Senor Parrot's Perch

In the west, robots are creations that do the work of humans, often work no human wants. But in
Japan, robots are viewed quite differently. That difference is seen even in the robot toys that they make and sell around the world. That difference is that robots can be friends, companions, and even deliverers. This argument is very well made in Timothy N. Hornyak’s Loving the Machine: The Art and Science of Japanese Robots.

Take a look in any toy store and you’ll find robots, both toys and actual robots, of many sizes and shapes. Some of the cutest and most endearing are those Japanese robotic toys that look like bugs or dogs or something else. True, it sometimes seems that the USA has been conquered by Transformers, also Japanese in origin, but many the cute ones are really true robots, companionable, programmable and independent. Very different from the western conception of robots.

Loving the Machine begins by examining the Japanese tradition of clockwork toys and automatons, and continues through the Japanese’ first reactions to Karel Capek’s play R.U.R. which was translated and performed in Japan in the 1920′s. He continues through the humanoid portrayal of robots in literature and Manga and the influence that these art forms had on Japanese robotics researchers and builders.

Hornyak’s fascinating book is more than just information about Japanese robotics. Its a social history of the Japanese people and their relationship to machines and robots in particular, explaining their differences from western attitudes and the differences in how robots have integrated into western cultures.

The book flows very well and the illustrations are beautiful. The detail and comprehensiveness of the information Hornyak presents is quite amazing given the actual size of the book, which with extensive illustrations comes in at 160 pages.

And, whether you’re a robot freak or just wondering why are there all these strange Japanese robot toys, this book will be a pleasure to read.

The Lost Colony by Eoin Colfer, the 5th book in the Artemis Fowl Series is as exciting as ever. Maybe his best book yet! Once again the underworld is in jeopardy of exposure to humans. This time the 8th Family of fairies is at risk of exposure.

A twelve year old genius, Artemis’ match, has discovered their existence and has calculated how to catch them. Her plan is to expose them to the scientific world and win a Nobel prize. Sher is determined and will let nothing stop her, including Artemis Fowl. Hence the whole underworld fairy realm is at risk of being discovered and exploited. The fairy realm seeks Artemis’ and Butler’s assistance.

Has Artemis met his match? Will the Fairy world be exposed? Do not assume you know the outcome. This volume will not disappoint you: it is the most thrilling the the series and is filled with all sorts of twists and surprises. A must read? It can be easily read alone, but for the most impact, read the Artemis Fowl series in order. Be careful, however. Don’t start this book if you have impending deadlines or tests! Once you start you won’t want to stop.

Review by Senora Parrot.

Senor Parrot’s Note: Found sitting under about 2 years worth of stuff that should have been dealt with then. The review should have been posted long ago. Sorry!