Little Listening Post -1958 04-05 - Vol 05 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol 5 No 2
Date: 'at' (likely early 1958)
Publisher: The Little Listening Post
Location: Washington, D.C.

This issue of The Little Listening Post, originating from Washington D.C., presents a collection of news and commentary heavily focused on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and perceived government secrecy surrounding these topics. The publication positions itself as a chronicler of 'staggering events' and a listener to 'everything on a Far-out Front'.

The News in Capsule: Earth's Beauty and Space Visitors

The issue opens with an editorial celebrating Earth's beauty and resources, contrasting it with the human race's daring in space conquest. It notes the official acknowledgment of "Visitors FROM Space" but criticizes the "nether way" the subject is treated by those in power, suggesting a global reluctance to accept the potential for an "Interplanetary Brotherhood." The editorial laments humanity's fear and isolation, particularly at a time of "ultimate weapons," and highlights a pronouncement by the President of Brazil regarding a large Saturn-like Space Ship photographed near Trinidad Isle. The piece criticizes "WORLD POWERS" for attempting to "curtain off" the skies and questions the motives behind this secrecy, suggesting it might be related to the pursuit of "Free Energy" observed in the skies.

The editorial expresses a sense of longing for a "Land I have never known" and a "yearn to breathe the air of heaven," reflecting a spiritual or extraterrestrial connection. It declares that "the battle for INFORMATION is now ON!" with people becoming more vocal and governments being approached. The spirit of "Sir Galahad" is invoked, and a vision of a future "Parliament of (Humans) and the Brotherhood of Worlds" is presented, referencing Tennyson.

D.C. News and Coming Events

This section provides a rapid-fire list of news items and upcoming events, many related to technology, science, and social trends:

• Defense & Memorials: A siren system urged for Defense Warning, a Memorial Garden proposed for Gen. Pershing.
• Education & Society: Science classes via TV, rising IQs of colored students, a 10-month school year proposed.
• Infrastructure & Development: A new 23-mile hospital center, a new Waxworks Museum, a projected population of 2 million by fall, a 100 ft Bell Tower for Taft, a fight over changing the Capitol's front, and hearings on building heliports in D.C.
• Technology & Innovation: Atom-powered wrist watch by Elgin, new adding machines, shoes with no tops, prospecting for oil in the Sahara, a tank that can raise buildings, material to foil radar, a "people's car" in Japan, a Memory Machine storing 35 million pieces of info, "Russia very close to electric power thru control of H-bomb," Monorail travel, "levitation" technology by Westinghouse, a "Flying Jeep" with no wings, a radio set the size of a flashlight bulb, and the potential return of old electric autos.
• Global Events & Issues: The "EXPO '58" in Brussels, Russia's potential to outclass the U.S., a Solar Furnace producing high temperatures, solar-heated homes, rebuilding cities with downtown patterns, banning autos in favor of streetcars, and the "worst disaster yrs in history of Red Cross."
• Space & UFOs: A new insulator for space machines, a "rotorcycle" portable helicopter, a bill to put "PEACE" on all money, a new magazine "SPACE" with von Braun & staff, a book "Brainstorming" for generating ideas, a book "Alone" by Adm. Byrd, and a report that "Wash. Hides Truth About Flying Saucers" due to fear of "Panic," "Crisis in Wall St," and "Uproar in Organized Religion."
• Other News: Adventists selling literature, a third Kinsey book on pregnancy rates, President Eisenhower's release of a 4000-word "primer" on Outer Space, and the folding of the A.P.R.G. Reporter.

SkyNews: The Race to the Moon and Beyond

This section details the intense focus on space exploration, particularly the race to the Moon:

• Presidential Directive: President Eisenhower issued an official order for the Army & Navy to pursue the "ALL OUT FOR THE MOON!" project, allocating 8 million dollars.
• Project FARSIDE: Telemetering Mfg. discussed project FARSIDE, noting that orbiting and telemetering the Moon is key to increasing power, and that satellites provide essential "know-how."
• Cape Canaveral: Described as the "world's largest proving ground" with "Moon fever," the Thor project is ready to provide thrust to bridge the 240,000-mile gap to the Moon.
• Interplanetary Travel: A Shuttle Service to the Moon is forecast in 12 years. Information from satellites suggests "Life in Space found possible" and minimizes the danger from meteors and cosmic rays.
• Scientific Goals: The goal is stated as the "QUEST OF KNOWLEDGE about our Solar System and the universe beyond." The IGY panelists anticipate a future where "Outer Space will have its own Columbus."
• Government Initiatives: The State Department is studying six Space Projects that could lead to the planets, with talk of a 900-ton ship to circle Mars by '70.
• Expert Opinions: Edward Teller expressed a desire to go to the Moon as a "platform to go further." Sen. Humphrey urged the U.S. to lead in establishing legal order and regulation for Space Travel through the U.N.
• Defense Spending: Eisenhower requested billions for emergency Space Age DEFENSE.
• Future Concerns: Sen. Johnson warned of a "terrifying future" if nations do not act peacefully regarding exploration.
• Extraterrestrial Life: Eminent astronomers believe life exists elsewhere, with 16 other nearby solar systems considered ideal for life by Dr. Gardomski.
• Space Conference: President Eisenhower is planning a Space Conference, but declined to elaborate on its agenda, hinting at the possibility of "SAUCERS" being included.
• Senate Space Committee: Sen. Johnson noted the vastness of the inquiry for the new Senate Space Committee. A House Committee on Outer Space is operating from a "nice room in sub-basement of Old House Office Bldg."
• Boggs Bill (H.R. 9901): This bill proposes a Joint Committee on Outer Space focusing on research, development, production, international relations, security, information control, and health/safety.
• Rocket City: Huntsville, Alabama, has grown significantly, now encompassing 40 square miles.
• Historical Context: In 1825, there were no observatories, and news of the sky came from Europe. President Adams' plea for a "lighthouse in the sky" was met with ridicule.
• Tesla's Research: Findings related to Nikola Tesla suggest the possibility of "interplanetary radio," with tests proving the Moon can be used as a relay station.
• Harvard University: Reportedly offering a Doctorate in "Sci of Outer Space."

Researchers at The Little Listening Post

The publication lists several researchers contributing to its work, including Douglas Deane and Lloyd Anderson (N.Y.), Art Aho (Cal), The Wannalls (Honolulu), Bryant and Helen Reeve (traveling researchers), Rinehold Schmidt (Nebr), Les Levinson (N.Y.), and A. Hoff (Detroit).

Economics: Cars, Strikes, and Consumer Pressure

This section touches on economic matters:

• Economic Recovery: The radio claims the economy can be fixed by selling 2 million cars.
• Union Influence: The article questions whether this fix is for unions or union bosses, stating "ALL do not gain through Unions!"
• Planned Obsolescence: An editor points out a plan to pressure people to discard cars quickly to maintain high production levels.
• Strikes: The piece suggests that if strikes are effective at the production end, then a few are also good at the consumer end.

Saucer Front: The Kearney Incident and UFO Encounters

This section delves into specific UFO reports and related events:

• Rinehold Schmidt's Story: The biggest sensation is the story of Rinehold Schmidt, who claimed to have boarded a landed saucer in Kearney, Nebraska, on November 5, 1957. After an alleged visit from "top men," he was reportedly thrown in jail without a warrant and later committed to a mental hospital for 13 days. This led to a public outcry and a lawsuit.
• Schmidt's Tour: Schmidt is now touring the country, sharing his story. The Director of Washington Saucer Intelligence accompanied him.
• Kearney Incident Display: Before Schmidt's first lecture in Kearney, saucers reportedly put on a one-hour display in the sky, witnessed by many.
• "Space People" Question: During a second contact on February 5, "Space People" asked Schmidt: "HOW WOULD THE PEOPLE REACT IF A FLEET OF THESE SHIPS WOULD LAND & TALK TO ALL PEOPLE ON A FRIENDLY MISSION? WOULD THEY ACCEPT US ON FRIENDLY TERMS?"
• Bolder Saucers: The "flap" brought a pattern of stalled cars and more landings, suggesting saucers are becoming bolder and friendlier. The theory is that they are "conditioning" the public for actual contacts.
• Landing Stories:
• Dover, N.J.: A couple saw a ship land in the woods, with three dark-skinned beings emerging to pick up a heavy rock before departing.
• Central Brazil: A truck driver reported a luminous object hovering, with seven beings appearing from a door before the object took off.
• Engineers and Lecturers: Many engineers are interested in the subject, and Dr. G. H. Holloway is seeking contact with saucer speakers.
• Government Secrecy: A source close to "the know" indicated that vast amounts of UFO information are being withheld due to "economic" reasons and "EGO."
• Contact Stories: A report suggests a radio personality is hired to discredit contact stories. The LLP received a letter begging them to deny contact stories.
• Open Minds: The article stresses the importance of leaving preconceived ideas and fixations behind when investigating UFOs, referencing Mark Twain on people building fences around truth.
• NICAP Membership: NICAP reports members in 47 states and 14 foreign countries.
• Conventions: Rinehold Schmidt accepted an invitation to the 5th Annual Spacecraft Convention at Giant Rock, Yucca Valley, Calif. (May 31-June 1). Another convention is scheduled for Buck's Ranch, Mo. (June 28-29).
• Disc Encounter: A D.C. woman driving from Alabama reported a disc following her car, causing one corner to start leaving the ground due to "magnetic suction." She exited the car, prayed, and screamed, after which the disc sped away.
• "The Year of Breakthrough": 1958 is being called "THE YEAR OF BREAKTHROUGH."
• "SAUCERAMA": A "big grouped PHOTO DISPLAY of enlarged saucer photos" is being planned for clubs.

Health Front: Medical Advances and Concerns

This section covers various health-related news:

• New Drugs & Treatments: A "New Drug to make baby arrive sooner," a drug to fight Leukemia, a birth control pill, a pill to quit smoking, and artificial muscle made of nylon for polio victims.
• DMAE: A new fish drug, DMAE, is reported to give amazing mental benefits, improving energy, concentration, sleep, and reducing apprehension.
• Negro Life Expectancy: Increases by 8 years in the last 15 years.
• Cancer Survival: 1 in 3 cancer patients are now saved, up from 1 in 4.
• T.B. Deaths: T.B. deaths in D.C. dropped 21% in '57.
• Penicillin & Mileage Deaths: Penicillin deaths are "on the increase," while '57 auto mileage deaths were the lowest in history.
• Fluoridation: The article criticizes the fluoridation of water in D.C. since '52, costing over $7,000,000, allegedly used without Congressional approval or public consent.
• Mosquitoes & Malaria: The Middle East has won the battle against mosquitoes and malaria.
• Hospital Innovations: A hospital in England uses musical pillows and can communicate with nurses via a speaker.
• Theory on Meanness: A retired Admiral suggests that meanness, including war, originated when humans began eating "wrong food," advocating for raw food.
• Soil & Food: Lady Balfour of England is lecturing on "Better soil for production of better foods."
• Surgical TV: A science program in England showing actual surgery caused viewers to faint.
• Aging: The N.Y. Times reports that "Life now begins at 65, not 40."
• Sleep Deprivation: Soviet scientists are trying to develop a system where man needs only 2 hours of sleep per night.

Atomic News and Intelligence Digest

• Atomic Tests: 390,000 miles around Eniwetok isolated for U.S. tests; "Japs frightened, mad!"
• Bomb Transport: Aviation Week reports "Japs frightened, mad!" regarding "A-weapons are now transported by trains" and could "explode accidentally."
• Accident Prevention: The Labor Secretary told 3000 scientists that "we can't afford ONE accident."
• World Law: An editor suggests "WORLD LAW" as a solution to the "gravest moment in history."
• Atomic Ray: Talk of "ATOMIC RAY." The Intelligence Digest in England notes that "Events are now moving toward a climax."

Mailbag: Correspondence and UFO Photos

This section features letters from readers:

• Iceland: Reports having "our share of saucers here."
• Michigan: Rev. L.K. praises LLP for being "accurate, honest & unafraid."
• California: E.M. finds it a "terrific thrill to live these days!" E.R.M. notes less "hush" regarding sightings in Brazil.
• Pennsylvania: Dr. T.W.P. calls LLP the "central sun."
• Ohio: C.W.S. reports that the Air Force took a saucer photo and has not returned it.
• A.F. Correspondence: Mentions "zippy correspondence with A.F."
• Andrew Haley: Head of the International Astronautical Fed, praises LLP's "compendium of facts" and advocates for the "golden rule in Space."
• Financial Support: Thanks are given for help, blessings, and stamps, noting that much work is done "paid for personally out of pocket."

The New Age Must Get Born, and Quickly!

This concluding statement emphasizes the urgency of a new era.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Little Listening Post consistently champions the investigation of UFO phenomena and space exploration, often framing it within a context of potential interplanetary contact and a desire for greater transparency. The publication appears critical of government secrecy and what it perceives as a deliberate effort to suppress information about UFOs, often linking such secrecy to economic or ego-driven motives. There's a strong undercurrent of a "New Age" perspective, emphasizing spiritual growth, a quest for knowledge, and the potential for a "Brotherhood of Worlds." The editorial stance is one of urgency, encouraging readers to "watch your purses" and to be aware of societal and economic pressures, while also advocating for a rapid "birth" of a new era. The publication seems to align with independent researchers and those seeking to challenge established narratives, particularly concerning UFOs and space.