Arthur C. Clarke Dies at 90

I was saddened to learn last night after I got home from Trivia Night of the passing of Arthur C. Clarke. He gained worldwide fame as the author of the classic bestselling novel "2001: A Space Odyssey," which became a worldwide hit as a film made by Stanley Kubrick in 1968.

Mr. Clarke, who was born in England, died in his adopted home of Sri Lanka, where he had lived since 1956. He wrote many other books, but "2001: A Space Odyssey" was by far and away his most famous work. He was also nominated for an Oscar for the film's screenplay.

I first read the book in high school, and I saw the movie as a youngster. I didn't understand most of it when I first saw it, but I've seen it many times over the years and it has become one of my favorite films. The movie's music and special effects are just spectacular, and it has become more and more beloved as the years have progressed.

So in honor of Mr. Clarke, I present here on YouTube one of the movie's most pivotal scenes, when HAL 9000, the onboard computer system that turns against the astronauts on their way to Jupiter, takes on astronaut Dave Bowman, as he tells the computer, "Open the pod bay doors, Hal." The clip is just under eight minutes.

Godspeed Mr. Clarke.