If I were still teaching Biodesign, I would have students quietly concentrate on this image for one full minute and have them “write out of their stream of consciousness.†I can assure you, their descriptions would be astounding! Why not try it? The “Big Bang Theory†and evolution have something in common, both are events … [Read more…]
One of the alternate definitions of cornucopia is “an abundant supply of good things of a specified kind.†Using that definition, the wilderness areas of the US represent a cornucopia on the grandest scale. We should not need a specific time designated for offering thanks, but November gives us two special opportunities. November 11 is … [Read more…]
Ellis Island – Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10Pb2ia28QM From a purely biological perspective, what has evolved into what is currently called the United States, is simply a matter of ecology. Darwin would describe it as “survival-of-the fittest,†but it involves plants and animals seeking a place on the planet to live. From a … [Read more…]
“The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” -Plato The town of Eindhoven, Holland has no special interest in the 4th of July. It does, however, celebrate each September 17th, greeting each other with the slogan “Remember September!” I know this because, before he died, my … [Read more…]
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” – Plato For better and worse, this Fb page and the BOFAW Website have been like the proverbial cat; there have literally been several times when both could have died. Clearly, the only reason both are … [Read more…]
Although celebrating “Carnival†is largely lost in our society, Halloween remains as one of the last vestiges. In the intro to Loren Eiseley’s, The Star Thrower,†W.H. Auden wrote: “ ‘Carnival’ celebrates the unity of our human race as mortal creatures, who come into this world and depart from it without our consent; who must … [Read more…]
“So you went to the Louvre: What did you see? After the first artist Only the copyist.†– Renny and Terry Russell Excerpt: Biodesign Out For A Walk: In the mid-fifties, a team of scientists from Cornell University filled a glass globe with ammonia gas, zapped it with a simulated lightning bolt, and created … [Read more…]
When new owners purchased the property adjoining ours, it included 50 acres of abandoned olive trees. When they decided to expand their grape vineyard, the old olive orchard had to be cleared. In a previous life, I worked as a “Cat-skinner,†and so I was not surprised by the low-toned thrum of the approaching Caterpillar … [Read more…]
To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee, One clover, and a bee. And revery. The revery alone will do, If bees are few. – Emily Dickinson Charles Darwin called the emergence of the angiosperms (flowering plants) an abominable mystery. He also had no clue how or why the human brain evolved. … [Read more…]
Hi Dina, You gifted me with a perfect, champagne-bubble-bursting-moment that was more valuable than a Ralph Lauren tie. I don’t know what is more extraordinary; the fact that 35 years have flown since Biodesign ’80 graduated or that many of my memories of your class remain as clear as if they happened yesterday. For example: … [Read more…]