Studiekreds Bladet - 1974 No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: STUDIEKREDSBLADET
Issue: Nr. 8 (oktober)
Volume: 1. årgang
Date: October 1974
Publisher: Studiekredsbladet
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Price: 2,00 kr. (single issue), 20,00 kr. (subscription)

This issue of STUDIEKREDSBLADET, a Danish publication focused on UFO study groups, features a comprehensive table of contents outlining the various articles, reports, and discussions included. The cover headline highlights the contents, which range from group news and opinion polls to articles on scientific exploration and UFO research.

Editorial and Group Activities

The editorial section, titled "EN FORM FOR LEDER" (A Form of Leader), addresses the magazine's purpose and the perceived passivity of many UFO study groups. The editor laments the lack of substantial contributions from groups like Virum UFO Kreds, Nørholm UFO Gruppe, and Jørlunde UFO Gruppe, contrasting them with the consistent contributions from Fredericia UFO Gruppe and Skandinavisk UFO Forening (SUFOF). The editor questions whether these groups are truly 'study circles' or merely 'coffee clubs,' urging them to engage in serious research and contribute findings to publications like UFO-Nyt. The editor also mentions the possibility of contacting SUFOI's investigation department for research tasks.

Several group reports are detailed:

• Fredericia UFO Gruppe: Reports on a meeting held on September 3, 1974, discussing observations, future group activities, and a debate on the "Black Men" article series. They also mention a planned collaboration with FUFOS.
• Nørholm UFO Gruppe: Provides minutes from meetings on June 12, 1974, and August 7, 1974. These meetings covered personal observations (including a sighting of mushroom-shaped objects and a strange light), discussion of the Studiekredsbladet, library research, poster campaigns, and a review of SUFOI's audio materials. A meeting on September 4, 1974, is also summarized, focusing on discussions about poster distribution, the nature of UFOs, and the upcoming opinion poll.
• Virum UFO Kreds: Outlines their meeting schedule for September and October 1974, with topics including organic molecules in meteorites, UFOs and parapsychology, UFO-Nyt reviews, Adamski, reincarnation, and observation techniques. They also include contact information for Inge Larsen.

Special Features and Articles

• UFO-opinionsundersøgelse (UFO Opinion Poll): This section details plans for a nationwide opinion poll to gauge public interest in UFOs across Denmark, particularly in less-covered regions like North Jutland, West Jutland, and Bornholm. The poll aims to collect data from at least 0.05% of the population in each surveyed town, with questions covering familiarity with UFOs, personal sightings, belief in their reality, and the existence of extraterrestrial life.

• Article Series on Danish UFO Organizations: The magazine announces an upcoming series profiling Danish UFO organizations, including SUFOI, Dansk UFO Center, FUFOS, and IGAP. Each organization will be featured over four consecutive issues, with an introduction followed by answers to ten specific questions posed by the editorial team.

• SCIENCE Section: The article "Atlanterhavets bund" (The Bottom of the Atlantic) discusses the FAMOUS project, an international scientific endeavor to explore the Mid-Atlantic Ridge using advanced submersibles. The project aims to understand the geological processes shaping the ocean floor, including the formation of mineral deposits and continental drift. This is announced as the final installment of the SCIENCE section, following criticism that it deviated from the magazine's core focus.

• Book Reviews/Discussions: Mentions of John Keel's books "Spøgelsesplaneten" and "Operation Trojan Horse" appear, sparking discussion about the nature of UFO manifestations.

Notable Quotes and Feedback

The editor encourages readers to provide feedback and complaints, stating that it helps improve the magazine. John Juhler's critique of the "SCIENCE" section and the "observation techniques" article is highlighted, with the editor agreeing to discontinue the "SCIENCE" section. The editor also notes that the magazine should not become a general UFO publication but rather a good group publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the state of UFO research and activity within Danish UFO groups, the importance of active participation and contribution from these groups, and the dissemination of information through publications like Studiekredsbladet and UFO-Nyt. The editorial stance is one of encouraging serious research, critical analysis, and open communication within the UFO community, while also acknowledging the need to stay focused on the core mission of supporting study circles. The magazine aims to be a platform for sharing findings, fostering discussion, and connecting different UFO organizations across Denmark.

This issue of DEBATKASSEN, a regular feature in Studiekredsbladet, focuses on UFOlogy and related phenomena. The issue includes the second part of a series on 'De sorte Mænd' (The Black Men) by Torsten Dam-Jensen, and a commentary by John Juhler on previous articles by Peter A. Hansen and Per Borgaard. The publication date is implied to be around October 1984, based on a deadline mentioned for the next issue.

Article 1: 'De sorte Mænd' (The Black Men) - Part 2

Torsten Dam-Jensen continues his exploration of the 'Men in Black' phenomenon. He notes that while many accounts of these figures are dismissed as 'nonsense,' there are distinctive characteristics, particularly their Cadillacs, which often bear a triangular symbol with a lightning bolt or an eye. Some witnesses report psychedelic lights in the cars that induce a trance-like state. Dam-Jensen questions the true identity of these 'demonic' men, suggesting they bear a resemblance to descriptions of 'ufonauts'—beings from UFOs. He highlights common traits such as long hair, dark skin, and sometimes 'gypsy-like' features. Their black attire is also noted, leading some to mistake them for members of the Air Force. The article mentions that these 'Men in Black' sometimes use identification papers with names of real Air Force personnel, but with altered ranks. Hypotheses include them being special emissaries from the CIA. The article also touches upon the idea that these beings might be trying to hinder serious UFO research by discouraging the public disclosure of information about UFOs.

Dam-Jensen also includes a report about a farmer who encountered a metallic disk and was later visited by a strange woman dressed in grey, who claimed to have traveled from afar. This incident is presented as an example of unusual encounters. He references John A. Keel, who suggested that many people believe in Venusians, Martians, angels, and devils walking among us unnoticed. Keel's observation that 'Men in Black' wear black turtlenecks and dark sunglasses is also mentioned. Dam-Jensen concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the phenomenon and encourages readers to look out for black Cadillacs with triangular symbols, hinting at a reward.

Article 2: Commentary on UFO Research and Reports

John Juhler contributes a commentary, responding to articles by Peter A. Hansen and Per Borgaard. He agrees with Borgaard that 'coffee clubs' have their own value, even if they are not strictly study groups, as they can keep people engaged and contribute to discussions. Juhler stresses that the prerequisite for discussing UFOs is that some individuals have already done the work to investigate them, urging readers to 'get off their butts.'

Juhler then discusses the importance of centralizing UFO reports, suggesting SUFOI as a potential location. He expresses a desire to obtain copies of these reports. He notes a disagreement among individuals regarding how to handle incoming reports. For the observer, the primary goal is to get validation and confirmation that they are not imagining things. While observers can describe what they saw, the report center might interpret it differently, potentially attributing it to natural phenomena. Juhler feels this is unfortunate. From a scientific perspective, he notes that further filtering occurs, considering psychological factors. He believes this is necessary to engage with 'science.' He also points out that a goal of UFO research is public recognition, and if researchers only achieve minor successes, they may not gain the interest of scientists.

Juhler also suggests it would be interesting to hear the opinion of Erling Jensen on the matter in the magazine. He concludes with a reminder about the deadline for submitting material for the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mysterious 'Men in Black' phenomenon, the nature of UFO sightings, and the methodology and challenges of UFO research. The editorial stance, as expressed through the DEBATKASSEN section, is to encourage open discussion, critical examination of evidence, and active participation from readers in exploring these complex topics. There is an emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation and the potential for uncovering significant truths, even if they challenge conventional understanding.