SUFOI Nyhedsbrev - 1998 01-02 No 1

Magazine Overview

This is the first issue of SUFOI Nyhedsbrev for 1998, published in January/February. The magazine is titled 'SUFOI NYHEDSBREV' and is identified as 'NR. 1 - JANUAR/FEBRUAR 1998'. It is published by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) and has an ISSN of 1396-545X. The raw issue date is January/February 1998, and the determined issue date is 1998-01. The publisher is SUFOI, and the country of publication is Denmark. The original language is Danish. The cover features a cartoon illustration and the main headline 'SUFOI NYHEDSBREV'.

Welcome to New Readers

Per Andersen, the editor-in-chief, welcomes new readers to the second year of SUFOI Nyhedsbrev. He expresses satisfaction with the continued support from previous subscribers and the arrival of new readers, viewing it as positive feedback on the content. He emphasizes that the Nyhedsbrev is an open forum for everyone and encourages debate, questions, and comments on articles or SUFOI's work. He clarifies that the Nyhedsbrev is a supplement to UFO-Nyt, not an alternative. Its purpose is to publish society-oriented material not suitable for UFO-Nyt, longer or specialized articles, news on ongoing investigations, and to serve as a debate forum. It also includes press releases and other relevant documents.

News from Local Groups

SUFOI-AALBORG: The Aalborg group is planning a major event for their 25th anniversary in 1998, which will include an exhibition and lectures, possibly on Saturday, February 28th, at the Aalborg Congress and Culture Center.

CONGRESS: Per Andersen reports on the successful congress held on November 1st. The event was well-received by international guests, SUFOI members, and an estimated 150 visitors. The exhibition, which had free admission, attracted many interested individuals. A new exhibition with 20 panels, developed by Lars H. Andersen and Henrik Klinge, was a significant success and will be used for future events. The lectures proceeded smoothly, with Kim managing the AV aspects perfectly. A request for questions after lectures could not be accommodated. The conference aimed to provide value to members and raise awareness, which it achieved. Media coverage included a 1/2 hour interview on DK4, a segment on TV2 Go' Morgen Danmark, radio interviews, and mentions in newspapers like Jyllands-Posten and Politiken. The event had a budget of approximately DKK 40,000, and while the conference itself incurred a small deficit, material sales of nearly DKK 4,000 helped balance the accounts. Lecture recordings are available on video.

NEW ON THE HOMEPAGE: Kim and Lars (H.A.) have launched new pages titled "Notes from my desk" on the SUFOI website. The website is regularly updated, with plans to offer online access to Willy Wegner's bibliography. Readers are encouraged to visit www.sufoi.dk.

REPORT TAKER COURSE: Toke Haunstrup announces a report taker course planned for the first weekend of May 1998 (May 2nd and 3rd). The course is a follow-up to the previous one held in Copenhagen. Per Andersen, Torben Birkeholm, and Toke Haunstrup will be the instructors. The location is yet to be determined and will depend on where potential participants reside, with a preference for Jutland or Funen. Readers are invited to suggest suitable and affordable venues and accommodation.

Media Appearances and Activities

INTERVIEW RADIO VIBORG: Peter Nørgaard participated in a 10-minute segment on UFOs and crop circles on October 21st, 1997, following an article in Midtjyllands Avis. This provided free publicity.

LECTURES: Peter Nørgaard gave lectures at Skals Efterskole on August 26th, 1997 (approx. 120 teachers and students), and at Rudkøbing Efterskole on September 24th, 1997 (approx. 80 attendees).

SUFOI ON DR: Per Andersen reports on SUFOI's participation in the DR children's program 'Børne'leren' on December 4th. SUFOI assisted the production by encouraging children to send in questions and stories. Although Per Andersen was scheduled to appear, he fell ill, and Toke Haunstrup stepped in. The segment, framed within science fiction, provided good exposure for SUFOI, with Toke Haunstrup highlighting the organization.

SUFOI Seeks Support for Tipstjenesten

Toke Haunstrup is seeking support for a project to produce a booklet about observable phenomena in the sky. An application for DKK 76,000 has been submitted to the Ministry of Education, which distributes funds from the Tipstjenesten surplus. The proposed booklet would be 24 pages, in four colors, with a print run of 15,000 copies. The result of the application is expected in May 1998.

Travel Report: My Trip to Brazil

Per Andersen recounts his trip to the International UFO Forum in Brasilia in December 1997. He describes the challenges of securing a ticket and the initial waitlist. Despite a severe cold, he proceeded with the trip. The journey involved flights via Frankfurt and Sao Paulo to Brasilia. Upon arrival, he was met and taken to Hotel Carlton. He unexpectedly had to share a room but managed to secure his own due to a prior arrangement by his intended roommate. He notes the warm climate, with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius, and the city of Brasilia, built in the 1950s-1960s, characterized by concrete buildings and wide roads.

The conference featured 64 lectures over the week, with 34 international presentations from 20 countries. While 500 paying attendees were claimed, the actual audience was around 200-300. The event included an exhibition and sales booths selling New Age items. A photo exhibition featured images, some of which were identified as misidentified objects or hoaxes, including the famous Danish photo from Viborg presented as a UFO.

Andersen notes the strong religious emphasis at the conference, sponsored by LBV (Legion of Good Will). He participated in a guided tour of the LBV temple, which included meditation and drinking from a holy water fountain. He was interviewed by LBV's film crew for a promotional video and their radio station.

He describes the opening ceremony with flags, songs, and speeches by the LBV center leader and a senator. His own lecture, titled "Myths and Fallacies" in UFO research, followed this opening.

He details the technical difficulties with the AV equipment, including a poor LCD display and a problematic slide projector. Despite these challenges, he completed his presentation. He was approached by other Spanish-speaking presenters who were surprised by his critical and less religious approach to ufology compared to the Brazilian presenters. He mentions that he did not attend all lectures, particularly those in Spanish that were only translated into Portuguese, and skipped most Brazilian lectures due to their early morning or late evening timings.

He briefly describes a lecture by Michael Lindemann, founder of CNI News, who believes the US government is hiding UFO truths and discusses space research in preparation for "galactic contact." Lindemann's logic is questioned, particularly his conclusion that UFOs are so secret that even the President is unaware, implying that perhaps no secret exists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the activities and outreach of SUFOI, including local group news, conference reports, media appearances, and educational initiatives like courses and publications. The editorial stance, as expressed by Per Andersen, is one of openness to debate and a commitment to providing information and fostering discussion within the UFO community. The magazine positions itself as a platform for diverse viewpoints, supplementing the more formal publication, UFO-Nyt.

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: 1/9 - 31/10 1997
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into various aspects of ufology, featuring reports from conferences, personal accounts, and analyses of UFO-related phenomena. The magazine highlights the need for critical thinking and good analytical skills within the field.

Conference Reports and Presentations

The issue extensively covers presentations from a conference, featuring several key figures in ufology:

• Donald Ware, Director of the "International UFO Congress," concluded that humanity is becoming more oriented towards the cosmic and spiritual, with an estimated 800 million cosmically aware individuals. He recounted his own experiences with UFOs in 1952 over Washington, including 8 close encounters and 15 instances of receiving messages from extraterrestrials. He also supported Ed Walters' claims and suggested that extraterrestrials might be sending humans to earth and that some of their offspring are integrated into human families.
• Glennys Mackay from Australia shared her experiences, including a claimed abduction by a spaceship during which her fetus disappeared. She also spoke about her diagnosis of cancer and a subsequent recovery after visiting a healer, a story that the author found potentially fantastical. Mackay also leads a support group for abductees in Australia and is noted for her belief in "bed-end experiences," which the author suggests might be related to sleep paralysis.
• Emanuel Paranhos from Brazil presented cases of abductions and sightings in his region. He described an incident where two people in a car saw a flying saucer and later found themselves on a different road, interpreting it as a clear case of abduction. He also mentioned a woman who had a close encounter and sent light beams to a UFO, which responded.
• Peter Davenport, leader of the "National UFO Reporting Center," presented a more grounded perspective. He discussed recent observations from Phoenix involving military flares and a large, black, triangular object. While acknowledging the physical object, he expressed concern that too much emphasis was placed on witness testimonies regarding size and distance. Davenport also reportedly suffers from paranoia, believing the US government is a major threat.
• Stanton Friedman gave his usual presentation on the Roswell incident, which the author found to be one-sided and manipulative. Friedman also criticized his critics. The author purchased Friedman's latest book on MJ12, which was signed by both Friedman and Jesse Marcel Junior.
• Jesse Marcel Junior was present and spoke briefly with the author, stating he did not know what UFOs were but believed there was definitely something unknown. He identified himself as somewhat skeptical.
• Wendelle C. Stevens discussed the famous Viborg photo and promised to send the author an article and analysis of the case, noting that Stevens' photo collection still includes faked images by Billy Meier.
• Colin Andrews, an English crop circle expert now living in the USA, acknowledged that many crop circles are fakes but stated that the phenomenon had gained a deeper, religious meaning for him, altering his philosophical outlook. His lecture focused on humanism and criticized politics and the press, particularly their treatment of Diana.
• David Jacobs presented on how telepathy is a key element in abduction cases, suggesting it is important on the aliens' home planet. He inferred that aliens, often described with small mouths and no ears, might have a society lacking in music and cultural values, making them emotionally limited and thus interested in genetic mixing with humans.
• Budd Hopkins presented the Linda Cortile abduction case, which he considers the best-documented. However, the author found Hopkins' presentation to be methodologically flawed, filled with inconsistencies, and noted that Hopkins concealed the most bizarre details of the event to make it sound more credible. Hopkins also used the presence of scars on abductees as evidence of examination on spaceships.
• Derrel Sims presented his findings on "transplants" found in humans, which he believes are non-terrestrial. He also claims to have been abducted without hypnosis. Sims suggested that abductees have invisible marks visible under ultraviolet light and demonstrated this by examining young Brazilian women with a UV lamp. The author points out that doctors use UV light for diagnosing skin conditions.

Specific Cases and Observations

• UFOs in Washington (1952): Donald Ware reported observing UFOs and having 8 close encounters and 15 message receptions from extraterrestrials.
• Glennys Mackay's Abduction: Mackay claims to have been abducted, experienced fetal disappearance, and recovered from cancer after visiting a healer.
• Emanuel Paranhos' Abduction Case: Two individuals in a car witnessed a flying saucer and later found themselves on a different road, interpreted as an abduction.
• Phoenix Observations: Reports of military flares and a large, black, triangular object were discussed, with concerns about over-reliance on witness testimony.
• Roswell Incident: Stanton Friedman presented his views on the Roswell crash and the MJ12 documents.
• Crop Circle in Vester Velling: A mysterious 250 sqm circle with a frame and a straight path was discovered, resembling a magnifying glass. No human or UFO explanation has been found, though Peter Nørgaard leans towards a human origin.
• Crop Circles in Denmark: The magazine includes a table of reported UFO sightings and phenomena in Denmark between 1974 and 1997, detailing dates, locations, descriptions, and colors.

Personal Reflections and Criticisms

The author expresses personal opinions and criticisms throughout the issue:

• The author finds the ufology field lacking in good analysts and logical thinkers.
• Glennys Mackay's story is viewed with skepticism, suggesting a tendency towards fantasy.
• Stanton Friedman's presentation is described as manipulative and one-sided.
• Budd Hopkins is criticized for being self-centered, a poor listener, and methodologically unsound.
• Derrel Sims' claims about non-terrestrial "transplants" and his use of UV light are met with skepticism, with the author noting the medical use of UV light.
• The author questions the validity of some UFO evidence, such as the "face on Mars" and the Bermuda Triangle.

Other Mentions

• Bongiovanni: An Italian stigmatiker who claims to receive messages from extraterrestrials.
• Kim Møller Hansen: A school librarian and editor of UFO-Nyt, who will give a lecture on the inexplicable, including UFOs, sea serpents, and the Bermuda Triangle.
• Johannes Aagaard and Helle Meldgaard: Presented on catastrophic religions, questioning how people are lured into believing in UFOs and mass suicide.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and alleged alien encounters, and the critical evaluation of evidence and claims within ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, emphasizing the need for rigorous analysis and scientific methodology while acknowledging the public's fascination with these topics. The magazine aims to inform readers about various UFO-related events, research, and conferences, often presenting differing viewpoints and personal critiques from the author and other contributors.

This collection of newspaper clippings from late 1997 focuses on UFO phenomena, particularly in Denmark, with a central theme being a UFO conference held at Lyngby Storcenter. The conference marked the 40th anniversary of Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI).

Key Articles and Themes

UFO Conference at Lyngby Storcenter

Several articles detail the UFO conference organized by SUFOI. The event featured a range of speakers, including international experts like Dr. Richard F. Haines from NASA, who discussed UFO observations by professional pilots, and Jenny Randles, an English UFO expert who spoke about the 'Men in Black' phenomenon. Danish participants included historian of religion Mikael Rothstein, who presented a theory that UFOs might be a social construct rather than physical objects, and Torben Birkeholm, who discussed his investigation of a mysterious car stalling incident near Vejle in 1995.

The conference also touched upon other UFO-related topics such as crop circles and historical sightings. The articles highlight a growing interest in UFOs, partly fueled by popular culture like the TV series 'X-Files' and movies such as 'Men in Black' and 'Independence Day'.

The Vejle Incident: A Mysterious Encounter

A significant portion of the coverage focuses on a specific incident, dubbed 'Bilstandningen ved Vejle' (The Car Stalling at Vejle). A young man, studying to be a nurse, reported that in September 1995, his car suddenly malfunctioned on Bredsten Landevej near Vejle. The car's engine died, the wipers activated on their own, and the digital clock displayed '88.88.88.88'. A powerful light appeared above the car, causing his dog to become distressed. He observed a circular object, estimated to be 12-15 meters in diameter, with numerous flashing lights on its underside, hovering above his vehicle. The entire event lasted about a minute. The man, initially hesitant to come forward due to fear of ridicule, eventually contacted SUFOI. UFO expert Torben Birkeholm described him as a credible witness and characterized the event as a 'close encounter of the second kind' due to the physical effects on the car.

SUFOI's Evolving Stance: From Belief to Skepticism

Several articles discuss SUFOI's shift towards a more critical and skeptical approach to UFO phenomena. Per Andersen, the chairman of SUFOI, stated that while many volunteers initially join due to personal experiences, the organization now aims to be more objective. He believes that psychological and sociological factors play a larger role in UFO reports than extraterrestrial explanations. SUFOI now focuses on investigating celestial phenomena in general and aims to educate the public, debunking misidentifications of aircraft, planets, or satellites, which account for 90-95% of reports. The remaining 5-10% that cannot be explained are archived as UFO reports, though Andersen leans towards the theory that people's senses can be deceived.

'Men in Black' and Other Phenomena

Jenny Randles' research into the 'Men in Black' (MIB) is highlighted. She suggests that these figures, often described as two men in black suits arriving in a black car, attempt to silence UFO witnesses and confiscate evidence. Randles believes they are part of secret government organizations aiming to weaponize UFO technology. The articles also touch upon the idea that the 'Men in Black' phenomenon might be a myth perpetuated by the media and that some individuals might be playing a role to deter witnesses.

Historical Context and Related Topics

The articles provide historical context, noting that the term 'flying saucer' was coined in 1947 following pilot Kenneth Arnold's sighting. The 40th anniversary of SUFOI and the 50th anniversary of the first registered unidentified flying object sighting are mentioned as significant milestones. The collection also briefly touches upon the Area 51 myth in Nevada, suggesting that any extraterrestrial activity there occurred millions of years ago, linked to a comet impact.

Criticism and Alternative Theories

While SUFOI aims for a critical approach, some readers and UFO enthusiasts have expressed dissatisfaction, expecting the organization to validate their experiences. Mikael Rothstein's theory about UFOs as a collective idea or social existence, rather than physical phenomena, is presented as a contrasting viewpoint to the more traditional UFO beliefs.

Mandala Centret Closure

One article reports on the closure of Mandala Centret in Svendborg, an alternative center that had been active for 10 years. The closure was attributed to rumors of the center being sectarian and occult, which led to a decline in members and visitors. The center had hosted various events, including lectures on UFOs and crop circles, and sessions on spiritual healing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are UFO sightings, the investigation and interpretation of these phenomena, and the role of organizations like SUFOI in this process. There is a clear tension between belief in extraterrestrial visitation and a more skeptical, scientific approach that seeks natural explanations. The articles, particularly those quoting Per Andersen and Mikael Rothstein, reflect a leaning towards skepticism and a focus on psychological and sociological factors. The media's influence on UFO beliefs is also a prominent theme, with SUFOI expressing a desire to be more assertive in correcting misinformation. The overall editorial stance, as represented by SUFOI's current direction, is one of critical inquiry and a move away from unquestioning belief in alien spacecraft.

This issue of the magazine, published on November 19, 1997, from Viborg, Denmark, features an article titled 'Lektorer i rummet' (Lecturers in space). The cover story highlights Helle and Henrik Stub, a couple who are lecturers at Nordfyns Gymnasium and have introduced astronomy as an elective subject. They are also involved in communicating the history and research of space travel through television and magazine articles.

Lecturers in Space: Helle and Henrik Stub

The article details the work of Helle and Henrik Stub, who have been teaching astronomy at Nordfyns Gymnasium for three years. They aim to make the subject accessible and engaging for students. Despite a perceived declining interest in natural science subjects among young people, who tend to favor fields like psychology and philosophy, the Stubs are committed to their mission. They have academic backgrounds as cand.scient.s with a major in astronomy from the University of Copenhagen and have extensive experience in teaching and writing.

Their involvement extends to writing for the magazine 'Illustreret Videnskab' since its inception in 1984 and, more recently, co-hosting a TV series on TV 2 about 40 years of space travel and research. The first episode aired on November 19, 1997, at 11:15 PM, with the second scheduled for October 15 at 10:40 PM.

The Stubs leverage their extensive network to enrich their teaching. They have personal contacts with entities like Damec, a company at Rigshospitalet involved in medical research using microgravity, and have connections to projects like the Mars Pathfinder mission, with lecturer Jens Martin Knudsen from the H.C. Ørsted Institute contributing to the Mars rover. They also gather the latest information from astronomy and space centers worldwide through their travels for 'Illustreret Videnskab' and utilize the internet as a valuable teaching tool.

Despite the challenges in attracting students, Henrik Stub remains optimistic that the astronomy course at Nordfyns Gymnasium will maintain a steady enrollment of around ten students per year.

Is There Life in Space?

The article touches upon the perennial question of extraterrestrial life. Helle Stub states that while the subject is highly interesting, they cannot form a definitive opinion due to a lack of concrete evidence. Regarding UFOs, Henrik Stub humorously suggests a response of 'loud silence,' likening his stance to a coal miner's view of a mine with no coal. He expresses that a lack of information diminishes interest and that he would need extraordinary proof, such as a spaceship landing in his garden, to believe in UFOs.

UFO Conference and Public Perception

A separate section discusses a recent UFO conference held in Denmark with international participation. The conference brought together researchers from natural sciences to discuss the phenomenon of 'flying saucers.' The article notes that many people dismiss UFO sightings, but the interest in natural sciences, spaceships, mysterious objects, and life on other planets has not waned over the years, as evidenced by popular culture. Organizations like Sufoi (Skandinavisk UFO Information) receive numerous reports from observers who believe there is 'more between heaven and earth,' even just outside our windows.

The article also includes a brief, somewhat satirical, perspective from the viewpoint of 'little green Martians' observing human behavior, their primitive technology (large, noisy metal boxes), and their apparent lack of belief in extraterrestrial life, questioning how they can then send their own people into space.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue emphasizes the importance of science communication and popularizing scientific subjects like astronomy. It highlights the challenges faced by educators in engaging young people with natural sciences in an era that favors other disciplines. The magazine also touches upon the enduring public fascination with UFOs and the search for extraterrestrial life, while maintaining a grounded, evidence-based perspective, particularly through the views of the featured lecturers. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages scientific inquiry and education while acknowledging the public's interest in more speculative topics like UFOs, albeit with a dose of skepticism.