SBI Report - No 35

Magazine Overview

Title: The SBI REPORT
Issue: 35
Publication Date: October 16, 1982
Publisher: Scientific Bureau of Investigation, Inc.
Type: Official Publication of Scientific Bureau of Investigation, Inc., A-NON-PROFIT-Scientific and Educational Corporation.

Editorial Stance and Main Criticisms

The editorial, penned by Pete Mazzola, strongly criticizes the PBS documentary series NOVA for its program 'The Case of the UFOs.' Mazzola accuses NOVA of presenting a one-sided, debunking perspective that ridicules witnesses and researchers, dismisses hard-core facts, and ignores decades of UFO evidence. He questions NOVA's integrity, suggesting the program was a 'scientific exposé' that misrepresented the phenomenon and its serious investigators. The article highlights that NOVA's press release promised a rigorous investigation but delivered a program that, in Mazzola's opinion, projected an attitude that 'UFOs do not exist and anyone who sees one is either a lunatic, liar, or mistaken.'

PBS Ignores Own Publicity and Ousts Key Figures

Mazzola points out that NOVA's press release made no mention of the program's participants, which he believes was a diversion. He is particularly critical of the exclusion and editing of contributions from respected UFO figures. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of CUFOS, was reportedly 'ousted' and never mentioned. Furthermore, contributions from Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee and Alan Hendry were allegedly edited to appear as if they agreed with the debunkers. John Schuessler of MUFON, who was filmed regarding the Cash/Landrum case, was also omitted from the final program.

Lack of Consultation and Bias

The article questions why credible UFO organizations like MUFON, CUFOS, and SBI were not consulted for the program. It speculates that this was to avoid acknowledging the global and long-standing nature of the UFO enigma. The author suggests that NOVA feared that these organizations, with their numerous scientific, medical, and law enforcement consultants who have witnessed UFOs, could dispute the debunkers' claims with hard facts.

Unexplained Cases and Misrepresentation

Specific cases, such as Deputy Val Johnson's encounter and the Travis Walton abduction, were allegedly not fully explained or were misrepresented. The program also implied that the U.S. military had not investigated UFOs since Project Bluebook, a claim Mazzola refutes with evidence obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. The article expresses frustration that crucial information, like the source of a filmed UFO sighting, was omitted.

Call for Equal Time and Public Opinion

The SBI, along with MUFON, CUFOS, and other UFO groups, is not seeking an apology but demands 'equal time' to present the full scope of the phenomenon to the public. Readers are urged to voice their dissatisfaction to their local PBS outlets and to write formal letters of complaint to John Mansfield, executive producer for NOVA.

UFOs in New York State (Part 1 & 2)

By Pete Mazzola

This section details UFO sightings investigated by the SBI in New York State, presented as a four-part series.

Part 1: UFOs in New York State (pt.1)

This article, published September 11, 1982, focuses on a sighting on November 12, 1981, in upstate New York. David Waters, SBI Chief Investigator for New York, reported that numerous individuals sighted a series of bright white objects with a greenish tint moving erratically at a low altitude. A peculiar coincidence noted was the simultaneous interruption of phone service in the Saratoga area from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

#### A Strange Coincidence

Waters' investigation revealed that similar UFO activity was reported in Vermont, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania on the same night. The sighting involved a triangular arrangement of four UFOs observed by Larry Figueras, his daughter Christina, and neighbor Bernard O'Connell. The objects appeared to merge into one large bright white object, then maneuvered erratically before ascending out of sight behind silos. Witnesses reported no sound and no unusual smells, though a dog reacted fearfully, and a circular glowing patch was observed on the ground.

#### Phone Service Interruption and Other Anomalies

Waters' investigation suggests a link between the UFO sighting and the phone service interruption. The New York Telephone company reported a 'minicomputer failure,' but Waters' investigation indicated that such a complete shutdown of two exchanges had never occurred before. Additionally, Volunteer Fire Departments reported interference with their radio reception during the sighting, suggesting a possible electromagnetic effect. Sporadic power failures also occurred in nearby towns. The article notes that the following day, Friday the 13th, saw unusual air traffic, and on December 14, an earthquake occurred near where the UFOs were sighted.

Part 2: UFO cause eyed in upstate N.Y. telephone cutoff

This article, published October 16, 1982, continues the investigation into the November 12, 1981, event. It reiterates that Chief Investigator David Waters believes the UFO may have caused the phone and power disruptions. The article highlights the cooperative efforts between Waters and independent researcher Paul Bartholomew in documenting the events.

#### Wide as a Football Field

Witness William Barrett described the object as triangular, low-flying, and 'damn big.' Mr. and Mrs. Roger Hamman described it as 'large, very large... triangular-shaped... as wide as a football field' and noiseless. Francis Baker also reported a triangular object circling the sky. Paula Henderes sketched a similar formation.

#### Mohawk Valley a UFO Hotbed

Waters stated that UFOs are often reported along earthquake fault lines and that the Mohawk Valley is a 'hotbed for UFO activity,' including reports of a 'Loch Ness type creature' in Lake Champlain and similar creatures north of the Sacandaga Reservoir. The article notes the coincidence of an earthquake in Saratoga Springs on December 14, shortly after the UFO sightings.

#### Standardized Investigation Procedures

The writer emphasizes the need for ufologists to adopt standardized procedures and vocabulary for investigating and documenting cases. He critiques independent researchers for their varied methods, which can lead to lost information. Essential data points for UFO reports include witness ages, education, religion, race, physiological and psychological effects, psychic abilities, object details, environmental data, and any physical evidence.

UFOs Over Argentina

By Dr. Virgilio Sanchez-Ocejo

This section details an encounter on December 10, 1981, involving Juan C. Meneses, who claims he was tele-transported 100 kilometers. Meneses was driving his truck near San Luis del Palmar when he was blinded by a 'very strong light.' He lost consciousness and awoke to find himself and his truck near Beron de Astrada, 100 kilometers away. He was admitted to Caa-Cati hospital with a nervous breakdown and continued to suffer recurring nightmares.

The Encounter

Meneses described the light as 'very white as well as bright and engulfed the entire truck.' He reported being semi-conscious and seeing everything floating. He then found himself in a 'metal-type room,' floating upside down, and saw a 'very thin being, about a meter high,' with a greenish-grey coloring. The being communicated mentally, and Meneses described its wrinkled forehead and long arms. After the encounter, he walked back to his truck and drove to town, where he reported the incident to the police.

Townspeople Frightened

Following Meneses' encounter, a UFO reportedly flew low over the town of Ciudad Paz, causing widespread fear among residents for over 48 hours, with many fearing abduction.

Medical and Psychological Impact

Dr. Alberto Vidal (M.D.), who was present during the interview with Meneses, confirmed the man's distress and fear, stating he had never seen a person in such bad shape. Meneses was prescribed tranquilizers for his tension and fear, and a psychoanalysis was planned upon his recovery.

Related Sighting and Trace Evidence

A week after Meneses' encounter, in Berqui, Mr. Sixto Barrios reported an object lighting up his house with blue light, causing his dog to bark all night. The next morning, a circular burn mark and four depression marks were found on his farm, with nothing growing in that area.

Dade County, Florida Police Report

This section includes a copy of an official police report from Dade County, Florida, dated January 3, 1979, detailing a 'Close Encounter of Third Kind.' The complainant stated that while driving on Okeechobee Road, his vehicle's electrical system failed. He and a witness observed a blinding light engulf the vehicle, after which the complainant disappeared and later reappeared at a different location. The witness corroborated the story, noting the complainant's disappearance after the bright light vanished. The complainant and witness believed they were picked up by a spacecraft.

UFO UPDATE

Let's swap, or else

This brief news item from Cape Canaveral, Florida, reports on a request from two individuals who wanted to trade UFO photographs for a ride on the space shuttle. The Kennedy Space Center declined the request, citing policy.

U.F.O. PUZZLE IN FLORIDA

This article from New York, dated April 4, 1982, reports a mysterious flash of blue light seen throughout Florida, observed by coastguards, airline pilots, and experts at Cape Canaveral. The flash, occurring before 2 p.m., was speculated to be caused by meteors. An airline pilot described it as similar to a Saturn rocket launch but in reverse, and another pilot reported it brushing the wing of his plane.

UFO?

This brief report from Taradale mentions a 'UFO landing mark' appearing on a property, described as a roughly elliptical shape about 10 meters long, pressed into grass. The grass was flattened and dried out, and aircraft landing was ruled out due to power lines. The marks remained unexplained.

Strange light on the horizon

This report from the Ashburton district describes a farmer, Jack Howden, and his son Stewart observing a bright object in the sky on the north-east horizon at 4:30 a.m. They noted it was hovering rather than moving at speed and remained visible in daylight for over an hour. They were convinced it was not a reflection of lights.

Police report UFO over Seneca fields

This article from Tiffin, Ohio, reports that two Seneca County deputy sheriffs observed an unidentified flying object soaring above cornfields. Sheriff Weldin Neff described it as a bright, white ball of light just above cloud level. The object was observed for about two minutes before vanishing. The sheriff noted that other public reports of UFO sightings that week described colored balls of light. Neff stated, 'There are a lot of unexplained things in the world for which there is no definition.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The SBI REPORT include the critical examination of media portrayals of UFO phenomena, the detailed documentation of UFO sightings and encounters, and the promotion of rigorous, standardized investigative methods. The editorial stance is clearly pro-UFO investigation, advocating for the seriousness of the subject and challenging skeptical or debunking narratives, particularly those presented by mainstream media outlets like PBS. The publication positions itself as a platform for presenting evidence and witness testimony that it believes is often ignored or misrepresented by conventional sources. There is a strong emphasis on the need for cooperation among UFO researchers and a call for the public to engage with and support ufological endeavors.

This issue of The SBI, dated February 1982, features a cover story titled "Pilot Beams Thoughts to UFO," detailing an extraordinary encounter where a jetliner pilot reportedly communicated mentally with a brilliant UFO. The magazine also delves into the technical aspects of UFO detection, proposing a new method based on 'anti-mass fields' and providing DIY instructions. It includes regular sections like "The Spotlight," "Renewals," and "Progress?" along with various advertisements and subscription offers.

Pilot Beams Thoughts to UFO

The lead article recounts an incident on February 8th involving a VASP Airlines Boeing 727 en route from Fortaleza to Rio de Janeiro. Pilot Gerson Britto observed a brilliant object keeping pace with his aircraft for over an hour. He attempted mental communication, asking for a sign of intelligent life. The object responded by increasing its brilliance. Approximately 150 passengers witnessed the event, with some describing the light as "beautiful" and "like God was on that side." Other pilots also reported seeing the object, and it was briefly detected by radar at a distance of eight miles. The object was described as disk-shaped with a bluish-white brilliance. The Brazilian Air Force reportedly scrambled jets but declined to comment.

Building Your Own UFO Detector

Authored by Kenneth Behrendt, this section explores the limitations of traditional magnetic UFO detectors, which are often unreliable and require close proximity to a UFO's magnetic field. Behrendt proposes a new system based on detecting 'anti-mass fields' generated by UFO propulsion systems. These fields are said to absorb mass energy, allowing UFOs to travel at extreme velocities and perform erratic maneuvers without inertial effects. The article explains that these fields can ionize air molecules, which can be detected.

The proposed detector uses a modified ionization-type home smoke detector. The process involves removing the radioactive isotope from the ionization chamber and replacing it with a powerful magnet. This modified device is designed to detect the ionized air produced by a UFO's anti-mass field, offering a more sensitive and reliable detection method than magnetic detectors. The article provides detailed instructions, including recommended model numbers and sources for parts, suggesting a construction cost of under $25.00.

The Spotlight

This section introduces several new "Field Investigators" for The SBI: Kenneth Brand from Michigan, Shirley Duggins from Ohio, James Abatino from New York City, and Robert Lowe from Oklahoma. It also mentions Norma "Jean" Waller, Director of Oklahoma, and John Schuessler from Texas, a subscriber and deputy director of MUFON. Frank Colacarro from New Jersey is welcomed as a subscriber.

Renewals

This section lists individuals who have renewed their memberships or roles within The SBI, including Vera Perry, Patricia Mischell, Cynthia Zang, John Collado, David Waters, Filippi Galluppi, and Wayne Guild.

Saga UFO Report Is Back

It is announced that "Saga UFO Report" will be publishing an annual magazine, expected around January 25, 1983. The SBI expresses elation and encourages readers to support the publication by purchasing a copy. Feature articles by Antonio Huneeus and Pete Mazzola are mentioned.

OMNI Article

Antonio Huneeus, SBI's Foreign Representative of Latin America, is highlighted for an upcoming article in OMNI magazine detailing a recent SBI project in upstate New York involving the construction of a 23-foot UFO and a life-like alien being for a recovery exercise, codenamed "PROJECT 'D' (Diogenes)."

Progress?

Pete Mazzola reports on the slow but steady progress of the North American UFO Federation committee towards establishing its articles of incorporation and by-laws.

Numbers

The issue announces that the magazine's issues are now numbered, with this being issue #35, printed in March 1979. Issue #36 is scheduled for mailing in the first week of March 1983.

Other Content

The magazine also includes sections on "UFOs Over Glen Falls, New York," a "U.N. Green Memorandum," "WASA Project," and various book advertisements, including "The UFO Evidence," "The Andreasson Affair: Phase Two," "The Most Famous Hoax in UFOLOGY," and "The Roswell Incident." There are also listings for "Catalogue of UFO Periodicals," "UFO Crash/Retrievals: Amassing the Evidence," and "UFOs...Canada: A Global Perspective."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SBI consistently promotes ufology through its publications and activities. The magazine emphasizes the importance of reliable detection methods, moving beyond traditional magnetic detectors to more advanced systems like the proposed anti-mass field detector. There is a strong focus on investigative journalism, reporting on UFO sightings, and supporting researchers and organizations in the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement and promotion of UFO research, encouraging reader participation and support.