Defy(n)ing gravity

The first-ever detections of gravitational waves from colliding black holes and neutron stars have launched a new era of gravitational wave astrophysics. Nergis Mavalvala, dean of and the Curtis (1963) and Kathleen Marble Professor of Astrophysics in the MIT School of Science, describes the science, technology, and human story behind these discoveries, which provide a completely new window into some of the most violent and warped events in the universe and are helping to solve decades-long mysteries in astrophysics.

Brilliant hour-long talk sponsored by the Harvard Radcliffe Institute (there's a kerfuffle behind that name change from the Radcliffe Institute). 

My favorite bit: where she gives us an analogy that explains why gravity waves let us see closer to the Big Bang than light waves do. Has to do with introverts and extroverts leaving a party.

Sadie, sadie married lady

 Maybe since I'm now among the Sadies, I'm more sensitive to the issues, but when I read the following from Virginia Woolfe's The Voyage Out, I wondered, do I do that?

When two people have been married for years they seem to become unconscious of each other's bodily presence so that they move as if alone, speak aloud things which they do not expect to be answered, and in general seem to experience all the comfort of solitude without its loneliness. The joint lives of Ridley and Helen had arrived at this stage of community, and it was often necessary for one or the other to recall with an effort whether a thing had been said or only thought, shared or dreamt in private.

Though I don't think I'll be getting pregnant.

Our neighbor, Charlie Kessler, officiated at our wedding today, at 11:00AM (or thenabouts). He kindly preceded the vows by reading this poem by Robert Frost.

The Master Speed

No speed of wind or water rushing by But you have speed far greater. You can climb Back up a stream of radiance to the sky, And back through history up the stream of time. And you were given this swiftness, not for haste Nor chiefly that you may go where you will, But in the rush of everything to waste, That you may have the power of standing still- Off any still or moving thing you say. Two such as you with such a master speed Cannot be parted nor be swept away From one another once you are agreed That life is only life forevermore Together wing to wing and oar to oar

It is one I will return to frequently for inspiration. Little did he know that Robert Frost was my Grandma Vi's favorite poet. Kismet. He mentioned speed's root in the Latin spes (hope). I can't imagine a poem better suited to the day.

When the right thing feels so wrong

Biden Faces Mounting Criticism As The Taliban Takes Control Of Afghanistan
Colbert monologue, Aug 16, 2021