A space for observation, discovery, and growth
We May Overlook the Gifts of Our Senses. Today, We Recognize Them
A Change of Pace for Agents of Reason
More times than not, this blog talks about our lack of sense – as in Common Sense. National and international news has been so intense of late (and will get more so over the next 6 months), I thought we could use a little change in focus for today. About those other senses, not about common sense.
I have mentioned from time to time how important our senses are, but only in passing.
No Matter Your Politics or Economics, Now is the Time
Energy Remains a Defining Element of Human Life
The ability to harness energy has been a defining qualify of human existence for a very long time. So much of what we know, do, and assume is based on harnessing energy. That is not going to change any time soon. More likely is that it will never change.
While I admire, and to at least some degree support, calls to minimize energy usage, it is most unlikely that we will economize our way out of the problems this posting highlights.
Join the discussion at: Four Great Reasons to Quit Carbon Energy
The Last Few Days Have Been Long on the Sublime and the Ridiculous
Starting with the Easy Stuff
The Academy Awards
I have long found it increasingly harder to care at all about the Academy Awards. It seems a party of self-congratulation among people whose lives have zero relevance or connection to the rest of the world. But, hey, I have my favorite movies, too and and sometimes the outcomes are interesting. The Big News this time, of course was Will Smith slapping Chris Rock. Four VERY short observations:
Join the discussion at: Short Observations on a Busy, Weird Week
Funny How Things Catch Your Attention. Here are a Few That Caught My Eye Today
TV Interviews at Home
One thing the pandemic made routine was people on tv being interviewed in their homes. We have been doing this for two years now, and some people are on tv regularly being seen from their homes.
For these repeaters, I am really surprised that we see that we are in their bedrooms, or kitchen, or some other space that looks unprofessional. By now, one would think they would put up a background screen or use one of the electronic backgrounds readily available,
New Technologies and Approaches Lead to New Perspectives
The van Gogh Effect
Many of you are probably aware that something of a phenomenon launched last year with some high-tech based shows around Vincent van Gogh and his work. One such exhibit opened, finding much commercial success and attention. As such things go, several more variations opened all around the country. There must be at least a half-dozen of them now, with spin offs coming along built around other artists.
We were curious enough to sign up for one a few months ago in a city not too far away from us,
Enjoy These Varied and Well-Done Writings
Such a Buffet
As much as we all curse the internet (often with good reason), one has to admit it makes available to us an astounding volume and variety of information, thought, wonder, and amusement. Sure, a lot of what is out there is an embarrassment to our species. But there also is quite a lot worthy of our time and attention.
Allow me to share with you a few I have enjoyed of late. I hope you will as well.
Plants Communicate – A Lot
We have known for some time now that the plant world is no near as inanimate as once thought.
Join the discussion at: A Sampler of Some Fine Writing and Thinking
A Half-Dozen Technology Good News Stories
Checking Back in on Some Old Friends, and Some New Ones
From politics to climate to pandemics, we have no shortage of discouraging or downright scary reading. As I do from time to time, I thought we might all enjoy a little change of pace today. As regular readers know, this site has regularly dedicated space to hopeful advances in science and technology.
Often, I have cited promising new advances that are in the “we hope so, but too early to tell” category.
Really, Folks? The Guidance Has Been Pretty Consistent. Changes Match the Changing Virus
The Snivel We Hear
OK, snivel is admittedly a snarky word to start off this conversation, but it really does seem to me that a lot of people, the media in particular, is regularly crying out that there is so much guidance from so many sources, always in a state of flux. As a result, people are confused and don’t know what is expected of them.
To which I say, Poppycock. Yes, there is a lot of information out there,
Join the discussion at: People are Confused About COVID Guidance?
This Week the Blackberry Died – A Lesson for Everyone
Remember the Blackberry?
By the time you read this, any Blackberry phones out in the world using the Blackberry operating system will have died a quiet and ignoble death. Effective January 5, Blackberry pulled the plug. They still have a few units out there using Android systems, but essentially, they are out of the smart phone business.
In the very earliest stages of enhanced electronic communications – what eventually became smart phones – the Blackberry was the top of the line by far.
Join the discussion at: The King is Dead! Long Live the King!
The History of These is Fascinating
Why Do These Things?
They seem to have some popularity throughout the ages. One could even say they are… timeless.
Time capsules have been in the news lately. Not one, but two were found under a statue of Robert E. Lee that was recently removed in Virginia. Here in my hometown, one was unearthed a few months ago, also from a site that once hosted a statue of a civil war figure.
It is not hard to find news items and historical write ups around the world and through the ages of such capsules being implanted,
Join the discussion at: What Would You Put in a Time Capsule?
