UFOR

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFOR" (UFO-Rogaland) from June 18, 1985, is a Norwegian publication focused on UFO phenomena and related investigations. The issue includes a personal update from the editor, Odd-Gunnar Røed, detailing his recent stress and involvement in organizing a large carnival in Tønsberg, alongside his ongoing work and personal life. He also addresses administrative matters for the organization, including changes to the newsletter distribution and pricing, and expresses frustration with overdue loan payments.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine features several reports of alleged UFO sightings:

• Halden, Norway (May 10, 1985): Åse Setterquist reported observing a strange, slow-moving, yellow-glowing object in the sky for about an hour. The object was described as not being an aircraft, with a strong, vibrating light. The Halden Arbeiderblad newspaper covered this incident, noting that neither the military nor meteorological institutes could provide an explanation.
• Eikesdal, Norway (May 30, 1985): Arild Karijord reported seeing a bright, round, luminous object, about the size of a large star, moving silently and rapidly across the sky for approximately 10 minutes. He questioned if anyone else in the district had seen the same phenomenon.
• Montana, USA (1975): A detailed report, likely from "Vi Menn" magazine, describes incidents at Malmstrom Air Force Base where electronic sensors detected intrusions. Military personnel observed a large, luminous, disk-shaped object that ascended at phenomenal speed. The report also links UFO sightings to a series of unusual animal mutilations and disappearances.
• Cascade County, Montana, USA (November 11, 1985): Sheriff Keith Wolverton witnessed a large, orange light moving at high speed near the ground and later observed an object attaching to a B-52 bomber. Radar systems reportedly malfunctioned during these events.
• Algeria (March 1975): A report from the Algerian embassy to the US Secretary of State inquired about strange 'machines' observed in Algerian airspace.
• Tehran, Iran (September 1976): Four individuals reported seeing strange objects, leading to an investigation by a US F-4 fighter jet.
• Michigan, USA (October 30, 1985): Personnel at Wurtsmith Air Force Base reported seeing helicopter-like objects and a KC-135 tanker crew observed two luminous objects that accelerated to extreme speeds.
• Norway (May 13, 1954): Three luminous objects were reported flying in a V-formation over Finnmark and Norrbotten.

UFO-Rogaland Organization Information

Page 2 provides general information about UFO-Rogaland, outlining its purpose, scope, membership, and activities. The organization aims to investigate, inform, and register unusual atmospheric phenomena, and promote scientific understanding. Its primary area of operation is Rogaland county, with its headquarters in Sandnes. Membership is open to those over 16, with specific details on fees and benefits. UFO-Rogaland holds 12 regular member meetings per year, including an annual meeting in February.

Editorial and Administrative Matters

Odd-Gunnar Røed's editorial on page 1 discusses his personal stress and workload, including overtime and restoration work on his house. He mentions organizing a large carnival in Tønsberg as a positive experience. He also announces changes to the newsletter ('klipprunden'), including a reduced frequency during summer and a price reduction. He expresses disappointment with members who have not paid their loan installments on time.

UFO-Norge and Related Activities

Page 3 details the proceedings of a UFO-Norge National Board meeting held in Bergen on May 25-26, 1985. Key discussions included reports from various departments, finances, and organizational guidelines. The meeting addressed the need for better financial reporting and the continuation of the UFO-Norge newsletter. There was also mention of an upcoming ICUR meeting in Oslo.

Personal Anecdotes and Travel

Several pages recount personal experiences related to the UFO-Norge meeting in Bergen. This includes descriptions of the journey, accommodation at Montana youth hostel, dining experiences, and social activities. The writer also shares an anecdote about a receptionist at Montana who claimed to have had a UFO observation herself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights unexplained aerial phenomena and suggests a pattern of government secrecy and reluctance to disclose information regarding UFOs, particularly in the United States. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and a desire to inform the public about these phenomena, while also managing the practical aspects of running a UFO organization. There's an emphasis on witness accounts and the challenges of obtaining official confirmation or explanations.

This issue of Lindesnes, dated May 23, 1985, features a prominent article about Tormod Hagen, the newly appointed district manager for Gjensidige in Mandal. Hagen is also a passionate UFO enthusiast and shares his views on the subject. The magazine also covers the formation of a new organization called VIDYA in Drammen, dedicated to exploring the supernatural, including UFOs, parapsychology, and reincarnation.

Tormod Hagen: UFO Enthusiast and Insurance Professional

The main article introduces Tormod Hagen, who recently moved to Mandal from Hemne. Hagen, 48, is described as having diverse interests including Rotary, bridge, boating, and a deep fascination with UFOs. He firmly believes in the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life and that Earth is regularly visited by beings from other planets. Hagen supports his belief by referencing numerous unexplained reports and citing Russian research suggesting the high probability of intelligent life on planets within the Milky Way.

Professionally, Hagen expresses satisfaction with his role at Gjensidige, noting a more positive and stable climate in the insurance industry compared to the past. He highlights the increasing importance of guaranteed additions as a competitive factor.

Hagen's UFO interest is not just theoretical; he has actively engaged in UFO research, including visiting Hestdalen, known for reports of luminous objects. He also founded UFO organizations in Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø, and Stavanger, actively promoting the cause. While acknowledging past instances of hoaxes, he feels that public acceptance of the UFO topic has grown due to extensive media coverage, though he still awaits definitive proof like a UFO landing in Mandal.

VIDYA: A New Organization for the Unexplained

Another significant part of the issue focuses on the establishment of VIDYA, a new organization in Drammen for individuals interested in the supernatural and unexplained. Initiated by Thorbjørn Brastad, a rosemaler and hobby philosopher, and Jan Erik Johansen, VIDYA aims to be a unifying platform for various interests such as parapsychology, philosophy, UFOs, and other metaphysical subjects.

Brastad explains that VIDYA, meaning wisdom and knowledge, emerged from informal meetings that grew to include 50-60 individuals. The organization intends to foster research into unexplained phenomena, including the special properties of pyramids and the possibility of extraterrestrial visits. They are convinced that Earth is frequently visited by beings from other planets. Parapsychology, psychic abilities, reincarnation, and other occult themes are also central to VIDYA's scope. The organization plans to hold regular monthly meetings, starting with an inaugural meeting at Drafn-huset on June 18th. VIDYA will remain politically and religiously independent and plans to publish its own magazine.

Official Stance on UFOs

The article delves into the US government's perspective on UFOs, referencing reports from organizations like the CIA, FBI, and NSA. It discusses various hypotheses, including hoaxes and hallucinations, but dismisses them. The possibility of UFOs being natural phenomena with implications for missile warning systems is considered. Crucially, an NSA report is cited as seriously considering the possibility that UFOs originate from other planets, a notion that carries significant consequences for humanity, implying potential inferiority in a confrontation.

The article stresses the need to treat the UFO problem as a real threat to existence and to actively research these objects and methods for their potential neutralization. The conclusion drawn from American researchers' work is that responsible US organizations take UFOs seriously, and there is little doubt about the existence of these objects. The remaining questions are their nature, origin, and intentions.

Personal Accounts and Beliefs

Beyond the official reports and organizational news, the issue includes personal anecdotes. Tormod Hagen recounts a UFO-hunting trip where he did not personally see any objects but spoke with witnesses. He theorizes that UFOs might utilize magnetic fields, and the area he visited might be a nexus of such fields.

In a discussion at Torbjørn Brastad's home, participants shared experiences. One woman recounted a past life as an Indian woman in America, married in 1933 and dying in childbirth in 1950, before being reborn in 1956. Other stories included encounters with 'tussers' (trolls or spirits) in a local area, astral travel, and sightings of 'vardøger' (ghostly doubles).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and the broader spectrum of the supernatural and unexplained, including parapsychology and reincarnation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and serious consideration of these topics, particularly evident in the reporting on official US government interest and the formation of VIDYA. The magazine encourages readers to engage with these subjects, suggesting that the 'unknown' is a valid area of inquiry and potentially of great importance to human existence.