Cartography has advanced a bit...

Cartography has advanced a bit...  Here's Mercator's original map of the Arctic.  Much of it is simply made up...

Martian dirt...

Martian dirt...  Curiosity is peering intently at this patch of dirt, using its MAHLI (Martian Hand Lens Imager).  No word yet on why scientists are interested in this particular dirt.

The image is a “focus merge” product, using several images merged to create a greater depth of field than is possible by purely optical means...

Surface of the sun...

Surface of the sun ... in ultraviolet light.  Via APOD, of course.

Surreal Ukraine...

Surreal Ukraine...  Catapults, Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and a wide assortment of homemade weapons.  The opposition seems very determined; the government forces overwhelmingly superior – but the opposition isn't fighting conventionally at all.  Yesterday came the first signs of political capitulation, when President Viktor Yanukovych offered the position of Prime Minister to one of the opposition's leader, Arseniy Yatsenyuk.  Mr. Yatsenyuk has not accepted the offer, and he says protests will continue.  It seems clear that the opposition is looking for victory, not compromise.

This blog is reporting from the front lines in Kyev (Kiev), and includes many photos.

I visited Kiev about 15 years ago on a business trip; the company I was working for was considering opening a software development branch there.  We ended up deciding against it, mainly because of concern for the political stability.  Looks like that was a good call, though it took a long time to get to this state...

The economy sucks!

The economy sucks!

The economy has been getting worse since That One took office.
Today I received a pre-declined credit card.
Exxon-Mobil had to lay off 25 Congressmen.
Angelina Jolie is now adopting children from America.
Motel Six won’t leave the light on anymore.
A picture is now only worth about 200 words.
They renamed Wall Street to “Wal-Mart Street.”