As a very early science fiction fan, I remain thrilled by space images as with this one just published on the NASA web site.
Shuttle Silhouette
In a very unique setting over Earth's colorful horizon, the silhouette of the space shuttle Endeavour is featured in this photo by an Expedition 22 crew member on board the International Space Station, as the shuttle approached for its docking on Feb. 9 during the STS-130 mission. Image Credit: NASA
Monday, February 22, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
CNN incitement to cynicism
Meanwhile a word on CNN and the public mood.
Local Direct TV in our condo limited us to CNN for news. While in Puerto Rico, of course, we were very close to Haiti and were absorbed by the earthquake and the horror of the devastation and human tragedy. What made us particularly uncomfortable was the knowledge that our government has a horrible history in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It has contributed to bad government and the ecological disasters. For more on Dominican Republic check out: "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Díaz. Of course it wasn't until much later, nearly a month later, that this was discussed on CNN. I am proud of the many good works our government is doing through military and private actions, but there's a gnawing guilt about our history there.
Listening to CNN and it's frenetic tone in covering everything from Michael Jackson's doctor to a recent scandal in the sports world, to politics -- almost all in the same breath -- one understands why the American public is so cynical. Each time someone charges that a program doesn't work, they cover it as if it were news. Each time a situation suggests the possibility of scandal they cover it as news. A good example was the recent post-operative death of Congressman Murtha of Pennsylvania. He died after complications from gall bladder surgery. The commentators looked at each other and said: "Wow, that's routine isn't it? I had that surgery and nothing happened. Could it have been a case of hospital error?" This was all without understanding Murtha's underlying health conditions or what type of surgery he had. We've not heard a word since. (I have to add that Rep. Murtha did contract a post operative infection, as I learned when I returned home.) Also, see further comment on this posting.
I know they have a lot of time to fill but 1)leaping from one story to another without any connection between them and 2) creating anxiety rather than offering information as they report each story, contributes to the destructive tone of American political debate.
Thanks for the comments fellow bloggers.
Local Direct TV in our condo limited us to CNN for news. While in Puerto Rico, of course, we were very close to Haiti and were absorbed by the earthquake and the horror of the devastation and human tragedy. What made us particularly uncomfortable was the knowledge that our government has a horrible history in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It has contributed to bad government and the ecological disasters. For more on Dominican Republic check out: "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Díaz. Of course it wasn't until much later, nearly a month later, that this was discussed on CNN. I am proud of the many good works our government is doing through military and private actions, but there's a gnawing guilt about our history there.
Listening to CNN and it's frenetic tone in covering everything from Michael Jackson's doctor to a recent scandal in the sports world, to politics -- almost all in the same breath -- one understands why the American public is so cynical. Each time someone charges that a program doesn't work, they cover it as if it were news. Each time a situation suggests the possibility of scandal they cover it as news. A good example was the recent post-operative death of Congressman Murtha of Pennsylvania. He died after complications from gall bladder surgery. The commentators looked at each other and said: "Wow, that's routine isn't it? I had that surgery and nothing happened. Could it have been a case of hospital error?" This was all without understanding Murtha's underlying health conditions or what type of surgery he had. We've not heard a word since. (I have to add that Rep. Murtha did contract a post operative infection, as I learned when I returned home.) Also, see further comment on this posting.
I know they have a lot of time to fill but 1)leaping from one story to another without any connection between them and 2) creating anxiety rather than offering information as they report each story, contributes to the destructive tone of American political debate.
Thanks for the comments fellow bloggers.
Sand is better than snow!
It's pretty here and in DC, but definately not as pleasant as warm sand changing colors as the tide comes in on a Puerto Rico beach. We're just back from a glorious one month stay in Rincon Puerto Rico with lots of opportunity to draw,read,do yoga and dive. Three dives in Desecheo and the little Desecheo reef. Exquisite coral formations, unusual colored brain coral, immense schools of tropical fish, and weird sponges. No big animals this time although of course the divers who took off in the morning of the same day I dove little Desecheo swam with a whale. Check out Taino Divers.com for video.
As soon as I learn to operate a scanner and transmit to the computer I'll post some drawings.
As soon as I learn to operate a scanner and transmit to the computer I'll post some drawings.
Friday, December 18, 2009
'Tis the Season...
In Central Pa the practice of holiday decoration is somewhat toned down by our Mennonite and Amish neighbors who reject that "fancy" display. Although, there are plenty of others who are prepared to spend their money on electricity to run ferris wheels filled with Simpson characters in holiday garb. My favorite is the Santa on a Harley with huge(kick ass) boots, he better not come down my chimney.
Most of all I spend some time reading the signposts outside homes and farms that are supplied by religious publishing houses. They offer instant homilies -- something like the old Burma Shave signs along the road. I puzzle at the contradictions. They warn against sin, they proclaim that sinners are forgiven. They tell us only the "pure in heart" see Jesus and then tell sinners they can be redeemed. Are they saying that a simple renunciation of past ways by a really bad abuser, molester, robber, or drunk can open the door to heaven? Boy that must make the hard working, nose to the grindstone, never straying Christian pretty annoyed. Where's the justice if it takes so little to gain admission?
Of course if it makes sense to that set of believers, it's ok with me. I just would like to find a little peace on earth and common sense for all. Oh, and for the New Year? How about single payer and jobs for all who want them.
Most of all I spend some time reading the signposts outside homes and farms that are supplied by religious publishing houses. They offer instant homilies -- something like the old Burma Shave signs along the road. I puzzle at the contradictions. They warn against sin, they proclaim that sinners are forgiven. They tell us only the "pure in heart" see Jesus and then tell sinners they can be redeemed. Are they saying that a simple renunciation of past ways by a really bad abuser, molester, robber, or drunk can open the door to heaven? Boy that must make the hard working, nose to the grindstone, never straying Christian pretty annoyed. Where's the justice if it takes so little to gain admission?
Of course if it makes sense to that set of believers, it's ok with me. I just would like to find a little peace on earth and common sense for all. Oh, and for the New Year? How about single payer and jobs for all who want them.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Another Celebrity Casualty
Just when I was thinking that nothing could disappoint me as much as the wayward ways of John Edwards, along comes Tiger. Grrrr! It's not politics, true. But it does demonstrate how easily celebrity can cause good people to forget their human obligations and think they can satisfy any itch with impunity. If you read Woods' website you can see that fans are struggling with his "transgressions"... half are saying they're still with him and half saying what a jerk he is. Most of all I think of the disappointment and confusion of kids who have regarded him as a hero.
A whole raft of politicians have shown themselves to be sexually promiscuous and oblivious of the consequences. They, of course, hurt more than partners or parties. They create even more cynicism and sometimes even alter the course of political progress by defiling their espoused causes. Ironically they're bait for celebrity media which created their aura.
A whole raft of politicians have shown themselves to be sexually promiscuous and oblivious of the consequences. They, of course, hurt more than partners or parties. They create even more cynicism and sometimes even alter the course of political progress by defiling their espoused causes. Ironically they're bait for celebrity media which created their aura.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Art and Other Things
Community show at the Greencastle Gallery 7 ... the show will continue through weekends in December and hopefully attract some buyers who think Art for holiday gifts will be worth more than some unnecessary "stuff" from Walmart, KMart, JunkMart.
Pleased to have an etching selected in a juried show (Chambersburg Pa miniatures) My two color etching of a faded sunflower "End of Summer". Many excellent entries (over 400 from all over the USA) and I'm one of the selected. This is the second time I've had a piece in this show and it certainly is a morale booster.
Hoping our upcoming visit to Maine will be a chance to draw and find new ideas for prints. I'm still looking for satisfactory and efficient ways to create multicolored prints in multiples on my equipment at home. It may be a break from the depressing politics of the US Congress.
I'm shocked by the Democrats who are so worried about losing their seats that they won't vote for programs that will give voters a reason to reelect them. The Republicans are ridiculous with their constant "no's" and worse. Voters should see there are no ideas from that source.From this vantage point I would say people are not enamoured of the Repulicans, they just vote the way they always have. Meanwhile Ms. Palin and her family and political adventures are the latest soap opera to divert Americans from what's really happening to them.
Pleased to have an etching selected in a juried show (Chambersburg Pa miniatures) My two color etching of a faded sunflower "End of Summer". Many excellent entries (over 400 from all over the USA) and I'm one of the selected. This is the second time I've had a piece in this show and it certainly is a morale booster.
Hoping our upcoming visit to Maine will be a chance to draw and find new ideas for prints. I'm still looking for satisfactory and efficient ways to create multicolored prints in multiples on my equipment at home. It may be a break from the depressing politics of the US Congress.
I'm shocked by the Democrats who are so worried about losing their seats that they won't vote for programs that will give voters a reason to reelect them. The Republicans are ridiculous with their constant "no's" and worse. Voters should see there are no ideas from that source.From this vantage point I would say people are not enamoured of the Repulicans, they just vote the way they always have. Meanwhile Ms. Palin and her family and political adventures are the latest soap opera to divert Americans from what's really happening to them.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Not a good post election morning
The Democrats suffered two important losses in Virginia and New Jersey and locally our efforts to overcome a 2/3 Republican registration failed. Our few local candidates didn't get elected either. The Virginia governor's race was not a surprise. The candidate just didn't have it -- no spark, no ideas, no meaningful positive campaign. BUT...why didn't African American and young voters turn out on his beahlf to help out the President the elected? Beats me! The quick flip flopping of the American people is a mystery. Yesterday they vote for change and a new direction, today they're down on President Obama and his policies. I lay it all to no politics -- that is: most Americans have no overall political perspective and point of view and are easily swayed to respond to what appears to be the current problem.
What's the beef against Obama? He said he would go for health care reform and he has -- his try to build a concensus approach was a mistake. But even in his own party he has foot draggers that block his efforts. Do you blast him from the left? What do we accomplish by doing that? He has to fight the right who still spread lies about him even doubting his citizenship.
What's the beef against Obama? He said he would go for health care reform and he has -- his try to build a concensus approach was a mistake. But even in his own party he has foot draggers that block his efforts. Do you blast him from the left? What do we accomplish by doing that? He has to fight the right who still spread lies about him even doubting his citizenship.
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