This is what Kurt Andersen considers a holiday tale ... melting ice caps and extraterrestrial spies?
Kurt's story "Human Intelligence" first appeared in Stories: All New Tales, an anthology edited by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio. Our radio version was produced and directed by Jonathan Mitchell, and stars Ed Herbstman, Melanie Hoopes, and John Ottavino.
→ Read the full version of "Human Intelligence"
(Originally aired: December 24, 2010)
Auld Lang Syne
Artist: B. B. KingAlbum: A Christmas Celebration of HopeLabel: GeffenPurchase: AmazonI'm a Spy
Artist: Jonathan MitchellAlbum: original music composed by Jonathan MitchellNo More Questions/Phoning the Director
Artist: David ShireAlbum: The Conversation (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)Label: IntradaPurchase: AmazonBugs
Artist: Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, & Reinhold HeilAlbum: he International (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)Label: Varese SarabandePurchase: AmazonRaiders March
Artist: John WilliamsAlbum: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)Label: Concord Music GroupPurchase: AmazonQuartz
Artist: Brian EnoAlbum: Music for FilmsLabel: AstralwerksPurchase: AmazonThe Test
Artist: John WilliamsAlbum: Black Sunday (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)Ding! Dong!
Artist: Sufjan StevensAlbum: Songs for Christmas (box set)Label: Asthmatic KittyPurchase: AmazonDeath of Rat
Artist: Alexandre DesplatAlbum: Fantastic Mr. Fox (Additional Music from the Original Score)Label: ABKCO (US)Purchase: AmazonContributors:
Jonathan Mitchell





Comments [12]
Wow, I was really down from my startup meeting tonight, and luckily i heard this story, it made me so happy, i forgot that i was sad :), thanks studio 360
I had the pleasure of listening to this story on my way to JFK to collect my son home from college for the holidays. I was captivated and sat in my parked car until the last line was uttered. Upon arriving home, I immediately read the short fiction here. Thank you SO much for this original story.
If I could have one wish come true, it would be the discovery of intelligent life in my lifetime. Tying the discovery to the Christmas holiday was brilliant! I loved the story - thx so much for sharing it with us all!!
Wonderful! What a delight to surrender to such a fascinating and original holiday tale. And what a great medium. Thanks!
What a story! Thanks!
Greetings from Boston. Heard your story on WGBH yesterday. Loved it! it touched on so many universal themes: love, hope, being alone, being a Superhero in a world that really needs a superhero, and connection.
Thank you. I sat in a parking lot to finish listening to your story instead of hitting the stores. When it was over I gently exhaled a breath of hope.
I put on stereo headphones to listen to the story in my apartment in Brooklyn. And how wonderful it was. It reminded me of classic Sci-Fi, but mixed with contemporary short fiction. I want to see a continuation of this story, Kurt! Don't leave us hanging!
I was driving around northern Virginia today totally enthralled with "Human Intelligence." It was wonderful treat -- theater for the mind and a job well done! Thank you... :-)
Quite remarkable in the car when a radio story cuts through my son's headphone attractions and has him asking about what just happened. What just happened. I'm asking myself. Thanks, keep up the good work, Will
Dear Kurt: I love your story -- thank you.
This is a wonderful story.
If i had been in my car,
it would have been a "driveway moment"!
Totally riveting and touching.
What a beautiful fantasy!
I caught the end of Saturday's "Studio 360". What a treat to hear the radio rendition of "Human Intelligence", by Kurt Anderson. After hearing this, I would love to hear/read more from Kurt! The suspense set up through the narration was perfect, and the surprise revelation at the end was wonderful. Indeed I was left wanting more. Thank you so much Kurt.
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