On the 8 Spot

Carl Sagan reading from his book Pale Blue Dot! If he was still alive he would have been 75 (Nov 9, 2009). Thanks to Universe Today for the video and pointer! “Like it or not, for the moment the earth is where we make our stand!”

Anybody knows where I can buy this toy here? (pointer from boing boing)

Fancy spinning top from Mark Frauenfelder on Vimeo.

Hope they are all ok!

(UPDATE 2) Mayon Volcano erupts

More ash explosions seen

By Rey M. Nasol

Inquirer Southern Luzon

First Posted 06:09:00 11/11/2009

Filed Under: Volcanic eruption

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines— The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded an ash explosion in Mayon Volcano early Wednesday, which caused ash fall in Albay towns located southwest and northwest of the volcano.

“The explosion, which occurred at around 1:58 a.m., is a clear sign of magma intrusion toward the summit crater of the volcano,” said Alex Baloloy, Phivolcs science research analyst.

The explosion, which lasted for about three minutes, was accompanied by rumbling sounds. Residents in the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan, Polangui, Oas, and Ligao City reported experiencing the ash fall.

Baloloy said, however, that the height of the ash column was not recorded because clouds covered the view of the volcano and it was still dark when the explosion happened.

via (UPDATE 2) Mayon Volcano erupts – INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos.

Well, tell your dead grandpa the old German (Goethe) saying: “The longer you look, the more stars you see…” I prefer that to going crazy. It’s the same with meditation, how you can find the entire world in a single object or activity. Once you commit your life to a passion, you find that things open up. Still, it seems like a paradox. Most people never fully commit to their art, out of fear of losing options. But commitment brings more options than you’d ever lose.

via Letters of Note: Your own private book event.

Read the whole letter. This was written by Chuck Palahniuk. (The Author of The Fight Club.)

I loved reading the whole thing so hope you see the scanned original. From the marvelous blog Letters of Note!