Issue of August 8, 2005
9 articles in this issue.
A street sign in San Francisco prophesies the future.
The dropping of atomic bombs on Japan is possibly the most terrifying moment in military history. Was it worth it? Consider Operation Downfall - our contingency plan. On paper, it's always so simple. Put a face to those who lived and died and the decision becomes intensely more personal.
A rare look behind the scenes at the Piker Press. A regular contributor who shall remain nameless (JEFF!) sends the senior editor and her main tech guy, who shall also remain anonymous (Josh) on a quest for new design. Along the way, they discover that cool fonts can, apparently, make you stupid.
Once upon a time, the world catered to the smoker. You could smoke anywhere in a restaurant, in any federal and state building, on the subway, and on buses. It was accepted everywhere, and if someone didn't like the smell of cigarette smoke -- well, tough stuff. Want to find the smokers now? Drive around in the wintertime and look at the small cliques of people huddled miserably outside in the elements, collars turned up against the harsh winter wind.
Why is it time to think of romance? Is it the sound of the waves against the cliffs? Is it the caress of the fleece blanket against Augusta's cheek? Is it missing the old familiar face of Moersgard, or can it be -- the thought of something new?
Blackman reveals the depths of evil he carries with him in his heart; evils done to him as well as evils done to others. Despite his boyhood friend's assurances that he doesn't need the burden of that much hate in his life, evil is calling to Blackman, and though the necromancer is dead, the demon who dwelled with Blackman's old master can not be harmed by flames. Caught between the call of darkness and light, to whom will Blackman finally choose to turn? Harper, or the demon that waits in the ruins of the evil sorcerer's home? Part five of five.