From O’Neill cylinders to ultra-fast pod trains, I’ve always been fascinated by how future technologies might reshape the way we live. Now, with a transpod line planned between Edmonton and Calgary, we’re on the brink of a sci-fi-style shift in how Albertans connect, commute, and imagine their cities.
Star Trek Cities and Supertrains: Alberta’s Leap into the Future Read More »
Watching Helix, Figure AI’s humanoid robot, calmly flipping boxes like a human worker, I felt that eerie thrill: science fiction is stepping right into the kitchen. With promises of domestic robots in homes within a decade, are we ready for this future — or already living it?
When Sci-Fi Steps into the Kitchen: Meet Helix, the Freakishly Human Robot Read More »
What if people lived out their entire lives aboard interstellar cruise ships, drifting between stars with no planetary home? Inspired by a real-world ocean liner turned permanent residence, this post explores the practicalities and story potential of life aboard a spacefaring cruiser.
The Stars as Home: The Practical Fantasies of Spacefaring Cruise Life Read More »
Who should control space? As satellites multiply and commercial players crowd low Earth orbit, the old question of ownership gives way to something trickier: governance. From traffic control to peacekeeping, enforcing rules in orbit isn’t just hard—it may be impossible in the traditional sense. But if no one can own space, does anyone have the right—or responsibility—to police it? This post explores the real-world state of space management, the challenges of enforcement, and how science fiction—from Star Cops to The Ptolemy Lane Tales—offers unexpected insight into the future of orbital order.
Who Should Control Space? Read More »
There are some books in science fiction that never seem to fade. Dune. Foundation. The Left Hand of Darkness. Decades later, we’re still reading them, studying them, arguing about them. They’ve carved out a permanent space on the shelf—and not just for their fans, but for the genre itself.
So what is it that makes a book a “classic”?
What Makes a Book a “Classic” in Science Fiction? Read More »
Out in the deep, where the stars burn cold and distant, and many years from now, old space dogs who miss the silence and loneliness of deep space race their solar yachts, harnessing the silent power of starlight to propel them through the void. No combustion, no fuel—just the delicate physics of light pressure on vast, shimmering sails. It’s a vision of the future, one where humanity reaches beyond, moving not with brute force, but with elegance and efficiency.
The Return of the Sail—On Earth and Among the Stars Read More »
The Doomsday Clock just moved forward again. We’re now at 89 seconds to midnight—the closest humanity has ever been to self-inflicted oblivion.
89 Seconds to Midnight: How Close Are We to the End? Read More »
Welcome to the first post of 2025! January always seems to bring a heightened awareness of time and its relentless march forward. As we flip to a fresh calendar, it’s hard not to reflect on where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and the infinite possibilities time holds—whether measured in the ticking of a clock or
TANSTAAFL, Time Travel, and the Price of Progress Read More »
This week, my faithful desktop computer decided it had had enough. After years of service, it spectacularly fried itself, leaving me scrambling to replace my primary workstation. Various revival attempts were futile, so I pivoted to what I’ve done for over a decade now: building a custom desktop computer tailored to my needs as a
From Fried Circuits to Quantum Futures Read More »
The Weight of the World These days, it feels like the world’s challenges are mounting. From economic uncertainty and environmental crises to the polarization of beliefs and values, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’re bombarded daily by grim news, leaving many of us searching for a reprieve—a way to escape the harsh realities of life
Space Opera: The Genre Dreamers Need Right Now Read More »