Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, creativity, Thoughts, Writers, writing on April 5, 2024| Leave a Comment »
“In filling the well, think magic. Think delight. Think fun. Do not think duty. Do not do what you should do—spiritual sit-ups like reading a dull but recommended critical text. Do what intrigues you, explore what interests you; think mystery, not mastery.”
― Julia Cameron
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Posted in Science!, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, astronomy, eclipse, eclipse 2024, NASA, safety first!, science, solar-eclipse, sun on April 4, 2024| Leave a Comment »
If you are anywhere near the path of totality for the big event on Monday, April 8th, are you eclipse ready? I will argue that one of the most important parts of such prep is to ensure that you have a plan for safe eclipse viewing. This article may be of help:
Are Your Solar Eclipse Glasses Fake? Here’s How to Check | Scientific American
Legitimate eclipse glasses are at least 1,000 times darker than the darkest sunglasses you can buy….
While lab tests are the best way to determine whether glasses meet the ISO standard, Fienberg says there is a three-part test people can do at home if they’re concerned their eclipse viewers aren’t up to the task.
First, put your glasses on indoors and look around. The only things you should be able to see are very bright lights, such as a halogen bulb or a smartphone flashlight.
Then, if the glasses pass the indoor test, bring them outside—but don’t look at the sun just yet. Look around: it should be too dark to see distant hills, trees or even the ground.
If that second test is passed, keep the glasses on and quickly glance at the sun. You should comfortably see a bright, sharp-edged round disk. If your glasses pass all three tests, they are probably safe to wear. Still, Fienberg points out that it’s best to use them for only a few seconds every minute or so during the eclipse…
Here’s a reference for Suppliers of Safe Solar Viewers & Filters | Solar Eclipse Across America.
Your eyes need eclipse protection, but did you know that your phone/camera does too?
How to photograph the eclipse, according to NASA | Popular Science
Speaking of NASA, NASA needs your smartphone during April’s solar eclipse. Go citizen scientists!
And if you’re already looking forward to upcoming total solar eclipses, here’s a map to help you plan:
2106, here we come!
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Posted in Funny, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, funny, genre fiction, inspiration on April 3, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Is your troll of boss driving you crazy? Are you tired of the backbreaking work involved in cleaning up after Medusa? Or having to answer three questions from the Sphinx before you can get through the employee entrance? I’m sorry (and may I suggest you add an axe of cold iron, a very shiny shield, and a riddle book to your daypack?).
Still, this job posting is here to remind you that things can always be worse!
Dragon Hoarding Enormous Pile of Treasure Seeks Unpaid Intern – McSweeney’s Internet Tendency
The work is not just coffee-fetching and gold-polishing — you will gain plenty of on-site experience. Past interns have been lucky enough to watch a knight be brutally murdered. Successful interns are detail-oriented, unafraid of random bursts of fire, and able to jump at least three vertical feet to avoid a swinging, razor-sharp reptilian tail.
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Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, creativity, persistence, quoteandaprettypicture on April 2, 2024| Leave a Comment »
“You’ve got to make the big time where you are.”
— Matt Lynch, University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Men’s Basketball Coach
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Posted in Holidays, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, ha ha, history on April 1, 2024| Leave a Comment »
I don’t actually pull April Fool’s jokes, but if you do, or if you’ve just wondered why jokes are a thing on this day and what the ancient Roman festival of Hilaria (great name) has to do with it, here’s an explainer:
April Fools’ Day: Origins, Meaning & Hoaxes | HISTORY
While its exact history is shrouded in mystery, the embrace of April Fools’ Day jokes by the media and major brands has ensured the unofficial holiday’s long life.
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Posted in Holidays, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, Thoughts on March 31, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, genre fiction, inspiration, Thoughts, writing on March 30, 2024| Leave a Comment »
We’re out and about today, and I’m finding inspiration in both natural and human worlds. I don’t have time to get started right now, but I’ve got two story ideas competing for space in my head. I look forward to chasing them down soon.
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Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, creativity, Thoughts on March 29, 2024| Leave a Comment »
“The more you are focused on time- past and future–the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is.” — Eckhart Tolle
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Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, quoteandaprettypicture, Thoughts on March 28, 2024| Leave a Comment »
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”
— Muhammad Ali
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Posted in Science!, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, astronomy, eclipse, eclipse 2024, inspiration, NASA, sciency fun, solar-eclipse, sun on March 27, 2024| Leave a Comment »
By now you have probably heard that there will be a full eclipse of the Sun on April 8th. (If you haven’t, this is your public service announcement. The world is not ending and the Sun will return to its place in the sky. No wolves, dragons or demons are involved. The gods of sun and light just need to slip out for a quick break.) The next time this will happen in the contiguous US won’t be until 2044.
Millions of people will be able to view the eclipse. Here’s a map of the eclipse path:
Keep in mind, of course, that even those outside the path of totality will be able to view a partial eclipse.
When will it happen? Here’s a table, with another map. Because I like maps.
Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 (Great North American Eclipse )
If you will be able to view this super cool space phenomenon, then you’ll want to get your hands on some eclipse glasses.
Of course, we now know that the Sun isn’t really eaten during an eclipse. Instead, it does what it always does: rain ultraviolet rays on everything in its path. That’s why you should never look at a solar eclipse without protective eyewear.
And if you are in charge of kids on April 8th (or adults, we should have sciencey fun too!) consider the ideas in this article:
How Schools Can Turn the Solar Eclipse Into an Unforgettable Science Lesson
If the weather cooperates, science students of all ages could be in for quite a show on April 8. The first sign will be a sudden temperature drop. The sky will darken, and winds will shift. A dark shadow will appear on the horizon. Faint waves of light may waft across the ground. A ring of bright light will shine from the outer edges of the otherwise darkened sun. Then the moon will cover the sun completely and, for a few seconds, a thin red layer may appear around its outer rim.
And just for fun, here’s a little something for your ears, too:
Listen to the Eclipse Song Made by the Sound of Light of an Eclipse
Ok, that’s a little edgy. But still fascinating!
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