One more Friday the 13th...

to go this year, in July (then we skate until September 2013).  So far today is going pretty well for me, but I would note that on Friday, 13 January 2012, the Costa Concordia sank off Italy.

Hope all's well with you.

The line is already forming...

in France as New Agers anticipate rescue aboard an alien spaceship from the upcoming apocalypse.

Yeah, good luck with that.

An outstanding essay...

on solitude and leadership by William Deresiewicz. 

Hat tip:  GC

Disney finally releases...

the movie John Carter that was partly filmed in southern Utah and around Fisher Towers in 2010. Most of the story takes place on Mars, and what better place to find Mars on Earth?

RELATED:  Here are the promotional trailers with shots of recognizable stratigraphy from various locations in southern Utah and northern New Mexico.

The Rosette Nebula...

seems like an appropriate astroimage to share on Valentine's Day (click to enlarge):

Image credit and copyright: Brian Davis, via APOD.

Groundhog Day...

falls on a cross-quarter date, midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.  (May Day and Halloween are two others.)  So regardless of what the the famous Pennsylvania rodent sees, it's still six weeks to the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere.

Breaking news:  The buck-toothed Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow early this morning, signaling six more weeks of winter.  Big surprise.

Sci-fi fans rejoice...

Ridley Scott Says He'll Direct 'Blade Runner' Sequel.

Very cool.

Curiosity is critical...

to academic performance.

Yes. Absolutely.

Dodged two bullets...

this weekend:

• Preacher's Doomsday Prediction Echoes Past Failures
• ROSAT Fell To Earth Late Saturday Night

I guess it's back to work as usual on Monday. That's OK - I enjoy my job.

Note to my GEOL 360 students:  Looks like the exam will indeed occur tomorrow morning as scheduled.

Judgement Day, take two...

Mark Your Calendars: End of World Coming Oct. 21.

Remember that we were all doomed in May, so I have no real expectations this will come to pass either.  But the occasion does provide another excuse to have a party.

A wilderness by another measure...

that's defined by the most remote point relative to a McDonald's.  The "McFarthest" spot in the 48 coterminous states:  Where The Antelope Roam.  There's a cool map showing the density and distribution of the restaurants at the link.

Can you guess where it is before following the link?

Cold case warming up...

The 40-year mystery of America’s greatest skyjacking.

The story is, of course, about D.B. Cooper. If you're a young person, live in the Pacific Northwest, and haven't heard of him, be sure to read this.

UPDATE and BOUNCED:  Forensic tests underway.

You can call me pastor...

now that I have become an ordained minister!  Seriously.  Here's the official certificate:

Back story:  Two very good friends, RO and TG, have asked that I preside at their wedding ceremony in southern Oregon in early September. I'm deeply flattered they asked, and I'm ready to step up to the wonderful task of uniting them in marriage.

RELATED: Computer to Marry Texas Couple.

Drawn to Doomsday?

Why People Look Forward to the End. It's because of the parties, no?

RELATED: 'Rapture Parties' Planned to Celebrate Doomsday Saturday May 21.

22 May UPDATE:  Still here. Still breathing.  I guess Judgement Day was a dud.

So would you study for final exams...

or not?  This guy certainly wouldn't: New York Man Spends Life Savings Ahead of May 21 Doomsday.

RELATED: Tick tock goes the doomsday clock.

You should believe in magic instead...

Pope: Humanity isn't random product of evolution.

Words of wisdom...

from the world's oldest man.  Seems like good advice to me.

Sartorial advice for the professoriate...

Professors Should Dress Like Professionals.

Um, OK, but I tend to dress casually but neatly, or at least I try.  But perhaps I should break out the tweed jacket, bow-tie and pipe?

The most complex cocktail...

is the Bloody Mary.  Don't believe it?  Here's some guidance from the American Chemical Society.

Hmm.  Who knew?  I'll have to give this some serious attention, and one shouldn't overlook the health benefits.  Better living through chemistry!

Rocks are people too...

I See Rock People: Mimetoliths of the World