IUSI - No 26 1980

Magazine Overview

This document is an internal newsletter from Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige, titled "UFO-Sverigeinformation," issue number 26, dated October 20, 1980. It is marked as "INTERN" and "Konfidentiellt" (Confidential), intended only for internal circulation within the organization. The publication is issued by the Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige and is edited by Bo Roslind, with printing and distribution handled by Leif Andersson. It is published approximately 10 times per year, with a subscription cost of 40 kronor per calendar year.

Content Summary

Criticism of Media Coverage and the 'Väddöfallet'

The newsletter opens with a critique of the TV program "Kvällsöppet" regarding its segment on the "Väddöfallet." The authors express anger and disappointment at how the program presenter allegedly manipulated the narrative, questioning the media's reliability. They have sent a letter to various newspapers and media outlets, including "Swenska Dagbladet," "Dagens Nyheter," "Expressen," "Röster i Radio och TV," and the program "Kvällsöppet" itself, seeking to set the record straight and gain some vindication. The letter, attributed to Christer Nordin, Chairman of Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige, details discrepancies between the program's portrayal and the actual events of the Väddö incident. It highlights that Gary Engman's claims about the object's shape and the uniqueness of the case were inaccurate. The letter also points out that the program omitted crucial details such as the car engine stalling, the headlights failing, and the specific reaction of the witnesses. Furthermore, it emphasizes that the metal fragment found was larger than presented and that the flattened grass around the landing site was not mentioned. The core question raised is about the origin and manufacturer of the metal fragment, suggesting a deeper mystery than presented by the media.

Unexplained Disappearances: 'Dödens sjöar' (Death Seas)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the phenomenon of unexplained disappearances in the Great Lakes region of North America, referred to as "Dödens sjöar." The article details the mysterious vanishing of Northwest Airlines Flight 2501 (a DC-4) over Lake Michigan in 1950, which carried 55 passengers and crew. Despite a massive search operation involving the Coast Guard, Navy, and advanced sonar, no wreckage or survivors were found. The article notes that this is one of hundreds of similar incidents over the past 150 years in this region, which has a reputation for unexplained disappearances of ships and aircraft, comparable to the Bermuda Triangle. Several other cases are mentioned, including the disappearance of the tugboat "Admiral" and its barge "Clevco" on Lake Erie in 1942, the vanishing of a Canadian CF-100 jet fighter over Lake Ontario in 1960, and a Piper sport plane disappearing over Lake Michigan in 1960 after encountering a strange "snow cloud." The article also touches upon the disappearance of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald freighter on Lake Superior in 1975.

Scientific Theories and Space Phenomena

The magazine explores scientific theories related to these phenomena. One article discusses the weight loss observed in the Discover XVII satellite, suggesting the presence of an unknown force in Earth's orbit. Professor Robert L. Brown's research into this phenomenon and its potential connection to strong energy fields or the Van Allen radiation belts is highlighted. The implications for space travel and gravity are discussed. Another section questions the possibility of life on Venus, citing data from the Mariner space probe that indicated extremely high surface temperatures, making life as we know it unlikely. However, it also suggests that the data might be misinterpreted and that temperatures in the ionosphere could be different.

UFO-Sverige Activities and Information

The newsletter includes information about UFO-Sverige's activities. It mentions the existence of local UFO groups and encourages readers to contact the "UFO-Center Karlskoga" for information about their activities, including discussion evenings and film screenings. The organization also publishes a magazine called "Svävaren." The article "Mystiska himlafenomen över Karlskoga" (Mysterious Sky Phenomena over Karlskoga) discusses a sighting of an unusual light, initially thought to be a UFO, but potentially explained as the planet Venus. It emphasizes the importance of not dismissing UFO phenomena and the need for scientific research.

Other Items

There is a section titled "ORDET FRITT" (The Word is Free), containing a letter from a reader expressing joy at the new direction of UFO-Sverige and its publication, particularly the departure of a previous authority figure, C-A Jonzon, whose views were considered outdated. The reader pledges to subscribe. The issue also includes a calendar of events for October and November, listing meetings, courses, and special events for various UFO-Sverige chapters and related activities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of media reporting on UFO phenomena, the investigation of unexplained disappearances (particularly in the Great Lakes region), and the exploration of scientific theories related to space and potential extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards mainstream media's handling of UFO topics, a commitment to rigorous investigation of unexplained events, and an open-minded approach to scientific inquiry, even when it challenges established paradigms. There is a clear emphasis on presenting factual accounts and encouraging critical thinking among the readership.

This issue of Aftonbladet, dated October 6, 1980, features a prominent article on psychologist and researcher Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and her controversial views on death. The magazine also includes a piece on early astronaut sterilization practices and a detailed presentation of an architectural concept for a 'Universal City'.

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: Death Does Not Exist

The lead article, "Döden finns inte" (Death Does Not Exist), highlights Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's assertion that life continues after the body ceases to function. She likens death to shedding an old winter coat or a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. Kübler-Ross, an acclaimed psychiatrist, claims her views are scientifically proven and that no one dies alone, as the dying are surrounded by invisible 'helpers'. Despite facing skepticism and resistance, she has dedicated her work to freeing people from the fear of death.

Her research is based on a study of 20,000 cases of 'after-death experiences,' where patients reported experiencing life beyond their physical bodies. She dismisses these experiences as imagination or hallucinations, asserting they are real phenomena. Kübler-Ross's journey began with a desire to help humanity, leading her to work with refugees in Poland and Russia after World War II. She later became a doctor and moved to America with her husband, Dr. Ross. Working at Manhattan State Hospital, she found herself connecting with patients, particularly those with schizophrenia, which led her to realize that helping requires more than just knowledge; it demands the involvement of the whole heart and soul. She considers the dying to be her best teachers.

The article details Kübler-Ross's research into the stages of dying—denial, bargaining, and acceptance—and recounts a patient's experience of clinical death, leaving the body, and observing events in the room. This inspired her to collect similar accounts from around the world, revealing a common theme of death as a transition to a higher form of consciousness where individuals continue to perceive, understand, and grow. Kübler-Ross also works with developmentally disabled children, helping them understand death as a positive transition.

Astronauts Sterilized Themselves

Another section discusses the practice of sterilization among some of the first American astronauts. Gordon Cooper, one of the original seven astronauts, revealed in an interview with Omni magazine that several of them underwent sterilization before their missions due to fears of space radiation affecting potential offspring. These fears, however, proved to be unfounded. Cooper himself became a father later in life, suggesting that the sterilization procedures could be reversible. The article explains that these procedures involved cutting the vas deferens in men and fallopian tubes in women, preventing sperm or eggs from reaching their destinations. While the original operations were designed to be reversible, they were performed with caution. The practice of sterilizing astronauts has since ceased.

The article notes that Cooper, after his space flights, began working with Disney, contributing to their scientific endeavors. He expresses disappointment with the reduced American engagement in space exploration and advocates for a joint global effort. The piece also touches upon sterilization in Sweden, mentioning both voluntary and involuntary procedures, and distinguishes sterilization from castration, which is a more permanent procedure that removes or destroys the gonads and can alter personality.

Universal City: A Pyramid of Functions

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an architectural concept by Karl-Erik Larsson, titled "Universal City Manifested in One Building – A Communication Temple in Form of a Pyramid." This design envisions a self-sufficient community housed within a massive pyramid structure.

The pyramid's design is explained in detail, emphasizing its constructive assets for preventing problems by mirroring internal information with physical form. The triangular law is presented as a catalyst for balanced freedom and limitation. The pyramid's apex is designated as the entry point for spiritual information and a global exchange of positive directives. The vertical axis of the pyramid represents the flow between information and construction, with the upper pole acting as a positive leader for the base pole.

The base of the pyramid is described as the expansive volume plane, maintained by negative polarity, which balances physical construction with its surroundings. Local exchanges would involve raw materials and simple tools for practical dynamics, with waste being recycled for cultivation. The outer diagonal plane symbolizes the physical manifestation of spiritual function, allowing for a pendular movement between freedom and time-fixed possibilities in space. This 'staircase' is intended for both spiritual and physical engagement, promoting self-sufficiency and the exchange of constructive experiences.

Introvert transformation is presented as the goal, with life's meaning and the future of physical matter being shaped by this transformation. The ultimate physical goal is to develop restraint as the only way to prevent meaninglessness, making creation meaningful. Restrained freedom is deemed superior to meaningless, wasteful leisure. The pyramid is designed to provide attractive defense and attractivity, serving as the 'trunk' of a tree with dwellings as 'flowers.' The apex is where spiritual growth occurs, and humanity's communication tools operate, likened to birds flying into a tree.

The system aims for a 90% reduction in the need for land, decreased transportation needs, and lower energy consumption through better storage of natural energy. It also promotes increased personal contact by limiting population density within the community and encourages the preservation of nature and wilderness. The design includes spaces for storing food, water, and other necessities, as well as facilities for flight, manufacturing, housing, and public services like childcare, education, and healthcare.

Energy for light, cooking, and laundry would be supplied by wind, water, solar, and geothermal sources. Heated water from geothermal sources could be stored and used for heating during winter and for irrigation. The pyramid's top would serve as a hangar for air transport, with internal systems for moving goods and people. The design emphasizes minimal private ownership, fostering a sense of shared resources and reducing crime. It proposes a social time allocation of 4 hours for informal social interaction, 4 hours for work according to ability, and 8 hours for personal time and rest.

The article concludes by advocating for a principle of protecting or supporting the 'source' or physical access point, which in turn benefits the environment. It suggests that by understanding and acting upon this principle, risks associated with everyday objects like tables and chairs can be reduced, promoting a safer and more harmonious living environment, particularly for children.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of existence, consciousness, and societal organization. The magazine presents a duality of perspectives: one focusing on the spiritual and existential (Kübler-Ross's views on death and the afterlife) and the other on the practical and futuristic (astronaut sterilization and the 'Universal City' concept). The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and presentation of diverse ideas, from the deeply personal and philosophical to the highly technical and speculative, without necessarily endorsing all viewpoints but rather bringing them to the reader's attention. The inclusion of both spiritual and scientific/architectural topics suggests an interest in broadening the reader's horizons on what is possible and what lies beyond conventional understanding.