SUFOI Intern - 1996 11

Magazine Overview

This document is the November 1996 issue of "SUFOI INTERN," an internal newsletter from SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information), a Danish organization focused on UFO research. It is published approximately on the 15th of each month for SUFOI's representative body. The editor is Per Andersen.

SUFOI Headlines and News

The "SUFOI HEADLINES !" section announces several key topics: "Yes to new vision - no to new name," "SUFOI video on the street!", "Many observations of projector lights," "SUFOI Congress: November 1, 1997, at Lyngby Storcenter," "SUFOI attacked by school students," and "Success for UFO-Sweden."

Call for Contributions and Deadlines

Under the heading "SKRIV DIG DET BAG ØRET!" (Write it down!), readers are reminded of deadlines: "Næste Intern" (Next Intern) is due December 10th, and "UFO-Nyt number 1" is due January 2nd.

Internal Voting Results

The "AFSTEMNING !" (Voting !) section details the results of recent votes within SUFOI:

• New Vision for SUFOI: 13 in favor, 1 uncertain, 2 abstained.
• Adjustment of SUFOI's Purpose: 12 in favor, 1 uncertain, 1 against, 2 abstained.
• New Name (First Vote): 10 in favor, 1 uncertain, 3 against, 2 abstained.

The newsletter confirms that the proposals for a new vision and adjusted purpose were adopted. However, the proposal for a new name did not pass, as it was one vote short of the required two-thirds majority.

SUFOI Anniversary Congress Confirmed

The "SÅ ER DATOEN SIKKER" (The Date is Set!) section confirms that SUFOI's major anniversary congress will be held on Saturday, November 1, 1997, at Lyngby Storcenter. Members are urged to reserve this date.

Reports on Observations

OBSERVATIONER - By Toke Haunstrup: This section reports a high level of activity on the observation front in October. Several inquiries from Nordsjælland described phenomena that were quickly identified as projector lights. The exact location of the projector remains unknown, but Helsingør is suspected. The author requests information from representatives if they know more.

NORDJYSKE OBSERVATIONER - By Torben Birkeholm: Only two reports from North Jutland were received in October, concerning night lights. These cases are still pending.

Activities

SUFOI VIDEO PÅ GADEN - By Per Andersen: SUFOI's first Danish video about UFOs is now complete. The 31-minute video is available for loan from the author or for purchase for 50 DKK. The production involved scriptwriting, finding footage, filming interviews, and professional voice-over work. The video was revised for improved visuals and sound, with one image related to the Maarup case being removed in the final version. 150 copies have been received and will be sold in "UFO-Nyt" number 2 for 90 DKK plus shipping, with general sales restricted until after a campaign.

ESTRELLA-KAMPAGNE IND I ANDEN FASE - By Per Andersen: The first phase of the Estrella campaign, which included the video, a special print of "UFO-Nyt," and a campaign folder, has concluded. Materials are with sellers, and the main effort is considered complete. The "UFO-Nyt" special print and campaign folder are expected to be included with this issue or the next.

SKOLEELEVER - By Toke Haunstrup: The author notes a high season for school projects, with 4-6 inquiries per day from primary school students. SUFOI routinely sends out special prints of "UFO-Nyt" and PR/INFO materials. Students often ask broad questions like "Tell us what you know about UFOs," prompting the author to explain the vastness of the subject and suggest more specific questions.

UFO-PLAKAT UNDER UDGIVELSE - By Per Andersen: A draft UFO poster is currently under review by the board. Four sponsors have committed 2,000 DKK, covering part of the costs. The poster is planned for completion in January.

UFO-KONFERENCE I SVERIGE - By Per Andersen: Per Andersen attended a large international UFO conference in Gothenburg on October 27th, organized by UFO-Sverige. Despite limited advertising by the main organizer, the conference had good attendance, partly due to SUFOI's efforts. The program was international, but surprisingly lacked a Swedish presentation. Highlights included Jenny Randles' talks on the Rendlesham case and on close encounters/abductions. Ole Jonny Brænne presented on UFO Norway's access to public archives. Kent Jeffries spoke about Roswell. The author missed Nick Pope's presentation as he was traveling to Hungary. Andersen's own presentation covered a car stop incident in Vejle in 1995 and issues related to witness personality profiles, the PORT project, PADUR project, and the increase in crop circles in Denmark.

Meetings and Conferences

MØDE MED UFO-SVERIGE - By Per Andersen: On November 20th, Per Andersen visited Clas Svahn in Sweden. Svahn lives near the IDC office in Stockholm, allowing for frequent meetings. This also applies to Norway and Finland. The discussion included the Gothenburg conference and input for SUFOI's upcoming conference in Lyngby.

SUFOI KONGRES 1997 - By Per Andersen: With the date and location of the 1997 congress confirmed (November 1st at Lyngby Storcenter), Per Andersen is arranging speakers. Tentative agreements are in place with Clas Svahn (UFO Sverige) and John Spencer (BUFORA). Suggestions for speakers, including potential American speakers and topics SUFOI should cover, are welcomed.

AALBORG STIFTSTIDENDE - By Torben Birkeholm: The Aalborg Stiftstidende published a back-page article on October 29th based on an interview with Torben Birkeholm, prompted by the film "Independence Day." The journalist noted it had been a while since the newspaper covered SUFOI. The journalist received information material and was particularly interested in the Vejle car stop incident. Despite requests for illustrations, the article appeared on the back page, cropped, and without any SUFOI images, instead featuring a drawing by the newspaper's own artist. The text contained the usual factual errors.

Media Appearances and Reports

KANAL PLUS - By Toke Haunstrup: On November 7th, Toke Haunstrup was interviewed by the North Zealand local radio station "Kanal plus" regarding a case from Nivå. The case sounded like projector lights, and Haunstrup provided the AC (contact person) number, which led to a new observation report.

SUFOI-KØBENHAVN - By Per Andersen: The Copenhagen group has several upcoming events. In December, Kurt Abildskov, a former military man with IGAP orientation, will give a lecture. In January, Tora Greve, head of the UFO group in Malmö, will discuss her group and UFO-Sverige, with a reciprocal visit to Malmö planned.

INTERNET-TEST! - By Torben Birkeholm: Following an interview, a journalist requested SUFOI's internet address. Torben Birkeholm (TB) obtained the information but found the article lacked web references. He discovered the error was a typo in the address provided to the journalist (a '1' instead of a '4'). TB praised the SUFOI pages hosted in the USA but noted the cost. He learned that another Danish organization secured free websites on UNI-C's server in Aarhus, an idea he passed on to the SUFOI board.

KONFERENCE OM LYSFÆNOMENER - By Per Andersen: A conference on light phenomena (laser lights/projectors), originally scheduled for November, has been moved to January 15th. SUFOI has been invited to attend.

HILSEN FRA NORGE - By Per Andersen: A message from Finn W. Kalvik in Norway indicates approximately 900 subscribers as of early November, with uncertainty about reaching last year's total of 963.

UFO Contact Mention

OMTALE I UFO KONTAKT - By Per Andersen: The latest issue of UFO Kontakt (IGAP) mentions a meeting with SUFOI representatives Per Andersen, Toke Haunstrup, and Peter Nørgaard on August 18th. The meeting was described as positive, fostering understanding and potential future collaboration.

Lectures and Presentations

FOREDRAG:

• TH lectured on October 30th in Rønnede for the Østsjællands Landboungdom (East Zealand Agricultural Youth), with about 15 attendees and good participation in the Q&A.
• OH lectured on October 31st at Nakskov Educational Center for Nakskov Gymnasium students as part of a theme week on "What about reality?" with about 20 engaged participants.
• Ole lectured in Vordingborg for LOF (Liberal Enlightenment Association) on meteorites as part of a 5-lecture series on astronomy. His next lecture in January 1997 will cover the search for extraterrestrial life.
• OH participated in a hobby fair in Ravnsborghallen, Vestlolland, on November 2nd-3rd, exhibiting fossils and meteorites with the Lollands Stenklub. This led to closer contact with geologists regarding a "mysterious sphere" from South Africa. OH also acquired some spherical stones similar to the South African one and promised to have one cut open for examination.
• TH will lecture to two 8th-grade classes at Buddinge School on November 12th.
• OH lectured at Maribo Byskole on November 8th for a 9th-grade class as part of a theme week.

Video Archive Additions

NYE VIDEOER - By Per Andersen: The archive continues to receive new videos. Notable additions include:

• "Out on a Limb" with Shirley MacLaine (ABC Video, 1994), a 4-hour documentary about her spiritual journey and UFO experiences in Peru.
• "Alien Autopsy: Fact or Fiction?" (FOX broadcast about the Santilli film), hosted by Jonathan Frakes.
• A 4-hour tape from CEPAN containing German programs: "Mittwocher Talk" (1995) with Michael Hesemann and others, "UFOs - Phänomene am Himmel" about Eduard Meier, and "UFO - Secrets of the Black World" produced by Michael Hesemann, featuring Robert Lazar and others.
• Another tape from CENAP with English programs: "Penetrating the Web 2: Aliens - Reasons to Believe" with Bud Hopkins and Linda Howe; "Beyond Reason" (1995) featuring an interview under hypnosis with Ros Reynolds; "World in Action" (1967) with J. Allen Hynek and Donald Menzel; "UFO-factor" documentary; and "Alien Autopsy: Fact or Fiction?" again. It also includes miscellaneous news clips from US TV in 1995.
• A final tape from CENAP includes "The Circles Conspiracy & The Bermuda Triangle" from the "Sightings" series, "Unsolved Mysteries" on the Woodbridge/Bentwater/Rendesham incident, "48 Hours: Abductions" with John Mack and Carl Sagan, and two German programs on UFOs.
• "Star Trek: Generations" (1995), a feature film.
• "Apollo 13" (1995), a feature film.
• A DR Transit segment (March 6, 1996) about UFOs featuring Toke Haunstrup and Tor Nørretranders.
• A TV2 statement (February 22, 1996) regarding the "UFO-War" reportage team.
• A TV3 program (October 1, 1996) "Men ingen adgang" briefly covering UFOs.
• "Roswell-hemmeligheden" (Roswell Secret), an American film based on the book "UFO Crash at Roswell."
• Preliminary versions of the SUFOI/Estrella video.
• "UFO'er - tæt på et mysterium" (UFOs - Close to a Mystery), the final version of the video produced by Skandinavisk UFO Information and Estrella, reviewing key cases and SUFOI's work.

New Personal Information

NYT OM PERSONER: Peter Nørgaard now has a new phone number: 86 80 62 63.

Dry Data

DE TØRRE DATA: As of September 30, 1996, SUFOI had 740 subscribers, an increase of 4 from the previous year. The forecast for the end of 1996 is 770 subscribers, down from 787 in 1995. Giro initial payments for 1996 are listed for PA, IHS, PN, Emil, LP, TH, and Asle. The Research Fund has 3,686 DKK, and the Support Fund has 11,126 DKK.

Financial Overview

Pengekassen (* = Changes): This section details the expenditures and budgets for various individuals within SUFOI, showing amounts spent, budgeted, and remaining. Notable figures include PA (1,029 spent, 7,000 budget), JH (3,982 spent, 9,500 budget), and TH (2,778 spent, 4,300 budget). Several entries show a negative balance (*), indicating spending exceeded the budget.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes SUFOI's activities, including its internal organization, public outreach through lectures and media, and the archiving of UFO-related materials. There is a strong emphasis on reporting observations, both from Denmark and internationally. The organization appears to be actively engaged in producing and distributing its own media, such as videos and posters. The tone is informative and focused on documenting UFO phenomena and the organization's work. The inclusion of financial data and membership statistics suggests a commitment to transparency and organizational management. The recurring mention of international conferences and collaborations highlights SUFOI's engagement with the broader UFO research community.

Title: Vi Unge
Issue: Nr. 10, October 1996
Price: kr.: 23,50
Cover Headline: KRYDDERI PÅ TILVÆRELSEN (Spice on the way of life)

Sky Advertising and UFO Concerns

The magazine issue delves into the growing phenomenon of 'sky graffiti' or sky advertising, primarily driven by the use of powerful projectors and laser light shows. An article titled 'Himmelgraffitti på vej frem' (Sky graffiti on the way) by Mogens Winther discusses how interested companies are renting or buying searchlights with 15 to 50m reach for advertising purposes, often seen near discotheques and car dealerships. This new advertising technique has led to a surge in 'UFO' reports, with SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) receiving over 300 such inquiries attributed to these sky projectors.

The article outlines three legal avenues for citizens to take action against such light pollution. Method 1 involves complaining to the municipality's technical department, referencing nature protection laws that prohibit dominant advertising. Method 2 suggests complaining to the local technical committee, citing building laws that prevent light installations from being a nuisance or visually disruptive. Method 3 involves reporting to the police if the light source is within 200 meters of an unlit public road, referencing a directive from the Ministry of Justice.

Specific cases are highlighted, such as in Sønderborg, where local protests and a complaint from the Danish Nature Conservation Society led to the rejection of a company's request to repeat a successful sky advertising event. Similarly, a large discotheque in Sønderborg was asked by the technical committee to remove its sky projector after only three nights of operation.

The issue also touches upon the upcoming revision of the environmental protection law in parliament, with a conference planned by three organizations – the Association for Building and Landscape Culture, the Danish Nature Conservation Society, and the Astronomical Society – to discuss these new sky advertising methods.

UFO Investigations and Expert Insights

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to UFO phenomena. An article titled 'Der er noget i luften...' (There is something in the air...) by Jens Overgaard discusses the increased public interest in UFOs, partly fueled by movies like 'Independence Day' and 'Nærkontakt af 3. grad' (Close Encounters of the Third Kind). The article features Torben Birkholm, the northern Jutland chairman of SUFOI, who notes that the dark season leads to more observations. He explains the different levels of 'close encounters' (1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree) and mentions that SUFOI receives about 100 reports annually from northern Jutland, with most being explainable as aircraft, lights, or natural phenomena.

Two specific incidents are detailed: a man near Give in September 1995 who experienced car malfunctions and saw a hovering disc-shaped object, and a man in Nørresundby in June 1996 who witnessed a boomerang-shaped craft. Both men reported their experiences to SUFOI, with the latter stating he now believes in UFOs.

Another article, 'UFO-detektiven' (The UFO Detective), profiles Toke Haunstrup, a 22-year-old UFO investigator for Skandinavisk UFO Information. Haunstrup, who has been interested in UFOs since he was 14, explains his investigative process, which involves cross-checking information, interviewing witnesses, and applying knowledge from various scientific fields. He notes that while many reports are explainable (e.g., aircraft lights, flares, or practical jokes), about 5% remain unexplained. Haunstrup himself has not yet seen a confirmed UFO, only a mysterious light phenomenon he suspects was a flock of birds.

Næstved Laser Show Incident

A separate report from 'Næstved Tidende' titled 'UFOer er bare lys' (UFOs are just lights) details an incident in Næstved where residents reported seeing unidentified, circling lights in the sky. The police were dispatched, and the phenomenon was eventually identified as a laser light show from Næstved Storcenter, celebrating its anniversary. The center manager, Michael Schumann, explained that the powerful laser spots were intended to be visible from up to 15 kilometers away. While the lights caused alarm among some residents, who contacted SUFOI, the authorities confirmed that the laser show complied with regulations and did not pose a risk to aviation, according to Ole Hald from the Danish Civil Aviation Administration.

Other Content

The magazine also includes sections on music and pop culture, such as interviews with musicians like Michael Jackson, Spice Girls, Nikolaj, Peter Andre, and Skin from Skunk Anansie. There are also features on the TV series 'X-Files' and the movie 'Independence Day', as well as fashion reports and other entertainment news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of technology and the environment, particularly concerning light pollution from advertising, and the enduring public fascination with UFOs and unexplained phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance that encourages critical investigation of UFO reports while also advocating for the protection of the natural night sky from intrusive advertising. It provides practical advice for readers on how to report concerns and supports the efforts of environmental and astronomical organizations working to address these issues. The editorial stance appears to be one of informed skepticism regarding UFOs, coupled with a strong concern for environmental preservation and the public's right to enjoy an unpolluted natural environment.

This issue of Næstved Tidende, dated October 3, 1996, features a cover story titled "UFOer hele ugen" (UFOs all week) with the sub-headline "Ingen fare for invasion fra rummet" (No danger of invasion from space). The main article on the cover explains a reported bright light in the sky over Holmegaard/Suså as a light show from a local shopping center, not an extraterrestrial event.

Hemmeligt fly skabte UFO-uro (Secret plane caused UFO-unrest)

This article from Berlingske Tidende, dated October 14, 1996, by Jakob Vinde Larsen, discusses a period of UFO-related panic in Belgium in the early 1990s. Multiple reports of strange lights and unusual aerial phenomena led to speculation of an alien invasion. The Belgian Air Force scrambled F-16 fighter jets to investigate. The article reveals that the cause was likely a secret US Air Force supersonic test aircraft, the LO-Flyte (Low Observable Flight Test Equipment), a triangular craft capable of speeds up to 4,500 km/h.

Mysteriet om Area 51 (The Mystery of Area 51)

This extensive article from Berlingske Tidende, dated October 11, 1996, by Poul Høi, delves into the enigmatic Area 51 military base in Nevada. The film 'Independence Day,' which had its Danish premiere on the same day, significantly boosted public interest in Area 51, drawing pilgrims to the desert base rumored to house alien spacecraft and beings. The article details the secrecy surrounding the base, with the US government officially denying its existence. It highlights the efforts of researchers like Glenn Campbell, who runs the Area 51 Research Center from Rachel, Nevada, to document the base's existence despite official denials. Campbell recounts his personal experiences, including witnessing military flares that he initially mistook for UFOs, leading him to become a UFO skeptic but a proponent of investigating the military complex. The article also touches upon the renaming of State Highway 375 to 'The Extraterrestrial Highway' and the cultural phenomenon surrounding UFOs, including the popularity of TV shows like 'The X-Files' and other UFO-themed films.

The article also features an interview with Chuck Clark, the owner of the 'Little A'Le'Inn' bar in Rachel, a hub for UFO enthusiasts. Clark shares his belief in extraterrestrial life and UFOs, citing his own observations. The piece contrasts the cosmic theories with the down-to-earth reality of life in Rachel, a remote desert town.

Små grimme slimede mænd er sagen (Small ugly slimy men are the case)

This article from BT, dated October 10, 1996, by Lars Jørgensen, discusses the impact of the film 'Independence Day' on UFO interest in Denmark. Toke Haunstrup, vice-chairman of Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), states that while the film is entertaining, it doesn't reflect the reality of their work or the observations they investigate. SUFOI receives 200-400 inquiries annually, with only about five percent of sightings remaining unexplained after investigation. Common explanations include projector lights, aircraft, meteors, and satellites, with military exercises sometimes causing confusion. Haunstrup himself does not believe in spaceships and aliens but in 'something.' SUFOI defines a UFO as anything that cannot be explained, including phenomena like ball lightning or electromagnetic fields.

Ufo'er nær Slagelse (UFOs near Slagelse)

This report from Aalborg Stiftstidende, dated October 2, 1996, addresses UFO sightings near Slagelse, Denmark. Several individuals reported observing unidentified flying objects in the night sky. Police in Slagelse received reports, and Skandinavisk Ufo Information (SUFOI) received up to 20 inquiries from the area. The objects were described as circling slowly and were not believed to be aircraft on approach.

Jeg er et rum-væsen (I am an alien)

This article from BT, dated October 10, 1996, features Marianne Jacobsen, a self-proclaimed clairvoyant and healer from Odense, Denmark. Jacobsen claims to have daily telepathic contact with extraterrestrials from the galaxy Abu, from which she originates. She states that these beings land in her backyard and are here to help humanity, contrasting with the fearful portrayal of aliens in films like 'Independence Day.' Jacobsen believes that UFOs can neutralize themselves to become invisible but may leave a light glint when their hatch opens. She also shares her views on other conspiracy theories, such as the assassination of Kennedy and the nature of Mars.

Her er marsmænd velkommen (Here, Martians are welcome)

This article from SØNDAG PA, featuring text by John Petersen and photos by Ludvig Dittmann, reports on the Kolding UFO club, IGAP (International Get Acquainted Program). The club meets regularly and discusses UFO sightings and related phenomena. The article highlights the experience of Kate Sørensen, who reported seeing a UFO during a walk with her dog. Egon Dalsgaard, a member of IGAP, shares his perspective on UFOs and the club's role as a support group for those who have had unusual experiences. The article also mentions a past incident where members of the group felt a warm energy during a conference, attributed to the presence of a UFO. The club's activities and beliefs are presented, including skepticism towards official explanations and a belief in extraterrestrial contact.

The issue also includes a section titled "Koldings UFO-rapporter i 1995" (Kolding's UFO Reports in 1995), detailing specific sightings reported in the Kolding area between March and December 1995, along with a recent report from July 31, 1996.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are UFO sightings, the mystery surrounding Area 51, the cultural impact of UFOs in media (films and TV shows), and personal encounters with alleged extraterrestrials. The editorial stance varies across the publications. Næstved Tidende and BT tend to be more skeptical or focus on debunking sightings, while Berlingske Tidende and the articles about UFO clubs present a more open-minded or investigative approach to the subject. There's a clear interest in the public fascination with UFOs, fueled by popular culture and ongoing reports of unexplained aerial phenomena.