“This is not science fiction,” novelist Daniel Akst warns as he recounts of yet another technological innovation seemingly poised to damage the delicate egos of authors:  Computers are capable of writing both non-fiction and fiction prose.  While Henry James is not yet threatened, Akst assures us, advances in computing power and the study of narratology (i.e. narrative structures) have combined to help computer programmers move beyond fiction-writing software that assists the human author to develop plot lines, to the development of programs that allows computers to turn bytes into barbs.

1) Dave Striver loved the university—its ivy covered clocktowers, its ancient and sturdy brick, and its sunsplashed verdant greens and eager youth.  The university, contrary to popular opinion, is far from free of the stark unforgiving trials of the business world:  academia has its own tests, and some are as merciless as any in the marketplace.  A prim example is the dissertation defense:  to earn the Ph.D., to become a doctor, one must pass an oral examination on one’s dissertation.  This was a test Professor Edward Hart enjoyed giving.

2) The road to grandmother’s house led through the dark forest, but Little Red Riding Hood was not afraid and she went on as happy as a lark.  The birds sang her their sweetest songs while the squirrels ran up and down the tall trees.  Now and then, a rabbit would cross her path.