As the posts have started to accumulate, I’ve begun to see more clearly what this blog is about. In this space, I’ll keep a record of revisiting the purpose, a kind of metablog of becoming moreso than being. The blog header is a photo of Halley’s Comet that can be found at NASA’s NSSDC Photo Gallery. The photo was taken on March 8, 1986 by W. Liller, Easter Island, as part of the International Halley Watch (IHW) Large Scale Phenomena Network.
Magnolias in spring, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
As of July 2, 2009
truth and rocket science is about the interdisciplinary experience of everyday life. The postings come about when I observe contradictions that I find beautiful or telling (The truth and mirrors, The truth and fiction, The truth and love); when I find myself jolted by an odd association or memory (The truth and unicorn series, The truth and twitter, part 3); when I want to laugh at myself or something else in the world (The truth and chickens, The truth and mullets); or when I am moved by personal experiences rife with internal contradiction or irony (The truth and sleeping dogs; The truth and angels).
In all, I try to explore connections across fields that aren’t always linked together, especially humanities, social sciences, and natural science. More and more, I am reading other blogs, finding new news sources, and attending live conference events for material and ideas, from the silly to the sublime and every point in between.
Suggestions or ideas for posts are welcome, as are comments or suggestions for things to look up, read, and think about.
As of February 22, 2009
truth and rocket science is a collection of thoughts about contradiction and the futility of thinking too much about anything. Like the truth, it’s a lot more complicated and simple than all that. Like rocket science, it seeks to explore what we can know about the world and what it means. It’s quite serious in its playfulness, and it discovers its gravity in the weightlessness of surrendering to the unknowable nature of things. It’s about letting go, and letting it be. It’s about being a child in a grown-up mind and body, beating a tin drum about whatever has come to mind in a moment when I have the time to think about it and write something down. The picture you see on the top of the blog is what I see from the window next to my desk. I put it there because that’s what the truth and rocket science is about: what I see when I look out my window. [Note: this refers to the old heder photo, which is included below.]
truth and rocket science 
what a beautiful view. where are you? i like what you say here, succinct and poetic…
Thank you! I am in Brooklyn; the photo on the top of the blog is from my window at the corner of Union St and 6th Ave in Park Slope. How about you? I was looking at your paintings last night. Shows?
i currently live in san francisco, in the tenderlion, it is an amazing city. i love brooklyn. nyc is on my mind often, such a romantic city, especially brooklyn…my folks were raised there so it feels like it is in my dna…
Thats very good to know… thanks
I like your description: “the interdisciplinary experience of ife.” If I had to categorize my own blog, the ensuing description would probably be quite close to your own; however, you have captured the essence much better.
Greetings poietes, Lola, Lita… and thank you for your kind words, both here and on your comment for another year. I’ve started reading your blog and promise to check it out more fully. Looks like you’re in the Storm Ida remnants like we are on the fringe up here in NYC. Big winds…
This magnolia photo is gorgeous! Makes me want to get a brush with its lush colors. Love the composition. Flowers stories and the cosmos. What else does one need. . .except pizza maybe.
In your comment on my blog, you mentioned the midwest. ..I am a transplant from DeKalb/Sycamore. Dad went to school there and mom worked in the campus library. . .
Your posts are really full of insight, observation, and tenderness. I look forward to seeing more of them. 🙂
–Tess
Thank you Tess. That magnolia was in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, where I live. Though I grew up in New Orleans, where our Magnolias are quite different – huge trees. Big as oaks. I was in the Midwest for about 17 years through grad school and my professoring gigs, until I left for NYC and work with non-profits. Thank you for your lovely comments on my posts, too. I have a couple in the works. Had a lull lately due to work, but more on the way… on memory and more on Roberto Bolano. Enjoy!
p.s. DeKalb IL? I was in Rock Island for many years…..