Einstein #8: Truth and Beauty
The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives. – Albert Einstein Today, March 13, is Percival Lowell’s birthday In 1905, he started looking for a planet beyond Neptune. Lowell spent the next eleven years in lengthy mathematical and sky searches for the elusive “trans-Neptunian” planet. Fourteen years after he died, Pluto was found. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined planets and stripped Pluto of that title. Interestingly, by the IAU’s criteria, Earth could also be demoted. According to that organization, a planet must: Orbit a star Have enough mass to achieve hydrostatic equilibrium [big enough to become a sphere, or round] and Clear debris from its path.. Though Earth’s highway through the sky is messy, we escape the title “dwarf planet” because of a better vacuuming system during babyhood than Pluto’s [a/k/a accretion]. Read more. For more reasons than avoiding the name ‘puny,’ obstacle-removal is important for all journeys. This week offers great opportunities to take Einstein’s advice atop this post. In addition to Percy Lowell’s birthday, March 13 is also Good Samaritan Day. The 17th celebrates St. Patrick, a man praised for sweeping the snakes from Ireland. The 19th calls all gigglers, cacklers, chortlers and belly laughers to celebrate “National Let’s Laugh Day,” Enjoy!
Einstein #4: Fun
Creativity is intelligence having fun. – Albert Einstein Because intelligence is how our minds gather and use information, consider: Vertical thinking is when we solve problems logically, like deciding to have more money by working longer and harder. Lateral thinking finds novel solutions to straightforward problems. For wanting more money, a lateral approach could start with deciding why a bigger bank account is desired. Perhaps a fun, satisfying life can be enjoyed without extra jobs. Bilateral thinking involves seeing two sides to situations [the light and the shadow] and balancing logical problem solving with imaginative possibilities. Bilateral thinking has been called a way of drawing, “from both sides of the brain in such a way that creativity is enhanced with one foot in Wonderland and the other solidly standing in the real world.” Read more. So, have fun today [tomorrow and forever]. Here are 17 ways to develop your creativity. Remember: February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Enjoy! ***** Fingernails are flattened claws. Men have nipples because all people start life as females. Nipples are remnant-reminders. People produce enough spit during a lifetime to fill two swimming pools, which is part of the uvula’s job. [The uvula is that pink bulb dangling at back of throat.] Source for these Shocking Truths. These pink dahlia petals are the original photograph from which this post’s Featured Art was adapted. For a limited time, receive special discounts. Save 10% on purchases over $50 with code winter2110. Save 15% on purchases over $100 with code winter2115. Save 20% on purchases over $150 with code winter 2120. Shop my ImageKind galleries. Experiencing awe could be another way of exercising the mind. I felt my brain doing calisthenics while watching this wonderful video. [4:30] Click to view.
Einstein # 3: Imagination, Preview of Coming Attractions
Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions. – Albert Einstein Beyond previewing ‘coming attractions,’ how else can imagination help? One of the best answers comes from John The Librarian’s blog where he writes: Imagination is what enables us to recognize that, despite our differences, there are many things that are universal to human existence – pain, suffering, frustration, happiness, love, joy, yearning … [Imagination] allows us to overcome the fear of the Other and accept them as one of our own. Imagination, more than anything else, is what truly differentiates us from other animals. Read more of this timely message. Monday, February 8 is National Kite Flying Day which makes me think of another Einstein statement, “Logic will get you from A to Z. Imagination will get you everywhere.” So, why not let some of your eight types of imagination soar. See where they fly. Here’s how to make kites from plastic bags. Watch. I suspect picking early February to go out and fly kites must be from southerners. For the more northerly and snowbound, mark your calendar! April is National Kite Flying Month. If not this Monday, definitely plan on flying bunches of kites during those Spring-y thirty days. This Post also acknowledges that, this week, Margaret Rebecca Kimball Gould Blakely attained the best of wings after successfully completing her Earth-bound journey of 93 years. Thanks for everything, Mom. ***** Speaking of kites, NationalToday.com reports that, so far: The longest kite was 3,394 feet The fasted recorded kite flew at 120 mph A kite once flew for 180 hours straight and A Japanese kite-maker flew the most kites, 11,284 on a single line ***** Diamonds and Triangles Baby Quilt & Wall Hanging Diamonds and Triangles is my one-of-a-kind, reversible, dual-purpose 24″ x 36″ quilt designed to both cuddle babies and display as wall art. Dramatic African prints form the top. “Diamonds and Triangles” is reversible and is backed by a single fabric of joyfully-dancing figures. To display as wall art, a sleeve for a rod [of this dancing figures fabric] will accompany the quilt. 100% cotton. $250. Visit Shop.