People vs. Machine

This could be the beginning of a new wave of artificial limbs and other functional body parts. It is possible that one day a discovery like this will alter the way we view our bodies (Could we be better equipped if we were part machine, or is the human body superior to technological innovations?).


Meredith

A science-fiction related article

This is a pretty interesting article. Although it is not unexpected, space tourism now has a concrete date in the future by which to fulfill a science-fiction-like prophecy. Enjoy.

-Katie

Ted Chiang questions

Note the link, in the right-hand column, to an interesting interview with Ted Chiang in the online magazine Infinity Plus. Take a look at that before posting your questions for Chiang, to avoid plowing old earth. The interview will inform our next class discussion, too.

Science fiction in fall, fantasy in spring

Those of you interested in fantasy as well as science fiction might be interested to know that next semester I'll be teaching a new seminar, Magic for Beginners: 21st Century Fantasy. It, too, will be UH 300-003, and it'll meet 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, in the (slightly bigger) room next door to our classroom this semester. Texts will include Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, American Gods by Neil Gaiman, Magic for Beginners and Stranger Things Happen by Kelly Link, Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett, and the latest Year's Best Fantasy & Horror, edited by Ellen Datlow et al. Pass the word.