SUFOI Intern - 1997 01

Magazine Overview

SUFOI INTERN, January 1997 issue. This internal newsletter from Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) provides updates on the organization's activities, news, and relevant topics within the UFO community.

SUFOI HEADLINES !

• The issue highlights several key news items:
• World-leading ufologists are coming to Copenhagen.
• SUFOI's video from the Ålborg group receives praise.
• The newsletter is selling well.
• A press release regarding IGAP is enclosed.

SKRIV DIG DET BAG ØRET ! (Write it down!)

• This section reminds representatives of upcoming deadlines:
• Next Intern: February 10th
• UFO-Nyt number 2: April 2nd

OBSERVATIONER

NORDJYSKE OBSERVATIONER - By Torben Birkeholm

This article notes a lower-than-expected number of UFO observations reported in Northern Jutland in late 1996, despite conditions that usually lead to more reports (darkness and clear skies).

AKTIVITETER (Activities)

VERDENS FØRENDE UFOLOGER TIL KØBENHAVN - By Per Andersen

SUFOI has secured several prominent international speakers for its congress on November 1st. Among them is Dr. Richard F. Haines from the USA, a scientist with 20 years of experience on NASA projects (Gemini, Apollo, Skylab). Initially a UFO skeptic, he became convinced by his own research. His presentation will cover exciting pilot observations and the effects of UFO proximity on aircraft. Other confirmed speakers include:

• Dr. Richard F. Haines, USA: A scientist who worked on NASA projects and will discuss pilot observations and the effects of UFOs on aircraft.
• Jenny Randles, England: A well-known UFO researcher and author, formerly research chief for BUFORA and editor of Northern UFO News. Her presentation topic is not yet finalized.
• Clas Svahn, UFO-Sverige: Author, editor, and chairman of UFO-Sverige, who will present his investigation into a significant Swedish close encounter case involving a landed craft.
• John Spencer, BUFORA, England: UFO author and chairman of BUFORA, who will provide an overview of UFO cases in England.

Jens Martin Knudsen is also being negotiated for a presentation. The event is described as the UFO event of the year in Denmark.

ESTRELLA-KAMPAGNEN - By Per Andersen

This section details a marketing campaign in collaboration with the chip manufacturer Estrella. The campaign aims to increase sales of chips and attract 5-10,000 new members to SUFOI in its 40th anniversary year (1997). The campaign, starting January 13th, will include brochures about SUFOI and a video. The target audience is primarily young people aged 15-35. The article encourages readers to collect Estrella logos and send them in to assess the campaign's success.

SUFOI-AALBORG - By Torben Birkeholm

The local SUFOI group in Aalborg held a Christmas party on November 29th. Their last meeting of 1996 was on December 11th, featuring videos from the SUFOI archive and the new Estrella-funded SUFOI video, which received positive reviews for its content, editing, and visuals. The group is scheduled to meet again on January 8th, 1997.

NYE SIDER TIL ORGANISATIONSHÅNDBOG - By Per Andersen

New pages for the organization's handbook are being distributed due to recent changes in SUFOI's vision, purpose, and statutes. Readers without a handbook are asked to contact the editor.

FOREDRAG (Lectures) - By Torben Birkeholm

Torben Birkeholm gave a lecture on November 20th, 1996, to an interested audience of about 30 young people and a few adults in Aalborg. One attendee reported a possible car stoppage incident experienced by their parents years ago, and further information is being sought. The lecture noted that many young people seem strongly influenced by the TV series 'X-Files'.

NYHEDSBREVET SÆLGER GODT (Newsletter Sells Well) - By Per Andersen

The SUFOI newsletter is selling well, with around 80 subscribers. This is about 10% of those who renewed for 1997. The goal is to reach approximately 100 subscribers in 1997, which would be considered a solid success for the newsletter's first full year.

NYT OM PERSONER (News About People)

NY RUBRIK: EMAIL ADRESSER (New Section: Email Addresses)

• A new section will list the email addresses of SUFOI representatives. The current list includes:
• Per Andersen ([email protected])
• Lars H. Andersen ([email protected])
• Toke Haunstrup ([email protected])
• Ole Henningsen ([email protected])
• Peter Nørgaard ([email protected])

DE TØRRE DATA (The Dry Data)

• Membership statistics: End of 1996: 750 members, a decrease of 37 from the previous year.
• Initial giro payments 1996: PA 9, IHS 7, PN 4, TH 2, Emil 2, LP 1, Asle 1, TB 1.
• Funds: Research Fund: DKK 3,686. Support Fund: DKK 10,471.
• Cash Register (Changes): Detailed breakdown of expenses and remaining budget for various individuals (HKP, TB, PA, KMH, JH, KF, TH, LT, OH, FWK, JB, IHS, PN, BN, BM, LHA).

Pressemeddelelse (Press Release)

UKRITISK INDSLAG OM UFOER PÅ DR1 (Uncritical Report on UFOs on DR1)

Skandinavisk UFO Information issued a press release on December 15th, 1996, criticizing a TV-Avisen (DR1) report on UFOs for being one-sided and undocumented. The organization states that the report showed video clips and stills that have been rejected by serious UFO researchers, including:

• A video clip from Jordrup identified as a street lamp.
• Clips identified as balloons, including a black Solar-balloon popular in the 1980s.
• Still images from Billy Meier in Switzerland, who has been exposed as a fraud.
• Alleged "spaceship" video clips, one of which was revealed to be a double exposure.

The press release also addresses claims of UFO-aircraft collisions, stating they are undocumented. While the report mentioned 70 UFO observations per year, SUFOI receives 200-400 inquiries annually, with about 90% explained as known phenomena. SUFOI concludes the report was uncritical and lacked depth, emphasizing that the theory of UFOs being alien spacecraft is not proven and is just one of many possible explanations.

Avis udklip (Newspaper Clipping)

Jyllandsposten, Morgenavis, November 25, 1996

"Science-fiction-bølgen når til bøgerne" (The Science Fiction Wave Reaches Books) - By Jane Flarup

This article discusses the current popularity of science fiction, driven by films and TV series featuring aliens and UFOs. It highlights two books:

• "Universets børn" (Children of the Universe) by Rauni-Leena Luukanen: This book, subtitled "There is no death," argues that life is energy and that our current life is preparation for the next. It discusses karma and reincarnation, and the author's experiences as a Red Cross doctor in the East. The book also touches upon humanity's destructive impact on the planet and offers hope.
• "Den uendelige virkelighed" (The Infinite Reality) by Stig Voldbjerg Sørensen: This book explores questions about the nature of reality, dimensions, and the possibility of life beyond our perceived limits. It suggests connections between unexplained phenomena and known natural laws.

TV-ANMELDELSE (TV Review) - By Dorte Hygum Sørensen

This review critiques a TV-Avisen segment featuring two retired pilots discussing UFO sightings. The reviewer sarcastically questions the timing of the report, noting that the pilots are retired. The article also touches upon the placement of such segments after the main news program, suggesting a trend towards entertainment over in-depth reporting. The reviewer humorously connects a quiz question about a predatory animal to the concept of UFOs and mentions the TV series 'X-Files'.

"Underbevidstheden er trafik-farlig" (The Subconscious is Traffic-Dangerous) - By Peter Parkov

This article discusses a statistical study from Aberdeen University indicating that passenger cars are significantly more involved in fatal traffic accidents than trucks. It explains that the subconscious mind's assessment of time and distance (optic flow) can be inaccurate in traffic situations, especially when judging the distance to pedestrians. The article notes that drivers tend to underestimate the distance to children, mistaking them for adults, which can lead to accidents. It also mentions that truck drivers, due to their higher seating position, have a better view of the road. The article concludes by urging parents to remind children to use pedestrian crossings, especially during the darker winter months.

DEBAT (Debate)

"-LAD DOG ARNET, AT DET NU MORER HAM!" (Let the child enjoy it now!)

This piece critiques a proposed film law that would abolish film censorship for children. The author argues that children are more easily frightened than adults and that the increasing violence in films, even those considered serious, poses a risk. The author questions which children would benefit from the removal of censorship and criticizes the government for rushing the law through without considering international trends, where child film censorship is being strengthened.

"Ambulancer er stadig offentlige" (Ambulances are Still Public)

This section addresses concerns about the privatization of ambulance services. Ole P. Kristensen, Director of Falck, clarifies that municipalities and counties do not privatize the decision-making, quality assurance, or financing of ambulance services. Instead, they may contract private companies for the actual service provision, a practice that has existed for years and fosters healthy competition. He states that Danish ambulance services are competitive in terms of price and quality compared to other countries. The article also mentions Falck's recent financial improvements are due to acquisitions of security companies, not increased earnings from public services. Significant investment is being made in new ambulance equipment and staff training.

"For Rothstein er alting godt" (For Rothstein, Everything is Good) - By Hans Fuglsang

This article criticizes Michael Rothstein, a researcher at the Institute of Religious History at Copenhagen University, for his perceived tendency to view new religious movements (like Scientology, the Moon movement, Jehovah's Witnesses) positively, simply because their adherents believe in them as strongly as followers of older religions. The author suggests that Rothstein's positive assessments give these movements an undue academic stamp of approval, potentially misleading people into joining sophisticated business empires like Scientology, which can be costly and difficult to leave. The article contrasts this with the negative consequences of some religious groups, like Jehovah's Witnesses refusing blood transfusions, leading to death.

Finn Abrahamowitz - Depression

A brief mention of a book titled "Depression: A book for comfort and explanation" by Finn Abrahamowitz, described as a helpful guide for those suffering from depression and their relatives.

Avis udklip (Newspaper Clipping)

Berlingske Tidende, December 2, 1996

"Flyvende fjender" (Flying Enemies)

This article reports on a surge of UFO sightings in Israel, with 16 observations in three months. While psychologists and scientists have attributed this to hysteria, several hundred people, including police officers, reported seeing a strange phenomenon over Tel Aviv. The article also mentions a sensational report of a 62-year-old Israeli man who claimed to be abducted by small green men and had a mysterious yellow dust sprinkled on him. The dust's chemical composition was found to be unusual, and a sample was sent to NASA.

Bornholms Tidende, November 25, 1996

This clipping reports a mysterious blue-purple light observed over Bornholm and the sea north of Gudhjem. Police and the Bornholm Marine District received reports, with the latter suggesting such lights can sometimes occur during a full moon. They expressed gratitude for any reports of unusual situations.

Skive Folkeblad, November 25, 1996

"Bermudatrekant?" (Bermuda Triangle?)

This article questions the authenticity of some Mars photographs shown on TV2, suggesting they might be manipulated. It also claims that photographs from the Moon, obtained before censorship, show objects and structures that nature could not have created. The author speculates that NASA might be trying to divert attention from these findings, possibly due to the political implications of potential UFO bases on the Moon. The article references Timothy Good's book "Above Top Secret - the worldwide UFO cover up," where Neil Armstrong is quoted privately on these matters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOI Intern include UFO sightings and investigations, the role of media in shaping public perception of UFOs, and the organization's efforts to provide factual information and counter misinformation. There is a clear emphasis on critical analysis of UFO phenomena, distinguishing between credible evidence and hoaxes or misidentifications. The publication also highlights the organization's activities, such as conferences, collaborations, and member communications. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious, evidence-based research into UFOs while acknowledging the public's fascination with the topic, often fueled by popular culture and media.

This issue of KULTUR&DEBAT, dated Friday, December 27, 1996, focuses heavily on the phenomenon of UFOs and alien encounters, particularly in the context of popular culture and media. The cover story, "USA er ramt af aliens-feber, og dens virus spredes også herhjemme, hvor tv-serien 'Dark Skies' har premiere på TV 2 på fredag," highlights the growing public fascination with extraterrestrial themes, amplified by the premiere of the American TV series 'Dark Skies' in Denmark.

'Dark Skies': A New Alien Thriller

The main article, "De fremmede kommer" (The Strangers Are Coming) by Hans Jørgen Møller, delves into the premise of 'Dark Skies'. The series posits that aliens are not just observing Earth but are actively present among us, potentially influencing human history and even taking control of individuals through a virus called HIVE. The narrative follows two young characters, John Loengard and Kimberly Sayers, who become entangled in a secret government conspiracy involving an organization known as 'Majestic-12'. This group was allegedly formed after the 1947 Roswell crash to manage and conceal evidence of alien presence.

The article explains that 'Majestic-12' was created under President Truman's orders to investigate the Roswell incident, which involved the crash of a UFO-like object. The series suggests that this organization has been actively hiding the truth from the public, and that President Kennedy was assassinated shortly after learning about 'Majestic-12's' existence. John and Kimberly, after uncovering this information, become fugitives and form a grassroots organization called 'Dark Skies' to fight against the alien threat and the government's cover-up.

Bryce Zabel, a co-creator and producer of 'Dark Skies' and a former CNN correspondent, is interviewed. He discusses his inspiration from the Roswell incident and his belief that the US government has been withholding information about UFOs for decades. Zabel suggests that the aliens' intentions are not necessarily hostile, and that they might be observing humanity as part of an ongoing experiment. The series is noted for its blend of historical events, such as the Kennedy assassination, the Beatles' arrival in the US, and the Cuban Missile Crisis, with fictional alien encounters.

Historical UFO Incidents and Theories

Another section, "Kendte UFOer" (Known UFOs) by Hans Jørgen Møller, provides a chronological list of notable UFO sightings and alleged encounters throughout history. These include:

• Circa 1500 BC: Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III reportedly saw flying oval phenomena.
• 900 AD: The prophet Ezekiel described a similar phenomenon in the Middle East.
• 1878: A farmer in Texas reported seeing a flying saucer, coining the term.
• 1908: A mysterious fireball exploded over Siberia, causing widespread damage and high radioactivity.
• 1915: During World War I, an entire regiment of English soldiers vanished after entering a strange cloud formation near Gallipoli.
• 1947: The Roswell incident, where wreckage of a supposed alien craft was found, leading to conflicting reports from the military.
• 1952: Multiple sightings of flying saucers in Veronica, Argentina, and Denver, USA, with estimated speeds exceeding 4000 km/h.
• 1955: General MacArthur is believed to have established a special unit to study crashed alien spacecraft and warned of an "interplanetary war."
• 1956: Radar contact was made with a UFO over Suffolk, England, traveling at speeds over 6000 km/h.
• 1965: A widespread power outage in the northeastern USA, known as 'The Great Northeast Blackout', was speculated by some to be caused by a UFO.

UFO Enthusiasts and Local Interest

The magazine also features local interest stories related to UFOs. One article profiles Lindy Pedersen from Viuf, who has been interested in UFOs since 1976 and now gives free lectures to schoolchildren, sharing his knowledge and video clips. Pedersen believes that aliens are not hostile and may be here to observe humanity. He recounts his own experiences and his efforts to get answers from US authorities.

Another piece introduces Egon Dalsgaard, a shop owner in Låsbygade, who sells books and magazines about UFOs. Dalsgaard expresses a strong belief that aliens are benevolent and that humanity are "colonists" placed on Earth by extraterrestrials. He references the Bible and theories of reincarnation in support of his views. He also mentions his involvement with the international UFO organization IGAP and his belief that pilots often witness UFOs but remain silent to avoid professional repercussions.

'Dark Skies' Production and Themes

An article titled "Beskidte rum-tricks" (Dirty Space Tricks) by Kirsten Erlendsson discusses the production of 'Dark Skies' in Los Angeles. It highlights the challenges of filming in artificial snow during hot weather and the series' attempt to blend historical events with fictional alien narratives. The creators, Brent Friedman and Bryce Zabel, aim to present a compelling story that suggests the truth about aliens is not "out there" but "right here among us," similar to the themes in 'X-Files'. The series is intended to explore the 1960s era and the human element of the story, alongside the alien conspiracy.

UFO Sightings Log

The issue includes a detailed log of UFO observations reported between November 1 and December 31, 1996. This log provides dates, times, durations, locations (including postcodes and town names), colors, and identification status (e.g., Meteor, Projector light, Sirius). The status codes indicate how the report was received and processed, such as 'Alarm received', 'Observer contacted', or 'Report sent to central reporting office'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive influence of UFO and alien narratives in contemporary media, the exploration of government secrecy and conspiracy theories surrounding extraterrestrial life, and the intersection of these themes with historical events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives from UFO researchers, media creators, and individuals who have reported sightings, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the entertainment value of these subjects. The magazine aims to inform readers about the growing 'alien fever' and its cultural impact, particularly through the lens of the new TV series 'Dark Skies'.