Conjunctions

At the heart of all matter lies nothing.  Yes, sounds rather mystic, and although I did know it, I never really grasped just how empirically true that statement is.  And especially how much nothing.

That is, until I followed some links and discovered this scale model of the hydrogen atom.  It takes a second or two to read the instructions, and then a few more to stare into the abyss.  Go and have a look, you’ll be stunned.

All of the SF world seems to be running to the challenge to support Peter Watts:  Canadian author Peter Watts has had an unfortunate run-in with the US border security thugs.  Cory Doctorow at BoingBoing has the details, and a call for support.

I was very impressed with Watts’ Starfish, and the follow-up Maelstrom was equally enjoyable.  Starfish was probably the first undersea adventure I’ve enjoyed since Capt. Nemo.  It is extremely well written, and I am looking forward to reading Blindsight, Watts’ most acclaimed work so far.

An easy way to support Watts during the ongoing ordeal would be to purchase and read his books.  You will certainly not be disappointed:  Watts truly is one of the new generation of SF authors to watch out for.

A few links for your perusal again:

• Tony Blair on WMD and Saddam:  “ I would still have thought it right to remove him. I mean, obviously you would have had to use and deploy different arguments about the nature of the threat".  The master of spin indeed. So one decides what you want to do and then spin whatever reason seems to be convenient.  Did he, during his conversion to Catholicism get so enamored by the Truth that he no longer has any regard for the truth?

• Franklin C. Spinney analyzes the Pentagon’s failure to understand the reality of Afghanistan. I somehow found this shocking. Naive of me, isn’t it?

• Been discussing ‘Climategate’ a lot lately.  FactCheck.org has the facts on the stolen emails for those who still refuse to acknowledge the truth. George Monbiot explains the strategy behind ‘Climategate’.

• Ayn Rand is being re-evaluated lately (we must have a Democratic adminisration in Washington).  Michael Prescott’s analysis of her fascination with William Hickman is recommended, not only for the argumentation and content, but above all for the skillful and elucidating textual analysis.

• Sexologist Gloria Brame supplies the lighter touch.  Is that a stick-on, or a real plug?  And why are we not shown the doggie’s face?  Because he is smiling too much?

Enjoy!