In a comment to my Worldcon wrap-up, “fvngvs” asks a question following up on the science in SF panel: So Chad, now that you’ve had some time to think about it, can you think of a list of books/stories with a really good treatment of science concepts? It’s a good question, and deserves a full… Continue reading Teaching Science in SF
Category: Pop Culture
Doctorow on Asimov
Discussing Isaac Asimov’s non-fiction a bit yesterday reminded me of my absolute favorite panel at Worldcon, Saturday’s “Mundane or Transcendent?” with Cory Doctorow, Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Charlie Stross, and Robert Silverberg as moderator. They’re all really smart people, and they’re all good at turning phrases on the fly, so it was terrifically entertaining. Some of… Continue reading Doctorow on Asimov
Modern Science Popularizers
James Nicoll has a question about pop science: Who today fills the niche of science popularizer once filled by people like Ley or Asimov? That is, who writes essays covering a wide range of the sciences, as opposed to covering one in detail for the public? If you look in the comments, the second plugs… Continue reading Modern Science Popularizers
Worldcon Thoughts
Before it slips too far into the mists of memory, I should probably post some summary thoughts about Nippon 2007, the World SF Convention in Japan that Kate and I attended last week. To some degree, this will be inside-baseball stuff, but if you’re not interested in fannish stuff, rest assured, there is some good,… Continue reading Worldcon Thoughts
Pimp Me Some Live Tunes
Since I have control over this blog for a little while (and where is my co-guest blogger anyways?), I figure I ought to use it in my own self-interest. Towards that end, the Austin City Limits music festival is coming up soon, and, as usual, I only recognize a small portion of the bands playing.… Continue reading Pimp Me Some Live Tunes
Best. Movie. Line. Ever.
Over at Andrew Sullivan’s place, he’s been presenting candidates for best movie line ever. Since I seem to have control of a blog of my very own, I’d like to present my nomination: Holly Gennero McClane: After all your posturing, all your speeches, you’re nothing but a common thief. Hans Gruber: I am an exceptional… Continue reading Best. Movie. Line. Ever.
The Science Fiction of the Gaps
A little while ago, James Nicoll posted about the shifting subject areas of SF: In fact, a fairly consistent pattern in SF is to retreat away from areas that have come under the light of scientific examination. When probes began to visit the planets, SF retreated to the stars (There are very few novels these… Continue reading The Science Fiction of the Gaps
The Bourne Conundrum
Why is it that, in the universe of The Bourne Identity and sequels, Jason Bourne’s girlfriends need to cut and dye their hair in order to go on the lam, but he makes no effort to disguise his appearance? He just wanders around looking like Matt Damon, and nobody notices him at all. Is it… Continue reading The Bourne Conundrum
Jonathan Coulton, Eat Your Heart Out
“Baby Got Back,” Gilbert and Sullivan style: Via bassfingers.
A Moment of Silence, Please
The Weekly World News is shutting down its print operation at the end of August, though the web site will continue to be active. Long lines in the supermarket will be that much duller. Actually, a moment of silence is probably the wrong tribute. Maybe a moment of screeching like a bat child found in… Continue reading A Moment of Silence, Please