The WOODREW Update

Magazine Overview

Title: The WOODREW Update
Issue Date: July/August 1987
Publisher: A S.T.A.R. FOUNDATION publication
Country: U.S.A.
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The WOODREW Update delves into several profound and diverse topics, ranging from the spiritual and the cosmic to the scientific and the socio-political. It features articles on "Space Kids" and their potential role as "Architects of the Future," explores the concept of reincarnation, discusses the growing acceptance of holistic medicine, highlights critical environmental issues, and exposes disturbing details of past U.S. government human radiation experiments.

Architects of the Future: Our Space Kids

The lead article introduces "Space Kids," individuals who feel a connection to two worlds and possess an innate sense of purpose. Channeling a message from an entity named "Tauri," the article suggests these "young ones" are architects of the future, sent from other civilizations to help Earth. They are described as sensitives, often misunderstood and facing ridicule, but are seen as "wonderful" and having "chosen to come." The article shares anecdotes of children exhibiting unusual abilities, such as precognition and psychokinesis (PK), and references a pediatrician's observations of "aware" babies with a "knowingness" beyond their years. The author reflects on whether his own grandson might be one of these children and emphasizes the importance of encouraging their unique gifts.

Reincarnation and the Soul

Expanding on the "Space Kids" theme, the issue discusses the widespread belief in reincarnation across various cultures. It references the research of Dr. Ian Stevenson, who spent decades studying reincarnation-type cases and found the theory of multiple rebirths to be no more illogical than the concept of a single birth and death. The article notes that many "Space Kids" exhibit a certainty of having been here before, which can be challenging for parents to accept. The author expresses empathy for both parents and children, advocating for allowing the child's "stream of consciousness to flourish."

"What About the Peanut?"

This section details a six-month investigation into the properties and shelf-life of peanuts, prompted by a question from "Tauri." The article highlights the peanut's nutritional value, comparing it favorably to beef liver. It recounts how George Washington Carver transformed the peanut into numerous products and his philosophy of learning from nature. The research, conducted with the help of an ex-vice president of Mars Candy Company, confirmed that a powdered form of peanuts has a shelf-life of 12-15 years and a nutrient life of 7 years, information deemed crucial for "S.T.A.R. House's" food storage plan.

The State of the World: Worldwatch Report

This segment reviews the "State of the World 1987" report, published by the Worldwatch Institute, which aims to raise awareness about global environmental issues. The report details the diminishing forest cover, the consequences of land clearing, air pollution, acid deposition, and accelerated soil erosion. It notes that the rate of soil erosion now exceeds new soil formation on a significant portion of the world's croplands. The article also points out the dramatic increase in urbanization, with nearly half the world's population living in cities, posing logistical challenges for resources and waste management. The report also touches on electrifying the Third World, recycling, and sustaining agriculture.

Human Guinea Pigs: Radiation Experiments

Citing Congressman Edward Markey, this article exposes decades of human experiments conducted by the U.S. government, similar to Nazi practices. From 1947 to the early 1970s, hundreds of unsuspecting citizens, including the elderly and helpless, were subjected to experiments to determine the effects of radiation. These included injecting radioactive substances, feeding contaminated foods, exposing testicles to radiation followed by vasectomies, ingesting radioactive strontium, and treating lab assistants with plutonium. The experiments were sponsored by federal agencies and conducted by university scientists.

Holistic Medicine: No Longer Hocus-Pocus

This section highlights the growing acceptance of "alternative" or "holistic" medicine, as reported in Business Week and The Wall Street Journal. Therapies like acupuncture, hypnosis, and biofeedback are gaining credibility, with more doctors backing the evidence. The article notes that patients are increasingly turning to these techniques for various ailments. It also references Norman Cousins and his "healing powers of laughter" and the connection between the mind and body's healing abilities, as described by a UCLA Medical School faculty member.

An On-Going Process: Evolution and Survival

This article frames survival as an ongoing process, using terms like evolution, resistance, selection, and adaptation. It illustrates how bacteria are evolving resistance to antibiotics and insects to pesticides at an accelerating rate. Examples include the rapid development of resistance to newer pesticides like pyrethroids compared to DDT, and bacteria thriving in radioactive waste. The piece suggests that life on Earth will persist as long as the environment is supported by the sun's energy, but the form of life may change significantly.

Fun, Play or Games

This piece contrasts "play" with "games," drawing on the ideas of Professor Lec Buscaglia. True play is described as non-competitive, without winners or losers, and free from stress. The author laments the lack of genuine play in adult lives and emphasizes the need for fun and relaxation, especially in the current era. The article suggests that play offers numerous educational, physical, and psychological benefits, contributing to a fulfilling adult life.

S.T.A.R./UPDATE Playback

This section features feedback from readers of the "Update" newsletter. Comments range from those who feel like part of a "special family" to those who find the content "sophomoric." The editors express gratitude for the support and personal touch that readers appreciate. It also announces the formation of "Mini S.T.A.R. West" in Los Angeles, an ongoing networking group for Updaters and friends.

Our Inner Clock

Written by Lucas McFadden, this article explores the human body's internal biological clock, which is influenced by the Earth's rotation, the moon's orbit, and the Earth's yearly trip around the sun. It explains how these cycles affect human habits, such as meal times and sleep patterns. The article notes that laboratory experiments have shown subjects tend to fall into a 25-hour cycle when isolated from external time cues, highlighting a discrepancy between the body's natural rhythm and the standard 24-hour day.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of consciousness, the future of humanity, and the importance of awareness. The "Space Kids" and reincarnation articles point towards a spiritual or evolutionary progression. The environmental and human experiment pieces underscore a critical stance on humanity's impact on the planet and the ethical responsibilities of governments and institutions. The embrace of holistic medicine and the discussion of evolution suggest a forward-looking perspective that values natural processes and individual well-being. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging personal growth, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of both the inner and outer worlds.