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Robots and Empire Review
Feb 25 2011 5:00:00 pm EST
Topics:Published a review of Robots and Empire
The fourth novel in the Robot Series, _Robots and Empire provides the transitional plot to the Foundation Series. This is my favorite novel of the series. The characters have been fully fleshed out by Asimov, and their struggle to live up to Elijah Baley’s legacy is engaging. The interactions between the robots Olivaw and Giskard are unique and interesting. Due to their secretive nature, they must solve a crisis of humanity, without possessing the necessary qualities to do so. Through reason, determination, and something of a robotic spirit, they transcend their programming to meet the crisis.
The Robots of Dawn Review
Feb 24 2011 5:00:00 pm EST
Topics:Published a review of The Robots of Dawn
The third novel in the robot series is a further improvement from the previous two. The intricate plot twists and robotic intrigue make for an eager read. The evolving friendship between the human Baley and robot Olivaw takes on greater depth. Relationships are fleshed out and the struggle of Baley’s agoraphobia is well portrayed. Baley is at the apex of character development and the repercussions of the interactions are very long lasting.
The Naked Sun Review
Feb 23 2011 5:00:00 pm EST
Topics:Finished a review of The Naked Sun: the second robot novel featuring plainclothes detective Elijah Baley and humaniform robot R. Daneel Olivaw, written by Isaac Asimov.
The second novel is an improvement over The Caves of Steel. The plot is a little thicker, the character interactions less grating, the personality conflicts a little deeper. It’s a worthwhile read.
The Caves of Steel Review
Feb 22 2011 5:00:00 pm EST
Topics:Wrote a review of The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov. It is the first novel to feature plainclothes detective Elijah Baley and humaniform robot R. Daneel Olivaw.
Although an integral component of Asimov’s excellent robot-foundation series, it is perhaps my least favorite. I find Elijah Baley’s petulance and his wife’s constant whining to be a little grating. Also, the plot structure is mildly transparent.
That aside, the descriptions of an overpopulated earth and nearby settled solar systems makes it a worthwhile read, especially to understand the broader context of the entire series.
Just finished reading I, Robot and wrote a review. I, Robot is a collection of 9 contiguous short stories by Isaac Asimov outlining the intricacies of early robot behavior. I find the collection among the funnest and most creative of his robot works. I think it would make a great introduction of Asimov’s vision of robot intelligence…
Just wrote a review of The Diamond Age, a novel by Neal Stephenson. I consider The Diamond Age as an important formative work of my own style of writing. Also, a powerful stimulant for thinking on the direction of technology and society.
Loy Krathong
Feb 4 2011 7:01:48 am EST
What is that song? In any case, very beautiful festival. Will have to partake some day…
Description of festival from chiangmai.bangkok.com:
Loy Krathong takes place on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month. The Thai word ‘Loy’ means ‘to float in Thai, while ‘Krathong’ is a small raft, about a hand span in diameter, made from a section of banana tree trunk – although today specially made bread ‘flowers’ or even Styrofoam are used. Thais decorate their Krathongs with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense sticks. Some people also add hair or fingernail clippings.
_Between the months of August and October the tides in Thailand’s waterways are at their highest and with the moon at its brightest, the stage is set for an idyllic co
