- Air & Space magazine gives us what is supposedly the first photo of Earth from space. (Via Boing Boing.)
- On a tangentially related note, isn’t it somewhat appalling to read in 2006 that NASA has never had a Space Shuttle in orbit on Dec 31 or Jan 1 because they aren’t sure the onboard computers can handle the year switch over. (Via Kottke.org Remaindered Links.)
- Rick Kleffel at The Agony Column explains the joy that can be found in publishers’ book catalogues alone.
- Kimbofo of Reading Matters has a thoughtful examination of the pitfalls of book bloggers (like me) receiving free books. While I may not agree with everything, I do receive a certain number of books gratis from publishers. While I do not believe that has ever influenced a review, I am considering noting in a review if the book was given to me by the publisher or a PR firm.
- Amazon is among those seeking to get that “Best of 2006” book list out in time for Christmas shopping. I was pleased to see that The Places in Between and The Road were in the top 10 of its editors’ s Top 50. Field Notes from a Catastrophe was right behind at No. 11. I’m not as sure about Rory Stewart’s The Prince of the Marshes making the list (No. 41) but that could just be a result of comparing it to The Places in Between. For what it’s worth, Suite Française, actually written 60 years ago, was at the top of the list.
- Tired of just seeing red and blue on political maps? Here’s a map of the 10 regions of American politics. (Also via Kottke.org Remaindered Links.)
- Finally, based on my trip in September, I have a hard time disagreeing with this. (Via StumbleUpon.)
, actually written 60 years ago, was at the top of the list.There are moments when everything goes well; don’t be frightened. It won’t last.
