Sci-fi and Heroic Fantasy discussion

British SciFi author Arthur C. Clarke was born 100 years ago today (Dec 17, 1917.). His writings gave us geostationary communications satellites, space elevators, and alien warning beacons. Along with Asimov & Heinlein, he was known as one of the "big three" during the "golden age of scifi".

His stories include The Sentinel, Against the Fall of Night, Childhood's End, The Fountains of Paradise, Rendezvous with Rama and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not. In either case the idea is quite staggering.

I have this image indelibly printed on my conciousness of Arthur on a beach somewhere with a backdrop of surf and sand tapping dilligently away on his laptop in shirt and shorts and wondering if he went surfing?
On the other foot however, Asimov wrote not only fiction but excellent science books that led this gentle disciple into the mysteries of atomic structure, their nature and purpose, explaining physics and chemistry in a way that beginners and amateurs could grasp. Also the excellent Chronology Of The World which gives an informative, truncated view of history outlining significant events from the big bang to the end of WW2.
As a child I remember reading some stories by Patrick Moore, the late and great astronomer, If memory serves me they were quite naive, very Boys Own, but as an eight year old on his first teetering steps into the world of Fantasy and SF enthralling stuff.
As for Heinlein - sorry, not been a fan for a very long time - a short and not so sweet brief encounter!

I guess this is Clark related. While counting sheep, they found a strange monolith in Utah. It's a little late, but 2020 seems to be one of those years & keeps on giving.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2...

Does anyone else have the theme of 2001: A Space Odyssey running through their head now?
;)

Jim wrote: "I guess this is Clark related. While counting sheep, they found a strange monolith in Utah. ..."

And, poof it's gone.

G33z3r wrote: "Jim wrote: "I guess this is Clark related. While counting sheep, they found a strange monolith in Utah. ..."

And, poof it's gone."

I like how it was made of wood on the inside :)