Author Archives: Andrew
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Review: Blasphemy
By Douglas Preston
A great thriller, which probes uncomfortable ideas at the boundaries of science and religion
Basically, this is an adventure thriller set against a “big science” background, with Whyman Ford sent to investigate problems at what’s effectively the US version of CERN, albeit with a handful of staff and Cheyenne Mountain levels of security.
The real meat of the tale, however, is an exploration of how religion interacts with science, politics and society, and how religious extremism of any kind can sponsor the very worst in human hatred and violence, just as much as more moderate spirituality can drive good behaviour. For a change the religious extremists are not Muslims, but American extreme right-wing “Christians”, while the moderates are mainly Navajos, both Christians and those who follow the old ways. I haven’t previously seen this portrayed in the same way in other fiction.
Prophecy
Murky murder mysteries and complex catholic conspiracies Continue reading
Book Review Restructuring
I’m in the process of restructuring my book reviews, integrating them better with my blog. Please bear with me if posts or old reviews appear to move or are replaced as I complete this process. Update 13th May: the restructuring Continue reading
My Early Life
A stirring, inspiring and very funny autobiography by Britain’s greatest leader Continue reading
The Nemesis List
Covers light years, but goes nowhere Continue reading
Thirty Four
An inspiring true tale of a very unexpected hero Continue reading
IPad – Balanced Scorecard
Observations on the iPad’s ability to work as a general entertainment device for the duration of a 9.5 hour flight: – battery charge (an impressive 35% charge remaining): 10/10 – screen (looked like someone had cooked breakfast on it): 2/10 Continue reading
On the Cusp
Or, “What’s a cwt, Uncle Andrew?” I was visiting my mother last weekend and picked up a science book which I read as a teenager, but which originally belonged to my grandfather. It’s a brilliant discussion of materials science by Continue reading
Tyrannies and Broken Business Processes
I’ve posted previously about the inadequacies of the iOS/iTunes architecture, and in particular the content management nightmare it creates, but I haven’t really reflected on the commercial model of the iTunes / App Store. I’m afraid I can hold back Continue reading
What to Get for a Photographer’s Birthday
With my half century finally upon me, my wife Frances has excelled herself by commissioning a most wonderful cake, celebrating my photographic passion! This is well up to the standard of “Bear in a Porsche“, from a few years back… Continue reading
Barbados Portfolio Update
I’ve just managed to catch up with some of my shots from recent trips to Barbados, and in particular I’ve added some wildlife, sports, entertainment and underwater shots I’m quite pleased with. Have a look and let me know what Continue reading
The Wrong Orientation?
In an odd confluence, multiple streams of activity have come together to convince me that current IS thinking may be suffering from a bad dose of “the wrong orientation”. My work on data modelling at National Grid, an excellent course Continue reading
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