Stoff - 1989 No 1

Magazine Overview

This is the first issue of STOFF, a small and unpretentious UFO magazine published by Stockholms UFO-Förening. The magazine was created in response to member requests for information, as participation in meetings had declined. The editorial states that while meetings will continue to be important, STOFF will serve as a new form of information dissemination, with lectures being announced more effectively through the magazine, radio, and press. The publication aims to be interactive, featuring reader contributions, a Q&A section, and competitions. It also plans to report on local UFO cases, though acknowledges that sightings are infrequent in the Stockholm area. The magazine is open to contributions from other UFO organizations and enthusiasts. Advertising is permitted, with prices available elsewhere. STOFF is intended to be published four times a year, with the first issue of each year coinciding with the organization's annual meeting.

The cover headline announces that Soviet researchers believe they have found the solution to the Bermuda Triangle mystery. Other featured content includes "PRESSKLIPP" (Press Clippings), an article titled "ANSIKTET PÅ MARS" (The Face on Mars), and a discussion titled "SATSEN OM RÖDFÖRSKJUTNINGEN - ÄR DEN FELAKTIG ?" (Is the Redshift Theory Incorrect?).

Articles and Content

Editorial (Ledare)

The editorial, signed by C G Norlén, explains the rationale behind launching STOFF. It emphasizes the need for a new communication channel due to declining attendance at meetings. The magazine will complement, not replace, lectures, which will be advertised more effectively. The editorial encourages reader interaction through letters, questions, and articles. It also mentions that the magazine will report on local UFO cases and welcomes submissions from readers and other UFO organizations. The name "STOFF" stands for "Stockholms Tidning om Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål" (Stockholm's Newspaper on Unidentified Flying Objects).

UFO-Sveriges Riksstämma 1989 Program

This section details the upcoming UFO-Sveriges National Convention on April 8, 1989, in Stockholm. It marks the 20th anniversary and promises a full day of interesting presentations. Tickets cost 40 SEK and can be purchased via postgiro. Volunteers are needed for various roles, including serving coffee, ticket distribution, and technical support. Approximately 10 volunteers are required. The organizers are also seeking 25 thermoses for coffee and tea sales. The goal is to attract around 300 attendees and improve the organization's finances.

Mystik runt stort klippansikte på Mars (Mystery around the large rock face on Mars)

This article discusses new calculations suggesting that the 'face' on Mars, photographed by the Viking 1 probe in 1976, is indeed shaped like a face. American scientist Marc Carlotto used computer analysis of old images to reconstruct the 1.5-kilometer-long formation. While NASA previously attributed the resemblance to lighting conditions, Carlotto's data suggests the entire rock formation has a face-like structure. The analysis indicates a symmetrical face with an eye and a mouth, though the nose appears broken. Carlotto cautiously suggests the formation might not be natural. The article also mentions nearby pyramid-shaped rock formations, leading to theories of a larger ruin complex on Mars, though these are not taken seriously by space researchers. Future missions, like the Phobos probes, might provide more clarity.

Jorden runt (Around the World)

This section addresses common skeptical arguments against UFO sightings, such as the claim that UFOs cannot exist in large numbers. The author argues that at least 85-90% of observations are misinterpretations. A mathematical model is presented to illustrate the potential number of sightings even with a single alien craft. Assuming one craft orbiting Earth at 200 km/h, it would take approximately 8.3 days to circle the globe. If the craft adjusts its path slightly with each orbit, it would take about 8.2 years to cover the entire planet. With 14 million people per latitude band, even a low sighting rate (1 in 10,000) would result in millions of sightings over 45 years. The author invites mathematically inclined readers to contribute more realistic calculations.

TÄVLING (Competition)

This section announces a competition with a mathematical puzzle. The puzzle asks to determine a person's age based on a cryptic description involving their age in the past and future. The solution should be sent to STOFF-Tävling, STUFO, Box 137, 145 01 NORSBORG, with a deadline of May 1, 1989. A Bellman lottery ticket will be drawn among correct answers. A phone number for submitting questions is also provided.

FRÅGELÅDAN (Q&A Box)

This section invites readers to submit questions, which will be answered if the answers are known. The submission address is STOFF-Frågelådan, STUFO, Box 137, 145 01 NORSBORG. A phone number is also provided for submitting questions.

Sovjetiska forskare löser gåtan om Bermudatriangeln ?? (Soviet researchers solve the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle ??)

This article discusses a theory proposed by Soviet researchers suggesting that giant emissions of natural gas from the seabed are responsible for the mysterious disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle. They hypothesize that a thick layer of solidified methane and water has formed on the ocean floor, trapping large amounts of methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide. If this layer ruptures, a massive toxic gas cloud could rise and suffocate everything in its vicinity. The article includes a map of the Bermuda Triangle region.

INSÄNDARE (Letters to the Editor)

This section encourages diverse opinions on UFOs, stating that no single individual should claim to be the sole UFO expert. Readers are invited to submit their "best contributions" to STOFF-Insändare, STUFO, Box 137, 145 01 NORSBORG.

Annonser (Advertisements)

The organization offers free advertising space in the magazine as a donation in return for contributions. The suggested donation amounts are 200 SEK for a full page, 110 SEK for a half page, and 65 SEK for a quarter page.

ÄR TEORIN OM LJUSETS RÖDFÖRSKJUTNING FELAKTIG (Is the Theory of Light Redshift Incorrect?)

This lengthy article critically examines the scientific principle of redshift, which is used to support the theory of an expanding universe. The author argues that modern science, like the geocentric model of the past, can be dogmatic and resistant to alternative ideas. The article questions the assumption that redshift is solely due to galaxies moving away from us, suggesting that light's energy might be affected by its interaction with matter and gravity over vast distances. It proposes that a change in light's frequency (and thus wavelength) could indicate that the universe is contracting rather than expanding, which the author finds more logical than the concept of 'dark matter' needed to explain the universe's deceleration.

Artiklar till tidningen (Articles for the magazine)

This is a call for skilled writers to submit articles for the magazine. Submissions should be sent to STOFF-Artiklar, STUFO, Box 137, 145 01 NORSBORG.

ÅRSMÖTE Kallelse (Annual Meeting Announcement)

This is an announcement for the annual meeting of Stockholms UFO-Förening, to be held on February 16th at 7:00 PM in Beskowsalen, ABF-huset, Sveavägen 41. Attendees are encouraged to participate in discussions about the organization's management and activities.

Address, Telephone, Postgiro

Contact information for STUFO (Stockholms UFO-Förening) is provided, including their address, telephone number, and postgiro account.

GLÖM INTE (Don't Forget)

This section serves as a reminder of important dates and actions: the Annual Meeting on February 16th, the National Convention on April 8th, the UFO Seminar on April 8th, paying the 1989 membership fee, writing to the magazine, and recruiting new subscribers/members.

Fasta utgivningsdagar av STOFF (Fixed Publication Dates of STOFF)

Scheduled publication weeks are: Week 6, Week 20, Week 38, and Week 50.

NÄSTA NUMMER (Next Issue)

Teasers for the next issue include: "Pollenkungens observation 1946" (The Pollenkung's Observation 1946), "En titt på boken NÄRKONTAKT av Whitley Strieber" (A look at the book CLOSE ENCOUNTER by Whitley Strieber), and "Är alla ufofotografier bluff?" (Are all UFO photographs a bluff?). Readers are encouraged to look out for STOFF in Week 20, 1989.

Letter from C G N

A brief letter from C G N (likely C G Norlén) informs members that a membership card will be sent out, and this mailing is to "reset" the bookkeeping. It is dated Stockholm, 890205.

VERKSAMHETSBERÄTTELSE 1988 (Activity Report 1988)

This section provides the activity report for Stockholms UFO-Förening for the year 1988. It lists the board members for 1988: C G Norlén (Chairman), Heiki Virtanen (Vice Chairman), NilsOlof Nilsson (Treasurer), Elsie Molin (Secretary), Vera Mattsson (Member), Crister Nordin (Substitute), and Gunnar Wennberg (Substitute). The auditors were Åke Blomstrand and Gunnar Holm. The report details the number of meetings held: 8 general meetings, 1 annual meeting, 1 UFO-Sveriges National Convention, 0 study visits, and 2 board meetings, totaling 12 meetings. It also notes that Stockholms UFO-Förening was represented at the UFO-Sveriges National Convention in Enköping by one delegate and one substitute. The organization also participated in UFO-Sveriges planning conferences, with the spring one being cancelled and the autumn one held in Enköping with two delegates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of STOFF revolve around UFO phenomena, scientific inquiry, and the critical examination of established theories. There is a strong emphasis on providing a platform for discussion and diverse opinions, particularly within the UFO community. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, encouraging skepticism towards conventional explanations while also promoting rigorous investigation and mathematical modeling. The magazine actively seeks reader participation and contributions, positioning itself as a collaborative effort rather than a top-down publication. There's a clear intent to challenge scientific dogma, particularly concerning the redshift theory, and to explore alternative hypotheses, even if they are not widely accepted by the mainstream scientific establishment. The publication also serves as an information hub for the Stockholms UFO-Förening, announcing events and membership details.

This document is an issue from the Stockholm UFO Association, dated February 1989, and includes a financial report, activity report, and the agenda for the 1989 Annual Meeting. The content primarily reflects on the year 1988 and outlines plans for 1989.

Membership and Activities

The report details a decline in membership and public interest in UFO phenomena during 1988. The number of registered members at the end of 1988 was 41, a decrease of 13 from the previous year. The number of members under 25 years old also saw a reduction. This decline is attributed to a lack of reported UFO observations in Stockholm, with only two cases recorded in 1988, both of which were explained as misinterpretations. The association noted that the low number of reported cases likely impacted membership numbers and general interest.

Interest in member meetings also decreased in the latter half of 1988. Reasons cited include a lack of engaging speakers and competition from other activities in Stockholm. Additionally, members living far from the city center found it difficult to justify the travel. To maintain informative activities, the association considered a shift from regular meetings to a member newsletter, with meetings only being held for significant lectures or film screenings. This new approach was planned for testing in 1989.

Financial Report

The financial section presents the income statement and balance sheet for the year ending December 31, 1988. The association faced a strained economy, partly due to the poor membership development. Total income for the year was 4969.10 SEK, primarily from member fees (3334.00 SEK), copy sales (1250.10 SEK), and entry fees (200.00 SEK). Total costs amounted to 5501.80 SEK, with significant expenses including copy printing (2060.00 SEK), postage and P.O. box fees (1384.80 SEK), and film rental (400.00 SEK).

The result before depreciation was -532.70 SEK, and after depreciation, the result before financial items was -730.20 SEK. Extraordinary income, mainly from a contribution (bidrag) of 682.00 SEK, helped to reduce the overall loss. However, the year concluded with an annual result of -583.20 SEK.

The balance sheet shows total assets of 2782.17 SEK, consisting of cash, postgiro, inventory, and fixed assets. Liabilities and equity also totaled 2782.17 SEK. The association's equity at the beginning of the year was 1711.14 SEK, and after accounting for the year's loss, the total equity at the end of the year was 1127.94 SEK.

Slutord (Concluding Remarks)

The concluding remarks reiterate that 1988 was a lean year for UFO observations. Possible explanations include UFOs avoiding the region, their absence, or people in Stockholm not looking up as often. A reduced willingness to report sightings is also considered. The informative activities, while of decent quality, were deemed insufficient to attract an audience. The association planned to improve its advertising efforts for future lectures.

DAGORDNING till ÅRSMÖTET 1989 (Agenda for the 1989 Annual Meeting)

The agenda for the Annual Meeting, to be held in 1989, includes standard procedural items such as opening the meeting, approving the agenda, electing officials (chairperson, secretary, adjusters), and verifying the meeting's proper notification. Key agenda points include:

• Review of the Board's activity report and financial statement for the past year.
• Review of the auditors' report.
• Decision on the board's discharge for 1988.
• Elections for the board and the election committee for 1989 and 1990.
• Election of a representative and substitute for the 1989 National Meeting.
• Consideration of motions and letters.
• Decisions on proposed changes to the statutes.
• Decision on membership fees for 1990.
• Reflections on STOFF, the member magazine.
• Other matters, including planning for a UFO seminar on April 8.
• Closing of the meeting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the decline in UFO sightings and public interest, the financial struggles of the organization, and the need for adaptation in its activities and communication strategies. The editorial stance, as expressed by the board, is one of concern over the lack of activity and engagement, coupled with a proactive approach to address these issues through potential changes in meeting formats and improved public outreach. The organization appears to be in a transitional phase, seeking to revitalize itself in the face of dwindling observable phenomena and member participation.