Here's a great meme from [livejournal.com profile] redredshoes the non-memer:

Tell me three things I ought to do before I die.



ETA: Thanks to [livejournal.com profile] angeya I've just finished Aristoi by Walter Jon Williams--nice to find a fairly hard-science fiction book with such complex characters. I also liked the good balance between the arguments of the villains and those of the heroes--in fact, kept wondering if perhaps the wrong side won.

In many ways, if you look at it, this book is a reversal of Brave New World, with the social programmers as the heroes and the let-life-be-free guys as the villains. There's kind of a nod to that, toward the end, as Gabriel justifies himself as the kind of person Captain Yuan wanted to create, although he came from the programmed world. And another thing that makes it less ambiguous is that Capt. Yuan's worlds were not natural developments but a programmed universe of their own, with all the badness of torture, germs, and homophobia built back into the system.

But also intriguing is the concept and portrayal of the daimons. I don't recall seeing anything like that, the use of the multiple personalities. And the mysterious Voice that manifests when Gabriel needs it most makes real the possibility of our inner untapped resources--a happy thought, even if it's a kind of creepy thing. Another reversal--that Mr. Hyde could be there to help you.

A few flaws, however. I though Gabriel's breakdown after Yuan's lengthy torture was believable as a concept, but the portrayal seemed abrupt. He was rebellious one minute and completely pliable the next. His recovery was handled a bit better.

I haven't read the book that came before this, Hardwired, but probably will.

Angeya's original post is at http://www.livejournal.com/users/angeyja/107195.html#cutid1

where she raises some of these questions and some others. Also, a good review at http://members.aol.com/dmchess/www/aristoi.html

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From: [identity profile] mamculuna.livejournal.com


Lots--sometimes we're just in disguise :o) I'll be 63 in October, actually.
(deleted comment)

From: [identity profile] mamculuna.livejournal.com


Thanks! I'd be glad to read you, too. I liked your persistence in figuring out what you were asking about.

From: [identity profile] fraydecat.livejournal.com


Ha! Thanks.That didn't exactly work out. I didn't really know what I was asking or thinking...it ended up in kind of an argument...and then I went back in and erased everything...didn't want the negativity floating.
Maybe that church is Trinity, it's on a main street there. It always looked like the beach should be behind it.
I have to tell you I am very envious of the things you have done and accomplished in your life.

From: [identity profile] mamculuna.livejournal.com


That board can be a tiny bit negative itself--there are some wonderful people on it, but some of them can sound (and some can even be) sort of hostile at times. I take it as a great opportunity to practice not being attached. I thought your question was fine, and it may be that some people had problems with it because they haven't quite managed to deal with that issue themselves. I haven't! But it's still worth talking about.

I'm really fortunate to have been able to go places and do things, but have plans for lots more--and bet you will, too.

From: [identity profile] fraydecat.livejournal.com


I have lots of dreams, but have had trouble manifesting them."Plans" is a word that grown ups use...not quite there yet.

From: [identity profile] mamculuna.livejournal.com


"In dreams begin responsibilities"--the scary title of one of my favorite poems.

You're grownup when you want to be, after all.

From: [identity profile] fraydecat.livejournal.com


well, that is encouraging. May I add you as a friend? October is a good month to be born, my niece, the love of my life, was born October 13th.

From: [identity profile] fraydecat.livejournal.com


I love that little pink church in Columbia..the Spanish-looking one, with the palm trees. I was born in Greenville, myself.

From: [identity profile] mamculuna.livejournal.com


Trinity, by the State Capitol? Or maybe there's another. Beautiful mountains near Greenville--though I usually head the other way, to the ocean. Not too many SC people on LJ (or at least not that admit it!)
.

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