Klipprunden - 1987 11 22

Magazine Overview

This issue of Klippeninlen, dated November 22, 1987, is a Norwegian publication that appears to focus on UFO sightings and paranormal phenomena. The editorial tone suggests a personal newsletter or magazine with a dedicated readership, acknowledging a long gap since the last issue and attributing it to the editor's new self-employment.

Editorial and Business Matters

The editor apologizes for the delay in publication, citing the stress of starting a new business. They are seeking advertisers for SKY-channels text TV, offering a full page for 5000 NOK for a year, with a 15% commission for those who sell ads. The editor also mentions that a friend, K. Stenødegård from NIVFO, has submitted a clipping, and two individuals have responded to it.

A significant portion of the editorial is dedicated to the J.Allen Hynek Center For UFO Studies (formerly CUFOS), which is interested in exchanging journals. The editor urges Mentz to expedite the progress of a newsletter, highlighting the difficulty of material and translation issues, and stressing the importance of getting the newsletter out. They express concern that sending material in Norwegian would not be understood by a wider audience and asks for help for Mentz, providing his phone number (05-231759).

The editor laments the lack of timely submissions and the reliance on direct translations, emphasizing the need for original content. They also mention a delay in the magazine's publication due to this. A message from Einar Urdal in the south thanks the editor for being listed in a catalog and urges others to respond if they are listed.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Several UFO sightings are reported across Norway:

• Valborg Aalerud from Askim claims to have seen something with a long, luminous tail, which she believes was not the Northern Lights.
• Rune Bjørnli from Råde reported seeing a luminous, many-sided object hovering in the sky before disappearing.
• Reports from Dals Ed mention strange phenomena in the evening sky.
• A woman from Rodeløkka observed a luminous object with a halo that stopped and started.
• Torfinn Pedersen from Narvik described seeing an object with three lights moving rapidly over Beisfjorden.
• The Claudius column in Moss Avis highlights a UFO sighting reported in Råde and humorously suggests other local 'paranormal' phenomena, like white cows appearing during full moons and a ghost at Værne Kloster.
• Elisabeth Simonsen from Øreåsen reported seeing a similar luminous object near Moss.
• The magazine also includes a 'People in the Spotlight' section with brief opinions on UFOs from several individuals in Moss.
• Fredriksstad Blad features an article titled 'Rett og slett en FLYVENDE TALLERKEN' (Simply a FLYING SAUCER), discussing the definition of UFOs and mentioning the Hessdalen phenomenon. It notes that four guests reported seeing a UFO with windows and landing gear.
• Jorid Pedersen from Selbu recounts an experience near Reitan where she and her family saw two bright lights approaching at low altitude. The object, described as prism-like with windows, stopped for a minute before disappearing. The atmosphere changed dramatically afterward, becoming pitch black.
• A report from Hafslo details families observing a luminous dome-shaped object over the lake for nearly half an hour.
• Ofotens Tidende discusses 'Merkelige Lysobservasjoner' (Strange Light Observations) near Narvik, where members of Ungdommens Røde Kors observed multiple lights behaving erratically, changing color, and responding to their own lights. Professor Ove Havnes from the Auroral Observatory suggests these could be part of the Orionid meteor shower, but acknowledges that if the observations were as described, it might point to something else.

Paranormal Beliefs and Skepticism

An article titled 'Moderne overtro - et magert fremtidshåp!' (Modern Superstition - a meager hope for the future!) by K. Stenødegård from NIVFO discusses the rise of paranormal beliefs. The author argues that while these beliefs can provide comfort and a sense of belonging, they lack evidence and often stem from a human tendency to seek patterns and order, even where none exist. The article contrasts the skeptical, rational view with the paranormal perspective, which sees hidden continuity and meaning.

Two letters to the editor respond to K. Stenødegård's views:

• Nils K. Øljord from Bergen argues that Stenødegård is incorrect in stating that future events cannot influence the present before they occur, citing intelligence and the Aspect experiment as counter-examples. He also disputes the claim that non-material entities require physical bodies.
• Jens Lillegraven from Granvin comments on the articles by Stenødegård and Steinar Bøe, finding them lacking in new information. He suggests reading authors like Nils Chr. Brøgger and Shirley McLain and posits that those who experience the inexplicable are often dismissed as 'rare,' but perhaps the 'book-learned' are the ones who are out of touch.

Historical Feature: Emil Knudsen

A significant part of the magazine is dedicated to Emil Knudsen, a Norwegian man from Steinkjer who was known as 'the man with the sixth sense.' The article, written by Rolf Rolfsen, details his life and alleged psychic abilities. Knudsen was reportedly able to locate lost objects, animals, and people. His nephew, Gunnar Knutzen, maintains his legacy, preserving a collection of his uncle's materials. The article recounts several cases, including helping to solve a theft in Stavanger and the famous 'Gudrun mystery,' where Knudsen correctly predicted the fate of a missing girl when other sensitives offered different explanations.

Other Content

• 'Ekle stedsnavn' (Ugly Place Names) features a humorous anecdote about place names in Norway, including 'Pissut.'
• A section titled 'Fremtidsbilen...' (The Car of the Future...) shows an image of General Motors' 'Sunracer' and includes a short poem about a futuristic car that drives so fast that speed controls become obsolete.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and paranormal phenomena, with a strong emphasis on eyewitness accounts from various locations in Norway. There is also a thread of skepticism and rational inquiry, particularly in the response to K. Stenødegård's article. The magazine appears to be a platform for sharing these experiences and engaging in debate about their validity. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-mindedness towards the possibility of unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for evidence and critical thinking. The editor's personal tone and appeals for contributions suggest a community-focused publication. The historical piece on Emil Knudsen adds a dimension of exploring past instances of alleged psychic abilities.