Little Listening Post -1956 04-05 - Vol 03 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol 3 No. 2
Date: April-May (1957 implied)
Publisher: Gray Barker Collection
Location: Washington, D.C.

This issue of 'The Little Listening Post' presents a collection of news items and commentary, largely focused on societal trends, scientific advancements, and the burgeoning interest in unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Humanity Wants Out!

The lead article, "HUMANITY WANTS OUT!", posits that humanity is psychologically, scientifically, and literally preparing to 'go somewhere'. It explores various theories for this desire, including self-annihilation via atomic bombs, a 'coming shift' in Earth's axis causing a flood, or the achievement of interplanetary travel through rocketry. The article suggests that saucers are already visiting Earth and may play a role in removing humans during a cataclysm, referencing biblical predictions. It also touches upon astrophysicist Dr. Franz Zwicky's ideas about using A-energy to create new planets to alleviate overpopulation. The overwhelming sentiment is a human longing for 'expansion' beyond Earth, with a deep-seated feeling of being 'homesick' for another land.

D.C. NEWS

This section covers a variety of local and national news items. Topics include "D.C. Women Demand After-dark Protection", the Senate Committee's alleged discovery linking bad movies to increased crime, and upcoming memorials. It highlights ambitious government projects such as running the Capitol by atomic power and building a regular atomic city. The "National Capitol bathed in the light of peaceful atomic energy" is described as a dramatic sight. The "Great Neck-Stretching Job Ahead" refers to the U.S. launching 12 satellites, with the Smithsonian seeking global assistance to track them, humorously dubbed 'Project Big Brother'. General Electric is testing rockets for satellite launches. A Wall Street Journal warning suggests satellites might carry advertisements. An anecdote about a "Harvester Co." installing a mysterious 'control' box on a farmer's tractor is also mentioned.

What Women Want

This brief item notes that women desire atomic scientists to develop a 'dirtless kind of heat' to free them from endless cleaning.

Spring Note

A poetic quote about not having time to 'stand and stare' is presented, followed by news items.

Health Front

News includes lab research in dentistry at U. of S. Cal., a warning from the National Wildlife Federation about water pollution control laws lapsing, and smog killing people in South Africa. The "Cured Cancer Club", with 70 members, is mentioned, with its head foreseeing branches worldwide and claiming one out of two cancer cases are now cured. Improvements in mental therapy via closed-circuit TV are noted. The National Health Federation in San Francisco warns about poisoning from artificial chemicals in food. 'The Lancet' brings attention to two amputation cases saved and cured by psychosomatics.

Nation on Wheels

Statistics reveal 36,000 killed and 1 million injured in the U.S. in 1955, with the number of cars doubling in 10 years while roads increased only 1%. President Eisenhower is asking for $100 billion for highways. The commentary suggests that humans are not equipped for high speeds without 'bat-radar' and that road safety begins with tightening permit issuance, including real character tests.

Religious Front

The Religious Research Foundation in Los Angeles is researching prayer, making tests on plants and exploring 'power of long-distance prayer'. A Wall Street Journal report indicates U.S. Religious Groups are building at a record pace, with a $900 million outlay in 1956, and religious songs are more popular. A church in Roanoke, Va., experienced disrupted phone service due to a "recorded prayer" line. The concept of faith is described as a definite element, the 'mother substance' of all existing things.

Seniors

The 65-and-older population has quadrupled in the last century, while the nation's population has only doubled. The number of infants and the aged are growing faster than the working-age population. The University of Indiana insists life should not end at 65. A subscriber reports work being done toward an LLP "Registry Center" idea to help seniors adjust to radical changes. The editor suggests that seniors, having lived longer, should be teachers and 'way-showers', imparting vision and fresh viewpoints to younger generations. The Syndicate Editor praises 'The Little Listening Post' as a "militant crusader" in this field. A Bureau of Older Persons Bill has been introduced in Congress.

Atomic Headlines

This section reports that atomic radiation, even in small doses, shortens the lives of those exposed. Fifteen scientists are studying radiation globally. A "Science Foundation" warns of the U.S. losing its technological lead. An antidote for nerve gas is mentioned. Kefauver predicts Russia will fire a 1500-mile missile, and San Jackson charges that Russia's powers have been underestimated. Japan is asking for a ban on A-testing. A tiny battery may store A-energy for small gadgets. Civilian groups are calling to "LIFT SECRECY! DE-SANCTIFY THE ATOM!" and "PUT IT TO WORK FOR PEACE". However, scientists are struggling with the dilemma of disposing of lethal atomic waste. Occultists believe atom-splitting is fundamentally wrong, proposing 'LIGHT-ENERGY' as the new power.

Coming, In Tokyo, World's largest Heliport...

This section, presented as a rapid-fire list of 'comings' and 'heres', mentions a small $1000 'translator', a microscope that photographs atoms, new types of insurance against A-risk, a portable TV camera for the Army, a new method to control baby chick sex, new Silicons to 'dirt-proof' wearables, and a revolution in tin cans. It also notes coming 'more cotton, less synthetic fabrics' and a desire for 'sun & stars' to be visible. "Across the U.S. in 29 minutes" is mentioned for travel time, and tests for rockets are underway. "Creepy-peepy" portable TV cameras for the Army are noted. The section also mentions "Mankind May Master Weather" and that "Hundreds of inventions filed away in Patent Office" are being withheld but will emerge as part of the 'New Age'. Insurance policies for dogs are mentioned, covering 'all mishaps'. A "great Symphony of the Birds" is in the making. The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) is discussed, with President Eisenhower accepting IAF's offer to assist in satellite projects and a potential affiliation with UNESCO. Russians stressed a desire for a 'cooperative' spirit in astronautics. The IAF now has a journal, 'Astronautica Acta'.

This Talking World

The telephone, born 80 years ago, now has 95 million users worldwide. 'Talk-by-Tape' is growing, with Tape Exchange Clubs for any subject. A new tape-copying service for saucer lectures is run by A.G. Dittmar, who is building a library of saucer lectures and information.

Saucer News Notes - The News 'Boils Over' in Washington!

This section details activities at a "Saucer Office" which has opened, with a dove flying in the window. Literature for 'top-level contacting' is being printed. Barrier-breaking interviews and meetings are occurring. A "Saucer Club is a 'borning here." The section notes "poof" in foreign comments regarding statements that saucers don't exist. Author H.T. Wilkins predicts that neither the U.S. Air Force nor Britain's military will ever confirm UFOs, leaving it to the public. A report suggests the government wants the public to 'lay off' UFO investigations. Sightings are reported in D.C., Miami, and Greenfield, Mass., with one reported over President Eisenhower's farm. A blackout in Danville, near New York, was blamed on proximity to a strange object. Soviet Academy member Liakounov believes saucers are from space. J.S. Tavier from France is expected for lectures. A news note from France indicates 53% of movie patrons believe saucers are 'From Space'. Saucer lecturers like Gray Barker, Ruppelt, Jessup, and John Otto are active, with Keyhoe lecturing to thousands of engineers. Keyhoe reportedly has 2000 unanswered letters. New saucer bulletins are arriving from Germany and Zurich. The global community of UFO fans is described as being "on the march".

Saucer Clubs Reporting to LLP

Enid Brady from Daytona Beach, Florida, reports activity including Keyhoe lectures. The San Jose Cosmic Observers are pressuring Congressmen for information release. Laura Marxer from Detroit is organizing a large "Interplanetary Foundation". Kalamazoo, Michigan, proposes federating all Michigan groups into "Project Grapevine," which emphasizes thinking differently and admitting possibilities that shake one's being. This club has no membership, dues, or property, operating on an exchange basis for its library.

Mail Bag

Subscribers express appreciation for the publication. Bob Gribble from Seattle praises 'The Little Listening Post' as a "knockout publication" and notes a defined pattern in over 2000 sightings. G. Weie from Oslo notes fewer sightings in Norway but expects an increase in the U.S. Dan Fry, author of "White Sands Incident", is working on a new book, "Steps to the Stars", and expects to come east soon. Arthur Clarke, a space writer, is in Ceylon and plans to visit the U.S. soon for a lecture tour. Max Miller, editor of SAUCERS, L.A., notes increased interest in Mars and spoke with Dr. Slipher. Van Tassel from Yucca Valley, California, plans to begin construction on a new Light-Research Lab, with $1500 donated. H.B. from California plans to attend the Annual Van Tassel Saucer Convention at Giant Rock. The editor of a West German newspaper is requesting 'Listening Posts' to write saucer articles.

Book News

The pile of incoming saucer books is growing. Researcher Barbaieri notes "Never saw such a UFO yr as '56" and has collected 50 magazine and paper articles. A "new trend" of four new science books with UFO chapters is observed. Frank Edwards' "My Last 10 Million Listeners" is mentioned, and Frank writes he may do lectures. New films include "Workshop for Peace" and nine on World's Religions. Williamson's "Other Tongues, Other Flesh" and Van Tassel's "Into This World & Out Again" are available. John McCoy's new book of Opinion re FS is noted. Ruppelt's "Report on UFO" is highlighted, with the quote "It is time we let the people know!". A book titled "Rape of The Masses" is available from the Fortean Society. "Visit To A Small Planet" is noted as coming to Broadway, and many space films are being premiered in D.C. The Bridey Murphy book is sweeping the country.

Thanks to Subscribers

The publication expresses gratitude to subscribers for their understanding and positive feedback. It emphasizes that their time and funds are limited and requests that replies include stamped addressed envelopes. The work is described as worldwide, and the stamp bill is heavy. The piece concludes with a call to action, invoking "The POWER OF THE POSTAGE STAMP" and facing an "ultimate challenge" with an "invocative cry of humanity" striking a "new note between heaven and earth". Readers are urged to "HELP LIFT! Be a part of the glorious in-coming HARMONIC!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'The Little Listening Post' consistently emphasizes a sense of impending change and a desire for humanity to transcend its current limitations, whether through technological advancement, spiritual awakening, or literal departure from Earth. The editorial stance is one of active engagement with these unfolding phenomena, particularly UFOs, which are presented as a significant and growing global interest. The publication positions itself as a conduit for information and a catalyst for discussion, encouraging readers to participate and share their views. There is a strong undercurrent of "New Age" thinking, focusing on consciousness, new forms of energy, and a shift in human understanding. The publication also highlights the importance of individual contribution and collective action, as seen in the call for postage stamps and the emphasis on "spontaneity" and "the clash of opinions, never the clash of egos."