Klipprunden - 1984 05 24

Magazine Overview

This issue of Norske Argus, dated May 1984, features several clippings from Norwegian newspapers discussing UFO phenomena, particularly the events in Hessdalen. It also includes content from the BUFORA Journal, published in November 1979, detailing the organization's structure, activities, and a report on the First London International UFO Congress.

Article: Hessdalingene rasende etter UFO-forskning (Norske Argus, May 11, 1984)

This article highlights the frustration of Hessdalen residents towards the research conducted by the Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information (NIVFO). Lars Lillevold of Hessdalen expresses that residents feel ridiculed and that NIVFO's researchers are not taking their observations seriously. He criticizes NIVFO's methods, suggesting that simple tools like thermometers and rain gauges are sufficient and that observing smoke from chimneys would be more informative than their balloon experiments. Residents even put up posters mocking the research, offering 'plasma, valley wind, and sour rain for sale.' Lillevold also points out that Arne Wisth, a journalist who wrote a book on the Hessdalen UFO mystery, stated that the leader of NIVFO is a case handler in a shopping firm and that all members of NIVFO are amateurs. Wisth also recounts how NIVFO obtained and sold copies of his photographs of UFO phenomena, later claiming some were fake.

Article: Hessdal-prosjektet presenteres i bokform (Hamar Arbeiderblad, May 16, 1984)

This clipping reports on the Hessdalen project, stating that the research conducted in the autumn and winter of 1983/84 will be presented in book form. Wolfgang Michelson of Ringsaker UFO-forening explains that UFO-Norge plans to repeat the investigations in the autumn and winter of 1984/85 to address weaknesses in the previous project. He notes that UFO-Norge currently has limited contact with Hessdalen residents but will be contacted if significant phenomena are observed. Michelson emphasizes that Ringsaker UFO-forening was not directly involved in the Hessdalen project and speaks on behalf of UFO-Norge. He confirms that interesting registrations and observations, including instrument readings, have been made and are being analyzed by experts in Norway. He clarifies that UFO-Norge should not be confused with NIVFO, which is a private enterprise. Michelson states that the investigations were successful and provide a basis for new research. He also lists several phenomena that have been ruled out as explanations for the Hessdalen observations, including seismic activity, weather balloons, birds, insect swarms, ball lightning, aurora borealis, planetary observations, meteor showers, and comets.

Article: Skylder 1 - en - øre til elverket: Frakoblingsvarsel (Nøtterøy Elverk)

This humorous piece tells the story of a Nøtterøy electricity customer who received an annual statement showing a balance of one øre (a fraction of a Norwegian Krone). The customer also received a disconnection notice for this minuscule debt, which included information on reconnection fees. The article highlights the absurdity of the situation, noting that the smallest coin is ten øre and that sending such a small amount is impractical. The customer finds the situation amusing, as it's unlikely the electricity company would cut off power for such a negligible sum.

BUFORA Journal (Vol 8 No 5, November 1979)

This section provides details about the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) and its journal. It lists the council members, administration department, publications department, and research departments. The journal's contents include articles on a 'Space-Ape Hunt,' 'The Llanerchymedd Report,' 'At the Mount Royal' (featuring Dr. Hynek presenting his paper), 'Points from the Press,' 'Uforum,' 'Contact-with Pluto?', a book review, a segment on the BUFORA Chairman on LBC, and 'Sighting Summaries.' The editorial, 'Aim Achieved,' by Norman Oliver, discusses the success of the First London International UFO Congress, noting its high attendance and international participation. It also mentions upcoming Kensington Lecture Meetings for 1979 and 1980, covering topics like 'Extra-terrestrial Life,' 'Satellites and UFOs,' and 'UFOs and Apparitions.'

Book Mention: THE DYFED ENIGMA

This section advertises the book 'The Dyfed Enigma: Unidentified Flying Objects in West Wales' by Randall Jones Pugh & F. W. Holiday. It describes the book as a dramatic account of UFO activity in West Wales between 1974 and 1977, featuring personal accounts. The book explores the effects of UFO proximity on animals and the influence of ancient history and folklore on the sightings, presenting facts for the reader to interpret. The ISBN and price (£5.95 net) are provided, along with publication details (October 1979) and availability.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO research and sightings, with a particular focus on the Hessdalen phenomenon in Norway. There is a clear tension between local populations and organized research groups, with skepticism and accusations of ridicule present. The issue also showcases the organizational efforts and publications of UFO research bodies like BUFORA, highlighting their attempts to document and analyze sightings. The inclusion of the electricity bill anecdote adds a touch of local color and humor, contrasting with the more serious UFO investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and organizations, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also promoting the work of BUFORA and its journal.