SUFOI Intern - 1997 11

Magazine Overview

SUFOI Intern, November 1997, is an internal newsletter from the Danish UFO organization SUFOI. It serves as a communication channel for the SUFOI representative council, providing updates on events, activities, organizational matters, and discussions within the UFO community.

SUFOI Conference: A Resounding Success

The lead story, 'KONGRESSEN - Af Per Andersen,' details the SUFOI conference held on November 1st, which is described as the organization's largest event ever. The conference was deemed a great success, largely due to the active participation of over 20 people in its planning and execution. An estimated 150 visitors attended the lectures, with additional attendees for the exhibition. The decision to offer free admission to the exhibition was successful in attracting interest, aided by large, attractive signs. The exhibition itself was a significant success, featuring a new display of 20 panels created by Lars and Henrik, intended for future events. While the lectures proceeded smoothly, the request for audience questions after each presentation could not be accommodated, a decision made based on past experiences with individuals monopolizing the discussion time. The conference aimed to provide value to members and raise awareness of the subject, achieving both goals with good media coverage, including interviews and segments on DK4, TV2 Go' Morgen Danmark, Københavns Radio, and DR TV-Avisen, as well as mentions in major newspapers. Financially, the event had a budget of approximately DKK 40,000, including the exhibition. Although the conference itself incurred a small deficit, material sales of nearly DKK 4,000 and the exhibition costing less than the allocated DKK 10,000 resulted in a positive overall balance, better than anticipated. Video recordings of the lectures were made and are expected to be available for sale.

SUFOI-Aalborg: Preparing for a Milestone

'SUFOI-AALBORG - Af Torben Birkeholm' reports on the Aalborg branch's preparations for a major event in 1998 to celebrate their 25th anniversary. The plans include an event with an exhibition and lectures, potentially borrowing elements from the November 1st conference. The event is tentatively scheduled for week 9 of 1998, likely a Tuesday evening or Saturday, and is expected to be held at the Aalborg Kongres- og Kulturcenter.

Website Updates

'NYT PÅ HJEMMESIDEN - Af Per Andersen' highlights ongoing development of the SUFOI website (WWW.SUFOI.DK). Kim and Lars (H.A.) have launched new sections under the heading 'Notes from my desk.' Future updates include online access to Willy Wegner's extensive bibliography. Readers are encouraged to visit the website.

Report Taker Course: A Call for Input

'RAPPORTOPTAGERKURSUS TIL FORÅRET - Af Toke Haunstrup' announces plans for a new report taker course scheduled for the first weekend of May 1998 (May 2nd and 3rd). The author seeks recommendations for potential participants, such as local group members or subscribers who have expressed interest. Invitations will be sent closer to the date. The course instructors will be PA, TB, and the author. The location is yet to be determined, with a preference for Jutland or Funen to address a lack of participants from those regions. Input is requested from readers regarding suitable and affordable venues, as well as accommodation options for participants.

Media Appearances and Lectures

Peter Nørgaard reports on his participation in a radio interview on Radio Viborg on October 21, 1997, discussing UFOs and crop circles. This segment, lasting about 10 minutes, was prompted by a follow-up article in Midtjyllands Avis concerning two crop circles near Vester Velling. He also lists recent lectures given at Skals Efterskole and Rudkøbing Efterskole.

Journey to Brazil

'PÅ VEJ TIL BRASILIEN - Af Per Andersen' confirms that the trip to Brazil for the 'First World UFO Forum' is realized. Per Andersen is preparing his presentation, which will focus on Danish ufology and "10 myths/mistakes we make." He is scheduled to depart for Brasilia on December 6-7, 1997, for a week-long congress featuring approximately 50 speakers. He anticipates a challenging but enjoyable presentation. He will return the following weekend and provide a report.

Personal and Financial Updates

'NYT OM PERSONER' provides updated email addresses for key SUFOI representatives. A correction is noted for Michael Storm's phone number. 'DE TØRRE TAL' presents membership statistics for 1997, showing 713 members, a decrease of 33 from the previous year. It also lists initial giro payments for 1997 and financial details for the Research Fund (DKK 3,686) and Support Fund (DKK 11,311). A financial breakdown of the 'Pengekassen' (cash box) as of October shows expenditures and budgets for various individuals, with remaining balances.

Minutes of the Representative Council Meeting

The 'REFERAT FRA SUFOIS REPRÆSENTANTSKABSMØDE I KØBENHAVN' details the meeting held on October 5, 1997. Key points include:

• Welcome by SUFOI Chairman Per Andersen.
• Election of a chairman (PN) and rapporteur (PN).
• Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting.
• Approval of the 1996/1997 financial statements and the 1997/1998 budget revision.
• Discussion on placing the liquidity surplus for better returns, with no conclusion reached.
• Election of Michael Storm and Casper Kay Lech to the representative council, with responsibilities for the archive and tape archive, respectively.
• Announcement of Finn W. Kalvik's resignation from the representative council.
• Re-election of TH, PA, and PN to the board.
• Per Andersen's willingness to continue as chairman for another year before stepping down, with a plan for task handover. His reasons include a changed perception of UFOs.
• PN's decision to take a break from report taking until September 1998 due to new work and his partner Birgitte expecting a child.
• TH's work on an 'Identification booklet' idea, with a suggestion from KMH to involve 'Illustreret Videnskab'.
• KMH reports good sales of 'Ufo'ernes verden' and the upcoming 'Ufo Vision nr. 6'. They are also securing rights to translate articles from the book 'UFOs 1947-1997, from Arnold til abductees'.
• IHS is checking the UFO-Nyt recipient list for duplicates. The Aarhus group remains dormant.
• Thanks are extended to TB for his consistent work as a report taker in Northern Jutland.
• JH is thanked for his work on 'Ekspeditionen'.
• The next representative council meeting is scheduled for March 28-29, 1998, in the Aarhus area.
• Discussion of the November conference (PA) and the report taker course (TH), noting resource constraints for new course development. PN is stepping down from new development, while PA may assist with implementation.
• TH is seeking a new contact for the meteor section following the death of Gotfred.
• The meeting concluded with a late lunch.

Debate: Improving the Report Taker Course

'DEBAT' features two articles discussing the report taker course. 'KOMMENTAR TIL KOMMENTAREN - Af Toke Haunstrup' responds to Per Andersen's previous comments, agreeing on the importance of concepts like angle height and absolute/relative sizes, suggesting they could be a separate topic. Haunstrup clarifies that his initial article aimed to identify problems in current report work rather than setting a specific ambition level for the course. He acknowledges Per's point about feedback and ongoing dialogue being crucial for improvement, admitting his own shortcomings in this area.

'FORNYELSE AF RAPPORTOPTAGERKURSET? - Af Torben Birkeholm' echoes the sentiment that the course needs improvement. He reflects on the original course's goals of educating enthusiasts about the limitations of human observation and fostering critical assessment. However, he admits that the initial ambitions may have been too high, aiming to train report takers for nearly all situations and imparting extensive knowledge, which proved demanding for amateur participants. He notes that a follow-up course was developed but has not been active for some time, partly because many report takers become tired of the work, which often involves extensive, tedious writing. He suggests that new report takers rarely gain enough experience for a continuation course before they quit. Birkeholm emphasizes that the course itself can be significantly improved, focusing on pedagogical methods and rethinking the course structure. He agrees with Per that essential training occurs after the course, through practical application and feedback from instructors and experienced report takers. He believes a key goal for a new course should be to motivate participants to continue their involvement, requiring an analysis of factors that encourage persistence and dedication.

UFO Sightings Log

Page 10 presents a log of 'INDBERETNINGER GENNEM PERIODEN 1/9 - 31/10 1997' (Reports during the period 1/9 - 31/10 1997). This table details numerous UFO observations with dates, times, durations, locations (including postcodes and towns), descriptions of the object (e.g., metal, meteor, satellite, red, white, green, yellow), and the status of the report (e.g., E/TH, C/TB, Homepage, AC/EO). Some entries include notes on potential identification or evidence, such as 'NB: Fotosag! Frenkalder-fejl?' (Note: Photo case! Frenkalder error?) and 'Projektørlys?' (Searchlight?). The log covers a period from 1974 to October 1997, with a significant number of entries from September and October 1997.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects SUFOI's active engagement in organizing events, providing training, and maintaining a public presence through its website and media interactions. There is a clear focus on improving the quality and effectiveness of UFO reporting and analysis. The organization appears to be financially stable, with detailed reports on its funds and membership. The debate section indicates a willingness to critically examine and adapt its training programs to better meet the needs and motivations of its members. The editorial stance is one of proactive engagement, seeking to inform, train, and foster a community around UFO research in Denmark.

This issue of SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) magazine, dated 1/9 - 31/10 1997, focuses on UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and related cultural impacts. The magazine is published by SUFOI and is in Danish.

Key Articles and Features

UFO-FRONTER TØRNER SAMMEN (UFO Fronts Converge)

This article announces a major debate and conference to be held on November 1st at Lyngby Storcenter, celebrating SUFOI's 40th anniversary. The event aims to bring together UFO proponents and opponents. Ph.D. Mikael Rothstein is quoted stating that UFOs might not have an objective existence but could be a collective idea with a social existence. Other speakers include John Spencer from BUFORA, who suggests many UFO claims are based on wishful thinking, and Peter Nørgaard, SUFOI's vice-chairman, who will present compelling observations and video recordings. Dr. Richard Haines from the USA, a NASA project worker, emphasizes the reliability of professional pilots' UFO experiences, noting that their training makes them excellent observers.

Virkelighedens Will Smith (The Reality of Will Smith)

This piece discusses how the movie "Men in Black" has renewed interest in the topic, which will also be addressed by British UFO researcher Jenny Randles at the conference. It delves into the concept of 'Men in Black' (MIB) who allegedly silence witnesses and confiscate evidence. Randles has researched this, suggesting there are realities behind the stories, questioning whether MIB are disguised aliens or agents of secret governments. The article also details the conference's schedule, including 8 UFO lectures and a new UFO exhibition, with admission fees mentioned.

Helt uforisk (Completely Ufological)

This main article explores the growing UFO-mania in the USA as a dominant counter-culture leading up to the millennium. It notes that films like "Independence Day," "Star Wars," and "Contact" have fueled public interest, with "Men in Black" being a recent hit. The article highlights that UFO beliefs are no longer confined to a fringe group but have permeated mainstream society. It cites statistics indicating a significant percentage of Americans believe in UFOs and that the government might be hiding information. The piece also touches upon the 'Pre-Millennial Tension' (PMT) and the deep roots of belief in extraterrestrial life. It mentions the phenomenon of 'Mars rock' and 'space rock' music, and the popularity of TV shows like "X-Files." The article further discusses the pilgrimage to Roswell, New Mexico, a mecca for UFO sympathizers, and the diverse backgrounds of people who are drawn to these beliefs. It suggests that UFO beliefs act as a catalyst for a fragmented worldview, blending fantasy with distrust of authorities.

En ny verdensorden (A New World Order)

This section focuses on the Roswell incident and the pilgrimage site. It describes Graham Kaye's family visit to Roswell, emphasizing his belief in UFOs and their connection to a divine creation. Bill McDonald, an 'advocatorisk kunstner,' is introduced, who views UFOs as a catalyst for unity against the elite and a revolution against bureaucracy. The article mentions the MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) and its members, including David Higgins, who claims sexual encounters with aliens. It also touches upon the aftermath of the Heaven's Gate mass suicide, linking it to UFO beliefs and the popularity of books like "Manual For The Millennium" and "Angels: An Endangered Species."

Bedemanden og rumvæsenet (The Undertaker and the Alien)

This part of the article features Dennis Balthaser, the head of the International UFO Research Centre in Roswell. He recounts an incident in 1947 where he was called to a hangar and believes he interrupted an alien autopsy, being warned to stay silent. Balthaser expresses hope for intelligent life in the universe, as he finds little evidence of it on Earth. The article also briefly mentions the concept of a 'global government' and UFOs as a means for the 'outsiders' to unite against the elite.

Mystik og UFOer på biblioteket (Mystery and UFOs at the Library)

This article reports on a lecture by Kim Møller Hansen at Suså Library in Glumsø, covering topics like UFOs, alleged photos, sea monsters, and the Bermuda Triangle. The lecture is aimed at older children and adults, with free tickets available.

Fortællinger fra himlen (Stories from the Sky)

This piece previews the SUFOI conference in Lyngby Storcenter, highlighting its 40th anniversary. It mentions that the organization has investigated numerous unidentified objects. The article features contributions from both believers and skeptics, including religious historian Mikael Rothstein, who posits UFOs might be a social construct. It also introduces Swedish UFO researcher Clas Svahn, who will discuss a 1946 encounter that led to a man building a million-dollar company. The program includes presentations on Danish UFO observations, crop circles, and a specific 1995 encounter near Vejle. NASA expert Richard F. Haines will also speak.

Nærkontakt med UFOer (Close Encounter with UFOs)

This article covers the SUFOI conference, noting the presence of hundreds of attendees. It highlights the 50th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's report of 'flying saucers' and the 40th anniversary of SUFOI's founding. Per Andersen, SUFOI's chairman, thanks sponsors and introduces international speakers like Richard F. Haines, John Spencer, and Jenny Randles. Haines' theory on pilots as reliable observers is mentioned, as is Randles' research on 'Men in Black.' The article then details a specific Danish case: a young man's encounter near Vejle in 1995, where his car malfunctioned, and a bright light appeared from a hovering craft. Despite SUFOI's usual success in explaining phenomena, this case remains unsolved.

Tror du på ufo'er? (Do you believe in UFOs?)

This short piece references a French opinion poll where 48% of the population believes in UFOs and 33% are convinced of knowledge transfer from space. It notes the lack of similar Danish studies but suggests that if extraterrestrial civilizations exist, they are likely too far away to communicate with. The article also briefly mentions the possibility of other life forms in the universe.

Andre artikler og sektioner:

• Indberetninger Gennnem Perioden (Reports During the Period): A table lists UFO sightings and reports from October 1997, including dates, times, locations, descriptions (e.g., 'Hvid', 'Rød, gul'), and status codes.
• Statuskoder: Explains the meaning of various status codes used in the reports (A=Alarm, C=Message received, D=Observer contacted, etc.).
• Mystisk cirkel i kornmark uopklaret (Mysterious circle in cornfield unsolved): Reports on an unsolved crop circle found in Vester Velling, Denmark, in August 1997. SUFOI's Peter Nørgaard believes it might be man-made but lacks proof.
• Foredrag om katastrofale religioner (Lecture on catastrophic religions): An announcement for a lecture by Helle Meldgaard and Johannes Aagaard about cults like Jonestown and Heaven's Gate, questioning how people are drawn to beliefs involving UFOs and mass suicide.
• Div. verden (Various. World): A section with short articles, including one on the cultural impact of UFOs and another on the 'Men in Black' phenomenon. It also includes a brief mention of a UFO sighting near Vejle.
• Må selv uddle penge til frivillige (Municipalities must distribute money to volunteers): A news item about Danish municipalities distributing funds to volunteer organizations.
• Planer skrinlagt af ministerier (Plans shelved by ministries): A report on the shelving of plans for an evaluation center for adult and continuing education.
• Når skindet bedrager (When the skin deceives): An article about the care and maintenance of leather clothing.
• Sådan sagt (So to speak): A quote from Somerset Maugham.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting both eyewitness accounts and expert analysis. There is a clear effort to document and investigate reported sightings, with SUFOI acting as a central information hub. While presenting skeptical viewpoints, the overall tone leans towards acknowledging the reality and significance of UFO reports. The magazine also connects UFO beliefs to broader cultural trends, such as the pre-millennial tension, the influence of popular media, and the distrust of authority. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown and the human fascination with extraterrestrial life and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and documentation, aiming to provide a platform for discussion and research within the UFO community.

Title: Ufo'er er noget inde i hovedet (UFOs are Something in the Head)
Issue Date: 1997
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of SUFOI's publication features a critical examination of UFO phenomena, spearheaded by the organization's chairman, Per Andersen. The magazine argues that many UFO experiences are not evidence of extraterrestrial craft but rather products of the human mind, influenced by psychological, sociological, and media factors. The publication highlights SUFOI's strategic shift towards a more skeptical and analytical approach, moving its focus from solely UFOs to broader 'celestial phenomena'.

The Psychology Behind UFO Beliefs

Journalist Anne Brandt interviews Per Andersen, who explains that most individuals who contact SUFOI have had an experience they cannot explain, often leading them to believe in UFOs. Andersen, however, has become more skeptical over the years, suggesting that psychological and sociological factors play a more significant role than extraterrestrial visitors. He believes people may need to believe in something alternative, especially as traditional religion declines. SUFOI's new vision is to elevate public knowledge about celestial phenomena, educating people to understand what they are observing.

Andersen notes that SUFOI's more critical stance has led to some dissatisfaction among members and the public who expect the organization to validate their experiences. However, SUFOI is committed to investigating unusual reports thoroughly, interviewing witnesses, family, and neighbors, and conducting reconstructions. For those who are not interested in explanations and find personal meaning in their experiences, SUFOI acknowledges this but still offers conventional explanations, such as misidentified aircraft.

SUFOI identifies that 90-95% of reported sightings have natural explanations, such as misidentified aircraft, planets, or shooting stars. The remaining 5-10% are classified as unexplained. Andersen personally doubts that anything beyond what is in people's heads will be found, viewing UFOs as a mythologized phenomenon rather than an objective reality. He argues that the term 'UFO' has given it an identity, which is unfortunate.

Debunking Common UFO Narratives

Andersen addresses common UFO narratives, questioning why alleged abductions and strange events always occur during sleep or while driving at night. He suggests that sleep paralysis can explain dream-like experiences while awake, and routine driving can lead to a state of waking dream. He also points out that the belief in extraterrestrial life is predominantly a Western, cultural phenomenon. Descriptions of aliens often align with contemporary beauty ideals, and narratives are frequently influenced by films and books, such as entire plotlines or alien appearances mirroring popular media.

Interest in UFOs surged in the post-war era, fueled by Cold War tensions, societal anxiety, and the dawn of space exploration and science fiction. More recently, a new wave of interest has been driven by TV series like 'X-Files' and films such as 'Independence Day,' 'Men In Black,' and 'Contact,' which focus on the extraterrestrial. This media attention creates a demand for space-related stories, which the media readily supplies.

Andersen expresses frustration with media outlets that prefer to interview believers in UFOs as spaceships, sometimes refusing to cover SUFOI if they learn of its skeptical stance. SUFOI plans to be more proactive in issuing press releases to correct misinformation appearing in newspapers.

SUFOI's Operational Details and Mission

The article includes a 'Fakta om UFO'er' (Facts about UFOs) box detailing SUFOI's operations. Founded in 1957, SUFOI is a private organization funded by membership fees and material sales. Its leadership consists of 17 individuals, with the daily management handled by the chairman and two vice-chairmen. The organization has approximately 1,000 members who subscribe to its quarterly magazine, UFO-Nyt. Around 30 active members, including 15 report-takers, contribute to its work, all on a voluntary basis. SUFOI receives between 100 and 500 inquiries annually, successfully explaining 90-95% of them. The remaining 5-10% are archived as unexplained UFO reports. Contact information for SUFOI is provided: Postbox 6, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark, Phone: 70 20 11 22, and website: www.sufoi.dk.

Distinguishing SUFOI from Believer Groups

Andersen highlights the concerns about being associated with groups that promote belief in extraterrestrials, such as IGAP (International Get Acquainted Programme), which believes in the presence of extraterrestrials among us and finds their knowledge valuable. SUFOI fears being miscategorized and wants to emphasize its critical approach. Andersen notes that IGAP, which had minimal media coverage five years prior, has recently gained more attention, which he finds worrying because people believe them and because IGAP's views are seen as detrimental.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical re-evaluation of UFO phenomena, emphasizing psychological and sociological explanations over literal interpretations of alien visitations. The editorial stance, as articulated by Per Andersen and reflected in the magazine's content, is one of skepticism, a commitment to debunking misinformation, and a desire to educate the public with a more rational and evidence-based perspective on celestial events. The magazine actively seeks to distance itself from groups promoting unsubstantiated beliefs in extraterrestrials, positioning itself as a more rigorous and analytical source of information.