I have been interested in quantum mechanics and theoretical astrophysics since high school. It is very cool stuff and a lot of it mathematically viable. The M theory takes an interesting perspective as an extension of string theories and kinda-sorta tries to explain how a singularity (and therefore our universe) could have occured in the first place (a point in space/time in the 11th dimension of two branes colliding). Of course there is the ever-present question of "why is it here" even in the 11th dimension. Those too ignorant or lazy to TRY and delve into it often turn to religion as the answer. It is the knee-jerk defense for many, sadly. You can probably all tell my thoughts on religion

A Brief History of Time remains one of my favorite books of all time (ha?) but newer theories and thinking have superceded a lot of Hawking's thoughts in that book, as evidenced by the OP's link.

Edit: More fun reading: http://superstringtheory.com/index.html

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth