"The Flea Market" by Craig Zimmerman

The other day, I was  driving through Federal Way when I noticed that the old Flea Market was gone. 

I don't even remember the official name of the auction-thrift-knick-knack store, to my boyhood amusement it was always called  "The Flea Market."

Most of the flea market was composed of  booths where vendors sold a variety of items. I just loved looking through forgotten corners where I could find old books and magazines and maybe a Wheat penny, a Buffalo nickel, or a Mercury dime for my coin collection.

Over the years, The Flea Market lost some of it's charm and became more of an antique store. Eventually, even that was gone.

I have noticed that it is just about impossible now to find places like the  flea market. Everything has become more commercialized and there is little room left for kind strangers who are willing to give a young boy a good deal on an old Wheat penny.

"Prison at the End of Time" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

In 1977, Jerry was convicted of murder and was given life in prison without parole. Unlike a lot of his fellow inmates. Jerry freely admitted his guilt. It was a drug deal gone bad and two people ended up dead.

Sometime in the mid 1980s, Jerry was approached about volunteering for some kind of experiment. For several months he was injected with a substance. He never did find out what it was.

After the experiment was over, Jerry didn't feel any different and he once again settled back into the routine of prison life.

Years  went past , guards and administrators grew old and retired, but Jerry remained as he was. At 55 years old, looked and felt like   the 32 year old he had been  when the experiment ended.

The prison doctors examined him over and over. but had no explanation. Apparently, there were no records anywhere of the experiment that Jerry had volunteered for in the 1980s.

More years past, guards and administrators retired. His latest lawyer tried to get Jerry released on the fact that he had served over 60 years of his sentence, but he was denied release.

In the year, 2050, scientists found a way to end crime by some type of new behavioral modification and the prison began to empty.The scientists tried the behavior modification on Jerry and released him.

The world of 2050 was confusing and bizarre. Jerry committed some minor vandalism and they put him back in the pen. Eventually, Jerry was the only prisoner left in the penitentiary. He suspected that law enforcement authorities didn't quite know what to do with him.

In the year, 2108, Jerry was moved to a new prison built just for him. Other then him, there were no other humans in the prison. Mechanical guards and workers did everything.

Centuries past, Jerry no longer saw any humans. It occurred to him that something may have happened, but he didn't care that much he was content.

A thousand years went by, the prison was no longer functional and Jerry  walked out into the world. He could find no people or any indication as to what happened to them. 

Not knowing what else to do, Jerry went back to his old prison and started to grow his own food. A 100 thousand years past, something was wrong with the sun. Even if Jerry could have diagnosed the coming Supernova, there was nothing he could do about it.

The sun exploded a few months later destroying Earth and the rest of the solar system. Jerry's sentence was over.

Book Review- "!984" by George Orwell

In my opinion, "1984" by George Orwell is in my opinion, one of the most influential and prophetic novels of the 20th century.

Orwell's vision of the future has an all-powerful government controlling every aspect of life. Any opposition to "Big Brother's" rule is crushed.

Orwell's hero of the story is middle-aged Winston Smith who spends his working days altering  media to conform to the latest party line.

Smith fantasizes of rebellion  against Big Brother and for a time actively engages in it, but in the end,  Smith is manipulated as easily as the past is changed by the state.

Nearly seventy years after Orwell wrote 1984, technology and human nature are making his vision become reality before our eyes.

The government now has the ability to track ordinary people through a variety of methods.

Enemies can be eliminated by remote control machines.

In the world of  1984, Big Brother proclaimed "Freedom Is Slavery." Today, freedom is increasingly becoming an illusion.

The Skating Rink by Craig Zimmerman

When I was growing up in Federal Way, there was a group of downtown buildings called "European Square." As the photo shows, all of the buildings were fashioned after old world style architecture.

A skating rink was located in the building with the clock tower. On Fridays and sometimes other nights , me and a couple of friends would go around and around the oval to the latest 1970s hits.

There was something magical about that brief time that I have not known since. All these years later, I still think about the first time that I skated around the rink with a girl, holding hands.

 Some time ago,the skating rink with all it's magic was replaced by a big box store.

The Stepford Wives Conundrum.

I recently watched a film from the 1970s titled "The Stepford Wives." For those who don't know, The Stepford Wives concerns a group of men in a small New England village who decide to replace their human wives with life-like robot replicas. 

Very soon, new technology will enable the creation of robotic human "companions." The question is: will humans eventually prefer the company of machines over fellow people?  

Book Review- "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson is a fascinating history of late 19th century Chicago as told through the lives of two very different men.

Architect Daniel Burnham was the mastermind behind the highly successful 1893 Worlds Fair while Herman Webster Mudgett AKA H. H. Holmes was one of the worst serial killers in U.S. History.

At the same time as Mr. Burnham was constructing architectural wonders, Mr. Holmes was buiding his monstrous "Castle" in the Chicago suburb of Englewood.  Holmes designed the building to enable him to commit mass murder and dispose of the bodies.

The Devil in the White City is a well-written exploration of the light and very dark forces that have created modern America.

Book Review- "The House Next Door" by Anne Rivers Siddons

"The House Next Door" by Anne Rivers Siddons is a genuinely scary novel of a new house that destroys its' occupants.

Everyone loves the new neighborhood house designed and constructed by a talented young architect, but then tragedy begins to strike everyone that lives in the house.

The first victims are a young couple whose lives are ruined by the house, but they are not the last.

Ms. Siddons is a terrific writer who carefully develops characters and builds suspense. "The House Next Door" is an entertaining  read even for those like myself who do not especially like  the horror genre.

"The Candidate" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

In 2040 Tom Mix ( Tom chose the name himself because he liked old Westerns) became a US Citizen. In 2050, Tom was running for president of the U.S.

The news media had a field day with the story. Some thought it was a joke or a stunt, but Tom was completely serious. Others of his kind had already won low-level offices across the country, so Tom decided there was a chance that he could make it to the top.

Tom ran on a platform of equal rights for all Americans. At first the crowds were small, but eventually people warmed to his message. Tom was so proud to see those of his kind standing next to the humans when he made a speech.

Election day was tough. His opponent had great support among those who wanted to strip basic rights from Tom's people, but before the night was over Tom found out that he had become the first robot president of the United States.

Book Review- "All Over But The Shoutin'" by Rick Bragg

"All Over but the Shoutin' "  is the story of journalist Rick Bragg's  southern family roots. Rick Bragg was born in northeastern Alabama in 1959. His father was a violent drunk who eventually abandoned the family leaving his mother Margaret to raise three young boys alone.

Margaret Bragg worked hard at several different jobs including picking cotton to provide for her children. All Over but the Shoutin' is a loving tribute to a generation of ordinary but heroic people and a way of life that is almost gone.

Book Review- "The Castaway" by Arthur Roth.

The Castaway by Arthur Roth is an exciting but sometimes very grim novel of a young shipwreck survivor in the early  19th century.

After a family dispute, Daniel Ross signs up as a sailor on a ship that hunts seals ( a once common practice). After Daniel's ship hits an ice berg and sinks several of the survivors drift for weeks in a life boat slowly dying from hunger and thirst.

Eventually, only Daniel and another sailor remain alive. The two drift hopelessly until they spot a tiny island. Only Daniel survives as the lifeboat crashes on the shore of the island.

Daniel discovers that the island is mostly barren, although he is able to obtain a food source from seals that visit the island. Daniel uses his ingenuity to survive on the island for five long years until a ship rescues him.

I very much enjoyed reading "The Castaway"  but because of several graphic descriptions of killing animals and at least one murder the book may not be appropriate for young children.

"Fish Story" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

A lot of the guys on the dock had stories about champion fish they had caught in the past, but Riley was the worst of the bunch. According to him, he had caught fish all over the world and on other planets too.

One of Riley's favorite stories was catching giant Catfish on Venus. All the guys got a good laugh at that one. One Saturday at the dock I wasn't having any luck and Riley starts in with his Venus Catfish story and I guess I got a little angry and dared him to take me with him on his next fishing trip to Venus.

I was surprised as hell when Riley agreed to take me. I figured he was setting me up for a practical joke so I played along until I could make my move. We agreed to meet at his house next Saturday and I was there bright and early.

Riley took me to his garage. There was a big, complicated machine in there. Riley called the machine a time-space displacement device or something like that. He said that he could transport himself almost anywhere in the solar system with reasonable accuracy.

Of course, some planets were too cold or poisonous to travel to, but he found that Venus is actually pretty nice.

I stand where Riley tells me and for a few seconds there is nothing but blackness. Suddenly there is a bright light and I am in this place I have never seen before. It's a little warm and there are several large ponds in the area. Riley came along a few minutes later with the gear and we settled down to fishing.

Riley was right about the catfish and they were good eating too. 

"The Roach" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Billy was watching the game when the Cockroach appeared on the top of the TV. After a few minutes, Billy got tired of looking at the roach and found a newspaper. As he approached the TV with the rolled-up newspaper, the insect scurried away.

As Billy sat down to watch the game, the roach once again appeared on top of the TV. Billy shook his head. It was weird how the insect just stood there watching him. 

"What do you want?" Billy said to the creature.  Almost immediately, a complex thought entered his mind. The roach was from another planet.

Billy wasn't sure if the thought was a communication from the roach or his imagination, so he tried again. "How did you get here?" Billy asked aloud. Again a thought entered his mind. He could "see" a sophisticated space vessel of some kind.

"Why are you here?" Billy asked the roach. Billy saw a planet overcrowded with cockroaches. The point of the communication was clear. The roach creatures needed more room and Billy guessed that they were looking at Earth for that very reason.

Over the next few weeks, Billy got used to having to having the roach around and even enjoyed their "conversations", but one day his landlady walked in and smashed the roach with her purse.

Billy would miss the little guy.

"The Jungle" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Michael's father was moving some rocks out in one of their fields when he discovered the petrified trees.

Michael ran out to the field after hearing his father shout. They both stared at the find.  Dozens of Ginkgo trees frozen in time after being covered in lava eons ago.

That night, Michael had a vivid dream of being among the Ginkgo trees, except that in the dream the trees were green and alive. 

The next night the dream was even more realistic. As Michael sat in a tree, he could hear the sounds of prehistoric animals moving through the brush. Once he even got a glimpse of a Saber-Toothed Tiger.

After a dreary, friendless day at school, Michael longed for the escape of his dreams. 

Eventually, Michael found that he could return to the jungle any time he wanted. All he had to do was concentrate.

One day, Michael simply vanished. Volunteers scoured the desert calling his name, but Michael couldn't hear them, he was sitting in his favorite tree, a million years in the past.

"Treasure" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

The tribe's  scouts had returned with good news. Up in the hills they had discovered a treasure trove of raw materials. Everything the Tacoma tribe would need to rebuild the machines of the old ones. The treasure site also contained a source of methane gas that could be used for power.

The only problem was that the treasure lay in a disputed area that was claimed by the Tacoma tribe and the Auburn tribe.

The Chief of the Tacoma tribe personally led his small army to claim the treasure for his people. A spy informed the chief of the Auburn tribe of what was happening and the army of the Auburn's also marched to the treasure site.

With crude weapons, the two armies clashed violently. Dozens of men were killed or wounded, but the more powerful Auburn army prevailed and claimed the treasure for its tribe.

The flag- bearer of the Auburn tribe searched for a good place to put his people's banner. He finally settled on a spot not far from an old sign. 

The old sign was rusted and faded but the flag- bearer could still make out the words: "Municipal Landfill."

Book Review- "Rama The Gypsy Cat" by Betsy Byars

"Rama The Gypsy Cat" by Betsy C. Byars is a fun and exciting story for young readers. Rama the cat begins life in a Gypsy caravan, but an ill-advised fight with an older cat takes Rama away from his home.

Rama recovers from his injuries  incurred in the fight at the home of a boy and his family. A flood sends Rama wandering again until he finds a happy home with a traveling salesman.

"Garden of Roses" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Every Saturday morning, Steve took a walk into the desert that surrounded his home in Eastern Washington. His destination was one  of the many coulees scattered across the desert that were reminders of  Ice Age floods.

As Steve began his walk, he searched the desert with his eyes. Everything was still and peaceful, but he knew that many animals lived in the desert and the quiet was deceptive.

By the time, he reached the coulee it was near noon and getting hot. Steve had a small lunch on the edge of the coulee and began to turn back when he noticed a bit of color in the landscape. 

Steve walked towards the color and was astonished to find a rose garden. The closest home was miles away and he couldn't imagine someone going to all the trouble of growing roses in the middle of the desert. 

Steve remained at the garden for an hour hoping to discover an answer to the mystery, but nothing happened.

The next week, Steve hid behind some large rocks about a hundred yards away from the roses and watched the garden through binoculars. Sure enough, after about twenty minutes something moved through the garden. It was hard to see what it was because it moved so fast.

When he got home, Steve went to the hardware store and bought some rose plants. The next weekend, he left the plants at the desert garden and then retreated to the rocks and watched. After two hours, something moved in the garden and Steve laughed as the blurry object planted the Roses that he had left.


In the morning, Steve found a single rose on his doorstep. Apparently he had made a friend.

Steve brought more rose plants to the desert garden and waited. Moments later, a blurry object weaved among the sagebrush  and stopped before him. The creature that materialized in front of him was part woman and part bird. Black feathers flowed down her back  and arms, but otherwise she was a human female.

"Hello" Steve said to the creature. "Hello to you" the woman said in a high alto voice. "What is your name?" Steve asked. "The woman pointed a feathered hand at her chest. "I am Trella" Steve repeated the motion. "I am Steve."


"Pardon the rudeness of the question, but what are you?" Steve asked  Trella. "I and the others like me are creatures of the desert. We were friends with the ones who were here before you, but we hide from the new ones because we are afraid."

"New ones like myself?" Steve asked. Trella nodded. "How come we never see you.?" Steve asked.  "We can move very fast when we choose to." Trella replied.

For the rest of the Summer, Steve helped Trella with her garden, but when Fall arrived Trella became afraid. "Soon the men with guns will come. It is time for me and my people to go into the hills." she told Steve.

Steve begged her to stay for a few more days. He hadn't realized how lonely he had been until he met Trella. Reluctantly, she agreed to stay.

One Saturday, Trella was not at the garden. Steve searched and eventually found her hiding in a coulee, gravely wounded from a hunting rifle. Steve wanted to get a doctor, but Trella was terrified of the idea, so he did everything he could for her. 

In the end, Steve buried  Trella next to her beloved roses.

"The Car in the Woods"- a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Michael began his hike in the early morning and by afternoon had progressed several miles into an area he had never been before.

After lunch, Michael happened upon the traces of an old road and followed it for a couple of miles. The road suddenly ended in a pile of large rocks and a large No Trespassing sign.

Michael considered turning back, but he was curious about what lay beyond the rocks. 

On the other side of the boulders, was a forest of Alder and Douglas Fir. Michael noticed the faint traces of a road once more and followed it. 

Another mile on the road and Michael found the car. The vehicle was old. A Dodge from the 1940s or 50s Michael guessed. The driver's side door was open and Michael looked inside. Mold and other debris covered the instrument panel and the upholstery was destroyed by years of being exposed to the elements.

Apparently, the car had been driven to its present location decades  before when there was a serviceable road, but why leave it in the woods?

Michael began walking in the direction the driver's door was pointed. About a hundred feet into the trees he discovered the couple.

 All that remained of two people were a couple of  skeletons and the scattered remains of clothing and a blanket. Michael surmised that someone or something had killed the couple while they were in the act of making love.


Whatever happened here would have to be reported to the authorities. Michael turned away from the couple and headed back to the trail.

Suddenly a large man with a rifle blocked his path. The man shook his head. "I wish you hadn't found this" the man said. Michael pointed to the skeleton couple. "Who were they?" "One was my Mother. The other was her boyfriend." the man answered.

"What happened to them?" Michael asked . "My Father suspected something and so he followed my Mother one day when she was supposed to be visiting a relative.In a fit of rage, he killed them both."

"My Father always regretted what he had done and he made me promise to keep this sad tableau as it was."

"What about me?" Michael asked the man.

"You should not have ignored the sign." He replied 

Book Review- "Shudders" Edited by Ross R. Olney

"Shudders" is a collection of ten horror stories that both children and adults can appreciate.

My favorites of the collection are: "Sweets to the Sweet" by Robert Bloch. Sweets to the Sweet is a sad tale of an abused little girl who is turned into a monster.

"The Monkey's Paw" by W.W Jacobi is a frightening story of a mummified Monkey's paw that is able to grant wishes. Just be careful what you wish for.

"Floral Tribute" also by Robert Bloch is about a young boy and his Grandmother  who live next to a cemetery and the "neighborly" ghosts that visit them each night.

Film Review- "Escape From Sobibor"

"Escape From Sobibor" is a powerful film based on actual events that occurred during World War Two.

Sobibor was a Nazi extermination camp located in Eastern Poland. At least 200 thousand people were murdered there. Trains would bring  captured Jews  to Sobibor from all over Europe. Most of those on the trains were immediately sent to the gas chambers. A few of the new arrivals were chosen to do labor around the camp.

On October 14, 1943, the 600 inmates of Sobibor rebelled, killing many of their Nazi and Ukrainian guards. About 300 managed to escape into the forest.

Escape From Sobibor does not flinch at depicting the brutality of daily life in a Nazi extermination camp. There are shootings, beatings, and hangings, but one of the most heartbreaking scenes occurs when one of the new camp laborers( Jack Shepherd as Itzhak Lichtmann)  finds out that his wife and child were sent to the gas chamber.

Alan Arkin as Leon Feldhendler and Rutger Hauer as Alexander "Sasha" Pechersky do excellent work here. Hartmut Becker is chillingly effective as Nazi SS Sergeant Gustav Wagner.

In my opinion,  Escape From Sobibor ranks as one of the best and most moving of the Holocaust films.

"The Cave" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Jim was deep in the back country when he noticed the cave. He had been that way several times before and had not noticed a cave, but still there it was.

Jim pulled a flashlight out of his backpack and walked up to the entrance of the cave. The cave ceiling appeared to be high enough for him to walk upright. Jim took a few steps into the cave and stopped. Caves could be very dangerous, but he decided to explore this one just a little.

After about a 100 yards inside the cave, Jim noticed the faint traces of a light ahead. Jim followed the light until he entered a large cavern. Suddenly, a panel opened in the cavern wall exposing another room. 

Bones of every kind were scattered around the room and some kind of shapeless thing  occupied a kind of throne against the new cavern's wall. Jim turned to run, but found the exit gone. "There is no need to be afraid" the thing in the chair said.

"Who or what are you?" Jim asked the creature. "I can't answer either question." The creature said. "My only memory is of  being in this cave. I have the ability to manipulate matter in some fashion, but I do not have the power to leave this cave."

"So I am to be dinner?" Jim said looking at all the bones. The creature laughed. "No, I have no need for what you think of as food. The bones you see are from people and animals that have kept me company over the long years."

"I don't understand." Jim said  "I do not have the physical needs of your kind." the creature said, but I do need companions. I will provide you with food and drink and you will be my friend as long as you live."

"What if I do not wish to be your friend.?" Jim said. "There is no other choice.The cave entrance has been sealed." The creature responded.

Jim looked at the bones on the floor. The creature was right. For the time being, there was no escape.

Book Review- "The Wounded Planet" edited by Roger Elwood and Virginia Kidd

"The Wounded Planet" is a collection of science fiction stories with an environmental theme.

Among my favorites of the collection are: "Noonday Devil" by Dennis O'Neil in which a  fallen priest tries to use his faith one last time to prevent an environmental catastrophe.

"Desirable Lakeside Residence" by Andre Norton has two little girls trying to solve a mystery which may bring life and hope back to a dying world.

"Beautyland" by Gene Wolfe is a wicked satire about what happens to one of the last pristine areas left in a bleak future.

and lastly "Paradise Regained" by Cogswell Thomas  has convicts on a prison planet creating their own unique environmental paradise.

Book Review "Black Storm Comin'" by Diane Lee Wilson

The young adult novel "Black Storm Comin" begins in 1860 as the mixed-race Wescott family heads west to California by wagon. After an accident, the father deserts the family and 12 year old Colton Wescott is left to care for his sick mother and his sisters.

After finding a doctor for his mother, Colton goes to Carson City to join the Pony Express. The Manager of the Pony Express station is understandably skeptical about hiring a boy to deliver the mail, but Colton does get the job.

For those who don't know, The Pony Express was a short-lived method of delivering the mail in the west during the years 1860-1861. As the name implies, the Pony Express used expert riders and fast horses to move the mail from east to west. It was necessary to hire young men who were generally lighter and better able to  endure  the long rides and hardships better then older men.

Along his first ride across the Sierra Nevada mountains Colton encounters a number of characters including a slave chaser, a woman prophet, and old miner who at first glance seems to be an enemy.  

Black Storm Comin is one of the best novels I have read in a while. The story is exciting and fast-paced and there is a welcome

message of kindness and forgiveness throughout the book.

Book Review- "Man Against Tomorrow" Edited by William F. Nolan.

"Man Against Tomorrow" Edited by William F. Nolan is probably the best collection of Science Fiction stories that I have read.

  All the stories in the volume are great, but my personal favorites are:"The Room" by Ray Russell in which the main character will do anything to escape the incessant bombardment of future business advertising.

"After The Sirens" by Hugh Hood is a frightening real-time depiction of an attack on a city with a nuclear weapon.

"The Seventh Victim" by Robert Sheckley envisions a time when it has become legal for people to kill other people for recreation.

In "The Freeway" by George Clayton Johnson a middle aged man feels helpless when something goes awry in a future automated transportation infrastructure.

 and lastly: "Nobody Starves" by Ron Goulart is a hilarious satire of a lone man trying to fight a tangled future government bureaucracy.

"The Follower" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Steve first met Malone at a party when he was 13 years old. Malone was there with someone from  his school. Steve couldn't recall ever  seeing Malone after the party, but it's possible that they may have done something together.

The next time, Steve saw Malone was at college. Malone was visiting a friend and Steve invited him out for a beer. After that night, Malone disappeared again.

Several years later, Steve was on a business trip to Texas when he ran into Malone at a golf course. They played a game of golf and then had dinner.Later on in his hotel room, Steve pondered the encounter.

It seemed strange to him that he kept running into Malone at random locations over a couple of decades, but he couldn't come up with any explanation.

Steve eventually married and on a vacation to France he ran into Malone at a winery. Once again they had dinner together. Malone was in France because of some business venture. Half-way through the dinner.Steve complained of a headache and went back to his room.

After the trip, Steve accepted a new job in the Midwest far from his roots in California. Steve and his wife Laura were very  happy and were blessed with two fine sons. 

While at a Little League game to watch his oldest son play Catcher, Steve was astonished to see Malone in the bleachers. Malone of course spotted him. Malone said he was working as a long-haul trucker and needed a break from the road so he stopped to watch the game.

Steve didn't believe any of it. Still, he couldn't come up with any reason for his encounters with Malone. Malone was always friendly and had never threatened or done anything remotely hostile. If Steve went to the police, they would think he was crazy.

Fifteen years later, Steve and his wife divorced. The happy life together that he had envisioned somehow disappeared. Steve moved to Florida and was not in the least surprised to run into Malone. 

Malone was working as a salesman for an equipment manufacturer and was negotiating an order with a local distributor. For once, Steve was actually happy to see Malone. The divorce had been painful and his boys were away at college and he rarely heard from them.

Steve moved back to California after he retired. One day while walking on the beach, he noticed a figure in the distance. It was of course Malone.


Steve bought some burgers and he and Malone ate on the beach. "Have you ever wondered why we keep running into each other in different places over such a long period of time?" he asked Malone. Malone nodded " I have this talent that I wasn't really aware of until recently.When there is someone I want to see, events come together to take me to that person." Malone replied. " I can't really explain it beyond that." he said

"Well, however you found me, I'm glad you're here" Steve replied as he offered Malone another hamburger.

"Amphibian" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Forgotten by time, the Amphibian, lived in a natural cave at the bottom of an un-named lake in the Cascade Mountains. At one time there were others of its kind, but now there remained only one.

The Amphibian's diet consisted of fish and other water animals that wandered into the cave. Sometimes, one of the odd surface creatures found the cave. The creature didn't care  for the vocal sounds the surface creatures made and their bones were large and hard to digest.

After a time, the fish that wandered into the cave became less numerous and the Amphibian grew hungry. One night, the creature left the cave and swam to the surface. The creature breathed in the cool night air with lungs that had not been used in years.

The Amphibian noticed a light on the shore of the lake and swam toward it. Several of the surface creatures were around the light. The creature reasoned that one or two of the surface creatures should supply enough food for a while.

The surface creatures began making their vocal sounds when they saw him. The Amphibian grabbed one in its jaws and began taking it back to the cave. The other surface creatures continued their  sounds and then there was a new sound followed by a searing pain in the Amphibian's side. 

The new sound came again and again and the Amphibian knew that he was terribly injured. Dropping the surface creature, he made his way back to the cave. 

The Amphibian missed those of his kind. Perhaps if some of the others had survived things would have been different, but now all that was over. There was no  room anymore for the old ones. The world now belonged to those that came after.

Book Review- "The Century of The Surgeon" by Jurgen Thorwald

Medical surgery has become so routine that it's easy to forget that modern surgery is only about 150 years old.

In earlier times, even the most minor surgery was exceptionally hazardous and usually performed by non-doctors. The author's descriptions of pre-modern surgeries are painful to read. One can only imagine of the agony of the patient being operated on.

We all owe so much to the pioneer surgeons who often went against the conventional knowledge of the time in order to save their patients.

"Voice From the Pit" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

After school, Michael almost always went for a short hike on a nature trail not far from his home. The main feature of the trail were two volcanic craters where lava flowed millions of years before.

As Michael looked into the largest crater, he tried to imagine what it must have been like when molten flowed over the land. The evidence from the eruption in the form of lava rocks still covered most of eastern Washington.

Suddenly another thought entered his mind. Someone was calling for help. Michael looked around, but saw nothing besides the desert.  Eventually, Michael realized that the voice was coming from the crater. Carefully, Michael climbed to the bottom of the pit.There was nothing but trash. The voice told him to start digging in a particular spot near the wall of the crater.

With his hands, Michael began digging. About six inches down, he found a metallic cube about four inches square. Incredibly, the cube was the source of the voice. Michael climbed back out of the crater and put the cube on the ground. 

"What the hell are you?" he said to the cube.  "I am one of the last relics of a civilization that once flourished here" The  cube answered in an almost human voice. Michael looked around.  "We better have this conversation somewhere private" he told the cube as he put it in his pocket.

When he got home, Michael ran up to his room. His parents wouldn't be back for a few hours. After placing the cube on his desk, Michael stared at it. The cube must be some kind of advanced computer he reasoned."When was this civilization?" Michael asked. 

"Before the lava flowed" the cube answered. "That's impossible." Michael said. The cube continued: "Our greatest city was a masterpiece of architecture and science, but even with all of our knowledge we could not stop the lava."

"So what is your purpose?" Michael asked the cube. "I was created to preserve all of our achievements in the hope that they  wouldn't be lost. Our scientists programmed me to lie dormant until a particular time when it would be safe. For thousands of years, I was deep underground. At the proper time, I used a burrowing mechanism to move toward the surface." The cube replied.

Michael considered that the cube may be a practical joke, but he had never seen anything as advanced as the it was. "How is it you learned English? Michael asked. "By monitoring your radio and television signals." The cube answered.  "What is your power source.?" Michael inquired of the cube. "I used very little power when I was dormant. Now I run off a battery that is charged by static electricity in the air." The cube answered.

The next day, Michael went to school as usual. The cube remained on his desk. Something about the cube bothered him. If an ancient civilization had the technology to construct a machine as advanced as the cube, couldn't they have saved themselves somehow?

When Michael got home, the cube had moved to his bookcase. "How did you move?" Michael asked the device. "I have a simple propulsion mechanism" the cube answered. Michael nodded. This thing was full of surprises he thought.

In the morning, Michael decided to take the cube to the university. As he grasped the cube, he received a powerful shock. "What the hell was that?" he shouted. " My self-defense system" I have an important task to do and I cannot be disturbed." the cube answered calmly. "What important task?" Michael demanded.

"I was not entirely truthful with you." The device began. "My actual purpose is to revive the thousands of men and women who lie deep underground. I am sending a signal to the preservation chambers as we speak. So that we can  begin our civilization once again." "You didn't need to lie to me about that. "We would welcome your people." Michael said.

"You would not welcome those who would make you into slaves." The machine said. "Slaves? what are you talking about?" Michael asked.  "My people are rulers. We do not share, we take." The cube said coldly.

Michael had to stop the cube from reviving the others, but how? The cube said it was powered by static electricity from the air. Maybe too much electricity would disable it. Michael raced to his closet and grabbed his battery charger. After plugging it in, he touched one of the electrodes to the cube. The cube was so intent on its task, that it failed to stop him.

After a moment, the cube began to smoke and sputter and appeared to be disabled. The question was: did the device have time to revive the others before he destroyed it?

"Personal Ad" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

David had posted  his first ever personal ad a week before and so far his results had been disappointing. One respondent wanted to get married right away. The next one was on the run from the police.

Just as he was about to give up, he received a message. The response was from a woman called "Vega". David looked up her profile and was stunned by the photo. Vega was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. 

David immediately answered and waited anxiously for the reply. The reply came the next day. Vega said she didn't like the endless back and forth on dating sites and wanted to meet David right away. David told Vega that he would be happy her at the Herfy's in Enumclaw on Saturday at noon.

David was so excited that he got to the fast food restaurant an hour early and had two chocolate milkshakes. At 12:00 sharp. Vega walked in. She was even more stunning in person. Vega was at least six feet tall and had shining blond hair down to her shoulders.

David rose to meet her and was dazzled by her smile as she greeted him. The couple spent hours talking. David learned that Vega was a flight attendant, but was looking into settling down in one place.

After a few months into the relationship, Vega asked David to marry her. David readily agreed even though he was hoping to be the one to pop the question. Vega wanted to get married as soon as possible and so the wedding was a week later.

David's family were more than a little surprised that David had landed such an uncommonly attractive woman. For the Honeymoon, Vega wanted to go camping in the Cascade Foothills. David would have preferred an old-fashioned trip to Hawaii, but again he went along with the idea.

After a long hike, David was tired, but Vega insisted they keep going. Finally, they arrived at a large clearing that Vega considered perfect. After making love with Vega, David fell asleep, but was awakened an hour later by a strange sound. David put on some clothes and went outside the tent. 

Vega was standing in the middle of the clearing holding some kind of instrument. In the sky above a large glowing disk was descending to the clearing. Vega moved away and the disk landed in the clearing. David couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Suddenly, Vega appeared next to him. "What in the world is going on?" David shouted over the noise. "I was exactly truthful on my dating profile." Vega answered. " I am actually from a world hundreds of light years from Earth called "Klaj". On my planet, a woman's status is determined by how many husbands she has. I now have more than anyone else on Klaj which makes me the ruler."

David tried to run away, but Vega held him in a grip of steel and took him into the ship. David was placed in a cage that contained dozens of Vega's new "husbands."  The ship ascended rapidly and David was off to his new life on Klaj.

Book Review- "The Plague and the Fire" by James Leasor

The Plague and the Fire by James Leasor is one of the best short histories that I have read.

 In the years 1665 and 1666, the city of London, England was struck first by a terrible outbreak of Bubonic Plague followed by a horrific fire which leveled most of the city.

Using old diaries and other writings from the period, Mr. Leasor communicates effectively the conditions that led to the twin disasters and their effects on the  residents of the city.

Book Review- "The Sinking of The Troopship Leopoldville" by Jacquin Sanders

On the first Christmas Eve after D-Day, The troopship "Leopoldville" was torpedoed by a German Submarine while it crossed the English Channel to France during World War Two.

Like the Titanic 32 years before, The Leopoldville was ill-equipped to deal with disaster. About 300 men died in the initial attack. Hundreds more died because of a lack of  survival equipment, poor leadership, and little coordination between military and civilian authorities and other nationalities.

The Sinking of The Troopship Leopoldville is a well-researched and fascinating account for those interested in maritime and World War Two history.

Book Review- ""Runaway Twin" by Peg Kehret

I have discovered a book that features my adopted hometown of Enumclaw, Washington. That book is "Runaway Twin" by Peg Kehret.

After living in a series of foster homes, Sunny Skyland runs away and goes in search of her twin Starr. The two were orphaned at the age of three and separated shortly after that.


"Runaway twin is an exciting story with good characters and the beautiful city of Enumclaw. What more could a reader ask for.

"Companion" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Margaret and The Companion had grown up together and after six decades of living in the same house they were closer then sisters.

The Companion helped to raise Margaret's children and she was a great comfort during the divorce.

After the kids moved out, it was just the two of them. Margaret and The Companion would often spend hours in the garden, carefully tending to every tiny plant.

One hot Summer day, they were working on some Tomato plants when The Companion just stopped moving. Margaret immediately called a technician, but was told that nothing could be done.

Margaret planned an elaborate funeral for her old friend. Some thought that a funeral for The Companion was a little strange, but Margaret insisted that The Companion was part of her family, even if she was a robot.

Book Review- "Angel Unaware" by Dale Evans Rogers

"Angel Unaware" by Dale Evans  was part of my Mother's small collection of books and I read it several times as a child.

For those who don't know, Dale Evans  was one half of the famous Roy Rogers- Dale Evans-Rogers singing and acting duo. In 1950, Mrs. Rogers  gave birth to their daughter Robin. It was later discovered that Robin had Down Syndrome and she died of heart complications before her second birthday.

"Angel Unaware" is Dale Evans beautiful tribute to Robin.

Book Review- "Dean Duffy" by Randy Powell

After graduating from High School, Dean Duffy is at a loss of what to do. For most of his life, Dean was a star Baseball player, but a two year-long slump destroyed his confidence.

Dean is offered a second chance in the form of a limited scholarship, but instead of jumping at the scholarship, he wanders. During this period, he encounters a pot-smoking old friend who aspires to design video games, makes friends with a single mother, and settles a feud with an unforgettable Baseball adversary.

 Author Randy Powell resists the temptation to follow the standard  sports cliche' which is one of the reasons why  "Dean Duffy" is an exceptional novel.

"Tourist" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

The first time Julie noticed the man was during a short hike she took after work. He   was touching a Douglas Fir tree, like it was the first time he had ever seen one.

Julie rarely approached strange men, but she felt compelled to make an exception this time. The man  was so intently staring at the tree that he didn't notice her. "Nice tree" Julie said sarcastically.

For the first time, he looked at her and then went back to the tree. Julie shook her head "weird" she mumbled to herself. Later as she was heading back to her home, the man was still at the tree although he wasn't staring at it any longer.

When the man saw her approaching, he smiled. Weird or not, the man was incredibly handsome, Julie noticed. He had dark hair, sensitive brown eyes and was probably six feet tall with broad shoulders.

"Hello again" Julie said to him. "You were here earlier" the man said absently. Julie nodded and held out her hand "Julie Swenson"
 The man stared at her hand for a moment and then gently grasped it. "Michael Foster." he said in a deep baritone.

"Are you a tourist Michael?" Julie asked since she had never seen him before. Michael smiled again "you might say that." 

Just as if they were old friends, Julie and Michael began walking down the steep trail to Greenwater. "I rented a cabin near Crystal Mountain a couple of days ago and I have just been exploring since then" Michael said. "Are you from this area? Julie asked. Michael hesitated for a few seconds "Yes, I live in north Seattle." he answered.

Julie nodded, already calculating how far that was from Greenwater. Julie loved the beauty of the Cascade Mountains, but sometimes it was so lonely. She longed to have someone to share it with. When they reached the end of the trail Julie felt empty. "Are you going to be here tomorrow?" she asked. The question sounded like something a schoolgirl would say, but Julie didn't care. "I will be up at the tree" Michael said.

The next day, Julie hurriedly removed her work clothes and put on a flannel shirt blue jeans and hiking boots. Michael was at the tree as he said he would be.

Together they hiked to the top of the ridge where you could see for miles.  "You are so lucky to be able to live here." Michael said. "Maybe you could move to the area" Julie said hopefully. Michael frowned and shook his head sadly. "Is it your job?" Julie asked. Michael said nothing at first, but then began to speak.

"I'm not from north Seattle. at least not in this time period." Michael said. Julie was confused "What are you saying Michael?" " "I am from the future." He said.

Julie laughed. "You're kidding right?' "No, I am not kidding" Michael said grimly. "Wars and pollution took away all life on the surface of the earth. In my time, there are no trees or animals left. The remaining humans live underground. Every year there is a lottery and the winner gets to go back in time to see what it was like before."

"If you are from the future, prove it." Julie challenged. Michael thought for a moment and then pushed a spot on his arm. His  right hand  suddenly detached from his wrist. "When I was a child, there was an accident and I lost my hand. At the hospital, they gave me a new one. In my time, replacing diseased or damaged body parts is routine." Julie stared at the detached hand. It looked absolutely normal. While she watched, Michael re-attached the hand to his wrist. The artificial hand blended seamlessly with the rest of his arm.

" I believe you now." Julie said. Michael smiled "I'm glad." "How long are you able to stay in the past?" Julie asked.  "Only a week and then I am automatically transported back to my time." Michael answered.


Julie stood up and brushed herself off. "It's getting late.We better get back." she said. Michael walked silently beside her down the trail. When they approached Greenwater, he pointed to the neon sign of the Naches Tavern. "What is that place?" Michael asked. Julie smiled, "That's a bar. They serve drinks." she answered. Michael looked puzzled "Drinks? you mean alcohol?" he asked Julie nodded. "Don't they have alcohol in the future?" Michael shook head. "All of our resources are geared towards the production of food."

On impulse, Julie grabbed his arm. "Let's go in." The bar was lightly crowded so Julie chose a booth not far from the fireplace and ordered a pitcher of beer.Michael looked at the old mementos on the wall. "It is so strange being here, it doesn't seem real" he commented. The waitress brought their beer and poured two glasses full. Julie touched his left hand. "What is life like where you come from?" she asked. Michael frowned. "It is a struggle. A struggle to produce enough food, enough power, and to keep everything running for another day."

 For  a while, they drank their beer in silence. After only two glasses, Julie could see that Michael was getting tipsy. "I think we better go" Julie suggested.  Michael was sick in the parking lot and Julie decided to take him to her cabin at least until he felt better.

Julie made Michael lay down on her couch and got a wet rag from the kitchen. "I'm sorry about the beer" Julie told him as she lay the cloth on his forehead. Michael tried to smile "You don't need to apologize. " he replied. "Do you think you could eat a little?" Julie asked . Michael shook his head. "Maybe later."

Julie went to her big easy chair and started to read a book. Sometime during the night she dozed off and when she awoke Michael was gone.

The next morning, Julie went to work as usual, but all she could think of was Michael. A time traveler? What the hell was she thinking.

After work, Julie was cooking dinner when she heard a soft knock on the door. It was Michael with a bouquet of wildflowers. He handed the flowers to her. "What are these for?" Julie asked. "For taking care of me last night" Michael replied.

Julie opened the door for him. "Would you like some dinner? " she asked.  "Sounds good" he replied. Julie opened the refrigerator "How about another beer?" she joked  Michael laughed. It was a nice sound.

After dinner, they sat on the couch and watched an old movie. As the ending credits rolled, Michael leaned over and kissed her lightly on the mouth. It seemed so natural and right that Julie kissed him back. Several moments later, Michael abruptly separated himself from her. Hurt and confused, Julie reached out for him, but he moved further away.

 "What's wrong?" she asked him. Michael held his head in his hands.  "Don't you understand?" he said in an anguished voice. " I have to go back to my own time in less than a week and nothing can change that."  Julie went to him. "So we will make the best of the time we have"  Michael looked in to  her eyes and kissed her deeply.

Julie used some vacation time she had been saving and in the remaining few days the new couple hit all the good trails, went to Seattle for dinner and a show and spent one entire day making love. 

So quickly the week went by and Julie dreaded the time when she would have to say goodbye. Michael said his departure time was 2:00 PM on Sunday and they watched the hour approach together. At the extraction time Michael said that his physical presence would slowly disappear.

Just before two, Julie kissed Michael goodbye and they waited.. At two nothing happened. 2:15, 2:30, 3:00, Michael still remained. "Something is wrong" he said. "Could you have miscalculated?" Julie asked. Michael shook his head. "I think I know what happened." he said. " One of our scientists had this theory that  even a small event could change the course of history."

Julie grasped Michael's hand. "You mean that our love changed the future."