NIVFO-Bulletin - 1981 No 5

Magazine Overview

This is issue number 5 of the 1st volume of the NIVFO bulletin, published in 1981. The magazine, from the Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information, covers controversial research topics, including UFOs. The cover prominently features a photograph of Cloretta Robertson, a young girl who experienced stigmatization, with a headline promising an article about this "strange and little-known phenomenon."

Editorial and Content

The editorial, titled "Ved årsskiftet" (At the Turn of the Year), reflects on the first year of the NIVFO bulletin's publication. The editors express satisfaction with the growth in subscriptions and sales, noting that the bulletin has achieved more than in previous years. They thank their members and readers and look forward to delivering interesting content in the coming year without increasing the subscription price of Kr. 80,-.

The "INNHOLD" (Contents) section lists several articles:

• Ved årsskiftet (At the Turn of the Year)
• Stigmatisering (Stigmatization)
• En vurdering av den parapsykologiske forskningen (An assessment of parapsychological research)
• UFO-vrak og døde humanoider (UFO wreckage and dead humanoids)
• Observasjonsbølge (Observation wave)
• Ny observasjon nær Stjørdal (New observation near Stjørdal)
• Et UFO-vidus anatomi (Anatomy of a UFO window)
• To nye skandinaviske UFO-bøker (Two new Scandinavian UFO books)

Stigmatisering (Stigmatization)

This section, authored by Jan Ove Sundberg, delves into the phenomenon of stigmatization, using the case of Cloretta Robertson as a primary example. Cloretta, a ten-year-old girl from Oakland, California, woke up on March 12, 1972, feeling unusual. She discovered a strange mark on her right palm that rapidly turned deep red and began to crack, eventually bleeding profusely. Her parents witnessed this event, which caused her to scream in pain and panic. Doctors Leroy Earl and John Lifschutz examined her and concluded she was suffering from stigmata, a spontaneous bleeding not caused by wounds.

The article explains that stigmata are often associated with intense religious faith and can manifest as wounds on parts of the body corresponding to Christ's crucifixion injuries (hands, feet, forehead, side). The article notes that while most stigmatics are deeply religious, some individuals may consciously induce visions of Christ's suffering. The first documented case of stigmata is attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi in 1224. The phenomenon can be very painful, with wounds varying in appearance from small "needle pricks" to deep, penetrating holes or cross-shaped scars.

Further examples include Therese Neumann, born in 1898, who bled from her stigmata for 64 years and also experienced other phenomena like levitation and speaking in tongues. Padre Pio, a Capuchin friar, also experienced stigmata, with his wounds bleeding profusely. The article also mentions "internal stigmata" where the phenomenon occurs within the body, often leading to death, and discusses the possibility of hypnosis-induced stigmata, though noting that these are less intense than genuine cases.

En vurdering av den parapsykologiske forskningen (An Assessment of Parapsychological Research)

Written by Nils Wiklund, this article reviews the work of British researcher C.E.M. Hansel, who critically examined parapsychological experiments. Hansel's approach was to assume that paranormal phenomena do not exist and to look for non-paranormal explanations for observed effects. The article highlights the difficulty in assessing the quality of parapsychological experiments due to their sheer volume. It mentions an experiment conducted at J.B. Rhine's laboratory in Durham, where children attempted to guess the color of gum balls dispensed from a machine, with some results suggesting a non-random effect.

Other Articles and Sections

The issue also includes articles on "UFO-vrak og døde humanoider" (UFO wreckage and dead humanoids), an "Observasjonsbølge" (Observation wave), a "Ny observasjon nær Stjørdal" (New observation near Stjørdal), and an analysis of "Et UFO-vidus anatomi" (Anatomy of a UFO window). Book reviews of "To nye skandinaviske UFO-bøker" (Two new Scandinavian UFO books) are also featured. The magazine also lists special booklets available for purchase from NIVFO, covering topics like UFO problems, mysterious imprints, and alleged alien encounters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NIVFO bulletin consistently addresses topics related to the unexplained, including UFO phenomena, parapsychology, and unusual human experiences like stigmata. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these controversial subjects, aiming to provide information and research findings to its readers. The publication emphasizes its commitment to scientific research, even when dealing with phenomena that challenge conventional understanding. The magazine aims to inform and stimulate discussion among those interested in these fields.

This issue of "UFO-vrak og døde humanoider" (UFO wrecks and dead humanoids), published by NIVFO, likely in late 1981 or early 1982, focuses on two main areas: the physical characteristics of alleged alien humanoids and a critical re-evaluation of historical parapsychological experiments. The magazine presents itself as a platform for reporting and analyzing UFO phenomena and related research.

Analysis of Humanoid Characteristics

The issue provides a detailed summary of reports concerning the physical attributes of alleged alien humanoids. These reports, compiled from various sources including medical professionals and eyewitnesses, describe humanoids with specific physical traits. The height is estimated between 105 and 135 cm, with one source mentioning approximately 150 cm, and a weight of around 18-20 kg. Their heads are described as disproportionately large compared to their torsos, with large, almond-shaped eyes lacking pupils, set under prominent brows. The nose is indistinct with small holes, and the mouth is a small slit with no apparent communicative function. Ears are absent or have no visible external flaps. The body is generally described as thin and covered in a metallic, flexible suit. Arms are long and thin, reaching the knees, and hands have four fingers, with two being longer than the others, and some reports mention webbing. Legs are short and thin, with feet sometimes described as covered or resembling those of an orangutan. Skin color is varied, described as beige, golden-brown, brown, grey-pink, or blue-grey, with some instances of burnt or 'reptilian' skin texture. Notably, humanoids are reported to be hairless, with no visible reproductive organs, leading to speculation about cloning or non-human reproduction methods. The internal anatomy is also described as lacking familiar systems like digestion or lymph, and the fluid within is not oxygen-carrying. The issue notes that there may be more than one type of humanoid observed.

Critical Examination of Parapsychological Experiments

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a critical review of prominent parapsychological experiments, particularly those conducted before 1965. The author, C.E.M. Hansel, is presented as a key figure in this critical analysis. The article highlights experiments by Pearce-Pratt, Pratt-Woodruff, and Soal-Goldney, which were once considered strong evidence for paranormal phenomena like ESP (Extra-Sensory Perception).

Hansel's analysis suggests that these experiments may have contained 'feilkilder' (error sources) or methodological flaws that could account for the reported results without resorting to paranormal explanations. For instance, the Pearce-Pratt experiment is scrutinized for a potential loophole where Pearce might have been able to see the cards through a window or a hatch. Similarly, the Pratt-Woodruff experiment is examined for possible ways the protocol could have been manipulated. The Soal-Goldney experiment, which involved analyzing 'shifted' effects in card-guessing, is also questioned, with later analyses by Scott, Medhurst, and Markwick supporting the idea that fraud was a possible explanation, even if not definitively proven by Hansel himself.

The article emphasizes that many experiments, upon closer inspection, have not proven to be as 'watertight' as initially claimed. Instead, simpler explanations, rather than invoking unknown scientific principles, have often been found to account for the observed effects. The author also touches upon the 'human factor' as a potential explanation for experimental outcomes, noting that researchers like Hansel were sometimes critical of parapsychologists and their subjects, even pointing out personal failings or suicides among researchers.

"Observasjonsbølge" (Observation Wave)

This section compiles a series of UFO sighting reports from Norway during October and November 1981. These reports, submitted to NIVFO, detail various aerial phenomena observed across different locations in Norway. The descriptions include spinning objects, rocket-like craft, saucer-shaped objects with lights and sparks, luminous spheres, and round, orange objects. Some reports mention high speeds, unusual movements, and lack of conventional explanations from authorities like the meteorological institute or air traffic control. The sheer volume of reports suggests an 'observation wave' during this period.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts a skeptical yet investigative stance towards paranormal phenomena and UFO reports. While presenting detailed descriptions of alleged humanoids and UFO sightings, it consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific methodology and the critical examination of evidence. The recurring theme is the identification and analysis of 'feilkilder' (error sources) in parapsychological research, suggesting that many phenomena attributed to the paranormal may have more mundane explanations. The editorial stance appears to favor a cautious approach, demanding strong, verifiable evidence before accepting extraordinary claims. The focus on debunking or finding alternative explanations for previously accepted 'proofs' of the paranormal indicates a critical and evidence-based editorial policy.

Title: UFO-Aktuelt
Issue: 2
Volume: 1982
Issue Date: 1982
Publisher: NIVFO
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

Cover Story: Ny observasjon nær Stjørdal (New Observation Near Stjørdal)

The cover story details a UFO sighting near Stjørdal, Norway, on a Saturday in July. The witness, a 76-year-old man, described a disk-shaped, shiny, and blank object with a red-glowing corona and a condensation-like tail. The object moved at high speed, emitting sparks that bent backward, and later a blue-gray stripe resembling condensation appeared. The object then disappeared into the northern sky. The witness initially mistook it for a satellite but later became convinced it was a UFO after analyzing the event.

The report notes that the exact date of the sighting is uncertain but is believed to be the same Saturday as an observation by Hjørdis Hokstad in Lånke, which was the last Saturday in July. Lånke is located five kilometers east of Muruvik. The article also mentions discrepancies, such as the object's shape and the skylight over Stjørdal.

The witness stated the object rose from Gjevingåsen, ascending like a jet passenger plane.

Article: ET UFO-VINDU'S ANATOMI (The Anatomy of a UFO Window) - Part 3

This section delves into theories surrounding UFO phenomena, particularly 'night lights'. It discusses the limitations of existing theories, such as the 'plasmoid' theory proposed by Persinger, which suggests an electrical column maintaining ionization. However, the article points out that 'night lights' have been observed passing over buildings and vehicles without any electromagnetic effect, suggesting they might be self-sustaining.

It also highlights that 'night lights' have been seen changing direction and moving against the wind. The article references an observation of the 'Hookerman Ghost Lights' in New Jersey, which typically appear during local seismic activity. A peculiar aspect noted is that the lights were only visible to observers on one side.

The article then shifts to a case in New Mexico, where reports of cattle mutilation and UFO sightings, including helicopters and flashing 'night lights', were prevalent. A planned observation by farmers in a small plane did not yield any visual confirmation of the lights, despite conventional physics suggesting they should be visible.

Further critique is directed at theories suggesting UFO sightings are mere hallucinations, especially when landing marks corroborate the observations. The case of George O. Barski in New Jersey is detailed, where he witnessed a metallic craft hovering, with humanoid figures collecting soil samples. The craft then ascended rapidly and disappeared. The incident was corroborated by other witnesses, and a nearby window was reportedly shattered as the craft accelerated.

The article posits that UFOs might be interested in quartz, a common mineral, and may utilize its electromagnetic properties, similar to how they are believed to use fields near human-made power sources.

It concludes by noting that UFOs are observed in areas with geological faults and seismically active regions, but also in areas without known faults, suggesting a broader connection to quartz deposits worldwide.

Article: 1982

This section announces that the first year of UFO-Aktuelt has presented UFO material according to traditional ufological guidelines. It states that in the coming year, the magazine will revisit questions raised in its informational folder and present counterarguments to certain widely accepted UFO beliefs, which are sometimes treated as unquestionable truths.

The editorial stance emphasizes the public's right to objective information and the importance of presenting dissenting viewpoints. It also addresses the phenomenon of 'plate cultus,' where an uncritical acceptance of UFO information can create a distorted view of reality.

Article: To nye skandinaviske UFO-bøker (Two New Scandinavian UFO Books)

This section reviews two recent Scandinavian UFO books.

"Besökare från Kosmos" (Visitors from Cosmos) by Boris Jungkvist

Boris Jungkvist, a known UFO researcher and author, has released his second book, "Besökare från Kosmos," following his 1977 book "UFO- En Fantastisk Verklighet." The reviewer notes that while UFO books often repeat material, Jungkvist's work is distinguished by its extensive source material and the author's objective approach. Jungkvist personally assesses UFO reports and concludes that UFO phenomena can be explained as extraterrestrial spaceships from a super-intelligent civilization. The book further develops this argument and details recent international research findings, described as sensational.

A minor criticism is raised regarding the story of the "dubbeldäckaren" (double-decker), an old Tiger Moth aircraft, which is identified as a historical artifact in Eskilstuna, Sweden, and not a UFO.

The book is recommended and published by Zindermans förlag in 1980, with 265 pages and a price of approximately 70 Swedish Kronor.

"Videnskaben og Folkets Øjne" (Science and the Eyes of the People) by Poul M. Fredriksen

This Danish book is reviewed, with the reviewer noting the scarcity of Norwegian UFO literature. Similar to the Swedish book, Fredriksen has conducted extensive research and openly shares his views. The book is highlighted as a valuable resource for those interested in the societal aspects of the UFO problem.

Fredriksen, an upper secondary school teacher, demonstrates insight into the subject matter and effectively communicates his ideas. He is also noted for his lyrical writing style, having published a collection of poems. The book "Videnskaben og Folkets Øjne" specifically addresses the UFO problem and society's role in it. It is recommended for those who believe that societal and political factors are crucial to understanding the UFO phenomenon. The book is unique for incorporating verses and drawings.

Published by Mannes forlag in Fredericia in 1980, the book has 228 pages and costs 58 Danish Kroner.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on detailed reports of UFO/UAP sightings, often with witness testimonies and investigative details. There is a clear interest in exploring the physical characteristics and behaviors of observed objects, as well as potential explanations, including extraterrestrial origins and connections to geological phenomena. The editorial stance, as indicated in the "1982" section, aims to provide objective information, including counterarguments to commonly held beliefs within the UFO community, and to address the societal implications of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine also engages with and reviews relevant literature in the field.