Heard on the radio coming home that the last of the great science
fiction/science fact writers, Arthur C. Clarke, 90, died today at his
home in Colombo Sri Lanka. Although vaguely aware that he was crippled
in some way, today was the first time I found out how -- post-polio
syndrome.

Probably best known for the 2001 series, likely his best novel was
actually Childhood's End. He also was known as one of the fathers of the
geosynchronous satellite, numerous books of highly entertaining, but
hard science based short stories and short non-fiction...Report from
Planet 3 is amongst the most memorable of the latter. For many years, he
and Dr. Isaac Asimov have a public, serious, but still good-natured
competition as to who had the sf (science fiction or science fact)
crown. He also did a fair amount of undersea adventure writing, based
partly on his own scuba diving.

Between he and Asimov and their writings is the reason I figured out
science could be fun and entertaining, as well as serious business, and
science fiction could be much more than just ray guns and monsters.

Bon voyage, Sir Arthur, as you sail amongst the stars.