Reborn

Today I found myself humming Between Sun and Moon by Rush. Not because of the melody, as is usually the case, but because of the lyrics. Sometimes the weight of the world becomes just to great and we long for what comes next.

Between Sun and Moon

There is a lake between sun and moon
Not too many know about
In the silence between whisper and shout
The space between wonder and doubt

This is a fine place
Shining face to face
Those bonfire lights in the mirror of sky
The space between wonder and why

ahh yes to yes to ahh ahh to yes
why the sun why the sun

There is a fine line between love and illusion —
A fine place to penetrate
The gap between actor and act
The lens between wishes and fact

This is a fine place
To hesitate
Those bonfire lights in the lake of sky
The time between wonder and why

Some need to pray to the sun at high noon
Some need to howl at the midwinter moon
Reborn and baptized in a moment of grace
We just need a break —
From the headlong race

ahh yes to yes to ahh ahh to yes
why the sun why the sun

This is a fine place, shining face to face
These bonfire lights in the mirrored sky
The space between wonder and why

From the album “Counterparts”
Words by Neil Peart and Pye DuBois
Music by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson

Long-Term Thinking

Kevin Kelly thinks that we’ll actually have a smaller global population 57 years from now than we do today and he’s ready to put some money where his mouth is. Not just him, but there are a bunch of folks ready to place some action on many different predictions over at Long Bets. Very interesting concept. Gamblers Anonymous can’t believe what people will think up next. [via Presurfer]

Cabbies Brains Are Bigger Than Yours

Interesting tid bit, according to London’s Institute of Neurology, taxi drivers’ brains grow to a larger-than-average size after years on the job. Next time you’re tempted to belittle your driver, think twice, he could probably think you under the table.

‘We Shall Previal’

Theodore Olson lost his wife on September 11. His moving commentary is highlighted by this thought. “Victory is the debt we owe to those who died two years ago.” We need to be united and consistent in this war on terrorists, otherwise we’ve already lost. [via Thunderstruck]

TV 101

Sweeps, bugs, Emmy’s and more for that little (and sometimes not so little) box we stare at so often.

The Haunted Mansion Lives

The Haunted Mansion at Disney World is one of the most engaging places around. At least, that’s what my memories as a 7-year-old tell me. Now someone is writing a book about the ride. It should do quite well, especially considering Disney’s upcoming film is due out on Nov. 26. What a time to be a spook! [via BoingBoing]

100 Years of Movies

The American Film Institute (AFI) is known for their list of the 100 Greatest American Movies of All Time. But they’ve also got lists for 100 Years of Thrills, Laughs, Passions and Stars. If today’s movies seem superficial and lacking, I’m sure you’ll find something to enjoy from one of these lists. Of course, Blockbuster is trying to rent/sell them as well.

Higher Education

Online quizzes are generally fun, that is, if they’re short enough. Then again, I guess subject matter does make a difference. Who’s up for a little 8th Grade Math Quiz? If you use paper, it’s not so tough… can you get a 100% like me?

Kill That Spam

First China, now Britain… email sanity is looking possible! In related news, the House has voted to “permanently extend the current temporary moratorium on Internet taxes.” Translation: No Internet taxes, for now. Good and good.

Vatican Cardinal Praises ‘Passion’

Mel Gibson’s upcoming The Passion, on the last hours of Christ’s life have been met by some with claims of being anti-semitic. A Vatican Cardinal, Dario Castrillon Hoyos, after viewing an unfinished version said “Anti-Semitism, like all forms of racism, distorts the truth in order to put a whole race of people in a bad light. This film does nothing of the sort.” It’ll be interesting to see if the controversy helps or hurts attendance.

Inner Child

How old are you? No, not your physical age, how old do you feel? Here are two easy tests that’ll help you figure it out. The first one, How Old is Your Inner Child? is quite silly. True Age Test is a bit more legitimate, but far from scientific. Enjoy!

We Can Be Rich Too

Fortune just posted their Richest People in America article. What is your first thought? Do you hate them? Think they’re just lucky? Our attitude towards the rich says more about you and I than it says about them.

Some were “in the right place, at the right time” either by relation or inheritance. But many did invent or innovate something important enough that a large number of Americans purchased it. We shouldn’t envy or hate the rich, but rather we should be grateful that we live in a country where we have the opportunity to become rich ourselves. Maybe it’s time to start your own business?

Going UP?

Space Elevator: High Hopes, Lofty Goals
By Leonard David. Senior Space Writer, SPACE.com

SANTA FE, New Mexico — No matter how you view it, a space elevator is a stretch not only of vision, but also of far-out materials and cutting-edge technology.

Putting in place a space elevator is complicated: Extend a super-strong ribbon from an Earth-situated platform at the equator out beyond geosynchronous orbit. Once in position, electric lifts clamped to the ribbon would truck spacecraft, science gear, as well as passenger-carrying modules into space.

What? Are you kidding??

Local Dealer Does Good

Care to drive a BMW? How about for charity? “For every mile driven, BMW of North America donates a dollar to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.” And the local dealership matches it. Wonder if they’d pay my speeding ticket?

Isabel Is One Mean Lady

NASA has an amazing shot of Isabel. Of course, CNN is in full-on crisis mode, as was one Florida woman. Oceanfront home builders should really consider Eco-Block and there’d be little to worry about.