Little Listening Post -1956 02-03 - Vol 03 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol. 3 No. 1
Date: February - March (1956)
Publisher: The Little Listening Post
Location: Washington, D.C.

This issue of The Little Listening Post, a newsletter focused on unusual phenomena and scientific developments, covers a broad spectrum of topics including gravity research, atomic energy, flying saucers, and societal trends in the mid-1950s. The publication adopts a tone of curiosity and sometimes skepticism towards official narratives, encouraging readers to question and investigate.

Spotlight on Gravity!

The issue begins by highlighting advancements in gravity research, noting that science aims to "outwit" it. The National Bureau of Standards convened a meeting to discuss gravity, with indications that its pull varies across the Earth. There is speculation about de-gravitized space vehicles and the annihilation of matter with negratrons (anti-protons).

Flying Saucers and Future Planes

A headline from the Air Force Times suggests that flying saucers might be key to future aircraft technology, a notion the magazine finds intriguing given the official denial of their existence. The silence from the Air Force on this matter is noted as "eloquent."

Washington D.C. News and Trends

Local news from Washington D.C. includes Billy Graham's assertion that it is the "capital of the world" and the need for spiritual influence for world peace. The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) held a conference on jet transport age issues. Plans are underway for a large Air Museum and a significant expansion by the State Department. The Central Intelligence Agency is also reportedly building a large facility. The presence of more "seniors" on the streets is noted, and a White House bomb shelter is deemed obsolete.

Government Research Funding

The government is significantly increasing its funding for research across various fields. The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) is set to spend $385 million for research in '56, and Washington is being dubbed the "Capital of Science." The article emphasizes the government's commitment to research.

Atomic Energy Developments

Significant developments in atomic energy are reported, including the upcoming connection of the world's first full-scale A-power plant to Britain's electric system. Tests with an A-driven plane in Texas caused public alert. Concerns are raised about the AEC's secrecy and potential dangers of radiation. A new medical A-research center is planned for Brookhaven, N.Y., and "Radiation Chemistry" is emerging as a new science. The potential of H-bomb power to supply global energy needs is also mentioned, along with the development of a simple, inexpensive meter to test for radiation fall-out.

Skyquakes Explained?

"Skyquakes" are tentatively explained as potentially caused by hovering, invisible saucers creating vacuums. A mysterious skyquake in Lapland is reported.

Wildlife and Conservation

Concerns are raised about the conflict between oil development and wildlife conservation, particularly regarding U.S. refuges. The Save-the-Redwoods League has a growing membership, and the Grizzly Bear is noted as being threatened.

Astronautics and Space Exploration

The American Rocket Society and the British Interplanetary Society are pioneers in "crackpot" astronautics. The International Astronautical Federation has grown significantly. The article quotes Dan Fry, who predicts that people will walk on Venus and Mars without rockets, suggesting a simpler method of travel and the need to rethink our understanding of gravity.

Geological and Environmental Concerns

Geologists are predicting a major flood due to a shift in the Earth's axis, described as "periodic." The AEC suggests an atomic calendar indicates a past catastrophe around 875 B.C. that caused sea levels to rise. Freak weather events are increasing, and concerns are raised about the rapid changes in magnetic fields, signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and a comparison to the "days of Noah."

UFO Sightings and Theories

Flying saucers are referred to as "Valkueries." There are two schools of thought regarding their purpose: one believes they are here to help humanity, while the other fears them. The possibility of a law that "quarantines" humanity to Earth is raised, along with the question of whether human discord can be eradicated through scientific methods.

Technological Advancements and Future Predictions

Numerous technological advancements and future predictions are listed, including: a "Flying Barrel" aircraft, homemade planes allowed for daytime flights, a complex air traffic control system, "egg-timers" for long-distance calls, a "Dinosaur Nat. Park," educational TV stations, surplus food storage issues, a "Skyhop Restaurant" with fly-in service, a high ratio of phones to people, an Antarctic expedition, a decrease in farms, "Speed-walk" conveyor belts, an Atomic Hospital, a wingless airship, a spending spree for guided missiles, an AEC Summer School, an "Atomic Navy," a jet transport plane with a 4000-mile range, wrist-radios, pocket-phones, air-conditioned clothes, and 3-D TV. An atom-powered plane test is mentioned, as is a new 26-story hotel in Hong Kong and a transatlantic flight in under 7 hours. Potential elimination of smog and pests through electronic means is also discussed, along with new hair tinting processes and air-conditioned blankets.

Health and Medical News

Developments in health include a lawsuit against the AMA for $10 million, a new sleep drug, a method to determine the sex of unborn children, and an air pollution study. Ultra-sonic medicine is showing promise, and "cloth tubing" is suggested as a replacement for worn-out arteries. A Chiropractic San in Denver offers "Cancer relief or money back" and "Polio treatments free." "Painless Childbirth" is becoming more common, and the Pope has reportedly approved a method for it.

UFO Conferences and Publications

A UFO conference is proposed for Washington in May, aiming to bring together representatives from various UFO groups. Book news includes "Frontiers of Astronomy" by Fred Hoyle, "The Amazing Universe" (including UFOs) by Arthur Constance, and "The Expanding Case for the UFO." Dr. Kinsey is reportedly working on a "3rd Sex Book."

Unidentified Flying Objects Report

Donald Keyhoe's book on UFOs is mentioned, with him stating that the Air Force knows what saucers are but not why they are here. A report by Ruppelt, former head of UFO investigations for the Air Force, is described as a real "Report."

Communication and Technology

The issue highlights an "Anti-trust judgment" that frees 8,600 phone patents, potentially leading to advancements in electrical communication, including transistors, solar batteries, and color TV systems. This is seen as a step towards "Spirit Radio" and a "next dimension."

Mailbag and Reader Feedback

Readers express their appreciation for the publication, calling it rewarding, packed with information, and a "bright spot." They praise its reporting and the "amazing reportorial job."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of scientific innovation, the unexplained (particularly UFOs), and government secrecy. There's a strong undercurrent of encouraging critical thinking and questioning established norms. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting information from various sources and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also hinting at a broader "New Age" perspective and the potential for profound societal shifts driven by new discoveries and phenomena.