BMU #424 is now online.

My opening comment for episode 424 I speak in part about Dremel's new 3d printer, I welcome a new contributor to Beam Me Up. Plus I speak about the OSIRIS-REx Mission of putting a lander on an asteroid in 2016 plus Maven has done an insertion burn for it's prelim orbit.

My musical selection for the afternoon is BNL's "The Big Bang"

I speak briefly about Isaac Asimov and John Campbell as their work together.  This week chapter four of "The Last Question"

I read  the intro from ("my anime guy") better known as "Mebbles"  which he posted on the blog.  Mebbles also has some favorite anime music of which I play a selection.  For my part, I mention a couple of  series  that I have have enjoyed over the past few months.

Next on the agenda is chapter 4 of the "Last Question" by Isaac Asimov.

I read "Meebles" introduction letter. (he should prove to be an excellent addition to the staff) plus he includes a fun url for his favorite anime music which I just can't resist!

I talk about a couple of anime series that I just finished watching.

Kalimus posts a review of Asylum productions newest outing z Nation.

I talk about Dremel's newest printer which is an affordable 3d printer and how it reminded me of a story by Cory Doctorow.

My final story  Tiny Leon and his Wee adventure by Michael Juby.

Hope you enjoy the program.  Thanks for listening.


Click HERE for episode 424

BMU #422 Isaac Asimov - Michael Juby - quantum computers - closest supernova in ages - Killer Robots

This week's episode (422) of Beam Me Up, my opening comments contain information on odd happenings with cube sat launches as well as near passes of a just discovered asteroid.

I end the the opening section with the opening theme music from the anime series Durarara!!

The first story of the afternoon is Phillippe and His Rather Boring  Time Travel (pt1) by Michael Juby.

This week from the Beam Me Up - 

Google wants to create sentient robots and to that end are working on quantum computer chips.
Chandra observes one of the closest 1a supernovas in decades. 
Spitzer space telescope has observed a large asteroid collision.
Will Robots of the future be mercy killers?

The final story this week is part two (ch 2+3) of Isaac Asimov's The Last Question.

Discovery Channel's Incredible Robots

CrystalWizard sent me a note saying"I ran across a very cool video on robots...when ....hunting stuff to watch"  and "this" is would seem is an in-depth look at the early evolution of robots et-all as well as a critical look at the various systems that would constitute a "robot" or an autonomous device that can overcome its own physical short comings to complete its' mission.   

The 47 minute program ( the equivalent of an hour program on US television ) is slightly dated as some of our most sophisticated probes in the form of NASA's Cassini–Huygens or the latest NASA Mars  Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover are not mentioned, though some of the earlier tests on Curiosity's suspension was in evidence.

My conclusion is, that after watching, not only will you find it entertaining, but very likely informative, especially if you are not as familiar as some when it comes to Robots in science fiction text or possibly some of the earlier efforts into learning an movement.

This is most definitely a check it out.

Thanks CW!


 

Asimov would roll over in his grave.....

I was reading in Boing Boing that in 1971 a new library in Troy, MI., was just being opened. In celebration of the event Isaac Asimov along with others, wrote an open letter to the new patrons (including the children) who would soon be frequenting it. This is what Dr. Asimov'http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs letter had to say:

"Congratulations on the new library, because it isn't just a library. It is a space ship that will take you to the farthest reaches of the Universe, a time machine that will take you to the far past and the far future, a teacher that knows more than any human being, a friend that will amuse you and console you---and most of all, a gateway, to a better and happier and more useful life."

Words of hope to a brave new world.

Rumor has it that the Troy library is likely to close soon due in part to budget cut backs....

complete Boing Boing article

Got some good news and maybe not so good news. The good news We may still yet see a Foundation movie. The potentially bad news? Roland Emmerich of 2012 and Independence Day fame has optioned the rights. I have heard this twice so I guess there is a good chance that this may happen. What scares me is that Emmerich, in an effort to lessen misgivings has promised "Not to ruin Foundation". Wow that's a load off me! I would have settled for I will do the very best job I can and honor Dr. Asimov's memory and treat his work with the respect it is due.

Read the 42 Blip article

Columbia wins auction for Asimov's Foundation

Columbia won an auction late Thursday for screen rights to "Foundation,". Roland Emmerich partner Michael Wimer will produce the film, which will be directed by Emmerich.

As science fiction fans, that's about all we need to know. The Variety article reads like a brawl at the kindergarten merry-go-round at snack time between Fox and Warner Brothers. It would be comical if it weren't for the 6 figure auction price that won the bid to produce the series. Of course some fan are more than a bit worried about the Emmerich/Wimer collaboration, worried more that this could turn into a debacle, ruining a truly great science fiction masterpiece.

If you're interested in the infighting, click on the article title to read the complicated double dealing. I for one, found it tedious. Anyone got any more info on this deal?

Isaac Asimov's Foundation Trilogy Headed to the Big Screen

Do those words fill you will hope or horrors? We should think back to the awe inspiring novels that should have been good movies..... Dune, BladeRunner, I Robot, Bicentennial Man and so forth and then think about the frightening scope of Asimov's Foundations. I don't see how the story can be made understandable and the movie entertaining in 90 to 120 minutes. What part of the Mona Lisa do you chop off or paint over to make it more digestable? But Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne seem to think they have what it takes. Shaye at leaset seems to understand the complexity of what he has undertaken "this is not a script you can knock out in six months." he was quoted as saying. ya think?

Read more by clicking the link

<- Firstshowing.net via SFSignal ->

The 3 Laws of Robotics according to Warren Ellis

Warren Ellis's gives us a profane and angry take on the Three Laws of Robotics. For those of you scratching your heads now saying...ummm laws? what laws? Let me enlighten you. Science Fiction author Isaac Asimov is credited with being the first to pen rules for robot behavior. His three laws were basic and simple, they are for the most part 1) a robot must obey a human 2) a robot must never harm a human or through inaction allow a human to come to harm 3) a robot must preserve itself at all cost unless it violates either first or second law. I have simplified them a bit.

Now, as high minded as this all is. Many love to have a go at these "laws" Warren, on his blog, gives us a very funny rant which is so profane, that I really can not quote here. But for a good laugh I suggest that you take a trip over and have a read.

Never fear either, Isaac would get just as bit a laugh as you will.

3 laws rant

Robotic age poses ethical dilemma

An ethical code to prevent humans abusing robots, and vice versa, is being drawn up by South Korea. The Robot Ethics Charter will cover standards for users and manufacturers and will be released later in 2007. It is being put together by a five member team of experts that includes futurists and a science fiction writer. The new charter is an attempt to set ground rules for this future. Imagine if some people treat androids as if the machines were their wives, or others may get addicted to interacting with them just as many internet users get hooked to the cyberworld.

The new guidelines could reflect the three laws of robotics put forward by author Isaac Asimov in his short story Runaround in 1942, she said. Key considerations would include ensuring human control over robots, protecting data acquired by robots and preventing illegal use.

ASIMOV'S LAWS OF ROBOTICS

1 A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2 A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3 A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law