It feels ridiculous to see a 5-page paper with a 150-page appendix. Makes you question what is the paper.

A bit a of a straw man here, I know. Inspired by the recent debates about the commercial use of space and how it makes scientists worried about pollution and environmental degradation

Spoilers warning

Picked it up from the Goodreads science fiction top list. The description did not make much sense to me but I decided to give it a try based on the popularity.

It was a bit hard for me to get into but after a while the narrative made sense. It felt cosy to imagine all these travelers gather around and tell stories to each other. I liked the variety of styles and themes that each character contributes. But I still felt it was not fully stitched together. Yes, there is this shared universe but the transition from one tale to another still was jarring. And the ending was underwhelming. I was hoping for some closure, and the last tale kind of provided it, but then there was a heap of unanswered questions.

What were your thoughts? If you read the sequels, were they worth it?

https://www.sciencealert.com/giant-structure-found-lurking-in-deep-space-challenges-understanding-of-the-universe

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps3/632823-ico/faqs/81063

I hope this is relevant for the community. In a bizarre coincidence I finished Ico this week (for the very first time, and... what an experience) and, of course, went to Gamefaqs to see what I missed on the first play through. To my huge surprise, there was a new guide, added just a few days back. The guide is on the language of Yorda, kind of similar to some of the previous work done, but a nice addition nonetheless. Really impressed that people are still writing guides on a 20+ year-old game.

Read it recently, somewhat influenced by a post about John Scalzi on the sub, just wanted to share my thoughts and ask what you guys thought.

Minor spoilers ahead.

My opinion about the book wavered as I read it. It went somewhat like this

• Covid setup, cringe
• Oh, secret society, Kaiju, cool
• Why do these guys constantly bitch with each other like they are kids from Stranger Things?
• Chill, everyone is a megachad and bad guys get fucked
• The culmination, meh, nothing original

And then I read the author’s notes about the book and realized that this was my favorite part.

In a nice house.

Tired.

Which sci-fi titles (movies, books) do you consider comforting, cozy, something you come back to from time to time? For me, I guess it is The Matrix. Still holds up to this day, gets better with every re-watch, and gives me a sense of peace when I need it.

An inspiration for a new Batman's gadget?