Rainy weekend, and I happened to stumble into the University Bookstore yesterday, and picked up Singularity Sky.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, though stylistically it was very different than the almost whimsical Atrocity Archives. In the latter, one always had the sense that the author was writing tongue-in-cheek, not quite taking himself or the story that seriously. Not quite Douglas Adams whimsical, but close to the tone of Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next series, of which I’m a huge fan. Singularity Sky is quite different — a space opera combined with a political take on runaway technological evolution. I would have enjoyed more detail on the social consequences of technological singularity, and perhaps less detailed description of space battle tactics, but this is a minor point (and likely an idiosynratic preference).
And now, it’s back to more serious reading. Soros’ Open Society is boring me a fair bit, mostly because I’m finding his method of building up his economic critique from first principles long-winded and philosophically simplistic. And naturally, since I agree with his goals of fostering open societies (which requires a careful balance between regulation, social justice, and healthy capitalism), what I’m hoping is that the middle bits, where I get to read specifics on his economic thinking, will be worth the slog. And, of course, occasional dips in the Penrose pool, but I’m doing that sparingly since I lack the background to read it quickly.
Comments
openDemocracy is 5 years old!
reflect on our contribution to global debate and understanding. (PRWEB May 15, 2006)
Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/chachingpr.php/SG9yci1JbnNlLVByb2YtRmFsdS1IYWxmLVplcm8=
Wizards Seeking a Complete Game
win Game 4 Sunday night, Coach Eddie Jordan knows that his team must deliver a more
President Pledges Aid to Troubled Sudan
Get Louder and Bush Says the Recent Peace Agreement Is a Positive Step
Health Tip: Medications Can Control Endometriosis Pain (HealthDay)
is found outside the uterine wall, typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or ligaments around the uterus. The condition is chronic and causes
Kabul Crash Blamed On Brake Failure
deadly anti-American riots in the Afghan capital. At least 11 people were killed
EU Court Nixes Air Passenger-Data Deal
Union’s highest court ruled the EU acted illegally in striking a deal giving the U.S. details of airline passengers.
Indian outsourcers to grade job applicants
quickly,” Mehta said. Tests will be conducted under supervision at designated Internet cafes in the first phase, though the software has provisions for
Info Security Products Guide Names Ecora Patch Manager Winner of the 2006 Global Excellence in Patch Management Award
Manager winner of the Global Excellence in Patch Management Customer Trust
Sleep Eaters Have No Idea They’re Eating
Sleep Disorder Isn’t About the Food
E-mail Us Your Picks
-Mail Your Nomination
Microsoft’s Gates says to reduce role in 2008
over the next two years he will ease out of a day-to-day role at the company he built into the world’s biggest software maker.
Suns Facing Elimination by Lakers
won the game on a 17-foot jump shot.
How the Suns can win Game 5:
Rebound better – besides Marion, no one else
Heat is on Haslem Against Mavs
Tom Petty, but he knows his role in the NBA Finals. And he’s not about
Endometriosis
Up until then it had been misdiagnosed as ovarian cysts I didnt find