Little Listening Post -1958 08-10 - Vol 05 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol. 5 No. 4
Date: August, September, October, 1958
Publisher: The Little Listening Post
Location: Washington, D.C.

This issue of The Little Listening Post presents a collection of news items and observations, framed by a quote from Senator Knowland stating, "THE WORLD IS AT ONE OF THE CROSSROADS OF HISTORY." The publication positions itself as a source for "NEWS IN CAPSULE," focusing on a wide array of topics including space exploration, technological advancements, geopolitical tensions, and the burgeoning field of UFO research.

Thematic Content

The Dawn of a New Age and Planetary Initiation

The issue opens with a reflection on humanity undergoing a "planetary Initiation," suggesting a disturbing and agonizing process necessary for a leap into the future. It notes a shift towards new concepts, with rocketry advancing and 'Free Energy' gaining traction. The idea of life on other planets is becoming more accepted, and old concepts are being shed. The "Empires of the future are the Empires of the Mind," as quoted from Churchill, and radio preachers are discussing cosmic matters. The publication emphasizes the need for "BLUEPRINTS" and "Good Movements" to navigate "THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE."

Sky News and the Space Race

Under the "SKY NEWS" section, several developments are highlighted: a new non-stop flight record of 6000 miles, the impending B-70 Chemical Bomber capable of speeds exceeding 2000 mph and carrying hydrogen-headed missiles, and the financial troubles facing the aviation industry as it transitions from propeller to jet propulsion. There's a mention of U.S. studies to curb private pilots and a potential fight over national air traffic control. The Soviets are reportedly working on TV shows from space stations and illuminated Sputniks, with Sputnik 4 envisioned as a giant observatory. The issue notes that one Soviet and three U.S. moons are orbiting Earth, and the IGY is studying what to do with "dead" moons. The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Agency is seeking $3 million, with a new building to start soon. A "swift race to control Outer Space" is described, driven not by science but by the "lust for POWER" and the fear of falling behind Russia, especially concerning the development of engines with millions of pounds of thrust by 1961. The strategic importance of a Space Station for "WAR-OBSERVATION- & BOMBARDMENT" is emphasized.

Scientific and Technological Developments

Further details emerge on space technology, with Von Braun suggesting a 100-inch scope on a Space Station could photograph objects on Earth only 16 inches in diameter. The moon is presented as prime real estate, with the U.S. Land Bureau receiving numerous requests for land claims. Space Medicine is concerned about the effects of weightlessness and zero gravity, while UFO Researchers are confident about taking Earth's atmosphere with them in force fields. The issue mentions a "MONUMENT TO SPUTNIK ONE" competition in Russia. The concept of "SPATIO-GEOGRAPHY" is introduced, defining Earth's atmosphere terminating aerodynamically at 120-140 miles and the "Gravisphere" extending one million miles out. New capital cities like "Brazilia" are being built, and technological advancements are noted, including advanced traffic signs, airborne emergency services, atomic reactors for tunneling, and cameras that take photos in a millionth of a second. The cost of college education has doubled, and American industry is investing heavily in research. Innovations like electric doormats, switchblade knife bans, and an "A-rocket gadget" for personal propulsion are mentioned. A new process for producing oil from shale is highlighted, alongside warnings about swindlers and subliminal advertising on TV. The transistor continues to replace vacuum tubes, and the Post Office handles a massive volume of mail. A "spiral shopping center" in Caracas is described, along with a new chemical process to turn cotton into "wool" and harmless hair dyes. The USAF Academy in Colorado is nearing completion, and a new 9000-foot mountain range near the South Pole, named "Dufek Massif," has fresh water and plant life. The Great Pyramid of Cheops now features neon lights inside.

Health and Psychology

The "HEALTH FRONT" discusses a new drug, "Dactil," to prevent premature births. The "TRANQUILIZER MOVEMENT" is presented as a way to balance "chlorics," cure nerve ailments, with significant public uptake expected. Pharmaceutical companies are developing these for animals and even humans. The issue questions whether this movement is good or bad and links it to the broader question of "WHAT CHEMISTRY?" is being used. Government life insurance records indicate smokers have a 58% higher death rate from all causes than non-smokers, prompting a government drive against heavy smoking. The Soviets are reportedly studying revival after death, investigating changes in the body after death. Dr. Henley of Colorado University is noted for his work in this area. The concept of "HOSPITALS IN THE SKY" is proposed, suggesting benefits from lack of gravity for heart cases and sun rays for cancer. "TENSION IS NOW A WORLD DISEASE" is a slogan, with a focus on "WELLNESS" rather than disease. A "FOUNDATION FOR RELAXATION" exists in Chicago. The issue criticizes health insurance radio ads that emphasize sickness.

Media and Social Commentary

"TELEVISION" is discussed, with public concern over the amount of violence on TV shows. A comparison is made to five years prior, with a significant increase in "killings" reported in Los Angeles. The issue links this to a "planned demoralization of the Amer. people" and urges readers to complain to TV stations and the National Association for Better Radio & TV. The "ATOMIC" section reports on the World's 1st International Radiation Congress, noting an increase in "Strotium 90 'death dust'" in British children and the role of X-rays on pregnant women in leukemia. A new turkey disorder is reported. A "PILL to offset Radiation" is mentioned, with experts denying its possibility. The "PENTAGON COOL TO PLAN TO BAR NUCLEAR TESTS" is a headline, and it's stated that "Fallout in U.S. is highest in the world." The issue notes that both major powers possess missiles capable of intercontinental strikes, keeping the world "practically on the brink of war." Peiping is reported to be getting A-bombs, and British A-tests are resuming. The "THUNDERCHIEF" is described as a weapon capable of a one-man attack anywhere in the world with more destructive power than unleashed by the entire American Air Force in WWII and the Korean War. The issue quotes Otis T. Carr: "THIS IS THE HERITAGE OF SCIENCE!" and laments that science is being put to destructive ends. A reactor is now operated by plutonium, and U.S. combat naval vessels may travel underwater. A conclusion from Vermont suggests that "Man would survive an Atomic War but at the cost of 1000's of years in his evolution."

The Saucer Front and UFO Research

The "SAUCER FRONT" reports continued sightings and the formation of new clubs. An illuminated color photo of a saucer seen over a California dessert is described as beautiful and otherworldly. Newspaper reports from 1917 about "The Day of the Vanishing City" (huge space ships) are mentioned. Congressmen are reportedly responding to pressure regarding secrecy, with Senator Smathers admitting "great interest" in the subject. Lecturers on flying saucers report that "Ridicule is about wiped out" and that audiences are composed of "highest levels, substantial business men, Drs, engineers, etc." Ministers are also speaking on the subject. Rinehold Schmidt, who reportedly "boarded a landed saucer," is lecturing. Physicist Dan Fry is active in promoting the subject. The Washington Saucer Intelligence Group has completed an extensive lecture tour, forming new clubs. Townsend Brown, who organized NICAP, is noted for progress in electro-gravities and Adamski-like models. The publication suggests that "many big commercial Groups" are working in this field. The issue touches on the internal conflict within the UFO community between those who believe contact stories and those who are skeptical, emphasizing the need for open-mindedness. The "MYSTERY" section describes an "IDEA nest" in the garden of The Little Listening Post, suggesting that IDEAS hatch there and that birds, in a higher sense, are "Messengers."

Mailbag and Publication Notes

The "MAILBAG" features letters from subscribers, including one from Geneva discussing a book on Tesla and another from Ohio praising the publication. A subscriber from Michigan questions the nature of LLP, asking if it's "just a piece of paper." Several subscribers express enjoyment and anticipation for the publication's arrival. The issue also mentions new books on aging and spaceflight, a radio program called "FACT OR FABLE," and a new publication called "THE PENTAGON CASE." A "huge SAUCER CHART" is available for purchase. The publication itself, The Little Listening Post, is described as being issued "every few weeks, 'when the news boils over'" and is the "ONLY PUBLICATION OF ITS KIND."

Washington D.C. News

Local news from Washington D.C. includes the Marine Band celebrating its 160th year, the arrival of 27 huge bells for the Taft Memorial, a potential new roof for the Lincoln Memorial, and a new faster elevator for the Washington Monument. An increase in students teaching Russian is noted, and the Pentagon is expected to undergo swift changes, possibly going entirely MISSILES. The fierce "pr of WOLVERINES" at the zoo is mentioned. A prediction is made that Washington and Baltimore will soon become one city. American Aviation Publication, a major industry source, is headquartered in D.C. A "Key Club" is set to open, featuring fashion models and entertainment. The issue concludes with plans for the International Astronautical Congress to be held in Washington in 1961.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The Little Listening Post strongly emphasizes the transformative period humanity is entering, characterized by technological leaps, geopolitical competition, and a growing awareness of phenomena beyond conventional understanding, particularly UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider new concepts and question established norms, while also highlighting the potential dangers of unchecked scientific and military power. There's a clear focus on the "New Age" and the "ultimate challenge" facing humanity, urging active participation and a "vision" for the future. The publication actively promotes the study of UFOs, noting the diminishing stigma and increasing interest from credible sources. The interconnectedness of science, power, and potential global conflict is a recurring concern, as is the psychological and physical well-being of individuals in a rapidly changing world. The publication positions itself as a unique source of information, curating diverse news items to provide a broad perspective on these unfolding events. The theme of "power"—both political and scientific—and its implications for global control and human destiny is central throughout the issue.