Arthur C. Clarke ascends to a new plane

Open the pod bay door, HAL.

Arthur C. Clarke, one of the most prolific and respected science fiction writers, has died at the age of 90. Confined to a wheelchair from post-polio syndrome for the last two decades, he died after experiencing breathing problems at his home in Sri Lanka. He's most famous for writing the novel and co-writing the screenplay to the most famous sci-fi film of all time, 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Rumours about Clarke's sexuality followed him throughout his career, and unfortunately, he either refused to address them, or when he was asked directly if he was gay, he replied "No, merely cheerful". It may be a while before we find out the truth. His "Clarkives", a collection of manuscripts and personal memoirs will be released ... in fifty years. If he was gay, there are going to be debates for years to come about whether he should have come out, or whether it can be forgiven considering the time he grew up in. Thoughts?

Over yonder, you can see a clip from 2001, featuring that heavenly body known as Keir Dullea.