Taking a Ride

Keeping perspective seems to be the theme of the month, with so many "shining objects" vying for attention.  In 1972 astronauts John Young and Charles Duke test drove the lunar rover.  A fun ride.  Perspective!

Problems? "We ain't got no stinkin' problems." UPDATES.

Perspective.

During these periods of tension, it’s good to mentally step back and focus on the larger perspective.  I like to think about how, in the whole of history, now is the first time that any person walking on Earth, can actually see bits of the Universe.  This view, a Celestial Still Life, presents a starry canvas unimaginably large (really, what does 40 light years mean, in scale?)

We’ve extended our reach far beyond our immediate position – technological substitutes for consciousness – and can thus benefit from such a perspective.  It’s awesome.  Problems?  “We ain’t got no stinkin’ problems.”  Not in the grand scheme.

Update - speaking of the grand scheme.  Nope, not a movie preview.  Here's a look into the very, very real, near future.  Saddle-up!


More Update!
The Smithsonian Air & Space Magazine for February has a great article by Paul Hoversten on the history and status of the two Voyager spacecraft.  We're about to finally reach interstellar space...and have learned a lot along the say.  Sadly, the noble craft run out of fuel to communicate soon.

Son of More Update!
 Nine years have passed since Opportunity bounced its way onto the Martian surface.  How wonderful that we, by extension, can walk on the red planet.   

If it can be thought, it can be done.  

The Search for Consciousness

Dr. Eben Alexander summarizes his incredible journey with Consciousness.

I commented on his book in the December 10, 2012 blog.

Life is Good

Besides one of my favorite overtures, Strauss' "Die Fledermaus", this young fellow gets it, shares it, and thus hope springs eternal.

What a blend of talent, music, optimism, energy - not bad for 2013.
(Thanks to neoneocon for bringing this to my attention.

Common Sense Discovered!

Imagine the stunned delight upon discovering a New Year’s listing of realistic resolutions in the January/February AARP bulletin.  Delight in the nature of the ten items.  Stunning, that such “Duh!”  is considered news.  But give writer Nissa Simon her due – it’s a great listing.

Drum roll, please.  And the 10 resolutions for better health in 2013 are:

1.         Party more.  An active social life is good for your health.

2.         Get a pet.  A fish will do, but furry mammals work wonders for emotional and mental fitness.

3.         Eat more chocolate.  Your instinct is to do this anyway.  Now, your instinct is shown to be correct.  Oh, it is supposed to be dark chocolate.  (Usual disclaimer not to eat too much, of course, all those calories.)

4.         Drink your coffee and enjoy it – it’s good for you.  Duh.

5.         After the coffee, have some wine, or a beer.  Either and/or both, it seems, contribute to better  health.  (Usual disclaimer that you shouldn’t enjoy yourself too much.)

6.         Sex is good for you.  (Whoever had a doubt?)

7.         Listen to more music.  Music of your choosing, that is, not subject yourself to the discord of others.

8.         Snooze more.  Much of the world understands the value of an afternoon nap.  Seems like

            they’re on to something healthy as well.

9.         Get outside.  Take in nature, hug a tree, notice the ground, heck, small stuff, but Nature(I add the capital) is powerful stuff.  I think this is a really good suggestion for youth.

10.       And finally, according to Simon, no need to get fancy with the soaps and cleansers.   Wash up with plain soap and time (yeah, not a rush job) does the trick.

Granted, not everyone can do the chocolate, coffee, wine/beer for body chemistry reasons.  But the spirit of the list is to enjoy what body sense prefers.  Don’t you enjoy a cat purring?  A happy pup?  (If you and animals don’t get along, that’s fine, but please don’t interfere with someone else enjoying the critters.)  Your body says “I want a nap, now.”  Heck, see what happens.  Might just have a happier body with a snooze break.  Music is the language of the Spheres.  Consider it meditation, playing with the Cosmos.  As for sex, well if you doubt it’s good, then by all means don’t do it.  Others may have a different perspective.    As for social interaction, well, birds of a feather do flock together.  The more fun you’re having everyday increases the probability you’ll run into similar people, and they you.

Bottom line is, of course, attitude.  2013 is a good year to enjoy a good attitude and the good things that go with it.  The above list is a good start.