In The Matrix

It's a tie-in, but there is a lovely piece here by cosmologist Martin Rees on the nature of reality, the multiverse, the anthropocentric principle and much more. Available as a 6,000 work essay or as an engaging 20-odd minute talk on a RealMedia stream. Worth a look. And yes, he does mention the Matrix...

In other news, last night's gig was excellent. Justin Sullivan is certainly one of the finest songwriters in the world today and age hath not withered him, nor custom staled his infinite variety. It's not often that I am so moved that I break down and weep in the middle of a gig, but at the moment, the words of Drummy B spoke to me.

The bonfires blazed across the city, the smoke swirling into the sky
We were standing shoulder to shoulder, Billy McCann and I
Our faces ruddy and burning as we stared into the flames
But I know now the things that we saw that night were not the same

Ch: And I see you as I walk away, standing by your barricade
It's all over now between us - Billy McCann goodbye

So we'll sit up at the bar for the last time the way we used to do
And I'll toast the love that you showed me and the faith I gave to you
And we can drive out and watch the sunrise from the top of the Glenshane Pass
And I won't make you answer the questions I've always tried to ask

Ch: And I see you as I walk away standing by your barricade
And though you never will forgive me, Billy McCann goodbye

Friday night is Music night

My mate Andy Wood is a member of a small classical group which calls itself Abraxas.

They're playing tomorrow night at the Blackheath Halls, a mixed concert including mystery pieces, some Mozart divertimenti and the Four Seasons.

It's an all-seater gig, sitting in groups at tables, so although you'll have to go downstairs to the bar to get your drinks, you can sit in comfort and sip while you listen.

Tickets are £12 on the door, £8 for concessions. It starts at 7:30. I will be there, so should kjersti and tamaranth.

Come one, come all!

Wow

Every now and again, the robotic exploration of the solar system gives me a momentary burst of that good ol' sensawunda.

Look at this...



It's the Earth and moon - seen from Mars.

You can see more on NASA's page.

Found from NASA's press release mailing list.

( The full PR is here. )