Today, Memorial Day 2010, I went to a service by myself for the first time. For many years Mom & Dad went to the local Grove Hill Cemetery, where the the local VFW always sponsors a service, and I have gone a few times with them. For whatever reason neither went today, so I went alone. The weather was perfect, it didn’t rain, and I saw Continue reading “War & memory”
Slippers- their name says it…
“No, my left hand isn’t dangling by a thread after massive loss of blood yesterday as a result of …” That would be my answer to my brother, who had called from Calif. this morning very concerned by an e-mail he had gotten yesterday from Mom. She didn’t send it to me; I haven’t seen it; something about serious injury to my whole hand…
Remember when your mother told you to stop running around the house in your slippers because you would bust your head wide open? (You were 4 at the time; you may not remember.) I forgot; was just doing Continue reading “Slippers- their name says it…”
In Mexico We Trust
Andrew McCarthy of NRO points out something very important in this article: the brazen polemical attack on the state of Arizona by the president of Mexico last week represents something more than partisan politics. Since it was fully supported by Pres. Hussein, and thunderously applauded by the Democrats, it is clear that the very fabric of who we are as a country is under attack. Should we reward persistent, unrepentant Continue reading “In Mexico We Trust”
Sometimes, you just need a snuggle…
If they made these for humans, I would seriously think about getting one.
(Helen, our niece in England, and her hamster…)
Narrative Scroll
War has changed since Dad flew a Navy PB-4Y over the Pacific. Then, although the radio operator sometimes had contact with a base, you were still largely on your own. Now, in Afghanistan and other hotspots, there is a narrative scroll.
In WW2, more than any other war, soldiers and seaman just Continue reading “Narrative Scroll”
Spray-on Liquid Glass
Huh?
That’s what I said. In this Popular Science article, the brief explanation is that it’s pure silicon dioxide (sand) in a layer only atoms thick, and it’s properties are nothing short of miraculous. One example: spray it on the inside of a sink and for the next year you don’t have to clean it– dirt can’t stick and just slides off.
Beth, O Great Dirty Kitty Continue reading “Spray-on Liquid Glass”
Enjoying the next generation
Due to not-so-gentle proddings by a certain family member, I’m finally going to post about William Roscoe Hartman, II, affectionately known as Will. I was present for his birth on Dec. 19th, which was a great privilege. The birth story and pictures are in our January, 2010 newsletter. If anyone reads this who didn’t get one, let me know. Continue reading “Enjoying the next generation”
Voo…
A terrible earthquake, apparently building up pressure over hundreds of years, has practically destroyed the capital city of Haiti. Over 200,000 people, some having died in agony after hours under the rubble, have been dumped in mass graves because there simply wasn’t time to bury them properly. Many more are terribly injured or suffering from the deepest poverty, because they have nothing left, and they are in line with thousands of others who have nothing left. But… as my daughter recently commented, this just doesn’t seem fair. Haiti always seems to get the short end of the stick; they have been in poverty for centuries, and are Continue reading “Voo…”
Avatar- the Game has Changed
Stop! Don’t skip this post because you didn’t like (or think you won’t like) the 2nd highest grossing movie of all time. There were definitely things I didn’t care about in it, either, but those aren’t why it’s important. It’s important because modern society’s frame of reference has changed. The star of the movie is actually Continue reading “Avatar- the Game has Changed”
Predictions from the Past
(No this isn’t the one with baby pictures– patience, patience… 🙂 )
From this Wall Street Journal article:
“Inventions have long since reached their limit, and I see no hope for further developments…” Julius Sextus Frontinus, a Roman engineer writing in 10 A.D.
“The Americans have need of the telephone, but we do not. We have plenty of Continue reading “Predictions from the Past”