SBI Report - No 33 - Vol 4 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: The SBI Report
Issue: Volume 4, Number 3
Date: June/July 1982
Publisher: Scientific Bureau of Investigation, Inc.
Type: Official Publication of Scientific Bureau of Investigation, Inc., A Non-Profit Scientific and Educational Corporation.

Editorial

The editorial section, penned by editor Pete Mazzola, expresses gratitude to Walt Andrus of MUFON for the opportunity to lecture at the Annual '82 MUFON Symposium in Toronto. Mazzola highlights the success of the UFO Summit Conference, which aimed for cooperation between American and Canadian UFO groups, suggesting the need for a UFO "federation." He also introduces "THE NEWS WORLD" as a significant source of UFO literature and thanks its senior editor, Hal McKenzie, for promoting the SBI. Mazzola emphasizes the SBI's commitment to perfection and its unique approach of advertising other UFO organizations' publications to foster cooperation. He thanks the SBI members for their support over the nearly four years of the organization's development.

SBI Seeks Answers

This section, written by Hal McKenzie for The NEWS WORLD (UFO Supplement), details Pete Mazzola's journey into UFOlogy, stemming from a sighting in Vietnam in 1965 where he witnessed artillery fire directed at a disc-shaped UFO. Mazzola recounts an incident where he and his platoon were pinned down, and an object appeared, seemingly unaffected by Navy artillery fire. He explains that his attempts to gather information later were met with government silence, though declassified documents later verified UFO sightings in Vietnam. Mazzola left the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) due to its perceived lack of progress in solving the UFO enigma. He co-founded the SBI in 1979 with the goal of not just investigating, but actually solving the UFO riddle by addressing three core questions: Where do UFOs originate? What do they want? Are they hostile or benevolent?

The SBI boasts a worldwide network of 1500 members and field investigators, supported by 128 expert consultants. They offer a telephone hotline and a "quick reaction team." Notably, 42% of SBI's membership comes from the law-enforcement field. The organization provides free analysis of UFO photographs and physical evidence. Mazzola criticizes other UFO groups for clinging to "pet theories" but maintains SBI's friendly approach to other organizations. He notes that SBI's investigations have been featured in tabloids and that the group served as a technical advisor for the TV show "That's Incredible."

The Indian Lake Incident

Mazzola recounts a significant sighting from November 1978 at Indian Lake, New York. Two hunters, joking about premonitions, witnessed two Phantom jets followed by a large, silvery, cigar-shaped object with bright lights. After the jets left, the object descended, and the hunters later recalled being abducted and examined by alien beings under hypnosis. This case, which involved radiation poisoning symptoms and uncanny ESP abilities in the witnesses, is being documented in Mazzola's upcoming book, "The Indian Lake Incident."

UFOs and Government Conclusions

Mazzola states that answers to the SBI's core questions remain elusive. However, he references a declassified U.S. Air Force textbook that suggests the existence of "three or four groups of aliens" visiting Earth, based on the variety, global scope, and historical prevalence of UFO sightings. The aliens' intentions remain a mystery, with Mazzola suggesting they might be observing to prevent self-destruction, but acknowledging documented harm to humans in cases like the Cash-Landrum encounter. Mazzola believes that fragmented UFO groups must unite to pressure the government into releasing UFO data held by military and intelligence agencies, seeing the MUFON conference as a potential step towards this goal.

UFO Update

Shepparton UFO

Two individuals in Shepparton, Australia, reported seeing a large, bright object in the sky on a Sunday night. Robbie Callander described it as bluish green and yellow with a sparking tail. Mrs. Heather Zaitzev also observed the object and was able to follow its path briefly.

A bright light UFO IS SIGHTED

Reports from Australia detail several sightings: An unidentified flying object was seen over Beeac early Monday morning. Mr. Frank Bowen and his daughter Catherine observed a round, bright, sparkly object with glittering lights and a dome hovering over a nearby hill in Melbourne. Another woman in Echuca reported seeing a huge red ball with a long, pointed, and flickering tail.

Pentagon in secret probe of time warps

This article reveals that the Pentagon has initiated a secret investigation into time warps, a concept from science fiction, as a potential defense against nuclear attack. The idea is that missiles entering a time warp could be sent to a period before life existed on Earth, causing them to explode harmlessly. The project is kept under wraps due to its military potential and fear of public backlash.

Space invaders buzzing Spain

According to a UFO watcher from Bilbao, Spain, over 100 "Unidentified Flying Objects" were spotted in Spanish airspace in 1981. One sighting involved an object the size of an oil tanker. The number of sightings represents a slight decrease from the previous year.

Close encounters are now of the spooky kind

This section briefly mentions Steven Spielberg's movies "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" and "Poltergeist," noting his thorough research into alleged paranormal phenomena and his belief that such events, while perhaps not depicted exactly as in the films, are real and likely have occurred.

Letters

The letters section features correspondence from various individuals. Eleanor Golden of SBI Investigator, N.Y., praises the publication. Kenneth Behrendt, editor of Sixth Quark Journal, thanks SBI for keeping their ad running. Dr. Virgilio Sanchez-Ocejo congratulates Pete Mazzola on his presentation at the MUFON Symposium. Charles Wilhelm expresses agreement on the need for UFO groups to unite and push for progress. Vladimir Godio, publisher of UFO Australia Newsletter, offers to exchange publications. Norma "Jean" Waller of MUFON Oklahoma expresses interest in interviewing police officers involved in UFO cases. Thomas Van Andel, SBI Chief Investigator in Australia, details plans for a regressive hypnosis session to investigate a 4-hour time loss during a UFO encounter in Whyalla. Jim Moseley of Saucer Smear commends Mazzola's performance and "vib" at the MUFON lecture and UFO Conference. Dolores Prioriello sends thanks for sympathy in the death of her father.

Michigan Encounter

This detailed case report, investigated by Katherine Le Duc for SBI, describes a CE-1 encounter by Tammy Utt, a 17-year-old cashier, on February 10, 1982, in Escanaba, Michigan. Utt observed two strange lights hovering above trees, which then backed up and descended. She described the object as flat on top with a rim and tiny red windows, resembling a "straw hat." The object later ascended and hovered. Further investigation revealed a depression at the landing site. The case involved multiple witnesses reporting similar UFOs over a five-day span, including Gary DuBord, Ricky Mercier Powers, and Todd Poquette. Official sources like K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base and the Department of Natural Resources claimed no knowledge of the incident. Katherine Le Duc concluded, based on interviews and voice stress analysis, that Tammy Utt was a credible witness, labeling the case a "genuine unknown."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, investigations, and the perceived need for greater cooperation and transparency within the ufology community. The SBI, under Pete Mazzola's leadership, positions itself as a proactive organization aiming to solve the UFO mystery rather than just document sightings. There's a strong emphasis on the potential for government cover-ups and the importance of uniting fragmented UFO groups to force the release of information. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, scientific inquiry, and a call for collective action to understand the UFO phenomenon. The magazine also highlights the personal experiences of its editor and contributors, grounding the abstract topic in individual encounters.

This issue of The SBI Report, dated July/August 1982, focuses on the phenomenon of 'hoaxing contactees' within UFO literature. The magazine is published by the Scientific Bureau of Investigation, Inc. (SBI), a non-profit organization dedicated to solving the UFO mystery.

The Hoaxing Contactee

Ken Behrendt's lead article, "The Hoaxing Contactee," addresses the perceived decline in the quality and quantity of UFO books. He argues that a significant portion of the published UFO literature now consists of 'contactee books' that are often the product of fantasy rather than factual reporting. Behrendt notes that while economic factors and rising publication costs contribute to the decline of legitimate UFO books, the prevalence of unsubstantiated contactee accounts also alienates serious researchers and the general public. He suggests that the success of these books stems from a failure by 'serious' ufologists to provide concrete answers to the UFO enigma, leading readers to embrace fantasy in the absence of fact. Behrendt proposes developing criteria to help UFO writers and researchers identify and avoid hoax cases, thereby encouraging publishers to focus on more scholarly works.

Background of the Hoaxer

The article details the typical background of a hoaxing contactee, often undereducated individuals who may have felt inadequate and sought validation through involvement in cults or groups. When these avenues fail to provide the desired status, they may turn to fabricating UFO experiences. The hoaxer often becomes familiar with UFO terminology and scenarios from existing literature, seeing themselves as an intermediary between humanity and technological goods.

Triggering Event and Subsequent Actions

The article describes a 'triggering event' where a potential contactee might witness UFO sightings in their local area or catch a glimpse of an elusive UFO. This can lead them to immerse themselves in UFO literature. They may then seek to gain status by acting as a conduit for alien messages. If investigators are not vigilant, these fabricated cases can gain traction. The hoaxer might also stage events, such as faking abduction experiences or claiming to be released by a UFO.

The Evidence

Hoaxing contactees often provide extensive photographic evidence, typically by using small UFO models photographed against the sky. They tend to avoid showing landed UFOs, as these are harder to fake. The details of their experiences can be 'sharpened' through regression hypnosis, which they may imitate after reading about it. These accounts often include descriptions of aliens, spacecraft interiors, and pseudo-scientific explanations of propulsion, along with messages about moral issues and humanity's flaws.

The Conclusion

Behrendt concludes that hoaxing contactees often avoid ending their cases, as they may need more material for future books. They might maintain contact through random meetings or automatic writings. A key indicator of a hoax is when critical observations are made solely by the witness, with no independent corroboration. The hoaxer prefers to work alone to maintain control and avoid exposure. Ultimately, the hoaxing contactee achieves a sense of importance, while ufology itself is seen as the loser.

UFO Art at Museum

Budd Hopkins reports on a UFO art exhibition at the Queens Museum. The exhibition showcases art influenced by the UFO phenomenon, including works that directly depict UFOs as icons and more abstract pieces subtly affected by the UFO image. The exhibition also features a section documenting the UFO phenomenon through photographs, historical material, and excerpts from artists' experiences, including those who have undergone actual UFO abduction experiences. The article highlights how UFOs have become a significant element in contemporary visual arts and culture.

The SBI Report and Activities

Dorothy Soultanok's, SBI Office Manager, provides an update on the SBI's activities. She mentions the delay in mailing the SBI Report due to staff summer vacations and recent efforts to contact individuals met at the 1982 MUFON Symposium/UFO Summit. The SBI thanks its supporters and friends.

Federation Proposal

A 'steering committee,' headed by John Schuessler and including members like Walt Andrus (Director of MUFON), Pete Mazzola, and others, was proposed to establish a 'federation of UFO groups.' Initially planned to meet in Chicago, the committee decided to proceed via mail and telephone to save costs and achieve the goal of creating a 'federation-type network of UFO organizations' in the U.S.A. and Canada.

Comic Strip Idea

John Collado, SBI Staff Artist, proposed creating a comic strip based on UFO encounters documented by the SBI, which is being considered by the editor.

Indian Lake Book

The manuscript written by Pete Mazzola about the 1978 CE-3 event is currently being edited by Peter Robbins and is being offered to publishers.

UFO on Film?

The SBI possesses an 8mm color film depicting a UFO over a highway, which is awaiting analysis by the Fund for UFO Research.

Welcome to SBI

New members and investigators are welcomed, including Marilyn Johnson and John Schleining as Field Investigators, and Max Petrie, Jr. as a Consultant.

Renewals

The SBI thanks its loyal subscribers and members for their renewals.

The News World's Weekend Edition

This section advertises the "UFOs and Other Cosmic Phenomena" supplement in the News World's Weekend Edition, featuring a mix of reality and science fiction, photos, government documents, and eyewitness accounts. It also promotes "TV Weekly" and "Color Comics."

Patricia Mischell

Patricia Mischell, an SBI Consultant, is profiled. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1972, she found healing through psychic studies and became a traveling minister of healing. She is the founder/president of THE WORLD OF ESP and acting minister at THE HOUSE OF HOPE. Mischell is an author, lecturer, and radio/TV personality, known for her psychic abilities and predictions, which have often been called upon by police departments. She offers counseling and psychic development courses through The House of Hope.

Recommended Books and Meditation Tapes

Recommended books include "Easy Guide to Meditation" and "Meditation" by Eknath Easwaran. The House of Hope also offers three 60-minute meditation cassette tapes featuring Patricia Mischell, designed to guide listeners through meditation and inner experiences.

Subscribe to HOPE

The monthly newsletter "HOPE" from The House of Hope is available by mail, covering psychic development, mind powers, and current events. It also includes additional predictions and information on the economy.

We Need Your Help!

This section is a call for support for the SBI's mission to solve the UFO mystery. It offers subscriptions to the "SBI Report" for $12.00 per year and a comprehensive UFO Field Investigation Manual, badge, and ID card for investigators for $15.00 per year. The SBI highlights its unique offerings and its goal of achieving open contact with UFOs.

About the SBI

The SBI is described as a non-profit organization incorporated in Delaware, with a network of members including law enforcement backgrounds, representatives in foreign countries, and specialists in various scientific fields. It is affiliated with other UFO organizations and aims to provide comprehensive reports, investigation manuals, and a 24-hour network for gathering UFO reports. The SBI also maintains a library of UFO documents and has a REACT TEAM for investigating high-strangeness phenomena.

First UFO Organization To:

The SBI claims to be the first UFO organization to offer reduced rates for seniors and students, a formal petition to the White House, incentive awards, director positions, investigator badges, payment for abduction cases, a step-by-step UFO investigating manual, and two international directors.

We Are Looking For Qualified Persons

The SBI is seeking subscribers, field investigators, chief investigators, private directors, staff photographers, staff artists, staff writers, translators, and consultants.

Correction

A correction is provided for typos in a previous article by Kenneth Behrendt in SBI REPORT (Vol.4/#2).

Giant Hole in Ice Baffles Experts

A news brief reports on a massive hole in the Antarctic ice, discovered by weather satellites, which has baffled American and Russian scientists. One theory suggests it is caused by warm water from an unknown source.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, particularly the distinction between genuine sightings and hoaxes. The SBI positions itself as a serious investigative organization dedicated to uncovering the truth about UFOs, emphasizing scientific rigor and the need for credible evidence. There is a strong emphasis on education, both for the public and for aspiring investigators, through publications, manuals, and proposed networks of organizations. The magazine also touches upon related topics like psychic phenomena and the artistic representation of UFOs, suggesting a broad approach to understanding the phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of determined pursuit of answers, a call for collective effort, and a critical approach to unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community.