Little Listening Post -1957 11-12 - Vol 04 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol. 4 No. 5
Date: November - December 1957
Location: Washington, D.C.

This issue of THE LITTLE LISTENING POST, published in Washington D.C. and dated November-December 1957, is dominated by the twin phenomena of the Sputnik launch and a surge in UFO sightings and related phenomena. The magazine positions itself as a source of news and commentary on these events, often with a spiritual or 'New Age' perspective.

Sputnik and the Space Race

The lead article, "THE 'PRISON PLANET' HAS BROKEN LOOSE!", immediately addresses the impact of Sputnik, launched on October 4th. It quotes various sources, including the British Interplanetary leader and NBC, highlighting the event as a "major turning point in the history of man." The reaction in Washington is described as chaotic, with accusations of being "out-gadgeted" and a "political & scientific defeat." The magazine notes the demand for "flash program & warlike austerity" and the "political void" that the US faces. There's a sense of urgency and a race for the Moon, with mentions of rockets like Atlas and Jupiter. The US is reportedly working on "Photon Rockets" and has appointed a "Missile Czar." The article suggests that this technological leap is forcing a re-evaluation of humanity's place in the universe and its destiny.

UFOs and Unexplained Phenomena

Parallel to the space race news, the magazine reports a "terrific flap of saucer touchdowns and sightings all over the world." Specific incidents include the US Army reporting an object "bright as the sun" making two visits to the site of the first A-bomb test. The article poses the question, "What 'language' is this?" and suggests that Earth is "haunted." It implies that with humanity venturing into space, the idea of "Spacemen or even your own 'deceased' grandmother out there somewhere" is becoming more plausible. The "New Age" concept is introduced as a way to understand these phenomena, suggesting that "Mystery Messengers ride our skies."

Health and Science Front

Page 2 features a "HEALTH FRONT" section, noting the spread of the common cold and Asian flu. It touches upon growing opposition to water fluoridation and the potential for air pollution to affect the Earth's atmosphere. There's mention of research into a "chemical mystery" that might shed light on cancer and the work of the World Health Organization. New materials like "'Terylene' instead of wool blankets" are discussed, along with the potential for fabrics treated with antiseptics. The section also covers research into mental illness, the preservation of a dogfish heart, and the development of new diagnostic tools at the Smithsonian. Advances in eye preservation and the potential for understanding energy conversion are also noted. The section concludes with a mention of "invisible electronic umbrellas" and a "Ring-camera" for surveillance.

Coming Events and Technological Advancements

The "COMING" section on page 2 lists several future developments: a "Hi-speed Missile Warfare" era, "anti-missile missiles," regular "AIR-TO-GROUND Phone Service," and cars operated by solar power. It also notes the increasing crime rate in the US. Russia is reported to be making 4 million TV sets a year, and there's news of "spreading revolt among Youth & Peasants against Red Regime" in China. The first commercial aircraft flight to Antarctica is mentioned, along with plans for trans-Atlantic phone cables. Innovations in the phone industry are predicted, including push-button dials and wrist phones. The rapid population growth in California is also highlighted.

Religious and Psychic Front

Page 3 delves into the "RELIGIOUS FRONT," stating that 60% of Americans belong to a church. It mentions the circulation of religious magazines and the financial success of religious organizations. Events like a "Youth Rally" in Rome and a Billy Graham Crusade in New York are noted, with the latter drawing immense crowds and generating significant correspondence. The rise of "Dial-a-Prayer" services and "phone ministers" is observed. The magazine asserts that the "Spiritual race is ON as evil grows apace," citing an increase in illegitimacy as a symptom. There's a call for churches to return to "spiritual healing" and a recognition of the growing interest in prayer from science. The section also discusses the "New Age philosophy" and the need for "BLUEPRINTS! Actual BLUEPRINTS for carving a happier social order." It forecasts that "monied people" are beginning to invest in New Age work.

Publishing News and UFO Groups

The "PUBLISHING NEWS" section on page 3 lists several new books and magazines related to UFOs and the paranormal, including "Man Among the Stars," "The Saucer People," and "Dead Sea Scrolls." It mentions "Mind & Matter" magazine and the "F.S. Observer." Upcoming media projects like a TV production "Mars & Beyond" are also noted. The magazine also reports on new UFO groups forming, such as the Toledo Aerial Phenomena Society and the Saucer Report in Wooster, Ohio, indicating a growing interest and organization within the UFO community.

Nature and Senior Citizens

Under "NATURE NEWS," the issue highlights the significant amount of trash discarded along highways and advocates for cooperation with nature. It notes a decline in the farm population and reports on a case of animal cruelty involving boys setting a dog on fire, which generated public outcry. Legislation concerning humane trapping of animals and restrictions on oil and gas leasing on Federal Refuges are mentioned. The "SENIOR CITIZEN" section discusses the need for education and part-time jobs for seniors, noting a "boom" in such opportunities. It highlights the value of seniors' experience and mentions legislative efforts to improve their financial situation, such as removing limitations on earnings while receiving Social Security.

Space and International Law

Page 4 continues with "SKY NEWS," detailing "Project Stratosphere" and predictions about spending a week-end on a satellite. It mentions "Build-it-yourself AIRPLANE KIT" and "Space Food." New scientific endeavors include a new telescope and research into high-speed flight and extreme temperatures. The development of an "Ejection Seat" to save pilots is noted. The article discusses the potential for "Space Superiority" to become a major factor in international relations and quotes Secretary Dulles on the need to prevent the "destructive purposes" of outer space. The use of the Moon as a radio relay station is reported, and a Russian statement about conquering the Moon is included. The concept of "Astropolitics" is introduced as a "vast extension of the same kind of political void which faced the world when Magellan & Columbus opened the age of discovery." It raises questions about "nationality of spacecraft, liabil-ity for their conduct, traffic rules for orbiting, etc." and the "legal control of Outer Space."

Mailbag and Reader Contributions

The "MAILBAG" section on page 4 features letters from readers, including one sending $24 for subscriptions. A company writes about making aluminum cans coated to avoid contact with food. A reader in Germany is mentioned, as well as individuals working on translating saucer books in Scandinavia. Positive feedback on the magazine's content is abundant, with readers expressing how much they value the publication and wish to share it with others. There are also mentions of Dr. Hoxsey sending books and his upcoming visit to Washington. The section ends with a call for "DONATED STAMPS" and notes that "THINGS NOW FLOODING!"

Psychic Era and UFO Discernment

Page 5 begins with "PSYCHIC ERA," suggesting that the "Veil between planes getting very thin" and warning about spirits that "will deceive the very elect." It notes an "Increasing need everywhere for discernment." The "RASH OF SAUCER REPORTS FLOODED U.S. following Sputnik 2" is reiterated, with reports from Johannesburg, South Africa, and Arlington, D.C. The magazine criticizes government "secrecy" and the Pentagon's "defense" on radio regarding UFOs. An "emergency announcement" in D.C. about a canceled UFO meeting is highlighted, with a critique of the government's handling of the subject, including the use of ridicule. The article emphasizes that "people do their thinking with their FOOT?" and that "thinking people are searching."

New UFO Groups and Sky Scouting

The issue lists "NEW SAUCER GROUPS REPORTING TO THE LITTLE LISTENING POST," including the Toledo Aerial Phenomena Society, Saucers Report, and Infinity News Letter. It also mentions groups in Indianapolis and Manchester, England. A "Cal. Club" reports 800 sightings. The section also announces an "INTERPLANETARY LANGUAGE" invented by Dr. Hans Freudenthal and promotes "Flying Saucer Stickers" from England. It encourages participation in "JUNIOR SKYWATCH OF THE AMERICAS" through Arnold Kruckman.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The editorial stance of THE LITTLE LISTENING POST is evident throughout the issue. It champions the exploration of UFO phenomena, the "New Age" philosophy, and spiritual awareness, often contrasting these with what it perceives as the materialistic and fearful approach of mainstream society and government. The magazine actively promotes a sense of wonder and urgency regarding these topics, encouraging readers to "WATCH" and "Listen in." Recurring themes include the interconnectedness of space exploration, UFOs, spiritual growth, and the need for a shift in human consciousness. The publication appears to be a platform for disseminating information and fostering a community interested in these subjects, often from a perspective critical of established institutions and conventional scientific or governmental explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of THE LITTLE LISTENING POST is clearly pro-UFO, pro-New Age, and highly critical of government secrecy and what it perceives as a materialistic, fearful worldview. The magazine actively promotes the idea that humanity is on the cusp of a major transformation, driven by both technological advancements (Sputnik, space exploration) and a spiritual awakening (New Age philosophy, psychic phenomena). It encourages readers to be open-minded, to question authority, and to seek a deeper understanding of the universe and humanity's place within it. The magazine sees itself as a vital source of information in this rapidly changing landscape, urging readers to "Get ready! WATCH. Listen in with THE LITTLE LISTENING POST."