March 18, 2008
Farewell, Grand Master
Arthur C. Clarke died today in Sri Lanka, which he has called home for over 50 years. He was 90. Clarke was one of only two dozen currently acknowledged Grand Masters of Science Fiction, an elite group that includes the likes of Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein. His death leaves Ray Bradbury as the last surviving member of the even more elite "big four" writers of modern science fiction.
I've read several of his books, including 2001: A Space Odyssey and the magnificent Rendesvouz with Rama, but not any of the Space Odyssey sequels or his famous stand-alone Childhood's End. His final novel, co-written with Stephen Baxter (their fourth collaboration), was published three months ago.
In any case, he was a great author with a great mind, and he will be missed. However, he certainly won't be forgotten anytime soon. I was very pleased to note that a Rendesvouz with Rama film is currently slated for release in 2009. It will star Morgan Freeman and be directed by David Fincher (of Se7en, Fight Club and Zodiac). Fantastic news.
March 13, 2008
March 08, 2008
Super-Size Me
Have a look at this fascinating and eye-opening photo-essay entitled "What Is Eaten In One Week Around The World." It features 9 photos of families from six continents posing with a display of the food they consume in one week. Above each picture is where the family is from, and how much the spend each week (in their currency and in American dollars). The photos are ordered from most to least spent, with a family from Germany at the top ($500) and a family from Chad at the bottom ($1.23). Take a really close look at the American table and see how many fast-food brand names you can pick out.