction. The ultimate aim is to develop a microwave beam that can cause birds to activate collision avoidance.
Brain-Wave Detection and Electromagnetic Susceptance
The article revisits the work of university professor F. Cazzamalli from about 40 years prior, who claimed to have detected radiations from the mind using a setup involving vhf radiowaves and a sensitive light-beam galvanometer. While his oscillograms suggested variations in 'beat' frequencies, the trouble was that Cazzamalli never mentioned transmitter power. Modern replication of his work by Tom Jaski, using a swept oscillator from 300 MHz to 600 MHz, showed that subjects repeatedly indicated points with accuracy when exposed to frequencies between 380 MHz and 500 MHz. At these frequencies, subjects reported pulsing sensations, ringing in the ears, and an odd desire to bite experimenters. The oscillator's output power was low, and it was located several feet away.
The conclusions drawn are that both humans and animals have brains sensitive to r-f energy, with the correlating mechanisms likely residing within the neuron-synaptic complex. The long-term effects of this susceptance on longevity require further research. The article also touches upon the speculation that r-f energy might allow the primitive brain to take control, potentially explaining increasing crime rates and declining social fidelity.
TV Commercial Killer
A technical feature describes a 'TV COMMERCIAL KILLER' device that uses no interconnecting wires, relying on a flashlight to key a relay. It boasts low battery drain and auto-reset functionality, with a parts list provided for its construction.
Parliament Takes Up the Subject of Flying Saucers
This section details a significant event: a debate on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in the House of Lords on January 18th, marking the first time in its 700-year history that UFOs were discussed. The Earl of Clancarty introduced the motion, noting the serious and non-ridiculing nature of the contributions. A substantial media campaign preceded the debate, generating high public interest.
Several distinguished peers participated, including supporters like the Earl of Dimberley, Lord Rankeillour, Lord Gainford (who claimed to have seen a UFO), Lord Davies of Leek, the Earl of Cork and Orrery, Lord Gladwyn, scientist Lord Kings-Norton, and scientist Lord Halsbury. Opponents included Lord Trefgarne and Lord Hewitt, with Lord Strabolgi winding up for the government. Viscount Oxfuird and the Bishop of Norwich maintained neutral stances, with the latter expressing concern about cult aspects among ufologists.
The Earl of Clancarty's motion aimed to address the increasing number of sightings and landings globally and called for an inter-governmental study of UFOs. He provided a quick overview of UFO characteristics, including their effect on electrical equipment and vehicles, and shared sighting reports. The discussion also touched upon government cover-ups in the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R.
France Leads the Way Toward Recognition
France is highlighted as a country with an independent stance on UFOs. In February 1974, French Minister of Defence, Monsieur Robert Galley, stated on radio that UFOs existed, though their origin was unknown. He frankly informed the public that UFOs were being seen. The French Ministry of Defence has maintained a unit collecting UFO reports since 1954, with some reports sent to the National Centre for Space Studies in Toulouse for scientific investigation by a unit directed by Monsieur Claude Poher. Lord Donaldson of Kingsbridge confirmed in a written reply that this unit, GEPAN, was under the sponsorship of the French Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Artisans.
The Atlantic Balloonists Stalked by UFOs
The Earl of Kimberley spoke in support of the existence of UFOs and alleged a cover-up in Britain, similar to that in the U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. He revealed that three United States balloonists who crossed the Atlantic were followed by UFOs for up to 12 hours and were reportedly ordered by US government agents not to discuss the event. One balloonist did speak to a French reporter, Pierre Fouchard, about the encounter. The UFOs appeared silently, with one leader coming close enough to cause a rush of warm air and buffet the balloon. A laser-like beam was shone on the balloon, causing occupants to fear it would break. The UFOs then retreated, regrouped, and kept pace with the balloon, blinking lights. An attempt to reply in Morse code with a flashlight was unsuccessful.
Lord Kimberley questioned the Ministry of Defence about 18 UFO contacts between May 1977 and February 1978, asking for clarification on classification numbers and the fact that 13 of these contacts occurred during daylight. Lord Strabolgi, winding up for the government, did not answer the question. The article suggests this is proof of a cover-up in England, likely in coordination with the U.S.A.
A Big Investigation Is Going On
Despite official claims of no cover-up and minimal resources for UFO research in the British Ministry of Defence, a document reveals that UFO reports are being collected and sent to governmental security departments both in the UK and overseas. This indicates a significant investigation is underway, contradicting official statements.
The UFO debate in Parliament is seen as achieving significant public interest. While the Minister for Defence did not agree to a broadcast interview, a suggestion was made to keep the UFO subject permanently on Parliament's agenda, possibly through a House of Lords UFO Study Group. Several Peers have expressed interest in this idea.
Unique and Historic Indeed!
The article concludes by reflecting on the significance of a dedicated Flying Saucer researcher, Brinsley le Poer Trench, being in a position to influence a major government's public airing of the UFO problem. It anticipates the formation of a permanent UFO research committee at the United Nations and the potential for interplanetary ambassadorships once UFO reality is acknowledged. The article notes that past US presidents have missed opportunities to prepare the public for such events. It references an article by former CIA agent Victor Marchetti in 'Second Look' magazine, which agrees with Lord Clancarty about a massive international conspiracy to maintain stability and control populations, suggesting this is why President Carter might act cautiously regarding UFO sightings.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the potential for electromagnetic energy to influence biological systems, particularly the brain, and the ongoing debate and investigation into UFO phenomena. There is a clear editorial stance that UFOs are a serious subject worthy of investigation and that governments may be involved in cover-ups. The magazine promotes the idea that scientific research should explore these phenomena openly and that public awareness is crucial. The 'TV COMMERCIAL KILLER' feature, while technical, aligns with the magazine's focus on electronics and practical applications of technology.
Title: GRAPEVINE
Issue Date: January 1980 (Vol. SEVEN, No. ONE)
Publisher: Eden Press
Country of Publication: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: GRAPEVINE
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Content Summary
This issue of "GRAPEVINE" by Marty Cannon, published by Eden Press in January 1980, covers a range of topics related to UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and fringe science. The publication features dateline reports from New York City and other locations, detailing recent UFO sightings and related news.
UFO Sightings and Investigations
Marty Cannon reports on various UFO-related news. A dateline from New York City mentions rumors of Jim Pillow, co-International Director of the SBI (Scientific Bureau of Investigation), starting a half-hour radio show in New Jersey focusing on UFO witnesses and investigators. Another report highlights an article in "Astronautics & Aeronautics" about a U.S. Navy test of a disc-shaped object in 1955, questioning why the Air Force is typically the focus of UFO inquiries when the Navy might hold answers.
A third New York dateline points to an upcoming meeting sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA) on Communication with Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (CETI), noting the involvement of NASA and the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences.
The "USA" dateline announces the new issue of "IDEAL UFO" magazine, featuring an interview with the SBI and promoting subscriptions.
Cattle Mutilations and Orgonomy
A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to cattle mutilations and the theories of Wilhelm Reich and Orgonomy. A letter to Bob Guccione, Editor of OMNI magazine, criticizes OMNI's treatment of cattle mutilations by Harry Lebelson, arguing that Lebelson's explanations are insufficient. The letter writer, likely Jerome Eden, posits that the federal government's inaction has licensed killers and that only a few hypotheses can explain the known facts, including surgical procedures beyond terrestrial knowledge, unidentified flying objects, and the presence of radioactive residues.
The issue also references a map published by the "EDEN BULLETIN" in January 1976 that detailed cattle mutilations across fifteen states. The "EDEN BULLETIN" itself is featured, with its January 1980 issue (Vol.7, No.1) listing articles on Canadian and Arkansas mutilations, a Scottish forester attacked by aliens, and a cattle mutilation cover-up.
Scientific Bureau of Investigation (SBI)
The "Reader Feedback" section highlights the growing popularity of the SBI, a non-profit UFO research body. It acknowledges the approval and acknowledgement of the SBI by Major Colman Von Keviczky of ICUFON and Jerome Eden of the "EDEN BULLETIN." The SBI is described as having over 1200 members, its own lab, and investigators including law-enforcement officers. Pete Mazzola, the International Director of the SBI, is mentioned, and Jerome Eden agrees to act as an orgonomic consultant for the group.
Other Reports and Advertisements
Several dateline reports from various newspapers detail specific UFO sightings:
- Alexandria, LA: Joe Trussell reported seeing a bright fireball with fire falling from its tail.
- Corpus Christi, Texas: Stella Beener and two neighbors observed a star-like object that moved and stopped.
- New York: Low rumbles in the sky were reported, with military planes suggested as a cause, though officials were unaware.
- Dubai: Three policemen reported and photographed an unidentified flying object.
Advertisements in the issue include:
- The Edmund Scientific Catalog, offering a wide range of scientific products.
- The American School of Hypnosis, offering courses in hypnosis and self-hypnosis.
- A.P.C.I.C. (Aerial Phenomenon Clipping & Information Center), offering a UFO Clipping Service.
- Judo-Kai, a school offering instruction in Judo, Jujitsu, Savate, and Karate.
- A preliminary program for the AIAA 1980 International Meeting and Technical Display, including the Global Technology 2000 event, a Wind Energy Conference, and a Communications Satellite Systems Conference.
Editorial Stance
The "GRAPEVINE" publication, particularly through its dateline reports and the editorial stance implied by its content, appears to be a proponent of UFO research and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. It champions organizations like the SBI and individuals like Jerome Eden, who are critical of official explanations and advocate for a deeper, more open investigation into UFOs and related subjects. The publication seems to align with a perspective that questions government secrecy and promotes the idea that phenomena like cattle mutilations and UFO sightings require serious, non-conventional explanations, potentially linked to advanced technologies or extraterrestrial origins. The endorsement of the SBI and the promotion of the "EDEN BULLETIN" suggest a commitment to disseminating information that challenges mainstream scientific and governmental narratives on these topics.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
Recurring themes in this issue of "GRAPEVINE" include UFO sightings, cattle mutilations, and the exploration of fringe scientific concepts like Orgonomy. The editorial stance is clearly pro-UFO investigation, critical of official explanations, and supportive of independent research groups like the SBI and publications like the "EDEN BULLETIN." There's a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards government agencies and mainstream science regarding these phenomena, advocating for a more open and thorough examination of evidence. The publication positions itself as a source for information that challenges conventional thinking and seeks to shed light on unexplained events.
This issue, primarily from the Watertown Daily Times dated December 11, 1979, along with clippings from UK publications like the Manchester Evening News, Watford Evening Echo, and Liverpool Echo from late November and early December 1979, covers a range of UFO sightings and related topics. It also includes a section on the evolution of science fiction films and updates from the Scientific Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
Potsdam UFO Sighting
The main article from the Watertown Daily Times reports on a UFO sighting in Potsdam, NY, by Judy Douglass and Lynn Fadden. The two women observed an unidentified flying object on Route 72 on Wednesday night. Douglass described it as having a 'U' shape formed by red and white blinking lights on its bottom. She noted it was not a plane and hovered in the sky. The object was described as silvery metallic, about the size of a 20-foot boat, and had three distinct groupings of lights. After hovering, it dropped to treetop level, all lights went off except a red one, and then it took off like a fast jet. The object made no noise and left in a southerly direction. Douglass mentioned being teased about the sighting but maintained it was a normal experience.
Italian UFO Sighting
A translated article from 'La Provincia' dated October 23, 1979, details a UFO sighting in Marsala, Sicily. Several people, including a couple named Giovambattista Li Causi and Rosaria Ligza, reported seeing a luminous object. The object, described as having a diameter of about two meters, approached from the southeast and stopped about 20 meters above the ground. It emitted an intermittent light of white, red, and yellow colors and made a sound similar to an airplane taking off before it departed. The witnesses reported the event to the carabinieri.
Hertfordshire Police Chase
Articles from the Manchester Evening News (Nov. 28, 1979) and Watford Evening Echo (Nov. 29, 1979) detail a UFO chase in Hertfordshire, England. Three police patrol cars pursued a brilliantly lit, cigar-shaped UFO. The chase began around 3:25 a.m. when a patrol car crew spotted a large, brilliant light hovering over Rickmansworth. The object moved silently towards Harefield. West Drayton Air Traffic Control reported no aircraft in the area. Another officer spotted the object over the Herongate area, describing it as cylindrical with bright white lights and a red light underneath. The object was also seen moving towards Oxhey. Police described the event as a 'complete mystery' and confirmed the officers' reports were genuine. The sighting occurred almost a year after a major UFO alert near Heathrow Airport.
Shelby County UFO Encounter
A report from the Shelbyville News (Nov. 26, 1979) describes a "close encounter" by a county couple, Richard and his wife, in Shelby County, Indiana. They claimed a glowing egg-shaped object followed their car for about six miles along Brandywine Road, hovered outside their home for a few minutes, and then shot off east. The object was described as 10-12 feet tall and about 25 feet long, noiseless, pulsating with a brilliant white light, and having two dim yellow lights marking its front. Deputy Dennis Alyea stated the couple was serious and sober, and a report would be forwarded to the FAA.
Fairfield UFO Sighting
The Hastings, Nebr. Tribune (Dec. 14, 1979) reports on two Fairfield girls who drew sketches of an unidentified flying object they saw while driving into Fairfield. They described a gray metal object, 20-30 feet in diameter, with red, green, and white lights, hovering low above trees at about 400 yards. The UFO Reporting Center in Seattle was notified.
Norwich UFO Sightings
An article from the Norwich Bulletin (Nov. 29, 1979) details multiple reports of UFO sightings in Norwich, Connecticut. Five additional people contacted the Bulletin after a previous story. Mary Thompson described an object hovering over a neighboring house with blinking lights. William Tedeschi reported seeing an object that initially appeared as a vapor trail but later took on a clearer shape. He stated it was not an airplane, helicopter, glider, or cloud, but believed it was not a UFO, stating, "From my experience, there is nothing that cannot be explained."
Films: Fantasy to Fact
By Ernest LeGrande, this section discusses the history and evolution of science fiction films. It traces the genre from early films like Georges Méliès' "A Trip to the Moon" (1902) and Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1925) through the 1930s serials like "Flash Gordon" and "Buck Rogers." The article notes the significance of "The Day the Earth Stood Still," "The Thing," "When Worlds Collide," "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," "The Incredible Shrinking Man," and "The Fly" from the 1950s, reflecting societal anxieties about nuclear bombs and the Cold War. It also mentions "Dr. Strangelove" and "2001: A Space Odyssey" from the 1960s, concluding with the moon landing in 1969.
Scientific Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Updates
'The Spotlight' section, written by Dorothy Soultanokis, provides updates on the SBI. It thanks recent subscribers and highlights new members who have joined as Field Investigators. These include Bonita J. Roman (Chief Investigator, Lebanon, Ohio), Janet Marte South (Lebanon, Ohio), Leon Turner (Franklin, Ohio), Charles Trees (Monroe, Ohio), Russell J. Halpin (Long Island, New York), and Marcello Galluppi (Oak Park, Michigan). The section details their backgrounds and contributions, emphasizing their roles in UFO research and investigation. It also mentions the SBI's efforts to affiliate with other UFO groups and thanks Dennis Pilichis of UFO INFORMATION NETWORK and Harry Cohen of APCIC for their cooperation.
Russia UFO Alert
A brief report from Moscow, Russia, dated March 3, 1980, states that the USSR had once again asked its populace to contact Russian scientists with information regarding UFOs. TASS reported that a scientific panel was seeking data on unidentified flying objects, and all individuals providing information would be taken seriously.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings across different countries (USA, Italy, England, Russia), the involvement of law enforcement in these sightings, and the growing interest in UFO phenomena. There's also a strong emphasis on the SBI's organizational growth and its network of investigators. The editorial stance, particularly from the SBI, is one of serious investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena, encouraging public participation and collaboration with other organizations. The inclusion of the sci-fi film section suggests an interest in exploring the cultural impact and historical context of UFO narratives.