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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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Analog Science Fiction & Fact Magazine February 1998

Analog Science Fiction & Fact Magazine
February 1998