Robert Caruso

Seeding Planets

Robert.Caruso — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:15:40 +0000

I read this online today:
“NASA also reported that almost all water present in Jupiter’s stratosphere, an intermediate atmospheric layer, originated from comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, which gave quite a show in 1994 when it impacted Jupiter’s atmosphere.”

Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 brought water and organic molecules to Jupiter and in so doing seeded Jupiter with the ingredients needed for the formation of life. Does that make comets sperm and planets eggs in the cosmic scheme of things?
Read the article at:

http://www.zdnet.com/hubble-brings-closer-look-at-our-amazing-comet-7000014423/#photo

Snow Petaluma Style

Robert.Caruso — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 04:07:02 +0000

I’ve lived in Petaluma since 1976 and this has been one of the longest continuous cold spells that I can remember. We’ve had frost overnight every night for the last two weeks. It’s not exactly snow but it’s the closest we come to it. These were shot one chilly morning on the deck at the Apple Box.

Social Comment?

Robert.Caruso — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 20:06:11 +0000

The graveyard humor of skeletons dressed as Santa was on display in more than one Petaluma location last year. Perhaps the artist who painted these windows and the designer of Santa’s graveyard were making a statement about what the “Holidays” have turned into.

In at least a commercial sense, the holiday season starts with Halloween and continues till New Year’s Day. With Valentine’s Day just ahead, maybe we can keep the holiday spirit alive till February.

Double Duty

Robert.Caruso — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 23:57:54 +0000

It’s hard to believe that Christmas was just over two weeks ago. Time marches on.

The residents of this home in Petaluma have found an interesting way to get more enjoyment out of the time they spent putting up Halloween decorations.

Merry Christmas: Roots of the Christmas tree tradition

Robert.Caruso — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 00:02:04 +0000

At this time of year, the winter solstice, cultures that lived before the coming of Christ celebrated the coming of the sun. And it is no coincidence that Christians celebrate the coming of the Son at the same time of the year.

As with many religious feasts, festivals and celebrations, Christmas is full of symbols. One of the most popular symbols of Christmas is the tree and evergreens in general such as holly. The use of the tree to celebrate Christmas has roots that pre-date the coming of Christ.

The Egyptians decorated their homes with green palm leaves during the time of the winter solstice. The Romans also celebrated the winter solstice with greenery and even exchanged gifts. The people of Scandavia spoke of Yggrdrasil, the Tree of Life, a great ash tree at the center of the universe. Germanic tribes presented sacrifices at Thor’s Oak. Another Christmas tradition we have inherited from the Germanic tribes is the burning of the Yule log.

Tradition has it that Saint Boniface (672 – 754), in order to show the superiority of his God over those of the Germanic tribes, had Thor’s Oak chopped down. When Thor didn’t rain lightning down upon the Saint, the people converted to Christianity. When a fir tree grew out of the roots of the oak, Boniface claimed the evergreen as a new symbol of his everlasting God.

It was not until the 16th century that trees were brought indoors at Christmas time. Martin Luther (1483-1546) is credited with adding lights to the tree.

If you’d like to read more about the Christmas tree, follow the link below:

http://www.christmas-tree.com/where.html

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Happy Winter Solstice!

Robert.Caruso — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 05:40:37 +0000

As astronomers would say (and the Beatles too), here comes the sun.

Or as Christians would say, here comes the Son.

Whatever your point of view, happy Winter Solstice.

Here Comes The Sun

Robert.Caruso — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 23:09:59 +0000

Since the first day of summer last June, each day has been approximately two minutes shorter than the day before it. But the losses stop this week. In case you missed the announcement, Friday, which is the first day of Winter, will also be the shortest day of the year. Now the good news: starting Saturday, we’ll have two minutes more of daylight each day until the first day of next summer.

Pictured below: a view down Second Street, Dairymen’s mill and the Hunt & Behrens mill, all here in Petaluma.

Petaluma Sunrise

More Parade of Boat Photos

Robert.Caruso — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:32:04 +0000

Having the Petaluma River run into the heart of downtown makes Petaluma special. We’re so fortunate to have it!

Parade of Boats

Robert.Caruso — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:48:52 +0000

Santa rode into town last Saturday night on a yacht escorted by boats of all sizes and shapes. People gathered all around the turning basin to watch the parade of lights that floated into town.

Sunrise on the Petaluma River Turning Basin

Robert.Caruso — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 20:44:40 +0000

The Petaluma River Turning Basin provides a peaceful setting for a sunrise.