Finity

Just finished Finity by John Barnes. It's a science-fiction novel that I liked a lot. It was, in a lot of ways, a really well-written adventure story. Just a lot of interesting scenes, the thriller sort of thing of not knowing what was going on, that sort of thing. I definitely enjoyed it, despite a lot of problems. For one thing, the science was often not really in-depth, based on outdated theories, or really didn't make sense if you thought about it. There were some contrivances of the plot that annoyed me (normally it wouldn't, but Barnes, at least 3 times, brings up these coincidences as if there will be some sort of explanation... and there isn't). I suppose the most major criticism is the ending. I'm not going to spoil it, though it probably won't matter, but basically a very major problem introduced in the novel is left totally unresolved. I would wonder if there was a sequel, but it seemed pretty conclusive. I did like some of the other aspects of the ending, though - the 'planeswalker' scenario is one that's pretty intresting, and it's also cool that, although the characters may not have realized it yet, they are essentially immortal.

Overall, a pretty good Romance capital-r, not great on the science or the logic.

fuck shit

god damn it son of a bitch! I think i broke my external hard drive. I'm not sure what happened.

This really fucking sucks because i had a lot of god damn stuff on there, esp. anime. Nothing really crucial, but still... son of a fucking bitch.

also it's annoying because i got it for christmas and i try to avoid breaking/losing shit that I don't pay for.

fucking shit. this really annoys me.

Miscellanies

Several positions and other things.

1: Why John Edwards should be the next Democratic Presidential candidate (assuming he's not dropping out)

John Edwards is by far the best choice for Democratic Candidate. He's non-polarizing. He's charismatic. He doesn't bear - let's admit it - the political disadvantages of being African-American or female. He's not as insanely disliked by many as Hilary, nor as inexperienced as Obama. Furthermore, looking at home states, John Edwards carries 15-vote North Carolina, a Republican stronghold. That goes a long way towards our victory - in fact, we only need one other state in addition to it. On the other hand, Obama and Clinton carry Illinois and New York, respectively. Both of these are traditionally Democratic strongholds. It's unlikely we'll be seriously challenged in either place. Finally, Edwards is the only candidate with any chance of winning the South. Both of the other candidates are life-long Northerners. It's also incredibly important to win the South, particularly the Mississippi river states. These states, for the past 10 presidential elections, have always voted for the winner. Edwards would win in a landslide. Obama would win. Clinton might win.

For all these reasons, John Edwards should be next Dem. Presidential Candidate (ideally with Obama as VP)

2: Why We Can't Leave

One of the fundamental tenets of the modern 'Progressive' movements is speedy and total troop withdrawal from Iraq. This policy, if followed, would be stupid, disastrous, dishonorable, and immoral. It's obvious that we made a mistake entering Iraq, but we cannot now leave.

This policy would be stupid and disastrous in that it would not serve American interests. To be sure, American soldiers would die. However, Iraq would pretty much collapse into factional civil war - or, depending on who you ask, go even deeper thereinto. In this state, it would destabilize the rest of the Middle East, spreading chaos even wider. Further, it would provide a haven for Muslim extremists. This is very, very suboptimal.

This policy would be dishonorable in that our country has made a commitment to the people of Iraq. We destroyed their government and we have a responsibility to them to bring it back and to safeguard their people until security is restored. We must not leave the course of honor simply because it is too difficult to travel.

This policy would be immoral in that it would directly lead to civil war along ethnic lines, probably degenerating into an ethnic genocide-like situation. It would be akin to the UN pulling out of Rwanda.

There seems to be an idea on the left that the Army is for something other than fighting, that soldiers should not be put in danger, should not die. I honestly don't understand this. What would you expect to happen, honestly? Why should we have an army unless to go into harm's way?

3: Current Reading

I'm currently reading two different books. First, the classic Dune by Frank Herbert, and second, The History of England by Charles Macaulay Babbington. Both are quite good. The first is a really epic space opera-like thing that is justifiably a classic. It's well-written, epic, atmospheric, and excellent. The second is a history of a short part of English history, the Glorious Revolution. The book was written around 1850, and it's pretty biased. However, it's really interesting historically, and it's probably the best-written history book I have ever read. The man writes with an epic scale and a skill with words that just staggers the mind. I love it.

4: miscellanies

Oh man nothing here I don't think. This is already fucking long enough, not like anyone will read this.

Final Frontier

According to Wiki, around 100 people have died in connection to the various space programs of the world - 29 astronauts and around 70 ground crew members. that's really rpretty tempering to think of, that that many people have given their lives to this thing.

But at the same time i really do believe at the bottom of my heart that space travel is imperative for the human race, both on a pure species survival level and almost on a spiritual level. I think space travel almost begins to approach something spiritual for me - not quite of the same magnitude as religious devotion, but of the same general dimensions.

Communism is dead!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6456959.stm

So, can we declare Communism officially dead now? China was pretty much the last Communist power on Earth, and with this, they've almost entirely gotten rid of that. Basically, Cuba is the only one left, and they're not going to get too much more done.

Also, this should help stabilize China's economy, protect the farmers (seriously, Chinese poor get fucked so hard), and maybe increase civil liberties a little.

spring anime

just wanted to make a note of anime to remember to check out

Claymore
Sisters of Wellber
Darker than Black
Oh! Edo Rocket
Guardian of the Sacred Spirit
Bokurano
Lucky Star

You will not pass!

I just realized, there's a grammatical error in lord of the rings.

gandalf tells the balrog, "you shall not pass!" However, shall is only appropriate with first person. therefore, gandalf should have said "You will not pass!"

Wwwwhat?

.Went to wondercon today. it was good. I picked up a TPB of Girl Genius (signed by Phil Foglio), 3 back issues of the Marvel Conan the Barbarian (quite possibly my favorite comic series ever - the only 0ther contender would probably be New Avengers, maybe Planetary), and an issue of Jimmy Olsen (superman is a dick lawl) Also I saw Robert, but Angela. Need to hang out with Robert more.

Also finally started on the engine. C on engine / B in Physics here I come!

I seem to really be getting apathetic nowadays. The only reason i am still doing any work outside of classes is college, because i don't wnat to limit my options. That may seem normal, but it's not.

There's a new anime magazine coming out soon, called Otaku USA. It's editor in chief is the AWESOME patrick macias. and comics will be done by Mistakes of Youth guys. Yeah, I'm excited. The only thing that would be better is if Daryl Surat is a columnist.