Science fiction can be extremely thought provoking, particularly to one who thinks about the future. There are novels that are fantastical and take place centuries in the future in galaxies far far away , populated by weird creatures and other worldly landscapes. Then there are the many novels that are more conceptual, set slightly in the future on planet Earth that posit interesting social views and visions of how humanity might live and be governed; far enough ahead to allow a disconnect from current reality, but close enough to current day that they seem possible.
It is these novels that can provide fodder for thought about the future and what might be ahead for humanity.
All of this came to mind when I read an article last week in the New York Times about a new phenomenom in Japan. In the last seven years, 10 Gran Cyber Cafes have opened in Tokyo.
These facilities are open 24 hours and are full of cubicles that can be rented for any length of time. In the cubicles there are DVD players, VCRs, high speed Internet connections, sound systems, regular and satellite TV, video game consoles and computers loaded with software. Nearby there are libraries with thousands of DVDs, VHS tapes, comic books, magazines and novels.
A customer can come in for an hour or can spend the night. Couples can share open cubicles to watch together.
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