More of the same

I seem to be losing (rather quickly) whatever little capacity I had had for writing posts about one topic. Welcome to today's collection of random notes

Cartoons - Their importance can't be put into words, neither can their impact. For me, almost all of the favorites remained those I picked up as a kid. Not that I stopped watching cartoons, but somehow no one entered the inner circle (the area occupied by Johny Quest, Aladin, Darkwing Duck and Centurians, just to name a few). That's not the case now. Gates have been opened for another worthy candidate, Phineas and Ferb. Thanks to bangi for introducing us.

This one again relates to childhood. Your truly (and many of his friends) still retain their fascination with stationary section of a shop (along with Toys, and yes, Tools). In one of those leisurely strolls, I came across a package. It was almost a compass box, ruler, protractor and stuff but for one thing, it also had a pocket calculator. Now what does that tell you?

I finished reading the 2007 Edge book [more about edge in the linked post]. The question for that year was 'What are you optimistic about?'. Wonderful reading, as expected. It's hard for me to pick the best response, so I'll tell you the one which I liked most
Sometime in the 21st century, I will understand 20th century Physics.
Something yours truly is optimistic about too. Now time to get the new Edge books [haven't seen them in the bookstores yet. but for the impatient: they are available online]

Started reading Anathem recently. Haven't read much yet, but am wondering, how much of the alternate universe created by an author (prime example: Middle Earth and Tolkein) with all the hard-or-impossible to pronounce names (remember kwisatz haderach?) is genuine requirement of the story, and how much is it a vehicle for showing the writer's genius? The answer would vary per case, and it's too early to draw conclusions (at least in this case).

And the last point, WHERE ARE THE RAINS?

Enjoy!!