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Analog Science Fiction & Fact Magazine
February 1998
This month's issue of Analog features a diverse
editorial by Stanley Schmidt. He starts off by looking at the Mars
Pathfinder Mission, then the relationship of new technology to us (is
e-mail dehumanising?) followed by whether thinking up 'cute' names
like naming a rock on Mars Barnacle Bill detracts or helps the
dissemination of science to the public.
Stories featured in this issue are:
- "Olympus Mons!" by Bud Sparhawk looks at two people
involved in a race down the slopes of the largest volcano in the solar
system, Olympus Mons on Mars.
- "Sex in Space: The Fantasy and the Reality" by
H.G. Stratmann is a fact article that looks at how sex might actually
be like in space. With no first-hand experiences reported (yet?),
Stratmann does some extrapolation based on studies done on animals and
on bed-ridden patients (which simulates some of the effects of a
weightless environment) and concludes that sex and its after-effects
may cause numerous problems for both partners.
- "Mortal Instruments" by Shane Tourtellotte looks at
how one musician, in a struggle to interpret music better, turns to
technology for help. The results are both expected and
unexpected.
- "The Orchard" by Paul Levinson looks at the
exploration of a groove of fruit trees on an alien planet by explorers
who try to decide whether it may have grown naturally or was the
result of intelligent planters. The resolution is somewhat too 'pat'
for my tastes.
- "What's It Like?" by Jerry Oltion is a humorous story
about what happens when technology to transfer your soul (personality)
into another person or animal is used in experiments. It is nicely
told although it's ending resembles the City stories (by
Clifford D. Simak) set on Jupiter.
- "Roll Over Vivaldi" by Stephen L. Burns looks at a
musical trio invited to perform on an alien planet. The results gives
new meaning to the phrase, "music soothes the savage beast."
- "Planet of the Geezers" by John G. Cramer is an
'alternative view' on how we may live longer by undergoing treatments
to extend the life span of cells by using telomerase treatment (to
extend the number of telomeres in genes which determine the number of
times cells may divide).
- "The Tale of the Cat" by Poul Anderson is the typical
'boy wants to escape his boring life by joining a ship' story, except
its set on a faraway world and involves starship travellers and told
in the from of a 'fireside' type story.
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