<p>Sun Media reporter <a href="http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Science/2007/01/02/3134647-sun.html" title="Vivian Song speaks with top science-fiction writers">Vivian Song speaks with top science-fiction writers</a>,
astrologists and futurists to explore what the next 50 years may hold
for our newest Capricorns. Yes, Capricorns, and astrology - the article
is very interested, but futurism is mixed with astrology. I suppose
this is how they manage to sell newspapers these days. However, I think
some horoscopes are a price worth paying for informing the public on
what the future will bring.
</p>
<p>Some interesting excerpts:
</p>
<p>Given the rate of change during the past 40 years, ventures into
space and computer-dependent immortality shouldn't come as a shock,
said <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_J._Sawyer" title="Robert Sawyer">Robert Sawyer</a>, a futurist and frequent commentator for Discovery Channel Canada.
</p>
<p>
In their lifetime, children of the year 2007 will be forced to confront
dilemmas their ancestors were able to evade. How do you reconcile
immortality with the natural world, for instance? How will the human
species respond to climate change that their predecessors set in
motion? According to Sawyer, a prolific award-winning writer—he's one
of seven writers in history to win all three of science-fiction's top
honours for best novel of the year—by the time the child is 50, they
will have the option of downloading their brain into an artificial
android body and of living forever.
</p>
<p>2028 - According to futurist consultant Richard Worzel, people can
choose to have a personal computer embedded in their body, most likely
under the arm, activated by body heat or drawing power from their blood
supply. A microphone will be embedded in their tooth powered by bone
conduction. Contact lenses will act as a computer monitor and users
will be able to overlay reality with computer images. </p>
<p>
2057 - Though their biological bodies may have worn out, the rich will
be able to buy more time in an android body, Sawyer said.
"Transhumanism. For a person born Jan. 1, 2007, they will have a choice
at that point."
</p>
<p>Indeterminate life expectancies will also mean more people will draw
more heavily and longer on the country's health plan. How long will
people be allowed to work? "You're opening up social questions that
have never had to be asked before . . . to which there's been no need.
The answers become urgent to which there are no precedents and people
will fight for what they think they're entitled to." At the same time,
Sawyer offered a sunny view of immortality, saying the potential to
achieve unrivalled human brilliance and creativity is no longer
hindered by the pesky passage of time. </p>
<p>
Oh, I had forgotten. The ruling colours of Capricorn babies born in 2007 will be blue and black.
</p>