Topside - Issue 08 - 1962 Winter

Magazine Overview

Title: TOP SIDE
Issue: Number 8
Date: Winter 1962
Publisher: Ottawa Flying Saucer Club
Location: 10 Lotte Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

This issue of 'Top Side' magazine, published by the Ottawa Flying Saucer Club, presents a collection of articles and reports covering philosophical, scientific, and ufological topics. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the club. Permission to copy is granted with due acknowledgment.

Articles

The Five Faces of Man by W.B. Smith

This extensive article delves into a philosophical framework concerning the existence and progression of a 'Being' within the physical universe. Smith outlines five fundamental relationships that govern this existence:

1. Religion: The relationship of a Being to its Creator. The author critiques current religious practices as often being superficial, based on superstition and pageantry, with a lack of genuine understanding of concepts like 'Love Thy God.' He emphasizes that true understanding requires knowing one's heart, soul, and mind.
2. The Hierarchy: The relationship of a Being to other beings not of its kind, particularly those of higher evolution. Smith notes that humanity has limited knowledge of these realms and tends to ignore or suppress any impact from them, often believing themselves to be the pinnacle of creation.
3. Civilization: The relationship of Beings with others of the same kind. While acknowledging that humanity has some understanding of civilization, Smith suggests it is not as advanced as that of ants and bees. He points out that ongoing disagreements about societal structure prevent its ultimate development, and that humanity's restless nature means their ultimate civilization will differ significantly from current forms.
4. Science: The relationship of a Being to the physical world. This is described as a process of observing nature, forming hypotheses, and testing them experimentally. While acknowledging the success of conventional science in building a magnificent concept of the universe, Smith suggests that starting from the Creator's perspective ('from Nothing-At-All') and following logical sequences might offer a simpler and more accurate view.
5. The Physical Vehicle (Tallus): The relationship of the Being to the physical body it occupies. This is presented as an area where understanding is notably absent, with many people failing to recognize that the Being is distinct from the physical vehicle. The article explains that deviations from normal physical states (like sleep or anesthesia) can alter this relationship, and that experiences involving sex, birth, and death involve partial withdrawal or rearrangement of the Being within the vehicle.

Smith concludes that understanding these five relationships is essential for personal evolvement and that while humanity has a limited appreciation of them, observing 'Brothers from Elsewhere' suggests the benefits of a better understanding.

Book Reviews

1. MANY MANSIONS by Gina Cerminara

This review praises Cerminara's book for its casual, logical, and convincing introduction to the concept of reincarnation. The text is described as well-organized and informative, with a free-flowing style. The review highlights the book's comprehensive discussion of Karma, explaining it not just as retribution but as a necessary formative process. It notes that while immediate circumstances can create new situations, the book suggests that accepting reincarnation can provide purpose, resignation to misfortune, humility, gratitude, and inspiration for self-improvement. The review also mentions that Cerminara bases her discussion on the files of Edgar Cayce, an American psychic known for his diagnostic abilities and insights into karmic causes and corrective actions.

2. NO MORE HUNGER by William Dudley Pelley

This review introduces Pelley's book, which proposes a system called "Christian Economics" and a "Christian Commonwealth." The system is presented as a practical and attainable remedy for humanity's problems, distinct from communism, socialism, or capitalism. It involves incorporating a nation's resources and people into a giant Corporation, where each citizen holds a common (voting) share. A guaranteed dividend would ensure a minimal living standard, supplemented by earnings based on individual qualifications. This system aims to prevent gluts and shortages by ensuring purchasing credit matches production. The review notes the similarity of this system to those used by "people from elsewhere," suggesting Pelley may have derived his ideas from such communication. The book is lauded as potentially more impactful for humanity than the works of Marx or the Rothschilds, and is recommended as essential reading.

Sighting Reports

1. Kirk's Ferry, Quebec - February 7, 1962

Reported by Mrs. Margaret Clark, this incident describes an object seen in the northeast, described as a "strange large star" giving off colored light. Observed through binoculars for about fifteen minutes, the object appeared circular with a bright light at the top and shimmering red, green, and bluish lights. It seemed stationary for a time, then appeared to get smaller and vanished. The witness noted the colors did not resemble aircraft flashers.

2. Meadowlands, City View, Ontario - March 4, 1962

Reported by Keith Rodie, this sighting occurred upon entering his laneway. He observed a small object about a hundred yards away, with a shimmery pale yellow halo, approximately a foot in diameter. It appeared against the background of a garage and house. The object climbed slowly at about a 15-degree angle and disappeared behind a house. The night was still and quiet, and the object emitted no sound. The sky was crystal clear. The total duration of the sighting was estimated at 5 to 10 seconds.

Other Content

"Liquid of Life" from TIME, Jan. 26, 1962

This section discusses the possibility of life on Jupiter, based on theories by British Amateur Astronomer Axel Firsoff. Firsoff suggests that while Jupiter's atmosphere is toxic to humans, it may support life due to its abundance of ammonia, which could act as a solvent similar to water on Earth. He posits that "Ammono" chemistry, using ammonia, could produce amino acids necessary for life. Firsoff believes that early Earth life evolved in an ammonia-rich atmosphere before oxygen accumulated, and that Jovian animals might thrive by breathing nitrogen and drinking liquid ammonia, with their digestive processes potentially producing poisonous cyanogen gas.

"On Life" Poem by W.B. Smith

A short, inspirational poem by W.B. Smith, encouraging readers to make the world brighter, lighten burdens, lend a hand, and live a life that makes the world better.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine 'Top Side' consistently explores themes related to the nature of reality, consciousness, and existence beyond conventional understanding. It features philosophical discussions on the self and its place in the universe, often drawing from spiritual or esoteric perspectives. Ufology is a central theme, with reports of sightings and discussions about potential extraterrestrial intelligence and its implications. Book reviews often focus on works that challenge mainstream scientific or societal views, particularly those concerning reincarnation, psychic phenomena, and alternative economic or social systems. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inquisitive, encouraging readers to consider unconventional ideas and to seek deeper understanding of life, the universe, and humanity's place within it, while maintaining a critical yet receptive approach to information.