Eye on Faith

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Beyond Words

(Fair Use)

Even the most verbal among us can be at a loss for words when it comes to describing firsthand space travel.

When Richard Branson returned from his recent sojourn, he was asked how it went. The normally eloquent owner of Virgin Galactic simply replied, “…honestly, nothing could prepare you for the view of Earth from space.”

As a child, Branson would gaze up at the stars and dream big dreams. Such dreams propelled him to reach for those stars while gazing down at “our beautiful, beautiful Earth.”

Now 70, Branson has some inspiring words for today’s young dreamers: “If we can do this, imagine what you can do!”

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/watch-virgin-galactic-space-launch-160019349.html

Monday, July 12, 2021

Context Counts

Saint Francis in Meditation (Painting by Lodovico Carracci)

These days, traditional practices tend to be isolated from their original context.

The current mindfulness movement is often an example of this. When removed from its spiritual roots and marketed as a secular means of strengthening attention, mindfulness might enhance selfishness rather than humility.

Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard warned that “bare attention” is a tool that can either increase or decrease goodness. He went so far as to say that “even a sniper embodies a type of mindfulness.”

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/mindfulness-meditation-americans-more-selfish-122616058.html

Print a 'Steak'

(Photo by John Hill)

Hungry? Instead of searching for a juicy steak, why not print up a reasonable facsimile?

Novameat, a “Barcelona-based startup,” is pioneering a 3D-printed, vegetarian fake steak. Once a model proves successful, larger machines can then mass produce it.

Manager Alexandre Campos foresees this becoming something that “is better for the planet, ourselves and animals.”

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/3d-printed-steaks-spanish-startup-145407025.html

Worth a Million?

(Fair Use)

A million-plus bucks ain’t worth what it used to be, but it’s still worth quite a bit. With it, you can buy a dream home or a copy of “Super Mario 64.”

You choose.

But hurry. Prices are going up fast. Homes that were lagging on the market last year are now the subject of bidding wars. And a “Super Mario 64” just sold for “1.56 million.”

If you’re feeling frugal, you might then settle for “The Legend of Zelda,” which recently went for a mere “$870,000.” And you might want to consider ditching bricks and sticks for the flexibility of RV living.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/super-mario-64-sells-for-over-1-5-million-the-most-ever-paid-for-a-video-game/ar-AAM3hgq?ocid=uxbndlbing

Friday, July 9, 2021

Squid on the Fly

Bobtail Squid (Photo by Hans Hillewaert)

When humans spend some time in microgravity, their immune systems weaken. This is because “their body’s relationship with microbes changes.”

In order to discover exactly what goes wrong, scientists are sending bobtail squid to the International Space Station. These tiny marine animals depend upon bacteria for bioluminescence.

A detailed study of how microgravity affects their simpler systems might help researchers in the quest to bolster astronaut immunity. It’s tough enough to visit other worlds without having to endure illness.

Resources

https://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/nasa-sends-squid-hawaii-space-research-78418011

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Snake in the Garden

Adam and Eve (public domain manuscript, c. 950)

Finding a snake in the garden has not gone well since biblical times. Mistaking one for a hose could be even worse.

The latter recently occurred when a Long Island woman noticed a long curvy thing in her driveway. She did not associate it with snakes, or even with devilish serpents. Suffolk County, New York is a bit far from Eden.

When she realized her mistake, the police were called. They managed to wrestle the eight-foot invader into a garbage can, and are warning that its buddies could pose a threat to pets and children.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/8-foot-snake-mistaken-garden-184531669.html

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

For the Birds

Brown Pelican (Photo by Ianare Sevi)

It’s lonely enough when you live by yourself. But during a pandemic, it’s lonelier yet.

Leonardo Carrillo is a senior citizen who makes do by subsisting within a wooden hut on the Cuban coast. He doesn’t get to see his human kids much, but he does get to commune with pelicans.

About 100 of these hardy birds arrive each year from December to May. They head for Carrillo’s hut, knowing that love and food await (not necessarily in that order).

Carrillo welcomes their annual visit and has gotten to know some individually. Because he himself receives help from the kindness of others, Leonardo pays it forward to these fine feathered friends.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/pelicans-befriend-cuban-man-living-140758288.html