Rancid

  I watched Rebel Moon on Netflix. It was fun but not very special. Overall, "Rebel Moon: Part One" looks great and is enjoyable as a sci-fi movie. However, it's not groundbreaking because it lacks originality and the story isn't fully developed. Whether you like it or not, the film gets people talking and excited about what's coming next.

  "I've just completed watching the 'Pluto' series on Netflix, and if you're a fan of science fiction and detective stories, here are some highlights. 'Pluto' is a captivating and thought-provoking anime that delves into the intricate relationship between humans and robots. Beyond being a mere murder mystery, it profoundly explores the essence of humanity and delves into the potential risks and rewards of artificial intelligence. The series is based on the manga of the same name by Naoki Urasawa, a reinterpretation of Osamu Tezuka's classic Astro Boy story, 'The Greatest Robot on Earth.' Themes such as artificial intelligence, morality, discrimination, and the nature of humanity are skillfully woven into the narrative. Meet the main character, Inspector Gesicht, a robot detective with complexity and nuance that adds depth to the storyline. The atmosphere is dark, suspenseful, and prompts contemplation on various thought-provoking themes."  ...

Frank Herbert's Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 2: Muad’Dib by Brian Herbert My rating: 3 of 5 stars The captivating world of Frank Herbert's Dune has been brought to life in various mediums, including films, television series, and now, graphic novels. Among these adaptations, Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 2: Muad'Dib stands out with its stunning visuals and faithful storytelling. Raúl Allén and Patricia Martín's masterful illustrations breathe life into the harsh desert landscape of Arrakis, immersing readers in the planet's unique atmosphere. Their detailed and evocative artwork perfectly captures the essence of Herbert's epic tale, transporting readers to the heart of this captivating world. Beyond its visual splendor, Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 2: Muad'Dib delivers a compelling narrative that stays true to the original novel. It masterfully weaves together themes of adventure, survival, and political intrigue, exploring the profound impact of religio...

  If you're a fan of science fiction inspired by the world of comic books, chances are you've encountered DC's The New Gods or Marvel's The Eternals, both crafted by the creative mind of Jack Kirby. Kirby's vision wasn't centered on Spiritual Beings; rather, it revolved around advanced civilizations. Personally, I am well-acquainted with both The New Gods and The Eternals. My most recent delve into this realm was through "Eternals Classic Origins," initially released in 1988—a comic book miniseries narrating the origin tale of The Eternals. The series is a collaborative creation of Jack Kirby, who served as the writer, and Joe Quesada, who contributed as the illustrator. The Celestials' fascination with genetic engineering likely stems from their aspiration to fashion a race of beings that embodies perfection. Genetic engineering, in their view, is the pivotal tool to realize this ambition. The Celestials firmly believe that through the manipulatio...

Infinity Gate by M.R. Carey My rating: 3 of 5 stars Infinity Gate by M.R. Carey is a hard sci-fi novel that explores the multiverse and the implications of AI technology. It is a long read, but it is well worth it for fans of the genre. One of the things that makes Infinity Gate so compelling is its hard science premise. Carey has done his research, and the book is full of scientifically plausible ideas about the multiverse, AI, and interstellar travel. Another thing that sets Infinity Gate apart is its diverse cast of characters. The story follows characters from different worlds and dimensions, including humans, cat people, and hedgehog people. This gives the reader a unique perspective on the multiverse and the conflict between humanity and AI. In addition to its strong science and characters, Infinity Gate also explores some complex philosophical and ethical issues, such as the nature of consciousness, the relationship between humans and machines, and the meaning of free will. T...

  Yakitori: Soldiers of Misfortune is a 2023 original anime series produced by Netflix. It is an adaptation of the light novel of the same name by Carlo Zen. The series follows Akira, a young man from Earth who enlists in the Yakitori, a planetary orbital infantry force, in order to escape his impoverished life. The series has been praised for its high-quality animation, fluid action sequences, and complex characters. However, it has also been criticized for its short runtime (only six episodes), which prevents it from fully exploring some of the interesting themes presented in the story. Overall, Yakitori: Soldiers of Misfortune is a solid anime series that is worth checking out for fans of military science fiction and action. However, viewers should be aware that the series is relatively short and does not have a complete ending.

  The essays in Asimov's Foundation and Philosophy are engaging and thought-provoking, and they offer new insights into one of the most influential science fiction series of all time. Here are some of the key philosophical themes that emerge from the essays: The ethics of manipulation: One of the central questions raised by the Foundation series is whether it is ethical to manipulate large populations of people in order to bring about a desired future result. Hari Seldon, the fictional founder of the Foundation, uses psychohistory, a science that can predict the future of large populations, to plan for the collapse of the Galactic Empire and the subsequent Dark Age. He does this in order to ensure that human civilization survives and eventually rebuilds. However, some people argue that Seldon's manipulation of the future is unethical, even if it is for a good cause. Free will vs. determinism: The Foundation series also raises the question of whether humans have free will ...

  @what type of resurrection JW's believe in? Jehovah's Witnesses believe in two types of resurrection: the resurrection of the anointed and the resurrection of the great crowd. The anointed are a group of 144,000 people who are chosen by God to rule with Jesus Christ in heaven. They will be resurrected to immortal spirit bodies. The great crowd are all the other people who will be resurrected to life on a paradise earth. They will be resurrected to physical bodies that are similar to the bodies they had on earth. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in the concept of a replicant with reconstructed memories. They believe that the resurrected person will be the same person they were before they died, with all of their memories and personality intact. The Bible verses that Jehovah's Witnesses use to support their belief in resurrection include: John 5:28-29: "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in the graves will hear his voice and come ou...

  In big organizations like ours, making changes, even when they're clearly needed, can be tough. This is true for businesses, government agencies, and even our religious group. We follow lots of rules and laws in the United States to function properly.   As people in our organization get older, they can be even more against change. It's just how people are - we like things to stay the same. This can be especially hard in big groups because everyone's used to doing things a certain way, and change can be confusing. Sometimes, our leaders tell us to just follow the rules and not ask too many questions, even if we don't understand them.   Our organization is made up of people who speak different languages, and that comes with its own traditions and ways of thinking. In big groups, it can be hard to make sure everyone knows about and understands the changes we need to make. Sometimes, there are misunderstandings, and that can slow things down. Our main way of communicating...

Far Sector by N.K. Jemisin My rating: 2 of 5 stars The series is an excellent example of how to reinvent a classic superhero concept. Jemisin takes the Green Lantern Corps and turns it on its head, creating a new and exciting, familiar and fresh story. The series is also a great example of how to use comics to explore complex social and political issues. Jemisin tackles themes such as colonialism, trauma, and the nature of justice in a way that is both thought-provoking and accessible. View all my reviews

I read today's text with great interest and took the time to study the article it originated from. It's clear that this message is aimed at the youth within the congregation, offering them two distinct paths to consider for their lives. One path involves pursuing higher education, while the other emphasizes dedicating their lives to Jehovah's service. It's essential to remember that choosing to serve in Bethel often means taking a vow of poverty and adhering to certain retirement age requirements, even for elders and those in regular congregation roles. The text wisely suggests that young people should seek advice from their parents and friends within the congregation, recognizing that they are part of a community that follows Jehovah's teachings. It's a reminder that wisdom can often be found in the counsel of those who share your faith. At the same time, it's important to remember that being a Jehovah's Witness doesn't automatically make someone in...

The Redemption of Time by Baoshu My rating: 1 of 5 stars The Redemption of Time: A Three-Body Problem Novel" attempts to continue the legacy of Liu Cixin's renowned trilogy, but sadly falls short of the mark. As a fanfiction-like work by Baoshu, it ventures into new storylines and characters within the familiar universe. However, it disappointingly lacks the scientific depth and complexity that made the original trilogy so captivating. While the concept of humanity's struggle against the Trisolarans remains intriguing, the execution feels more like a fantasy tale rather than a science-driven narrative. I had hoped for a more grounded exploration of the universe, akin to the "Remembrance of Earth's Past" trilogy, but this installment fails to deliver on that front. As an unofficial sequel, "The Redemption of Time" tries to pay tribute to the original trilogy, but it's evident that it lacks the masterful touch of Liu Cixin. While authorized by ...

Today, I had my doctor's appointment to discuss my seizure disorder with not just one, but two neurologists. While it was disheartening, they did take my heart issue into consideration and reevaluated the treatment plan for my other neurological problems. They concluded that, for now, the priority should be deferring treatment to the cardiologist, as addressing my heart problems is crucial. They assured me that my neurological issues can be managed through physical therapy, though that won't be happening immediately. So, the best course of action is to focus on fixing my heart issues and consider neurological treatment in the future. I'll be okay as long as I faithfully take my medications. The main neurologist made me feel better by emphasizing that my issues are genetic and not my fault. I can't help but wonder about my family's long lives. My father lived to be 93, my mother passed away recently at 92, and my aunts on both sides lived to be between 90 and 100. Ye...

Here is a summary of the abnormal results from your blood work: ALP: Low HDL: Low CBC: Abnormal HbA1c: High MCH: Low Monocytes: High nRBC: High These results could be a sign of a number of conditions, Some possible conditions that could be causing your abnormal blood work results include: Liver disease: A low ALP level can be a sign of liver disease. Anemia: A low MCH level can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. Infection: A high monocyte count can be a sign of infection. Diabetes: A high HbA1c level can be a sign of diabetes. Bone marrow problems: A high nRBC count can be a sign of bone marrow problems.

Ball Lightning by Liu Cixin My rating: 4 of 5 stars I recently had the pleasure of reading "Ball Lightning," a remarkable hard science fiction novel by Liu Cixin, and I am excited to share my thoughts about it. Right from the beginning, I want to emphasize that this novel may not appeal to everyone. The detailed scientific explanations could be overwhelming for readers who are not familiar with the subject matter. Additionally, the story delves into emotionally challenging themes such as loss, grief, and the darker aspects of human nature. One of the standout aspects of "Ball Lightning" is the impressive clarity and detail with which the scientific concepts, particularly the exploration of ball lightning, are explained. Even non-scientific readers can appreciate the intricacies of the subject matter. This novel goes beyond being a mere adventure-focused book; it is a testament to the beauty of scientific exploration. The narrative is meticulously crafted, and it ...

 By Tony Santana In a world where intelligence reigned supreme, Tamika Jones stood out as a prodigy at the mere age of eight. With an IQ that soared above all others in the United States, she effortlessly conquered every academic subject, leaving a trail of accolades in her wake. As an African American girl with Jamaican roots, she became a beacon of pride for the city of Philadelphia and captured the attention of the world. However, tragedy struck one fateful day as Tamika innocently played in front of her home. Caught in the crossfire, she fell victim to a senseless act of violence, forever extinguishing the promising future she held within her brilliant mind. The city mourned, grieving not only for the young life lost but for the unimaginable potential that would forever remain unrealized. Behind the scenes, in the realm of secret laboratories and clandestine experiments, scientists grappled with the grim reality. As they gathered to discuss the alarming pattern, it became evide...

      "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" has several strengths and weaknesses: The Good: Well-developed and likable characters, including Captain Pike, Number One, Spock, Uhura, M'Benga, and Chapel. No Woke Character that I can see. Exciting, funny, and thought-provoking stories that balance action, humor, and important social and moral issues. Captures the spirit of classic Star Trek with its optimism, hope, and sense of wonder. Impressive production values, with a great-looking show and top-notch special effects. The Bad: The show can be overly episodic at times, lacking serialized storytelling. Some of the special effects may appear dated, reminiscent of the 1990s despite being filmed in 2022. Overall, "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds". It successfully returns to the form of classic Star Trek, offering engaging characters, exciting stories, and a sense of exploration. While it may have some minor drawbacks, it is likely to please audiences of all ages.    

Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control by Ryan Holiday My rating: 2 of 5 stars "Discipline Is Destiny" by Ryan Holiday is a book that explores the importance of discipline in achieving success and fulfillment in life. The book draws on examples from history and philosophy to illustrate the role of discipline in shaping destiny. Holiday argues that discipline is not a natural trait, but rather a skill that can be learned and cultivated. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life and making deliberate choices that align with one's values and goals. The book is divided into three parts. The first part focuses on the role of discipline in creating a meaningful life. The second part explores how discipline can be applied to specific areas of life, such as relationships, work, and health. The final part discusses the obstacles to discipline and how to overcome them. Throughout the book, Holiday emphasizes the importance of developi...

 In Star Trek Discovery Season 4, the crew of the USS Discovery sets out on a new mission led by Captain Michael Burnham, who has been promoted to the position of captain. Their objective is to save the galaxy from an enigmatic anomaly known as "The DMA," which is devouring entire star systems. As they investigate the anomaly, they encounter new alien races, including the Grudge, who are based on gravity, and the Tikal, a telepathic species. Throughout the season, the Discovery crew faces various challenges, such as a faction of Starfleet officers who believe in using extreme measures to stop the DMA, and a mysterious organization called "The Verubin Nebula," with its own agenda for dealing with the anomaly. As they work to find a way to stop the DMA and save the galaxy, the crew makes sacrifices and faces difficult choices. The season culminates in a thrilling finale where the Discovery crew puts their lives on the line to stop the DMA and save the galaxy. However,...

  The story is set in the 26th century, where humanity is at war with the Covenant. The series follows Master Chief as he navigates through the conflict, which has escalated to a point where the fate of the entire universe is at stake. The Covenant is a group of alien species that are united under a single religion and led by the Prophets.  The Covenant is the primary antagonist to the human race. The Covenant is made up of several alien species, including the Sangheili (also known as Elites), the Grunts, the Jackals, and the Brutes. Each species has its own unique characteristics and abilities, making the Covenant a formidable foe for the humans to face. The Covenant's goal in the game is to activate the Halo Array, which is a set of massive ring-shaped structures designed to wipe out all life in the galaxy. The Prophets believe that activating the Halo Array will allow their species to transcend into a higher plane of existence.   The series also introduces The characte...

Los tiempos del odio by Rosa Montero My rating: 3 of 5 stars "Los tiempos de odio" es una novela escrita por la aclamada autora española Rosa Montero. El libro se publicó por primera vez en 2018 y es la tercera entrega de la serie Bruna Husky. La historia tiene lugar en un futuro distópico donde el mundo se divide en dos partes, los privilegiados y los oprimidos. El personaje principal, Bruna Husky, es un replicante, una especie de humano artificial, que trabaja como detective privado. La contratan para investigar el asesinato de un famoso genetista, que estaba trabajando en un proyecto revolucionario que podría cambiar el mundo. Mientras Bruna profundiza en la investigación, descubre una peligrosa conspiración que involucra a personas y corporaciones poderosas. También enfrenta desafíos personales, como lidiar con su propia mortalidad y su complicada relación con su amante, el inspector humano Miquel Lizard. La escritura de Montero es atractiva y crea un mundo vívido y de...

Operation Haystack by Frank Herbert My rating: 3 of 5 stars Now this is the story that's interesting from Frank Herbert. I noticed something that he did in one of his short stories that Isaac Asimov has done. He evolves his ideas In this short story. For example he incorporates what we now know as the Bene Gesserit. Of course this is not in the Dune universe but the idea is there. In fact it indicates how woman been manipulating certain planets of the league for the husband to have political power and just been going for some time eventually I guess he Incorporated this Society of women into the Dune Saga. View all my reviews

Missing Link by Frank Herbert My rating: 3 of 5 stars Most people know Frank Herbert writing because of Dune. It is a very popular series here in the 21st century even though it was written in the 20th century. But he does have other books and short stories. This particular story describes a first Contact situation. The inhabitants of the planet are pretty hostile but very intelligent so much that they kidnapped a whole ship. And hide it in a place where indigenous people would not hide anything because they lack the technology to do so I guess they are quick studies. So when you get a chance give it a read it's not long and the plot is surprising. View all my reviews

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini My rating: 1 of 5 stars This novel is the definition of a useless space opera. 1000+ pages of nothing worth of value. It is a mélange of every science fiction book out there. I fell for the sunk cost fallacy. Waiting to see if it would get better. Never happened. The Author is more of a Fantasy (dungeon and dragon writer) and this book is written in this fashion. I think he is going to write a series on his theme called the fractal universe. I see no math here or fractals. Some authors can do both, others well... I don't read fantasy so I really can't criticize his fantasy novels. If you are a hard sci-fi guy. I would stay away from this one. View all my reviews