UFO Mail - No 166 - 2013

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: 166
Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information focuses on significant UFO cases, literature reviews, and the passing of a UFO pioneer.

Verdens bedste nærkontakt? (World's Best Close Encounter?)

The lead article discusses the famous 1964 incident in Socorro, New Mexico, where police officer Lonnie Zamora reported a close encounter with an egg-shaped craft and two small beings. This event is presented as the US Air Force's only unexplained observation of a landed craft and its occupants, and is considered by many UFO enthusiasts to be the most important evidence of extraterrestrial visitation.

The article also introduces the book "Nærkontakt" (Close Encounter) by Kim Møller Hansen, chairman of Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI). The book, part of the "Fakta & Myter" (Facts & Myths) series, aims to provide answers regarding close encounters and the question of whether Earth is being visited by extraterrestrials. It is a 53-page A4 book costing 89 Danish Kroner, with proceeds going to support ufo.dk. The series' ambition is to be a grounded guide through the complex world of UFO myths, conspiracy theories, and half-truths. Previous titles in the series include "Area 51", "Roswell", and "Aliens".

Et sandt mesterværk (A True Masterpiece)

This section reviews "Encounters at Indian Head. The Betty and Barney Hill UFO Abduction Revisited", edited by Karl Pflock and Peter Brookesmith. The reviewer describes the book as a dense, academic work that serves as a long-awaited commentary on the Betty and Barney Hill case. It is recommended for readers familiar with the case, particularly through John G. Fuller's "The Interrupted Journey".

The book is the result of a 2000 symposium held near the site where Betty and Barney Hill claimed to have been abducted. It presents various viewpoints, with Robert Sheaffer arguing in chapter 6 ("There Were No Extraterrestrials") that the Hill story lacks factual basis, while Karl Pflock counters in chapter 7 ("A Singular Visitation") that the event was real.

A notable quote from Robert Sheaffer's chapter highlights the cultural influences on descriptions of aliens, suggesting that the perceived alien types vary geographically.

The review also discusses Marjorie Fish's star map analysis related to the Hill case, noting the extensive effort she put into it and the subsequent computer analysis that corroborated her findings. The appendix by Martin S Kottmeyer, "No One Should Know Of This Experience", is described as speculative and poorly executed.

Det ægte Area 51? (The Real Area 51?)

This section reviews "Inside the Real Area 51. The Secret History of Wright-Patterson" by Thomas J. Carey and Donald R. Schmitt. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the book's central thesis: that wreckage from the Roswell crash and aliens were transported to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio for analysis. The reviewer points to the authors' previous work, "Witness to Roswell", and notes that their new book relies on loose ends, questionable witness testimonies, and memory distortions rather than well-documented facts.

The review highlights the authors' reliance on a controversial affidavit from Walter Haut, a former press officer at Roswell Army Air Field. This affidavit, purportedly written on Haut's deathbed, contradicts earlier statements and claims he witnessed alien bodies and an egg-shaped craft. However, it is revealed that the authors drafted this affidavit based on interviews with Haut, who was reportedly weakened and suffering from dementia.

The reviewer also touches upon the history of Donald R. Schmitt's research, his past collaborations with Kevin D. Randle, and criticisms regarding his methods and academic background. The review mentions Schmitt's admission of embellishing his titles and his lack of academic background. It also references a later admission of fabrication regarding the Walter Haut affidavit.

Dødsfald (Death)

This brief section announces the death of H.C. Petersen, a co-founder of "Sydjysk UFO-Investigation" (later Skandinavisk UFO Information - SUFOI) in 1957. Petersen was a prominent figure in SUFOI for many years before leaving in 1965 to establish a new organization based on George Adamski's philosophy, which differed significantly from SUFOI's approach.

Hold fødderne på jorden (Keep Your Feet on the Ground)

This section presents a list of beliefs that, if found plausible by the reader, might lead them to enjoy the book "Alien Viruses: Crashed UFOs, MJ-12, & Biowarfare". These beliefs include the existence of a secret 12-man group (Majestic-12) controlling UFO information, the authenticity of MJ-12 documents, President Kennedy's assassination due to his pursuit of UFO truth, the threat of alien viruses, and the existence of a super-secret archive at Area 51. The section warns that the book can be challenging to navigate due to its potentially disorganized nature.

Alien Viruses: Crashed UFOs, MJ-12, & Biowarfare (Book Review)

This review discusses the book "Alien Viruses: Crashed UFOs, MJ-12, & Biowarfare" by Dr. Robert M. Wood and Nick Redfern. The reviewer notes that Robert M. Wood is a strong believer in the authenticity of the MJ-12 documents, while Nick Redfern is credited with writing the book for Wood. The reviewer suggests that Wood provided extensive notes and documents that Redfern then organized, but criticizes Redfern for tangents and including unverified information, such as the Berwyn Mountains UFO crash.

The book's content is heavily based on the MJ-12 documents obtained by Timothy Cooper from anonymous sources. Despite Cooper's questionable reputation, Wood believes the sheer volume of documents makes them unlikely to be forgeries, a point the reviewer counters by referencing the UMMO case in Spain as an example of elaborate hoaxes. The review concludes by stating that conspiracy theorists will always find a way to rationalize their beliefs, even if the MJ-12 documents are proven to be fake, by claiming they were fabricated to mislead enthusiasts.

Bliv medlem af SUFOI's Støttekreds og vælg en bog i 2015 (Become a Member of SUFOI's Support Circle and Choose a Book in 2015)

This section encourages readers to support Skandinavisk UFO Information by joining their "Støttekreds" (Support Circle) with a donation of 250 Danish Kroner. The funds are used to maintain the ufo.dk website and conduct investigations into UFO experiences. Members receive a free book as a thank you. Payment details for giro and bank accounts are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, close encounters, and abduction cases, often critically examining the evidence and the literature surrounding these topics. There is a clear emphasis on providing information and analysis, as evidenced by the book reviews and the discussion of SUFOI's mission. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning sensational claims while still engaging with the core mysteries of ufology. The magazine also acknowledges the role of conspiracy theories but often frames them within a context of skepticism or a need for rigorous investigation. The passing of H.C. Petersen highlights the magazine's connection to the history of UFO investigation in Denmark.