[GIGI]

Hi,

I must admit I am alwasys a bit embarrrassed when introducing myself in front of the audience, especially at meetings so I frequently make erors (and typods) but anyway, my name is Aleksandar and I live in Macedonia (a small country in Europe, not the town in US). I am not a scientist or researcher, in fact I don't even have a BS. I work for the Macedonian Civil Aviation as a instrument flight procedure designer.

I have always loved SF, astronomy and science in general but after long years of intelectual (and other) searching I became enthusiastic fan of the scientific worldview after reading two fascinating books: Goedel, Escher, Bach: The Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter and The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins. Since then I have became interested in cosmology, quantum mechanics, evolution and cognitive sciences and read a ton of books which the publishers designated "for the educated layman." Of course, I am only an amateur, but realy science is ONE, and I realy believe that all those disciplines (and many others) are part of the Theory of Everything.

I also believe that there is a desperate need for the education of the masses and popularization of the science because there is an awful lot of nonsense pumped by the sensation-starved media, like ESP, UFO, Bigfoot, dowsing, levitation, miracle cures (by hand or remotely), to name just a few.

Of course, by now you have certainly figured that my favourite SF writers include Douglas Adams, may he rest in peace, William Gibson, Fillip K. Dick and Tolkien and that I am mad about Monthy Python.

That's all for the begining, I hope I can contribute to the discussions (those not so technical) and I am sure that I can learn something new every time I visit this site and forum.

[Robert]

Hello GIGI. I'm also reading the GEB book and find it fascinating. There is a book discussion forum that includes this book. It's not too popular at the moment, but you might check it out and post any questions or comments about specific passages in the book. This might also get others interested in discussing the book.

Anyway, glad you joined us. I've also targeted this website for people like yourself who have a strong interest in science and how the world works at a fundamental level, so you should feel at home here. Please do participate in the discussions. We'd love to hear your ideas or questions.