This fascinating NYT article on the cascade effect of the Yellowstone wolf introduction may prepare our imaginations in just a small way for the effects if “ReWilding” starts. The change in the plant ecology and species composition of the Plains and Southwest alone is going to be amazing. “Where willows and cottonwoods have returned, they …
Jackson’s Wedding Pics
As promised. This isn’t exactly a “diary” blog, but these people aren’t just family– they are fellow bloggers. Besides, what could possibly look more magnificent than an Eastern Orthodox ceremony? The linked flower crowns in the Orthodox ceremony will be hung on the wall above the couple’s bed. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jackson Frishman– or …
Doom and Gloom
Another in the continuing series. “Of course, the end of the world has been promised by Jews, Christians, Muslims and assorted crazies with sandwich boards for as long as there has been a human world to end. But those doomsdays were the product of faith; reason always used to say the world will continue. The …
More on modern writers, editors…
…and fact checkers. Reid had seen an article on Mongolia in which the reporter referred to a statue of Jengiz as being of “Khan”. He snapped: ” I love how the idiot reporter refers to the statue of “Khan” as if it’s Genghis Khan’s last name. Where do they hire these people?” I commiserated– and …
Shadow from the Fourth Dimension
This one is for Odious and Peculiar, because they like this kind of thing: a three dimensional metal sculpture representing the “shadow” of a four- dimensional object.
The Golden Hoard
Here is an incredible story of an archaeological find far better than one by any Indiana Jones; its concealment by heroes under the Taliban; and its restoration, with the original Russian archaeologist in attendance. See also this page for some photos. Thanks to Debbie on our Tazilist.
Why we need more publishers in the West– and why real writers are better editors
Chas sent me this observation that Prairiemary made to a discussion group on the ethics of “Creative Nonfiction” (I guess that’s what I write, mostly). It is so good that I will reproduce it whole (though I have put a particular sore point in bold- face). “Another factor to consider in this discussion is editors, …
Lost Airman – Modern Iceman
The LA Times carried pieces yesterday and today telling the intriguing story of a body found last Sunday in a glacier in Kings Canyon National Park here in California. The location is on the slopes of Mt. Mendel, a 13,710 foot peak located southwest of Bishop. It is believed to be the body of a …
Ramen – Now and Then
This article in the LA Times discusses the booming sales of instant ramen noodles in Mexico. Traditionalists are horrified that ramen is displacing the consumption of beans and rice, the historic food of the poor in Mexico. I have always been fascinated by cultural change as shown in food consumption “tipping points” such as the …
Anasazi Kiva Abandonment
Steve and Chas Clifton at nature blog posted here and here about a fascinating article in the High Country News that discussed a snake skeleton found on the floor of a kiva in the Mesa Verde area, apparently part of a ritual performed at the time the structure was abandoned. It was really a very …