Free short SF story via my uncle’s blog. I liked it quite a bit when I first read it a couple years ago. Let me (or him) know what you think of it.
Have a great weekend!
Category: Non-Fiction
How The Sinking Of The Lusitania Heralded An Entirely New Kind Of War
http://io9.com/how-the-sinking-of-the-lusitania-heralded-an-entirely-n-1702800197
A less gentlemanly kind of war. Interesting short history on this 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania.
Posted from WordPress for Android via my Samsung smartphone. Please excuse any misspellings. Ciao, Jon
Timelapse Lunar Eclipse Over Downtown Kansas City by Tom Martinez
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkVItkDL4s4?rel=0]
Published by Tom Martinez, Historian of the Astronomical Solemnity of Kansas City, on Apr 7, 2015
The total phase was not seen from KC since totality occurred after moonset. Crystal clear skies allowed for a nice view of the last sliver of moon, however. Music is “Alive” by Jahzzar, http://betterwithmusic.com.
Book Review: The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien (Four Stars)
Great belated addition to the “Big Read” hosted by Lansing Community Library from my uncle.
Look West After Sunset Tomorrow Evening
I probably won’t get to see this. Snow is forecast for this afternoon in the KC metro area and continuing cloud cover for the next couple of days. I’ll keep my fingers crossed and my eyes on the western horizon as I drive home tomorrow night.
For those of you with clear skies, enjoy a triple conjunction of the bright planet Venus, the red planet Mars and the two-old new Moon.
Whatever you do, just start watching the western twilight sky. Set a reminder on your phone if need be. The planets and moon won’t be up for long after sunset. And the views will be spectacular from now through Saturday night!
Earthsky, “Venus, Mars, moon after sunset February 19“
New Moon; Black Moon; Super Moon
Gorgeous photo of the new moon courtesy the U.S. Naval Observatory
Learn more about today’s new moon in this Earthsky article: New supermoon – and Black Moon – on February 18, 2015
Book Review: Testament of Youth by Brittain (4 stars)
Read in January/February 2015
Synopsis (via GoodReads):
In 1914, just as war was declared, 20 year-old Vera Brittain was preparing to study at Oxford. Four years later, her life—and that of her whole generation—had been irrevocably changed in a way that no one could have imagined in the tranquil pre-war era. Testament of Youth is Brittain’s account of how she lost the man she loved, nursed the wounded, survived those agonizing years, and emerged into an altered world. A passionate record of a lost generation, it made Brittain one of the best-loved writers of her time. It still retains the power to shock, move, and enthrall readers today.
My Thoughts:
I heard about this book during the inaugural discussion of The Things They Carried by O’Brien last fall. The professor leading the discussion listed it as one of the better memoirs written post-conflict (didn’t matter what conflict). Continue reading “Book Review: Testament of Youth by Brittain (4 stars)”
Big Read Wrap-Up
The Lansing Community Library completed a successful Big Read of O’Brien’s The Things They Carried with a writing memoir workshop led by the same professor who moderated the panel discussion back in December. I took copious notes, but sadly no group photos. The workshop was well attended and I recorded the audio portion (as I can’t always take notes fast enough) and include it here for your enjoyment. In fact, I’m not sure where I put my notes.
Raw Recording of Memoir Writing Workshop
And, just for completeness’ sake, I’ll include the raw recording of the second group discussion led by a local English professor from the University of St. Mary:
Raw Recording of Second Big Read Book Discussion
I attended all the events and enjoyed all of them. I’m looking forward to the next adult reading program the library cooks up.
Article: Hubble shows Jupiter’s triple solar eclipse
Hubble shows Jupiter’s triple solar eclipse
http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/06/tech/hubble-jupiter-three-moons/
It was cloudy here in Kansas when this occurred. Thank Goodness Hubble never needs to worry about the weather.
Posted from WordPress for Android via my Samsung smartphone. Please excuse any misspellings. Ciao, Jon
Look Up KC – See Comet Lovejoy This Friday Evening
Reposted from the Astronomical Society of Kansas City‘s Powell Observatory web page:
Powell Observatory will be open to the public for viewing of Comet Lovejoy from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday, January 23rd, 2015. Naked eye, binocular and telescopic views, including the 30″ Ruisinger telescope, of Comet Lovejoy will be the main target of the evening’s viewing, but other astronomical objects will be presented as well. The observatory classroom and bathrooms are heated, but the Ruisinger observatory dome is unheated and all additional telescope and binocular observing will be done outside. It is highly recommended that visitors wear appropriate cold weather clothing.
There are no food or beverage concessions available at the observatory, but visitors may bring their own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks if desired. You can print a map to the observatory clicking here. Visitors with questions about the weather or the evening’s activities should call the observatory at after 6:30 PM on the 23rd.
The ASKC is a non-profit organization. We ask for a suggested donation of $6.00 per adult and $4.00 per child under 12. All donations are used to support and maintain the observatory and the ASKC thanks you for your patronage.
More information on Comet Lovejoy, how to view and how to find it may be found at the following website:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/observing-news/spot-comet-lovejoy-tonight-122920141/
