First Day of School

Hard to believe he's a first-grader already. More pictures here.

Who Thought This Was a Good Idea™?

From CNN: Democrats to kick off convention with 'One Nation' theme

I mean, sure, I'm all in favor of unity and teamwork, but "One Nation?" Did no one at the DNC think maybe, just maybe, channeling 1930s Germany might not be the best course? "Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer!" What's next, "God is with us?"

I would have expected this from the folks who brought us the Department of Fatherland Homeland Security, but the Dems? Come on! Sheesh.

Oh, and Hillary supporters? Get over it.

Portraits

I've admired these portraits (scroll down to the end) by fellow Austin Astronomical Society member Todd Hargis, so when we were both at the Eagle Eye Observatory last month, I talked him into shooting mine. I think he did a great job, given what he had to work with.

Another Olympic Swimmer

Sing it with me, to the tune of Camptown Ladies:

"Peter Van Den Hoogenband, do-dah, do-dah..."

Explaining Michael Phelps

From Sports Illustrated:

British swimmer Simon Burnett provided his theory to U.S. head coach Eddie Reese when they ran into each other in the cafeteria.

"He was saying to me, 'I think I've figured out Michael Phelps. He is not from another planet; he is from the future. His father made him and made a time machine. Sixty years from now he is an average swimmer, but he has come back here to mop up."'

Makes as much sense as John Naber's remark on NPR the other night that they need to re-measure the pool in Beijing, as it seems to be a little short.

NBC Can Bite My Mac-Using Ass

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Fourth Jupiter of the Year

Took a break from watching the Olympics to catch this Red Spot transit. There's also a smaller red spot on the northern equatorial band. The moon is Europa. Altitude here is 36°. 10" LX200 @ f/25, DMK21AF04, RGB. The L channel was just awful, so I left it off.

A Quarter-Century Too Late

My high school fantasy came true!