Little Listening Post -1956 08-09 - Vol 03 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol. 3 No. 4
Date: August - September, 1956
Publisher: The Little Listening Post
Location: Washington, D.C.

This issue of The Little Listening Post, a publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena, presents a collection of news capsules and articles reflecting a growing interest in space exploration, the 'New Age,' and unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine adopts a tone of excitement and anticipation for future advancements while also highlighting current events and concerns.

Humanity Has Caught a Vision

The lead article, "HUMANITY HAS CAUGHT A VISION," posits that humanity is on the cusp of exploring new frontiers, particularly in space. It quotes John Crowley of the Pentagon suggesting a satellite in '57 and a trip to the moon within 25 years. It also references Adamski's predictions of moving via advanced technology by '65. The article emphasizes a rising mass intelligence and changing concepts, noting that a new firm, Systems Laboratories, Inc., has been hired to tackle the quest for spaceflight. The piece concludes with an optimistic outlook, stating that humanity's vision will not be deterred by ridicule and that we should "greet the unknown with a cheer!"

D.C. News

This section provides a rapid-fire list of upcoming developments in Washington D.C., including a new building for Washington STAR, a new Johns Hopkins Research building, and a significant facelift for the Capitol. It mentions a "Fed 'bldg Binge" covering 4000 U.S. cities at a cost of 2 billion dollars. Other snippets include a Siberian crane at the Zoo celebrating its 50th birthday, a 105-year-old woman who prays for others, and a "Vault for the Future" to be opened in 2056. The New Thought Alliance Congress is highlighted, with a speaker suggesting that adding the "power of this spiritual thought" to circulating dollar bills could have a significant impact. The section also notes Congressional funding for Mall and area parks, and a proposal to change N.Y.'s Bedlow Island to "Welcome Island."

Health Front

The health section reports on a statistical study linking all cigarette smokers to lung cancer, supported by the journal 'Lancet.' It mentions a claim about an English 11-year-old girl possibly being of virgin birth. A startling statistic of "20 million mental cases in U.S." is presented. Occultists are cited as believing that anger and cruelty from vivisection emit bad "radiations." Multi-millionaire Dr. Mellon (Jr) has opened a hospital in Haiti with an expected annual deficit of $200,000. Predictions of millions living to 100 are mentioned. The Hoxey Clinic in Dallas is aiming to distribute 10 million pamphlets as a "religious ministry" against the suppression of information regarding cancer, which is described as a "billion dollar a year 'Business.'"

Life -- Space -- and Congress

Representative Frank Karsten of Missouri, author of a bill concerning space exploration, is quoted stating that it is time for Congress to focus on interplanetary matters. He believes the satellite is just the first step and that within two decades, issues of "legality of space" will require attention, urging preparedness.

Nature -- Wildlife

October 21-28 is designated as Cleaner Air Week. There is a call for "banding & protection needed for mourning doves." A coming development is expected to use "atom-generated chgs to knock out whole schools of fish." The National Wildlife Federation warns of "national decay" from prioritizing advancement over conservation. The Navy has sent 55 tons of insecticide to AF Base at Dover, Delaware, to combat bugs, raising concerns about endangering Nature's balance. A lotus blooming for the first time in 2000 years at the Tokyo National Science Museum is noted. The section also questions the disappearance of hop toads, which were historically used to keep insects down, and links their decline to DDT poisoning. A still-hunt for toads by the Little Listening Post yielded negative results. Experimentation with catalysts to enhance plant growth is mentioned, with free samples available. The U.S. population is nearing 168 million, with shrinking wilderness areas and the draining of swamps impacting wildlife. Military and oil wells are crowding out bird sanctuaries, emphasizing the need for vigilance. A bill, H.R. 11751, to preserve wilderness areas is highlighted, suggesting it as another reason to look towards interplanetary exploration.

Coming

This section lists upcoming events and technologies: an atom sub to dwarf the Nautilus, a new Navy plane that can flip its wings, phones for bathrooms, an anti-guided missile by '61, a rocket that reached 163 miles, a "converti-plane" that starts like a copter, 8000 licensed radio hams in Illinois, the fact that "1/5 of all food in U.S. is wasted," a 50,000-seat stadium at the Colo. AF Academy, and that 2/3 of U.S. adults use eyeglasses. Upcoming items also include remote-controlled copters for dangerous missions, a man in Brazil who died at 150, a decrease in auto production, an ultraviolet TV microscope for photographing living cells, a "bodiless voice mechanism" to panic burglars, and portable and cheaper color TVs. A pocket computer to determine safe alcohol limits is mentioned, as is a solar-heated home in England with a trapped sun's heat vault. The potential replacement of tins with aluminum cans is noted, with a caution to "anti-aluminum fans." There is a significant increase in U.S. mail, with 1/2 million employed in this business. A proposal to rename N.Y.'s Bedlow Island to "Welcome Island" is mentioned, along with an electric eye to cut cloth. Within two years, a population of 10,000 is expected over Antarctica's 6 million square miles. The number of car radios exceeds the total circulation of U.S. morning dailies. A tiny TV camera for flight testing is mentioned, as is a proposed "plane for the people" ($1150) with a hat-shaped saucer-plane design. A "Pray for Peace" cancellation stamp for mail is noted, as is "Eurovision" (Europe linked by TV). An A-engine for spaceships, patented by Landini of Genoa, Italy, is described as potentially propelling ships for years at near light speed. The racial composition of America is noted as being between 1/5 and 1/3 white by heredity. A device that sends a death-ray into wood to kill termites is mentioned. In South Africa, a population of 2.5 million whites and 8.5 million blacks face a race problem, with the economy based on black labor and a developing habit of sleeping with guns, indicating a potential for explosion. A $13.50 toy that resembles a saucer is available. A plane reportedly streaked across California at 1900 mph on January 25th. A "world revolution against poverty" is mentioned. CBS is offering a TAPE-RECORDED U.F.O. INFORMATION SERVICE, run by Dr. A.G. Dittmar in the Adirondacks, who uses his equipment as a labor of love. A similar service is offered in the West by Henry M. Henricksen. The section ends with a warning about high tensions and the importance of soothing interactions to help the "New Age" be born.

Page 3 -- Weather and UFOs

The "WEATHER" section reports on a jet pilot in New Mexico encountering "freezing mud." The UN polled 101 countries on whether "bomb affects weather," with most finding the effect "small." An army of 1/4 million "tornado sentries" is organized in the Midwest, with its own air force. Hurricane hunters are active, and new "hurricoons" (weather balloons) will photograph hurricanes, allowing for eventual weather control. The "LITTLE LISTENING POST VISITS THE 'BIG EAR'" describes a radio telescope at Bolling AF Base that caught signals from Venus. The proliferation of such "Ears" worldwide is noted, potentially revealing much more than optical scopes. A remote West Virginia valley is suggested as a future "earth's major window on space," with plans for a 4000 ft high range. A new "image converter" could make a 40-inch scope equal to twice Palomar's. The "New Zealand Civilian Saucer Investigation" suggests Mars has few secrets left. The "WINDOW INTO HEAVEN" section describes a profound experience of overwhelming music and contentment at the Little Listening Post, questioning why consciousness had to return.

Books, Etc.

New publications include "U.F.O. and the Bible" by Jessup, described as basic for saucer researchers. "Saucers and Saucerism," based on 3000 questionnaires by Kenneth Ford and Bernard Porter, is in the making. Frank Scully's book is making a comeback after being "debunked." "Diet Prevents Polio" is available from Lee Foundation. Desmond Leslie's "Hold Back the Night" is a "terrifying novel." The International F.S.Directory by F.S. News is available for $2. Bob Bartlett is working on a world directory. A German language saucer book was recently published in South Africa. Psychic TV shows are being prepared in England. "Atlantis-The Mystery Unravelled" is a new book. Arthur Clarke, "dean of science fiction," is scheduled for a 6-month lecture tour in the U.S., stating that the world is poised for the "Age of Interplanetary Travel." He will be discussing the "Path to the Planets." Thanks are given to a Michigan group for promoting the LLP and to those who sent postage stamps, noting that correspondence costs are high.

The Little Listening Post Publication Details

The Little Listening Post is published every few weeks, "when the news boils over," from Washington D.C. It aims to scan the horizon and interpret phenomena in our skies. The publication offers six issues for two dollars. The current issue is dated August-September, 1956.

Order Form for Stickers

An order form is included for "STICKER BARRAGE" saucer stickers, described as attractive, three-color designs sold at cost. One dollar buys approximately 200 stickers. The stickers are made in London. The form requests name and address and notes that a stamped, self-addressed envelope is needed to help out.

Page 4 -- Saucer News and Research

"SAUCER NEWS" reports that the "lid is on tighter than ever" regarding UFOs, with "Top" not knowing what UFOs are and a race to discover their power. The Interplanetary Foundation in Detroit has a busy HQ & Info Center, with mailing lists of 1000 in Detroit and 3000 in Grand Rapids. William Maier notes widespread interest. The Wash. UFO Discussion Group held its 4th meeting with 61 attendees. M.K. Jessup, a speaker, has spent 1.5 years studying saucer subjects in the Library of Congress, having "only opened lid & peeked in." He foresees a time when the Library will have a whole room dedicated to this "new phase of Americana" and urges everyone to contribute to finding answers. The phrase "Interstellar Co-existence!" is noted. The universe's study is described as never-ending, with claims of records dating back millions of years. William Ferguson of Chicago claims "teleportation" experiences and sees a great illumination on Earth, with the aged being rejuvenated and governments needing to acknowledge facts. The song "In a Land Where We Never Grow Old" is said to have new meaning, and on higher planets, food is entirely transmuted into energy. Building permits have been issued for the Van Tassel Observatory at Yucca Valley, California, where the new science of "light energy" is being studied. The Australasian Post (1/12/56) published a design for a "magnetic saucer detector," and an Italian Research Organization has designed a "ufoscope." The London F.S.Review issues Sighting Forms, designating September 8th as the next International Sighting Day. "Saucer news got through from Russia for first time Feb. 14," reporting a "Cigar over Moscow!" and that belief had to be "squashed." However, in 1953, Prof. Leapunov reportedly stated that a large space ship crashed in Siberia on June 30, 1908. Fifteen electronic and aircraft companies are reportedly engaged in anti-gravity research. Saucer books are not staying on shelves in D.C. public libraries, as school children are taking them to study transportation. A caller at the Pentagon asking to study the Bluebook Report was initially given a debunking, but after mentioning their own sighting, much information was requested, with the caller leaving with the remark, "You can't hide the sky!" A translation from "Weltraumbote" describes a sighting in Rome on November 6, 1955, where about 100 UFOs approached and formed a cross over the Vatican, leaving a deep impression. This was suppressed by order of "higher authority," and Dr. Perego's report to NATO was met with a reply stating it was "most interesting but inopportune to disclose details to public." The situation in England is described as similar to the U.S., with "powers that be" enforcing silence. The Air Ministry provided a "courteous 2-hr conversational vacuum." Officialdom is accused of feeding the public "bla" to discourage interest. Fred Stone operates a Flying Saucer Tea Room in Adelaide Hills, Australia, with a sign reading "Book Here For Mars!" There are claimed to be 15,000 saucer investigating organizations worldwide. The "Flying Saucer Research Center" opened in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 19, and will publish a bulletin every two months in English and Portuguese. Readers are encouraged to write out their sightings and send them to M.K. Jessup in Vienna, Virginia, to help compile the UFO Annual for 1956. A report from California mentioned a landing in Los Angeles with two tall men with long hair emerging. Another report mentioned a gold ball UFO from which green men emerged. A plane over Burbank hit a UFO, causing an emergency landing. Michigan's State Fed. Interplanetary Relations will host delegates from 10 clubs in Detroit on September 22-23. There are growing demands for an overall foundation to coordinate worldwide UFO research.

Page 5 -- Traffic, New Age Symbols, and Mailbag

"NOW ITS TRAFFIC JAM IN THE SKY!" reports "24 near collisions over D.C. in one mo!" and "Around a 1000 take-offs a day at D.C. Airport." Cornell Air Lab has developed a "radar collision warning device." The U.S. will have radar coverage at $246 million, narrowing the gap towards a higher-dimension method. The article suggests Earth is ripe for the "Force-field" anti-collision system described as being used by saucers and on other planets. The Morning Glory is suggested as a symbol for the "New Age," described as an ethereal "trumpet" and "herald" of the dawn. The song "The World is Waiting For The Sunrise" is proposed as a New Age tune. A suggestion is made for someone to write a proper F.S. song. The "MAILBAG" section features letters from readers. Norman Bean, a radio engineer from Miami, writes that he is still lecturing on saucers and foresees a time when war will be as unthinkable as shooting people. A new subscriber complains about the price but adds a bonus, stating the LLP is better than a letter from home. T.M.C. writes of a UFO that moved over the Ohio turnpike and "completely disappeared as it neared the road," attributing this to an Einstein-proved law of light rays bent by a geomagnetic field. J.W. from Las Vegas is anxiously looking for a "climax," noting the world is in bad shape. A letter from Hawaii reports a flurry of sightings before recent H-bomb tests. Dr. B.B. from Colorado states that if he could have only one paper, it would be the Little Listening Post, and mentions a friend seeing saucers while at a mining camp. LJD of California writes, "I never read anything to compare with the LLP." Arthur Clarke, "dean of science fiction," is mentioned as being in the U.S. for a 6-month lecture tour, stating that the world "stands poised on threshhold of Age of Interplanetary Travel" and will soon need to leave Earth to find new adventure fields. He is coming to discuss the "Path to the Planets." Thanks are given to a Michigan group for promoting the LLP and to those who sent postage stamps, referred to as "little 'wings' for letters," noting that correspondence costs are high. The section concludes with "THERE'S POWER IN THE POSTAGE STAMP!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Little Listening Post are the burgeoning interest in space exploration, the concept of a "New Age" of consciousness and advancement, and the persistent reporting and investigation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, enthusiasm for the future, and a belief that these topics are of paramount importance. The publication actively encourages reader participation through letters, sightings, and even a sticker campaign, positioning itself as a vital source of information in a world on the verge of significant change. There is a clear emphasis on the need for interpretation and understanding of the phenomena observed in our skies, suggesting that the magazine serves as a crucial guide for those seeking to comprehend these unfolding events.