Category: fiction
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Dispatches: Free and Fair Elections
Back sooner than expected, our roving reporter, Steve Finch, has another story to be filed under “that’s something that would really benefit humanity.” openDemocracy (ASA) SANTA MONICA, CA — The YZ Prize Foundation has announced a second interesting initiative to help the world to move toward stability. Unlike the YZ Prize for Peace, this one…
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Foolishness
DWQ “What a fool?!” thought the old man, seeing a young man coming up the path. He wasn’t looking out at the pond. He seemed to see little more than his feet and the dog that would sometimes wander away from him. “What a fool?!” thought the young man. This grandpa had stopped on the…
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Dispatches: The YZ Prize for Peace
Our roving reporter, Steve Finch, has an interesting story today that he asked us to file under “that’s something that would really benefit humanity.” SANTA MONICA, CA — The YZ Prize Foundation–of no relation to the X Prize Foundation–announced a new reward today which they’ve called simply the Peace YZ Prize. Like all such prizes,…
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Dispatches: A New Way to Fight Recession
In light of recent financial news, Steve Finch files an interesting report that he asked us to file under, “I wonder if that would work.” Chris Phan (flickr) WASHINGTON — The Secratery of the Treasury today announced a interesting plan to combat the economic slowdown that has led many to speculate that the country is…
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My Problem with Fiction
Rparle Everywhere I see people who don’t understand how the world works. This includes, but is hardly limited to, when I’m standing in front of the mirror. To my limited understanding, the world is wonderfully complex place full of wonderfully interesting people doing their absolute best to live the most useful lives they can. And…
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Dispatches: Lying Well
Steve Finch has finally gotten around to filing another report. He asked that this one be filed under: “Is every lie a deception?” HOLLYWOOD — In a town made famous for the lies it tells to both itself and the world, this reporter found something quite expected: a class about lying well. The surprise wasn’t…
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The Myth of the Magic Bullet
I’ve long been seeking one thing–a song, a poem, a quotation, even a book–that once found will magically save all people–save them from their greed, their fear, and their unnecessary antipathy for one another. One day I met my anti-prophet, who told me this: I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t exist, it can’t…
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Dispatches: The Evolution Party
Our roving correspondent Steve Finch has finally gotten back to us with another story. He asked us to file this under “Wouldn’t it be scary if…” Elkhart, Indiana — The rise of the Evolution Party and it’s unconventional platform has left at least a few unsettled and scratching their heads. The leader of the small…
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Banks, Money, etc.
“Hello,” said the piggy bank I’ve had since I was two. He was sitting in a box on the floor. “Yes?” I asked, slightly irritated. “We don’t really see much of each other anymore. I was just wondering why.” “Well, it’s because I don’t need you anymore. I keep my money elsewhere. And besides, you…