Not Even a Deep Red

.

More solar storms. Looking at the Spaceweather aurora galleries, and seeing that there have been sightings as far south as Maryland, Tennessee, and Texas, one may wonder why we still haven’t been seeing anything from Washington, DC. Light pollution is one significant factor, as is the faintness of auroras at these lower latitudes — many of the aurora photos seem to be long or combined exposures, which pick up more light over a span of time. Unfiltered naked eye viewing from this brightly lit urban area is probably insufficient to glimpse the faint red auroras visible this far from the poles.

Anyway, the activity map shows that the auroras are retreating, so our northern neighbors will once again have the lion’s share of solar love, ‘ey? Related: Aurora Viewing Tips.

Ambassadorial Smorgasbord

.

Kinko’s, 16th St and K St NW. My brother, freshly arrived from Chicago, is sending a quick fax. As he attends to the task, my cellphone rings.

“Paulo, this is your aunt. Where are you?”

“We’re at Kinko’s.”

“Good. Come over to the Embassy at 17th and Massachussets right now.”

“What’s happening?”

“We’re at a book launching. Free dinner.”

We were there in five minutes. Mmmm, book launching.

Ang Pagbibisita ni Kuya

.

Francis, previously seen here, will be visiting Washington DC from now until Tuesday. He just called from the airport in Chicago to say that he is about to board the plane, but forgot to bring extra money. So, what can a guy do in DC for five days with a budget of $4?

Gifted

.

Many, many thanks to Valerie for getting me the new Segway from my wishlist! It finally got delivered yesterday, and as soon as I have time I shall go take it for a read ride. And gratitude goes to Raffy as well for sending over the new spaceship. It’s shiny metal as can be.

Mimes on Film

.

So Raffy’s dirty secret is out: he’s a mime.

But if one can look past the horror of mimeness, more important is the fact that he’s a movie reviewer, and a pretty good one at that. Even back in our Omnipost days, when we worked together as tender, young, wide-eyed associates in the back-breaking world of video post-production, he had already begun to apply his sharpened wit — and his considerable design skills — to the task of critiquing film: Behold. He’s a regular Pinoy SMC.