UFO Rama - No 117

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-RAMA
Issue: Nr. 117
Date: December 2008
Type: Monthly UFOlogy publication
Origin: Catanzaro, Italy

Editorial

The editorial for December 2008 reflects on the release of the film "Ultimatum alla Terra" (The Day the Earth Stood Still), noting its theme of aliens warning humanity about self-destruction. It reassures readers that the end of the world is not near, citing a "Supreme Creator." However, it expresses concern about future wars and economic crises, observing that the "military industry" seems immune to economic downturns. The editorial also highlights advancements in "aerospace research" and interstellar communication, while lamenting the loss of a "founding father" in this field. It concludes with wishes for a hopeful New Year 2009, anticipating "contact with the brothers of space."

Articles and Features

Keanu Reeves Believes in Aliens

A brief report from CINEcitta.com dated December 1, 2008, features actor Keanu Reeves stating his belief in aliens and the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Reeves, who plays the alien Klaatu in the film "Ultimatum alla Terra," discusses his views on UFOs and the universe. The article also mentions the film's remake of the 1951 science fiction classic and its co-stars.

Anniversary: "That UFO Took Off from San Maurizio in '73"

This article, published in "L'ISVEGLIO" on November 27, 2008, commemorates the 35th anniversary of a mysterious event on November 30, 1973. Pilots flying into the Turin airport of Caselle reported a luminous, unidentified object that was tracked by four civilian and military radars. The incident was linked to the mysterious "Sideral Intercontacts Centre (Sic)" and its leader, "Great Master Absu Imaily Swandy." Alitalia pilot Giovanni Mezzelani reported seeing the object, which was also covered by "Corriere della Sera" and "Panorama." The region is noted for its history of UFO sightings.

Giuseppe Cocconi Has Passed Away

A brief announcement from December 8, 2008, reports the death of Professor Giuseppe Cocconi, an Italian physicist who, along with his American colleague Philip Morrison, laid the theoretical groundwork for radio SETI research. Cocconi lived from 1914 to 2008.

Funes, Director of the Vatican Observatory: The Church Recognizes the Value of Research

This section features an interview with Father José Funes, director of the Vatican Observatory, published in "IL MESSAGGERO" on December 22, 2008, and "Corriere della Sera" on February 21, 2008. Funes discusses the Vatican's interest in the search for extraterrestrial life, especially in light of the International Year of Astronomy in 2009. He mentions a conference on astrobiology and the possibility of life on planets similar to Earth. The article also quotes Giovanni Maria Vian, director of "L'Osservatore Romano," who expresses interest in the discovery of planets with "alien plants" and signs of life.

"Possible Life on Other Planets"

An article from "L'Osservatore Romano" discusses the ongoing search for planets similar to Earth and the potential for discovering signs of extraterrestrial life. It highlights the development of more efficient telescopes and the analysis of light reflected from exoplanets.

"The End of Cosmic Silence: Earth to Moon. On the Cell Phone"

Written by Giovanni Caprara for "Corriere della Sera" on February 21, 2008, this piece discusses the idea of a "lunar cell phone" and the development of low-cost telecommunication satellites. It mentions an agreement between British and NASA for the MoonLITE mission and anticipates human presence on the Moon by 2020, requiring constant communication links for astronauts.

Send SMS into Space? Now You Can!

This article from "Panorama Hitech Scienza" dated December 1, 2008, introduces a new service by Virgin Mobile that allows users to send SMS messages into space. The messages are broadcast from the Earth Station in Comovaglia and can potentially reach UFOs. The service costs $15 and includes a transmission confirmation.

Gates: "US Nuclear Arsenal Will Grow"

An article from Televideo.Rai.it on June 10, 2008, reports that US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates stated the US nuclear arsenal will likely increase to counter Russia's growing nuclear capabilities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining nuclear deterrence.

"Gates Will Stay for at Least a Year"

From "Corriere della Sera" on November 26, 2008, this brief note indicates that Robert Gates was expected to remain in his position within the Obama administration for at least a year.

"Obama Does Well for Defense"

An article by Maria Teresa Cometto in "CORRIERECONOMIA" on December 15, 2008, suggests that the defense and aerospace industry may not suffer under President Barack Obama. Citing a Merrill Lynch study, it indicates that the aerospace sector has historically performed better under Democratic presidents.

Pope: God is Near in Love

This report from Televideo on December 15, 2008, quotes Pope Benedict XVI stating that God's closeness is a matter of love, not space or time. He also dismissed fears about the end of the world, citing San Paolo's words that no one knows the time of God's coming.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFO sightings, extraterrestrial life, and humanity's place in the universe. There's a notable interest in the intersection of science, religion (particularly the Vatican's perspective), and popular culture (films like "Ultimatum alla Terra"). The publication also touches upon defense, aerospace, and technological advancements, often framing them within a broader context of human progress and potential future contact with non-human intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding while maintaining a degree of skepticism and critical analysis.