This is a story idea. In Middle-earth, humans would eventually develop modern technologies through an industrial revolution. The result would be Middle-earth with modern amenities. A tourist In modern Middle-earth could take a walking tour of Hobbiton led by guides guides dressed as hobbits, featuring a historically authentic recreation of Bag-End and souvenir shops selling… Continue reading Modern Technology in Middle-earth
Fine Writing by Tolkien
I have been listening (again) to the audiobook of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, read by Rob Inglis. Tolkien wrote many beautiful and moving descriptions of landscapes in The Lord of the Rings. These are two of my favorite passages: Already the eastward sky was turning pale; the stars were fading,… Continue reading Fine Writing by Tolkien
Vernor Vinge
Today I learned from File 770 (via Hacker News) that Vernor Vinge, professor and science fiction author, died on March 20, 2024. I have read several of his novels, which I highly recommend; the most brilliant are A Fire Upon the Deep and A Deepness in the Sky.
The Horse, the Wheel, and Language
I am listening to the audiobook The Horse, the Wheel, and Language: How Bronze Age Riders from the European Steppes Shaped the Modern World by David W. Anthony. I have read a few similar books describing how linguists have partially reconstructed the Proto-Indo-European language. Looking through our library at home, I found a copy of… Continue reading The Horse, the Wheel, and Language
iPhone Cameras
I have been taking photos for the past few years solely with the camera of my iPhone (iPhone 5S, iPhone SE 1st generation, and most recently iPhone SE 2nd generation). These cameras have been functional but not great. I have been considering buying the iPhone 13 Pro, which has three lenses, including a telephoto and… Continue reading iPhone Cameras