SUFOI Nyhedsbrev - 1998 03-04 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of SUFOI Nyhedsbrev, NR. 2, published in March/April 1998, is the newsletter of Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI). It is edited by Per Andersen and focuses on UFO-related news, organizational matters, and local group activities within Denmark.

SUFOI's Representative Meeting

Per Andersen writes about the SUFOI representative meeting held on March 29th. He explains that the representative body, currently consisting of 17 people, is the highest leadership of the organization and makes final decisions. Unlike many organizations, SUFOI's representative body is 'self-supplementing,' meaning its members select new members rather than being elected by the general membership. Andersen discusses the ongoing debate about whether this model is preferable to a democratically elected one, citing potential issues with factions and 'palace revolutions' in democratically chosen bodies. He acknowledges that the self-supplementing model can also be debated but argues it has served SUFOI well. The representative body also elects a daily board of 3 people responsible for day-to-day decisions and sets the organization's overall activities, policies, and publications, including UFO-Nyt. The organization has maintained a stable economy for the past 10 years, with more surpluses than deficits.

News from Local Groups

SUFOI-Aalborg 25 Years

Torben Birkeholm reports on the 25th-anniversary celebration of the SUFOI-Aalborg group. The event, held on Saturday, February 28th, included a UFO congress with an exhibition and lectures at the Aalborg Congress & Culture Center. The event received a grant of 2,500 DKK from the mayor's office for local exhibition material. The program featured lectures on Danish and Nordjyske UFO observations, and SUFOI's UFO research. The local press, including TVDanmark-Aalborg and DR-Nordjyllands Radio, covered the anniversary.

SUFOI Copenhagen

Per Andersen reports on a SUFOI Copenhagen meeting on February 10th, where Kim Møller Hansen presented on the Bermuda Triangle with images and video. A video evening was held in March, and an annual 'observation tour' was planned for April, focusing on celestial phenomena with an invited amateur astronomer.

SUFOI Activities

SUFOI in CNI News

Per Andersen writes about a contact made with Michael Lindemann, editor of the internet magazine CNI News, during a trip to Brazil. Lindemann requested an article about Project PORT and the psychosocial theory surrounding UFOs, which was published in CNI News Vol. 3 No. 22 on January 16th.

Benson's View (Cartoon)

A cartoon by Steve Benson titled 'Benson's View' depicts a UFO abducting a person, with text suggesting that 'One Alien Abduction Story That's Actually Believable' is a concept promoted by 'Scam Artists' and 'Roswell Cultists'.

UFO Reports Are Written

This section, based on an article from Aarhuus Stiftstidende dated December 14, 1997, discusses the handling of UFO reports by the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (FE). H.C. Petersen, a former air traffic controller, expresses frustration with the military's lack of interest in UFOs, recalling an incident in 1955 where reports were dismissed. Birger Hoff, a press officer at FE, states that while there is a report instruction (Rapport 209, classified 'For official use only'), very few reports are received, the latest being from 1996. These reports are forwarded to the Scandinavian UFO Center and the National Archives. Hoff believes most reports do not concern national security, but admits that widespread UFO landings would likely be kept secret.

Last News - Driver Stopped by UFO Near Gandrup!

This article, dated Monday, February 16, 1998, details a sighting by a motorist near Gandrup. The driver reported seeing a round, bright light descend steeply, increase in size, and emit an intense light that illuminated the surroundings. The light then dimmed, moved upwards and to the right, and hovered before moving in an arc and stopping again. The driver, frightened, contacted Flyvestation Aalborg, who could not explain the phenomenon and referred the driver to SUFOI-Aalborg. An article in Aalborg Stiftstidende generated over 20 inquiries for Torben Birkeholm of SUFOI-Aalborg. While many had seen the moonrise, a few reported phenomena possibly related to UFOs, which are currently being investigated. Other observations from earlier in the evening and month are also being looked into.

Data Entries Through the Period 1/12 1997 - 31/1 1998

This section provides a table of UFO observation reports received between December 1, 1997, and January 31, 1998. It includes details such as observation date, time, duration, location, number of observers, colors, identification (e.g., satellite, meteor, fly), status, and who received the report. The table lists 30 entries from various locations in Denmark and one in Tenerife.

Status Codes

This page explains the status codes used in the data entries, including 'A' for Alarm received, 'B' for Message received, 'C' for Forwarded, 'D' for Observer contacted, 'E' for Schemas sent, 'F' for Schemas received, 'G' for Report recorded, and 'H' for Report sent to Report Central. It also explains the notation for the responsible report taker.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the internal workings and management of SUFOI, the reporting and investigation of UFO phenomena, and the activities of its local branches. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, while also critically examining organizational structures and the official response to reports. There is a clear effort to inform members about the organization's policies and to encourage discussion, as seen in the article on the representative meeting. The inclusion of a cartoon and a report on the Danish Defence Intelligence Service's handling of UFO reports suggests a critical perspective on official secrecy and skepticism.

This issue of "Avis udklip" (Newspaper Clipping) from January 5, 1998, compiled by Midtjyllands Avis, focuses heavily on the topic of UFOs, with a prominent cover headline "Fra UFO er til H.C. Andersen" (From UFOs to H.C. Andersen). The magazine features a diverse range of articles, interviews, and discussions related to unidentified flying objects, extraterrestrial life, and related spiritual and historical perspectives.

Alsidigt program i OK Klubben i Silkeborg

The OK Klubben in Silkeborg is presented as having a varied program for the upcoming half-year, covering topics such as UFOs, Hong Kong, and H.C. Andersen. Kurt Abildskov, a former Lieutenant Colonel and pilot, is scheduled to speak on January 26th, expressing his firm conviction that UFOs exist and regularly visit Earth. The club's spring season begins on January 12th with a concert by the accordion duo Torben & Jørgen. On January 19th, Henrik Køhler will share his experiences from a trip to Northeast Brazil with his eight-year-old daughter. In February, parish priest Arne Hareskov will give a slideshow presentation about Hong Kong. Hanne Arent from the Local History Archive in Silkeborg will discuss H.C. Andersen's frequent visits to the city on February 23rd. The program also includes talks by former Bishop Herluf Eriksen, meteorologist Jesper Theilgaard, and traveler Erling Svendsen, who will share insights from his trips to South Africa. The club's traditional "løvspringstur" (spring foliage tour) will take place on May 4th, heading to the Eagle Reserve in North Jutland.

Forsvaret skjuler sandheden om UFO'er

This article, by Kent Krøyer, delves into the alleged cover-up of UFO incidents by the Danish defense forces in the 1950s. Kurt Abildskov, a retired pilot, expresses anger over what he perceives as the system's suppression and distortion of facts that do not fit the narrative of those in power. He recounts an incident in 1952 during the large NATO exercise "Main Brace" where he and three other pilots witnessed a large, cigar-shaped UFO hovering at an altitude of 20,000-35,000 feet, initially beyond radar range but later observed by radar personnel. Abildskov states that the Air Force leadership was unwilling to officially acknowledge the sighting, though some leaders were receptive and wanted to investigate further. He also mentions a similar sighting in 1956 while he was chief in Aalborg, where a UFO hovered over Dronninglund at 1500 feet, and an F-86 fighter jet was dispatched to observe it. Abildskov's skepticism towards the system grew over time as he noticed how such incidents were handled. He recalls his childhood fascination with flying, sparked by a lodger who was a biplane pilot, and his experiences during the war, witnessing air combat over Copenhagen. Abildskov pursued a career in aviation, joining the Air Force in 1950 and becoming a pilot after training in the US. He believes that the entire solar system and many planets are inhabited by beings similar to humans, and that this truth is suppressed by religious and military leadership, with assistance from Americans. He references the US-201 directive, which allegedly prohibits discussion of UFOs "outside the fence."

Naturlig forklaring

Kurt Abildskov, with his background as a meteorologist and military man, acknowledges that many phenomena have natural explanations. He notes that meteorological phenomena can be peculiar, and new military technology is often kept secret. He mentions instances where radar operators have mistaken flocks of birds for "angels" or other aerial objects. However, he also points to the existence of organizations like IGAP (International Get Acquainted Program), a Danish organization that, along with international counterparts, registers and investigates UFO reports, suggesting a broader interest beyond mere natural phenomena. He believes that the suppression of information is driven by power, greed, and money, rather than by humanism, love, and compassion.

Sandheden er (måske) derude

This article by Andreas H. Kraul discusses the Danish UFO organization SUFOI (now Skandinavisk UFO Information) and its chairman, Per Andersen. Andersen, who is also a director of a market analysis firm, expresses a more skeptical view, leaning towards unknown natural phenomena rather than extraterrestrial spaceships. He finds the topic of UFOs interesting, but is tired of TV series like "X-Files." The article notes that SUFOI was founded in 1957 by men convinced that governments were withholding information about UFOs and extraterrestrial contact. While the organization has grown to over 1,000 members, its original goal of official government recognition has been abandoned. Andersen's home in Vanløse is described as surprisingly normal, with only a model of the Tintin spaceship hinting at his interest. He doesn't believe in spaceships himself. The article also touches upon the historical split within SUFOI, where a faction led by Major H.C. Petersen, who believed in George Adamski's accounts of alien encounters, broke away in 1965 to form IGAP. This split highlights the differing views within the UFO community regarding the nature of sightings.

"Jeg tror hverken på tidsrejsende eller parallelle universer."

Per Andersen reiterates his skepticism about time travel and parallel universes, suggesting that most UFO observations are likely unknown natural phenomena. He finds the fascination with UFOs intriguing, particularly the human tendency to interpret celestial events like shooting stars as flying saucers. He believes that the "X-Files" series, while popular, has unfortunately fueled myths about government cover-ups and the existence of spaceships, which he considers fiction. Andersen emphasizes that the group's interest lies in the mystery of unexplained phenomena, whether they are natural or potentially extraterrestrial.

Rumfolket giver Solveig gode råd

This section introduces Solveig Møller, a self-employed zone therapist from Fårdrup, who claims to receive guidance from "space people" for her alternative healing practices. She states she has a contact person named Alphon from a communication center on Mars who encouraged her to start her business. Møller describes her zone therapy as a gentler form, influenced by the energies of these extraterrestrial beings. The article also mentions Robby Curdorf, who has given popular lectures on UFOs, Sai Baba, and extraterrestrial intelligence in Fårdrup. Curdorf is scheduled to speak on January 15th about pyramids and the controversial "human-like face" and pyramid structures observed on the surface of Mars by the Viking and Pathfinder probes. The article questions why the Pathfinder mission focused on collecting rocks if there were more significant discoveries to be made, and notes that another Mars probe is expected to investigate the possibility of water, a prerequisite for life.

Ufo'er på skolen

This article from Randers Amtsavis reports on an upcoming lecture by Kurt Abildskov at Langå Skole on January 29th. Abildskov, a former pilot and Lieutenant Colonel, has been interested in UFOs for nearly 50 years and will present documented evidence of their presence from 1947 onwards, using slides and videos. He notes that astronauts and pilots have observed many UFOs over the years. The lecture, organized by Liberalt Oplysningsforbund and Langå Borger- & Haandværkerforening, will include a Q&A session and is priced at 40 kroner.

Livet er et kosmisk ansvar

This piece profiles Steen Landsy, who claims to have seen UFOs 30 years ago and has since been active in the spiritual market. Landsy describes himself as "clear-sighted" and recounts past-life experiences, including being a Buddhist monk, a missionary, and being killed by a bear in historical South France. He emphasizes that his book "Ni tidligere liv" (Nine Previous Lives) is based on subjective experiences. Landsy advocates for a spiritual worldview that is not sectarian, drawing from theosophy, Rudolph Steiner, and the Danish philosopher Martinus Thomsen. He stresses the importance of "cosmic responsibility," which involves taking responsibility for one's body, psyche, connections to others, the planet, and the spiritual realm. He sees this as a life's work and a hobby, aiming to offer people opportunities to explore different worldviews.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and the exploration of the paranormal and spiritual. There's a clear division in perspectives, with some individuals like Kurt Abildskov firmly believing in extraterrestrial visitation and military secrecy, while others, like Per Andersen of SUFOI, lean towards more natural explanations and a scientific approach to investigation. The magazine also touches upon the influence of popular culture, such as "X-Files," on public perception of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting different viewpoints and encouraging discussion on these mysterious phenomena, rather than taking a definitive position. The inclusion of spiritual and past-life regression elements alongside UFO reports suggests a broader interest in the unexplained and the human search for meaning beyond the mundane.

This issue of Nyt Aspekt, titled 'Spejlinger i rummet' (Reflections in space), dated December 10, 1997, delves into the cultural phenomenon of UFOs and their place in American consciousness. The magazine features an interview with Steen Landsy, the editor of Nyt Aspekt, a publication focused on alternative lifestyles and thinking. Landsy, who also runs Radio Lotus and Alternativnøglen, discusses his personal philosophy, which embraces reincarnation, karma, and personal development. He views the Earth as a living entity and advocates for a holistic understanding of the universe, drawing inspiration from various spiritual traditions rather than adhering strictly to one religion.

Interview with Steen Landsy

Steen Landsy, 47, has been involved in alternative spirituality since he was 18, starting with the UFO-Nyt magazine. He now teaches spiritual science, reincarnation, and personal development, running numerous weekend courses. Landsy humorously notes that his psychic abilities could have made him a millionaire in the USA, but he chose a path focused on personal and spiritual growth. He explains that Nyt Aspekt, despite its large circulation, operates without profit, reinvesting all earnings into promoting responsibility for one's body, psyche, and connection to the spiritual world. He addresses the criticism that alternative lifestyle followers can be narcissistic, arguing that it's a misunderstanding and that true engagement with the world is essential. Landsy emphasizes that their worldview is based on a holistic universe and the existence of a spiritual reality, including life after death, and sees Earth as the brain of a living planet.

Landsy defends their eclectic approach to spirituality, drawing from Eastern and Western ideas, as a means to greater freedom. He states that all religions share common truths, but a more open approach allows for a deeper understanding. He remains a member of the Danish Folk Church but feels he has a more profound connection to spiritual matters. He believes that a belief in multiple lives allows for a longer perspective, motivating individuals to transform and improve themselves for future existences. He respects the humanistic development within Christianity but finds Buddhism more focused on personal spiritual growth.

He describes the offerings of Nyt Aspekt as a 'marketplace with extremely many offers,' encouraging readers to question what resonates with them and discard what does not. Landsy attributes the growing appeal of alternative worldviews to a broader societal shift towards consciousness, similar to the environmental awareness that emerged in the 1970s. He points out how concepts once ridiculed, like the influence of diet on health or the power of thoughts on the immune system, are now widely accepted.

Landsy dismisses the term 'new age' as a superficial label created by religious historians to categorize something that lacks a formal structure. He believes that attacks on alternative lifestyles are counterproductive and ultimately reflect the attackers' own insecurities. Personally, he finds such attacks unethical, especially when they are state-supported. His daily life is characterized by vegetarianism, driven by a belief in not harming animals unnecessarily. He emphasizes that love for one's body, life, fellow humans, nature, and the planet is central to his worldview, seeing everything as interconnected.

Book Reviews: Area 51 and Roswell

The magazine also reviews two books that analyze prominent UFO incidents in the USA: 'Area 51. The Dream Chronicles' by David Darlington and 'UFO Crash at Roswell' by Benson Saler, Charles Ziegler, and Charles Moore. The review highlights that these incidents reveal more about Americans than about UFOs themselves.

'UFO Crash at Roswell' examines the Roswell incident as a modern myth, exploring its genesis and evolution. The authors suggest that the myth, like other folk narratives, reflects the concerns and beliefs of the people who tell it. The book analyzes the religious undertones of the Roswell story, with the crashed craft originating from the sky. However, the review notes that the book can be overly academic and difficult to read at times, despite offering valuable insights into the American fascination with UFOs.

David Darlington's 'Area 51. The Dream Chronicles' is described as a more accessible and engaging read. Darlington's journalistic approach involves exploring the history of Area 51, a highly secretive military base in Nevada. The book introduces a cast of eccentric characters, including 'Ambassador Merlyn Merlin II' and 'Agent X,' who are deeply involved in UFO lore and conspiracy theories surrounding the base. The review notes that Area 51 is officially denied by the US defense department, yet it has been a subject of intense scrutiny, with claims of it being a testing ground for advanced aircraft and a site for alien-human collaboration.

The Cultural Context of UFO Fixation

The article posits that the surge in UFO interest in the USA, particularly in the late 1980s and 1990s, is deeply intertwined with the nation's cultural and political history. The author suggests that during the Cold War, UFOs served as a metaphor for the Soviet threat – an unknown, dangerous, and external enemy. This symbolism helped unite Americans against a common perceived foe, a narrative often reinforced by Hollywood films of the era.

With the end of the Cold War, the focus of American anxieties shifted inward. The article suggests that the renewed interest in UFOs and conspiracy theories, including those surrounding Area 51 and Roswell, reflects a growing distrust in the government, fueled by historical events like the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. The new wave of UFO narratives is thus seen as being as much about the American government as about extraterrestrial visitors.

The review of the books acknowledges that while the authors may be skeptical of UFO theories, they treat their subjects with respect. The article explains that the choice of the desolate southwestern US desert for these theories is not accidental. Both New Mexico and Nevada have been centers for secret military research since World War II, and the government has a history of deception regarding activities in these areas. This history of secrecy and potential cover-ups can foster a sense of paranoia and a desire for alternative explanations among the populace.

Furthermore, the article touches upon the natural phenomena of the region, such as the vast light displays and cloud formations in the Nevada and New Mexico skies, which can contribute to the mystique and fuel the imagination of those seeking extraordinary explanations.

UFO-Magnet in Acapulco

A brief news item from 'KLODEN RUNDT' (The World Around) reports on a UFO congress held in Acapulco, Mexico. It highlights the irony that Mexico, a country known for exporting illegal immigrants to the US, is now reportedly being visited by 'illegal aliens' from outer space, according to a group of UFO experts gathered at the congress. These extraterrestrial visitors are said to land frequently in areas once belonging to the Aztecs and Mayans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Nyt Aspekt strongly emphasizes themes of spirituality, personal growth, and alternative worldviews. The editorial stance, as represented by Steen Landsy, is one of open inquiry and personal empowerment, encouraging readers to critically assess information and integrate what resonates with their own lives. There is a clear critique of rigid, dogmatic belief systems and a promotion of a holistic, interconnected view of the universe. The magazine also engages with contemporary cultural phenomena like UFO sightings and conspiracy theories, framing them not just as external events but as reflections of internal societal anxieties and beliefs, particularly concerning government trust and the search for meaning in a complex world. The content suggests a belief in the existence of a spiritual reality beyond the material, influencing personal choices like vegetarianism and a general ethos of love and interconnectedness.