Author Archives: Brian H. Gill

About Brian H. Gill

I was born in 1951. I'm a husband, father and grandfather. One of the kids graduated from college in December, 2008, and is helping her husband run businesses and raise my granddaughter; another is a cartoonist and artist; #3 daughter is a writer; my son is developing a digital game with #3 and #1 daughters. I'm also a writer and artist.

Neanderthals: Sensible, Decent Homebodies; and My Ancestors

A long time ago, some folks were — apparently — living happily in the Rhône River Valley. Whether or not they were happy there, we’ve found evidence that they stayed near what we call the Grotte Mandrin for 50,000 years. … Continue reading

Posted in Journal, Science News | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Radian Aerospace PFV01, Remembering Max Valier

It’s not what I’m writing about this week, but an article in TechCrunch about a prototype space plane got my attention. And reminded me of a promising development of the 1920s that didn’t work out. About a century back, someone … Continue reading

Posted in Back to the Moon, Onward to Mars, Discursive Detours, Series | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Principles, Priorities, Politics: and Being Catholic

Another election is looming, so I’m reviewing how being a Catholic affects how I vote. I’ll mention what the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) calls the “Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching”, share some links, and talk about … Continue reading

Posted in Being a Citizen, Being Catholic, Journal | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

SpaceX Polaris Dawn Spacewalk: It’s a Big Deal

I watched this 9:09 video, showing part of the SpaceX Polaris Dawn spacewalk, while eating lunch. Includes a quotable sound bite. Continue reading

Posted in Discursive Detours | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Cursed(?) Diamond’s Story: The Koh-i-Noor

Last week, I said I’d have “…tales of cursed gems, glow-in-the-dark diamonds, diamonds from outer space…” ready this week: “barring the unexpected”. Then the unexpected happened. But I do have most of the Koh-i-Noor’s story ready for you. I pieced … Continue reading

Posted in Being Catholic, Diamonds and Gems, Discursive Detours, Series | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments