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December 9, 2023
Hissing Sid and clockwork orbits
Hello there, {$name|default:'reader'}. I hope you're having a great week.
I have always loved the kinds of technology that pre-date electronics. Don't get me wrong, I love computers and cutting-edge tech as much as the next guy, but I remember watching 'Tomorrow's World' as a kid. For the non-Brits among my readers, that was a BBC programme that showcased the latest technology - and was famous for demonstrating them live on the air, a process that usually failed utterly.
The (in)famous 'Hissing Sid' episode: youtube.com
For all the mockery it received, it was the first place most British people learned about mobile phones, bar codes and targeted radio-therapy, and holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of anyone over a certain age.
I forget when I first realised that every 'but how does it work?' segment became 'inside there's a microchip that...', but some of the magic was certainly lost. I know I'm not alone; look at the popularity of film cameras, typewriters and record players today and tell me there isn't something satisfying about old analogue technology.
That said, I won't be giving up on-demand streaming, cheap biros and Scrivener any time soon! Nostalgia is a dangerous drug, we tend to remember things as better than they ever were. But it's nice to slow down once in a while and not chase the instant gratification we've come to expect.
Space News
Globus INK: A mechanical orbital computer
A Globus computer
On the subject of mechanical devices, this is a remarkable one. Nowadays we can look up the precise location of the ISS in moments, run simulations on our tiny computers to plot courses to Mars, and even recreate entire solar systems in our pockets. But back in the 1960s, computers were barely able to do anything like that, and certainly not in a form small enough to fit on a space vehicle.
So Soyuz capsules used cogs and belts and cams to track their orbits. The 'INK' computer, commonly referred to in English as 'Globus', was a small globe attached to a clockwork mechanism that allowed cosmonauts to view their precise location in real time. Not only that, but it also allowed them to plot re-entry paths to specific points on the map and indicate the engine burn times!
(Pedants will argue that since it contains one transistor and two diodes, it's not 'entirely' mechanical, but those seem to be used for one very specific function - all the calculations are performed mechanically.)
Video of the opening and restoration of the Globus used in Apollo Soyuz.
Source: righto.com
Other Books To Check Out
I've gathered a few great books from independent authors like me, I hope you'll check them out.
And let me know if you have any books to recommend! I'm particularly interested in indie authors, but anything you've read and loved would be awesome.
Free!
Complex, subversive, and fast paced. Hive is a book you don't want to miss!
In the aftermath of the Hives invasion of earth, the society of the old world was shattered, and in response to the possibility of the aliens return, the authoritative Collective took hold of the sphere.
Alexander King a loyal soldier of the Collective discovers that on a mission that the Hive's presence is stronger then commonly believed, and that its secrets may be far too powerful for any military effort
With his new information, it becomes vital that the Collective act fast, for if they don't, the world will be destroyed beyond repair...
99c until Dec 11
Samuel has grown accustomed to the mindless routine of the last human colony. Life is good for him and the other survivors: prefabricated meals three times a day, a freshly made bed each night, and hours in between with nothing to do but play and relax. But when the machines that regulate their community begin to malfunction, Samuel and the other colonists face a test for the first time in their existence.
Aided by his determined new friend Penny, Samuel struggles to repair each breakdown. But when they discover a group of shadowy saboteurs behind the colony's mechanical failures, Samuel and Penny fear their idyllic community is not alone.
Facing a treacherous journey to confront their attackers, can Samuel rescue the colony if it means leaving Penny behind?
Our Dried Voices is a thought-provoking, instant classic dystopian novel. If you like false utopias, societies harboring dark secrets, and prophetic visions of humanity's future, then you'll love Greg Hickey's perfectly engineered new world.
Strange News
The Other 11 Doctors
Since we seem to be on a nostalgic UK TV trip (and since the new Doctor Who specials are dropping at the moment) I wanted to share this article which explores the alternate universe version of the show.
What if the Doctor had been a woman from the start?
Almost as soon as the series restarted in 2005 there was speculation that the BBC might introduce a female doctor. Naturally there were some very vocal 'fans' suggesting it would be a disaster, that it was 'political correctness gone mad' etc, etc. It took until 2018 for Jodie Whittaker to step in as the first female regeneration.
That was still five years away when this was written - but you can see the hunger for more representation in this article.
And in my opinion, the author absolutely nails the alternate versions! If you're not a Who fan, or not familiar with the personalities involved, it might not hit as hard, but I do love this kind of speculation and I really do wish I could have seen some of these actors' takes on the role.
Originally written in 2013, this article was updated to include a few more in time for the 50th Anniversary Special:
Source: scifind.com
Other Books To Check Out
Historical Fiction Free Books Download
Exciting Historical Fiction Giveaway
No matter your tastes, from medieval swordplay to First World War fighter aces, or from Western Cowboy sagas to Regency political drama, there's something for you here.
Get these books before December 24th!
Miscellany
Apollo moon boot footprints... in South Carolina?
Source: Atlas Obscura
Even Disney's robots are getting better and better.
Source: youtube.com
Tomorrow's World look at the very first in-car navigation system. In 1971.
Source: youtube.com
And Finally
In keeping with our 'analogue' theme, I've been shooting photos on film again recently.
Yes, I'm old enough to have had no other choice in the matter when I first started, and even used to develop my own film from time to time (the beauty of having a darkroom and a knowledgable teacher at school). But once digital cameras got to be 'good enough', I jumped over for the convenience and speed of results. Being able to instantly see whether you got the shot you wanted was well worth it, not to mention that you didn't have to worry about the cost of development or storing noxious chemicals.
But most of my photos now are quick snaps, and they end up living in a folder on the computer somewhere. Occasionally I'll print some out, but for the most part they get forgotten. So I'm enjoying the slower process of film photography again. You can still pick up some bargain cameras on eBay (although since I'm not alone in my hipster/nostalgia, they're becoming harder to find) or from specialists who refurbish and guarantee them. Or there are 'toy' cameras like the Holga which make a feature out of their light-leaks and plastic lenses. I used one a few years ago to take this picture of the Woking Martian:
Sadly my latest film is still being processed, but let me know if you'd like to see some of what I get up to with vintage techniques!
