It can only be attributable to human error …

Sadly, to the date of this writing, author Arthur C. Clarke’s classic science fiction quartet is an Odyssey half-filmed: 2001: A Space Odyssey was directed in 1968, by Stanley Kubrick. 2010 in 1984, by Peter Hyams.

The epic evolved from Arthur C. Clarke’s short story, The Sentinel:

… to: 2001: A Space Odyssey, 2010: Odyssey Two, 2061: Odyssey Three, and 3001: The Final Odyssey:

I love the full picture artwork for 2010 and 2061, by Michael Whelan:

This is an alien contact story that goes for realism rather than spectacle … until the Star Gate sequence. Evolution is the main theme: of humans, from ape-men to space pioneers, along with technology and artificial intelligence. What set it apart and made it admirable, for me, was the concept of the enigmatic Monoliths and the unseen alien intelligence behind them, the use of classical music, slow and deliberate pacing, accurate representation of space travel, and minimalist dialogue.

There is also a good subject for discussion in the strand of the plot dealing with what happens when man puts too much reliance on artificial intelligence, and then faces disaster when conflicting orders cause the A.I. to malfunction, with tragic results; the reason made clear in the sequel: 2010. This is a technology turning on mankind theme that would later be explored in movies like Westworld, Demon Seed, The Terminator, I Robot, Tron … and many others.

A timeless classic and easily one of the greatest science fiction movies ever made.

Sun, Earth and Moon in perfect alignment:

Dawn of Man and the push towards evolution:

The bone-to-satellite jump-shot to the year 2001:

The space station:

Deflection:

Zero-gravity:

Heywood Floyd and the second monolith:

Discovery and the mission to Jupiter:

HAL 9000:

"I don’t think there is any question about it. It can only be attributable to human error. This sort of thing has cropped up before, and it has always been due to human error."

In error of predicting the fault:

 

Suspicion, paranoia and murder:

Disconnection:

The journey through the Star Gate:

Frozen moments in time:

Neoclassic containment cell:

Age, death and rebirth:

Quite a journey!

Writing can be a painful process ... but worth it in the end:

There is so much I love and admire about Ralph Steadman’s satirical art and writing, particularly the raw energy of his illustrations. He enjoyed a long collaboration with fellow-author and satirist, Hunter S. Thompson, another of my favorite writers.

Below are just two of many I will be posting here. They convey how painful and frustrating the writing/artistic process can be.

But ... it's worth it!

Walk MS 2017 Events Expected to Bring Total Fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis Past $1 Billion:

by Carolina Henriques

In News

March 8, 2017

This year’s annual Walk MS event will bring cumulative fundraising for multiple sclerosis (MS) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) since 1988 to more than $1 billion, say organizers.

“Walk MS is a joyous gathering with a wonderful ‘we’re in this together’ feeling,” NMSS President and CEO Cyndi Zagieboylo said in a press release. “Every participant, volunteer, donor and sponsor is helping to drive us toward this exciting $1 billion milestone.”

Last year, more than 300,000 people some 550 locations nationwide participated in the Walk MS events, raising almost $50 million combined. At least 3,000 volunteers are expected to converge April 8 in Dallas for Walk MS: Dallas. The event, to take place at Addison Circle Park (4970 Addison Circle, Addison, TX 75001), will likely raise $462,000 or more. The site opens at 7:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 8:30 a.m.

Other Walk MS events taking place in April include Walk MS: Boston, on April 2, and Walk MS: Portland (Oregon) on April 15.

Each walk is fully accessible, includes multiple distance options (including a one-mile route option), and features support for walkers by volunteers. To participate, visit the Walk MS registration page and choose the walk that suits you best. You can also invite your family and friends, neighbors or co-workers and form teams to raise funds that drive innovative MS research, provide life-changing services, and support a community that needs these resources on a regular basis.

If you do attend one of the Society’s Walk MS events, don’t forget to share your experience on social media platforms using the hashtags #walkMS and #WalkTogether to help spread the word about the events and MS.

The events also offer a chance to connect to the services provided by the NMSS — the largest private funder of MS research worldwide. The organization offers MS patients round-the-clock information, support and resources to help them live their best lives and understand their disease the best they can. Genentech is the national sponsor of the Walk MS initiative.

https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/2017/03/08/walk-ms-expected-to-surpass-1-billion-this-year/

In support of Multiple Sclerosis research:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org

http://msfocus.org

https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com

http://mymsaa.org

http://positivelivingwithms.com

https://mssociety.ca

Twitter hashtags:

#MS

#MultipleSclerosis

#fums

#mseducation

#msawareness

#curems

#mymsme

#MSwarrior

#MSstrong

#fightms

#MSAwarenessMonth

#stumblingprincess

#OMS

#WalkMS

#WalkTogether

#lesion

#myelin

#demyelination

#disease

#brain

#vertigo

#cure

NEVER GIVE UP!