John Smart's Transcension Hypothesis is a version of what Frank Tippler talked about, the creation of gods at the end of the cosmos. The problem with John's notion is that it assumes that an attractor state does not have exceptions. And all you need in those circumstances is an exception of Hell's Angels who like to ride their bikes and don't want to dive into godlike simulated worlds. If they decide not to transcend, then those few who made that choice inherit the galaxy.
Our special guest for the first episode of the Mindplex Podcast is David Brin, a scientist and science fiction author of more than 35 books over the last 40 years. His PhD in astrophysics from the University of California at San Diego led to his current involvement with NASA's Innovative & Advanced Concepts program - (NIAC).
5. From David: "Okay this one is purely political, trying to get Democrats to try new tactics in phase 8 of the US Civil War: Polemical Judo, by David Brin: http://www.davidbrin.com/polemicaljudo.html