SUFOI Nyhedsbrev - 1998 07-08 No 4

Magazine Overview

This is issue number 4 of SUFOI Nyhedsbrev, published in July/August 1998. The magazine is produced by Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) and is in Danish. The cover features a striking black and white photograph of tall grass and an indistinct dark shape, possibly a figure, set against a light blue background. The main headline announces the issue number and date.

Editorial and Administrative Information

The editor-in-chief is Per Andersen, who is handing over the role to Flemming Rasmussen. Rasmussen is described as a qualified journalist with prior experience in SUFOI's English newsletter and other publications. The publication is produced by Burre Reklame in Silkeborg and distributed by SUFOI's Expedition in Åbenrå. SUFOI's contact information includes a postbox in Gentofte, Denmark, and a website, www.sufoi.dk. The newsletter is published in all odd-numbered months, with a deadline for submissions on the 15th of even-numbered months. The annual subscription for 1998 is DKK 125.00, and the ISSN is 1396-545X.

Welcome to the New Editor

Per Andersen, the outgoing editor, thanks the readers for their support over the past 2.5 years and welcomes Flemming Rasmussen. Andersen expresses confidence in Rasmussen's abilities and anticipates new developments in the newsletter. He also thanks the readers for their interest in the UFO phenomenon and SUFOI, highlighting the magazine's role in disseminating serious information about UFOs.

Articles and Reports

Observations

Two main observation cases are detailed:

• Observation from Ballerup: Reported by Toke Haunstrup, this incident occurred on May 5th, 1998, around 4 AM. An observer in Ballerup (near Copenhagen) saw an unusual orange-yellow light moving horizontally low in the western sky. The light appeared to illuminate the underside of clouds and performed a brief, peculiar 'hop'. The report was passed to SUFOI's recorder, Kent Rose, who interviewed the observer and contacted the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) for weather data. The case was also advertised in a local newspaper.

• Case from Holte: Also reported by Toke Haunstrup, this case involved two women, SM and HT, on the night of May 8th-9th, 1998. SM woke up to find her TV on and loud, showing Oprah Winfrey. Her bedroom was illuminated by 'waves of light' coming from outside. She also saw two light phenomena outside, and HT observed blue flashes in the sky and a reflection in a neighbor's window. The TV turning on by itself and a digital clock showing 04:04 (as if stopped and restarted) were also reported. Subsequent investigation by SUFOI, including interviews and checking TV schedules, led to a likely explanation. A woman living opposite reported that her power lines had fallen and were sparking intensely around 4 AM. This event was confirmed by the local electricity company, NESA, which also noted that such incidents could cause disturbances in the local power grid. This explained the TV and clock anomalies. The case is presented as an example of how thorough investigation can resolve seemingly mysterious events, drawing parallels to Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. The author reflects on how many unexplained cases might have simple explanations if investigated more deeply.

SUFOI Activities

• Support from TIPS/LOTTOMIDLERNE: SUFOI has received a grant of DKK 76,000 from the Ministry of Education for the publication of a 24-page A5 booklet on natural aerial phenomena. The booklet, to be published in color and black and white, will cover day and night phenomena and will be distributed to school libraries, planetariums, and interested individuals. The working group includes Torben Birkeholm, Per Andersen, Peter Nørgård, Per Tybjerg Aldrich, and Toke Haunstrup.

• Media: Following a positive mention of Ole's corn circle article in UFO-Nyt, TV2 Denmark (Fyn) has contacted Ole to create a segment about corn circles. They are seeking a local farmer willing to provide a field for filming, with the segment likely to be aired in late July.

New Debate on Roswell

Per Andersen reports on an ongoing internet debate concerning photographs taken by James Bond Johnson in 1947 of alleged Roswell debris. Johnson claims to see hieroglyphic symbols in enlarged versions of the photos, similar to descriptions by Jesse Marcel. However, other researchers, like those from the Fund for UFO Research, have studied the photos and found no such symbols, suggesting they depict a weather balloon with sticks and foil paper.

News from England

Per Andersen shares information from Craig Roberts, a psychology student at Totton University, who has formed a UFO research group called TRUTH. Their focus is on the psychological aspects of UFO experiences, including projects like having children draw aliens and investigating 'Tectonic Strain Theory'. They plan to exchange research findings with SUFOI.

UFO Sightings Database Entries

Pages 8 and 10 contain tables of UFO sighting reports submitted to SUFOI between May 1st and June 30th, 1998. These entries include observation dates, durations, locations (postcode and town), number of observers, colors, and status codes indicating how the report was handled (e.g., alarm received, message received, observer contacted, report recorded). Some entries note the method of reception, such as email via SUFOI Homepage or AC/XX (received via AC of AC-passer XX).

Status Codes

Page 9 explains the status codes used in the sighting reports: A (Alarm received), B (Message received), C (Forwarded), D (Observer contacted), E (Forms sent), F (Forms received), G (Report recorded), H (Report sent to central report office). The codes are often followed by the initials of the report recorder.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation and explanation of UFO sightings, emphasizing the importance of thorough research. The newsletter also highlights SUFOI's activities in promoting public awareness and disseminating information about UFOs, including educational materials and media engagement. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, evidence-based inquiry into UFO phenomena, aiming to provide rational explanations where possible while acknowledging the ongoing interest and debate surrounding the subject, as seen in the Roswell discussion. The publication also serves as a platform for reporting on UFO-related news and research from both Denmark and abroad.

This issue of Lolland-Falster Folketidende, dated April 21, 1998, and Sjællands Tidende, dated April 8, 1998, delves into the world of UFO phenomena, conspiracy theories, and related research.

Foredrag om UFO'er (Lecture on UFOs)

A lecture is announced for Monday evening at the Stiftsbiblioteket, where cand. mag. Søren Hauge will discuss the UFO question from a theosophical perspective. The article notes that for centuries, people worldwide have been fascinated by the phenomenon, for which there are currently no explanations. It poses the question of whether theosophy can offer insights into the matter.

UFO'erne er landet (The UFOs have landed)

This article from Sjællands Tidende, dated April 8, 1998, highlights a lecture by Robby Curdorf in Fårdrup on April 16th, focusing on alleged CIA UFO deception. Curdorf claims that Americans possess at least 40 UFOs, some of which have crashed and others acquired peacefully. He asserts that the CIA is researching alien technology with utmost secrecy and allegedly funds this research by controlling a large part of the global drug trade. The article mentions that American investigative journalists are uncovering this trade, with figures like Oliver North reportedly being informed, and former President George Bush possibly being aware of the situation. It also touches upon the theory that President John Kennedy was assassinated because he intended to reveal UFO information on national television.

Curdorf's lecture aims to update attendees on the latest knowledge regarding UFOs and the CIA's role, especially in light of current increased focus on these topics. He also plans a future lecture on reincarnation.

The lectures by Curdorf are hosted by Solveig and Per Møller at Fårdrupvej 11. Interested individuals are asked to contact them by phone.

Mystikken breder sig (The Mystery Spreads) - KORNCIRKLER (Crop Circles)

This article from the "Bagsiden" section, likely from a publication dated around April 1998 (indicated by the context of other articles), discusses crop circles. It references an article by Ole Henningsen in "UFO-nyt" detailing Danish crop circles observed in 1997 near Holeby, south of Maribo on Lolland. While many theories about UFO landings were proposed, the article humorously contrasts this with the "Bagsiden" explanation that local boys created the circles with a roller. Ole Henningsen is presented as someone who can explain the phenomenon, and he has offered to personally create a crop circle if a farmer provides land. The article notes that the cost of such a crop circle, based on 1997 grain prices, would be around 50 Danish Kroner, a small price for scientific inquiry. It highlights a specific 1997 circle at Nybøllegård where the stalks at the edge of the horizontal path lay over the bent stalks within the circle, a new observation. Henningsen also notes that the Holeby circles were irregular in shape and accessible via standard tractor tracks. The article concludes by stating that interested farmers can arrange for Ole Henningsen and his experiments to visit when the grain is tall, by contacting "UFO-nyt" at 70 20 11 22. "Bagsiden" pledges to reimburse the 50 Kroner cost for any brave farmer.

Ufologisk Tidsskrift (Ufological Journal)

This section describes "Ufologisk Tidsskrift" as a publication for readers interested in in-depth articles on research and investigations into UFO phenomena. It includes results from SUFOI's research projects, summaries of foreign articles, and research results, as well as reader debates. The journal is published irregularly and paid for per issue. Contact information for ordering and pricing is provided for Toke Haunstrup in Lyngby.

Disketteservice (Diskette Service)

This service offers PC users an optional subscription to "SUFOI Disketteservice." Approximately one month before each issue of "UFO-Nyt," subscribers receive a diskette containing a range of texts and programs. This includes texts from "UFO-Nyt," hundreds of pages about UFOs from the internet, digitized UFO photos, astronomical images, animated astronomy films, and astronomy programs. Contact information for ordering and pricing is provided for Per Andersen in Vanløse.

Sære Dyr og Mærkelige Væsener (Strange Animals and Strange Beings)

This entry describes an illustrated encyclopedia covering mythical creatures like the Loch Ness Monster and Yeti, along with other strange animals. It also explains concepts and individuals related to the topic. The book is illustrated, 57 pages, and costs 68 DKK.

Mirakelmanden Uri Geller (The Miracle Man Uri Geller)

This entry discusses Uri Geller and his abilities, recounting his visit to Denmark and his alleged powers. The book is illustrated, 35 pages, and costs 46 DKK.

Synspunkter (Viewpoints)

This book explores questions such as whether UFO sightings are linked to specific types of people, the connection between UFOs and ball lightning, and how to analyze UFO report material. It covers topics discussed by scientists. The book is illustrated, 60 pages, and costs 20 DKK.

STØTTEFOND OG FORSKNINGSFOND (Support Fund and Research Fund)

SUFOI operates two funds to collect voluntary financial contributions for its activities. Donations can be made via Giro to SUFOI in Gentofte. The "Støttefonden" (Support Fund) currently holds around 10,000 DKK, with a goal of 20,000 DKK. Its funds are used for SUFOI's outreach and public information activities, such as supporting member meetings, exhibitions, other member activities, and guaranteeing the costs of publications and congresses. The "Forskningsfonden" (Research Fund) currently has 6,000 DKK, aiming for 20,000 DKK. Its funds support research activities within SUFOI, including photo analysis, purchasing literature, supporting projects like PADUR and PORT, acquiring technical aids for reporting, and other research-oriented activities. Supporting these funds enables SUFOI to achieve its overall goals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged alien visitations, and the potential involvement of government agencies like the CIA in covering up information. There's a strong emphasis on conspiracy theories, particularly concerning the CIA's alleged role in UFO research and funding. The publication also explores fringe topics like theosophy and psychic phenomena (Uri Geller). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, providing platforms for various viewpoints and research, while also offering practical information on related publications and organizations like SUFOI. The inclusion of crop circle phenomena suggests an interest in physical evidence and the potential for human involvement in creating such mysteries. The detailed description of SUFOI's funds indicates a commitment to supporting ongoing research in the field.