Klipprunden - 1985 03 31

Magazine Overview

This issue of Tønsberg magazine, dated March 31, 1985, features a mix of local news, cultural commentary, and reports on UFO sightings and astronomical events. The tone is generally informal and conversational, with a focus on current events and public interest topics.

Spring and Nature

The issue opens with a description of the arrival of spring in Tønsberg, noting the melting snow, flowing streams, and the general sense of renewal. The author humorously remarks on the abundance of water and the feeling of spring's arrival.

Personal Reflections and Editorial Notes

The editor shares personal reflections on the past week, mentioning the Easter holiday and the ongoing work of compiling reports and bulletins. There's a mention of the 'Palme' holiday, questioning its origin. The editor expresses a need to focus on more urgent matters, including fulfilling orders for an English report and managing the influx of lottery winners. The process of finding lost items in the office is humorously described, referencing Dr. Hynek's efficiency.

Financial Matters and Subscriptions

Details are provided regarding the subscription process for 'klipprunden' (clip rounds), with a reminder for subscribers to pay their dues. A red cross indicates overdue payments, and a double red cross signifies forgotten loan payments. The editor notes that due to the volume of information, a blank form for April will not be included, but will be in the next issue, which is scheduled for two weeks later. A break for the ARGUS clip service is announced for Easter.

Travel and Events

The editor mentions an upcoming trip to Gävle, Sweden, with Leif Havik for the Swedish 'riksstemman' (national assembly). The travel plans, including departure and arrival times, are detailed for informational purposes, particularly for UFO-SVERIGE. The editor expresses anticipation for the event.

Personal Pursuits and Gardening

In personal notes, the editor expresses a desire for a break and an 'Easter-flavored egg,' feeling deserving of it. The editor also plans to engage in gardening, specifically pruning trees, and mentions using a substance called 'tektyl' (likely a lubricant or sealant) to prevent sap leakage from cut branches, deeming it a 'genius' solution.

'Janteloven' (Law of Jante)

A prominent feature is a list titled 'Janteloven,' presenting ten rules that discourage arrogance and self-importance. These rules include statements like 'You shall not believe you are something,' 'You shall not believe you are smarter than us,' and 'You shall not believe anyone cares about you.'

'Intimt med Jon' (Intimate with Jon)

A short segment highlights a request from a woman in Tønsberg to book a time with actor Jon Eikemo at Det Norske Teatret. The theater clarifies that while a private meeting isn't possible, the public can still see Jon Eikemo at Scene 2 on Saturday.

'Grisehistorie' (Pig Story)

This humorous anecdote recounts an advertisement from a rectory in Romedal seeking to sell two 'piglets' (råner), with a playful tagline about the local pride in their pigs.

'Tjassa..?' (Chatter..?) - Cartoons and Commentary

This section features several small cartoon-like illustrations with captions, offering brief, often satirical, commentary:

• One caption notes that the NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) environment is described as the 'dampest in the country,' humorously adding that this is not bad considering they only have one channel.
• Another caption quotes Christian and brewery director Hjort, stating that 'Christianity and brewery director Hjort sells devilry,' according to 'Christian people in the West.'
• A third caption discusses the police's plan to use spike mats against reckless drivers, questioning the safety of tires.
• A fourth caption presents a quote suggesting that 'state brothels' should be approached cautiously, implying a need for a more measured approach.

'Laffen' - Opinion Piece

A short opinion piece titled 'Laffen' advocates for a liberal stance on pornography, stating, 'The pornography law should read: If you want it, you have the right!'

Campaign Against Violent and Pornographic Videos

A headline announces a campaign against violent and pornographic videos, citing a report from 'Sandefjords Blad' titled 'Kampen mot videofilmer med vold og porno må bekjempes' (The fight against video films with violence and pornography must be fought).

UFO Reports from Various Newspapers

The magazine includes several clipped articles from different Norwegian newspapers detailing UFO sightings:

• 'UFOi Kongsvinger?' (UFO in Kongsvinger?) from Glåmdalen (March 14, 1985): Describes a bright, blinking light observed over the southwest sky for several hours, which disappeared and reappeared, moving at high speed.
• 'Tre menn lurt av Venus' (Three men fooled by Venus) from Ringerikes Blad (March 15, 1985): Reports a man in Hønefoss observing a luminous object on the western sky. The police could not identify it, but it was later suggested to be the planet Venus.
• 'UFO over Arendal?' (UFO over Arendal?) from Agderposten (March 13, 1985): Details an observation of a flying object over Arendal that changed colors (red, green, yellow, white) and moved rapidly towards Grimstad and Moland. The observers followed it with binoculars.
• 'Ingen UFO' (No UFO) from Glåmdalen (March 19, 1985): This article clarifies that unusual lights seen over Roverud were not UFOs but were from the Kongsvinger Flyklubb's night flying exercises.

'Alle himmel-lys ikke UFO' (All Sky Lights Not UFO) - Analysis of Sightings

This article, likely an editorial or an analytical piece, discusses the phenomenon of reported UFO sightings. The author references an interview with Normann Skoglund about weather prophecies and relates it to the current interest in UFOs. The author expresses skepticism towards some sightings, suggesting they are often misidentifications of natural phenomena like the planet Venus or Arcturus, or even satellites. The article emphasizes the importance of astronomical knowledge for accurate observation and distinguishing between known celestial bodies and unknown objects. It also touches upon the specific characteristics of lights observed, differentiating between those from conventional sources and potential 'interplanetary craft,' noting differences in light emission and behavior. The author mentions personal observations of lights that appeared like welding flames and changed color before revealing the object itself, estimating speeds between 10,000 and 30,000 km/h for objects in extreme altitudes. The article advises paying attention to objects moving west, as they are less likely to be satellites, which typically launch eastward.

Halley's Comet in 1986

This section provides detailed information about Halley's Comet, its upcoming appearance in 1986, and the scientific efforts to study it. It notes that unlike in past centuries, the comet's approach does not cause widespread panic, though it still generates significant scientific interest. A major part of the coverage is dedicated to the European Space Agency's (ESA) Giotto probe, scheduled to be launched on an Ariane rocket on July 10th. The probe is expected to reach the comet's nucleus on March 13, 1986. The article discusses the challenges and potential risks involved in the mission, including the possibility of the probe being damaged by cometary debris. It highlights the scientific goals, such as using TV cameras to photograph the nucleus and spectral analysis to determine the comet's composition. The article mentions that while Norway is not a member of ESA, Swedish researchers are participating in the Giotto project, and Norwegian experts at the Astrophysical Institute are following the developments. The comet's physical characteristics are described, including its estimated nucleus size (5 km diameter) and the vast size of its coma (200,000 km diameter) and tail (over 75 million km). The comet is expected to be visible to the naked eye in December. The article also touches upon the history of Halley's Comet, noting that it was named after Edmund Halley, who calculated its orbit, and that it has been observed since 1058 AD. Historical artistic depictions of the comet, including a painting by Samuel Scott and a fresco by Giotto, are mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports on unexplained aerial phenomena, often presenting them with a degree of skepticism or offering rational explanations. There's a clear interest in astronomy and space exploration, as evidenced by the detailed coverage of Halley's Comet. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical thinking and scientific literacy, urging readers to educate themselves to better understand observations. The inclusion of 'Janteloven' and humorous commentary suggests a cultural awareness and a desire to engage readers on multiple levels. The magazine also acts as a conduit for information sharing among enthusiasts, particularly within the UFO community in Norway and Sweden.