I like his work, but he sure doesn’t come off very well as a person here.
Category Archives: Popular Culture
Thoughts On “Punching Down”
There are no innocent depictions of Muhammad. The concept itself is out of bounds. That is fine for Muslims. But non-Muslims are under no obligation to acquiesce. McDonald is right that one ought not needlessly belittle or be wantonly cruel. But this notion of fair play, when coupled with knowledge of the consequences should one violate it, easily becomes a justification for an exaggerated cautiousness and wariness. It metamorphoses into a conviction that it is better to be safe than sorry, that even if offense isn’t intended one must refrain from saying something lest offense be taken, and those offended react badly.
That is, they may try to kill you because the very act of speaking on the subject is insulting. Not the content or substance of the speech, nor its tenor, but the existence of the words themselves. “[N]obody worries about upsetting a droid.” And quite rightly. But what about all the Wookiees out there?
The dread that “Here be Wookiees” underpins the Argument from Provocation. It is palpable in three of the most egregious responses to the attack on the Geller event, all of which essentially hold her responsible for the assassins’ failed gambit to kill her.
It’s long, but worth the read.
Another Private Mars Venture
These people want to set up at the pole. “Looking for alien life” doesn’t seem compatible with settlement, though, unless you don’t care if you contaminate or wipe it out.
The Age Of Ultron
…and the point of human existence.
When I was a kid, I read a lot of comic books and (even more) SF. I think it prepared me for life, particularly the future, much more so than people who denigrated it at the time (and now). They’re the poorer for it themselves.
Pluto
Greg Benford says it’s about to get real.
There is no "Pluto of my imagination." I devote very little thought to Pluto. Never have. http://t.co/EMoXB3Wf89
— Rand Simberg (@Rand_Simberg) May 14, 2015
Donald Trump
Could he be this election cycle’s Ross Perot?
Just what we need.
Richard Dreyfuss
Has he finally been mugged by reality?
Dreyfuss, who in 2006 called for the impeachment of then-President George W. Bush, has long been a critic of special interest money in politics; in 2011, during an appearance at the National Press Club, he called for a constitutional amendment “prohibiting money, politics and television.” He also started The Dreyfuss Initiative in support of teaching civics in schools.
Well, the latest piece is at least consistent with that. And at least he recognizes that “getting money out of politics” would require a Constitutional amendment. But he doesn’t seem to recognize that the best way to get money out of politics, at least federal politics, would be to remove the incentive, by limiting the power of the federal government to what the Founders intended, particularly restoring the 9th and 10th Amendments.
[Late Tuesday-morning update]
Given the turn the comments have taken, this seems relevant: Government corruption, from the IRS to the DOJ.
[Bumped]
Elon Musk Quotes
The most memorable ones from Ashlee Vance’s new book, ranked.
Dear Joss Whedon
Social Justice Warriors don’t have to be your audience.
Centimeter-Precision GPS
For good or ill, this technology is a game changer.
I think one application should be putting it in footballs for better spots and touchdown calls, and shoes to determine if someone stepped out of bounds.