September 27, 2018 · 21:26

Anti-Soul Crushing Sunset Pictures

Someone who I follow on Twitter because they attended a recent NASA Social (and I’ve found that most people who attend NASA Socials are pretty decent human beings) tweeted today: “I need something inspiring to happen. Today has been soul crushing in countless ways.”

My response was: “I know the feeling. ISS pass in your area tonight? Colorful sunset? Thunderstorm you can watch from a safe place? Look at the new pictures from Hayabusa 2 rovers? Look for Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars after sunset if it’s clear?”

Just in case they weren’t able to get any of those things or any acceptable substitutes (and without having a clue if they read this site) or just for any of you who might have had similar thoughts today, here’s the fair-to-middlin’ sunset we had tonight.

One of the problems I’ve found with the “new” house (jeez louise, we’re coming up on five months here!!) is all of the power lines and telephone poles directly to the west which show up in my sunset pictures.

Today I decided to wander down the hill a few houses (I need to get out more – five freakin’ months!) and found that a few houses down on the other side of the street there’s a much better, less obstructed view.

On the other hand, looking back to the north from there (the tall trees (Spartan Junipers maybe?) on the far right are next to our driveway) where it was darker and pinker and purple-er there was a jungle of silhouetted wires, which I found curiously compelling as an image.

As for Hyabusa 2…

For those of you with your souls being crushed tonight by those who no longer have a soul – I believe you. I see you. I will listen to you. I want to help.

For those of you still intact – join me.

For those of you who no longer have a soul – my Catholic school teachers wanted to impress me with the concept of redemption. I’m pretty sure that it was total bullshit, but I’m open minded still to having you prove me wrong.

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Filed under Astronomy, Photography, Space

September 26, 2018 · 23:57

Here We Are

For better or for worse.

It’s probably far better than we think it is.

But it might be far worse than we think it is.

And if that’s the case, by the time we realize how bad it truly is, it will be far too late to change it or stop it.

Politics?

Global climate change?

Oh, well, those too, but I was looking at the line up of new fall television shows.

The good news is that I haven’t had time to watch television on a regular basis in a couple of years. Lucky me!

When does the second season of “American Gods” start?

(What a cop out!)

 

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Filed under Entertainment

September 25, 2018 · 23:17

No Context For You – September 25th

If you’re tired enough and squint they start to look like trombones.

Are there seventy-six of them? Is Ronnie Howard running around with a lisp?

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Filed under Art, Paul, Photography

September 24, 2018 · 23:04

A Piano Riff To Make You Smile

I’ve mentioned it before (here and here) but when you’re really exhausted and down and sort of looking for the end of the rope so you can tie a knot in it and hang on for dear life and your random music stream is sort of puttering along with blah blah blah tunes, load up Supertramp’s “Child of Vision.” Turn it up to about a 7 and get into it. Sing along. Close your eyes. (Not if you’re driving! Jeez, how stupid are you?) Get ready. It’s coming. Got your finger on the volume?

There it is. About 3:37. The piano solo, one of the all time greats.

Punch that volume!

Sure, you’re wearing the good headphones and your ears may start to bleed a bit. Or you’ve got the big speakers on and the people in the next county will complain when they see you at the Denny’s on Sunday morning.

Not to worry. It’s worth it.

The rhythms and back and forth between the different lines at about 5:35? They’ll have you playing along with those imaginary black & whites that only you can see on the edge of your desk. What, you say that you can’t play a note? On this you can – I won’t tell.

Ah, there’s the saxophone  counterpoint as it starts to fade out. Sweet.

Hit “repeat.”

What, that was already the fourth or fifth listen in a row. Okay, if you must. Let it go and see what the Shuffle brings up next.

“Travel Suite – Happy ‘Cause I’m Coming Home” from Chicago. One of the best flute solos this side of “Thick As A Brick.”

For a few brief minutes here in my head it’s going to be okay.

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September 23, 2018 · 23:40

Monday Morning Adjacent

Many folks despair over being forced to go back to work on Monday morning after a weekend of fun and relaxation. Or, at the very least, a weekend of not being at work.

Once again I’m here to report on my findings:

Working a huge chunk of the weekend on a project due Monday morning and NOT having two days of fun and relaxation does NOT make facing Monday morning any more pleasant. It’s not the transition from the “not at work” state to the “at work” state that’s the jarring and unpleasant part, so trying to eliminate that transition by never not (i.e., “always”) being at work is less than satisfactory.

You have been warned educated.

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September 22, 2018 · 23:09

Someplace Special – September 22nd

Mazatlan, Mexico

This picture was taken as the cruise ship left harbor right at sunset. It was magical and beautiful.

The city itself during the day was interesting to explore. It was far more industrial than the other cities we saw on this cruise, especially the harbor area. Lot after lot of cars being imported or exported, large fuel tanks, acre after acre of shipping containers. However, once the odd little tourist taxis got us off into the city it was fun to wander about on foot, looking at the cathedrals, occasional plaza and monument, and the rows of tourist trap shops and vendors along the beach.

But that sunset departure – that was special!

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Filed under Photography, Travel

September 22, 2018 · 00:05

Tied Up Again

Damn it, brain got hijacked again, busy doing too much too fast.

QUICK! Three minutes late, post something quick, hope no one notices. (The folks in Hawaii won’t, they’re three hours behind us to begin with…)

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I got nothing, brain’s still reconciling Square deposits and bank accounts.

Sorry. Sue me. I’ll give everyone refunds…

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September 20, 2018 · 15:28

Not So Funny Today

It’s a matter of perspective. I know that I’ve linked to another version of this comedy bit in the past and I often laugh my ass off at it. At the moment however…

I can think of a number of activities and events that are a better reason to be walking bow-legged.

Maybe I’ll just sit here, quietly, and listen to “Hamilton” again.

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Filed under Health, Paul

September 19, 2018 · 13:49

Fasting

I figured that being on a restricted diet for a few days and then doing a day and a half of fasting wouldn’t be that big of a deal. There were other aspects of this particular ordeal that I remember as being worse. (And I’m sure they will be.)

But I must say that the “no big deal” facets of the experience are more of a big deal than I remember or expected. I think part of it has to do with the psychological aspects of being denied something, of being told “no” in a sense that seems unfair, which has never been something I dealt with particularly well.

What I notice is how the routine has been upset and my subconscious is constantly trying to get it back on track. No breakfast? It’s amazing how often I’ve found myself wandering into the kitchen and then not sure why I was going there until I have that, “Oh, yeah, THAT – sorry, no” moment.

I also didn’t realize how many snack type foods I kept at my desk. But then I keep catching myself reaching for them without thinking about it.

No Diet Coke? My caffeine substrate of choice is off-limits? Now THAT‘s a freaking crime!

But worse of all, although not strictly part of the fasting, is the prohibition for days against any aspirin or ibuprofen. Let me tell you, I would merrily kill right now for a couple of Extra Strength Excedrin washed down with a cold Diet Coke.

Instead I can have water.

I might be cranky today.

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Filed under Health, Paul

September 18, 2018 · 23:59

No Context For You – September 18th

What’s a guy got to do to get a day off around here?

What? You’ve got to be freakin’ kidding me!

Oh, okay, if I must…

 

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Filed under Art, Paul, Photography