UFO-Nytt - 2007 No 7

Magazine Overview

This document is the 7th newsletter from NETI (Norsk Organisasjon for Studiet av Utenomjordisk Intelligens), titled "UFO-NYTT", dated December 9, 2007. It serves as a communication channel for its members, providing updates, articles, and reports related to UFO phenomena.

Content Highlights

Editor's Column

The editor expresses satisfaction with the recent alternative fair in Valhall and NETI's 10th-anniversary celebration. The fair attracted new members and provided a platform for NETI and UFO-Norge to present lectures. The anniversary event, celebrated over two days, was well-attended, with significant participation on both Saturday and Sunday, leading to many new memberships.

Christmas Gift Tips

• The newsletter offers several suggestions for Christmas gifts for fellow members or oneself. These include:
• A NETI membership for 2008, which includes extra newsletters and a surprise.
• Books by Karen-Sofie Thorstensen on topics like "Alfa Centauri connection" and "Messengers of Love."
• Eva-Marie Brekkestø's book "Crop Circles, the World's Most Beautiful Mystery."
• CDs featuring lectures by Rune Øverby on physical UFO contacts or his books.
• Tore Alfstad's book "An Alternative Cosmology."
• Supporting "Project Hessdalen Friends" by becoming a member, which includes newsletters and an invitation to a tour.
• The DVD "Crop Circles – Visiting Cards from the Unknown" by Terje Toftenes, a documentary that won awards.

"I TOOK HOLD OF A UFO", SAYS A FORMER PILOT

This article, dated November 13, 2007, reports on a group of former fighter pilots demanding a new investigation into UFOs by US authorities. They shared dramatic encounters with UFOs, including transparent discs and triangular craft. Former Arizona Governor and pilot Fife Symington stated that the US government should stop perpetuating the myth that UFOs are merely natural phenomena and called for a reopening of the official investigation, which ended in 1969. He cited national security and flight safety as reasons for potential secrecy. The issue of UFOs was also brought up during a debate among US presidential candidates, with Dennis Kucinich mentioning his own UFO sighting.

Skeptics attribute UFO sightings to aircraft, satellites, or meteors. However, the retired pilots emphasized their experiences. James Penniston, a retired US pilot, described encountering and touching a UFO near the British base in Woodbridge. He detailed a triangular craft with blue and yellow lights, which felt warm and metallic, bearing symbols including a prominent triangle.

Rodrigo Bravo from the Chilean Air Force stressed the need for UFO studies, lamenting media's lack of coverage and the contamination of the UFO topic with misinformation. He highlighted a 1988 civil aviation case where an unidentified flying object posed a risk to air operations. A Boeing 737 pilot reported encountering a large white light near Puerto Montt airport, forcing an evasive maneuver.

Former Iranian war pilot Parviz Jafari recounted an incident in 1976 where he tried to fire on an object with flashing lights over Teheran, but his weapons and communication were jammed. Former French airline captain Jean-Charles Duboc described a massive, 300-meter diameter disc-shaped object near Paris in 1994 that was invisible to radar and became transparent before vanishing.

John Callahan, a former FAA employee, stated that government agencies actively discourage UFO investigations, with the prevailing attitude being "Who believes in UFOs?"

"THE LARRY KING SHOW"

This section, dated November 9, 2007, discusses a popular talk show on CNN where the UFO phenomenon was the focus. Guests included individuals who had spoken at a press conference three days earlier, such as Symington, Haut, James Fox, Penniston, and Nick Pope via link. The theme was "Are UFOs for real?" The participants advocated for the reopening of Project Blue Book. UFO sightings from around the world were presented, including cases from California (1956), Switzerland (1976), Russia (1990), Sweden (1996), and China (1995). Actress Shirley Maclaine also expressed her belief in UFOs and hope of traveling on one.

"My UFO Observation"

Herbert Risvik of Molde shares his personal UFO experience from April 14, 2002. While sitting on his veranda, he observed two star-like lights moving rapidly from west to east. The lights then formed a pattern resembling traffic lights and descended towards his apartment building. He estimates the object was 300-500 meters away and lasted for about two minutes. He heard a faint humming sound and felt no fear, only curiosity. He also recounts an experience in Luxor, Egypt, in March 2005, where he felt unwell during a light ceremony and later experienced a profound energy surge, accompanied by inner voices.

THE OLDEST SOURCES IN NORWAY – ON SIGNS IN THE SKY AND STRANGE MEN

This extensive section delves into historical accounts of aerial phenomena in Norway, predating modern UFO terminology. It examines early written records, acknowledging that many observations likely went undocumented due to low literacy rates and poor communication infrastructure in earlier centuries.

• December 1536, Bergen: Absalon Pederssøn Beyer, a priest, recorded a sighting of a round, black, "unnatural" cloud that emitted flames and smoke, with a whirring sound, moving rapidly. He interpreted it as a warning of death and misfortune.
• Easter 1564, Bergen: Beyer and his wife observed what they described as a "glowing sword" descending three times, then splitting into parts resembling "skonrokker." The author suggests this might be an early description of powerful light beams, a common feature in modern UFO reports.
• January 2, 1558, Bergen: Beyer noted "strange signs" in the sky over Bergen, though he was not the direct observer.
• April 11, 1569 or 1570: Beyer himself saw a round, sun-like object with white stripes that turned blood-red before disappearing. He noted it was clear sky, suggesting it was not a bisol (sun dog).
• November 1569, Oslo: Beyer recorded a strange object resembling "burning rice" seen over the Oslo area. The interpretation of "burning rice" in a religious context of the time is discussed.
• January 31, 1686 (date uncertain): Reports of objects resembling burnt paper or ash falling from the sky.
• April 15, 1752, Stavanger: An "octagonal object" was seen in the sky during a severe storm.
• November 20, 1769, Christiansund: "Fog" and spots were observed over the sun, described as not moving, possibly a meteorological phenomenon.
• 1852, Norway: Three round objects flew from west to east.
• Spring 1870, Ålen in Sør-Trøndelag: A woman saw a flying object and believed someone on board waved to her. This account was passed down through her grandson.
• November 2, 1886, Hamar: A strange "cloud" or white light appeared, emitting beams and moving rapidly. The same night, a fireball was seen passing over Hamar. Another fireball was observed over Skien in April 1892.
• June 27, 1895, Ålen in Sør-Trøndelag: Fishermen saw a luminous object, shaped like a broom, fall from the sky into Hesjøen.
• Autumn 1907, Tviberg: Three boys witnessed a luminous, round, blank object flying at high speed, appearing as large as the moon from their vantage point. They initially thought it might be a "weather light" or ball lightning.

The article notes that the "burning rice" description from Beyer's notes resonates with later observations. It also mentions the prevalence of "airship sightings" in the world during this period, though Norway had fewer such reports.

THE FUTURE IN THE HANDS OF THE LITTLE GREYS?

This article, attributed to [email protected], discusses the perception of UFOs, often linked to films and TV. It contrasts this with the academic study of UFOs and the reality of unidentified flying objects. The author has spoken with Torgeir Sjøstrøm Hansen from NETI and consulted religious science books. The article lists various science fiction films and series that feature aliens, highlighting how these portrayals can shape public perception of extraterrestrial beings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the study of UFO phenomena, encouraging member participation and information sharing. There is a clear interest in both historical and contemporary sightings, with a particular focus on Norwegian cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and testimonies while acknowledging skepticism and the need for further investigation. The magazine aims to inform its members and the public about UFO research and related topics, fostering a community of interest.

This issue of Vi Menn, dated May 15, 1979, focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring a prominent cover story about a UFO abduction case and discussions on UFO organizations and related beliefs.

UFO Organizations in Norway

The magazine introduces two Norwegian organizations dedicated to the UFO mystery: UFO Norge and NETI. UFO Norge, established in 1973 as Norsk UFO Center, maintains an open and critical approach, seeking natural explanations where possible and also investigating USO (Unidentified Submarine Objects). NETI, founded in 1997, presents itself as an independent, non-profit organization aiming to find answers to the UFO enigma, with a stronger emphasis on the spiritual aspects of UFO interest. Torgeir Sjøstrøm Hansen, active in NETI for about ten years, shares his experience of joining the organization after an international UFO congress in Oslo in 1997, seeing NETI as a counterpoint to UFO Norge and a way to explore what he considers humanity's greatest mystery.

NETI's stance is that the UFO mystery can largely be explained. When asked about negative feedback and skeptics, Hansen advises them to "check the evidence," stating that formidable evidence exists for those willing to invest time in researching it. He also expresses a personal view that religions can be limiting and judgmental, preferring a different approach to spirituality.

Kitty H.B.Kristiansen, representing NETI in Bergen, discusses the popular culture portrayal of aliens, characterizing it largely as fear-mongering propaganda from the late 1950s, designed to create an enemy. She contrasts this with films like E.T. and Cocoon. Kristiansen also explains NETI's goal of bringing the UFO issue under democratic control, arguing that it is currently managed by the military and intelligence agencies who actively engage in debunking. NETI wants governments involved so that elected officials can disseminate information to the public. She believes much of the UFO mystery is solved but kept secret, with recent releases from CNES (the French space agency) potentially being a breakthrough.

UFO-Religions and Historical Context

The issue delves into the intersection of UFO phenomena and religion, referencing the work of theologians Ingvild Gilhus and Lisbeth Mikaelsson. They identify 'UFO religions' as examples of science and religion merging, where UFO beliefs are seen as representing a higher level of insight than conventional science, though often lacking empirical evidence. A key characteristic is that UFOs are perceived as present in humanity's physical space, with visits often explained as a concern for Earth's nuclear activities or a desire for procreation or experimentation on humans. The authors note that the lack of media and political discussion on these aspects is puzzling.

Gilhus and Mikaelsson also address the 'UFO myth' of governments and intelligence agencies withholding evidence. They argue this myth serves to explain why UFO existence cannot be proven, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of conspiracy theories. The article likens UFO beliefs to modern folklore, akin to beliefs in elves and trolls.

Historically, the term 'flying saucer' emerged in American media in the summer of 1947, following pilot Kenneth Arnold's report of seeing nine crescent-shaped objects. The media's description of these as 'flying saucers' became a 'founding myth' for subsequent UFO lore. The article also mentions George Adamski's encounter in 1952 with 'Orthon' from Venus, who allegedly warned about nuclear experiments and stated Earth was under observation.

The Dassen Island Abduction Case

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the case of Edward Crafford, a lighthouse keeper on Dassen Island, South Africa. On November 23, 1978, Crafford reported hearing a strange humming and whining sound accompanied by a bright, white light. He observed an oval, egg-shaped object hovering low over the island. He was then struck, lost consciousness, and experienced a sensation of being lifted. Approximately five hours later, Annie Vos, a farmer's wife on the mainland, witnessed a similar oval object hovering over her farm, from which a man in pajamas and a dressing gown was dropped. This man was identified as Edward Crafford.

Crafford was found disoriented and taken to a hospital, where doctors could find no physical injuries to explain his condition, attributing it to shock. He was identified by a military ID tag as being part of the South African Navy. Despite the incident, Crafford was reportedly eager to return to the lighthouse, though he was advised by security services not to speak about his experience. The South African security police investigated the case, interviewing Crafford, the Vos couple, and farm workers. Their accounts were consistent, and no discrepancies were found. Radar stations also reported an unidentified object moving at high speed around the time of the incident. The possibility of it being a Soviet spy craft was dismissed due to its incredible speed and lack of visible propulsion. The incident was classified, with authorities aiming to prevent public panic, referencing the 1938 'War of the Worlds' broadcast panic in America.

Recent Norwegian Sighting

The issue also reports on a sighting by Aud Dekkerhus and Peder Bjørkmann near Rørvik, Norway, in early May 1979. They observed a large, luminous object with multiple bright white lights underneath, hovering near a radio mast. The object emitted a low humming sound and moved away into the woods. They described the object as being between 50 and 100 meters long. A local resident recalled a similar experience a week before the 'Battle Griffin' NATO exercise. Arnulf Løken from UFO Norge, Midt-Norge, found this observation particularly interesting due to the two independent witnesses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, presenting witness testimonies and organizational perspectives on UFOs. There's a clear interest in cases involving abduction and unexplained disappearances, such as the Crafford incident. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting information from various sources, including UFO organizations and eyewitness accounts, while also acknowledging the role of skepticism and official investigations. The theme of government secrecy and the potential for public panic is also a recurring concern, highlighted in the Dassen Island case.

Title: UFO-Nytt
Issue Date: December 9, 2007 (Issue 8-2007)
Publisher: NETI
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO-Nytt, published by NETI, focuses on a review of the apocryphal text "Den Slovenske Enoch" and announces a membership drive for 2007/2008.

Review: "Den Slovenske Enoch” – møte med UFO og Aliens

The review introduces "Den Slovenske Enoch" as an apocryphal text of a special kind, an "apocrypha of the most special kind." It highlights that for those who missed NETI's 10th-anniversary celebration and Tharald Beck's lecture in Oslo, there is now an opportunity to order the lecture and the text itself. The Norwegian translation is based on the English translation from 1926, with an effort made to remain as faithful as possible to the original meaning, acknowledging that the original text's appearance is unknown. The text has acquired a strong religious hue over the centuries, and it is speculated that Enoch might be the originator of Jewish scriptural tradition.

The written expression is attributed to "the visitors" (de fremmede), from whom Enoch allegedly learned and wrote 366 books. Only a few copies of copies remain, and the rest of the texts are yet to be found or may have been erased from the Earth's surface. It is assumed that the original text has been altered, deleted, and added to, similar to the scriptures in the Old and New Testaments. Despite the religious form of the Enoch document, the review points out that the technical descriptions of Enoch's journey through various heavens are evident.

The dating of the document is uncertain, possibly written 6,000 or 6 million years ago. It was found in Slovenia and Russia in the 1400s. Enoch lived before the "Great Flood" (Syndefloden), and the document describes a unique event in his life – 365 years on Earth – which had consequences for him and his descendants. The text offers a glimpse into a technological world far beyond current human reach, with the International Space Station (ISS) being humanity's first step towards space exploration. Compared to the technology of "the visitors," humans are still in a "bushman" stage. The review suggests that humans are at a similar level of understanding as Enoch was when he first encountered two men who led him into a spaceship or space station orbiting Earth.

The review questions whether "Den Slovenske Enoch" is the world's first science fiction story or if its descriptions are physical realities. The author asserts the latter, citing elements that suggest physical experiences. In the "second heaven," Enoch meets the crew of Satanail, who is under arrest in the "fifth heaven." The crew asks Enoch to pray for them, to which Enoch expresses concern about his role as a mortal man praying for angels and his own fate. Another example cited is from the "tenth heaven," where Enoch exchanges his earthly clothes for "visitors'" clothes that fit perfectly. The text also notes that "the visitors" speak the same language.

In the "tenth heaven," Enoch observes the starry sky and has light above him while sitting in one of "the Lord's" chairs to look around. The review invites readers to learn more by contacting NETI to order the story of Enoch's fantastic journey.

NETI's Membership Drive 2007/2008

NETI is launching a recruitment campaign for its 10th anniversary to attract more members and disseminate their message. The competition runs until January 31, 2008. Membership costs 250 NOK per year, and new members who pay their dues will receive the last four issues of "UFO-Nytt" from 2007. There will also be a surprise for both new members and those who recruit them.

Members are instructed to send the name and address of new recruits, along with their own membership number and name, to NETI at Kalnes, 5938 Sæbøvågen. Submissions can be made via post, email, phone, or SMS to treasurer Kitty at 9888 2152. Those who recruit at least three members will receive free membership for 2008, provided the new members' payments are registered by February 20, 2008.

An additional incentive is offered to the top three recruiters who bring in a minimum of four new members; they will receive special honors, including UFO books. All members are wished good luck. Questions can be directed to leader Kjell Arne Høviskeland via phone or email.

A "VERVESKJEMA" (Recruitment Form) is included for individuals wishing to join NETI, requiring the applicant's membership number (if applicable) and name, followed by the names and addresses of new members they are recruiting. The form also requests email addresses and phone numbers if available. The completed form should be sent to NETI, Kalnes, 5938 SÆBØVÅGEN.

Finally, the issue mentions that a Christmas or "Romjul" (between Christmas and New Year) issue (Newsletter No. 8-2007) is forthcoming. The NETI board extends warm holiday wishes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Nytt primarily focuses on the intersection of ancient texts, potential extraterrestrial contact, and modern interpretations, particularly through the review of "Den Slovenske Enoch." The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility that such ancient accounts might contain factual elements, even if presented in a religious or mythological context. The magazine also actively promotes its organization, NETI, through membership drives and encourages reader engagement. The content suggests a belief in the significance of UFO phenomena and a desire to explore its historical and cultural dimensions.