Author
Jack McKenty
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Subjects
Books by Jack McKenty
$1,000 a Plate
"$1,000 a Plate" by Jack McKenty is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative is set on Mars and revolves around the challenges faced by the Mars Observatory due to frequent fireworks displays that disrupt their astronomical observations. The story explores themes of cooperation, creativity, and the unintended consequences of one's actions, particularly as it relates to the dangers of entertainment overrunning scientific endeavors. In the story, Dr. Morton and his team of scientists are frustrated by the annual Marsy Gras celebrations and the resulting skyrocket trails that ruin expensive photographic plates crucial for their research. As a solution, Dr. Morton devises a plan to manipulate the local casino owners into agreeing to halt fireworks displays by offering them horoscopes that predict their gambling success. Initially met with success, their plan faces a setback when they are ordered to cease their unscientific practices. In a twist, they resort to creating their own fireworks, leading to comedic mishaps that include the destruction of a casino owner's home. Ultimately, this unexpected outcome positively affects Dr. Morton's research ambitions while simultaneously enhancing the local gambler’s reputation, culminating in a humorous yet insightful commentary on the interplay between science and entertainment.
Wait for Weight
"Wait for Weight" by Jack McKenty is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. The book explores the challenges and absurdities faced by researchers in a rocket research station as they navigate bureaucratic pressures and scientific breakthroughs. The narrative centers around Dr. Allport Brinton, who must deal with a visiting senator’s potential threat to the station's funding, all while pursuing a groundbreaking discovery in rocket fuel. In the story, Dr. Brinton experiences a series of comedic and chaotic events that highlight both the pressures of his job and the eccentricities of the research environment. After a tumultuous morning and an unexpected accident, he discovers a new fuel with extraordinary properties—capable of existing in a fourth dimension—leading to an innovation that could revolutionize space travel. As he prepares for the senator's visit, Dr. Brinton must balance immediate crises with the potential for monumental success. Ultimately, the tale combines humor with speculation about future technology, concluding with Brinton's realization that his discoveries may lead to his own joblessness, a clever twist on the rewards of scientific achievement.