Magazine Posts

NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day:

On September 12, from a location just south of the Arctic Circle, stones of Iceland's modern Arctic Henge point skyward in this startling scene. Entertaining an intrepid group of aurora hunters during a geomagnetic storm, alluring northern lights dance across the darkened sky when a stunning fireball meteor explodes. Awestruck, the camera-equipped skygazers captured video and still images of the boreal bolide, at its peak about as bright as a full moon. Though quickly fading from view, the fireball left a lingering visible trail or persistent train. The wraith-like trail was seen for minutes wafting in the upper atmosphere at altitudes of 60 to 90 kilometers along with the auroral glow.

Photo by Jennifer Franklin

Recently, I signed up for my very first pickleball tournament. Previous to that the last time I participated in a formal athletic competition of any kind, Richard Nixon was our nation’s Commander-in-Chief. In case you’re curious what that previous sporting event was …. More at View from the Bleachers ➜

Before the Sun hits the desert floor,
Before the shade from Cactus grown,
Before the end of the hottest day,
Before my love has flown.

Time will tell our life's results
Time will run for all who see,
Time will be each of us,
Time will be the end of we.

I sit with her
and reminisce,
about our years together.
I ask myself, why they
didn't last.

True it is, we had a good life.
She is the best and
my only wife.

Fractured the words.
Broken apart,
into small piece,
like my aching heart.

Words can be repaired,
replaced or torn apart,
but they shouldn't be said,
in affairs of the heart.

Among the ruins,
of bygone days.
No more the victories,
no more the praise.

Should I lament,
no matter why,
or suck it up,
trying not to cry?

NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day:

Venus has returned as a brilliant morning star. From a window seat on a flight to Mexico City, the bright celestial beacon was captured just before sunrise in this astronomical snapshot, taken on September 12. Venus, at the upper right, shared the early predawn skies with an old crescent Moon. Seen from this stratospheric perspective, both mountain peaks and clouds appear in silhouette along a glowing eastern horizon. The dramatic, long, low cloud bank was created by venting from planet Earth's active volcano Popocatépetl.

Photo by Luis Miguel Meade Rodríguez

Knock back a Waggle Wock,
no matter how you try,
for if you mistake its mood,
you might possibly die.

Wiggle Wocks, come
in a distinct size,
beware the slim ones,
and avoid the shocking surprise.

Chipping paint
and brush away.
Once it's all sanded,
use red lead and battleship grey.

Sitting with my beloved,
she's in her wheelchair.
I lean my head on
her neck and shoulder.

A quasi hug, brought me
a great amount of comfort.

How do I explain, that feeling
of close contact which exudes
comfort and well-being.
We hadn't hugged for 9 months.