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Analog Science Fiction & Fact Magazine
May 2002

This month's issue of Analog features an editorial by Stanley Schmidt who worries about a 'deadly fog' that clouds people's thoughts following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The deadly fog is the one that causes people to generalise about other groups of people based on the actions of a few without looking at the facts. Here, he not only looks at 'fog' that is America's reactions to Islam but also the 'fog' clouding the reactions of Muslims to America's actions.

Stories featured in this issue are:

"Splendor's Truth" by Dave Creek. An interesting story set at a time when contact between humans and aliens are not smooth. Into a human system comes an alien ship that needs to make an emergency landing; only the alien ship's captain refuses all attempts at aid. How is a rescue to be made and why is the alien ship so reluctant to be rescued?
"Look Away" by Stephen L. Burns. A fascinating story set in the future where manufactured androids can be 'imprinted' to have certain features and react in certain ways. One android designer is asked to imprint androids as black slaves on a farm in a southern state in the US to fufill a wish. The problem is the designer himself is black and has second thoughts on such a request. Is there a way to do the job to his and the farm owner's satisfaction?
"Sam Boone's Super Fantastic Intragalactic, Ass-Kicking, Body-Slammin', Foot-Stomping, Rasslin' Extravaganza" by Bud Sparhawk. A pretty interesting story in the Sam Boone series about aliens visiting the earth as a tourist attraction. Here, Sam must control two bitterly opposed groups of aliens who want to take part in a professional wrestling match to settle their 'dispute'. How can Sam resolve the conflict? Do the aliens know such matches are stage managed?
"The Job Interview" by Mike Moscoe. A story about an old woman who takes up a job interview. What she discovers is a job teaching a very unusual class of people using a method of teaching that could cause her memories to be transferred. Is she willing to take up such a job offer, especially when she has such wonderful memories of herself and her husband to remember?
"Cabin Fever" by Jerry Oltion. Another story involving the group of Astral Astronauts. After travelling for many years together, they are starting to hate the sight of each other. The solution is unique, given their situation but too much of a good thing may not be so good, especially when an unexpected situation occurs.
"First Impressions" by Shane Tourtellotte. A thoughtful and chilling story about a new medical/criminal procedure that 'overlays' the personalities of violent criminals with those from other people, causing a reduction in the emotional and mental outbursts that cause criminal behaviour. But the procedure faces resistance from politicians who apparently worry about the criminals' welfare but are more interested in pushing their personal agendas (racial discrimination, government interference) about the program. What can the doctor in charge do change their minds and allow the procedure to continue? The uncomfortable answer is revealed at the end.
A Question of Immortality by William Sims Bainbridge, Ph.D. is a Science Fact article that looks at whether immortality can be achieved by technology. Biological methods of immortality (like freezing or preservation of DNA) are not proven to be successful, so another method is proposed: saving or recording your personality (for example, in the form of answers to many questions) so that you can still influence the world via your recorded self. Is this form of immortality enough for people?
"Hot Tip" by Billy Bruce Winkles is a Probability Zero story about a scientist who receives a very interesting and unusual phone call from the future that could affect his work. But is the call 'worth' it to the scientist?
"Lessons from 9/11/01" by Jeffry D. Kooistra is an Alternative View column that looks at the events on that particular day and makes that opinion that, in the end, 'thinking the unthinkable' may be the only way to win the war on terrorism.

[Home Page][Index of Reviews]April 2002][September 2002]

Analog Science Fiction & Fact Magazine May 2002

Analog Science Fiction & Fact Magazine
May 2002