THE LITTLE LISTENING POST

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol. 9 No. 4
Date: August-September 1962
Publisher: The Little Listening Post
Location: Washington, D.C.

This issue of The Little Listening Post, dated August-September 1962, presents a collection of news capsules and articles focusing on UFO phenomena, space exploration, health concerns, and geopolitical tensions. The publication adopts a critical stance towards government secrecy and perceived suppression of information, particularly concerning UFOs.

The News in Capsule

Looming Over Our Own Generation

The lead article frames the current era as a challenge of the ages, emphasizing humanity's evolution from conquering man to conquering elements and science, and finally, the conquest of self. It suggests that the greatest challenge is spiritual, and that the current times are the Biblical 'last days.' It notes a growing belief in a 'New Age' and 'New Order,' predicting a return to a 'Paradise State.'

Saucers in Top Circles

This section reports that England's Prince Philip has publicly acknowledged the existence of Flying Saucers, citing evidence and recommending the book 'Flying Saucers Have Landed.' It mentions other high-profile individuals in Europe, such as Lord Mountbatten, Lord Dowding, and General Chassin, who are interested in UFOs. In contrast, the U.S. Air Force is accused of trying to suppress this information, with British editor Waveney Girvan suggesting that Russia might take the lead in revealing the truth about UFOs. The article details a Russian campaign to prepare its citizens for the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, contrasting this with America's perceived closed-door policy.

Sky News

This section covers various space-related news. It mentions a Russian scientist claiming to have discovered breathable oxygen around Venus and the upcoming proximity of America's Marine II probe. Discussions include 'space planes' capable of rapid travel and the U.S. plan to send men to the Moon, highlighting the race between the U.S. and Russia. It also notes the planned launch of six biological observatories in space to search for extraterrestrial life. New radio telescopes are being developed, including an 85-ft one in Northern California and a 150-ft one at Stanford University. A leading designer of space vehicles is reportedly seeking experts from the Esoteric and Borderland Science Research Association.

Here & Coming

This segment touches upon global poverty, with documentaries showing close-ups of conditions in Hong Kong, Cuba, and Brazil. British historian Arnold Toynbee is quoted criticizing advertising as a tool for mass mesmerism and wealth accumulation. England and Canada are proposing to ban cigarette ads due to lung cancer risks. The section also explores potential rejuvenation via tape-recording, with Ukrainian scientists claiming progress on a 'bio-electric amplifier' that transmits skills. New uses for ultra-sonic waves are mentioned, including a device to lull babies to sleep and a method for coagulating dust in factory smoke. A concerning development is the talk of 'Death Satellites' equipped with lasers, capable of killing living cells at a distance.

Nature Notes

This brief section mentions a rare Zebra butterfly and a summer drought in the East, linking it to warnings about weather extremes due to tampering with the planet's protective blanket. It also reports on an infestation of inch-long white ants in the Nile delta, forcing the abandonment of villages, and a self-service flower stall in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the deposit box has consistently contained the exact amount for flowers taken.

Another Challenge to Orthodoxy

A former chief psychiatrist of a prominent U.S. hospital has retired to focus on the Paranormal, categorizing it into 70 fields, including Flying Saucers. He is in high demand for lectures and plans to write numerous books.

Health Front

This section raises alarms about the Thalidomide epidemic, suggesting it will affect the U.S. more severely than reported, and notes women seeking abortions and mercy killings. It criticizes drug profiteering and the rapid introduction of new pills. The report states that 1 in 3 Americans are overweight. Automation is invading the medical profession with electronic diagnosing machines and computers. There are concerns about sinister forces attempting to control the intake of vital foods, potentially restricting access to health foods through prescriptions, threatening the existence of health food stores. The section praises Britain's campaign against cigarette smoking, which links smoking to lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and heart disease.

The Poison-Spray Threat to Humanity

Rachel Carson's series of articles in The New Yorker and her upcoming book, 'SILENT SPRING,' are highlighted for bringing attention to the perils of insecticides. The article points out the massive profits in the pesticide industry, with sales reaching billions and pesticide use doubling in eight years. It notes the significant spending on drugs, doctors, and hospital care to recover from illnesses caused by these sprays. The potential solution lies in 'BIOLOGICAL CONTROL' using beneficial insects, but government bureaus are reportedly pressured by chemical companies to delay research. The writer concludes that the problem is political, not technical.

War

Scientists are reportedly working anonymously on germ warfare, creating deadly super-germs. The spread of Communism is noted, with the 'octopus' reaching over one-third of the world. Rev. Billy Graham is quoted predicting a 'final conflict' before the end of the century. Physicist Dr. Leo Szilard analyzes the Russia-U.S. arms race, giving the world only a 10% chance of survival. A book titled 'World Peace Through World Law' suggests that apathy could lead to the dominance of military thinking and ultimate disaster. A leading Atomic scientist warns that energies are being released that may soon take control, and it is too late to retrace steps.

Definition of the Entire Cosmos in One Word

This brief philosophical note defines the entire cosmos as God's creation, a 'REFINERY.'

Saucer Front

This section details a worldwide 'flap' of Flying Saucer sightings starting in Italy, with reports of encounters with 'two beings 5 ft tall in shining metal armor' and a metallic disc spaceship. In Ireland, an airliner crew reported a 'strange globe-shaped object.' The U.S. NICAP reported a 'very high' number of sightings along the East Coast in June and July, with UFOs appearing closer to the ground. Sightings in Mexico City involved a 'metallic, reflecting' saucer. Australia reported a four-day rash of sightings, including a 'green ball' and a 'silvery-white object.' Argentina had significant activity, with a rancher hospitalized after seeing a grounded craft and 'two strange men,' and later a doctor and his wife saw a saucer. The Argentine government showed interest, with a TV program and newspaper headlines. The article criticizes a 'Silence Curtain' erected around the U.S.A. by censors. Radio WBZ in Boston hosted two large saucer broadcasts. The 9th Annual Spacecraft Convention is announced for Yucca Valley, California. A 'glowing object' disrupted a baseball game in Vancouver, Canada. A 'bright blue light' was observed in the California mountains. A photo released by AP, titled 'FLYING SAUCER?', taken by an X-15 rocket plane, is mentioned. Paris papers reported Joe Walker admitted his job was to watch for UFOs, with French and British press carrying details that were censored in the U.S.

A New UFO Hush-Up

NICAP warns that the Air Force is launching a new program to nullify UFO evidence, discredit NICAP, and bury the UFO problem from public view by the end of 1962. NICAP's offer to meet and evaluate their evidence was rejected. The group plans to publish a 128-page summary of its investigation, which it claims is the 'MOST POWERFUL PROOF of UFO reality & censorship ever revealed,' to be sent to Congress and media outlets, expecting to trigger Congressional fireworks.

Prophecy by Author Trevor James

Trevor James states that the field of Ufology is the beginning of a scientific and philosophical revolution more vast than any in history.

Publishing News

'The Searcher' magazine reprinted an issue of The Little Listening Post. Publisher Ray Palmer is re-publishing classics like Marie Corelli's 'A Romance of Two Worlds.' The section discusses China's potential destiny and mentions Felix Greene's book 'Awakened China.' New books about Africa are noted. Edgar Sievers' book 'Flying Saucers over So. Africa' is being re-published in English. The Bible's status as a 'Best Seller' is compared to Lenin's works, suggesting a shift in societal values. The movie 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' is mentioned, with the star Michael Rennie commenting on the increasing reality of science fiction. Albert Bender's book 'FLYING SAUCERS & THE THREE MEN' is discussed, with speculation about the nature of his experience.

Mailbag

Letters from readers are mentioned, expressing a longing for a 'New Order.' Fred Stone sends a picture of Ayers Rock. D.M. forwards a photo of a 'Monster' found on a Tasmanian beach. P.H. from Connecticut reports on the lethargy in Asia and sends a check. A visitor from Europe notes that LLP is read at an Embassy. Arthur Clarke, a space writer, is mentioned as having met with a serious accident. Tom Comella, an erstwhile UFO researcher, is planning to write again. A Swami from India sent 'Yoga Wisdom for the Sputnik Age.'

Editorial Stance

The Little Listening Post is published every few weeks from Washington, D.C., focusing on minority causes and issues that are gradually forcing their way towards recognition. These include concerns about poisoned food and water, the 'cancer battleground,' and government secrecy, particularly regarding UFOs, which the publication calls the 'greatest news story in 2000 years.' The editorial states that 'Secrecy has become a DISEASE' and urges readers to 'FIGHT IT!!!' and 'KEEP YOURSELF INFORMED!!! DO YOUR PART... Listen in with The Little Listening Post.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive nature of UFO sightings and the alleged cover-up by governmental bodies, particularly the U.S. Air Force. There is a strong undercurrent of distrust towards official narratives and a belief that vital information is being withheld from the public. The magazine champions the pursuit of 'truth' and the exposure of 'secrecy,' framing these as critical for the public's self-governance. The issue also touches upon broader societal anxieties, including the potential for global conflict, health crises, and the impact of technology and advertising. The editorial stance is one of active investigation, critical inquiry, and a call to action for readers to stay informed and resist perceived manipulation and secrecy.