Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with fi

Science fiction that involves farming?

tnygard — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:29:31 -0800

Does anyone know of examples of science fiction about farming? I am especially interested in illustrated stories, movies, comic books, or anything with pictures. I think that looking at the history of farming in science fiction might be a fun way to show ideas about what the future might look like, tease out ethical questions, and see if predictions about farming came true. I am especially interested in visual culture, and stuff that would be citeable. Novels with illustrated covers, movies, comics, action figures, toys, would all be interesting. I am especially interested in 19th century America to the present, but if there is something good from the rest of the world that would be fun too.

I found examples of farms on the Tales of Future Past website, but there were no sources. Do any examples come to mind? Thanks for your insight!

http://davidszondy.com/future/farm/future_farm.htm

Identify collection of sci fi & fantasy short stories

ricardo — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:16:04 -0800

Desperate to locate collection of short stories, with a variety of themes, including fantasy, sci fi, and straight ahead spy/espionage, all by the same author. I read this in the early 80's, but seem to remember the book being older - possibly 1960's? One of the stories was about an alien (also I think capable of shape shifting?) immortal vampire, being chased through the galaxies and who eventually crash-lands on an uninhabited planet. Because he can't die, and being a vampire he is doomed to a horrible fate, as the planet has no night period.

Finding an agent for my sci-fi/fantasy novel

JWright — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 14:49:14 -0800

Is there a definitive resource on the web for finding literary agents who represent science fiction and fantasy? I've written a book. I want to sell this book. I would like an agent to help. Pretty simple stuff. The book has spaceships and lasers and swords and some magic and a whole lot of action. Purists would call it a fantasy novel in a sci-fi setting.

I have found some agents here. Some agents there. It's frustrating that there doesn't seem to be a reasonably authoritative list on the web. At every turn I find a new little batch that I hadn't found before, and I'm just starting the research process.

Does anyone have any insight into where I might find such a list of agents, and, even if not on the web, which of the many books is the best at being current, accurate, and complete?

Wi Fi access point problem

quintno — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 09:29:51 -0800

What does it mean that I must constantly re-boot my wi-fi access point in order to get an internet connection? My desktop is not on a wireless connection (it's wired directly from the router) and doesn't have this problem--only the laptops that are on wifi. In addiiton, I'll often have to reboot the laptops as well, even though I'm getting a "signal" but not internet connection. Do I need a new access point? Cable company (Time Warner) is of absolutely no help since it's not their equipment.

Explain the magic behinbd a Blackb erry

Postroad — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 08:32:40 -0800

Why is my wife's Blackberry able to get the Net and do email when we are not in a wi fi area? My daughter's laptop does not work when we are travelling unless we hit a wi fi zone, and yet my wife's Blackberry (given to her from her job) connects to the internet and can do email. How does Blackberry manage that? The answer is simple, I imagine. But not for me.