Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Title: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Author: J. K. Rowling

(2007)

Finally I read the last book of Harry Potter. I read the first six books on Spanish so this was not be the exception.

I can't remember why a start to read these books, maybe it was the boom for the first movie that I actually feel curiosity to read this story. Today after many years and seven books I must say that I really enjoy each one of them.

Of course I have some things to say about the Harry Potter universe. First of all I try to read each one of the books before a watch the movie and I could say that they were a big try but not a complete success to put Harry on the big screen. I actually feel disappointed with films 4, 5 and 6 (Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince) it looks like there was not enough time to tell the story on a comfortable way. I hope the last two films (last book) will not suffer for the same problem, but time will tell.

Talking about the book, my only complain was for a few middle chapters were some times I really get completely bored. Mainly because you read a story about Harry and his friends that are absolutely lost and they don´t really know what to do. Of course, a moment of disorientation is common on every story but I think in this case that it was too long. Fortunately I stay calm and continue reading to the end.

Finally I must say that I enjoy the end of a great story.

I, Robot

Title: I, Robot

Author: Isaac Asimov

(first published in 1950)

I received this book as a gift. I was completely aware that the movie (2004) was only based on the Asimov's robots universe and the book itself has specific stories (wiki) not completely related with the one performed by Will Smith. In fact you can read about an interview to an old Dr. Susan Calvin that talks about different moments in robot's history and how she saw the evolution of the positronic brain and robots intelligence.

My favorite story was "Liar!". When you heard about a mind reader robot, your most private secrets are in danger but what is worst is not that other people know your secret, in fact is even worst that a three law guide robot try to do something about it.

I really enjoy this book, it was all that I expect from Asimov and now is one of my must have books.

Broca's Brain and myself

Title: Broca's Brain: Reflections on the Romance of Science

Author: Carl Sagan

(1979)

On Amazon see here, I actually read the Spanish version (you can downloaded here)

I first read this book about 13 years ago. At that time I know that Carl Sagan was a famous scientist, mainly for his TV show but also for his scientific work and his personality. I discovered a part of myself that really enjoy the scientific world so this book was really interesting for me.

On my first read I enjoy how Dr. Sagan talk about his own experiences and how his thoughts to guide hims to show the reader many reflexions about the human brain, the scientific method and the universe we live.

I few months ago, I was talking with a friend and she heard about this book. I said her that actually I still have one copy on my bookshelf so she could read it if she wants. Of course, after this book returns to my hands I can't resist to give it a second read, not only because it was a good book but I really want to know my own perspective now that a feel that I grew up intellectually on the last years.

I must admit that when I was reading I have opposite feelings. I was enjoying how Sagan talk about the future of topics like education and technology and how his words are valid today. But for my critical part I discover that he talked to much about details about astronomy, obviously he was an astronomer and astrophysicist, but I think he should be a little bit partial on the scientific ground, specially if the book's title talk about science and not astronomy. Anyway I was disappointed when I realize that he talked a lot of the Velikovsky's ideas and all the things wrong with that. I really think it was very clever the many ways he tried to prove or disprove this ideas but I'm not convince that helps to the topic of the book.

In conclusion, if you have on your hands a book that you read so many years ago, give it a second look, maybe you will surprise from yourself.

The Scary Shinning

Title: The Shinnig

Author: Stephen King

(1977)

When I hear for the first time about The Shinning it was for the film with the great Jack Nicholson. But I learn before that in some cases is better to try to go to the source, so I prefer to give a try to the book instead.

I never read a King's novel before and I'm really satisfy. I had a few clues about it but when I passed each page I realize the magnificent classic that I had on my hands.

On many stories a see on tv or somewhere else, I see a lot of references to some parts of this novel. Blooding walls, old murderers and its ghosts, strange powers owned by an innocent mind, but all of this with a great sense of fear that only the imagination of the author and the interpretation of the reader can make a great and enjoyable story.

Definitely I'm going to read more novel by The Master of Horror

Molyneux and Natal

From Scientific American about the science behind Microsoft project Natal:

But Peter Molyneux, creative director of Microsoft Game Studios Europe, looks forward to a new breed of computer entertainment, because eliminating game controllers opens up more creative possibilities. "Natal is forcing me as a designer to think of this as a relationship between the player and a piece of technology," he says. "We're trying to make something that feels as if it's alive."

As a player I will be really sad if my classic controller is out my games because is the way I enjoy and I really don't think I can relax staying in front of my TV moving all my body to dodge the bullets of my enemies.

But, as an researcher and a geek, I'm agreed with Molyneux. This will be a completely different way we can see the computing to interact with us to feel the machines are almost like another person that we interact everyday.