Fifty years ago today, emissaries from Earth--riding in a command cabin the size of a car, and guided by a computer less powerful than a modern smartphone--landed on our Moon and left Homo sapiens' first footprints on another world. In honor of the Apollo 11 anniversary, I chose this date to launch the print edition of my lunar-based... Continue Reading →
Book Review: “Children of Time”
“Well, now I’m going to have nightmares,” said my Laddie mildly, without taking his eyes from his Kindle. I glanced across the pillow at him. “Why?” “Because this book has giant spiders…and they’re better characters than the humans.” Adrian Tchaikovsky's Children of Time will make even arachnophobes rethink their prejudices. Without spoiling too much of the... Continue Reading →
The Science of “Syzygy”: Terraforming
“How can you terraform long-distance?” “Robots and microbe bombs.” A gleam of enthusiasm lit Ash’s face. “It’s really cool. Our scientists engineer microorganisms that can build up the atmosphere and fix nitrogen in the soil—.” “More gene hacking.” Skye sniffed. “Didn’t you learn anything from Spores?” “Yes. That organisms can thrive even in harsh environments... Continue Reading →
Gotta Catch ‘Em All: Pokemon Go Showed Me The World Through My Protagonist’s Eyes
“Watch out!” I caught my Laddie’s arm before he stepped off the curb, uncomfortably close to an SUV speeding down our street. The neighbor scowled at us from behind the wheel, but my Laddie was too absorbed in his phone to notice. “Stupid zubat got away,” he muttered. “You need a bodyguard to play Pokemon... Continue Reading →