… so if I want to post a picture of a Lenten Rose, I’d better do it today.

This is a good year for flowering trees such as magnolias:

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Horticulturally, this year is running about three weeks slower than last year. Plants that were in full bloom a year ago are just coming into bud now. Nevertheless, I did find some color yesterday on my first visit to Botanica this year.

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1. Those who understand software don’t know how to write.

2. The usefulness of a manual is inversely proportional to its length.
Corollary: a manual is only as good as its index.

3. Most computer users are neither software engineers nor dummies. Publishers of computer literature have yet to realize that.

Even if I had a television, I wouldn’t be able to watch Al ‘n’ Me. It’s broadcast only on “Metromedia,” which is not available in most markets at this time. Until that classical-era sitcom receives the wider distribution it deserves, you’ll have to make do with Acropolis Now, featuring such low-lifes as Heraclitus and Aristophanes and their mother the Oracle, and Socrates and Plato. A degree in Classics is not necessary to appreciate the show.

If you prefer modern, interactive entertainment, here’s the do-it-yourself Bayeux Tapestry.

(Via Maureen.)

You may think that putting dancers in black costumes on a black stage with minimal lighting is very dramatic, but for photographers it is a nightmare.

… i.e., the early 21st century. It includes the “Deceleration of Independence.” The Amazon.com listing is here.

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John Reed, the very model of a G&S patter song singer, died earlier this month. Here are a few examples of his craft:

Jonah Lehrer takes a positive look at something very near and not the least bit dear to me.

If you have work to do, don’t click here. Or here.

(Via Frëd.)

I visited a church with a nice organ in north-east Wichita earlier today.

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William Tenn, who wrote some of my favorite stories, died a week ago. I wanted to link to “Bernie the Faust,” which SciFi.com used to host, but when they changed their name from the offensive “SciFi” to the stupid “SyFy,” they dropped the story. However, I did find an interview with Tenn in which he reads “On Venus Have We Got a Rabbi.” The story starts shortly after the forty-minute mark, but the entire interview is worth hearing.

… with my camera.

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… everyone, for your kind words and prayers.

… Gryphon reunited for a concert last summer.

The quality of the sound suggests that a CD or DVD is in the works, though it may just be that the hall’s acoustics were exceptionally good.

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