Art: Two Billion Clicks

(See Cover)

The great Sphinx lay in fleeting twilight. In the background loomed the Pyramid of Cheops, majestic monument to human striving for eternity. Over the entire scene hovered the breath of the silent desert, the hush of ages. Then a voice spoke.

"For God's sakes, Betsy, stop wiggling," said the voice. "Hold on a minute while I take another light reading . . . Now, smile."

Click.

"Fine. Now just one more, and this time smile as if you mean it."

Before the natural wonders of the world and facing its innumerable small mysteries, before...