A cold light on Lake Ontario
The winter solstice is upon us once again. “Official” winter. The shortest day of the year in terms of daylight (less than 9 hours of posssible sunshine here in Rochester – land). Not that anyone here expects to see any sunshine, but you get the idea.
It’s also a day that’s been celebrated by many cultures and religions down through the millenia. Holidays around the world – including Christmas – are tied to this astronomical event.
But this year is a little different. Something new has been added. Well, “new” in the sense that it hasn’t occurred here in the northern hemisphere since 1638, some 372 years ago. I’m referring, of course, to the total lunar eclipse that will happen early Tuesday morning (EST). For 72 minutes, starting at 2:41 AM EST, the moon will be totally eclipsed by the earth’s shadow. If you’re lucky enough to see it, the moon will still be visible but will take on a coppery red glow. Truly something to see if you’re up and skies are clear enough (not likely in my backyard).
Now, I’m not into hobgoblins and astrological hooey, but given the insanity I’ve witnessed over the last few years, I wonder. Will I wake from a bad dream Monday night, only to find Glenn Beck or Michelle Bachman hiding under my bed or in my closet? I mean, could this actually be some kind of spooky omen? A blood red moon on the longest, coldest night of the year? Will Tea Partiers be like the unleashed dogs of hell in the new congress next year? Will Sarah Palin actually run for president? And win? Are we on the cusp of another Dark Ages, where ignorance and madness rule?
Man, I’ve got to stop reading those Stephen King books. And watching movies like The Book of Eli. Maybe I’ll go buy Sarah Palin’s new book. Nothing like a book of fairy tales to take the edge off.
Paul, I’d clearly recommend “Wag the dog” to give personal depression a cynical twist. Highly recommended!
Comment by Markus Spring — December 19, 2010 @ 5:23 pm
Hope you weren’t implying that I’m depressed, Markus. I refuse to be depressed, even in the winter! As usual, my rant is largely tongue in cheek with respect to certain U. S. politicians and media types. They are scary, but they also provide hours of entertainment. Sarah Barracuda will never be president (knock on wood!).
I remember “Wag the Dog”. Saw it years ago, but it was great satire. Still relevant today, too.
Comment by Paul Maxim — December 20, 2010 @ 8:45 am
Very nice photo, Paul. It could even be a self portrait.
Weather forecast is calling for overcast skies for the rest of the week in Upstate, NY. Guess I’m not going to set my alarm.
Comment by Ken Bello — December 19, 2010 @ 5:47 pm
Thanks, Ken. I may get up tonight, just in case. But you’re right – the forecast is for the typical cloud cover we get this time of year.
Comment by Paul Maxim — December 20, 2010 @ 8:47 am