Fiction

The Inventor of the Cowboy Shirt

A few years ago, I found myself lost inside a shopping mall with the man who, in 1946, invented the snap-buttoned cowboy shirt. Jack A. Weil, better known as Jack A, was one hundred and one years old and he was not happy. He was, in fact, highly annoyed. We had wandered into the shirt [...]

What Went Wrong With the Masters Show

I really wanted to like Masters of American Comics. The exhibition, which traveled from 2005 until early 2007, purported to be an in-depth look at fifteen American “masters” of the comics form. A roomful of Kirby pages to look at. Herrimans to immerse yourself in. And, from a non-fannish perspective, the promise of a focused, [...]

Space Case: Star Wars Episode III

Sith. What kind of a word is that? Sith. It sounds to me like the noise that emerges when you block one nostril and blow through the other, but to George Lucas it is a name that trumpets evil. What is proved beyond question by “Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith,” the latest—and, you [...]

I Am a Tree

I am a tree and I am quite lonely. I weep in the rain. For the sake of Allah, listen to what I have to say. Drink down your coffee so your sleep abandons you and your eyes open wide. Stare at me as you would jinns and let me explain to you why I’m [...]

Coyote vs. Acme, Plaintiff’s Opening Statement

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT OF ARIZONA
Tempe, Arizona
Judge Joan Kujava, Presiding
________________________________
WILE E. COYOTE, Plaintiff v
CIVIL ACTION NO. B19294
ACME COMPANY, Defendant
________________________________
OPENING STATEMENT OF HAROLD SCHOFF, COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF
By Mr. Schoff:
My client, Mr. Wile E. Coyote, a resident of Arizona and contiguous states, does hearby bring suit for damages against the Acme Company, manufacturer and retail distributor of assorted [...]

The Long Goodbye

He wasn’t listening. He was frowning at his own thoughts. “There’s a peculiar thing about money,” he went on. “In large quantities it tends to have a life of its own, even a conscience of its own. The power of money becomes very difficult to control. Man has always been a venal animal. The growth [...]

The Glorious Whitewasher

Saturday morning was come, and all the summer world was bright and fresh, and brimming with life. There was a song in every heart; and if the heart was young the music issued at the lips. There was cheer in every face and a spring in every step. The locust trees were in bloom and [...]

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