THE LITTLE LISTENING POST

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 1
Date: February-March 1955
Location: Washington, D.C.

This issue of THE LITTLE LISTENING POST presents a collection of news items, observations, and commentary on a variety of topics, with a strong focus on flying saucers, scientific advancements, societal changes, and a burgeoning spiritual or philosophical movement towards a 'New World'. The publication operates with a self-described 'Far-out Front' antenna, keyed to intriguing signals from the world.

Cover Story: The Air Force and Saucers

The main headline boldly states, "HOWLING HYENAS! THE AIR FORCE HAS MADE A STATEMENT about saucers. Namely, that they don't know what they are!" This sets a skeptical or perhaps frustrated tone regarding official explanations for UFO phenomena.

Scientific and Technological Developments

The issue highlights several scientific and technological advancements:

• Gravity Control: There is mention of quiet study into electro-gravitical phenomena, with the manipulation and control of gravity potentially ushering in a "fairy-tale world."
• Intercontinental Rocket: The 51st anniversary of the airplane also saw the announcement of a "BUILDING OF A 10,000 MPH INTERCONINENTAL ROCKET" by Gen. Dynamics Corp.
• Space Exploration: The "ATLAS OF THE UNIVERSE," a six-year project at Palomar, is slated for publication in 1956. Arthur Clarke has a new book, "EXPLORATION OF THE MOON," and Prof. Bleksley suggests the moon could be a "finest military base imaginable."
• Medical Advancements: Hypnotism is being used successfully in dentistry, childbirth, weight control, allergy treatment, and even alcoholism, with 900 dentists trained in its application for a "pleasant experience."
• New Drugs: A new patent blood pressure drug in England is also noted for its hair-growing side effects.
• Telescopic Eyepiece: A new eyepiece allows wearers to see areas which are radio-active.
• Nuclear Power: Nuclear-powered freighters are anticipated to transport things at 500 mph globally without refueling.

UFO Sightings and Related Phenomena

Beyond the Air Force's statement, the magazine reports on various UFO-related events:

• Washington D.C. Area: The D.C. area is described as being "RINGED WITH NIKIS" – "Things" that can emerge from the ground and target moments.
• International Sightings: Thousands reportedly scanned the sky over Caracas for discs. In Italy, a "yellow disc twice the size of full moon" was seen. In Steyr, Austria, hundreds saw "6 silver saucers hovering motionless" before darting away. Frank Edwards is noted as having received 4000 reports the previous year.
• The Saucer Mystery: A new phase is described, with "more pointed 'evaluatings,'" books aiming to expose books, and objective science growing impatient with the Air Force's "tool of ridicule" towards researchers. Some researchers question if saucers are manmade.
• Global Interest: Mail from Africa and New Zealand indicates a worldwide interest in the situation.
• British Interplanetary Society: This society is described as being "hushed" for "security reasons."
• Observation: Researchers believe saucers are "roll[ing] sublimely on – as though studying and probably mapping our planet."

Societal Observations and Concerns

The issue touches upon several societal trends and concerns:

• Population Shift: "One out of every five persons moves once a yr." in the US, with the rate higher in younger groups, impacting churches and indicating a "terrific world speed-up."
• Atomic Threat: The UN head states the "World is seated on a thermonuclear bomb," questioning if humanity can control the atom before controlling itself. There's a concern about "atomic radiation" and the "threat of atomic radiation."
• Defense Deadline: The National Security Council has set a "DEADLINE FOR DEFENSE IS 1957."
• Inflation Spiral: A prediction is made that the inflation spiral will continue through the power of "organization," particularly affecting "Fixed-incomers."
• Communication: A warning is issued against forces striking at communication, citing persistent increases in postage, fares, and the talk of "Fee TV."

Psychic and Spiritual Themes

A significant portion of the magazine delves into spiritual and psychic observations:

• Self-Control: A quote from a psychic source in Washington emphasizes "SELF-CONTROL IS THE GREATEST THING IN LIFE."
• New World Vision: The "New Society of Midwives" is introduced as a growing global group "who have 'taken fire' inside with the Vision of a New World that is being born." They are dedicated to its "convulsive birth," believing "time is short" and "the life of a World hangs in the balance."
• Spiritual Work: This society's work is described as "of the spirit," multiplying and forming a network, driven by "the chain reaction of love for a world in travail."
• Spiritual Awakening: The magazine references a "great spiritual awakening" and a "Golden Age" potentially lying ahead.
• Science and Spirit: The publication notes that "Science is crashing barriers! A glorious Vision trembles above the brink!" quoting biblical passages about a future without harm or death.
• Consciousness: A "per-view of the New World" is seen "through rational processes. And through emerging consciousness."

Other Noteworthy Items

• Lock Ness Monster: Reported caught on radar in December 1954.
• Antibiotics: Now produced in large quantities at a significantly reduced price, aiming to improve life for everyone.
• Auto Safety: The automobile is identified as the "NO. 1 KILLER," with high daily fatalities and injuries. Concerns are raised about drivers' mental fitness.
• Bomb Shelters: A Rhode Island man built an A-bomb shelter, while the Fed. Civil Defense urged Washington residents to dig shelters, paradoxically, CBS reported H-bomb shelters as outmoded.
• Medical Profession: The American College of Surgeons Bulletin is cited regarding the tolerance of needless surgery by the medical profession.
• Comics and Delinquency: The Senate Committee links delinquency to comics, but also notes industry's recognition of the basic urge to imitate.
• Atomic Energy Education: Atomic energy is being taught to first-graders, sparking imagination.
• Defense Bases: Comforts of home are being established at North Pole defense bases.
• Definition of Savage: "A person who doesn't try to help anybody."
• Pneumonia Treatment: Mortality rates for pneumonia have significantly decreased.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards official explanations (particularly from the Air Force regarding UFOs), a fascination with scientific and technological progress (ranging from space travel to medical breakthroughs), and a strong undercurrent of spiritual or philosophical exploration focused on the concept of a "New World" and human consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of alerting readers to significant "symptoms" and phenomena occurring at a critical juncture in history, encouraging critical thinking and awareness of both the "fantastic" in science and the potential for spiritual transformation. The publication positions itself as a disseminator of news and observations that might be considered outside the mainstream, handling its select mailing list on a "little-or-no-advertising basis" as a "gift."