The Jerry and Larry Show
Science fiction author's Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle are featured in this article that recently appeared in The Washington Post. Fans of The Mote in God's Eye might want to note that they are correcting the book, one copy at a time. Fans of Robert A. Heinlein might want to look to their book Footfall for an appearance by that author as a character in the book!
In the Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction Department, the Department of Homeland Security is tapping some science fiction authors for ideas. In that scene where that Robert A. Heinlein appears in Footfall, that is exactly what is happening. What a hoot!
Posted by Fred Kiesche at May 30, 2007 05:29 AMIf I recall correctly (haven't read the linked interview yet), it was hard to miss the nod to Heinlein, as I believe the character's last name was Anson (Heinlein's middle name). I also seem to recall that the scene was loosely modeled after the "pitch" of SDI to Reagan by Pournelle, Niven, et al.
Posted by: JohnL at May 30, 2007 08:07 AMPretty much as you described. Another nod to Heinlein, BTW, is the main character in Travis S. Taylor's Warp Speed has the first name "Anson".
Posted by: The Nameless Poster at May 30, 2007 08:18 AM