Few works of science fiction, let along 19th century science fiction have touched peoples lives than War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. I remember my first exposure to the story, the 1953 movie. My favorite version of the story is the radio show produced by Orson Wells. You can also find a graphic novel version of the story as well as see Tom Cruise evade the martians in the 2005 movie.

If you're in the mood for a philosophical yet adventurous read give Ursula K. Le Guin a chance! Everything from her short stories to her novels contains a thought-provoking message about humanity's approach to reality, presented in exciting (even suspenseful) plotlines. Her writings can appeal to a wide range of audiences as she has written many youth, teen, and adult books. An excellent example of the mind-bending quality of her writing is The Lathe of Heaven, a story that examines the relationship between the unconscious mind and the outside world. For the youngin's Gifts might be a good choice. If you are more of a movie watcher than a book reader, have no fear! You can still try out Ursula K. Le Guin as The Lathe of Heaven has been adapted to DVD form.

Stargate Atlantis - Rising

The location of the lost city of Atlantis is... The Pegasus Galaxy. At least according to Stargate Atlantis - The Rising the pilot of the Stargate Atlantis TV show. Be sure to check-out both seasons 1 and 2 as well.

I don't want to panic anyone but I don't like the way my toaster is looking at me.

If we're on the brink of a robot uprising where our hi-tech gadgets get back at us then
How To Survive a Robot Uprising: Tips on Defending Yourself Against the Coming Rebellion. is the survival guide to have.

For some reason lately I've been on a bit of a "Robot Kick". Maybe its all the run up and hype for the release of the Transformers Movie or maybe I'm just geeked about the Library Lego League. (I can't wait to see how the new program works out ;0)

I remember reading a quote from Joseph Engelberger (early robotic pioneer ) about what makes a robot a robot he is quoted to have said.

"I can't define a robot, but I know one when I see one."

What do plastic men, Charles Dickens, and the End of the World, have in common? They are the three episodes you'll find on Doctor Who Series One, Disk One, from 2005. Christopher Eccleston plays the Doctor and Billie Piper, his "plus one". The shows were very entertaining. I especially liked the story with Charles Dickens.

1) Get into a bar fight with Klingons.
2) Buy a cute, fuzzy Tribble for a space merchant.

I've rediscovered ST:TOS and am having a ball. Actually, my kids have started watching it with me which has been a lot of fun. We especially enjoyed The Trouble with Tribbles, likely the most popular of all the original episodes. So sit back, relax and enjoy this classic Star Trek show.

Live Long and Prosper.

groening

Matt Groening, cartoonist and creator of The Simpsons, turns 53 today.

He began drawing and self-publishing the comic strip Life in Hell in 1977. This got the attention of Producer James L. Brooks, and led to the creation of the television series The Simpsons, which debuted as shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987. Futurama began airing in 1999 (and was co-created by Groening and David X. Cohen).

The Simpsons Movie is due out this July.

What happens when you mix political intrigue with people who pilot massive robots? You get The Scorpion Jar by Jason M. Hardy. The story is set in the Battletech/MechWarrior universe. Set on Earth, the Exarch Damien Redburn calls a meeting of the Paladins to elect his replacement. The Paladins assemble from all corners of The Republic, each one attempting to persuad the others elect him/her as the new Exarch. Wonderful writing makes this book a great read for any science fiction fan.

Lord of the Night, by Simon Spurrier, is a science fiction novel set in the Warhammer_40%2C000 universe. The story pits the Sahaal, a Chaos Marine of the Night Lords Legion against Mita Ashyn, a member of the Imperial Inquisitors. Sahaal uses the skills he learned from his long dead Primarch Konrad Kurze in his attempt to recover his chapter's missing heirloom on the the remote and sunless hive-world of Equixus. The book is a great read and reinforces my disklike for all things Chaos. Long live the Emperor!