Photographer / blogger Yunfan Tan chronicles the lifespan of plants of all sizes, & this article, referring to it, claims that Life is short for small creatures, longer in big ones. Not true, say the biologists who have commented on this blog post, & caution us against mistaking art for research. Interesting pictures, nonetheless.
Remembering the anit-war Martin Luther King [Article]
Glenn Greenwald expresses dismay, on the occasion of Martin Luther King’s birthday commemoration, that MLK’s anti-war advocacy (as well as his economic views) are entirely ignored – while he is remembered only for his civil rights achievements. King, during an anti-Vietnam war speech on 4 April 1967 at the Riverside Church in New York City, called the US government the “largest purveyor of violence in the world” – a tag that is even more applicable today than ever before. Greenwald also contrasts that while Obama has been an inspiring by-product of King’s civil rights work, Obama’s policies are a manifestation of exactly the militaristic mindset which King denounced.
Too big for yourself? There is hope [Video]
If you find yourself worrying about what you will do with all that weight – you could just be the next percussion instrument for these guys – take a look
Journey through the seasons [Video]
“A journey through seasons” is a creation of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, by recording the 10 hour, 473 mile journey four times through the year. This compressed 1 minute video is simply amazing. They also created a 10 hour documentary of this journey. But even more amazing is the fact that the entire 10 hour raw footage is available for download under a Creative Commons license.
You are going to die [Article]
The older you get, the more your chances of dying? The mortality rate for humans, in case you were avoiding even considering it, is 100%. Tim Krieder visited the age care facility that his mother chose to move into well before she got sick or unhealthy or unable to take care of herself, & his emotions & thoughts come gushing out. Worth reading “You are going to die“.
Family Budgets [Article]
A family budget exposed for the world to see. Principles are sound, & worth emulating – at least in some very important aspects.
Papal Economics and the forgiveness of sins [Article]
For a long long time, it is known, at least among few, that forgiveness for earthly transgressions are a matter of simple economic principles. Feel that weight on your conscience? Do not fear, child. The local religious house, of your chosing, has the solution to your problem. This Guardian article, another example, this one from the Catholic Church, shows just how intrinsically intertwined the nexus between religion & politics is. Sure to anger/ annoy/ agitate those of strong faith.
Nameless Statistic [Picture]
I can’t vouch for the genuineness of this card, but if it were true, is just another indicator that a life, in or for, the US armed services (& for perhaps most of the rest of the world too), is valued much less than the lip service accorded. This just shows we are all just nameless statistics – Imgur
Concentratus interruptus [article]
Don Marti collects his, & others’, thoughts on the subject of being constantly interrupted by mails & notifications & phones & other gizmos. Almost like, as he quotes Kurt Vonnegut’s 1961 story, Harrison Bergeron, ” George, while his intelligence was way above normal, had a little mental handicap radio in his ear. He was required by law to wear it at all times. It was tuned to a government transmitter. Every twenty seconds or so, the transmitter would send out some sharp noise to keep people like George from taking unfair advantage of their brains.” Notifications and Interruptions: out of style?
How to read faster [article]
Ever wondered how to read faster, while still retaining at least the essence of what you read? Bill Cosby, besides being a great entertainer, is an engaging author &, I learned today, spent considerable time in education. He has some advice for us on how to read faster!.