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

Doctorow's Story 'Print Crime' a Little Closer To Reality Now

Doctorow's Story 'Print Crime' is indeed one step closer to reality with the advent of Dremel's new 3d printer.

Print Crime was a chilling short story that involved 3d printers and copy-write  laws.  Sounds pretty dry doesn't it; well believe it or not it is a completely involving story with fast action to boot.

The premise concerns 3d printers.  In Cory's future world, the components for 3d printers have vastly declined (I am not going to a spoiler so I suggest finding and reading the story for HOW that happened) this give people the ability to print just about anything, which brings them in direct conflict with copywrite trolls which have managed to make a 3d print of anything an illegal act which is treated by the police much as drug purveyors are now handled.

So you see when I hear about 3d printer with a price bread under 1000 - I was instantly reminded of Cory's story.

Imagine if in the future you might not actually buy a product, but the code to print this product.  It is perfectly possible if the printers make enough of an inroad into the public's notion of what is being purchased.  You might just get a disk or coded email, instead of an actual product.   Doctorow explored all of these factors and a few not mention (no spoiler)

The printer in question is the Dremel 3D Idea Builder.