Shiny!

My copies of Absolute Sandman have arrived - don't anyone tell Neil, but I got both Volume One and Volume Two for ~ $99 instead of $99 each.

These are absolutely* gorgeous - I've always enjoyed this series immensely, even though I know that I'm missing a lot of the numerous literary, mythological, and cultural references.


* pun intended

Phoenix on Mars

Here's the Phoenix Mars Lander captured by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's HiRISE camera as Phoenix descended toward Mars. The wider perspective is also incredibly impressive.

HiRISE also captured Phoenix sitting on Mars after its successful landing.

And thanks to Phil Plait for pointing out:

"Think on this, and think on it carefully: you are seeing a manmade object falling gracefully and with intent to the surface of an alien world, as seen by another manmade object already circling that world, both of them acting robotically, and both of them hundreds of million of kilometers away.

Never, ever forget: we did this. This is what we can do."

Amen.

Happy Holiday

I've been dealing with a difficult situation at work that is incredibly draining. I've decided to take an extra-long Memorial Day weekend and will not be at work, and therefore not checking email, from Thursday, May 22 until Tuesday, May 27.

Have a fun, yet safe, holiday.