| Go forth and read Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons. They should be read as one book. It would also help to be familiar with Keats' poem of the same name (Read it here). It's, in my opinion, some of the finest science-fiction written in recent times. This book requires a cultural literacy that I don't posess. I would make a small request. If there is anyone out there reading this please send me a list of things that you believe a truly literate person should have read. No holds barred, any media and genre... I will compile them and post them here along with my thoughts as I read. Wow. What a wonderfully crafted tale... I wish I could express my enjoyment of these books more eloquently. One of the foremost themes of these books is the evolution of mankind as a race. Evolution, in this context, refers not only to the mundane miracle of adaptation to our environment, but also our cultural/spiritual/scientific advancement. We are presented with a future in which mankind is split in two wildly disparate groups. The first of these groups is stagnating in comfortable bondage to its own frankenstein's monster. A symbiotic relationship that spells it's doom. The second group is returning to it's roots after a long journey of discovery and progress. In between lies the poet's planet, Hyperion.... strange things are afoot. Read these books. I want someone to discuss them with. :) KH was kind enough to speculate on my ding an sich post of the 12th. I will post her response tommorrow. Some stuff Music rec: The Crytal Method. Vegas. Very heavy, very nice. Some of the best modern electronica. These guys are a marvel live and great recorded. Anyone that samples Dark Crystal is alright by me. Movie rec: Tron. Love it or hate it, I don't care. It is the pinnacle of 80's futurism. END OF LINE "I'm a wall, all bricks and mortar but she's break, break, breakin me down..." As always, if this sparks you or you want to share something with me, please do so. |