Little Listening Post -1961 07-08 - Vol 08 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol. 8, No. 4
Date: July August 1961
Publisher: The Little Listening Post
Location: Washington, D.C.

This issue of The Little Listening Post presents a capsule of news and commentary on a wide range of contemporary issues, with a particular focus on the burgeoning space age, Cold War anxieties, and unexplained phenomena.

The News in Capsule

The issue opens with a stark declaration: "MODERN MAN IS WRENCHING AT THE DOORS OF HIS PRISON PLANET!!" This sets a tone of urgency and concern. Reports highlight the potential for human survival in space, contrasting with the looming threat of nuclear war. The "H-Bombs" capable of obliterating England and Russia's capacity to "terrify the Earth" are mentioned. Economic pressures are also noted, with the Metropolitan Opera facing closure due to rising costs. Societal issues include children experiencing stress-related ailments and a perceived loss of mystery surrounding sex. A "WORLDWIDE MOVEMENT" towards seeking refuge in subterranean locations is observed, with mentions of hidden factories and power stations. The pervasive fear of an impending "Holocaust" is palpable, with Federal employees receiving advice on shelters. The section concludes with a philosophical reflection on Earth's "final struggle" and the need for humanity to conceive and achieve a "PARADISE STATE."

War Front

This section details upcoming meetings on social responsibility and survival, alongside concerns about civil defense funding. Authorities are quoted as saying that since the H-Bomb, war is essentially obsolete, yet the threat remains. The Sino-Soviet bloc is reported to be ahead in chemical and biological warfare, with speculation about a Russian "death-ray bomb." The potential for "DEATH OF EARTH" through an 800,000-megaton attack is discussed, with the possibility of Russia repopulating the planet. Military strategies are outlined, including orbital satellites to shoot down enemy missiles and the construction of underground command centers. The U.S. military's strength is highlighted, particularly its fleet of Polaris missiles. The psychological aspect of war is also touched upon, suggesting it can overcome inertia.

Sky News

This section focuses on space exploration and related phenomena. A proposal for an "Intl Space Year" is mentioned, along with international efforts to study Man in Space. The possibility of ultra-jet travel to Europe in under an hour is noted. The discovery of "Tektites" found with meteorites is presented as potential "sky-writing." Russian scientists claim to have found evidence of "Life on Mars" through observations of its "canals." A new comet, Comet Wilson, is reported. The intense competition between the U.S. and Russia to reach the Moon is highlighted, with significant financial investment. The presence of numerous satellites in orbit is noted, including mysterious unidentified ones. A Russian Venus-rocket signal is picked up, leading to speculation about Venus beaming a response. A new Russian report suggests Venus's atmosphere is similar to Earth's, aligning with previous statements. Plans for underground lunar bases and U.S. proposals for orbiting metallic "needles" as a TV wave reflector are discussed, raising concerns about obscuring astronomical views and the need for "Space Law."

Nature News

This section addresses environmental and animal welfare issues. England is noted for waking to the "cruelty of fox hunt 'sport'." The U.S. Humane Society is working with international affiliates and the State Department to reduce the slaughter of seals. A new bill aims to protect the "vanishing Golden Eagle" from the impact of "Civilization." The section concludes with a reflection on humanity's belated awakening to the plight of "Fellow Creatures."

Here & Coming

This section covers various social and technological trends. Sidewalk cafes are becoming popular in Washington. Discussions about a new, larger canal across Panama are mentioned. The increasing power of IBM computers and the concept of "Machine vs Super-Machine" are noted. New communication methods using "Coherent Light" are proposed. The U.S. spends heavily on research, with a proposal for a National Science Academy. Russian technical magazines indicate work on a "MIND-AMPLIFIER MACHINE" for mechanical telepathy, raising concerns about direct mental influence. Crime rates are reported to be increasing, and television programming is criticized for its excessive gore. A machine capable of translating Russian to English at high speed is announced. The "Strange Death of FDR" is slated to become a movie, with questions raised about why his face was forbidden sight. The Sphinx is reportedly "talking" with an electronic voice. A "New Age" symbol, a "Tower of Light," is mentioned. The Cuban Consulate is observed to have "portal lights burning." The Grand Canyon faces a threat from a proposed hotel development.

Alarms on Water Supply!!

This article highlights a critical issue of water scarcity. It warns that fresh water is dwindling as the population increases. While desalination of seawater has begun, it is noted as expensive. A new federal law grants the government scrutiny over waterways, but regional action is deemed vital. The piece urges public engagement to prevent the depletion of water resources, emphasizing that while scientific means exist to restore streams, inaction prevails.

Publishing News

This section provides updates on books and publications. "Challenge of the UFOs" by Prof. Maney and Richard Hall is mentioned. Russia has an atlas of the other side of the Moon. A new national newspaper localized to specific needs is coming. A movie based on "Advise & Consent" is noted for its portrayal of Washington. A new magazine, "Occult Gazette," is launched in London. A movie is planned based on "Sodom & Gomorrah." A new saucer magazine in Tokyo, "Brothers," is published in English. Ruppelt's UFO book is reported to be translated into seven languages. Dr. Kissinger's book "Necessity for Choice" suggests the U.S. will become a fortress against Communism. The issue of using outdated armaments and the enemy's use of "SUBTERFUGE" is raised. Scores of newspapers blame Congress for insufficient federal funds for the National Capital. A book on "Fairies" by Marjory Johnson is announced, with "fairy spotters" assisting. Adamski's latest book on his "philosophy of Saucers" is due out.

Saucer Front

This section details a congressional probe into UFO secrecy. The ignorance and "impudence" of the Pentagon's Col. Tacker are criticized. Investigators express surprise at how UFO information has been kept quiet. The urgency of the probe is linked to the "grave danger" of mistaking UFOs for a sneak attack, potentially starting WW3. Russia might falsely claim UFOs as theirs. The intense global interest in Washington's actions is noted. The "SILENCE GROUP" is expected to be flushed out, ending a "worldwide insult." The probe is behind closed doors, and readers are urged to demand OPEN HEARINGS. The Air Force's downgrading of UFOs is questioned, given the Navy's display of UFO pictures on battleships. The attitude of governments is described as more mysterious than the phenomena themselves. George Washington's quote on "concealment" is cited. NICAP faced financial straits but received support. A "Big Space-Age Club" is opening in Chicago. New Zealand's Sci Space Research has multiple groups and numerous sightings. A "Thing" was observed over Queensland for three days, described as a "Venus, bright in daytime," with a newsman obtaining a 'scope photo. The British Royal Navy admitted a green UFO over Majorca was a "complete mystery." Dr. Urey doubts UFOs are extraterrestrial but finds the idea "wonderful." Numerous saucer conventions are held in the U.S. Rumors of landings and near-landings in Russia are circulating. Adamski is now living on the coast and writing, with plans to lecture. A triangular object was sighted over Nashville. Arcata, Calif., reports two ships. The issue of why saucers are here is pondered, with one theory suggesting a defensive mission. Articles on Antarctica-based UFOs and their activity over faultlines are mentioned. The idea that past civilizations perished by the "Bomb" is linked to humanity's current stage. The choice is between "4 D via global death, or 3D via escape into Space."

Old World Beauty is Going

This piece laments the destruction of "Artistic old structures" in favor of "boxlike glass office bldgs" and "machine-stamped bldgs." This trend is seen as a sacrifice of "humanness" to "Speed & Economy." The author notes the loss of fine architecture and questions whether humanity's heritage is being sacrificed to "Ultra-efficiency."

Health Front

This section addresses concerns about physical fitness and the medical industry. U.S. youth are reported to be below European standards in physical fitness due to food additives, sedentary lifestyles, and car dependency. A machine for massaging the heart without surgery is mentioned. The National Health Fed has grown. Concerns are raised about the pollution of drinking water from rivers used for sewage. A new anti-water pollution bill is signed into law. The medical industry is criticized for its focus on profit, with mentions of drug firms and price-fixing. The "bug-free world" is questioned, with "poison" dumped on lands and "sterile death" left in its wake. The AMA's unchanged policies and its dominance by a few are noted, while patients remain unorganized. Doctors are reported to own drug stores, leaving patients at their mercy. "CANCER is 'big business'" with reports of violence against those promoting cures. A practitioner with many cures was driven out, and an MD attempting similar methods was threatened by gangsters. The AMA spokesman's quote about cancer cures being a "disaster to the Medical profession" is highlighted. The issue also mentions the "Drug Trust."

Our Dynamic Picture

This is a brief note about a picture called "Our Dynamic Picture" being sold in New York and displayed in New Age homes.

Mailbag

Letters from readers are included. K.K. from California writes about pursuing ESP and fears of "coastline collapse." H.B. from Arizona praises the publication for its "priceless bit of information." John McCoy from Texas is "still probing ESP." A.W.S. from England describes his "Universal Family." A.L. has moved to Superstition Mountain, Arizona. D.Y.M. from Arizona mentions a "desert survival course" and Mormons' two-year food storage. The publication clarifies it is an independent publication and thanks readers for their support.

The Little Listening Post at Washington, D.C.

This concluding note describes The Little Listening Post as a publication that listens to the "Far-out Front," which is expanding despite scientific opposition. It aims to "telemeter" this "wild, weird Battle with the Unknown."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the rapid advancements and anxieties surrounding the Space Race and the Cold War, the pervasive threat of nuclear annihilation, and the growing interest in UFOs and government secrecy. The publication also expresses concern over societal issues like environmental degradation, public health, and the perceived moral decline. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical observation, questioning official narratives, and highlighting phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific understanding, often with a sense of urgency and a call for greater awareness and action from the public.