UFO-NORGE

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-NORGE, dated March 30, 1987, is a special edition focused on recent UFO activity and related discussions in Norway. The publication aims to orient the Norwegian public on UFO matters and highlights upcoming events and media appearances.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine compiles numerous UFO sightings reported in local Norwegian newspapers. These include:

• Porsgrunn: A man reported seeing red and blue lights in the sky, which he could not identify as stars.
• Skreia: Multiple individuals observed a bright object that appeared as several luminous spheres in a triangle. The light faded and reappeared.
• Steinsjøen Area: Reports suggest that luminous objects seen over Skreia might have originated from military exercises.
• Ås i Gjerpen: A luminous flash, initially mistaken for a UFO by local youths, was later explained as a short-circuit from a laboratory experiment.
• Eidsfoss/Eikeren Area: A driver reported seeing 5-6 silent, circling luminous objects, three of which had distinct internal white lights.
• Maxi Supermarket Parking Lot: A woman described a silver, disc-shaped object with illuminated windows that hovered and moved back and forth.
• Vealøs: Several reports detail blinking objects, characterized as orange-red with triangular shapes and strong side lights.
• Gjerpen: Four youths experienced a blinding white light from the sky that lasted longer than a typical lightning flash.
• Hamar: Two hospital workers observed a luminous, spherical object descending rapidly over Hamar.
• Flesberg: A woman reported seeing three silent UFOs with internal yellow-white lights and variable speeds over several hours.

Media and Pseudoscientific Theories

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to criticizing media coverage of pseudoscientific claims. Ole Jacob Hoel, writing about "Ukebladjournalistikk av NRK" (Tabloid Journalism by NRK), criticizes the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) for presenting unverified theories as facts. He specifically targets the "Hundredth Monkey" theory, which he states has been thoroughly debunked as a fraud. Hoel also mentions the presenter Uri Geller and the "New Age" movement as examples of pseudoscientific phenomena given undue attention by the media.

The article "NIVFO og de potetvaskende apene" (NIVFO and the Potato-Washing Apes) further elaborates on the debunking of the "Hundredth Monkey" theory. It explains that the theory, popularized by Lyall Watson and Ken Keyes, is based on misinterpretations of observations of Japanese macaque monkeys. The article, attributed to NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning), clarifies that while cultural transmission of behavior in monkeys is scientifically documented (e.g., washing potatoes), the idea of a collective consciousness being triggered by a "hundredth" individual is unsubstantiated and has been misrepresented.

Tor Bollingmo, a scientific assistant, responds to the criticism, defending the scientific basis of observations regarding learned behavior in primates, while acknowledging that the "Hundredth Monkey" theory itself might be a distortion of these findings. He questions the references used by Stenødegård to claim the observations were fraudulent.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• UFO-NORGE Broadcast: A special broadcast by UFO-NORGE, featuring Leif Havik and other individuals, is scheduled for Friday, April 3rd, at 11:00 PM. The aim is to raise the profile of the organization and encourage new members.
• Congress 87: Information is provided about the 4th International UFO Congress in London, taking place from July 10-12, 1987. It details the program, speakers (including Walt Andrus, Dr. Alex Keul, Prof. Allen Tough, and Miss Jenny Randles), and booking options for attendance, meals, and accommodation.
• Tønsberg Group Activities: The Tønsberg UFO group is organizing a lottery with a book and a hand-painted plate featuring a UFO motif as prizes. Participants can enter by sending money via giro.

Personal Anecdotes and Local News

The issue also includes personal anecdotes, such as Ramin Golbang, a new member from Iran with a strong interest in UFOs, and Hans Aass, who is involved in people's rebirth in Arendal. There's a mention of a potential UFO program being discussed with Senfredag, possibly involving Erling Strand and Leif H.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of UFO sightings across Norway, the critique of media's handling of pseudoscientific claims, and the promotion of ufological organizations and events. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of investigating UFO phenomena seriously while being critical of unsubstantiated theories and advocating for greater media attention and public awareness of ufology. The publication encourages its readers to actively participate in spreading information and joining UFO organizations.