Economics Lesson from THE REFORMATION

Here is a particularly wry quote from THE REFORMATION by Will Durant, page 752.1: "Civilization is a parasite on the man with the hoe." This is a profound observation on economics. Knowing that in order for a civilization to reach great accomplishments a corresponding increase in the labor of the worker must occur, makes me wonder who is doing all the work to permit us to have all the essentials of life and time to enjoy some luxuries? An increase in population only aggravates the problem, for the workers at the bottom must still sustain themselves. Is there enough surplus effort being exerted to support our way of life, or is it being artificially propped up by Divine intervention?
(Deus Vult)

LOTR Marathon one for the books

The Lord of the Rings Marathon event, on December 17th, was a success. In attendance were Rick, Keith, Sara, Rachel Bob and Doug. The films were shown on an eight foot screen using a HiDef projector, and the picture looked great. We were not able to get the surround sound working, but the two chanel sound, through my old Clestion Ditton 66 speakers was more than adequate. During the ride of the Rohirrim, we could feel the horses through the floor. This is the preferrred scenario for these three films; watch them all at one sitting, with a large screen, and plenty of volume. Those who were there have something to remember. Is there a better film series out there?

We are already dreaming up future marathons; Back the the Future, Indiana Jones, 24, Highlander, Max Headroom, Johnny Quest, Star Trek TNG, James Bond. I'm still thinking A L I E N, and I just got the uncut version of AVP. Pass the popcorn.

Xeelee the Saga Continues

Just when you thought you had read all there was to read on Xeelee and humans evolving in impossible environments, there is more. I just discovered that Stephen Baxter has three more books in the Xeelee sequence. Supposedly the main character is Michael Poole, of TIMELIKE INFINITY fame. They form their own sub-series; Destiny's Children:

Coalescent, Gollancz 2003 (UK)
Exultant, Gollancz 2004 (UK)
Transcendent, Gollancz 2005 (UK)
The Third Expansion, Gollancz 2006 (UK) (projected)

This may be something to add to the HMTP. I thought I was maybe done with Baxter, but these may justify another look.

The Baxterium, Baxter's home site.

REFORMATION Word Count

I just did an estimate on the length of THE REFORMATION by Will Durant: I calculate it to be 440,000 Words long. That makes it twice as long as a typical Turtledove novel. Indeed a tome.

(Deus Vult)