News Fortiane - No 12

Magazine Overview

Title: NEWS FORTIANE
Issue: 12
Volume: 2
Date: January 20, 2009
Publisher: Centro Studi Fortiani
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of NEWS FORTIANE, a bulletin on the world of mystery, covers a diverse range of intriguing topics, from ancient constructions and paranormal phenomena to modern scientific curiosities and alleged extraterrestrial encounters.

Piramidi, Mistero Risolto "Costruite dall'Interno"

The lead article presents a new hypothesis by French architect Jean-Pierre Houdin regarding the construction of the pyramids, particularly the Great Pyramid of Giza. Houdin suggests that the pyramids were built from the inside using an internal, spiral-shaped tunnel that reached the summit. This theory is supported by the recent discovery of a small cavity approximately 90 meters high, which was explored using alpinistic techniques and videography by National Geographic. Houdin argues that previous theories involving external ramps are problematic due to the immense scale and logistical challenges. He posits that the pyramid was constructed in two stages: first, the base was built using blocks dragged up a ramp, and then the blocks from the external ramp were recycled for the upper sections, explaining the lack of visible ramp traces. Egyptologist Bob Brier of Long Island University supports the idea that external ramp theories face insurmountable problems, citing the impracticality of a ramp long enough to move massive blocks. Josef Wegner of the University of Pennsylvania finds the idea of using smaller, pre-squared blocks for a lower ramp, which could then be dismantled and reused, to be logical and efficient. Houdin further explains that the internal tunnel would have been sealed with blocks once construction was complete, making it invisible. Recent research in 1986 also indicated density variations within the pyramid that could correspond to an internal tunnel. Houdin suggests that an infrared study could reveal heat emissions from the tunnel walls, confirming its presence.

Scozia, I Fantasmi di Edimburgo

This section, written by Andrea Lessona, explores the haunted closes of Edinburgh, Scotland. The article focuses on the Real Mary's King Close, a network of underground streets and buildings with a dark history. It recounts how, during the plague in 1645, many people were walled up in their homes and left to die. After the epidemic, their bodies were dismembered to be removed. The closes later became a refuge for the poor and destitute, leading to increased crime and reports of spectral apparitions. The article mentions the experience of visitors guided through the closes, some of whom report experiencing strange symptoms. Professor Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire is investigating these phenomena, though he suggests infrasound from traffic might be a contributing factor to the unease felt by some visitors.

Funghi Allucinogeni, Strane Bevute e Babbo Natale Vola

This article delves into the origins of the Santa Claus myth, proposing that his ability to fly with reindeer is linked to the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms by the Sami people of Lapland. Botanist Ian Darwin Edwards suggests that the Sami believed reindeer could fly after consuming certain mushrooms, which he likens to Amanita muscaria. The article explains that these mushrooms, when ingested, could induce altered states of consciousness, leading to the perception of flying. The practice of consuming these 'reindeer amber' drinks was part of their rituals during the Arctic night celebrations.

Robbie Williams Non Cede

Singer Robbie Williams, known for his interest in extraterrestrial phenomena, is now reportedly searching for UFOs in the ocean depths off the coast of California. Having previously searched the skies without success, he hopes to find evidence of alien life in the marine environment, citing reports of objects submerging in the waters of Malibu.

Marijuana Per Andare nell'Aldilà nella Tomba dello Sciamano Cinese

An archaeological discovery in Xinjiang, China, has revealed 789 grams of marijuana in a 2,700-year-old tomb. This is considered the oldest evidence of the plant's use for its psychotropic properties. The marijuana was found alongside the remains of a man believed to be a shaman, based on other artifacts in the tomb. Researchers are attempting to germinate seeds from the find to further study the ancient cannabis.

Vendee Globe - Collisione con un UFO per Safran

During the Vendee Globe sailing race, the yacht Safran, skippered by Marc Guillemot, reportedly collided with a submerged object at high speed. The radar and UFO detector were active but did not signal the object, suggesting it was underwater. The UFO detector is described as a micro-camera with infrared capabilities designed to detect objects larger than two meters that do not match the water's temperature.

Un Orologio OOPART in Cina

A report from the Chinese magazine People's Daily describes the discovery of a ring resembling a modern Swiss watch inside a 400-year-old tomb. The artifact, found during an archaeological documentary, has caused surprise and speculation. While the article notes that rodents can sometimes deposit objects in tombs, the nature of this find is presented as a potential OOPArt (Out-of-Place Artifact).

Portogallo: Apre la Prima Clinica per Esorcismi

Fernando Nogueira, known as the 'Sorcerer of Fafe,' has opened the first clinic for exorcisms in Portugal. The center offers spiritual healing and aims to help individuals believed to be possessed by spirits. Nogueira, who previously worked in psychiatric settings, claims to communicate with spirits and uses Catholic rites in his practice. The article notes that while the Catholic Church has specific protocols for exorcism, Nogueira's approach is unconventional. Some medical professionals express concern that such practices could be dangerous, potentially leading patients to abandon prescribed medical treatments.

Meteore gli Colpiscono Casa e Pensa a Complotto Alieno

Radivoje Lajic, a resident of Gornja Lamovite, Bosnia and Herzegovina, believes his house is being targeted by aliens after being hit by meteorites five times. While scientists suspect an unusual magnetic anomaly as the cause, Lajic is convinced it is a deliberate act by extraterrestrials due to the improbability of such repeated events.

ET È SBARCATO... A FERRARA

The original model of the extraterrestrial character ET, created by Carlo Rambaldi, is being exhibited to the public for the first time in Ferrara, Italy. The exhibition coincides with a charity auction for ADO (Assistenza Domiciliare Oncologica), for which ET served as a testimonial. The event offers the public a chance to relive the magic of the film and take photos with the iconic character.

Ricerca: Science, Cellule Ringiovanite Miglior Scoperta 2008

This section highlights the top scientific discoveries of 2008, as compiled by the journal Science. The leading discovery is the activation of a gene cocktail that can 'rejuvenate' cells to a stem-cell-like state. Other notable discoveries include the direct observation of exoplanets and the expansion of the tumor gene catalog.

X-Files della Medicina

This segment, published by Emanuela Zerbinetti, explores seven intriguing medical mysteries that remain largely unexplained. These include: water allergy (aquagenic urticaria), chimera syndrome (individuals with mixed genetic material from fused twins), foreign accent syndrome (sudden change in speech after trauma), Morgellons disease (a poorly understood skin condition), the madness of King George III (linked to porphyria and arsenic poisoning), the 'tree man' syndrome (a rare immune deficiency causing wart-like growths), and the 'putrid finger' case (a persistent, foul-smelling infection that eventually resolved spontaneously).

Scoperto l'Elisir di Lunga Vita: Acqua al Deuterio

A surprising discovery suggests that water enriched with a rare form of hydrogen, known as deuterium-enriched water, may have the potential to extend human life by up to ten years. This finding is presented as a potential 'elixir of life.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of NEWS FORTIANE revolve around the unexplained, the mysterious, and the paranormal. The magazine consistently explores fringe theories, ancient mysteries, alleged supernatural encounters, and unusual scientific findings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various hypotheses and phenomena without necessarily endorsing them as fact, but rather as subjects worthy of investigation and discussion. There is a clear interest in ancient civilizations, extraterrestrial possibilities, and the unexplained aspects of human experience and the natural world.

Title: Focus Extra
Issue: 12
Volume: 2
Date: 20 Gennaio 2009
Publisher: www.centrostudifortiani.it
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of Focus Extra, a periodical bulletin on the world of mystery, delves into a variety of intriguing and often unexplained phenomena. It covers scientific theories on longevity, archaeological discoveries, unexplained events, and paranormal occurrences.

Articles

The Discovery: Deuterium and Longevity

The issue begins with an article on the theory proposed by Mickhail Schepinov, a former professor at Oxford University, suggesting that deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen, could be used to 'enrich' food and extend life. Schepinov's research, published in New Scientists, posits that deuterium strengthens tissues and cells, making them less vulnerable to free radicals, which are linked to aging and diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. Experiments with enriched water have shown that worms lived ten years longer, and fruit flies lived up to 30% longer. The scientific community has reacted with curiosity, though some, like Dr. Judith Campisi, express intrigue, while others, like Tom Kirkwood, note that the field is often filled with hypotheses lacking strong data.

The Mystery of the Swiss Watch in the Ming Tomb

This section details the discovery of a small, functional Swiss watch, designed to be worn as a ring, found in a Ming Dynasty tomb dating back 400 years. The watch, described as a 'Tiny Watch worn like ring,' was popular in the 1920s-1940s. It was found stopped at 10:06 and bore the inscription 'SWISS.' The circumstances of its placement in the tomb, which appeared inviolate, remain a mystery, prompting archaeologists to halt excavations pending further investigation by experts from the Guangxi Museum in Beijing.

Another Bus Catches Fire

An article by Daniele Grillo reports on a series of fires affecting articulated buses in Genoa, Italy. The latest incident involved a bus (vehicle number '9207') in the Cornigliano depot, which caught fire shortly before refueling. A depot worker managed to extinguish the flames, preventing further damage. This incident is similar to a previous one in April that caused significant damage and took several buses out of service. While the previous fire was deemed 'probably accidental' by firefighters, the recurring nature of these events is causing concern, especially as the depot's safety certifications are subject to ongoing extensions.

Sleepwalking Online

An article discusses a new phenomenon termed 'zzz-mailing,' where individuals engage in online activities, such as sending emails, while sleepwalking. A recent case involved a 44-year-old woman who sent three emails while asleep, only realizing it the next day. Researchers from the University of Toledo Medical Center suggest this is a new form of somnambulism requiring coordinated movements not typically seen in classic sleepwalking.

Medjugorje: A Journalist Confronts the Madonna

This piece focuses on Antonio Socci's book, 'Mistero Medjugorje,' which investigates the alleged apparitions of the Madonna in Medjugorje, Bosnia Erzegovina, since June 25, 1981. The book recounts the story of six children who first saw a white figure with a child. Socci, a journalist, explores the phenomenon, highlighting the millions of pilgrims who visit the site and the numerous conversions reported. The article notes that the Catholic Church has not yet made a definitive pronouncement on Medjugorje due to its ongoing nature, but Socci's research is presented as compelling.

The World of the Paranormal

This section provides a summary of various articles from the 'Il Mondo del Paranormale' (The World of the Paranormal) section of the magazine, which is available from December 27, 2008. Topics include ancient rituals, psychic powers, hypnosis, divination (tarots, dreams, palmistry), astrology, ghosts, spirit communication, and near-death experiences. The articles suggest that while science often approaches these subjects with skepticism, many phenomena are documented and studied.

Ten Characters of Mystery

This article profiles ten extraordinary individuals who have shaped the history of the 'paranormal,' including mediums, clairvoyants, and sensitives.

Bestial Telepathy

This piece explores instances where animals exhibit incredible abilities, sometimes with explanations and sometimes without.

The Energy of Places

An examination of how certain locations like Stonehenge, Macchu Picchu, and Carnac have been attributed with special powers or significance by humans throughout history.

Orbs, Rods, and Other Phenomena

This article discusses mysterious lights, unknown insects, and other inexplicable energies, suggesting that many seemingly mysterious events have simple explanations.

Open Cases

This section highlights phenomena and individuals that are considered 'strange' and for which science has yet to find a satisfactory explanation.

An Indian Told Me

An account of how occult advisors have influenced kings, pharaohs, and military leaders throughout history.

Allies of the Spirits

This article discusses how humans have historically relied on healers who can harness nature's 'vital breath,' referring to shamans.

In the Name of God: Miracle!

This piece explores sacred paranormal events such as healings, weeping Madonnas, and stigmata, and the Church's perspective on them.

Vade Retro, Satana

An exploration of exorcists and their work, focusing on phenomena that they interpret as demonic.

Spits, Butterflies, and Chickens

A look at various 'magical' healing methods from Africa, Thailand, the Philippines, and South America.

The Trick? It's in the Brain

This article suggests that the abilities of illusionists often rely on the human mind's propensity to be deceived.

The Oracle of Emperors

An exploration of the I-Ching and its use in decision-making, particularly in China.

Are They Paranormal Phenomena?

This section profiles candidates participating in the Randi Prize, which challenges paranormal claims.

UFO, The Mystery of Giovanni Aquilante

This article recounts the story of Giovanni Aquilante, an Italian farmer from Gricignano, who in 1954 claimed to have been abducted by UFOs. He disappeared for two days and returned with dry clothes despite heavy rain. His story is considered one of the earliest documented UFO abduction cases in Europe. The article also mentions similar cases, including one in Pascagoula, USA, in 1973.

UFO: Missed Opportunities of 2008

This section discusses the potential for new developments in ufology in 2009. It highlights the appointment of John P. Holdren as a science advisor to the US President and Steven Chu as Secretary of Energy, viewing these as positive signs for UFO disclosure. The article also references a 'psychic disclosure' and 'world disclosure' event predicted by the UDCC forum. It lists missed opportunities for disclosure in 2008, including a psychic prediction by Blossom Goodchild that did not materialize.

News Fortiane

This is a bulletin from the website www.centrostudifortiani.it, covering the world of mystery. It includes a note about the bulletin not being for profit and being exempt from registration as an editorial product.

Polemics in Mexico over Playboy Cover

A brief mention of controversy in Mexico regarding a Playboy cover featuring a model dressed as the Virgin Mary, which coincided with the Mexican holiday dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Area di Confine Review

A mention of the new issue (number 40) of the magazine 'Area di Confine,' highlighting a review of the IX International Ufology Congress held in Florence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of mystery, the paranormal, and unexplained phenomena, often presenting them with a degree of skepticism but also an openness to the possibility of extraordinary events. There is a recurring interest in UFOs, alleged supernatural occurrences, and the intersection of science, belief, and the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and presenting diverse viewpoints on these complex subjects, encouraging readers to ponder the evidence and form their own conclusions.