An infinite capacity for taking pains -- Once you've ruled out God -- Pushing buttons -- Our time is up. Bits and pieces -- Give me the finger -- Sober companions -- Sand trap -- Special feature. Nobody lives forever -- The adventure of the Ersatz Sobekneferu -- You've come a long way, baby -- Meet your maker. Breathe -- Through the fog -- How to get a head. Uncanny valley of the dolls -- The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out -- The visions of Norman P. Horowitz -- Special feature. The geek interpreter -- Fit to be tied -- Whatever remains, however improbable -- Special features.