Influx

The morality of new technology is a very timely question right now. AI and robotics have long been at the center of these considerations and now, more than ever, this is a pressing topic of discussion. However, this morality hasn't always been considered due to a generally optimistic world view that always sees the best possible outcome. But every leap in technology comes with a slate of negative externalities, many of which result form inventions being utilized in manners far from the scientists' intention. And the less immediately obvious the application, the less scrutiny it faces.

Influx, by Daniel Suarez, is a science fiction work about this very idea. In it, the debate about the potentially harmful consequences of advanced technology seamlessly blends with a strong science fiction story. Sacrifice meets greed, loyalty is tested, and friendships are formed. All the ingredients are there. And Suarez nails the execution as well. 

Character development is a very strong suit here - they feel almost like flesh and blood. World building is another strength. In his development of the fictional technologies, Suarez pulls in just enough actual science to make it believable. I had no trouble with my suspension of disbelief. Actually, I had to go so far as to search some of the things he mentions, such as glial cells. Finally, this has incredible pacing. It kept me engaged, unable to stop reading. Yet at just enough points the action slowed down, enough to keep it from being overwhelming. 

Influx was a Nominee for best Science Fiction on Goodreads in 2014. It's a well deserved honor and I give it a confident recommendation.

 

Food Americana: The Remarkable People and Incredible Stories behind America’s Favorite Dishes

    There's a lot that goes into defining a location. Environment, the types of buildings, even the smells in the air. But most importantly, there's the people. Understanding the people making up a place is a key prerequisite for grasping the true essence of a time and space. Even the true wilderness is defined by its relationship with people or, rather, the absence of one. But then we're posed with a question: what makes man? According to the Kingsman movies, "Manners maketh man". I, however, don't think that it is so simple. It isn't just one's behavior that defines them. Humans are a spiderweb of contradictions and emotions, tightly strung within the confines of these fleshy bodies. And one of those emotions is food. Unless you survive off gray tasteless mush, there is emotion associated with the food you eat - an example of this is memories. Certain foods evoke nostalgia, remind you of family, of holidays good times...

     I'm sure I'm far from the only one who is so fascinated with what food means to people (and to me). In Food Americana by David Page, he expresses a very similar mentality. To him, the fabric from which these United States are woven can be expressed by the foods we love - burgers, buffalo wings, fried chicken. Each chapter of the book follows a certain food. And he tells of it in a creative manner. Both the history and modern approaches are covered, with each chapter followed up by a recipe for the food item that chapter was about. In a way, it's like those online recipes that try to game Google's search criteria, and so have a few pages of story telling before they get to the instructions. But here, it's frankly better written and more interesting. No offense to the online cooks, just being honest.

    Overall, it's a mildly entertaining and fairly informative book. No must read, but as a light distraction, it does well.

Calm

A calm enveloping my soul
And I feel... oddly whole.
Nothing can bother me
Right now, I am in control.

Intrusive thoughts are kept at bay
Distractions kept away...
I am the world. The world is me.
Listen when I say:

Join me and search for peace
Deep inside your heart.
We'll build a new world for ourselves
Where we can do our part.

We'll learn the hardest task of all-
To forgive mistakes.
Both our own and others'
For that is what it takes. 

October 7, 2023