Blog Archives
Reshape the Digital Landscape
Let’s Meet Blockchain educates readers on blockchain technology using terminology and examples that even those without a technological background can understand. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
My goal was to provide a thorough but fun and uncomplicated explanation of not only what the components of blockchain are and how they work, but also how they are being used around the world today using simple, easy-to-understand language. The book is broken down into four sections: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, NFTs or non-fungible tokens, and Web3. Each section includes a bit of history for context, pop culture references, and websites where readers can go to get their feet wet.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about internet security?
To a certain degree, people assume technology is infallible.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Let’s Meet Blockchain?
I want readers to know that blockchain is a movement designed to protect online privacy and offer data protection, while at the same time reducing transaction costs by removing the middleman. It’s still in its infancy with great potential to reshape the digital landscape, upending the way we do business.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
It’s called blockchain, and it promises to disrupt the way people interact with one another online, whether it’s messaging, banking, keeping up with medical records, land records, booking a vacation, socializing, or voting. Programs are also being developed to use blockchain to serve as one’s identity “papers.”
Blockchain technology is based on the idea that all online transactions should be between two people without the need for public or private third-party oversight. Blockchain technology developers believe thoughts and ideas should be shared, not quashed. It’s a world where web platforms are governed by their members, not a board of directors; privacy comes first, and one’s personal information is kept private, not for third parties to take and sell as they, please.
Blockchain technology offers everyone opportunities to take part. Anyone can participate in the fast-growing world using non-fungible tokens (NFTs), where works of art, music, literature, and poetry can be tokenized and sold or traded on a blockchain.
These components comprise the next generation of the World Wide Web, which is referred to as Web 3.0. Billions of dollars are being spent to create infrastructure to create a viable framework to mainstream blockchain.
This book offers a peek into this new world with examples of how this technology is being used today as well as the hurdles, including legal challenges, it must overcome to be viable.
So, if you’re ready, let’s meet blockchain.
Societal Observations and Reflections
Desuetude follows an elite hunter of dangerous creatures struggling to find her place in an ever-changing world dominated by factories and growing cityscapes. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for my story was watching society develop and change, both as a whole and in my personal life. I have a background in the social sciences. This allowed me to see the underlying trends and possibilities for the future impartially. My hometown had transformed over the last fifteen years from about 50K people to 150K people. I watched my world being bulldozed and remade; this was a huge influence on my writing of Desuetude.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
I started the book in 2020. My final first draft was completed in 2022. It took me over another year of editing before I got it copyrighted in 2023. This work taught me a ton as a writer and helped me grow immensely.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
Isolation and observation were the most important factors for Desuetude. I wanted Val to seem and feel intensely separate from the world she was thrust into. The other characters she interacts with were designed to have a distant feel to them. Most of the characters don’t have name, and that was done purposely for reinforcing Val’s sense of isolation as Val’s world caves in around her. For the observations, Val was a hunter. Her entire job was to watch, study, and track her query. This translated over to her societal observations and reflections. Being detached gave her a unique perspective on urban life and technology. It gave her an objective view, free of technology’s influence.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
No. For this book there will not be a sequel. Val’s story is complete in this one installment.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Technological selection is coming. There is only so much land left. Where there were once vast open spaces, there are now never-ending streets. Where there was once plant life, there are now factories and rows of buildings. Progress knows no mercy.
Val is aware of this. She has become a foreigner in her own homeland. Her hunting profession is dying out. Val is struggling to find her place in the new world, but what can one person do in a society that has forgotten them?
Desuetude is the exciting new literary sci-fi from Nicholas “Tac” Whitcomb.
The Fate of AI Society
The Fate of AI Society: Civilizing Superhuman Cyberspace tackles the complex nexus between artificial intelligence, digital security, and societal governance. Through a detailed exploration of the evolution of computing, from the humble abacus to contemporary AI, the author illuminates the potential threats posed by the centralization of digital power and advocates for a revolutionary rearchitecting of our cyber infrastructure. His thesis pivots on the need for a decentralized approach that leverages the principles of the Church-Turing thesis and capability-based addressing to safeguard individual freedoms and democratic values in an increasingly digital world.
The author’s analysis is both thoughtful and provocative. He compellingly argues that the current trajectory of our AI-enabled society could lead to an Orwellian dystopia unless significant changes are made. His critique of the centralization of computing power is particularly striking, drawing parallels with historical attempts at control and manipulation.
While the urgency of Hamer-Hodges’ message is clear, the technical solutions proposed, such as adopting the λ-calculus for software design, I think, require a level of technical understanding that may be beyond the typical reader. I felt that the prose was dense at times, which obscured insightful observations. The book is laden with technical jargon and complex diagrams that, while illustrative for an informed audience, makes the text feel more like a collection of academic papers.
One thing I found particularly interesting was the author’s ability to contextualize modern technological challenges within a broad historical perspective. Hamer-Hodges skillfully traces the lineage of computing from ancient tools like the abacus to the present-day quandaries posed by artificial intelligence. This historical narrative not only enriches the reader’s understanding of technological evolution but also highlights the recurring themes of power, control, and resistance that resonate throughout human history.
The Fate of AI Society: Civilizing Superhuman Cyberspace is a great contribution to the discourse on digital ethics and governance. Hamer-Hodges offers a well-reasoned vision for a more equitable digital future, and his call to action is both timely and necessary. This book would make a worthwhile read to policymakers, computer scientists, and technology ethicists. It serves as a valuable resource for people looking to understand the potential impacts of AI and computing on society and offers practical frameworks for mitigating these effects.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B0CK1CG9DD
SQL Quest: A Journey Through Data
SQL Quest: A Journey Through Data by Neha Saini is a brilliantly crafted guide that delves deep into the realm of databases. Seamlessly blending fictional narratives with educative content, the book invites readers to join Data, Query the Princesses, and a diverse cast of characters on thrilling adventures. These adventures not only entertain but also illustrate complex SQL concepts in a manner that’s both engaging and comprehensible.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its interactive format. Saini employs a mix of challenges, riddles, and puzzles to ensure that readers are not just passive observers but active participants in the learning journey. This hands-on approach is complemented by clear, step-by-step instructions that demystify SQL for readers of all ages.
What’s commendable is Saini’s ability to cater to a younger audience without compromising on depth. By introducing concepts using kid-friendly terms and relatable scenarios, she ensures that even young children can grasp the intricacies of SQL without feeling overwhelmed.
The inclusion of characters like Data and Query adds a delightful layer to the guide. These characters, along with their companions, serve as relatable conduits, making the abstract world of databases tangible and accessible.
SQL Quest: A Journey Through Data is more than just a book; it’s an immersive experience. Whether you’re a novice looking to explore databases or someone seeking a refreshing approach to SQL, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 186 | ASIN : B0CJ5WKTNN
Project First Flight: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures-Book 3
Putney Hicks, an enterprising and tech-savvy seventh grader, is at the heart of an enthralling tale that combines determination, creativity, and youthful ambition. Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures 3: Project First Flight by Marsha Tufft thrusts our protagonist into a complex world where her swimming prowess is not up to the mark, and the approaching competition looms large in her thoughts.
The narrative artfully centers on Putney’s evolving concern over her swimming abilities. Her journey through the often turbulent waters of practice sessions provides an emotionally rich subplot that ripples through the story, heightening the stakes of the impending competition. Compounding these challenges is the added dimension of Putney’s family relocating to a new home, weaving an intricate pattern of conflicts and resolutions.
Assisting Putney in her multifaceted endeavors are her dependable AI assistant, Sam, and her devoted canine companion, Henry. By means of her innovative magic eyePad, Putney converses with Sam’s hologram, receiving both guidance and encouragement. Moreover, Putney’s brilliance shines through her creation of a life-like hummingbird droid, a testament to her imagination and technological savvy.
The plot thickens and takes an unforeseen twist when Putney discovers that her previous best friend has become her principal rival in the pool, now living next door. This development sets the stage for a deeper exploration of focus, rivalry, and the challenges of adolescence.
While the book takes readers on a fantastic adventure brimming with technological wonders, friendships, and school-life dilemmas, it does have minor drawbacks. Some may find the pace occasionally slow and the suspense not fully fleshed out. I think certain dialogues between characters might appear somewhat stilted. Nevertheless, these are but small blemishes on an otherwise vivid canvas, and the inclusion of thematic elements such as butterflies—directly inspired by Putney’s fascination with them—add an enlightening and charming touch that will captivate readers.
Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures 3: Project First Flight is well-suited for young adults and teenagers with a penchant for thrilling escapades and a zeal for gadgets and technology. Through a blend of engaging storytelling and educational insights, Marsha Tufft has crafted a novel that resonates with the curious minds of today’s youth.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 0692156135
THE WAY IT WAS
In his remarkably poignant memoir, The Way It Was, Alvin Fuhrman intricately threads the lines of personal history, technological evolution, corporate progression, communal bonds, and cultural inheritance. The book stands as an intimate examination of Fuhrman’s life, charting his path as a telecom pioneer and community stalwart while also exploring his experiences in the army and his personal ebbs and flows.
One of the most captivating aspects of the book emerges when Fuhrman recounts the vibrant narratives of the Muenster community. This includes the inception of the Germanfest and the lasting influence of the Muenster Men’s Choir. The very essence of the memoir serves as a tribute to the industrious and committed individuals who shaped Muenster into the community it is today. It’s not all joyous recollection, however, as Fuhrman confronts the heartbreaking loss of his son, Gene. These poignant moments contribute a profound emotional depth to the memoir, reminding the reader that life is an intricate dance of happiness, victory, loss, and resilience.
The narrative occasionally delves into the more technical aspects of Fuhrman’s life, specifically when discussing the evolution of telephone technology and the trials of cablecasting. Yet, the unadulterated sincerity of Fuhrman’s voice within The Way It Was renders it an enthralling read. His memoir skillfully encapsulates the spirit of the times it navigates—the simplicity of the pre-digital era, the rigors of war, and the leaps of technology that have reshaped society. The backdrop of Muenster, with its deep-rooted German lineage and tight-knit community, becomes a lively participant in the narrative, enhancing the overall allure of the memoir.
Alvin Fuhrman’s The Way It Was is an eloquent and engaging memoir. It transcends the boundaries of a single life, narrating the broader tale of a community and a bygone era that bore witness to significant transformation. Despite the occasional foray into technical discourse, the memoir resonates on a human level, offering a deeply meaningful exploration of life, loss, community, and the unstoppable advance of technology.
Pages: 388 | ASIN: B09ZQ1K354
The Future of 3D Printing
When I think of 3D printing, what comes to mind are fun toys, practical organization tools, and creative artwork. As a person that lives with a 3D printer hobbyist and has three printers in my home, I thought I had a good idea about what 3D printing was all about. Ray Burke’s informative book, The Future of 3D Printing, opened my eyes to just how big and impactful this industry is. It is not just for the geeky people making prop swords and designing desk accessories or just for mass production at the manufacturing levels.
This interesting book reads like a conversation with the author. The language is easy for non-technical readers to understand and fits with the author’s goal of bringing 3D printing to the masses. Ray Burke is honest and upfront that he is not an expert in the field of 3D printing; however, he has a vision of where this movement can go and strong, actionable ideas of how to get there. Burke’s vision is to have 3D printers in every home just like a microwave or cell phone. He sees a comprehensive use case from simple everyday objects like printing a cup to even producing food. Now before readers scoff at this, there is, in fact, a 3D chocolate printer in the making that was recently demoed at 3D printing expos, so the idea of a food printer is not so outlandish.
One of Burke’s big ideas to get 3D printers into the home is for companies to start designing furniture for them. Again this is something I have personal experience with; finding the proper setup that works for this equipment and looks good is nearly impossible. In this book, he outlines his steps to get prototypes and get companies on board with this trend. He is transparent with all his communications, including the “thank you, but we are not interested” responses he received.
The Future of 3D Printing is a fascinating look at Ray Burke’s journey to help get 3D printing into the mainstream and make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their technological skills. He brings up important topics such as recycling plastics, heat, and CO2 production, and what can be done to turn 3D printing Green. This educational book serves as a great discussion opener for those looking to change how the world uses 3D printing and provides readers with a look at what the future can bring.
Pages: 133
LITERARY TITAN 