Arthur C. Clarke Dies at 90
 

http://cellar.org/showthread.php?t=16853

http://cellar.org/showthread.php?t=7716&page=24

Yeah, I know. I figured something should appear in Entertainment also.

to have such a full life and die at 90 is a blessing. Everyone go and re-read Childhoods End.

I have to admit to only previously reading his short stories. I am working my way through Stranger in a Strange Land now. I have never been one to read fiction of anykind. It is a good read. I have purchased about 4 of his other books and will get through them eventually between my non-fiction reads. I usually read 3 or 4 books at a time.

That's Heinlein.

Well Dammit to Hell, should have known that the damm book is sitting right in front of me! The only book by Clarke I read was 2001 Space Odyssey and that was in High School. And damm Heinlein died back in the 80's anyway. Whatever, I like his books.

Ah, Heinlein. One of the original corrupting influences of my youth.

When you come to the tattooed lady, think of me, Merc.

I shall. I have to tell you this is some of the first fiction I have read in over 20 years. It takes a lot of effort to relax enough to read it. I always felt like reading fiction was a waste of time when there was so much non-fiction I could be reading to learn something new.

Geez, how many fiction books have I read in 20 years? 500? 1,000? I never have any problem relaxing, it seems. (Just the opposite). I read plenty of non-fiction, too, though.

Don't think of it as useless time--think of it as exercising your mind, and gaining cultural references. And enjoying yourself!

Wot Cloud sed, Merc. Novels are art and art is cultural. Culture makes a man even more well rounded than large lunches.

And Evelyn Wood is now out in book form -- learn to speedread in the privacy of your own home, at discount prices!

Evelyn Wood and Science Fiction leads me to Samuel R. Delaney's problematical Dhalgren and a fannish verse I only half remember.

Dhalgren was awfully long and [something]
But to read it I knew I should;
I finished Dhalgren in just six months --
Thanks very much. (signed) Evelyn Wood