Recently I saw an article about how many of us cannot see the Milky Way due to light pollution. It was astonishing, something like eighty percent of us cannot see the broad band of white and blue light spreading across the night sky. A somewhat smaller percentage, particularly those living in larger urban areas, cannot see any stars on a clear night. So I went looking for an "app" to compensate for what cannot be seen from where I live. It has not always been difficult to see the stars or even the Milky Way, sometimes I cannot even see the Moon, walls block my view from a yard that once provided sight of a broad arc of the Southern Sky. So I found an "app," but before this continues you should know two things; this is no lament for what is lost, and when I was young many hours were spent behind the house with an inexpensive reflecting telescope, but my math was not good enough to become an astronomer. So of course I have certain, ahh, prejudices.
Reflecting on the need to "look up" may have inspired the desire to learn to sail. Even thought most of my sailing is spent on the River during the day, there is nothing like an offshore passage at night. It can be thrilling and terrifying. But I do look up.
To compensate for the suburban night sky I found an "app" called Sky Guide. Since I am not a reviewer by trade or training, suffice to say it is the best of several I have tried. The built in compass allows the user to orient the view, even providing a view below the horizon, to any point. Different settings includes choices on how much information is displayed.
Ok enough of that.
The point is look around, up, down, to your side. Not just in one direction. You might be surprised what you see. It is bound to be something amazing!
Monday, July 25, 2016
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Action or Fear
It has been a long time.
Since "retirement", and that is not an accurate word, it seems there is more to write about but less enthusiasm to do so. My problem.
The reality for me is the relevance of thought in today's world of twenty four hour news and the fleeting of the story. The only events in our world that has any stick it seems is the violence we have seen on the streets. Whose lives matter? Are you thinking about what goes on around you? Does it motivate you to action or cement your feet in fear?
This last week our household was the victim of a crime. It was my own damn fault as the garage door was left open overnight. Some items were stolen, it makes me feel sick. The expensive bike is the only thing gone as the thief eventually dumped the other items; I assume because they were to heavy and awkward to carry. In an effort to make myself feel better about stupidity I think the theft could have occurred anytime after 3:00pm. Now I will open the door, remove the lawn mower, close the door and do my work, open the door, put the mower away, get the edger, close the door, etc. Maybe a check off list before going to bed, some motion sensor lights too, or one of those surveillance systems you can get at Costco. Like a terrorist the thief is making me change the way I live. There will be more changes.
Why do the changes have to occur? Why do we not like change? In many respects we crave change; we want to see our communities grow (ok just the Chamber of Commerce), we like to see our assets (homes in particular) increase in value (mostly because it is the most valuable asset we have), and it is a natural state of life. We get older, our children grow up, we remodel the kitchen. We don't like change as it can be disruptive, negative (particularly if it results in job loss or move), and it upsets our routine. We are after all creatures of habit.
So in some respects the theft has cemented me in fear, but it is also motivating me to action. It should have not taken an event to hit me personally to change my behavior. Neighbors are impacted too and they are not just across the street; they also live in Baton Rouge, Dallas, and France.
Since "retirement", and that is not an accurate word, it seems there is more to write about but less enthusiasm to do so. My problem.
The reality for me is the relevance of thought in today's world of twenty four hour news and the fleeting of the story. The only events in our world that has any stick it seems is the violence we have seen on the streets. Whose lives matter? Are you thinking about what goes on around you? Does it motivate you to action or cement your feet in fear?
This last week our household was the victim of a crime. It was my own damn fault as the garage door was left open overnight. Some items were stolen, it makes me feel sick. The expensive bike is the only thing gone as the thief eventually dumped the other items; I assume because they were to heavy and awkward to carry. In an effort to make myself feel better about stupidity I think the theft could have occurred anytime after 3:00pm. Now I will open the door, remove the lawn mower, close the door and do my work, open the door, put the mower away, get the edger, close the door, etc. Maybe a check off list before going to bed, some motion sensor lights too, or one of those surveillance systems you can get at Costco. Like a terrorist the thief is making me change the way I live. There will be more changes.
Why do the changes have to occur? Why do we not like change? In many respects we crave change; we want to see our communities grow (ok just the Chamber of Commerce), we like to see our assets (homes in particular) increase in value (mostly because it is the most valuable asset we have), and it is a natural state of life. We get older, our children grow up, we remodel the kitchen. We don't like change as it can be disruptive, negative (particularly if it results in job loss or move), and it upsets our routine. We are after all creatures of habit.
So in some respects the theft has cemented me in fear, but it is also motivating me to action. It should have not taken an event to hit me personally to change my behavior. Neighbors are impacted too and they are not just across the street; they also live in Baton Rouge, Dallas, and France.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
