The write stuff? Of science, fiction, and language

Looking for some good SF to read? You might check out this compilation of scientists' preferences in the genre. Such lists pop up regularly; this latest example is from Down Under. See: "Australian Scientists Choose Their Favourite Science Fiction Books."

There's nothing to read, and precious little to view -- you do not want to get me started on "reality" TV -- without writers. On the subject of writers, here's something to make you think (at the least, to smile): "5 Things TV Writers Apparently Believe About Smart People." Some of those odd perceptions deal with scientists.

When "they" were plural ...

From writing, we'll segue to language, from the Department of The World Is Going to Hell in a Hand Basket: "Sorry, grammar nerds. The singular ‘they’ has been declared Word of the Year."

Alas, if I want my dictionary to include words like nanotechnology, I have to chance coming across abominations like singular "they." We live in perilous times.

Now I'm off to sling some words into my own book ... hopefully with few abominations among them.