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Defining Decay Down by David Plotz
" Defining Decay Down", David Plotz, 1999. Defining Decay Down If you haven't visited a dentist in the past few years, first of all, that's gross. (Checkups are every six months, and don't pretend you forgot.) Second, be grateful that you have avoided the "intra-oral camera." As the dentist (or assistant) n...
Fight Clubbed by David Plotz
" Fight Clubbed", David Plotz, 1999. Fight Clubbed Fight Club , a movie about a fictional organization of men who strip down and beat each other to pulp, has provoked more than its share of media hand-wringing, particularly diatribes about Hollywood's infatuation with violence and Faludi-esq...
I, Antichrist? by Jeffrey Goldberg
" I, Antichrist?", Jeffrey Goldberg, 1999. I, Antichrist? Early one shiny autumn morning, I got in my car and drove to Lynchburg, Va., in order to find out whether or not I am the Antichrist. You know: the Beast, the Worthless Shepherd, the Little Horn, the Abomination, the linchpin of the Diabolical Trinit...
It's Time To Keelhaul U-Haul! by Jeffrey Goldberg
" It's Time To Keelhaul U-Haul!", Jeffrey Goldberg, 1999. It's Time To Keelhaul U-Haul! Like all superheroes worthy of the title, the Shopping Avenger has an Achilles' heel. In the case of the Shopping Avenger, his Achilles' heel is not animal, vegetable, or mineral but something less tangible. A...
My Father's Estate by Ben Stein
" My Father's Estate", Ben Stein, 1999. My Father's Estate A letter from an ill-mannered former high-school classmate of long ago, one of several like it, which I pass on in paraphrase: "I saw that your father had died," she wrote. "He was always so clever about money. Did he leave you a big estate? Did he ...
"Phone Me in Central Park" by McConnell, James V.
""Phone Me in Central Park"", James V. McConnell, 1956. "Phone Me in Central Park" By JAMES McCONNELL There should be an epitaph for every man, big or little, but a really grand and special one for Loner Charlie. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet Stories Fall 1954. Extensive research ...
...After a Few Words... by Garrett, Randall
"...After a Few Words...", Randall Garrett, 1957. ... After a Few Words ... by Seaton McKettrig Illustrated by Summer [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Analog October 1962. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] This is a science-fict...
...And It Comes Out Here by Del Rey, Lester
"...And It Comes Out Here", Lester Del Rey, 1954. ... and it comes out here By LESTER DEL REY Illustrated by DON SIBLEY [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction February 1951. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was ren...
A Coffin for Jacob by Ludwig, Edward W.
"A Coffin for Jacob", Edward W. Ludwig, 1955. A Coffin for Jacob By EDWARD W. LUDWIG Illustrated by EMSH [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction May 1956. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] With never a ...
A Fall of Glass by Lee, Stanley R.
"A Fall of Glass", Stanley R. Lee, 1965. A FALL OF GLASS By STANLEY R. LEE Illustrated by DILLON [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Magazine October 1960. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] The weatherman was alway...
A Filbert Is a Nut by Raphael, Rick
"A Filbert Is a Nut", Rick Raphael, 1956. Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction November 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. A FILBERT IS A NUT BY RICK RAPHAEL That the gentleman in question was a nut was b...
A Gift from Earth by Banister, Manly
"A Gift from Earth", Manly Banister, 1950. A Gift From Earth By MANLY BANISTER Illustrated by KOSSIN [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction August 1955. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Except for tra...
A Gleeb for Earth by Schafhauser, Charles
"A Gleeb for Earth", Charles Schafhauser, 1958. A Gleeb for Earth By CHARLES SHAFHAUSER Illustrated by EMSH [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction May 1953. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Not to be ...
A Good Year for the Roses? by David Edelstein
"A Good Year for the Roses?", David Edelstein, 1999. A Good Year for the Roses? Early in American Beauty , Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), a weary reporter for a media magazine, masturbates in the shower while informing us in voice-over that we're witnessing the highlight of his day. He peers through tired e...
A Pail of Air by Leiber, Fritz
"A Pail of Air", Fritz Leiber, 1950. A Pail of Air By FRITZ LEIBER Illustrated by ED ALEXANDER [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction December 1951. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] The dark star pass...
A Planet Named Joe by Hunter, Evan
"A Planet Named Joe", Evan Hunter, 1966. A PLANET NAMED JOE By S. A. LOMBINO There were more Joes on Venus than you could shake a ray-gun at. Perhaps there was method in Colonel Walsh's madness—murder-madness—when he ordered Major Polk to scan the planet for a guy named Joe. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was p...
AI: what's the worst that could happen? by Harry Armstrong
"AI: what's the worst that could happen?", Harry Armstrong, 2017. AI: what's the worst that could happen? The Centre for the Future of Intelligence is seeking to investigate the implications of artificial intelligence for humanity, and make sure humans take advantage of the opportunities while dodging the risks. It la...
Accidental Death by Baily, Peter
"Accidental Death", Peter Baily, 1972. ACCIDENTAL DEATH BY PETER BAILY The most dangerous of weapons is the one you don't know is loaded. Illustrated by Schoenherr The wind howled out of the northwest, blind with snow and barbed with ice crystals. All the way up the half-mile precipice it fingered and wrenc...
All Day September by Kuykendall, Roger
"All Day September", Roger Kuykendall, 1965. ALL DAY SEPTEMBER By ROGER KUYKENDALL Illustrated by van Dongen [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction June 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Some men just ...
Ambition by Bade, William L.
"Ambition", William L. Bade, 1966. AMBITION By WILLIAM L. BADE Illustrated by L. WOROMAY [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction October 1951. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] To the men of the future,...
And Then the Town Took Off by Wilson, Richard
"And Then the Town Took Off", Richard Wilson, 1954. And Then the Town Took Off by RICHARD WILSON ACE BOOKS, INC. 23 West 47th Street, New York 36, N.Y. AND THEN THE TOWN TOOK OFF Copyright ©, 1960, by Ace Books, Inc. All Rights Reserved For Felicitas K. Wilson THE SIOUX SPACEMAN Copyright ©, 1960, by Ace Books, ...
Atom Mystery [Young Atom Detective] by Coombs, Charles Ira
"Atom Mystery [Young Atom Detective]", Charles Ira Coombs, 1954. YOUNG READERS Atom Mystery 11 CHAPTER ONE It was only a dream. Eddie Taylor would like to have finished it, but the bar of morning sunlight poking in under the window shade pried his eyes open. The dream fled. Eddie kicked off the sheet, swung his ...
Beach Scene by King, Marshall
"Beach Scene", Marshall King, 1954. BEACH SCENE By MARSHALL KING Illustrated by WOOD [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Magazine October 1960. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] It was a fine day at the beach for...
Big Ancestor by Wallace, F. L. (Floyd L.)
"Big Ancestor", F. L. (Floyd L.) Wallace, 1960. BIG ANCESTOR By F. L. WALLACE Illustrated by EMSH [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction November 1954. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Man's family tr...
Birds of a Feather by Silverberg, Robert
"Birds of a Feather", Robert Silverberg, 1954. Birds of a Feather By ROBERT SILVERBERG Illustrated by WOOD [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Magazine November 1958. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Getting speci...
Bodyguard by Gold, H. L. (Horace Leonard)
"Bodyguard", H. L. (Horace Leonard) Gold, 1955. Bodyguard By CHRISTOPHER GRIMM Illustrated by CAVAT [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction February 1956. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] When overwhel...
Booze You Can Use by James Fallows
"Booze You Can Use", James Fallows, 1999. Booze You Can Use I love beer, but lately I've been wondering: Am I getting full value for my beer dollar? As I've stocked up on microbrews and fancy imports, I've told myself that their taste is deeper, richer, more complicated, more compelling--and therefore worth...
Boys Do Bleed by David Edelstein
"Boys Do Bleed", David Edelstein, 1999. Boys Do Bleed Fight Club is silly stuff, sensationalism that mistakes itself for satire, but it's also a brash and transporting piece of moviemaking, like Raging Bull on acid. The film opens with--literally--a surge of adrenalin, which travels through the bloodstream ...
Bramble Bush by Nourse, Alan Edward
"Bramble Bush", Alan Edward Nourse, 1960. BRAMBLE BUSH BY ALAN E. NOURSE [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, August 1957. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] There was a man in our town, and he was w...
Bread Overhead by Leiber, Fritz
"Bread Overhead", Fritz Leiber, 1951. Bread Overhead By FRITZ LEIBER The Staff of Life suddenly and disconcertingly sprouted wings —and mankind had to eat crow! Illustrated by WOOD AS a blisteringly hot but guaranteed weather-controlled future summer day dawned on the Mississippi Valley, the walking mills of...
Break a Leg by Harmon, Jim
"Break a Leg", Jim Harmon, 1958. BREAK A LEG By JIM HARMON Illustrated by GAUGHAN [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction November 1957. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] The man worth while couldn't be...
Breakaway by Gimble, Stanley
"Breakaway", Stanley Gimble, 1964. Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction December 1955. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. BREAKAWAY BY STANLEY GIMBLE Illustrated by Freas She surely got her wish ... but there...
Brightside Crossing by Nourse, Alan Edward
"Brightside Crossing", Alan Edward Nourse, 1960. Brightside Crossing by Alan E. Nourse JAMES BARON was not pleased to hear that he had had a visitor when he reached the Red Lion that evening. He had no stomach for mysteries, vast or trifling, and there were pressing things to think about at this time. Yet the doo...
Bullet with His Name by Leiber, Fritz
"Bullet with His Name", Fritz Leiber, 1972. Bullet With His Name By FRITZ LEIBER Illustrated By: DILLON [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction July 1958. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Before passin...
Cakewalk to Gloryanna by Stecher, L. J., Jr.
"Cakewalk to Gloryanna", Stecher, L. J., Jr., 1953. CAKEWALK TO GLORYANNA BY L. J. STECHER, JR. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of Tomorrow June 1963 Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] The job was easy. The profit ...
Call Him Nemesis by Westlake, Donald E.
"Call Him Nemesis", Donald E. Westlake, 1970. CALL HIM NEMESIS By DONALD E. WESTLAKE Criminals, beware; the Scorpion is on your trail! Hoodlums fear his fury—and, for that matter, so do the cops! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, September 1961. Extensive resear...
Captain Chaos by Morrissey, D. Allen
"Captain Chaos", D. Allen Morrissey, 1970. CAPTAIN CHAOS By D. ALLEN MORRISSEY Science equipped David Corbin with borrowed time; sent him winging out in a state of suspension to future centuries ... to a dark blue world whose only defense was to seal tight the prying minds of foolish interlopers. [Transcriber's ...
Captain Chaos by Bond, Nelson S.
"Captain Chaos", Nelson S. Bond, 1957. CAPTAIN CHAOS By NELSON S. BOND The Callisto-bound Leo needed a cook. What it got was a piping-voiced Jonah who jinxed it straight into Chaos. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet Stories Summer 1942. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence ...
Castaways of Eros by Bond, Nelson S.
"Castaways of Eros", Nelson S. Bond, 1957. Castaways of Eros By NELSON S. BOND Two families fought for the title to Eros, and only one could win. One had to outsmart the other—and both had to win over the unscrupulous United Ores Corporation. It was a problem worthy of a Solomon—and it had an ending even tho...
Charity Case by Harmon, Jim
"Charity Case", Jim Harmon, 1972. Charity Case By JIM HARMON Illustrated by DICK FRANCIS [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction December 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Certainly I see things t...
Cinderella Story by Lang, Allen Kim
"Cinderella Story", Allen Kim Lang, 1958. CINDERELLA STORY By ALLEN KIM LANG What a bank! The First Vice-President was a cool cat—the elevator and the money operators all wore earmuffs—was just as phony as a three-dollar bill! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, May ...
Circus by Nourse, Alan Edward
"Circus", Alan Edward Nourse, 1960. Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from The Counterfeit Man More Science Fiction Stories by Alan E. Nourse published in 1963. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and typographical errors ...
Coming of the Gods by Whitehorn, Chester
"Coming of the Gods", Chester Whitehorn, 1960. COMING OF THE GODS By CHESTER WHITEHORN Never had Mars seen such men as these, for they came from black space, carrying weird weapons—to fight for a race of which they had never heard. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet Stories Summer 1945. ...
Complexity and Humanity by Yochai Benkler
"Complexity and Humanity", Yochai Benkler, None. COMPLEXITY AND HUMANITY We have all seen the images. Volunteers pitching in. People working day and night; coming up with the most ingenious, improvised solutions to everything from food and shelter to communications and security. Working together; patching up the fa...
Conditionally Human by Miller, Walter M.
"Conditionally Human", Walter M. Miller, 1960. Conditionally Human By WALTER M. MILLER, JR. Illustrated by DAVID STONE [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction February 1952. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was rene...
Confidence Game by Harmon, Jim
"Confidence Game", Jim Harmon, 1972. Confidence Game By JIM HARMON Illustrated by EPSTEIN [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction June 1957. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] I admit it: I didn't know i...
Conspiracy on Callisto by Pohl, Frederik
"Conspiracy on Callisto", Frederik Pohl, 1966. Conspiracy on Callisto By JAMES MacCREIGH Revolt was flaring on Callisto, and Peter Duane held the secret that would make the uprising a success or failure. Yet he could make no move, could favor no side—his memory was gone—he didn't know for whom he fought. [T...
Cosmic Yo-Yo by Rocklynne, Ross
"Cosmic Yo-Yo", Ross Rocklynne, 1950. COSMIC YO-YO By ROSS ROCKLYNNE "Want an asteroid in your backyard? We supply cheap. Trouble also handled without charge." Interplanetary Hauling Company. (ADVT.) [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet Stories Summer 1945. Extensive research did not unc...
Counterweight by Sohl, Jerry
"Counterweight", Jerry Sohl, 1958. COUNTERWEIGHT By JERRY SOHL Every town has crime—but especially a town that is traveling from star to star! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, November 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright...
Cultural Exchange by Laumer, Keith
"Cultural Exchange", Keith Laumer, 1959. CULTURAL EXCHANGE BY KEITH LAUMER It was a simple student exchange—but Retief gave them more of an education than they expected! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, September 1962. Extensive research did not uncover any evi...
Dangerous Quarry by Harmon, Jim
"Dangerous Quarry", Jim Harmon, 1972. DANGEROUS QUARRY BY JIM HARMON One little village couldn't have a monopoly on all the bad breaks in the world. They did, though! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, March 1962. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence t...
Dark Side Lite by David Edelstein
"Dark Side Lite", David Edelstein, 1999. Dark Side Lite Those poor souls who've been camping out in front of theaters for six weeks: Who can blame them for saying, "To hell with the critics, we know it will be great!"? The doors will open, and they'll race to grab the best seats and feel a surge of triumph ...
Diamonds in the Rough by John Pastier
"Diamonds in the Rough", John Pastier, 1996. Diamonds in the Rough Fourscore and seven years ago, the first steel and concrete baseball palace opened for business. Philadelphia's Shibe Park, home to the Athletics and later the Phillies, was one of 13 urban ballparks built in the seven-year period now regard...
Dirty Laundry by David Edelstein
"Dirty Laundry", David Edelstein, 1998. Dirty Laundry Now and then, a documentary film comes along that makes us re-examine the rules that unofficially govern the genre: Can there be a middle ground between fiction and fact? Can a documentary use scripted scenes and yet remain ontologically authentic? How m...
Disturbing Sun by Richardson, Robert S. (Robert Shirley)
"Disturbing Sun", Robert S. (Robert Shirley) Richardson, 1964. DISTURBING SUN By PHILIP LATHAM Illustrated by Freas [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction May 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] This, be...
Divided we stand by Tim Maughan
"Divided we stand", Tim Maughan, 2017. Divided we stand Sara lets the Lyft park itself in the drive, lets out a sigh, and tweets wish me luck plus some emojis before slipping her phone into a hoody pocket. Curtains twitch, and before she can get her bag out of the back Mom is there, right there next to her, their hand...
Doctor Universe by Jacobi, Carl
"Doctor Universe", Carl Jacobi, 1950. Doctor Universe By CARL JACOBI Grannie Annie, who wrote science fiction under the nom de plume of Annabella C. Flowers, had stumbled onto a murderous plot more hair-raising than any she had ever concocted. And the danger from the villain of the piece didn't worry her—I w...
Dole vs. the Times by Jacob Weisberg
"Dole vs. the Times", Jacob Weisberg, 1996. Dole vs. the Times For several weeks now, pundits have debated how Bob Dole would exit the stage. Would he depart on a negative note about his opponent or a positive one about himself? Would he leave with anger or with humor? In the past several days, the issue has been sett...
Doorway to Kal-Jmar by Knight, Damon
"Doorway to Kal-Jmar", Damon Knight, 1970. Doorway to Kal-Jmar By Stuart Fleming Two men had died before Syme Rector's guns to give him the key to the ancient city of Kal-Jmar—a city of untold wealth, and of robots that made desires instant commands. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet ...
Double Trouble by Jacobi, Carl
"Double Trouble", Carl Jacobi, 1970. DOUBLE TROUBLE by CARL JACOBI Grannie Annie, that waspish science-fiction writer, was in a jam again. What with red-spot fever, talking cockatoos and flagpole trees, I was running in circles—especially since Grannie became twins every now and then. [Transcriber's Note: T...
Double-Cross by Pohl, Frederik
"Double-Cross", Frederik Pohl, 1966. DOUBLECROSS by JAMES Mac CREIGH Revolt was brewing on Venus, led by the descendant of the first Earthmen to land. Svan was the leader making the final plans—plotting them a bit too well. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet Stories Winter 1944. Exte...
Down to the Worlds of Men by Panshin, Alexei
"Down to the Worlds of Men", Alexei Panshin, 1961. DOWN TO THE WORLDS OF MEN BY ALEXEI PANSHIN The ancient rule was sink or swim—swim in the miasma of a planet without spaceflight, or sink to utter destruction! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, July 1963. Extens...
Dust Unto Dust by Hinckley, Lyman D.
"Dust Unto Dust", Lyman D. Hinckley, 1964. DUST UNTO DUST By LYMAN D. HINCKLEY It was alien but was it dead, this towering, sinister city of metal that glittered malignantly before the cautious advance of three awed space-scouters. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet Stories Summer 1955. ...
Edward W. Said by A.O. Scott
"Edward W. Said", A.O. Scott, 1999. Edward W. Said The game of biographical "gotcha" is a perennially popular form of ideological blood sport. The goal is to find an incriminating datum that will leave a permanent stain on the target's reputation, make his defenders look like craven apologists, and give the...
Eleven-Twelfths of 1999 In Review by Timothy Noah
"Eleven-Twelfths of 1999 In Review", Timothy Noah, 1999. Eleven-Twelfths of 1999 In Review When Chatterbox invited readers to nominate events, significant deaths, good and bad movies, etc., for 1999--a year likely to get little attention in the coming weeks, as news organizations choose instead to review th...
End as a Hero by Laumer, Keith
"End as a Hero", Keith Laumer, 1966. END AS A HERO By KEITH LAUMER Illustrated by SCHELLING [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction June 1963. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Granthan's mission was th...
Exile by Fyfe, H. B. (Horace Bowne)
"Exile", H. B. (Horace Bowne) Fyfe, 1958. [101] EXILE BY H. B. FYFE ILLUSTRATED BY EMSH The Dome of Eyes made it almost impossible for Terrans to reach the world of Tepokt. For those who did land there, there was no returning—only the bitterness of respect—and justice! The Tepoktan student, whose blue robe i...
Face value by Rhodri Marsden
"Face value", Rhodri Marsden, 2017. Face value When the BBC broadcast the recent documentary by Louis Theroux that looked back at the time he spent in the company of Jimmy Savile, there was disbelief across social media that no one had stepped in to stop Savile from committing his crimes. Some blamed the BBC, some bla...
February Strawberries by Harmon, Jim
"February Strawberries", Jim Harmon, 1972. FEBRUARY STRAWBERRIES By JIM HARMON How much is the impossible worth? [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, March 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Li...
Folie ? by Jim Holt
"Folie ?", Jim Holt, 1998. Folie ࠎ People with high IQs tend to be nearsighted. This is not because they read a lot or stare at computer screens too much. That common-sense hypothesis has been discredited by research. Rather, it is a matter of genetics. The same genes that tend to elevate IQ also tend to af...
Going off track by Christopher Beanland
"Going off track", Christopher Beanland, 2016. Going off track Birmingham's airport isn't like other airports. Right at the north-western end of runway 15 there's a country park and a row of benches. You'll see families picnicking here, enjoying the subsonic spectacle of planes from Brussels, Bucharest and Barcelona r...
Goings On About Town by Jim Holt
"Goings On About Town", Jim Holt, 1998. Goings On About Town One of the funniest moments in Brendan Gill's 1975 memoir, Here at "The New Yorker ," comes during a luncheon at the now vanished Ritz in Manhattan. At the table are Gill; William Shawn, then editor of The New Yorker ; and the reclusive English wr...
Gourmet by Lang, Allen Kim
"Gourmet", Allen Kim Lang, 1968. GOURMET By ALLEN KIM LANG [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Magazine April 1962. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] This was the endless problem of all spaceship cooks: He had to fe...
Grand Finale by David Edelstein
"Grand Finale", David Edelstein, 2000. Grand Finale Mike Leigh's Topsy-Turvy broadly recounts the creation of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera The Mikado at London's Savoy Theatre in 1885. Perhaps "broadly" is putting too fine a point on it. The first hour, in which Arthur...
Grandma Perkins and the Space Pirates by McConnell, James V.
"Grandma Perkins and the Space Pirates", James V. McConnell, 1965. GRANDMA PERKINS AND THE SPACE PIRATES By JAMES McCONNELL Raven-haired, seductive Darling Toujours' smoke-and-flame eyes kindled sparks in hearts all over the universe. But it took sweet old Grandma Perkins, of the pirate ship Dirty Shame, to se...
Grifters' Asteroid by Gold, H. L. (Horace Leonard)
"Grifters' Asteroid", H. L. (Horace Leonard) Gold, 1966. GRIFTERS' ASTEROID By H. L. GOLD Harvey and Joe were the slickest con-men ever to gyp a space-lane sucker. Or so they thought! Angus Johnson knew differently. He charged them five buckos for a glass of water—and got it! [Transcriber's Note: This etext w...
Gun for Hire by Reynolds, Mack
"Gun for Hire", Mack Reynolds, 1952. Illustrated by van Dongen A gun is an interesting weapon; it can be hired, of course, and naturally doesn't care who hires it. Something much the same can be said of the gunman, too.... GUN FOR HIRE By MACK REYNOLDS Joe Prantera called softly, "Al." The pleasurable, comforta...
Hagerty's Enzymes by Haley, A. L.
"Hagerty's Enzymes", A. L. Haley, 1966. HAGERTY'S ENZYMES By A. L. HALEY There's a place for every man and a man for every place, but on robot-harried Mars the situation was just a little different. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet Stories Spring 1955. Extensive research did not uncover...
Homecoming by Hidalgo, Miguel
"Homecoming", Miguel Hidalgo, 1958. HOMECOMING BY MIGUEL HIDALGO What lasts forever? Does love? Does death?... Nothing lasts forever.... Not even forever [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, April 1958. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. c...
Houlihan's Equation by Sheldon, Walter J.
"Houlihan's Equation", Walter J. Sheldon, 1956. Every writer must seek his own Flowery Kingdom in imagination's wide demesne, and if that search can begin and end on Earth his problem has been greatly simplified. In post-war Japan Walt Sheldon has found not only serenity, but complete freedom to write undisturbed a...
How to Make Friends by Harmon, Jim
"How to Make Friends", Jim Harmon, 1972. HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS By JIM HARMON Illustrated by WEST [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Magazine October 1962. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Every lonely man tries to ...
Human Clones: Why Not? by Nathan Myhrvold
"Human Clones: Why Not?", Nathan Myhrvold, 1997. Human Clones: Why Not? If you can clone a sheep, you can almost certainly clone a human being. Some of the most powerful people in the world have felt compelled to act against this threat. President Clinton swiftly imposed a ban on federal funding for human-c...
Hunt the Hunter by Neville, Kris
"Hunt the Hunter", Kris Neville, 1952. HUNT the HUNTER BY KRIS NEVILLE Illustrated by ELIZABETH MacINTYRE [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction June 1951. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Of course u...
I Am a Nucleus by Barr, Stephen
"I Am a Nucleus", Stephen Barr, 1958. I am a Nucleus By STEPHEN BARR Illustrated by GAUGHAN [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction February 1957. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] No doubt whatever abo...
I Have Seen the Future of Europe by Gregg Easterbrook
"I Have Seen the Future of Europe", Gregg Easterbrook, 1997. I Have Seen the Future of Europe The Eurocrats were thinking ahead when they made Brussels the "Capital of Europe," headquarters of the emerging European Union. Though practically unknown in the United States, the union is one of Europe's biggest ...
I'm a Stranger Here Myself by Reynolds, Mack
"I'm a Stranger Here Myself", Mack Reynolds, 1950. One can't be too cautious about the people one meets in Tangier. They're all weirdies of one kind or another. Me? Oh, I'm A Stranger Here Myself By MACK REYNOLDS The Place de France is the town's hub. It marks the end of Boulevard Pasteur, the main d...
Image of Splendor by Kella, Lu
"Image of Splendor", Lu Kella, 1964. IMAGE OF SPLENDOR By LU KELLA From Venus to Earth, and all the way between, it was a hell of a world for men ... and Apprentice Burnerman O'Rielly particularly. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet Stories Summer 1955. Extensive research did not uncover ...
In Case of Fire by Garrett, Randall
"In Case of Fire", Randall Garrett, 1957. IN CASE OF FIRE By RANDALL GARRETT There are times when a broken tool is better than a sound one, or a twisted personality more useful than a whole one. For instance, a whole beer bottle isn't half the weapon that half a beer bottle is ... Illustrated by Martinez In his o...
In the Garden by Lafferty, R. A.
"In the Garden", R. A. Lafferty, 1958. IT WAS A DULL, ROUTINE LITTLE WORLD. IT DIDN'T EVEN HAVE A CITY. EVERYTHING IT HAD WAS IN THE GARDEN BY R. A. LAFFERTY [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, March 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U....
Innocent at Large by Anderson, Poul; Anderson, Karen
"Innocent at Large", Anderson, Poul; Anderson, Karen, 1954. INNOCENT AT LARGE By POUL AND KAREN ANDERSON Illustrated by WOOD [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction July 1958. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was re...
Is gambling Hollywood or tobacco? by David Plotz
"Is gambling Hollywood or tobacco?", David Plotz, 1998. Is <A NAME= Gambling's would-be federal regulators--the National Gambling Impact Study Commission--went to Las Vegas this week to hold hearings. In today's dispatch, we learn how gambling's foes seek to demonize wagering as a pernicious tobaccolike ...
Jamieson by Doede, William R.
"Jamieson", William R. Doede, 1958. JAMIESON By BILL DOEDE Illustrated by GRAY [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Magazine December 1960. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] A Konv cylinder was the key to space—but ...
Jaywalker by Rocklynne, Ross
"Jaywalker", Ross Rocklynne, 1950. JAYWALKER BY ROSS ROCKLYNNE Illustrated by DON DIBLEY [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction December 1950. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Women may be against pro...
Jinx Ship to the Rescue by Coppel, Alfred
"Jinx Ship to the Rescue", Alfred Coppel, 1962. Jinx Ship To The Rescue By ALFRED COPPEL, JR. Stand by for T.R.S. Aphrodite , butt of the Space Navy. She's got something terrific in her guts and only her ice-cold lady engineer can coax it out of her! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet St...
Judas Ram by Merwin, Sam
"Judas Ram", Sam Merwin, 1953. JUDAS RAM BY SAM MERWIN, Jr. Illustrated by JAMES VINCENT [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction December 1950. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] The house was furnished ...
Junior Achievement by Lee, William M.
"Junior Achievement", William M. Lee, 1972. Fallout is, of course, always disastrous— one way or another JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT BY WILLIAM LEE ILLUSTRATED BY SCHOENHERR "What would you think," I asked Marjorie over supper, "if I should undertake to lead a junior achievement group this summer?" She pondered it whil...
Jupiter's Joke by Haley, A. L.
"Jupiter's Joke", A. L. Haley, 1964. JUPITER'S JOKE By A. L. HALEY Casey Ritter, the guy who never turned down a dare, breathed a prayer to the gods of idiots and spacemen, and headed in toward the great red spot of terrible Jupiter. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet Stories Fall 1954. ...
Just another free soul by Joi Ito
"Just another free soul", Joi Ito, None. Just another free soul In his foreword to the book, Lessig writes that you understand your subjects “by learning to see them in a certain way.” What is that certain way? I think I’m trying to get a mental image of a person, certain expressions, or what I think that person is a...
Juvenile Delinquent by Ludwig, Edward W.
"Juvenile Delinquent", Edward W. Ludwig, 1955. juvenile delinquent BY EDWARD W. LUDWIG When everything is either restricted, confidential or top-secret, a Reader is a very bad security risk. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, October 1955. Extensive research did not...
Kick Me by Eliza Truitt
"Kick Me", Eliza Truitt, 1999. Kick Me Not long ago, out of curiosity, I picked up some exercise videos by Billy Blanks, the king of Tae-Bo. What a flop. The sets were cheesy, the music was awful 1980s synth-pop, and despite their martial-arts pretensions, the routines felt more like aerobics in disguise th...