First I drove to the Kilauea courts. This is court one of four. Steve and Karen play there on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Then I drove to the Niu valley courts. Steve, Karen, and Charlie play there Saturday mornings.
I played tennis with Steve and his friends at Kilauea courts on Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 10:00. I was quite rusty and didn't get any pictures.
Editorial Review for The Zombie Philosopher by Richard J. WagnerOverview
Richard J. Wagner’s The Zombie Philosopher is a witty and thought-provoking debut novella that blends science fiction with philosophy in an engaging and surprisingly human way. Through the lively dialogue between Edward, a man living in the future, and Brent, his ever-curious robot valet, the story explores questions of consciousness, humanity, and the search for meaning—all while delivering humor, charm, and unexpected twists.
Strength of the Story
The novella strikes a fine balance between entertainment and intellectual depth. Brent, a robot who learns not only to cook and play games but also to philosophize, challenges both Edward and the reader to reflect on the nature of humanity. The result is an accessible philosophical adventure wrapped in a narrative that is fast-paced, character-driven, and full of engaging exchanges.
Tone and Style
Wagner’s style is crisp and playful, weaving philosophical inquiry into witty conversation. The novella avoids being overly dense, making its big ideas approachable to readers of all backgrounds. The blend of humor, futuristic detail, and intellectual curiosity makes for an engaging and highly readable work.
Why It Works
- Philosophy Made Fun: By presenting deep questions through entertaining dialogue, Wagner makes abstract concepts easy to digest.
- Relatable Themes: Questions of what it means to be human resonate strongly in today’s AI-driven world.
- Memorable Characters: Edward and Brent’s evolving relationship is as endearing as it is thought-provoking.
- Genre-Bending: The book combines speculative fiction, comedy, and philosophy into a unique reading experience.
Recommended For
- Fans of science fiction with a philosophical twist
- Readers curious about artificial intelligence, consciousness, and what makes us human
- Thinkers who enjoy books that spark discussion as much as they entertain
- Those who like the idea of a robot with aspirations of becoming a philosopher
Final Word
With The Zombie Philosopher, Richard J. Wagner delivers an inventive and entertaining exploration of humanity through the eyes of a robot who wants to think, question, and even inspire. It’s a smart, funny, and refreshingly original novella that will delight science fiction fans and deep thinkers alike.
Editorial Review for Brent and Edward Go to Mars by Richard Jeffery WagnerOverview
Brent and Edward Go to Mars continues the lively, imaginative adventures of Edward and his robot valet Brent, first introduced in The Zombie Philosopher. This sequel takes readers on a grand space tour aboard the SS Brizo, carrying the duo (along with new companion Cindy) from the Lunar Gateway to Mars and back again. The novel blends science fiction, philosophy, and humor with vivid explorations of futuristic travel, archaeological intrigue, and even a few well-timed philosophical debates.
Strength of the Story
Wagner skillfully expands his universe, weaving together lighthearted adventures with deeper intellectual themes. Brent remains the story’s philosophical heart, sparking debates and even proving the question of free will, while Edward provides grounding wit and humanity. Cindy adds a refreshing dynamic as she unravels a Martian archaeological mystery, adding suspense and moral complexity to the narrative. The story deftly balances entertainment—zero-gee swimming, wine tasting, space sightseeing—with sharp reflections on human values and truth.
Tone and Style
The novel maintains Wagner’s hallmark blend of wit, playfulness, and philosophical depth. The pacing is brisk, offering both comedic and contemplative moments, while the imaginative settings—shipyards, observatories, and Martian landscapes—immerse readers in a future that feels both wondrous and accessible.
Why It Works
- Expansive World-Building: The space tours and Martian settings bring fresh wonder to the story.
- Philosophy in Motion: Brent’s debates and lectures enrich the narrative, turning abstract questions into engaging scenes.
- Adventure & Intrigue: From fraud schemes to archaeological discoveries, there’s always something new propelling the story.
- Charming Dynamics: The trio of Edward, Brent, and Cindy provide humor, warmth, and balance.
Recommended For
- Fans of The Zombie Philosopher eager for more of Brent’s philosophical misadventures
- Readers who enjoy lighthearted yet thoughtful science fiction
- Anyone curious about AI, free will, and the nature of humanity
- Lovers of space exploration stories with a playful twist
Final Word
In Brent and Edward Go to Mars, Richard Jeffery Wagner delivers a delightful mix of space-faring adventure and intellectual playfulness. With humor, heart, and philosophical flair, the novel proves that exploring Mars can be as much about discovering truth as it is about discovering new worlds.
Both reviews are spot on! They were unsolicited and my name was spelled right.
Flyer by Ashley.
I rebuilt the bonsai shelf that got knocked over by the firefighters who saved our house.
The idiot next door burned down his own house. Andrea and I used garden hoses to keep it away. Our house is okay.
Andrea cut pieces of naupaka to root as a green hedge between our properties.
Grant of Olympus Story House sent me this photo of two of my books featured at a recent book convention in California.
Zoom session screenshot.
There was a class in session when I got there.
After tennis with Charlie, Steve, Karen, and Patrick, I photographed my fire-styled pikake.
Andrea photographed this heart shaped cloud on our Monday morning walk.
As the fire recovery continues, this image is another reminder of how close we came to losing everything, how lucky we were, and what good neighbors we have. That is our neighbor standing in our backyard with our garden hose, wetting down plants as fire rages through the backyard of the house where everything started. We were out front, having done what we could on the side of the house and not realizing that the backyard next door was burning so far back and toward our property. It was not until after we were allowed back on our property that we realized the fire had reached the base of our garden shed in backyard.
After some light pruning and removal from its pot.
Some aerial roots have been removed, wire added, and potted into a ceramic circular bonsai pot.
The burned down house is barricaded on both sides and the front. On the far right is a burned out appliance with a big washer tub on top, blocking
access from the makai side. Click the image for the full resolution version.
After pruning and repotting into a plastic bonsai pot for sale at the Rainbow Bonsai Club December show.
The bonsai banyan after trunk and branch bending held with wire stays. This tree will grow for a few months and the wire will be removed.
Then it will grow unrestrained for a couple of years before the next phase of development.
Andrea and Taylor worked the sign-in table.
Exhibitors had displays at both mirrored ends of the Maile Ballroom.
The mauka end of the Maile Ballroom.
Looking mauka in the ballroom.
The ceremony began with a welcome oli followed by music and hula.
Andrea and Taylor stayed at the sign-in table all morning.
I went to Straub for a doctor visit and returned before lunch.
A panel discussion after lunch.
Beautiful orchids in the downstairs lobby.
Andrea was at table six watching the panel discussion in the morning.
After the morning roundtable and panel discussion sessions we had buffet lunch.
I was the facilitator at table nine. Clockwise from left: Cyrus (note taker), Matt, fire inspector Tom, fire inspector Carl (co-facilitator),
and Kahala Hotel security Keith.
The ten roundtables reported out their products. Table two reporting.
I reported out for table nine. Photo by Andrea.
This is our table nine product. The waʻa model has clouds as obstacles, stars as aids, and actions propelling the sails.
Our topic was disaster preparedess and emergency Planing. The colored dots are obserer emphasis. Click the image to see the full resolution version.
Mark and Aloha invited Chris, Andrea, and me to dinner afterward at the Plumeria Beach House restaurant. We had cocktails and a buffet dinner.
Photo by Gavan.
The play was about the five days that people were stranded in Newfoundland after flights were diverted from the USA after 9/11.
The stage set.
The stage set. The two constructions rotate for four sets altogether.
I photographed the maiapilo seedlings I transplanted on Sunday.
The first step is to defoliate the tree and examine the rootage. There is a rising root in the back that has to go.
The tree is wired next.
Metaphotography by Andrea.
After transplanting into a plastic training pot.
Today I received a certificate of appreciation from the Science Fiction Writers of America for being on their Emerging Technologies Committee.
Working on bonsai in the back while the business is conducted up front.
Andrea and I had our first Writers Circle meeting Tuesday afternoon.
Stratocumulus Thursday morning, September 25. Photo by Andrea.
At the Kilauea courts on Thursday morning. Leʻahi in the background.
Patrick, Karen, June, and Steve.
Email Richard dot J dot Wagner at gmail dot com