News Fortiane - No 19

Magazine Overview

Title: NEWS FORTIANE
Issue: Numero 19
Volume: 2
Date: 25 Novembre 2009
Publisher: Centro Studi Fortiani
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

Articles

"NOI MAYA, GIA' STUFI DEL 2012"

This article addresses the widespread belief in the end of the world predicted by the Maya calendar for December 21, 2012. Paolo Manzo reports from Mexico City that many people are taking this prediction seriously, leading to anxiety. Apolinario Chile Pixtun, a Guatemalan descendant of the Maya, clarifies that this interpretation is an invention of Westerners, not the Maya themselves. He suggests the 'end of the world' is more of a cultural trend or a need for humanity to have a countdown. Ann Martin from Cornell University confirms receiving many emails from frightened young people. The article also mentions the upcoming Roland Emmerich film "2012" as a factor amplifying this fear. It explains that the Maya calendar was central to their culture and astronomy, and that some archaeological findings, like 'Monument 6', point to 2012 as a crucial year, possibly involving the deity Bolon Yokte. However, David Stuart from the University of Texas offers a more grounded perspective, suggesting the date might relate to astronomical events like the solar alignment with the Milky Way, which occurs every 25,800 years and is due on December 21, 2012. This date also coincides with the winter solstice and a rare planetary alignment of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. The article concludes with a student named Paco who, despite the anxieties, embraces a 'carpe diem' attitude.

"MAMMA, C'È UN UFO"

Enzo Schiavano reports on a sighting in Casarano, Italy, where a 14-year-old girl named Antonella (name changed) claims to have seen a UFO on October 7, 2009. She described a circular object with a loud, terrifying noise and beams of green light. The object reportedly hovered near her house, illuminating her car with green light. Her mother corroborated hearing the noise and seeing the light. Two other people walking in the area also reported seeing a 'falling star' with a similar noise. The article notes that the event lasted only a few seconds and was perceived as anomalous.

INCENDI, ANOMALIE ELETTROMAGNETICHE, OVNI, PAURA A SORPRESA RICOMINCIANO LE INDAGINI SU CARONIA

Sonia T. Carobi writes about the renewed investigation into the mysterious phenomena in Canneto di Caronia, Sicily, which began in February 2004. The area has been plagued by unexplained fires, anomalous electromagnetic energy fluxes, and UFO sightings. After a five-year hiatus, sensors and cameras are being reactivated. The article suggests that the renewed investigation might be an attempt to remove the 'state of secrecy' surrounding the events. The phenomena include spontaneous fires, self-activating electronics, and UFOs observed over the region. The case is compared to 'The X-Files'. The article mentions that the local police report stated 'no malice behind the repeated incendiary phenomena'. The phenomena were so unusual that they were likened to an X-Files case, with fish and mussels washing ashore, and unusual plant growth. The article details how the Civil Protection initially ordered an evacuation of the town. Investigations revealed reports of phenomena caused by 'artificial electromagnetic origin' with high-frequency microwave beams. A parliamentary task force was established, involving universities and government bodies. Despite numerous hypotheses, no definitive explanation was found. A leaked report from 2005 suggested that advanced military technologies, possibly extraterrestrial, could cause such effects. The article also mentions a report of an helicopter nearly failing while two unidentified flying objects were in the sky. The investigation was halted due to lack of funding, but there is now a new prospect for its continuation.

DOPO LA RUSSIA, UN SECONDO OCCHIO COMPARE NEI CIELI DELLA ROMANIA

This short piece describes the phenomenon of 'fallstreak holes' appearing in the sky over Romania. These are caused by ice crystals forming in clouds and falling out, creating a hole. The article notes that this atmospheric phenomenon is rare but has been observed recently, following similar reports from Moscow.

MILETO, È MORTA LA MISTICA NATUZZA EVOLO

This article reports on the death of Natuzza Evolo, a mystic from Mileto, Vibo Valentia, Italy. She was known for her spiritual guidance and alleged ability to communicate with the deceased. Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects. Her funeral was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, and the mayor of Mileto declared a day of mourning.

REGNO UNITO: UN UFO RAPISCE UN BUFALO

This article, attributed to Laura Vergani, reports on an alleged UFO sighting in the UK where a buffalo was reportedly lifted into the air. Derek Bridges, a 69-year-old pensioner from Basingstoke, filmed two pulsating lights in the sky above a farm known for breeding buffalo. He claims to have seen an object ascend towards the lights, which he identified as a buffalo. The following morning, two dead animals were found on the farm owned by former Formula 1 champion Jody Scheckter. Nick Pope, an expert, deemed the case interesting and recommended official attention. The Ministry of Defence declined to comment. The article notes similar incidents of animals being levitated in the US in March of the same year.

UN EX UFFICIALE DELL'AIR FORCE BRASILIANA AFFERMA: "SIAMO VISITATI DA ESSERI COSMICI"

This article features an interview with Sócrates da Costa Monteiro, former Brazilian Air Force minister (1990-1992), conducted by the magazine "UFO". Monteiro, now retired but maintaining contacts within the military, discusses ufology and Brazil's approach to the topic. He reveals that the Integrated Air Defense and Air Traffic Control Centre (Cindacta) in Brasilia, which he commanded, was the first institution to register UFO events in the country. He states that unidentified flying objects were regularly detected on radar screens, even before his command, and that cases were meticulously recorded. He recounts an incident at Cindacta where a large, disc-shaped object was fired upon by personnel who were unaware of its nature, prompting him to order an immediate stop to the firing, citing the advanced technology of the craft. Monteiro also commanded the IV Regional Air Command (COMAR) in São Paulo during the "Official UFO Night in Brazil" on May 19, 1986, when numerous large flying spheres appeared. He confirms that the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has documented these events, with UFOs ranging from 250 to 1500 km/h, and that the craft exhibited incredible maneuvers. Monteiro believes that humanity is being visited by superior extraterrestrial civilizations and supports the "UFOs: Freedom of Information Now" campaign, urging for transparency and the opening of files.

LA TELEPATIA ESISTE (MA È SU INTERNET)

This article reports on a system developed by Dr. Christopher James of the University of Southampton that enables direct brain-to-brain communication via the internet. The system uses electrode helmets to capture and analyze brainwave signals, which are then transmitted over the internet to another person. Currently, it can only transmit binary code (sequences of 'zero' and 'one'), but researchers are working to speed up the system and enable the transmission of more complex thoughts.

FANTASMI: LA CASA SCIENTIFICAMENTE INFESTATA

This article discusses an experiment conducted at Goldsmith College, London, by Christopher French, head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit. The experiment involved creating a "scientifically haunted" room using speakers that emit infrasound and sound frequencies similar to those measured in allegedly haunted locations. The goal was to investigate whether these stimuli could induce sensations of paranormal contact. Nineteen students participated, and 94% reported experiencing unusual sensations, such as feeling a presence or experiencing vertigo. The article suggests that psychological predisposition and suggestibility might play a role in these perceptions. French plans to repeat the experiment using recordings of anomalous electromagnetic waves from Muncaster Castle.

IL VATICANO SI ARRENDE "GLI ALIENI ESISTONO"

This piece reports on a week-long Astrobiology study organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Vatican Observatory. The conclusion reached by the participating scientists and philosophers is that the existence of extraterrestrial life is plausible. Father Josè Funes, director of the Vatican Observatory, stated that questions about the origins of life and the presence of life beyond Earth are legitimate. The study highlighted the possibility of hundreds of millions of habitable locations in the Milky Way alone. The article mentions specific celestial bodies like Europa (Jupiter's moon) and Saturn's moons Titan and Enceladus as potential sites for life.

STORIA E MISTERI/ATLANTIDE? NON ERA LA SARDEGNA

This article briefly mentions a television program that revisited the theory identifying the mythical Atlantis with Sardinia. It credits journalist Sergio Frau with shifting the perceived location of the 'Pillars of Hercules'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of mystery, the unexplained, and the paranormal, with a particular focus on UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena. There is an evident interest in scientific investigations into these subjects, as well as in historical and cultural interpretations, such as the Maya prophecies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and reports while also seeking rational and scientific explanations. The magazine aims to inform readers about current events and research in the fields of ufology, paranormal studies, and fringe science.

Title: NEWS FORTIANE
Issue: 19
Volume: 2
Date: November 25, 2009
Publisher: www.centrostudifortiani.it
Type: Periodic bulletin on the world of mystery.

Articles

Atlantis Theories: Sardinia and Ireland

The magazine explores various theories about the location of the mythical island of Atlantis. Historian Frau suggests that the 'Columns of Hercules' were in the Strait of Sicily, and Atlantis was a large island in the Atlantic, identified with Sardinia, the seat of the Nuragic civilization. Frau posits that the destruction of Atlantis, mentioned by Plato as occurring around 9600 BC, might have been a tsunami that buried the Nuragic civilization, rather than a volcanic eruption as suggested for Santorini.

However, the article critiques Frau's theory, arguing that the Strait of Gibraltar better fits Plato's description of the 'Columns of Hercules' as a narrow strait separating a small sea from the vast ocean, unlike the wider Strait of Sicily. Furthermore, Greek settlements were already established west of Sardinia at Plato's time, making it unlikely for Sardinia to be considered the extreme west. The description of Atlantis's capital with concentric circular canals is also contrasted with Barumini's inland location, suggesting a resemblance to Phoenician port cities like Carthage.

The article also discusses the argument that Sardinia was not submerged, unlike Plato's description of Atlantis. It notes that numerous other locations have been proposed for Atlantis, including Antarctica, Greenland, America, Africa, Spain, Sweden, Cyprus, the White Sea, and Italy.

Swedish scholar Ulf Erlingsson is presented as finding a strong coincidence between Plato's description of Atlantis and Ireland, both in its location beyond the 'Columns of Hercules' and its dimensions. Ireland, like Sardinia, had an ancient megalithic civilization, evidenced by sites like Newgrange. However, Erlingsson clarifies that he believes Plato based his description on Ireland rather than stating Ireland was Atlantis, as Ireland was never submerged.

The author reflects on how to interpret Plato's account, suggesting it might be a blend of historical accounts, political philosophy, and recent stories, possibly influenced by the submersion of Helike in Greece or Phoenician city structures. The possibility that Egyptian priests in Sais attributed Atlantean characteristics to Ireland is also raised. The core of the Atlantean narrative is seen as a natural disaster in 9600 BC beyond the Strait of Gibraltar, creating shallow seas and shoals, and a conflict between an 'Atlantic' and a 'Balkan-oriental' civilization, with a port capital on a circular lagoon, pointing towards the North Sea.

The Shroud of Turin: A New Hypothesis and Debate

This section focuses on a new hypothesis presented by historian Barbara Frale regarding the Shroud of Turin. Frale, a functionary at the Vatican Secret Archives, suggests that the linen of the Shroud may contain multilingual inscriptions from a burial official responsible for the execution of condemned individuals in Jerusalem during the 1st century AD. Her book, "La Sindone di Gesù nazareno," proposes that these inscriptions are compatible with the tradition of the Shroud being the cloth that wrapped Jesus of Nazareth.

Frale interprets a specific inscription as "Jesus of Nazareth laid down in the evening, to death, because found guilty." The inscription is said to be written in three languages: Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, reflecting the multicultural environment of Jerusalem.

This hypothesis has ignited a debate among experts. Monsignor Giuseppe Ghiberti, vice-president of the Committee for the Ostension of the Shroud, expresses surprise and perplexity, stating that he has never sensed any writings on the Shroud and that competent image analysis experts have not reported such findings. He acknowledges the multilingual aspect of the inscription of Jesus's cross as a precedent but remains unconvinced.

Luciano Canfora, a professor of Greek and Latin Philology, finds Frale's hypothesis "very insidious" and suggests that the richness of hidden details points towards a forgery. He questions the plausibility of a burial official using three languages for such a document, comparing it to an Arab taxi driver in London writing a receipt in three languages. Canfora also expresses skepticism about the existence of such a specific functionary for the burial of condemned individuals.

Franco Cardini, a medievalist, defends Frale, urging others to read her work before judging. He believes her hypothesis is reasonable and fascinating, based on coherent clues that are unlikely to be coincidental. Cardini argues that Frale has filled gaps in historical documentation and that her interpretation has strong historical foundations, distinct from fictional accounts. He also defends the multilingual aspect, stating that Jerusalem in the 1st century was a place of linguistic intersection, with Latin as the official language, Greek as the common tongue, and also Chaldean, Hebrew, and other languages.

Bruno Barberis, director of the International Center of Sindonology in Turin, is critical, stating that it is premature to draw conclusions without complete analysis. He notes that no photographic evidence definitively showing these writings has been produced. Barberis suggests that the claim of numerous words found on the Shroud makes it seem more like an encyclopedia than a burial cloth and that the priority is to establish if the writings exist at all, as such claims could be exploited by opponents of the Shroud's authenticity.

Nostradamus and the 2012 Prophecy

Ranucio Boscolo, an expert on Nostradamus's prophecies, debunks the widespread belief that the world will end on December 21, 2012, coinciding with the end of a Maya calendar cycle. Boscolo dismisses the doomsday predictions, fueled by internet sites, books, documentaries, and films like '2012,' as sensationalism and "typical American nonsense." He states that such predictions have always proven to be "bubbles of soap."

Boscolo interprets a verse from Sigismondo Fanti's "Summa Prophetica" (which inspired Nostradamus) to suggest that any significant event on December 21, 2012, will be related to the sun, possibly an eclipse. He hopes that humanity will "open its eyes to a new reality."

He also notes that 2012 corresponds to the year 5772 in the Hebrew calendar, a date considered important for a potential "true confrontation between the West and the East," possibly leading to a balance of power or a significant conflict, drawing a parallel to the Battle of Lepanto.

Boscolo emphasizes the importance of observing solar signs, stating, "When there are signs in the sun, they should never be taken lightly."

The Paralyzing Ray: Science Fiction Becomes Reality?

Scientists at a Canadian university have experimented with a device that emits a light ray capable of paralyzing a living organism. The research, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, involves the molecule dithienylethene, which changes shape when exposed to ultraviolet light.

When Caenorhabditis elegans, a millimeter-long nematode worm commonly used in biological research, was administered this molecule and then exposed to UV light, it became unable to move or react to stimuli. The worms regained movement upon exposure to visible light.

While the switch-like effect of dithienylethene was known, this is the first time it has been demonstrated in a living animal. Neil Branda, the experiment's coordinator, acknowledges the ethical implications, stating he is not convinced of the legitimate use of such a tool for paralyzing organisms but cannot exclude its practical utility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "NEWS FORTIANE" appears to focus on mysteries, historical enigmas, and fringe scientific or prophetic topics. The editorial stance seems to be one of exploring these subjects critically, presenting different viewpoints, and debunking sensationalist claims, particularly regarding prophecies and historical interpretations. There is a clear interest in ancient civilizations, unexplained phenomena, and the intersection of science, history, and belief systems.