Dave Higgins's Blog, page 93

The Silence of Reason

‘Tis the season for scary tales. So, have a Hallowe’en drabble. Our scientists found a rational explanation for every trace of the divine. Our surgeons fixed the flaws that made some believe in the face of the evidence. And, freed of all the lies of the past, our philosophers set out a logical and consistent … Continue reading The Silence of Reason

Small Bites 4 by Crissy Moss

Moss provides three brief forays into other worlds, each a possible development of our own, and each united by asking not only “what if…?” but also “what then…?” This collection contains three science-fiction flash fictions: ‘Past Talks’: A time-travelling documentary maker is interviewed before a studio audience; but not everyone is happy to know the … Continue reading Small Bites 4 by Crissy Moss

Time Isn’t On My Side

Time is. Time was. Time will be again. However, describing the process in fiction can be tricky; especially if the story is set prior to the invention of the watch. Seven Stones is gritty swords-and-sorcery. It opens in a dense forest in the rain, and continues with bad weather, ancient ruins, and other grimy backdrops. … Continue reading Time Isn’t On My Side

The Awesomeness Before The Court

The unreal trial I mentioned last week has now happened; and I won. In celebration of my victory, here’s a photograph of my best sexy raven impression: For those interested, the key point turned on interpretation of 16th Century Canon law regarding the seal of the confessional, and a great many instances of sweeping and … Continue reading The Awesomeness Before The Court

New Night by Fiona van Dahl

Providing both exciting struggles against an invading alien menace and an exploration of the mental challenges of facing something Other, van Dahl creates science fiction horror that stimulates both the emotions and the mind. Lucas had a career he both enjoyed and was good at; as a police officer in Gothic, Arkansas. Until the day … Continue reading New Night by Fiona van Dahl

Physics Doesn’t Care About Gender

I was going to post a semi-rant about an article I read where all the men were referred to my surname and all the women by first name; then I saw this video. Which makes the same point about purposeless asymmetry and is easier on the soul:

An Unreal Trial

As some of you know I enjoy live-action roleplaying games. I’m currently in a 7th Sea campaign (for those not familiar, pirates and swashbucklers with magic and a dusting of steampunkery); and on Saturday we’re having a trial. And I’m Defence Counsel. Bounce. All the joy of lawyering without the limitations of having to be … Continue reading An Unreal Trial

You’re in for a Ride: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories

Combining thought-provoking ideas and sudden reframing with pared down prose, Rossis provides a collection that is faced-paced without being shallow. As with many of Rossis’ other collections, this book contains several short stories interspersed between sections of another. ‘You’re in for a Ride’: an ancient creature seeks the last few victims it needs to complete … Continue reading You’re in for a Ride: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories

Obstacles Diminish Enthusiasm

I’m a firm believer in being better than you need to be just because you can. However, sometimes others go out of their way to make it less smooth than it needs to be. While visiting a supermarket this morning, I had cause to use their toilets, during which I discovered the paper holder in … Continue reading Obstacles Diminish Enthusiasm

Through Mathematics, Madness

Being the only person in her company who understands one of the tools of her job, my wife’s employment seemed safe. However, it appears Dark Accounting, waxing in unnatural life, seeks to steal her uniqueness. Behold the squamousness of its relevance: Actuarial assumptions are an entity’s decision to accept an explanation as insane as this. … Continue reading Through Mathematics, Madness