Stand on Zanzibar is a sci-fi novel by John Brunner known for its predictions about the future, despite being written several decades ago.
Category: Review
Review books, tech, games and movies
Rise of the Dark Empire: A Star Wars Tragedy
Life imitates art. It inevitably has to, because art starts off by imitating reality in an attempt to explain it in ways we humans can understand. We tell each other stories, to teach ourselves how to coexist in this strange existence, this universe. We learn from these tales all about what it means to be … Continue reading Rise of the Dark Empire: A Star Wars Tragedy
Panology of Science Fiction: C
Cliodynamics (psychohistory) Cliodynamics is a field of research that tries to apply scientific methods and mathematical models to the study of history and its patterns. It aims to explain and predict historical phenomena such as the rise and fall of empires, the cycles of war and peace, the dynamics of social movements, and the effects … Continue reading Panology of Science Fiction: C
Halloween: The Two Evils
In the end, when one encounters a monster, be it a shark or a homicidal terrorist, it doesn't really matter why the monster is doing what's it doing, understanding it is not the issue. Getting away from it and surviving is. But, for an audience, the unknowable, the 'why', is the most scariest aspect of all, and the Halloween series of movies have explored every aspect of this.
The Robocaust
I bought a novel, Robopocalypse (2011) by Daniel H. Wilson, at an airport bookstore for a fast, time-killing read and while I wasn't totally disappointed with it, it left me once again tackling the question about this 'robocalypse' that everyone is fearful about. As for the book itself... It's about robots taking over the world. A good … Continue reading The Robocaust
Flash Gordon Saves the Universe
When Flash Gordon was 'again' resurrected back (thanks, Princess Aura for the first time) into pop culture by Seth MacFarlane in his film, Ted (2013), I was filled with bemusement and joy. Ever since that day, walking home from school and coming across the giant movie billboard, Mike Hodges's Flash Gordon has remained doggedly on my top ten … Continue reading Flash Gordon Saves the Universe
Panology of Science Fiction: B
Biology Biology is a fascinating and diverse field of science that explores the living world and its interactions. Science fiction is a genre that uses biological concepts, themes, or elements to create imaginative stories, worlds, and creatures. Some aspects of biology that are commonly found in science fiction include evolution, disease, genetics, physiology, parasitism, and symbiosis. … Continue reading Panology of Science Fiction: B
PKD
The early eighties were remarkable, to me anyhow. Not only did my fascination with science fiction grind into high gear, but there was an explosion of new and modern genre films that hit the scene at around that time, in particular, Ridley Scott's Blade Runner many having been influenced by film-makers from a bygone era, … Continue reading PKD
Terminator Reterminated
There's nothing more bewilderingly mind-numbing than watching a science-fiction movie franchise get butchered and killed then brought to life again, re-butchered and murdered once again. It's sad in a way because I really love this time-bending, robot monster, chase story. The potential, even without branching away from the hunter and the hunted plot device, is … Continue reading Terminator Reterminated
The Fleming Paracosm
As we enter a new chapter in the James Bond movie franchise, staunch fans like myself are apprehensive or intensely curious about what direction the franchise will take, and about who will be chosen to play the next 007. The naming of the actor to play the MI6 spy appears to have turned into a … Continue reading The Fleming Paracosm