I am a little older some days… most days to be sure. There are articles in the paper, email, or other online sources that catch my eye. Sometimes I respond in wonder, others in horror, every now and then wondering where the world could possibly be headed. There are moments I can remember my father complaining that the Beatles’ songs weren’t really music, then referring me to a catalog of real singers – as I have a less than receptive response to some new trend or current in the modern world.

What caught my eye this morning was the SpaceX launch of the European Space Commission’s Euclid space telescope. The launch wasn’t what caught my attention, it was the destination: “1 million miles away, the Webb Space Telescope neighborhood.” We have managed to have urban sprawl reach new frontiers. I wonder if the Webb Space Telescope is rolling its eyes and thinking “there goes the neighborhood.”

Another eye opener. The University of Washington, one of 39 universities in 17 states, offers on campus vending machines that carry the “morning after” pill. It is located right next to the ibuprofen and pregnancy test kits. The over-the-counter distribution of such pills are legal in all 50 states. The move was applauded by the ASEC organization – the American Society for Emergency Contraception. …sigh…

Joseph Pedott, the advertising executive who spearheaded the campaigns for Chia Pet and Clapper Light switches (ch-ch-ch-chia and …clap on, clap off, clap on!… the jingle is my ‘ear worm” for today) passed away yesterday surrounded by family. I know what you’re thinking, the final “clap off.”

The rubisco protein, a key ingredient in plant photo-synthesis, is being grown in large aquatic farms. It is being explored as a possible future source of protein for human consumption. Pictures of the farm’s pond show the liquid protein is green. Of course, there are all shades of green. My best guess would be Soylent Green. Need a refresher on the reference? You can watch the 1973 film’s trailer on YouTube. The green protein caught my eye, as well as the time setting for the movie: 2022.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Image credit – Pexels, Daria Obymaha, CC0