TØNSBERG

Magazine Overview

This issue of Tønsberg, dated February 10, 1985, is a Norwegian publication focused on UFO phenomena and related topics. It includes news, personal accounts, and organizational updates within the ufology community.

Contents

Editorial and News

The issue opens with a note from 'O-G' regarding a significant drop in reported UFO clips, from an average of 10-20 per week to just two. This is humorously attributed to a possible 'atmospheric winter holiday'. A call is made for readers with 'loddebøker' (likely logbooks or notebooks related to UFO observations) to send them in immediately for a drawing.

There's a request for an 'UFO-update' on 'Project 1985' from contributors Erling and Leif, asking for information in English to be included in a new bulletin. The editor notes that correspondence from Brazil is increasing, with a professor there effectively promoting their work, but some letters are in Portuguese, requiring translation assistance from the readership.

A 'missing letter' that had been placed in the copier lid for safekeeping reappeared unexpectedly, highlighting the peculiar nature of some events.

An article discusses a potential solution to the 'mystisk kattemorder i Stavanger' (mysterious cat killer in Stavanger) case. After contacting the Norsk Institutt for vitenskapelig forskning og opplysning (NIVFO), it was suggested that the phenomenon was likely caused by reflections on windows due to mild winter conditions and Atlantic air currents. A psychiatrist also confirmed that a person could develop such beliefs and spread misinformation over time, especially with 'Guru worship'.

Organizational Activities and Announcements

The UFO-foreningen i Oslo is organizing a weekend trip to Hessdalen from March 15-17. The trip includes accommodation with private hosts or in cabins, aiming to observe UFO phenomena, enjoy the scenery, and ski. The cost is described as reasonable, with discounts for more participants.

There are mentions of various meetings, including an editorial meeting in Oslo on February 11 and a meeting of the Tønsberg group on February 14. A committee meeting and a trip to Hessdalen are also planned.

International Correspondence and Reports

Soviet UFO Sighting: A significant report details a Soviet passenger plane's encounter with an unidentified flying object over Hvite-Russland (Belarus) on a Wednesday night. The object, described as a 'mystisk «grønn sky»' (mysterious 'green sky'), emitted powerful light beams and flew alongside the Tupolev-134 aircraft. The sighting was confirmed by the crew, passengers, and another aircraft. The object was also detected by radar in Tallinn. Nikolaj Sjeltukhin, from the Soviet UFO commission, stated that similar cases have been registered and confirmed that the object was undoubtedly large, ruling out atmospheric explanations.

Brazilian Correspondence: A letter from Edmundo Prochnow in Dalbergia-SC, Brazil, dated January 28, 1985, expresses a desire to receive prospectuses and illustrations about the group's work and potential collaboration.

Project Hessdalen: Leif Havik is asked to send a batch of 'Project Hessdalen' envelopes.

UFO-Rama: Finn K. is requested to provide original artwork for UFO-Rama advertisements featuring pens, t-shirts, and pins for Roar Wister.

Brazilian UFO Magazine: An article introduces a presentation of Brazil's UFO magazine, encouraging readers to translate articles if they wish.

UFO Dynamics: The issue references two books by Dr. Berthold E. Schwarz, 'UFO Dynamics - Psychiatric & Psychic Aspects of the UFO Syndrome', which explore the case of Stella Lansing, a Massachusetts housewife who reportedly developed psychic abilities after UFO sightings and contact. Her films allegedly captured anomalous images, including disc-shaped UFOs.

Financial and Membership News

Donations for the 'klipprunden' (clip round/fundraising effort) have reached 8,215 by the end of week 5, with over half of the contributors yet to pay. The magazine notes that many members of the 'Landsstyret' (National Board) have not renewed their memberships. A specific individual, Jan Nielsen from Oslo, is highlighted for a significant contribution of 420 kr plus a subscription.

Other Items

Snorke-strid (Snoring Dispute): A brief item mentions a 'snoring dispute' involving a man from Moi Rana who purchased a snoring cessation course advertised in a weekly magazine. The Consumer Ombudsman is investigating the firm behind the course.

Fransk tips (French Tip): A brief mention of a study in The Lancet suggesting that four out of five cases of impotence are linked to poor blood circulation caused by smoking.

Edderkoppgift i rommet? (Spider Venom in Space?): An article discusses a Brazilian spider, Phoeutria nigriventer, whose venom might be useful for producing a sedative for astronauts, as one of its four venoms is designed to paralyze prey.

Tjassa..? (Tired..?): A short, humorous piece by 'morten m...' about his tax return and a comment on the 'porn action' comparing it to the moon landing.

Tjassa..? (Tired..?): Another piece by 'morten m...' about the maritime college in Tønsberg having to move to a church hall due to lack of space.

UFO? (Page 3): A report from Vestfold Arbeiderblad, dated January 29, 1985, about a white luminous object observed over Vindfjell, initially thought to be a distress flare but later unidentified. The local sheriff's office is interested in further reports.

Boletim UFO Bulletin Anniversary: The publication celebrates its second anniversary, noting the challenges faced in Brazil but highlighting its growth and reach to ufologists in Brazil and 14 other countries. It expresses a desire to improve its content and distribution in 1985 and encourages collaboration.

Congress in Argentina: A brief mention of a congress in Argentina organized by FAECE (Federación Argentina de Estudios de la Ciencia).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes ufology as a serious field of study, encouraging active participation from its readers through contributions, translations, and financial support. There's a strong emphasis on international cooperation, as evidenced by the reports from Brazil and the Soviet Union, and the broad readership of the Boletim UFO Bulletin. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various cases and research findings while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and potential explanations, as seen in the Stavanger case. The publication also engages with lighter, more anecdotal content, such as the 'Tjassa..?' columns and the snoring dispute, suggesting a broader interest in unusual or intriguing topics.