SBI Report - No 44

Magazine Overview

This issue of the SBI REPORT, Volume 6, Issue No. 44, published by the SCIENTIFIC BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, INC., focuses on the "SBI 2nd UFO ANNUAL EVENT," a conference held on Saturday, August 25th, in Brewster, New York. The cover features a dramatic illustration of a city skyline under a hovering UFO, with the event highlighted as a key feature.

Editorial

In the editorial, Pete Mazzola, International Director of SBI, emphasizes the effort put into organizing the "UFOS: THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD" conference, which was transformed from a two-day symposium costing $20 into a free, one-day event. He highlights the selection of top speakers and the availability of books, artwork, and UFO photos. Mazzola urges attendees to support the event, noting the auditorium's 1500-person capacity and the potential for catering. He stresses the importance of ufologists uniting to present a strong, cooperative front to the media, warning that failure to do so would mean failing mankind and validating government secrecy regarding UFOs. He calls for attendees to make their voices heard and to assert their right to know the truth.

Articles and Features

"Was It a Plane, a UFO, Or Just Plain Imagination?" by Carol Light

This article details a series of unidentified flying object sightings reported in the Dover-Rochester area on Monday night, November 2, 1983. Witnesses described an object unlike any known aircraft, with unusual lights and movements. Dr. William Weber, a UNH physics professor, suggested a C-5A cargo plane might have been involved, but the Air Force denied C-5A departures. However, a C-130 cargo plane did depart. The sightings occurred simultaneously with the broadcast of "The Night That Panicked America," a television movie about the 1939 "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast panic. Witnesses like Sharon Dube described a metallic, triangular craft with huge white lights and a red light, which hovered and changed direction rapidly without sound. Other residents reported similar sightings, including a Rochester woman and her brother who saw a hovering, humming craft with lights that turned red. A Rochester patrolman also reported an oval-shaped craft. Jean Thurston, from the UNH Space Science Program, described a high-pitched whistle instead of an engine roar and saw what appeared to be windows with people inside.

"Physicist is convinced UFOs real" by Gary Gerhardt

This article profiles Dr. Harley D. Rutledge, chairman of the physics department at Southeast Missouri State University. Despite his scientific training, Rutledge claims to have seen 147 unidentified flying objects and possesses 700 photographs. His interest began in March 1973 after sightings in Piedmont, Missouri. He describes encounters with moving lights and a saucer-shaped object shooting into the sky. Rutledge accepts UFOs as real, not as a matter of belief, and has formed "Project Identification" to gather data. He notes that many sightings involve moving lights, but some are "incredible," exhibiting bizarre behavior like high-speed 90-degree turns.

"UFOs," by David Nathan

This piece reports on UFO sightings in Rochester, New Hampshire, on Halloween night. Several residents, including a police officer and a city councilman, reported seeing an unidentified flying object. The FAA and Pease Air Force Base reported no low-flying crafts, though FB-111s were flying routine missions. Police Officer Steven Hamel described an oval-shaped craft hovering over the Route 16 Drive-In. A Rochester councilman also reported a sighting. Other residents described seeing a low-flying, round-shaped object and a large diamond-shaped craft. Sightings were also reported in Gonic, where a resident saw a brightly-lit craft hovering over his rooftop.

"Low Flying Pease Planes Cause UFO Reports" by Dick Casselberry

This article suggests that low-flying aircraft from Pease Air Force Base in Newington were responsible for a series of unidentified sightings in Rochester, NH, on Sunday night. Four reports came from Rochester and one from Somersworth. Police logged the calls, but no official reports were filed. The article notes that these reports followed Halloween night sightings, which coincided with the airing of "War of the Worlds." It also mentions that audiences were watching "The Day After" that Sunday night. A separate report from Louisville, KY, describes an object like a "ball of fire with streaks of blue and red," which was attributed by forecasters to be a meteor.

"Communication is the key... Big Brother watching you" by Scott D. Palmer

This article, reprinted from the Christian Inquirer, discusses government surveillance and the erosion of privacy. It highlights the vast number of computerized credit bureaus and government record systems, suggesting that "Big Brother is here." The author criticizes "Bank Security" laws requiring photocopies of checks and notes that federal agencies routinely eavesdrop on phone calls. The article mentions "mail cover surveillance" and hidden videotape cameras in Indianapolis. It concludes by urging concerned Christians and others to demand that elected officials stop government spying.

"I hid in terror the UFO seemed to be looking for me" by Vera Perry

This is a personal account from Vera Perry, who won a $50 prize from GLOBE for her UFO experience. She describes multiple encounters over 20 years, including one in 1975 where a triangular UFO with reddish-orange and pale yellow lights chased her through a field, causing her to become sick and lose an hour of time. She also recounts an encounter in 1962 with a blinding white light that made her skin tingle, followed by a dark gray, triangular object that circled her. Perry is a member of Contact International and the Scientific Bureau of Investigation, believing that many UFO sightings are covered up or explained away as natural phenomena.

"Was it a bird, a plane? No, just a meteor" by Roddy Ray

This article details reports of strange lights and sounds heard and seen in the sky over southeast Michigan on Saturday night. Witnesses described a bright streak of light, a big flash, or sparks, accompanied by hissing and booming sounds. Some speculated it was related to the AAAS meeting or even the Russians. Meteorologists suggested the phenomenon might have been a meteor, possibly a bolide (exploding meteor). The article also includes a cartoon by Moses Harris depicting a strange light phenomenon.

"Strange lights..." by Stephen Weaver and Steven P. Smith

This article describes sightings of unusual lights in the sky over Central Bucks, PA, on a Monday night. Residents reported seeing 10 to 15 slow-moving specks of light in a pattern formation that disappeared mysteriously. Tina Atchley of Doylestown Township described the lights as "very pretty" and wondered if "ET was coming to see me for my birthday." The article notes that police, the Naval Air Station, and the National Weather Service had no definitive explanation. Jean C. Skolnik reported seeing a large diamond-shaped craft with four lights.

"Strange Sights Brighten The Night Skies Upstate" by Jeffrey Schmalz

This New York Times article reports on numerous sightings of strange objects in northern Westchester County, Dutchess and Putnam Counties, and western Connecticut during the summer of 1984. Residents described V-shaped or circular objects, about the size of a football field, that were silent and outlined in brilliant lights. Police attributed these sightings to a hoax involving small planes flying in formation, but many residents remained unconvinced, citing differences in the objects' behavior. The article mentions a hot line set up in Westchester for inquiries and the skepticism of the FAA, which stated it did not care about UFOs as long as pilots were following regulations.

"UFO talk is flying again" by Mike Santangelo

This article covers a UFO conference held in Brewster, New York, on August 26, 1984. Over 500 people attended, many of whom claimed to have seen UFOs. The conference featured speakers and witnesses sharing their experiences and convictions about extraterrestrial visitors. Philip Imbrogno, a UFO investigator, presented data on recent sightings in Connecticut and Westchester. The article notes that some sightings were attributed to a hoax by pilots flying in formation, but emphasizes that small planes cannot hover or fly noiselessly. The event included presentations by various UFO researchers and authors, and there was discussion about the possibility of turning the story "CLEAR INTENT" into a major motion picture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SBI REPORT consistently promotes the idea that UFOs are real and warrant serious investigation. The magazine features numerous witness accounts, often from credible individuals like scientists and pilots, alongside expert analysis. There is a recurring theme of government secrecy and a perceived cover-up of UFO information. The editorial stance is one of advocacy for open disclosure and a unified front among ufologists to demand the truth from authorities. The publication also highlights conferences and events aimed at raising awareness and sharing information within the UFO community.

This issue of the SBI REPORT, dated February 23, 1945, focuses on UFO-related news and investigations. The cover story, "Pilots Warn Scientists The 'Foos' Ain't Foolin'," details the experiences of WWII pilots encountering unidentified aerial phenomena.

Conference and Book Announcements

The issue begins with a continuation of a conference report, congratulating Peter Gersten for his efforts in using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain government documents related to UFOs. It announces that Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) is becoming a civilian UFO organization with a $10.00 annual membership, which includes their publication 'JUST CAUSE.' Information is also provided on how to purchase the book 'Clear Intent' by Lawrence Fawcett and Barry J. Greenwood for $8.95 plus postage.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), is moving his base from Evanston, IL, to Phoenix, Arizona. The article notes that a news report on this move will appear in the next issue.

Several individuals, including Antonio Huneeus and Colman Von Keviczky, are announced to be appearing on radio, TV, or lecturing in Texas, Ohio, Michigan, and Canada.

A critical report is made about Dick Ruhl, an investigator for APRO, who allegedly misrepresented APRO at a 1-day conference in Brewster, N.Y., by concluding that UFO reports were misidentifications of aircraft.

Staten Island UFO Conference

Page 2 details the "UFOs: The Greatest Story Ever Told" conference produced by the Scientific Bureau of Investigation, Inc. (SBI) and sponsored by SBI of New York City. The event took place on Sunday, November 4, 1984, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm at Tottenville High School Auditorium in Staten Island, New York. The speakers included Larry Fawcett and Barry Greenwood (co-authors of 'Clear Intent'), Budd Hopkins ('Missing Time'), Philip Imbrogno ('Crosswalks Across the Universe'), I.L. (Ike) Cohen ('The Secrets of Stonehenge'), Colman Von Keviczky ('Project WASA'), Antonio Huneeus, Peter Mazzola, and Robert Bartholomew. Special guests included Larry Warren, who described a UFO close encounter in Rendlesham Forest in 1980, and Helen Wheels, a singer who shared her UFO encounter experience from 1961. Peter Robbins served as the Master of Ceremonies. The page also provides detailed directions to the venue and accommodation information at the Holiday Inn.

'Clear Intent' Book Promotion

Page 3 features a promotion for the book 'Clear Intent' by Lawrence Fawcett and Barry J. Greenwood, subtitled 'The Government's Coverup of the UFO Experience.' It includes a quote from Dr. J. Allen Hynek and details the authors' backgrounds as UFO investigators who have compiled the book using declassified files from agencies like the FBI, CIA, and Air Force. The book reportedly reveals what the government recorded during thirty years of monitoring UFOs and explains how investigations and findings were kept secret. It promises to include sample sighting reports, NORAD review memos, details of incidents in 1975 involving U.S. missile bases, and previously unpublished photos of UFOs and animal mutilations.

Historical UFO Sightings and Current Events

Page 4 includes a news clipping from 'The Stars and Stripes' dated February 23, 1945, about "Foo-Fighters" being reported by pilots during WWII. The article quotes pilots who dismiss the phenomenon as potentially an after-image of light but express frustration with skeptical scientists. It describes the 'Foo-Fighters' as balls of colored light that rise from the ground and move in on U.S. night fighters.

Another article on page 4 reports on a sighting in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania of an unusually bright meteor on a Saturday evening, which authorities initially confirmed as a meteor burning up in the atmosphere. Astronomy experts at the Franklin Institute confirmed the sighting.

UFO Phenomenon Discussion

Page 5 features an article titled "Are flying saucers old hat?" by Stan Morrison, discussing Jerome Clark's commentary on the present status of the UFO phenomenon, noting a decrease in mass UFO sightings since the 1979 flap. It touches upon the origin of the term "flying saucers" from Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting and mentions historical accounts of "flying shields" in ancient records. The article also quotes Dr. J. Allen Hynek stating that UFOs have become less newsworthy because the phenomena are repetitive.

An article titled "Researcher claims UFO's are no joke" by Mark Nepper reports on Robert Hastings, a UFO researcher, who claims the U.S. government has intentionally deceived the public about UFOs. Hastings presented information based on military documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, suggesting the government's ongoing interest in UFOs and attempts to "debunk" sightings.

Personal UFO Encounters and Research

Pages 6 and 7 delve into personal UFO experiences. "Pair awaits second UFO visit" by Diana Dillaber discusses the growing belief in extraterrestrials, citing a Merit Report indicating that 49% of U.S. adults believe UFOs have visited Earth. It also mentions the upcoming "flap" in 1983-84 and the belief that movies like "E.T." and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" might be preparing people for alien visitations. The article introduces Lillian Fleischmann, who is working to set up an organization for UFO "contacts" after her own experience. It highlights the difficulty people face in reporting such experiences due to fear of ridicule.

Tom, a Lake Orion man, shares his personal UFO encounter, describing a bright object with colored lights and a green beam. His experience has left him feeling isolated, with his wife and daughter now denying it. He discusses the psychological impact of such experiences, including increased intuition and a need to explore other religions.

Elaine Kaiser recounts her own abduction experience, which she recalled under hypnosis. She describes being taken aboard a craft and undergoing a procedure involving a "blood exchange."

Page 8 continues the discussion of personal experiences, with Mrs. Kaiser meeting Pete Mazzola, a detective and head of the SBI. The article notes that aliens reportedly choose certain people for experiences and that many contacts don't remember the full details until hypnotized. Investigator Scott Fischer of the Holly Police Department recounts a sighting of a craft hovering over a backyard. The article also mentions the National UFO Reporting Center and the definition of a UFO as an Unidentified Flying Object until its nature can be determined.

Professor Alvin H. Lawson cautions that there is still no hard evidence of alien visitation, stating that experiences may not be physically real but are psychologically real. Mrs. Kaiser and Tom believe the beings have a mission to bring peace and love to Earth.

SBI Membership and Report Information

Page 9 provides "10-REASONS FOR JOINING SBI," detailing benefits such as payment for published articles, certificates, cash awards for recruiting members, profit sharing from symposiums, discounts on back issues, and the ability to become an affiliate member. It also includes information on how to subscribe to the SBI REPORT for $15.00 per year (USA) or $20.00 (Foreign) and offers a free booklist from Arcturus Book Service.

Page 10 features the "Director's Report" by Pete Mazzola, welcoming new active members to the SBI and explaining that the current issue of the SBI REPORT is condensed to ensure timely delivery. It mentions the proposal to dissolve the North America UFO Federation, which was defeated. Mazzola also announces his upcoming lecture at the 21st Annual Nat'l. UFO Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. The report briefly mentions a UFO FORUM conference held in Beverley, MA, featuring Larry Fawcett, Barry Greenwood, and Budd Hopkins. Awards for new member enrollment are announced, and a reminder is issued for members to remit their annual dues. The report concludes with contact information for the SBI and a TO: address for OUFOIL.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, government secrecy and cover-ups, personal UFO experiences, and the ongoing research and investigation into the phenomenon. The SBI REPORT positions itself as a source for on-the-spot coverage and exclusive photographs, aiming to keep its members informed about the latest developments in UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for transparency regarding UFOs and challenging official narratives that dismiss or downplay the phenomenon. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of documentation, investigation, and the sharing of information, often through the lens of FOIA requests and the efforts of organizations like CAUS and SBI.