Fantasist's Scroll

One day, we may all have them.

Yeah, right. Well, okay, it would be fun, but somehow I have a hard time picturing science advancing that far anytime soon. According to this article on Wired News, though, it could be a reality. The article details various “super powers” and the very real science that might, eventually, lead to their creation. Mainly, it’s just a fun article that opens up some creative thinking in regards to the science in science-fiction.

Now, this is just cool!

When I read this article on Wired News, and in Wired Magazine, I was totally entranced. The idea of a working anti-gravity drive is just so mind-boggling and, really, the “Holy Grail” of every science-fiction fan that it’s easy to get carried away. Of course, the article eventually debunks the “anti-gravity” portion of the story, but it opens a new possibility… An efficient, working ion drive. Hmmm, now that’s something to think about. Imagine a single-stage-to-orbit craft that uses an ion engine to get up where the atmosphere is thin, then ignites a rocket engine to finish it’s assent. Or, even a lander that uses the ion engine, powered by solar energy, to explore, say Mars. (In fact, that’s just what NASA is contemplating!)
Now, if they can get this working with a form of ionization that works in a vacum… Well, it wouldn’t be anti-gravity, per se, but it would be just as good.

Well, at least another possible Earth-like solar system.

According to this article on Wired News, scientists may have found solar system that meets the requirements for Earth-like life. All the right ingredients are there. The star is the right type and age. There’s a gas-giant at the right orbital distance. And, it’s far enough away that we can’t really tell too much else about it. Ah, well, at least there exists the possibility that life exists on other planets.

One day, I hope that interstellar travel is possible. I love the idea of going to other planets and seeing totally different ecosystems. Of course, travelling around our own world could be interesting enough, but alien life…. I guess I’m just a sci-fi junkie. The idea of aliens is just so appealing to me. Though, based on that last entry I made, maybe I should start learning Mandarin! I might well have a better chance riding a Chinese space-craft than a US one! C’mon, NASA, let’s get it in gear!!

A notable author noted my website!

Well, he may not be the most well known author, but he’s written some real gems. The author in question is Joe Clifford Faust, author of The Company Man and Ferman’s Devils. He apparently found my other website, Diary of a Network Geek, where I mention him briefly. I have to admit, until I wrote that little entry, I hadn’t thought about The Company Man in a very long time. But, it was a good book, which I still have, and well worth finding, if you haven’t read it. Come to think of it, so is everything else I’ve read by Mr. Faust. So, go buy his books and maybe the old stuff will come back into print.

Anyway, it was a small thrill to be found by a Real Writer and exchange e-mail with him. Always is for me. Writers are my celebrities. God, I’m a geek.

Okay, this is just too cool.

This article from the Guardian talks about the scientists in Taiwan who created genetically modified zebra fish that glow. Apparently, they’ve found a way to incorporate glowing jellyfish genes into these fish and have them breed true. They’re working on more glowing species.
Several groups have spoken out against this, but I think it’s cool. Okay, sure, we’re tampering with genetics and life and no one knows where it will all go and what all the ramifications are. But, if we don’t do a little experimentation, how will we ever know what the ramifications might be? Besides, think of all the science-fiction plots that will be spawned (pardon the pun) by this!