Robert Heinlein Commemorated - ...(Aerospace Contest)

Palomar · 2004-11-02 12:44:28

*Thought I'd put this here. Would have posted it in Free Chat, but that folder is very busy today with political discussions.

This is new from space.com's "Astronotes" -- updated and column format, must copy and paste:

November 2
Innovative Aerospace Contest Begins in Russia
A contest of aerospace projects, Flight into the Future, will begin in Russia on Monday at the initiative of the Heinlein Society.
College and postgraduate students and specialists younger than 30 from Europe, Africa and the Middle East can take part in the contest.
The contest commemorates Robert Heinlein, an American writer and one of the founders of modern science fiction, Dmitry Payson from the contest organizing committee told Interfax on Monday.
He said the contest would support young and talented researchers and encourage their projects, which might help make true Heinlein's dream of the space future of mankind.
The best projects will win prizes and diplomas. The award ceremony will take place on July 7, 2005, Heinlein's birthday anniversary.
He said they would accept works in English, which describe peaceful space projects with a significant economic effect.
Heinlein was writing books about space exploration for more than 50 years. After his death in 1988, his wife Virginia Heinlein established the Heinlein Society.

*I once exchanged a message with Mrs. Heinlein at a moderated Google group devoted to Robert. She answered a question I'd asked about what his favorite meal was. IIRC, he loved link sausages and buttermilk pancakes. :laugh:

--Cindy

Rxke · 2004-11-02 13:35:28

Weird, I'm currently re-reading *a lot* of Henlein's stuff, three or four books in tandem...

Though I've got to say, the majority of his work is not into the 'science' part of the SF ...

His strong point is to describe 'unbelievable' (spaceflight stuff,) in a believable way, with real characters, instead of A.C.C for instance, who goes into the tech side, but makes his characters more one dimensional...

Henlein could sell you an idea, allow you to think it through, as if it were real.

Palomar · 2004-11-03 16:02:03

Weird, I'm currently re-reading *a lot* of Henlein's stuff, three or four books in tandem...
Though I've got to say, the majority of his work is not into the 'science' part of the SF ...
His strong point is to describe 'unbelievable' (spaceflight stuff,) in a believable way, with real characters, instead of A.C.C for instance, who goes into the tech side, but makes his characters more one dimensional...
Henlein could sell you an idea, allow you to think it through, as if it were real.

*Hi Rik.

My favorite Heinlein book is Have Spacesuit, Will Travel. His characters are generally likeable and "The Mother Thing" was irresistable. My one criticism of that book is that it seemed to lack descriptive (especially as characters' surroundings went...odd, given its genre). No problem, use the good old imagination. Double Star is another; I imagined Paul Reubens dressed somewhat ala his role in the 2001 movie "Blow" as the lead character of that book.

I couldn't get into The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, though, for some reason. :hm: Seems overrated to me, but maybe "it's just me." Farmer in the Sky is good.

Agree with your comments about Clarke mostly, but I do prefer his stories (except the sequels...). His creations resonate with me, particularly the overall scenario of Rendezvous with Rama.

--Cindy

New Mars Forums

Announcement

#1 2004-11-02 12:44:28

Re: Robert Heinlein Commemorated - ...(Aerospace Contest)

#2 2004-11-02 13:35:28

Re: Robert Heinlein Commemorated - ...(Aerospace Contest)

#3 2004-11-03 16:02:03

Re: Robert Heinlein Commemorated - ...(Aerospace Contest)

Board footer