Little Listening Post -1959 10-11 - Vol 06 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol. 6 No. 4
Date: October - November, 1959
Publisher: The Little Listening Post
Location: Washington, D.C.

This issue of The Little Listening Post, a publication focused on UFOs, space, and New Age themes, presents a wide array of news and commentary. It frames the late 1950s as a pivotal time of transition and awakening, marked by advancements in science and technology, alongside increasing reports of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Earth Man's Science Has Now Spanned Space!

The lead article, under the headline "EARTH MAN'S SCIENCE HAS NOW SPANNED SPACE! - ANNO DOMINI 1959," declares a new era beginning with a reported landing on Luna on September 13, 1959. This event is seen as proof that humanity is on the verge of discovering a "Brotherhood among the Stars." The article emphasizes that space travel is a necessity, and that Earth is the place to prepare for this "staggering new relationship." It speaks of a "golden rule in Space" and suggests that humanity is "coming HOME!" The text uses evocative language, describing Earth as a "PRISON PLANET" experiencing "birth pains of a New Day" and includes a poignant quote from Ernest Crosby expressing homesickness for an idealized, egalitarian land.

Educational Front and Technological Advancements

The "EDUCATIONAL FRONT" section notes that 46.5 million individuals are entering schools and colleges, and touches on the controversial issue of school segregation in the South. "Sleep Teaching" and the recording instrument business are booming. The article highlights the value of magnetic tape as a powerful tool for conveying ideas, potentially surpassing the printing press and leading towards telepathy. It also mentions a "ultra-scientific" methods for acquiring knowledge quickly, including a "HYPNOTIC PROCESS" and a "NEW SCHOOL" in Salt Lake City teaching phenomenal reading speeds through the extension of peripheral vision, with a course costing $150.

Technological advancements are a recurring theme. The "COMING" section on page 2 announces Curtiss Wright's new AIR CAR, capable of 60 mph and skimming inches above the ground. It also mentions sensitive Army RADAR that can detect a soldier miles away and spot tanks from afar. Synthetic Coffee is introduced, and the dire economic state of railroads is noted, with their significant investment yielding poor returns. The potential of atomic energy to transform the Sahara Desert with de-salted water is explored, suggesting it could become ideal for Solar Energy development. The ambitious project of a BRITISH CHANNEL TUNNEL, described as the "world's longest hi-way TUNNEL," is underway, aiming to connect France and Italy. Rocket launchings from submarines are also anticipated.

Health and Societal Issues

The "HEALTH FRONT" on page 3 addresses the issue of SMOG, urging tests at breathing level and mentioning a bill that could allow citizens to sue polluters. It notes the predicted increase in cigarette smoking and highlights the effectiveness of mustard greens, broccoli, and cabbage against radiation. A new anti-DIABETIC PILL, "DBI," is mentioned, and the topic of FLORIDATION is discussed, with a British dentist claiming its growing popularity. The value of ORGANIC FARMING is emphasized, with "ORGANIC GARDENING" magazine having a large subscriber base.

Societal concerns include a "Nat Crackdown on NARCOTICS" and the Post Office's move towards automation despite calls for higher postage. The concept of a "FUEL CELL" is introduced as a potential new power source, converting gases directly into electricity, with predictions of its use in vehicles within five years. The execution rate in the U.S. in 1958 is noted, along with states banning the practice. December 17th is proclaimed WRIGHT BROTHERS DAY. The issue also touches on the concept of "Immunity from gravity" as a future development and notes the high frequency of EARTHQUAKES, particularly in California.

D.C. News and International Affairs

The "D.C. NEWS" section reports on the Washington Zoo's growth and its "fellow creatures," the influx of visitors from various states and foreign countries, and the "Friends of the Zoo" initiative. It mentions a raid on "OBSCENE MAIL" and the embarrassment of Postmaster Summerfield. Washington is noted for its "gorgeous buses," and an increase in school pupils. Plans for a World's Fair in Maryland in 1962 are mentioned, as is the construction of the Central Intelligence Agency's new building in Virginia. The clean-up of the Potomac River is underway, framed as a "New Age move." The Hubbard School of Scientology in D.C. is highlighted as an unusual school of the mind attracting international students. Plans for a monorail to "Dulles International Airport" are also noted, along with "INTERNATIONAL CROSSROADS BREAKFASTS" and the upcoming World Convention of the Gen Fed of Women's Clubs in Washington in 1960, emphasizing the potential power of these 11 million members.

Saucer Front and Interplanetary Society

The "SAUCER FRONT" reports a "rash of sightings" and numerous contact stories, particularly from "Down under." A mysterious object was sighted over Labrador, and a tragic incident involving an AF plane crew in Western Washington is detailed. The issue mentions the Interplanetary Convention in Des Moines and the growing membership of NICAP, which is advocating for public hearings on UFOs. Senator Hennings and Senator Goldwater are noted for their interest in UFO facts. International UFO research groups in England, Japan, and South Africa are mentioned. The article discusses the difficulty of translating Adamski's "FOOTPRINTS" and reports on a contact in Mexico involving a farmer who visited Venus.

A teacher's perspective suggests that "Saucers are projections from 4-D" and that they are "lures to lift Earth's eyes." This teacher foresees no major war, stating that conflict has moved to the "mental rather than physical plane." The "BRITISH INTERPLANETARY SOCY." has established a branch in Washington with 50 members, and the magazine poses a question to physicists and rocket engineers about why they don't pay more attention to the superior aerodynamics of flying objects. The BIS is noted to have 5000 members globally.

Publishing News and Mailbag

The "PUBLISHING NEWS" section lists several upcoming books and magazines, including "SPIRITUAL THERAPY," "THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES OF SO. AMER.," "YOUTH OPEN THE DOOR," "THE LONDON UFO RESEARCHER," and "THE EVOLUTION OF HUMANITY." The "MAILBAG" features positive feedback from readers, with some expressing enthusiasm for the magazine's content and others wishing for more frequent issues. There is also mention of a "Clearing House For Human Needs IDEA" and reports of newspaper spreads about Adamski.

Special Features and Theories

The issue includes a section on "DELINQUENCY," attributing it to the "LAW OF IMITATION" and mass media influence. It critiques sociologists and psychologists for not addressing this. A personal affirmation is included: "GOD HAS FOR ME A BEAUTIFUL PURPOSE, A PATTERN AND A PLAN. MY JOB IS TO GET MY NEGATIVE AND DOUBTING SELF OUT OF ITS WAY!"

"SKY NEWS" reports China's entry into the Satellite-launching field and discusses the "Inflatoplane." A theory is presented that "LIGHT HAS NO SPEED. LIGHT IS A CONSTANT. PARTICLES TRAVEL THRU IT." The U.S. is planning to capture meteors and use remote-controlled robots to secure chips from Mars and Venus. There is also talk of an "INTERNATIONAL POOLING OF SPACE EFFORT."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a "New Age" perspective, emphasizing spiritual awakening, the interconnectedness of humanity and the cosmos, and the potential for profound transformation. There is a strong focus on UFO phenomena, viewed not just as sightings but as indicators of a larger cosmic plan and potential contact with advanced civilizations. The editorial stance is generally optimistic about humanity's future, despite acknowledging current conflicts and confusions, and encourages readers to "listen in" to the "swift-moving events" of the time. The publication positions itself as a unique source of information, "THE ONLY PUBLICATION OF ITS KIND!"