Out of Copyright
O.K., I'm finding this pretty amusing. The P.K.D. Estate, which sued Google over the use of the phrase "Nexus One" is suing to recover money from the profits of a film based on one of PKD's stories. The studio now claims the story is out of copyright, so they say they owe nuthin'.
Heave forbid, however, if you were to "pirate" that flick.
More here.
Chubby, brunette Eunice Kinnison sat in a rocker, reading the Sunday papers and listening to the radio. Her husband Ralph lay sprawled upon the davenport, smoking a cigarette and reading the current issue of EXTRAORDINARY STORIES against an unheard background of music. Mentally, he was far from Tellus, flitting in his super-dreadnaught through parsec after parsec of vacuous space. E.E. "Doc" Smith, Triplanetary, Chapter 5: "1941"
Monday, October 31, 2011
Irregular Webcomic
I'm not sure when I first started reading this webcomic, but it has been a daily read for years. A year or so ago, I downloaded a number of webcomics onto The Young Lady's netbook and this one became her favorite.
She will be very sad to learn that the webcomic is ending (or transforming, see the link).
I'm not sure when I first started reading this webcomic, but it has been a daily read for years. A year or so ago, I downloaded a number of webcomics onto The Young Lady's netbook and this one became her favorite.
She will be very sad to learn that the webcomic is ending (or transforming, see the link).
Zone One
The Agony Column presents a interview with Colson Whitehead and features his new book, Zone One.
The Agony Column presents a interview with Colson Whitehead and features his new book, Zone One.
Space Ghost from Coast to Coast
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is perfect for Halloween! vdB 141, also known as by the catchy moniker of Sh2-136 looms spookily in the galactic sky!
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is perfect for Halloween! vdB 141, also known as by the catchy moniker of Sh2-136 looms spookily in the galactic sky!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Fingers
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is a interesting orbital shot courtesy of Mars Odyssey. White fingers on Mars!
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is a interesting orbital shot courtesy of Mars Odyssey. White fingers on Mars!
What's In My Bag?
One of my favorite weekly columns (of a sort) in The New York Times was called What's In My Briefcase? and featured business folk, tech folk, and even Neal Stephenson at times with their "everyday carry". BoingBoing brings the theme back and looks at what is in the bag of one James Gurney.
One of my favorite weekly columns (of a sort) in The New York Times was called What's In My Briefcase? and featured business folk, tech folk, and even Neal Stephenson at times with their "everyday carry". BoingBoing brings the theme back and looks at what is in the bag of one James Gurney.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Halloween Treat
The folks at The H.P. Lovecraft Literary Podcast present a full recording of Eich-Pee-El's classic The Call of Cthulhu. Which recording was funded by many people, like me, in order to bring you the crunchy goodness of old squid face in time for Halloween. Download and enjoy!
The folks at The H.P. Lovecraft Literary Podcast present a full recording of Eich-Pee-El's classic The Call of Cthulhu. Which recording was funded by many people, like me, in order to bring you the crunchy goodness of old squid face in time for Halloween. Download and enjoy!
Young Stars
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows young stars that will be around a lot longer than the hot young talent of Hollywood.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows young stars that will be around a lot longer than the hot young talent of Hollywood.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Sheep, Electric
A nice video montage to Tokyo, Blade Runner and the music of Vangelis. Turn up the volume.
A nice video montage to Tokyo, Blade Runner and the music of Vangelis. Turn up the volume.
Lasers and Vampires
Space junk is an increasing problem for an orbital presence. Here's a proposal to use ground-based lasers to clear the skies (how long before somebody screams about dual-use...what clears junk can also clear enemy satellites!). Could something like this eventually lead to a laser launch system?
And...with all that (expensive) junk orbiting the Earth, how about using them as a source of parts (of course we can also put the paranoid spin, as above, on this...what can harvest a dead satellite can also attack a live enemy satellite!).
Space junk is an increasing problem for an orbital presence. Here's a proposal to use ground-based lasers to clear the skies (how long before somebody screams about dual-use...what clears junk can also clear enemy satellites!). Could something like this eventually lead to a laser launch system?
And...with all that (expensive) junk orbiting the Earth, how about using them as a source of parts (of course we can also put the paranoid spin, as above, on this...what can harvest a dead satellite can also attack a live enemy satellite!).
Saturn and Beyond the Infinite
In the novel (and in earlier versions of the screenplay), the Discovery was heading for Saturn, rather than Jupiter, in 2001: A Space Odyssey. When I first read the book (several months before seeing the movie during its first run), my mind was filled with the vistas of Saturn, its dancing moons, and the rings. This was further enhanced by some of Clarke's collected short works such as Jupiter V and Saturn Rising.
Saturn (along with Jupiter and the Moon) were among my first sights through my first telescopes. Whenever Saturn hoves into view, I'll focus whatever scope I have out towards it to see the rings and catch a glimpse of its belts and its moons. Amazing stuff, to see with the "naked eye" even after several decades of (sporadic) observing.
It is nice to see that reality matches and outstrips our imagination. Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows the rings, Titan, Dione, Pandora and...if you look very carefully...Pan.
Beyond the infinite, indeed.
In the novel (and in earlier versions of the screenplay), the Discovery was heading for Saturn, rather than Jupiter, in 2001: A Space Odyssey. When I first read the book (several months before seeing the movie during its first run), my mind was filled with the vistas of Saturn, its dancing moons, and the rings. This was further enhanced by some of Clarke's collected short works such as Jupiter V and Saturn Rising.
Saturn (along with Jupiter and the Moon) were among my first sights through my first telescopes. Whenever Saturn hoves into view, I'll focus whatever scope I have out towards it to see the rings and catch a glimpse of its belts and its moons. Amazing stuff, to see with the "naked eye" even after several decades of (sporadic) observing.
It is nice to see that reality matches and outstrips our imagination. Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows the rings, Titan, Dione, Pandora and...if you look very carefully...Pan.
Beyond the infinite, indeed.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Jupter and Beyond the Infinite
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is a beautiful shot of Jupiter and several of his moons.
One evening, when I still had my LX-200 10" SCT, I focused in on Jupiter. It was a beautiful night for "seeing" and I was spotting way more detail (in the belts) than I had seen before. Soon I spotted on of the four major moons, and then its shadow on Jupiter itself. The Great Red Spot appeared on one limb of the planet, clearer than I had ever seen it. I sat there and watched the GRS across the planet.
Then I realized my legs were stiff and I was shaking from the cold of the January night. That period of great seeing had lasted something like four hours!
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is a beautiful shot of Jupiter and several of his moons.
One evening, when I still had my LX-200 10" SCT, I focused in on Jupiter. It was a beautiful night for "seeing" and I was spotting way more detail (in the belts) than I had seen before. Soon I spotted on of the four major moons, and then its shadow on Jupiter itself. The Great Red Spot appeared on one limb of the planet, clearer than I had ever seen it. I sat there and watched the GRS across the planet.
Then I realized my legs were stiff and I was shaking from the cold of the January night. That period of great seeing had lasted something like four hours!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Many Veils
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is a beautiful shot of interplay between colors in the constellation of Perseus.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is a beautiful shot of interplay between colors in the constellation of Perseus.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
A Tale of Tails
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows Comet Garradd (visible through binoculars, if this weather would cooperate!) and its multiple tails.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows Comet Garradd (visible through binoculars, if this weather would cooperate!) and its multiple tails.
Vulcan
This is the geyser they should have used as a backdrop in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Amazing site here on our own planet!
This is the geyser they should have used as a backdrop in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Amazing site here on our own planet!
What's This I Hear About Shooting Stars?
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day gives you an extra treat if you "mouse over" the image.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day gives you an extra treat if you "mouse over" the image.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
It's All Relative
Todays' Astronomy Picture (Movie) of the Day shows you what you might see as you get close to C.
Todays' Astronomy Picture (Movie) of the Day shows you what you might see as you get close to C.
Friday, October 14, 2011
By the Way, Which One is Pink?
Makes sense to me. And then there was Half Thoughts, gone and lamented, which had the cover as the store sign.
Makes sense to me. And then there was Half Thoughts, gone and lamented, which had the cover as the store sign.
Trails
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows star trails across the sky and across the MAGIC telescope.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows star trails across the sky and across the MAGIC telescope.
Into the Stacks
Rob Cain of the Ancient Rome Refocused podcast on discovering books in the stacks. And, that rare commodity, the helpful bookstore clerk.
Rob Cain of the Ancient Rome Refocused podcast on discovering books in the stacks. And, that rare commodity, the helpful bookstore clerk.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Mouseguard RPG
The folks at the D6 Generation Podcast have reviewed the Mouseguard RPG. Guess what I'm reading now (preparing to run it for The Young Lady)?
The folks at the D6 Generation Podcast have reviewed the Mouseguard RPG. Guess what I'm reading now (preparing to run it for The Young Lady)?
The Rich Reds
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is of IC 1795. This is the kind of astronomical picture that I would study for hours years ago, pre-Hubble and the other space telescopes, pre-CCD's and the vast improvement brought by non-film ground cameras.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is of IC 1795. This is the kind of astronomical picture that I would study for hours years ago, pre-Hubble and the other space telescopes, pre-CCD's and the vast improvement brought by non-film ground cameras.
The Ghost Pirates
A great big bundle of William Hope Hodgeson titles, via Baen's Webscriptions service. Originally published by Night Shade Books, these are excellent collections of carefully corrected texts. And for way less than I spent on the hardcovers!
A great big bundle of William Hope Hodgeson titles, via Baen's Webscriptions service. Originally published by Night Shade Books, these are excellent collections of carefully corrected texts. And for way less than I spent on the hardcovers!
The Fall of Rome
Triplanetary by E.E. "Doc" Smith as an audiobook. Interestingly, this is not the original serial edition but the revised edition. Earth falls...again and again...
Triplanetary by E.E. "Doc" Smith as an audiobook. Interestingly, this is not the original serial edition but the revised edition. Earth falls...again and again...
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Bubble, Bubble, Toil & Trouble
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows NGC 7635 in Cassiopeia. Beautiful!
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows NGC 7635 in Cassiopeia. Beautiful!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Watch Your Step
A report with video from Michael Yon, just another day in Afghanistan.
Graphic. Startling. Reality. You have been warned.
A report with video from Michael Yon, just another day in Afghanistan.
Graphic. Startling. Reality. You have been warned.
Final Countdown
The march to the new Vernor Vinge release continues with a posting by Tobias S. Buckell at the Tor site.
The march to the new Vernor Vinge release continues with a posting by Tobias S. Buckell at the Tor site.
Sunrise
What is happening in today's Astronomy Picture of the Day? Sunrise. A strange looking sunrise.
What is happening in today's Astronomy Picture of the Day? Sunrise. A strange looking sunrise.
Evolution
Will Boeing bring us an "evolved" X37 to deliver cargo to the ISS? Maybe this is the route the shuttle should have taken to begin with.
Will Boeing bring us an "evolved" X37 to deliver cargo to the ISS? Maybe this is the route the shuttle should have taken to begin with.
The Bible Repairman
While I wait on my super-deluxe-fanboi edition (signed!), I can read a review of a new Tim Powers collection at The Wall Street Journal.
While I wait on my super-deluxe-fanboi edition (signed!), I can read a review of a new Tim Powers collection at The Wall Street Journal.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
What Mad Universe
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day discusses (and depicts) what this year's Nobel Prize in Physics was all about.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day discusses (and depicts) what this year's Nobel Prize in Physics was all about.
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Day One
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows a composite of the first "day" MESSENGER orbited Mercury.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows a composite of the first "day" MESSENGER orbited Mercury.
Friday, October 07, 2011
Cruising
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows the cruise of Comet Hartley 2. Now if we can just pull a Brin/Benford and have cruiseliners inside comets.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows the cruise of Comet Hartley 2. Now if we can just pull a Brin/Benford and have cruiseliners inside comets.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
More Vinge
More words from Vernor Vinge ahead of the publication his newest book.
Addendum: Some words from Vinge earlier in the week.
More words from Vernor Vinge ahead of the publication his newest book.
Addendum: Some words from Vinge earlier in the week.
Barsoom
An astronomer traces Lowell's canals vs. what we can now see on Mars. There's more of a match than one might think!
An astronomer traces Lowell's canals vs. what we can now see on Mars. There's more of a match than one might think!
Starburst and Wind
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows M82, a galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major (more or less). Take a look at the image than read the details below. The quiet, eternal stars indeed!
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows M82, a galaxy in the constellation of Ursa Major (more or less). Take a look at the image than read the details below. The quiet, eternal stars indeed!
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Meltdown
So in today's Astronomy Picture of the Day we get to see what happens when an ice cube meets a spotlight. A really tiny icecube and a really big spotlight.
So in today's Astronomy Picture of the Day we get to see what happens when an ice cube meets a spotlight. A really tiny icecube and a really big spotlight.
Shared Aspect
How is a raven like a writing desk? Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day looks how attempts to have E.T. phone home are leaking into our semi-intelligent mobile devices.
How is a raven like a writing desk? Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day looks how attempts to have E.T. phone home are leaking into our semi-intelligent mobile devices.
Monday, October 03, 2011
The Easier Part
Vernor Vinge talks a bit about writing A Fire Upon the Deep and some hints on the forthcoming The Children of the Sky.
Vernor Vinge talks a bit about writing A Fire Upon the Deep and some hints on the forthcoming The Children of the Sky.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
BAM!
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is a good follow-up to yesterday's crowded sky. Here's what happens when one of those objects meets our planet (if it's big enough).
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is a good follow-up to yesterday's crowded sky. Here's what happens when one of those objects meets our planet (if it's big enough).
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Ansible!
Like a good neighbor, Ansible is there.
Somewhere I have heard that name before...
Like a good neighbor, Ansible is there.
As Others Research Us. TV critic Mary McNamara marvels at a new concept: 'People flee a polluted Earth by going back 85 million years in executive producer Steven Spielberg's promising new drama on Fox. / Easily the most exciting show of the fall season, Fox's "Terra Nova" has such obvious, instant and demographically diverse appeal – sci-fi fans, fantasy fans, 5-year-olds, 50-year-olds, Al Gore – that you have to wonder why no one thought of it before.' (LA Times, 26 September) [DB] Mass time-travel to the deep past! If only Julian May, Robert Silverberg or Clifford Simak could have come up with such a notion...
Magazine Scene. Steve Davidson (who blogs as The Crotchety Old Fan) has been granted the Amazing Stories trademark – abandoned by previous owners Hasbro – and plans to resurrect the magazine.
Somewhere I have heard that name before...
Our Crowded Sky
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows just how crowded our sky is. These are natural objects, not a few lost satellites!
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows just how crowded our sky is. These are natural objects, not a few lost satellites!