UFO Universe

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Universe, dated September 17, 1971, contains a mix of academic commentary, speculative theories on UFO sightings, mythological connections, and a product advertisement.

Academic Commentary

John McCarthy, from the Computer Science Department at Stanford University, contributes a brief commentary on higher education. He expresses concern about the future of professorships, predicting that in computer science, the next decade will yield highly qualified Ph.D. graduates. He worries that if these new graduates cannot secure tenure-track positions, the field may suffer due to a lack of fresh talent.

Flying Saucer Sightings

D. I. Warren, in a letter referencing a previous article (6 Nov., p. 599), presents a humorous theory about the observation of flying saucers. He suggests that the reason many people report seeing UFOs is that they went outside because their horses were disturbed. According to Warren's theory, it is actually the horses that first sight the UFOs, and their distress prompts humans to look up. He further speculates that horses, when used for primitive tasks like supplying motive power, may suffer from a 'status frustration syndrome,' making his theory about their UFO detection seem valid to him.

Sirens' Songs

Mario C. Rattazzi writes in response to an article by Payne and McVay about humpback whale songs (13 Aug., p. 585). Rattazzi suggests that the mythological Sirens, known for their enchanting songs, might be among the species that should be considered when studying whale vocalizations. He quotes descriptions of the Sirens' songs as 'clear' by Circe and their voice as 'sweet as a honeycomb' by Ulysses, comparing these to Payne and McVay's description of whale sounds as 'beautiful and varied.' Rattazzi laments that Ulysses did not record the Sirens' songs, as it would have been interesting to compare them to modern recordings of whale songs. He notes that Ulysses' hands were likely tied at the time, preventing him from making a recording.

Advertisement

The issue includes a prominent advertisement for Lab Products, Inc., a company specializing in lab animal care equipment. The ad promotes their new clear disposable mouse cages, highlighting features such as nesting, stacking posts, and the option of being pre-packed with 'ab-sorb-dri' bedding. The company claims these cages save time, labor, storage space, and shipping costs, offering savings of 50% or more compared to other disposable cages. The cages are made of clear polystyrene and have molded flanges for suspension racks. The ad encourages readers to write or call for a catalog and provides contact information for Lab Products, Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to cover a range of topics related to unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, and also touches upon academic and mythological subjects. The editorial stance seems open to speculative theories, as evidenced by the inclusion of Warren's humorous UFO theory and Rattazzi's creative connection between mythology and marine biology. The inclusion of an advertisement for lab equipment suggests a practical or scientific interest alongside the more speculative content.