Launched on 15 December 2009, Nasa’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer [WISE] opened its eyes for first light in January. And, as the BBC report, Nasa has just published the first survey images from the latest space telescope. Downloadable images here. And here’s a neat video compilation from JPL news
With perhaps the longest title of any book I’ve read this year, The Media Relations Department of Hizbollah Wishes You a Happy Birthday: Unexpected Encounters in the Changing Middle East gives an insight into the lives of people living in Middle East through the eyes of journalist Neil MacFarquhar. MacFarquhar’s father was a chemical engineer [...] read our review »
It took me a long time to warm to advertising agencies. The first time I worked with one I was working in sales management on Fairy Washing Up Liquid. I was due to attend a meeting at which I was to be told what consumers really thought of the brand. I remember my reluctance to [...] read our review »
Writer Christopher Hitchens has died aged 62. He was as contrary as he was brilliant. Here is a brief In Memoriam from Vanity Fair (his outlet of choice since 1992) and, here, a longer tribute from his friend Christopher Buckley Stanley in The New Yorker. Better, perhaps, though to post one of Hitchens’ own writings in [...] read our review »
Thanks, Pete. How trivial are some of our concerns when they are shown in true perspective. At times we’re all plough and no stars.
There is something very great about a nation that diligently surveys the stars and makes its images available to all of us.