now I understand nanotechnology (sort of)

just had the most interesting afternoon. First I talked to Ted Sargent about his book, The Dance of Molecules, then had coffee with John Ibbitson about his book, The Polite Revolution.

Ted Sargent (who looks, btw, like he's about 25) is one of those rare scientists who can explain really complex stuff to the average person. The Dance of Molecules: How Nanotechnology is Changing Our Lives is one of those books I would not normally pick up. Sargent, however, explores the potential for nanotechnology in health, environment and information in a way that's funny, engaging and a pleasure to read. The 30-something scientist is a visiting professor of nanotechnology at MIT and lives in Toronto. Here is his site.

While Sir Wilfrid Laurier proclaimed that the 20th century belonged to Canada, John Ibbitson says that

a century from now, historians and anthropologists will cite Canada as the harbinger of a new age."

In The Polite Revolution: Perfecting the Canadian Dream, the Globe and Mail columnist dismantles the old ways of thinking about Canada’s immigration, free trade, social, and defence policies. I may not agree with all of his ideas (Canadian history is not boring!) but there is no refuting that Ibbitson is fascinating to read and talk to.

As usual, these will be up on the author interviews page just as soon as I can get them done.