Isaac Asimov's novel The Naked Sun is an interesting premonition of our present situation of social distancing in viral times. Asimov created the planet Solaria, populated by only 20,000 people, all served on their great estates by robots—and separated from each other in all circumstances except mating. They rarely interact. And to a great extent that's where we are now. Asimov's robot mysteries are among my favorites, and this is an excellent one - a fine variation on the locked-room mystery - but I never imagined I would experience it personally! Our robots, alas, are not in humanoid servant form, but are spread between our homes and cities as vast networks supplying news and entertainment to mostly sessile audiences waiting for an all-clear. Our best wishes to all of you sacrificing society and companionship for the safety of our country—and here's to that time when we'll meet again! Soon, we hope.

Meantime, you might take a look at The Naked Sun, and remember when such things were just speculation!

Greg

A sweet and beautiful tale of life in special effects, and a real tribute to some of our favorite people!

[Watch Short Film]

Very sad to hear about the death of Freeman Dyson. It was always a delight to run into him at various events, including VikingCon, where he frequently came to visit his son, George, and grand-daughter. One of the great minds of our time! Our heartfelt condolences to all of his family and friends.

[NYT: Freeman Dyson, Visionary Technologist]

And a good pic from Freeman’s visit to the Science Fiction Museum/MOPOP 2006. Neal Stephenson, Donna Shirley, big friend, Greg Bear, and Freeman.