(Published by Zocalo Magazine on March 2, 2015.) They are classic scenes in the 1984 film “Ghostbusters.” One is the opener with the grandmotherly librarian who gets the bejeezus scared out of her by the “free-roaming, vaporous, full torso apparition” haunting the New York Public Library. The other scene is with that ghost, who seems to also have been a librarian in her earthly life, shushing the Ghostbusters when they try to ask her questions while she is reading; she then terrorizes and … [Read more...]
iBorders: Drones & Designs
(Published by Zocalo Magazine on Jan. 5, 2015.) “Google Predator drone.” Professor Benjamin J. Muller is standing to my left, graphic designer Thomas Kafka McCarthy is standing behind me and the three of us are staring at my computer monitor. This image search is work, turning out to be a bit harder than we originally thought. “See if you can find one in flight, one with the U.S. CBP logo.” I look at Muller blankly. “CBP?” I’m still getting used to the acronym world of … [Read more...]
Southern Arizona’s Natural Wonders
(Published by Zocalo Magazine on Dec. 1, 2014.) A Show & Tell with Dr. Joaquin Ruiz On a daily basis, most of us are inured to our environment’s incomparable beauty, its rich ecosystems, deep history, and the gorgeous mountains surrounding the Tucson valley. We’re focusing on immediate needs – getting to work, paying rent, buying groceries, taking care of the kids and the pets. But when we stop our inner nag, breathe deeply and open our eyes, minds and senses to the glorious, … [Read more...]