Klipprunden - 1984 11 25

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: 1984
Volume: Vol. 10
Date: November 25, 1984
Publisher: UFO-Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO-NYTT, dated November 25, 1984, is primarily focused on the ongoing Hessdalen Project and the significant financial challenges faced by UFO research organizations in Norway. The editorial content highlights the need for financial support, particularly in relation to a bank loan and the costs associated with publishing their journal.

Editorial and Financial Concerns

The editorial, written by Odd-Gunnar Roed, opens with a reflection on the stress of the approaching holiday season and a somewhat cynical suggestion to abolish Christmas to create a more natural work rhythm. He then transitions to the main topics of the issue. Roed mentions that a new section leader is joining the military and that he has received a large collection of newspaper clippings for the publication. He also notes that a double issue is being prepared in Oslo with editorial meetings held at Roar Wister's place and another at Erling Strand's. The issue is slated for printing in Bergen and distribution before Christmas.

A significant portion of the editorial is dedicated to the financial situation. Roed appeals for guarantors for an upcoming bank loan, emphasizing that a collective effort will make the loan more affordable for everyone involved. He expresses a strong sentiment that a few individuals shouldn't have to bear the entire financial burden for the organization's activities, especially concerning their ambitious journal. He reveals that the 'Brosjyresentralspøken' (likely a promotional campaign or publication) cost 16,000 NOK for advertising, 6,000 NOK for follow-up letters, and 13,260 NOK for extra printed copies, totaling 35,260 NOK in expenses. This was offset by only 5,850 NOK from new subscribers, resulting in a net loss of 29,410 NOK. Roed hopes that new subscribers will remain long-term, acknowledging that it takes years for such ventures to become profitable. He describes the situation as not insurmountable but acknowledges a difficult period ahead.

Hessdalen Project and International Cooperation

The issue features a section related to the Hessdalen Project, with a photograph captioned "For kaldt i Hessdalen?" showing a structure in Trondheim harbor. A form is included for individuals interested in participating in "Projekt Hessdalen part 2," requesting their name, address, and the dates they can contribute. Contact information for Leif Havik in Rogne is provided. A postscript mentions that a well-known person will visit the project in the coming weeks, with their name kept secret.

A letter dated November 6, 1984, from Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee, Chairman of the Fund for UFO Research Inc. in Washington D.C., is included. Maccabee acknowledges receipt of information about Project Hessdalen and expresses approval of their scientific investigation techniques. However, he states that the Fund does not have sufficient money to provide the requested support, mentioning they lack even $1,200, let alone $12,000. He notes that most of their funds are already committed and that they have supported work outside the USA (Italy and Spain). Maccabee also points out that few people in the USA are aware of Project Hessdalen, making a direct appeal for support unlikely to be successful. He wishes Roed well in finding funding elsewhere, perhaps from a large company.

Miscellaneous Articles and Clippings

Several other items are included in the magazine:

• A news clipping about a robbery: Titled "Kneblet postbestyreren på Duken, stakk av med 124 000," it reports on a postmaster being tied up and 124,000 NOK being stolen in Duken.
• A humorous piece titled "Nynorskfolket gir seg ikkje på trykket!" (The Nynorsk people don't give up on printing!) which humorously contrasts those who work hard with those who speak easily.
• A satirical comment about a politician: "Statsråd Røkke mener at fengselskøene er for lange. Hva med litt sone-terapi?" (Minister Røkke believes prison queues are too long. What about some solitary confinement therapy?).
• A section titled "Mislykkede forsøk" (Failed Attempts) detailing the near-fatal suicide attempts of John Sokolenko in Kalgoorlie, Australia. He attempted to gas himself and ingest a mixture of poisons, but survived both attempts.
• An article titled "Ubrukelig ur" (Useless Watch) describing a Japanese talking wristwatch, the Alba Cal Y 825, which tells the time and announces appointments in Japanese. The article notes the inconvenience and the added cost of learning Japanese.
• A humorous piece titled "Endelig avføring" (Finally Bowel Movement) by Harald Heide Steen Jr., which humorously likens a gymnast's energetic performance to the relief of overcoming constipation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges of funding UFO research and the practicalities of running an organization like UFO-Norge. The editorial stance is one of earnestness regarding the importance of their work, coupled with a pragmatic acknowledgment of the financial hurdles. There's a clear emphasis on the need for collective effort and financial responsibility from members. The inclusion of humorous and miscellaneous clippings suggests an attempt to balance the serious nature of UFO research with lighter content, perhaps to maintain reader engagement and morale amidst the financial pressures. The magazine also appears to be a platform for sharing information about UFO-related projects, such as Hessdalen, and fostering a sense of community among Norwegian UFO enthusiasts.