Thursday, June 26, 2014

Malibu morning picture of the day - Thursday, June 26, 2014

Dear friends, family, and gentle readers,

If you liked yesterday, you'll like today. A little bit of breakup over land, but another nearly horizon-less morning.
























 Here's the view over the water. Supposed to be in 80's today.

I was listening to a lecture on way home from work yesterday and learned about this guy, Cai Lun. He lived from 50 - 121 AD in the Eastern Han Dynasty. He is the inventor of paper, crafting it out of bark, bamboo, rags, and fish nets. I guess I owe my living as a writer and editor to him, so thanks a lot Master Cai! He is frequently listed in non-Western-biased rosters of most influential people in history.

By the way, a "c" in Pinyin romanization is pronounced like a "ts," so when you say the words "cat's eye," you are saying his family name more or less correctly with the second syllable. It's the same consonant blend most of us use when we say "pizza."

He met his untimely end by suicide, poisoning himself. The government changed, and when that happens in monarchies, you're not asked to resign, you're told to report to prison. He decided to "resign" instead. He didn't have any children since he was a court eunuch (sterility is an occupational hazard for those guys), so if you're into venerating ancestors, adopt him and send this guy some money. He deserves it.

Have a terrific Thursday people.

Love,
Pops



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Be truthful and frank, but be polite. If you use excessive profanity, I'll assume you have some kind of character flaw like Dr. Wong. Tks!