Little Listening Post -1958 02-03 - Vol 05 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol. 5 No. 1
Date: February-March, 1958
Location: Washington, D.C.
Publisher: The Little Listening Post

This issue of The Little Listening Post, dated February-March 1958, is a newsletter focused on contemporary events, particularly the burgeoning Space Race, UFO phenomena, and Cold War anxieties. It presents a capsule of news, commentary, and anecdotal reports, reflecting a worldview concerned with scientific advancements, potential threats, and the possibility of extraterrestrial contact.

The News in Capsule

The lead section, "THE NEWS IN CAPSULE," sets a tone of urgency and global concern. Headlines highlight the "Democrats Demand Nuclear Ship For The Race To The MOON" and President Eisenhower's proposal for the "PEACEFUL purposes" of Outer Space. The impact of Sputnik is evident, with reports stating that "SPUTNIKS WOKE US UP!" and that the U.S. is "losing the SCI LEAD." The National Science Foundation warns of this, while the administration requests significant funding for basic research. The article emphasizes the strategic importance of space, quoting "WHO CONTROLS SPACE CONTROLS THE WORLD," and notes the U.N. is being urged to oversee outer space. There is mention of missile traffic in Florida, significant spending on missiles, and the development of advanced weaponry like a "Death Ray" and a "silent explosion."

Further news items touch upon international developments, including British talk of an "Atom-secret bigger than Sputniks" and French nuclear tests. The pervasive atmosphere of fear is palpable, with references to "BRINK OF WORLD SUICIDE" and "THRALDOM OF FEAR!" The issue quotes Morgan Beatty on the "magnificent performance" required in 1958 and suggests the enemy's strategy might be "CONQUEST THROUGH FEAR!!" A significant statement from "Saucer researchers" declares that "the frightened, embattled Planet is NOT ALONE - WE HAVE VISITORS FROM SPACE." The section concludes with a call to abandon secrecy and acknowledge the presence of extraterrestrial visitors.

Page 2: Developments and Observations

This page continues with a series of "COMING" and "HERE" news items. Notable developments include a proposed $7.5 million stadium at the University of Illinois designed like a flying saucer, new typing paper, and a "SKYTEL" for airplane pilots. The growing interest in space is further evidenced by the prediction of a boom in 1958 for plane makers and the significant percentage of profits capitalists are reinvesting into research. The issue notes Ghana's new national anthem and the development of an Army camera capable of taking pictures in 5 billionths of a second. "Scent-a-vision" is mentioned as a future movie technology, and a Swiss inventor has patented a machine to add smell to films. A "solar clock" that runs on light exposure is also noted.

Crime statistics show a rise in major crimes in the U.S. The issue mentions a "no relief in cost of living" prediction for 1958. A British submarine, "Thorough," is noted for circling the globe. Funerals in France are described as being "speeded up" with traffic jams. Passenger-carrying jets are anticipated for the fall, with the possibility of flying from California to New York for lunch. A peculiar case from Lima, Peru, involves an 8-year-old girl giving birth and the subsequent jailing of her 21-year-old father. GE is working on a "TELEVISED TELEPHONE" system. The Loch Ness Monster is reported to have been seen again in Scotland.

Fashion trends include "shadow-fitting gowns." The issue notes 4 million unemployed and a Russian scientist's sighting of an Abominable Snowman. The Air Force is reportedly close to electro-magnetic propulsion, with speculation that they are learning from UFO technology. Antarctica is mentioned as the "Bottom of the World," with a population of 31 and potential U.S. claims to millions of square miles.

Nature News and Environmental Concerns

Under the heading "NATURE NEWS," the migration of European birds to England is noted, with no clear explanation. Finland is experiencing an invasion of bears and moose fleeing from Russia, possibly due to Russian military activity in the Arctic. The section includes a quote about "Where nothing shall hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain saith the Lord!!" A news item discusses a biological experiment involving two dogs and a "fatherless turkey," suggesting a possible natural intervention when the dogs ended the turkey's life.

The lifespan of dogs has increased, and there are nearly 3/4 million licensed dogs in New York City. The housefly is reportedly winning the battle against DDT. The number of veterinarians in the U.S. is 18,000, with one-third involved in teaching. Madrid, Spain, has a new ball stadium seating 125,000. The majestic Egret is threatened with extinction, and the Florida land boom is blamed. Ernest Swift of the National Wildlife Federation criticizes American wastefulness, stating that other nations dislike our "WASTE" and that "We consider luxur-ies a part of survival. They're NOT!" He argues that the U.S. is a "Nation of CONSUMERS rather than CONSERVERS" and that our water supply is threatened. Swift believes that as living standards rise, moral standards fall, and decries the conversion of trees into "rotten pulp magazines."

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright names "NATURE" as his church, aligning with Tennyson's view that "The meaning of Life can be found in Nature."

Page 3: Space Exploration and Weather Control

This page is dominated by "SKY NEWS" and reports on space exploration and potential weather control. Arthur Clarke is quoted on the "Age of Space" reaching every home. The American Rocket Society has proposed an Astronautical Agency to the President, with goals of placing instruments on the Moon and orbiting Venus and Mars, requesting $100 million annually. The Navy plans a TV telescope for a 500-mile-high space platform, and the University of Michigan is building a radio telescope to trace space signals. Russia has developed a plane that can flap its wings like a bird.

Sputnik I's drag indicated an atmosphere at 137 miles up, denser than previously thought. The Carnegie Institute reported "Ghost Sputniks" over the U.S. when the real Sputnik was on the other side of the Earth, questioning if it was a "radio image." The "REAL RACE IN THIS POST-SPUTNIK WORLD IS TO GET MANNED CRAFT TO THE MOON FIRST!" Over two dozen people have offered themselves as guinea pigs for U.S. satellites. A Gallup Poll shows 5 million Americans are willing to fly at Space Travel, even if it's a one-way trip. A quip suggests the high cost of Moon trips will hold a certain "snob appeal." The Japan Space Travel Association claims 500 Japanese have "bought land" on Mars.

A Math Professor is forming a corporation to "Consulting" regarding space travel, predicting trips to the Moon in less than 4 years. The Air Force is reportedly working on a "plasma-engine" to harness ions for high-speed craft. The International Geophysical Year (IGY) is monitoring the sun, noting we are in a sunspot maximum. It's predicted that by the end of the IGY, continental positions on the Moon will be known precisely. The possibility of hitting the Moon in 1958 with sufficient funding is mentioned, and an "IPEM (inter-Planetary Ballistics Missile)" is deemed inevitable.

Weather Race and Earth Changes

A "WORLD RACE" is underway to control the weather, with Russia reportedly engaged in secret research. The implications of this field are described as "profound to all mankind." Edward Teller warns that controlling weather could be a more devastating weapon than atomic bombs, and mentions the "flood danger unless Atom soon put to Peace." The Earth's atmosphere has 2% more carbon dioxide since the start of the industrial revolution, with a potential 10% increase to melt ice caps and flood cities like New York and Holland. Tropical fish are appearing further north, with scientists unable to explain it. The margin of safety is shrinking, and sea levels near Point Barrow, Alaska, are rising at regular intervals related to tides. Ocean beds in the Atlantic and Pacific are also rising fast.

The Earth is described as "cracked," with its "skin" crawling and heaving under tidal influence and cosmic ray pelting. The International Civil Aviation Organization is using a universal language for weather reports. The Bureau of Standards is setting up stations to measure noise from Earth's thunderstorms. There is talk of using A-energy to remove mountain tops to change air currents for better weather. Weather will soon be charted by an "Eye-in-the Sky" via satellites. News from D.C. includes a bill for more park land, a planned National Cultural Center, a drop in TB deaths, reduced youth gangsterism, and the election of Dr. Paul Klopsteg to head the American Association for the Advancement of Science. A 16-sided building is planned for a hearing and speech college, and jet planes are on standby for Nixon's trips.

Page 4: Health, Psychic Phenomena, and UFOs

This page covers health, psychic phenomena, and a significant focus on UFOs. In health news, 42% in the U.S. have normal vision, and dentists have successfully transplanted a living tooth. "Psy.NEWS" reports on Spiritual Healing, with doctors and ministers acknowledging its value. A blind woman in Los Angeles regained sight with an electronic device, suggesting potential for the sightless. The importance of watching one's "waistline" is noted as a sign of the "New Age."

There is a mention of "FREE ENERGY" and the idea that holding a thought of it can loosen one up. The Soviet Union is reportedly promoting Space Travel, with findings at the University of Texas suggesting certain blood patterns "invite" alcoholism. A new-type carburetor is claimed to end 90% of auto smog. Great new eras in medicine are predicted, with long-lasting immunity to infection due to knowledge of new chemicals. "Hush-hush warfare dealing with hideous gases & germs" is being adapted to the Sputnik Era.

A "Psychic assessment of Cancer" suggests it is not malignant but an "aperture" in the etheric or pattern-body. Two Russian doctors find a relation between diseases and noise irritation. "Parakeets" in a Michigan Mental Hospital are reportedly having a healing effect on patients. Business Week reports a significant increase in cigarette smoking. A film decrying smoking is planned for schools and colleges, and many doctors who smoked have cut down.

Concerns are raised that advertisers might make an "OPEN ATTACK" on the populace if more products are not consumed. The London SUN.EXPRESS reported cattle near a Windscale A-Energy plant becoming sterile following an accident that overheated uranium, affecting a major reactor. Experts checked for radioactivity, and farmers were called "superstitious." Leukemia is reportedly increasing, with Japs near bombings showing rates 56 times above average.

The National Health Federation, with 9000 members, is opening offices in Washington as a "watchdog" for fair laws. The issue states that "PLANET EARTH WITH ALL ITS BEDEVILMENTS AND DEFECTS IS STILL TOO GOOD A PLACE FOR THOSE MONSTERS!"

Saucer Front: The UFO Phenomenon

The "SAUCER FRONT" section declares that "The world's biggest NEWS STORY seems ready to break" due to increasing efforts to pierce the "Secrecy-Structure." Despite ridicule, the "great Breakthrough" is expected, leading to the realization that "EARTH HAS VISITORS FROM SPACE!" The "flap," which intensified after Sputnik 2, has led to Congressional inquiries. Numerous newspapers carried editorials, and the "flap was world wide," with reports from Japan, Brazil, England, Australia, Fiji Islands, Egypt, and Italy. Radio and TV are also covering the topic, and "The Era of Ridicule is Over."

Reports include a "great flash" lighting up the Irish Sea, turning a trawler's bridge white. A saucer was sighted over George Air Force Base for 18 hours. A UFO was reportedly seen in Ontario. A man named Rinehold Schmidt boarded a landed saucer in Kearney, Nebraska, and was subsequently placed in a mental hospital, later released and suing "WATCH SCHMIDT." Kyoto University in Japan held a Saucer Exhibit. A "STICKER BARRAGE" of saucer stickers is offered for mail. The Air Force is reportedly planning to send a rocket to the Moon in a few months, with 20 rocket experts working on it.

Page 5: Publishing, Media, and LLP's Mission

This page details publishing news, media trends, and the mission of The Little Listening Post (LLP). Publishing news indicates a surge in "Space Books" sales following Sputnik, with titles like "Space Satellite" selling 9000 copies. Books by Michel and Max Miller on flying saucers are mentioned, as well as Williamson's "OTHER TONGUES, OTHER FLESH." A "new-type Christmas card" depicted a saucer in the sky as the Star of Bethlehem. "THE THIRD EYE" by a Tibetan Lama is available in 14 languages.

"FAITH FOR TODAY'S STORMS" by Oral Roberts is advertised. Lloyd Douglas' "Big Fisherman" is to be filmed. "FLIGHT" (from Kitty Hawk to Outer Space) is also slated for filming. Shirley Temple's TV Fairy Tales are mentioned. Long John's nocturnal show from New York has expanded its coverage. Christian Science Monitor is noted for its 50-year history and its path of ridicule, yet has significant worldwide circulation.

Strikes are mentioned in 19 papers across 12 cities. The importance of watching "THE CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION" is stressed, including keeping postage down. Surveys show "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR" are the most widely read feature in newspapers. The DAILY WORKER is folding, and its editor has quit the Communists. Dr. A. G. Dittmar is collecting short tapes for a "Bulletin" on the saucer picture.

LLP is seeking permission to put its publication on tapes for the blind. A New York subscriber expresses gratitude and mentions attending a lecture by Analee Skarin, described as being able to "come & go at will between 3-D & 4-D."

LLP's Unique Position and Service

K.K. from California writes about constructing a working model using a new photo-multiplier tube for sensitivity. Another source suggests "Extra-dimensional TV is almost ready to go." LLP is described as a "mind-stretcher." There are complaints about LLP not arriving in the mail, with requests for prompt address changes. Readers express that they "wouldn't want to miss a single copy" and that LLP is "the most interesting publication I've come across." D.H. from Ohio states that LLP is a "must in our household," combining "mechanics and poetry."

The issue mentions a Christmas card from Queensland, Australia, featuring an Aboriginal painting. E.M. from Sweden is translating more books, contributing to the spread of news about "the greatest happening of our times!" Saucer Editor Henry Regaz in Zurich reports on a lecture by Karl Veit that drew 1000 attendees. A conference had reporters present but they did not publish their findings due to fear of ridicule.

R.H.W. from Vancouver requests copies of the last LLP, noting its "immense" impact. The publication thanks readers for Christmas cards, stamps, and gifts.

Editorial Stance and Mission

THE LITTLE LISTENING POST is issued every few weeks, "when the News 'boils over', from Washington, 'News capital of the world.'" It aims to provide a "Conspectus" of swift-moving events and is described as watching "everything on a FAR-OUT FRONT." The editorial stance suggests that "Life on Planet Earth is in some kind of Transition. Great changes are shaping up!" The publication encourages readers to "Listen in with THE LITTLE LISTENING POST," proclaiming it is "THE ONLY PUBLICATION OF ITS KIND."

Subscription Offer: Six issues for Two Dollars.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intense focus on the Space Race and the technological competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, heavily influenced by the launch of Sputnik. Alongside this is a significant and persistent interest in UFOs, presented not as mere curiosities but as evidence of extraterrestrial visitors, with a strong call for the declassification of information. Nuclear technology and its potential dangers are also a prominent concern, reflecting the Cold War anxieties of the era. The publication also touches upon environmental issues, health advancements, and societal changes. The editorial stance is one of urgency, advocating for awareness of these critical global developments and a departure from secrecy, particularly concerning UFOs. The publication positions itself as a vital source of information for those who are "ALERT" to these "swift-moving events."