R.I.P. Philip Jose Farmer

Philip Jose Farmer passed away at age 91 Wednesday the 25th. I vividly remember "To Your Scattered Bodies Go" and it pushed me to think about what it is to be a human being. Actually,
that's my personal definition of good science fiction - it forces you to think, specifically about humans and the human condition.

There's a lovely obituary in Farmer's local paper.

What stories do YOU remember from Philip Jose Farmer?
Lauretta

Do you ever cry when reading a book?

HeatherJ, over at Age 30+ ... A Lifetime of Books, is running a poll to find out how many folks cry when reading books. As opposed to watching movies, listening to music, etc.

I remember crying several times during really sad bits of stories. Not often, by yes, when the boy threw himself into Lloyd Alexander's Black Cauldron.

Interesting question, no? Go have a look.
Lauretta

Free Astronomy & Science Fiction Stories!

The National Science Foundation (USA) has funded a Science Fiction anthology - a free one! Check out stories by Mary Robinette Kowal, Geoffrey Landis, and others in Diamonds in the Sky.

Save a word from extinction from the English language

The Oxford Dictionaries are running a campaign to rescue certain words from extinction and/or removal from the english dictionary. Warning! There is sound (which can be turned off in the lower left) - but it's a bit disconcerting to here "Pick Me!" as you scroll across the words.

Let us know in the comments which one you saved, 'K?
Lauretta

Food, Glorious Food!

Loyola College in Maryland is running a Humanities Symposium on the nature of food and its relationship to humanity. In addition to studying The Omnivore's Dilemma, the 2-and-a-bit month long seminar will cover movies, tastings, children's nutrition, history, and art. Many events are free and open to the public! Details may be found here.

John Updike - R.I.P.

Dated 1/27/09:

"It is with great sadness that I report that John Updike died this morning at the age of 76, after a battle with lung cancer." said Nicholas Latimer of Alfred A. Knopf, a unit of Random House. "He was one of our greatest writers, and he will be sorely missed." Latimer said Updike died in a hospice in Massachusetts.

Updike's most recent publication is The Widows of Eastwick, a sequel to The Witches of Eastwick. The Baltimore Sun has a lovely obituary here.

Tea with the Author this Saturday! 2-4pm

Saturday, January 17, 2009 2-4pm

Join Maryland author Mary Ellen Hughes and the American Association of University Women for tea, cookies and discussion. Mary Ellen is the author of three 'cozy' mysteries set in a local Maryland craft store.