UFO Rama - No 080

Magazine Overview

UFO-RAMA is a monthly publication focusing on ufology and related phenomena. This issue, Nr. 80, dated June 2005, is presented as a tribute ('Omaggio'). The magazine is printed in Italy and distributed from Geneva, Switzerland. The cover prominently features the title 'UFO-RAMA' and a headline about 'Strange circles in the wheat'. The background image depicts a night sky with several unidentified flying objects.

Editorial

The editorial section, titled 'EDITORIALE', discusses the start of summer 2005 and the emergence of false crop circle cases. It acknowledges the ongoing debates about the authenticity of these formations but emphasizes a growing need for 'irrationality'. The editorial notes that ufological circles are accusing the Catholic Church of scientific obscurantism, while masses of young Americans are joining para-religious movements born from science fiction fantasies. It also references the historical moon landing of July 21, 1969, when astronaut Edwin Aldrin invited humanity to reflect. The editorial concludes by stating that understanding and managing this need for irrationality is crucial for potential contact with extraterrestrial civilizations.

Articles and Features

'Spuntano strani cerchi nel grano' (Strange circles appear in the wheat)

This article, published in 'RIVIERA DEL BRENTA' on May 10, 2005, reports on mysterious crop circles appearing in a field behind the parish kindergarten in Vigonovo. Initially discovered by young people, the circles, approximately 5 meters in diameter with spiral patterns, were thought by some to be an alien landing mark, a tourist attraction, or a prank. The article notes that the patterns were already affected by wind and rain, making them difficult to trace. It mentions that such phenomena began in Southern England in the late 1970s, with circles varying in size and appearing only at night during summer, with the wheat stalks bent in a spiral without being broken. The Vigonovo incident attracted many curious villagers and parents.

'Gli ufologi: «Quei cerchi non sono fatti da alieni»' (Ufologists: "Those circles are not made by aliens")

Published in 'La Nuova Venezia' on May 11, 2005, this piece features comments from Aldo Benassi, responsible for the National Ufological Center (CNU). Benassi reassures the public that the Vigonovo crop circles are not alien landing marks. He states that the CNU had been investigating the area and had decided to maintain secrecy to avoid sensationalism. While acknowledging the unusual nature of the formations, he suggests they are not genuine extraterrestrial phenomena. Benassi invites his colleagues to avoid absurd hypotheses and advises the local population not to be agitated. He explains that the patterns are likely man-made, possibly a prank, and that the CNU is still investigating the exact cause. Father Lino Girardi, the parish priest of Vigonovo, confirms that the circles were not alien-related and that the curiosity was fueled by media attention and a desire to see the bent wheat stalks.

'L'ultima ipocrisia della chiesa: il papa ha utilizzato ogni possibile risorsa medica per prolungare la propria vita, nonostante una lunga tradizione nel condannare ogni tipo di medicina per tutti gli altri' (The latest hypocrisy of the church: the pope used every possible medical resource to prolong his life, despite a long tradition of condemning all types of medicine for everyone else)

This article, dated April 6, 2005, strongly criticizes the Catholic Church and its stance on medicine. It argues that while the Pope was given extensive medical treatment to prolong his life, the Church has historically condemned medical progress, including stem cell therapy and therapeutic cloning. The author contends that without the Vatican's opposition, medical science would be much more advanced, potentially offering cures for diseases like cancer and AIDS. The piece suggests that the Church's actions are hypocritical and that its condemnation of medicine has hindered scientific progress.

'Che questa chiesa malata muoia assieme al suo Papa e restituiscale chiavi del Vaticano sottratte a S. Pietro al suo legittimo propnetano, Rael, il vero ed Ultimo Messaggero degli Elohim, gli extraterrestri che hanno creato la vita sulla Terra e due furono mistificati e scambiati per divinità' (May this sick church die along with its Pope and return the keys of the Vatican stolen from St. Peter to its legitimate owner, Rael, the true and Last Messenger of the Elohim, the extraterrestrials who created life on Earth and were mystified and mistaken for deities)

This is a highly critical and provocative statement, likely from a letter to the editor or a similar section, expressing extreme dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church and its leadership. It calls for the Church's demise and advocates for Rael, identified as an extraterrestrial messenger of the Elohim, as the rightful owner of the Vatican's authority.

'Tom Cruise promuove Scientology sul set' (Tom Cruise promotes Scientology on set)

This news item from 'Corriere della Sera' on March 23, 2005, reports on actor Tom Cruise's open promotion of Scientology. It states that Cruise has organized visits to Scientology centers for executives from United International Pictures and has set up a booth on the set of his film 'War of the Worlds' to distribute Scientology literature and offer therapeutic massages. The article also mentions that Cruise's former assistant was fired because she was against Scientology, highlighting his strong commitment to the religion. It notes that other Hollywood stars like John Travolta are also followers of Scientology.

'Diario spaziale perduto e ritrovato' (Lost and found space diary)

This piece from 'PANORAMA' (March 24, 2005) recounts the recovery of a 18-page diary belonging to astronaut Ilhan Ramon, who died in the Columbia shuttle disaster in February 2003. The diary, found in a dusty box by Ramon's brother-in-law, was initially illegible. However, it was restored using infrared software, revealing personal notes, an Ebraic blessing, and annotations about the descent of the lunar module 'Eagle'. The diary was returned to Ramon's widow.

'La Memoria' (Memory)

This section features two poignant stories:

• 'Il paesaggio spaziale che non potò mai vedere' (The space landscape he could never see): This story is about Ilhan Ramon, whose grandparents were killed by Nazis. He carried with him a drawing titled 'Lunar landscape' by Peter Ginz, a fourteen-year-old Jewish child killed at Auschwitz.
• 'Peter, il bambino pittore ucciso nel lager nazista' (Peter, the painter child killed in the Nazi camp): This is a brief profile of Peter Ginz, a Czech Jewish child who dreamed of becoming an artist. He was captured by the Nazis in 1944, and his works are preserved at the Museum of the Holocaust in Jerusalem.

'LIBRI' (Books)

• 'Erich Von Däniken: CRONACHE DA UN ALTRO PASSATO' (Chronicles of Another Past): This book review highlights Von Däniken's theory that ancient archaeological evidence suggests human contact with superior intelligences since prehistoric times, proposing an alternative prehistory. The book is 320 pages and costs €17.90.
• 'Andrew Collins: Gli Ultimi DEI' (The Last of the Gods): This book explores the 'Vigilants' mentioned in the Old Testament, described as beings with advanced technology who allegedly created ancient structures like the pyramids. The book investigates their disappearance and the traces they left behind. It is 288 pages and costs €8.30.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFOs, crop circles, extraterrestrial contact, and the intersection of science, religion, and the paranormal. There is a critical stance towards established religious institutions, particularly the Catholic Church, accusing it of obscurantism and hypocrisy regarding scientific and medical advancements. The publication seems to embrace the concept of 'irrationality' as a necessary component for understanding potential extraterrestrial encounters. It also delves into historical mysteries, ancient astronauts, and the spiritual needs of individuals, as seen in the 'Star Wars' faith analysis and the 'La Memoria' section.