The Science of Liberty

The Science of Liberty: Democracy, Reason, and the Laws of NatureThe Science of Liberty: Democracy, Reason, and the Laws of Nature by Timothy Ferris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this intellectual history — it hit science, politics, and philosophy. It was definitely opinionated — Feyerabend, Lenin, Marx, etc got a major thumbs down! The last chapter hit on Islamism, Climate Change, and a nice conclusion of the book — it seemed like there were at least two full books compressed into the last chapter! Especially in the last two chapters, if felt like the writing became less focused and coherent; that is, there was more jumping between ideas. Despite this, I loved reading it. And, surprisingly, this book was dedicated to H.S.T. – I have to assume that is Hunter! It felt like quite a “non-Hunter” like read, but I also do thing it would resonate with deep themes in HST’s writing/life. I think the most important idea in the whole book was the “triangle” (and later “diamond”) representing the concept that liberalism is not the same as progressive. Thanks Chip for the recommendation!

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Watch out airlines!

Carrie, Torsten, and Aven are on their way to Houston. I’m hoping all the sillies get left at the airport — good luck Carrie! I miss you all already!

Book Review: Kaku’s Physics of the Future

Physics of the Future: How Science Will Change Daily Life by 2100Physics of the Future: How Science Will Change Daily Life by 2100 by Michio Kaku
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

this was an entertaining read. But I wouldn’t call this a science book. Maybe science fiction. Maybe fluff. It is entertaining. I found myself annoyed at some of the “linguistics of the future” attempts (such a word will disappear from the language..) and some very basic bad science popping in — I remember one specific phrase about the level of a society will be measured by “electrons flowing in the fiber optic cables” — parse that again for me?!? I found this to be speculation, too much ego, and not enough physics (to include that in the title). A better title would be “My Imagined Future”

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Feeling Mystic

at Aunt Cindy’s awesome recommendation, we went to Mystic. First we had a fantastic aquarium visit (penguins rule and petting sting rays was super cool). then downtown-Torsten and I spent an hour in the bookstore, then walked across the drawbridge to S&P Oyster Co. (thanks again Cindy) and had an appetizer and dogfishhead (only the 60 minute), read the new books, and … the drawbridge went up!!! we were waiting for Jaye, Carrie, and Aven (antiquing and playing on the beach). and we finally put one and one together… The Mystic Pizza place… forehead slap.. I highly recommend the S&P lobster tacos…