SUFOI Intern - 1998 04

Magazine Overview

This document is the April 1998 issue of 'SUFOI INTERN', an internal newsletter from SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information). It is published monthly around the 15th for SUFOI's representatives. The editor is Per Andersen, with contact details provided for mail and email.

SUFOI HEADLINES

The cover headline indicates that there is 'apparently not much news at the moment'. It includes a call to action for readers to submit material.

FAT PENNEN (Get Writing)

Deadlines are listed: 'Næste Intern' (Next Intern) is May 10th, and 'UFO-Nyt nummer 3' (UFO-Nyt issue 3) is July 2nd.

HAR DU TÆNKT OVER? (Have You Thought About It?) - By Per Andersen

Per Andersen poses questions about the increasing use of the internet for SUFOI, noting that a quarter of observations and most inquiries/subscriptions come via the internet. He also asks how readers can help provide new and exciting content for the website.

AKTIVITETER (Activities)

KØBENHAVNSGRUPPEN (Copenhagen Group) - By Per Andersen

The Copenhagen group is organizing an 'observation tour' on April 18th at Bjarne and Susanne's summer house, featuring a talk by amateur astronomer Hans Sørensen about the night sky. On May 12th, they will host a special event with mathematician Holger Bech Nielsen giving a lecture on 'wormholes and time travelers in the universe'. This event is open to all but will not be generally advertised.

FOREDRAG (Lectures)

Several lectures given by SUFOI members are reported:

• On November 25, 1997, OH gave a lecture for a 7th-grade class at Østofte School, Lolland, as part of an annual 'topic week'.
• On February 26th, OH lectured on 'Life in the Universe' for AOF in Maribo as part of a lecture series organized by the Lollands Astronomical Society.
• On April 18th, PA is scheduled to give a lecture for the Luftmeldeeskadrille København at Flyvestation Værløse.

SUFOI PÅ CD-ROM (SUFOI on CD-ROM) - By Per Andersen

SUFOI was selected to have a significant portion of its website included on a CD-ROM distributed with the magazine 'Komputer for Alle' in March. Per Andersen has the CD-ROM available for loan.

RAPPORTOPTAGERKURSUS (Report Taker Course) - By Per Andersen

A course is confirmed for May 2nd-3rd in Copenhagen, with 8 participants registered and potential for a few more.

UFO-NYT PRØVENUMRE (UFO-Nyt Sample Issues) - By Per Andersen

The special UFO-Nyt sample issue is almost depleted. For a period, older UFO-Nyt issues will be used as sample issues and can be requested from Jan Hansen. All materials (PR, envelopes, letterheads, sales materials, UFO-Nyt, etc.) are now with Jan Hansen, except for report forms which are with Toke Haunstrup. A new UFO-Nyt sample issue will be produced after the summer holidays.

NYT OM PERSONER (News About People)

EMAIL ADRESSER (Email Addresses)

A list of representatives' email addresses is provided, with a request to send any updates to PA.

DE TØRRE TAL (The Dry Numbers)

Membership Statistics 1998: As of March, there are 586 members, which is 74 fewer than the previous year. The organization urgently needs PR campaigns. Initial deposit information for 1998 is listed by initials. Funds include a Research Fund (kr. 3,686) and a Support Fund (kr. 12,169).

Pengekassen (The Treasury) (as of March): A detailed breakdown of expenditures and budgets for various departments (HKP, TB, PA, KMH, JH, KF, TH, LT, CKL, OH, MS, JB, IHS, PN, BN, BM, LHA) is presented, showing 'Brugt' (Spent), 'Budget', and 'Rest' (Remaining) amounts. Several departments have spent more than their budget, indicated by negative 'Rest' values (e.g., JH, PN).

INDBERETNINGER GENNEM PERIODEN 1/2 (Reports During the Period 1/2)

This section provides a chronological log of UFO sightings reported between August 15, 1966, and March 1, 1998. Each entry includes the date, duration, location (including postal code and town), colors observed, number of observers, and status/identifier codes. Notable entries include:

• August 15, 1966: Ca. 20:00, Silkeborg, 3 observers.
• August 1, 1978: Ca. 21:00-22:00, Mariager, orange and blue colors.
• June 28, 1993: Ca. 01:30 DST, Blokhus, violet color.
• August 27, 1995: 07:34 DST, Holbak, dark color.
• July 10, 1997: Ca. 23:30-24:00 DST, Tommerup, white object, noted 'NB: Videoptagelse' (Note: Video recording).
• November 11, 1997: 17:45 DNT, Langholt, white object.
• December 1, 1997: 16:00 DNT, Viborg, gray color.
• December 3, 1997: 20:30 DNT, Lejre, white object.
• January 1, 1998: 04:55 DNT, Østerby, blue object, noted 'Projektør' (Projector).
• January 8, 1998: Ca. 16:15 DNT, Fjerritslev, white object.
• January 14, 1998: Ca. 16:03 DNT, Aalborg, yellow/orange color.
• January 16, 1998: 20:00 DNT, between Frederikshavn and Strandby, white object.
• January 21, 1998: 00:30 DNT, Horsens, white object.
• January 21, 1998: 18:50 DNT, Østbirk, clear object, described as 'Fly'.
• January 21, 1998: 20:55 DNT, Horsens, blue object, described as 'Fly'.
• January 21, 1998: 21:05 DNT, Rask Mølle, 4 observers, described as 'Ildskar' (Fire/Bright flash) and 'Ildebrand' (Fire).
• January 21, 1998: 21:05 DNT, Horsens, blue object, described as 'Fly'.
• January 21, 1998: 21:05 DNT, Skanderborg, blue object, described as 'Fly'.
• January 21, 1998: 21:15 DNT, Horsens, clear object, described as 'Fly'.
• January 30, 1998: Ca. 18:00-18:30 DNT, Langeskov.
• February 17, 1998: 06:45 DNT, Allerød, described as 'Venus'.
• February 25, 1998: 20:06 DNT, Fredericia, white object.
• February 26, 1998: 19:00 DNT, Augustenborg, clear object.
• February 26, 1998: Ca. 21:30 DNT, Struer, described as 'Satellit'.
• February 28, 1998: Ca. 02:45 DNT, Vebbestrup, Hobro.
• February 28, 1998: Ca. 22:15 DNT, Næstved, white object.
• March 1, 1998: 18:05 DNT, Galten, orange object, described as 'Fly'.
• March 1, 1998: 18:35 DNT, Karrebæksminde, yellow/red object.
• March 11, 1998: 18:40 DNT, Hobro, orange object.
• March 12, 1998: 07:00 DNT, Virklund, gray object.
• March 12, 1998: 20:20 DNT, Egebjerg, yellow object.
• March 15, 1998: Ca. 20:00 DNT, Vor Frue, Roskilde, multiple colors.

STATUSKODER (Status Codes)

A legend explains the status codes used in the report log (A=Alarm received, B=Message received, C=Forwarded, D=Contacted observer, E=Form sent, F=Form received, G=Report taken, H=Report sent to central).

SUFOI REPRÆSENTANTSSKABSMØDE 29. MARTS 1998 (SUFOI REPRESENTATIVES MEETING March 29, 1998)

Attendees: TB, OH, PA, KMH, MS. Absent: TH, PN, BN, HKP, IHS, JH, JB, LT, LHA, KF, CKL. PA had a proxy vote from TH.

Meeting Summary:

1. PA opened the meeting, welcoming members and guests (Per Nielsen, Egon Olsen, Verner Møller).
2. PA mentioned that SUFOI's website is now on the CD-ROM from 'Komputer for Alle', being the only Danish website and one of three UFO websites listed (others being UFO Sverige and CNI News). KMH confirmed it works.
3. TB was elected chairman, PA as secretary. Extra agenda items were added.
4. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved without comment.
5. Membership Statistics for 1997: PA reported a significant decline in membership, primarily due to a lack of new readers, and suggested a new advertising campaign. TB noted that fluctuations were small and often reversed year-to-year. PA mentioned a steady decline in the '6000-area' and difficulty determining if it's an IGAP effect. The number of IGAP members could not be provided.
6. Balance as of 1.2.1998: No questions were raised. PA anticipates at least a break-even for the year, possibly a small surplus. The board decided to postpone the production of a new UFO-Nyt special issue to the next fiscal year. High departmental expenses are attributed to mailings for anniversaries, conferences, etc., and increased postage for sample issue mailings.
7. UFO-Nyt Prices 1999: LT suggested the UN price was too high and some other magazines should be discontinued to fund UFO-Nyt. PA countered that other magazines are profitable and discontinuing them would not yield financial gain. PA proposed positioning UFO-Nyt at the higher end of the market, as a relatively 'expensive' but exclusive publication for those seeking serious Danish UFO content. The proposed price increase of 5 kr for UFO-Nyt was unanimously approved.
8. Budget 1998/1999: PA described the budget as realistic and balanced, noting uncertainty about the continuation of income sources like diskette service and the newsletter. TB inquired about campaign costs, and PA suggested financing via the Support Fund. JH was praised for cost savings, including buying unused stamps at below face value. Kr. 800 was allocated to MS, who was mistakenly omitted from a list of departments.
9. Election to the Representative Council: Verner Møller, Egon Olsen, Asle Nielsen, Michael Linden-Vørnle, and Per Nielsen were unanimously elected.
10. Proposals: No proposals were submitted.
11. Review of Half-Year Reports: PA referred to point 13. TH had no comments. TB noted that two individuals from Northern Jutland would attend the report taker course. KMH welcomed Bødker back from Greenland, who can now assist more with photo and video analysis.

PA arbejdsopgaver (PA's Tasks)

Status of activities:

• Intern: Likely Toke.
• SUFOI Nyhedsbrev: Flemming Rasmussen is proposed.
• UFO-Nyt leader: Rotating with planning support from KMH.
• UFO-Nyt Abstracts: Possibly Flemming Rasmussen if a translator is found.
• Arrangement of rep. meetings: New board.
• PR-materials: KMH.
• Copenhagen Group: Self-managed.
• Content for UFO-Nyt: KMH will be more proactive in commissioning articles.
• Printing of giro cards: JH.
• Reminders to subscribers: JH.
• Production of envelopes: JH.
• Printing of report forms: TH.
• Video archive: Status unknown.
• Purchase of videos: Status unknown.
• Diskette service: May be discontinued or moved to a closed website.
• Periodicals archive: PA will determine the scope.
• Report taker course: No comments.
• Internet sample issues: PN.
• Ufologisk Tidsskrift: No comments.
• Project PORT: No comments.
• Accounting: No comments.
• SUFOI Newsletter: PA is looking for a translator for UFO-Nyt.

Dansk UFO-forskning (Danish UFO Research)

PA reported contact with 'Dansk UFO-Forskning' in Vejen, led by Stig Rasmussen. This group studies UFO progress based on self-made theories and analyses of observations, and listens for radio signals from space. They requested 'cooperation', meaning access to SUFOI's reports. PA asked them to send a letter describing their work and requests.

Udklipsarkiv (Clipping Archive)

Niels Chr. Krag wishes to give away the clipping archive. PA is investigating its volume.

CD-ROM

Discussions were held about possibilities and Per Nielsen was asked to look into a pilot project for transferring the new exhibition to a CD-ROM.

UFO-Nyt

The usual discussion about balancing content between seriousness and attracting new readers. KMH is investigating prices for expanding UFO-Nyt by 4-8 pages, possibly as an insert. PA suggested prioritizing articles on exciting foreign observations, especially recent ones, alongside Danish observations. KMH plans to focus more on commissioning articles from a circle of authors. All members are encouraged to contribute to UFO-Nyt, even one article per year, to create a varied publication. Author guidelines are available from KMH.

Næste rep.møde (Next rep. meeting)

The next meeting is scheduled for September 26-27, 1998, possibly near Aarhus.

Eventuelt (Miscellaneous)

No items were raised under this section.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects SUFOI's ongoing efforts in UFO research and reporting in Denmark. Key themes include the collection and analysis of UFO sightings, member activities, organizational management, and publication of UFO-related content. There is a clear emphasis on utilizing modern communication channels like the internet while also maintaining traditional methods of reporting and dissemination. The organization appears to be facing challenges with declining membership and budget management, prompting calls for proactive measures such as PR campaigns and cost-saving initiatives. The editorial stance seems to favor serious, evidence-based UFO research, as indicated by Torben Birkholm's quote about distinguishing between explainable phenomena and genuine UFOs, while also acknowledging the interest in more speculative topics like wormholes. The newsletter actively encourages member participation and contribution to its publications and activities.

This issue of Fyens Stiftstidende, dated March 5, 1998, features a prominent cover story about a religious group from Taiwan that has relocated to Texas, USA, in anticipation of their god arriving via a UFO on March 31, 1998. The magazine also includes articles on unexplained aerial phenomena observed in Denmark, particularly on the island of Fyn, and celebrates the 25th anniversary of Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI).

'God Comes With a UFO'

The lead article, attributed to Sam Howe Verhoek of The New York Times and published in Fyens Stiftstidende, details the 'God's Savior Church' from Taiwan. Led by Heng-ming Chen, who claims to be 'Teacher Chen' and to speak to God through his hand and interpret divine wisdom through balls thrown into the wind, the group has purchased at least 30 houses in Garland, Texas. Approximately 150 followers have arrived from Taiwan, with more expected. They dress in white and wear white tennis shoes and cowboy hats. Chen's prophecy, detailed in his book 'God's Descent into the Sky (Flying Saucers) on Earth to Save Mankind,' states that on March 31 at 10 AM, God will appear in the 'Holy Land' at Ridgedale Drive 3513, Garland, Texas. Chen guarantees this with his life. He claims to be the father of Christ from 2000 years ago and identifies two young boys in his group, Chi-Jen Lo and Che-Ju Chiang, as reincarnations of Jesus and Buddha, respectively.

Concerns have arisen in Taiwan regarding Chen's leadership, with relatives describing him as a cult leader who has defrauded and brainwashed followers into giving him their savings for the privilege of ascending to heaven in a flying saucer. There have been rumors in the Taiwanese press about the group planning a mass suicide if God does not arrive as planned, a claim Chen vehemently denies. However, he has stated he is willing to let his followers decide his fate if his prophecy fails, even if it means being executed or stoned.

The article draws parallels to the 'Heaven's Gate' group, which committed mass suicide in San Diego while awaiting a comet. A spokesperson for Taiwan in Houston described Chen's group as ordinary people whose leader claims God will appear and pick them up in a flying saucer. If this does not happen, they will return to a normal life in Taiwan.

Chen's calendar predicts God will announce his arrival on March 25, visible on channel 18 worldwide. On March 31, God will appear in the Garland suburb, recognizable by his ability to walk through walls, clone himself, and speak all languages. He will also be able to give a handshake to everyone who comes to Ridgedale Drive 3513. A year later, the chosen will travel in a flying saucer, possibly first to Mars and then to heaven.

The group in Garland reportedly does not ask for money and spends its time on ceremonies and studies. Many members have sold their homes in Taiwan for $500,000, bought houses in Garland for $70,000, and deposited the rest in the bank. Local police are prepared for the event on March 31.

Unexplained Fyn Objects

This section reports on UFO sightings in Denmark during 1997. Approximately 300 Danes observed unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in 1997, with 22 sightings occurring on Fyn. One notable Fyn sighting involved a nurse in Odense SV on March 18, 1997. She described an elliptical object, illuminated by the rising sun, moving from north to southwest. She measured it at approximately 0.5 centimeters at arm's length before it disappeared. The object was described as cigar-shaped with smoke trails around it.

SUFOI's deputy chairman, Toke Haunstrup, highlighted this observation due to its unusual appearance. He also mentioned a UFO sighting near Bogense on October 7, 1997, by a younger woman. She described a 'long cloud' with another 'cloud' moving rapidly inside it before stopping and disappearing. This phenomenon appeared around 10:30 PM and lasted for 20 minutes.

Haunstrup suggests that Fyn might have fewer reported UFOs not due to a lack of activity, but possibly because there isn't a local SUFOI representative. SUFOI has 15 contact persons nationwide who are trained to ask the right questions. The UFO alarm phone number is 70 20 11 22.

Rumskib eller bare neonrør (Spaceship or just a neon tube)

This article, published in Aktuelt and dated March 24, 1998, discusses the 25th anniversary of Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI). Torben Birkeholm, the chairman of SUFOI for 23 years, is interviewed. He states that while it's reasonable to assume intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe, it's a leap to assume extraterrestrial beings are visiting Earth. SUFOI investigates unexplained aerial phenomena, with about 10% of observations remaining unexplained by current methods and knowledge.

Birkeholm clarifies that 'UFO' simply means 'unidentified flying object' and does not automatically imply alien spacecraft. He notes that SUFOI receives 12,000-15,000 inquiries annually, with fewer than 50 involving 'close encounters of the third kind' (sightings of UFOs and their occupants). Witnesses of such events are often reluctant to come forward due to fear of ridicule.

SUFOI is working to find common traits among Danes who have reported 'close encounters of the second kind' (UFOs) or 'third kind' (UFOs and occupants). Previous attempts in the US suggest these individuals are generally more creative, imaginative, and open to spiritual phenomena. However, Birkeholm is cautious about definitive conclusions, questioning how such traits can be definitively proven.

He expresses skepticism about popular American accounts of alien abductions, especially those based on recovered memories under hypnosis, arguing that hypnosis can create false memories. He believes that if aliens were visiting, they would be advanced enough not to need to abduct humans for information.

Most reports to SUFOI concern phenomena observed at night, which are harder to investigate. Daytime observations, which constitute about 5% of inquiries, often provide more specific details about the light source.

Birkeholm himself receives 20-50 inquiries annually from people in North Jutland who have seen something unexplained. He notes that while some incidents are witnessed by multiple people, many 'close encounter' reports come from individuals who were alone.

The article also mentions a specific incident from February 16, 1998, near Gandrup, where a motorist was frightened by a phenomenon he initially thought might be a nuclear bomb. This case is still under investigation to determine if it was a UFO or a logical earthly explanation.

Ufo set mellem Skagen og Strandby (UFO seen between Skagen and Strandby)

This report from Vendsyssel Tidende, dated February 27, 1998, details two UFO observations investigated by SUFOI-Aalborg. On January 16, 1998, around 8 PM, two individuals driving from Skagen to Strandby saw a luminous object moving south. It stopped, changed course to the west, then stopped again, changed course to the east, and disappeared at high speed. The sighting lasted about four minutes.

On January 14, 1998, around 4:03 PM, a 20-year-old woman in Aalborg saw a circular, yellow/orange object moving from left to right high in the sky. When she looked away briefly and then back, the object had changed shape to resemble two stacked plates and was moving from right to left. Her bus arrived, and she lost sight of it. SUFOI-Aalborg is seeking additional witnesses for these events and guarantees anonymity.

En ufo, der ikke var en ufo (A UFO that wasn't a UFO)

This piece, also from Aktuelt, discusses how not all observed phenomena are extraterrestrial. SUFOI-Aalborg chairman Torben Birkeholm recounts an incident from 1980 near Skagen. A motorist waiting in his car saw a three-meter-high luminous object that appeared to have landed in a field about 500 meters away. When he left to get his wife, the object was gone upon their return. Investigations revealed a 40W fluorescent tube positioned near an electric fence, visible from a nearby house. A neighbor had also seen the light and, out of irritation at being fooled, kicked the tube, breaking it. This explained why the motorist could not show his wife the 'UFO'.

En aften om UFO'er (An evening about UFOs)

This article from Aarhus Stiftstidende, dated March 23, 1998, announces an event hosted by 'International Dialog,' a youth organization under Dialogcentret in Aarhus. The event features a debate on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) with Jesper Maagaard from the UFO organization 'International Get Acquainted Programme' (IGAP) and cand. theol. Lars Munk Sørensen from ID. IGAP, described as one of Denmark's largest UFO organizations, believes UFOs exist and that space beings are working to prevent World War III. Their beliefs are based on the experiences of the late American contactee George Adamski, who is thought to have been chosen to convey their life science and cosmic philosophy.

Det lignede en ufo (It looked like a UFO)

This report from Horsens Folkeblad, dated March 16, 1998, features a sighting by Anette Andersen near Egebjerg on Thursday evening at 8:26 PM. She described a brightly lit, flame-yellow object, approximately 25 meters up and 20-25 meters away, which was round or egg-shaped with a diameter of 1.5-2 meters and had three or four curved windows. She felt no fear. The phenomenon lasted for 2-3 minutes. A colleague driving behind her also saw a strange light. Andersen contacted Flyvestation Vandel, which mentioned military exercises, but she was certain it was not a helicopter. She also reported the sighting to the Scandinavian UFO Information Center.

Politiken Report

This brief note from Politiken, dated March 7, 1998, adds to the year's statistics, stating that according to Skandinavisk UFO Information, 300 unidentified flying objects were reported in Danish airspace during the past year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the intersection of religion and the unexplained, and the investigative work of organizations like SUFOI. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from the sensational prophecy of a cult in Texas to detailed accounts of alleged UFO sightings in Denmark. There is a clear effort to present factual reporting on witness testimonies and the findings of UFO research organizations, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the search for logical explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, providing a platform for both believers and investigators, without necessarily endorsing any single viewpoint as absolute truth. The anniversary of SUFOI highlights the ongoing interest and dedication to understanding these mysteries within Denmark.