-
It's that time of year again - our ISP is asking for money. If you have some spare change, please click the Donate link... Thanks!
- About Us
- Search
- Need Help?
- Donate
- Login/Register
Latest Entries
Actions Menu
Blog Roll
- 4F Facebook Page
- Turn Up The Night with Kenny Pick
- Stephanie Miller Show
- The Tim Corrimal Show
- The Rachel Maddow Show
- Angry Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
- Thom Hartmann Program
- Turnips! Fans of Turn Up the Night Facebook Page
- Snopes.com
- Factcheck.org
- Official White House Page, if you must.
- The Brad Blog / Green News Report
- The Poorly Written Political Blog (Joe Santorsa)
What a Wonderful World
Author: BobR
Date: 02/22/2008 13:25:35
It seems that life is so hectic these days, full of work and presidential campaigns and running errands. How often do we stop and take notice of all the tiny miracles that we take for granted so often that they become just part of the wallpaper on the walls that we build around ourselves? Sometimes nature stretches and tosses us something we can't ignore and forces us to look.
The night before last was the full lunar eclipse. In our little corner of this little blue marble hurtling through the cosmos it started out a little cloudy, and we were disappointed that we'd miss it. As the night slowly ate the green cheese, nibble by nibble, the clouds gradually demurred until the moon in all its orange glory remained alone.
I was struck by the beauty of the tableau before me, the leafless trees with their tangle of branches silhouetted against the dim remaining wisps of clouds, the occasional star performing in the chorus to backup the main attraction, the chilly night air flowing over my skin like an invisible mountain stream... And there in the center of it all, hung la Luna, looking close enough to touch, an orange sphere floating in the nighttime sky showing off its curves typically hidden by its normal garish luminescence, as if Mars had decided to come for a visit.
It occurred to me that every night (wherever you happen to be when night occurs) the earth beams its black shadow behind it like a giant dark spotlight, obscuring the sun for all that pass through it. Every month as the moon makes its journey, I wonder how close it comes to that anti-glow, and how it happens that on those rare magical occasions it decides to swim through the darkness, emerging on the other side unscathed?
I also considered what a magic coincidence it is that the moon and the sun are the exact same apparent size when viewed from the earth. The sheer statistical impossibility of an even more rare solar eclipse where sun, moon, and earth line up through the inconceivably vast distances of space, and yet the moon obscures the sun exactly - it makes the imagination gasp.
From our solar system which mimics our understanding of atomic structure to the fractal equations in our DNA, played out in the fractal symmetry of the leaves and trees, to our symbiotic relationship with plants that breathe in CO2 and expel O2, to the circle of water, and the circle of life, I look at it all and think: What a Wonderful World...
Happy Friday...
The night before last was the full lunar eclipse. In our little corner of this little blue marble hurtling through the cosmos it started out a little cloudy, and we were disappointed that we'd miss it. As the night slowly ate the green cheese, nibble by nibble, the clouds gradually demurred until the moon in all its orange glory remained alone.
I was struck by the beauty of the tableau before me, the leafless trees with their tangle of branches silhouetted against the dim remaining wisps of clouds, the occasional star performing in the chorus to backup the main attraction, the chilly night air flowing over my skin like an invisible mountain stream... And there in the center of it all, hung la Luna, looking close enough to touch, an orange sphere floating in the nighttime sky showing off its curves typically hidden by its normal garish luminescence, as if Mars had decided to come for a visit.
It occurred to me that every night (wherever you happen to be when night occurs) the earth beams its black shadow behind it like a giant dark spotlight, obscuring the sun for all that pass through it. Every month as the moon makes its journey, I wonder how close it comes to that anti-glow, and how it happens that on those rare magical occasions it decides to swim through the darkness, emerging on the other side unscathed?
I also considered what a magic coincidence it is that the moon and the sun are the exact same apparent size when viewed from the earth. The sheer statistical impossibility of an even more rare solar eclipse where sun, moon, and earth line up through the inconceivably vast distances of space, and yet the moon obscures the sun exactly - it makes the imagination gasp.
From our solar system which mimics our understanding of atomic structure to the fractal equations in our DNA, played out in the fractal symmetry of the leaves and trees, to our symbiotic relationship with plants that breathe in CO2 and expel O2, to the circle of water, and the circle of life, I look at it all and think: What a Wonderful World...
Happy Friday...
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Grumpymann on 02/22/2008 13:30:30
Grumpymann on 02/22/2008 13:30:30
Under 12 hours that was real good!
Comment by 
livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:14:15
livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:14:15
Good morning everyone. 
Comment by 
m-hadley on 02/22/2008 14:16:14
m-hadley on 02/22/2008 14:16:14
Mornin' everybody 
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:21:27
livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:21:27
It was too cloudy by me to see the eclipse. 
Right now, we have almost 5 inches of snow on the ground. This is actually our biggest snow event to date.
Right now, we have almost 5 inches of snow on the ground. This is actually our biggest snow event to date.
Comment by 
shelaghc on 02/22/2008 14:21:53
shelaghc on 02/22/2008 14:21:53
Dennis Kucinich's seat in jeopardy?
Possibly, according to this email I just received:
Possibly, according to this email I just received:
Because of the abysmal approval ratings of Congress itself, there is a real groundswell of "throw the bums out" voting, as evidenced by the 24-point victory in the primary challenge this week by progressive Donna Edwards. But we need to very careful not to let the exceptionally good be swept out with the bad.
That is why we need everyone to see this new Dennis Kucinich ad, to protect his seat from a hostile primary challenge in his own district.
Thank You Dennis Video: http://www.usalone.com/thank_you_dennis.php
For weeks big money has been running terribly false attack ads against Dennis trying to smear him out of Congress. And Dennis needs your help to fight back by running the ad on the page above in his own district. So if you can make any kind of donation, please use the easy form on the same page above to do so.
And to thank you for your valiant support, Dennis wants you to have as his gift to you a copy of his special Kucinich commemorative edition pocket constitution, with your donation of $100 or more. And if you are one of the few who have not be blindsided by Cheney's gut-the-economy agenda, Dennis Kucinich will personally autograph your copy with your donation of $1,000 or more.
Please note that even if you had already donated the full legal limit to his brave presidential run, which had a real impact in shifting the debate, you can donate another $2,300 for his congressional seat defense.
But even if you can't make a donation right now, there is still something incredibly important you can do to help, and that is to send links to the video to anyone you can. So ask all your friends to visit the page below too.
Thank You Dennis Video: http://www.usalone.com/thank_you_dennis.php
So please do what you can to spread the word that this is a must win, must-keep situation. It is only because of the courage of Dennis Kucinich in standing strong to protect and defend the Constitution that we are where we are now, with more and more members of Congress clamoring for meaningful impeachment hearings, and the House still holding the line against that craven telecom immunity thing.
Let us not be complacent. Let us not take anything for granted just because Dennis is so amazing on every issue. We have to make sure that we empower Dennis to remind his constituents what a magnificent job he has been doing for them and for us all. And nothing would push impeachment forward more than the most clearcut victory for Dennis in his primary.
Please take action NOW, so we can win all victories that are supposed to be ours, and forward this alert as widely as possible.
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:27:19
livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:27:19
I wish I had money to send him. I don't want him to be bumped by some pro-Shillary DLC clone.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 02/22/2008 14:30:34
wickedpam on 02/22/2008 14:30:34
Morning! :hug:
No blogging or Steph for me today - icy here and working from home and I have to share the computer/internet, which is frustrating but we both need to get to our email so i understand it.
So this is just a drive by and I'll check back later! :hug:
No blogging or Steph for me today - icy here and working from home and I have to share the computer/internet, which is frustrating but we both need to get to our email so i understand it.
So this is just a drive by and I'll check back later! :hug:
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:34:20
livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:34:20
Cya L8ter, Mala. 
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:37:36
livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:37:36
Ah, the Roddrick allegations were when she was President.
Comment by 
Raine on 02/22/2008 14:40:10
Raine on 02/22/2008 14:40:10
:coffee2: Good morning! very nice Blog BobR.
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 14:41:30
Raine on 02/22/2008 14:41:30
Dennis is struggling for his seat indeed. That was why we put up the ad for him here on the sight.
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:43:22
livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:43:22
Good morning Raine. How's the weather in the ATL?
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 14:44:03
Raine on 02/22/2008 14:44:03
That is everybody gay drop sounds like it's from the Movie In and Out. That is Joan Cusak I think.
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 14:47:52
Raine reports heavy Rain in the Atl.
Did Sonny pray again???
It is a cold sring raine. PRetty sweet actually.
Raine on 02/22/2008 14:47:52
Quote by livingonli: Good morning Raine. How's the weather in the ATL?
Raine reports heavy Rain in the Atl.
Did Sonny pray again???
It is a cold sring raine. PRetty sweet actually.
Comment by shelaghc on 02/22/2008 14:49:40
I'm worried someone might try to pull a Max Cleland on him.
shelaghc on 02/22/2008 14:49:40
Quote by Raine: Dennis is struggling for his seat indeed. That was why we put up the ad for him here on the sight.
I'm worried someone might try to pull a Max Cleland on him.
Comment by shelaghc on 02/22/2008 14:50:47
If you have a blog, post the info. The more people this reaches the better the odds someone who can afford to donate will.
shelaghc on 02/22/2008 14:50:47
Quote by livingonli: I wish I had money to send him. I don't want him to be bumped by some pro-Shillary DLC clone.
If you have a blog, post the info. The more people this reaches the better the odds someone who can afford to donate will.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/22/2008 14:51:17
Will in Chicago on 02/22/2008 14:51:17
As someone who uses the Martian Manhunter J'onn J'onzz as an avatar, I deny any connection between Mars, Cindy McCain, and other members of the Republican party. I can neither confirm nor deny any connection between Cindy McCain and GOP members to the planet Uranus - particularly Larry Craig.
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:51:44
livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:51:44
I just hope when the village plows my street that they don't block up my driveway again like they normally do when we get enough snow.
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:52:54
Have you been reading Salvation Run?
livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:52:54
Quote by will in chicago: As someone who uses the Martian Manhunter J'onn J'onzz as an avatar, I deny any connection between Mars, Cindy McCain, and other members of the Republican party. I can neither confirm nor deny any connection between Cindy McCain and GOP members to the planet Uranus - particularly Larry Craig.
Have you been reading Salvation Run?
Comment by 
TriSec on 02/22/2008 14:57:58
TriSec on 02/22/2008 14:57:58
Morning, folks!
Snowing here in the Northeast, but nothing vile or unwieldly....yet. It's supposed to pick up after lunch, just in time for a six-hour Friday evening commute.
We were fortunate enough to have crystal clear skies here on the night of the eclipse. From my vantage point at least, the eclipsed moon was just a few degrees separated from Sirius, which is the brightest star we can see from the Northern Hemisphere. Shivering out there in my sweatpants and a t-shirt, my Grinch-Feet ice cold in the snow, I was thinking that this was why I love New England. (as if the eclipse was just happening here.)
It's a long, hard winter...but every now and again, we have one of those magical nights that makes you take notice of the world around you.
Snowing here in the Northeast, but nothing vile or unwieldly....yet. It's supposed to pick up after lunch, just in time for a six-hour Friday evening commute.
We were fortunate enough to have crystal clear skies here on the night of the eclipse. From my vantage point at least, the eclipsed moon was just a few degrees separated from Sirius, which is the brightest star we can see from the Northern Hemisphere. Shivering out there in my sweatpants and a t-shirt, my Grinch-Feet ice cold in the snow, I was thinking that this was why I love New England. (as if the eclipse was just happening here.)
It's a long, hard winter...but every now and again, we have one of those magical nights that makes you take notice of the world around you.
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 14:58:24
Raine on 02/22/2008 14:58:24
Quote by will in chicago: As someone who uses the Martian Manhunter J'onn J'onzz as an avatar, I deny any connection between Mars, Cindy McCain, and other members of the Republican party. I can neither confirm nor deny any connection between Cindy McCain and GOP members to the planet Uranus - particularly Larry Craig.
Comment by m-hadley on 02/22/2008 14:58:52
m-hadley on 02/22/2008 14:58:52
Octopussy Balls - is that what mAnn Coulter has?
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:59:09
livingonli on 02/22/2008 14:59:09
London Calling! 
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:00:58
Actaully from what I had read on the situation, the Ohio Democratic Party have decided to put up a few DLC types , so his primary is a critical one. Plus, yeah, if Ohio has open primaries, they could potentially cross over lines. I do not know if the primary is open tho.
HAve I mentioned how much I hate open primaries?
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:00:58
Quote by shelaghc:Quote by Raine: Dennis is struggling for his seat indeed. That was why we put up the ad for him here on the sight.
I'm worried someone might try to pull a Max Cleland on him.
HAve I mentioned how much I hate open primaries?
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:04:06
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:04:06
As I stated last night while watching les debate,
when they decided to question Barack about using Deval's lines, I am left wondering WHY hillary has not give credit to Ann Richards, as she has been using the saying "All Hat no Cattle"
when they decided to question Barack about using Deval's lines, I am left wondering WHY hillary has not give credit to Ann Richards, as she has been using the saying "All Hat no Cattle"
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:05:00
Good morning Faye!
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:05:00
Quote by m-hadley: Octopussy Balls - is that what mAnn Coulter has?
Good morning Faye!
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:06:09
they have not plowed yet? that doesn't seem very prudent.
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:06:09
Quote by livingonli: I just hope when the village plows my street that they don't block up my driveway again like they normally do when we get enough snow.
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:08:30
What was this? a moon and run???
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:08:30
Quote by Grumpymann: Under 12 hours that was real good!
What was this? a moon and run???
Comment by 
BobR on 02/22/2008 15:10:03
It was referring to something on the board...
BobR on 02/22/2008 15:10:03
Quote by Raine:
What was this? a moon and run???
It was referring to something on the board...
Comment by BobR on 02/22/2008 15:10:21
BobR on 02/22/2008 15:10:21
oh, and morning folks! :coffee:
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 15:11:47
I live on a dead end. We're usually last on the list when it comes to snow removal.
livingonli on 02/22/2008 15:11:47
Quote by Raine:they have not plowed yet? that doesn't seem very prudent.Quote by livingonli: I just hope when the village plows my street that they don't block up my driveway again like they normally do when we get enough snow.
I live on a dead end. We're usually last on the list when it comes to snow removal.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/22/2008 15:14:57
No, but from what I found on Wikipedia, it reminds me of the Republican Party. We could cast Dick Cheney as Lex Luthor and George W. Bush as the Joker.
Will in Chicago on 02/22/2008 15:14:57
Quote by livingonli:Quote by will in chicago: As someone who uses the Martian Manhunter J'onn J'onzz as an avatar, I deny any connection between Mars, Cindy McCain, and other members of the Republican party. I can neither confirm nor deny any connection between Cindy McCain and GOP members to the planet Uranus - particularly Larry Craig.
Have you been reading Salvation Run?
No, but from what I found on Wikipedia, it reminds me of the Republican Party. We could cast Dick Cheney as Lex Luthor and George W. Bush as the Joker.
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 15:17:01
I guess you read who's posing as Blockbuster?
livingonli on 02/22/2008 15:17:01
Quote by will in chicago:Quote by livingonli:Quote by will in chicago: As someone who uses the Martian Manhunter J'onn J'onzz as an avatar, I deny any connection between Mars, Cindy McCain, and other members of the Republican party. I can neither confirm nor deny any connection between Cindy McCain and GOP members to the planet Uranus - particularly Larry Craig.
Have you been reading Salvation Run?
No, but from what I found on Wikipedia, it reminds me of the Republican Party. We could cast Dick Cheney as Lex Luthor and George W. Bush as the Joker.
I guess you read who's posing as Blockbuster?
Comment by Grumpymann on 02/22/2008 15:18:10
Thr "Kessel Run" a. al. millinumin falcon.
Grumpymann on 02/22/2008 15:18:10
Quote by Raine:Quote by Grumpymann: Under 12 hours that was real good!
What was this? a moon and run???
Thr "Kessel Run" a. al. millinumin falcon.
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 15:18:12
livingonli on 02/22/2008 15:18:12
So will Obama now get cheers when he farts too? 
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:21:18
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:21:18
I missed her line where she got booed, (I miss 2 minutes of the entire debate, and that was it!) and I have to say I am glad I did. I would have gone ballistic.
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:27:27
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:27:27
I simply found Barack better last nite.
Whoah.... Hillary was quoting from John Edwards last night huh? Hello Pot Kettle calling.
Remember when one points the Finger, there are three pointing back at you. ;)
Whoah.... Hillary was quoting from John Edwards last night huh? Hello Pot Kettle calling.
Remember when one points the Finger, there are three pointing back at you. ;)
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:28:13
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:28:13
Wow, that was just nastiness from here. Totally nasty.
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:28:30
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:28:30
:clap: Shano!!! 
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:29:18
Good mornink Dahlin!
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:29:18
Quote by Grumpymann:Quote by Raine:Quote by Grumpymann: Under 12 hours that was real good!
What was this? a moon and run???
Thr "Kessel Run" a. al. millinumin falcon.
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 15:29:41
Between Shillary and McCain there can be a lot of focus on hypcorisy.
livingonli on 02/22/2008 15:29:41
Quote by Raine: I simply found Barack better last nite.
Whoah.... Hillary was quoting from John Edwards last night huh? Hello Pot Kettle calling.
Remember when one points the Finger, there are three pointing back at you. ;)
Between Shillary and McCain there can be a lot of focus on hypcorisy.
Comment by Grumpymann on 02/22/2008 15:40:41
Good to see you too!
Grumpymann on 02/22/2008 15:40:41
Quote by Raine:Good mornink Dahlin!Quote by Grumpymann:Quote by Raine:Quote by Grumpymann: Under 12 hours that was real good!
What was this? a moon and run???
Thr "Kessel Run" a. al. millinumin falcon.
Good to see you too!
Comment by m-hadley on 02/22/2008 15:40:51
Shrillary is not only stealing from John Edwards, she is also stealing lines from her hubby - I'm just saying...
m-hadley on 02/22/2008 15:40:51
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine: I simply found Barack better last nite.
Whoah.... Hillary was quoting from John Edwards last night huh? Hello Pot Kettle calling.
Remember when one points the Finger, there are three pointing back at you. ;)
Between Shillary and McCain there can be a lot of focus on hypcorisy.
Shrillary is not only stealing from John Edwards, she is also stealing lines from her hubby - I'm just saying...
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:42:16
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:42:16
Lst night regarding the latino issues, I really did not like when she said "we have to help create Jobs for our friends in Mexico"
Comment by livingonli on 02/22/2008 15:42:18
She probably does have permission to steal from her hubby. But Ann Richards on the other hand is not around to give permission.
livingonli on 02/22/2008 15:42:18
Quote by m-hadley:Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine: I simply found Barack better last nite.
Whoah.... Hillary was quoting from John Edwards last night huh? Hello Pot Kettle calling.
Remember when one points the Finger, there are three pointing back at you. ;)
Between Shillary and McCain there can be a lot of focus on hypcorisy.
Shrillary is not only stealing from John Edwards, she is also stealing lines from her hubby - I'm just saying...
She probably does have permission to steal from her hubby.
But Ann Richards on the other hand is not around to give permission.
Comment by m-hadley on 02/22/2008 15:48:29
Good Point Liv,
Was anybody else bothered by Shrillary piggy-backing on the great memory of Ann Richards last night? It seemed that she was trying to boost herself by her association with greatness - just MHO...
m-hadley on 02/22/2008 15:48:29
Quote by livingonli:Quote by m-hadley:Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine: I simply found Barack better last nite.
Whoah.... Hillary was quoting from John Edwards last night huh? Hello Pot Kettle calling.
Remember when one points the Finger, there are three pointing back at you. ;)
Between Shillary and McCain there can be a lot of focus on hypcorisy.
Shrillary is not only stealing from John Edwards, she is also stealing lines from her hubby - I'm just saying...
She probably does have permission to steal from her hubby.
Good Point Liv,
Was anybody else bothered by Shrillary piggy-backing on the great memory of Ann Richards last night? It seemed that she was trying to boost herself by her association with greatness - just MHO...
Comment by Grumpymann on 02/22/2008 15:50:28
Another Rethug Caught!
More about this in a bit......
Grumpymann on 02/22/2008 15:50:28
Republican Rep. Rick Renzi has been indicted for extortion, wire fraud, money laundering and other charges related to a land deal in Arizona.
Another Rethug Caught!
More about this in a bit......
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:50:33
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:50:33
The acronym would be Mpunhn. As in "Sir, you shall not Mpunhn mah integrity!, now will someone Please make me a Gin Rickey"
Comment by Raine on 02/22/2008 15:52:55
Raine on 02/22/2008 15:52:55
:grumble: hillary, wrong wrong wrong.
Comment by Grumpymann on 02/22/2008 15:54:07
A little more on what billO thinks is so funny read it and weep......
Grumpymann on 02/22/2008 15:54:07
Underlying the stated fear of black rape, moreover, was a broad fear of economic and cultural domination of white Americans by blacks and various other "outsiders," including Jews. These fears were acute in the South, where blacks became a convenient scapegoat for the mesh of poverty that lingered in the decades following the Civil War. Lynching in fact was frequently inspired not by criminality, but by any signs of economic and social advancement by blacks who, in the view of whites, had become too "uppity."
There were, of course, other components of black suppression: segregation in the schools, disenfranchisement of the black vote, and the attendant Jim Crow laws that were common throughout the South. But lynching was the linchpin in the system, so to speak, because it was in effect state-supported terrorism whose stated intent was to suppress blacks and other minorities, in no small part by eliminating non-whites as competitors for economic gain. These combined to give lynching a symbolic value as a manifestation of white supremacy. The lynch mob was not merely condoned but in fact celebrated as an expression of the white community’s will to keep African-Americans in their thrall. As a phrase voiced commonly in the South expressed it, lynching was a highly effective means of "keeping the niggers down."
... Moreover, in addition to the night-riding type of terrorist attacks, mass spectacle lynchings soon appeared. These were ritualistic mob scenes in which prisoners or even men merely suspected of crimes were often torn from the hands of authorities (if not captured beforehand) by large crowds and treated to beatings and torture before being put to death, frequently in the most horrifying fashion possible: people were flayed alive, had their eyes gouged out with corkscrews, and had their bodies mutilated before being doused in oil and burned at the stake. Black men were sometimes forced to eat their own hacked-off genitals. No atrocity was considered too horrible to visit on a black person, and no pain too unimaginable to inflict in the killing. (When whites, by contrast, were lynched, the act almost always was restricted to simple hanging.)