Les feuilles vertes deviennent brunes
 |
| En transition: photo by Cliff Hutson |
"Et les feuilles vertes deviennent brunes,
Et elles se flétrissent au gré du vent,
Et elles s'effritent entre tes mains."
Showing posts with label natural history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural history. Show all posts
Monday, April 20, 2026
Monday, June 23, 2025
Insect Week
June 23rd, 2025 - June 29th, 2025
All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.
Monday, June 16, 2025
Pollinator Week
Pollinator Week 2025
"Pollinator Week is an annual celebration that raises awareness about the importance of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to our ecosystems and food supply. In 2025, it will take place from June 16 to June 22, with various activities to promote pollinator health and conservation." - says an AI generated response to a query.
While about five years ago I wrote an essay on this topic, this year I am just going to share some photographs.
All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.
Monday, July 1, 2024
Reading Log: June 2024
The books that I read in the month of June 2024
 |
| June 2024 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Monday, June 10, 2024
It's Back!
Jacaranda Season
 |
| Jacaranda Blossoms: photo by Cliff Hutson |
I took the weekend off to the watch the Memorial Tournament. So, I am linking to a timely rerun; the Jacarandas are once again in bloom this year.
 |
| Jacaranda IPA: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Update (06/15/2024):
I seldom return to something I have posted, but I saw this today and could not resist proving that I am not the only who thinks that these trees are special.
Monday, May 6, 2024
Reading Log: April 2024
The books that I finished reading in the month of April 2024
 |
| April 2024 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Monday, March 4, 2024
Reading Log: February 2024
The books that I finished reading in the month of February 2024
 |
| February 2024 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Cliff's Notes
"Darkness"
A story based on the proposition that truth is a matter of the imagination. And, science fiction is a genre that allows one to imagine that things can be very different. Most current reviews stress that this book is a study of gender, However, it also speaks to government, psychology, sociology, and human emotions. I highly recommend it.
"Orange County"
I grew up in Southern California during a time when Orange County was known as a land of oranges, oil, and opportunity for white people. This explains how and why it was, and is, much more than that.
"Bombs Away"
Watching "Masters of the Air" reminded me of this book on the shelf with my collection of Steinbeck works from the Penguin Classics series, which I read quite a few years ago. So, I took it out and reread it.
Written in the early days of World War II, it is a description of how the U.S. Army Air Force recruited and developed a bomber team. It also describes the two planes that they would be flying. Reading it in conjunction with watching the streaming series gives one more insight into role that each crew member fills and the capabilities of the Boeing B-17. (This plane is also known as the Flying Fortress, but I notice that show usual just refers to it as a "Fort".)
Some refer to this work as a piece of propaganda, however I see it as worthy bit of journalism. It is not of the caliber of his novels, but is well worth reading as a part of history.
"Weeds"
Some, unnamed, history professor supposedly suggested that some kinds of problems could be fixed by understanding how they came to be. This book informs us that if there is going to agriculture, there are going to be weeds. This book explains why that is and how we might come to terms with that.
Monday, January 8, 2024
Reading Log: December 2023
The books that I finished reading in the month of December 2023:
 |
| December 2023 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Cliff's Notes
"True West"
I was very disappointed in this book, thinking that it would contain more history than personal stories. The author maintains, based on her personal experiences, that America can be brought together if we meet our fellow Americans where they are.
That may be easy for a well to do, somewhat noted, white woman to say. It is not so practical in a land where a service station in Arizona refused to sell me gas, or where my wife were seated in a restaurant in Idaho Falls but never served.
She does write well though.
"Pests"
"Pests are what happens when we think that we've got nature all figured out, and nature decides to give us the finger."
This was both an entertaining and informative read.
"Hondo"
My newspaper of record recently devoted several paragraphs to a discussion of the movie of the same title and the novel as they both mention a local community - San Dimas. I decided to watch the movie and then read the book, which was based on the movie rather than the usual sequence. They were both pretty darn good. Each in its own way.
See how they differed was illuminating. A novelist can use extensive character description and metaphors. A screenplay has to solve the problem of how to put necessary information in to the mouths of characters whereas a novel can just tell the reader about it.
So, at bottom, I will say that I enjoyed the book more. Mostly because it gave me some leeway to enjoy the landscape as it were, rather than have it relegated to the background as I keep an eye on the actors. But, let me go on record as saying that I will never give up one form for the other.
"Out There"
Another enjoyable read. But, then I seem to have an inborn fascination with the juxtaposition between science fiction and real science. I came of age during a time when many of the things first hinted at in books and movies became (more or less) actual technological advances. This book limns the way real life and science fiction may intersect.
Monday, December 25, 2023
My Best Shot of 2023
Not too shabby:
 |
| Tuesday Afternoon: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Some say that December is a good time to reflect back on what happened before the year slips away. However, I feel that the beginning of the month is too early to start publishing "best of" lists. Who knows what may still lie ahead? Still, when I saw that Flickr was asking for "Your Best Shot 2023" I went ahead and submitted the above photo. It was taken in June, but odds are I will not do much better before the end of this year.
I like it for a couple of reasons. One is that I planted the seed(s) from which the plant grew. The other is that I took photos over the course of several days, and times of day, until I made the image I wanted. Thus, the title "Tuesday Afternoon."
Looking forward to 2024, I am thinking of doing more work with my iPhone SE, or may be taking up another Photo a Day project. There will be photos in any event. See you in the new year.
Monday, December 11, 2023
Reading Log: November 2023
The books that I finished reading in the month of November 2023 -
 |
| November 2023 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Cliff's Notes:
"Belt" and "Drop"
As previously noted, I have very much enjoyed Stewart's Miami Jones series. And, I believe that finishing these two brings me current. They did not disappoint.
Part of my enjoyment stems from Miami being a former pro athlete who frequently muses on what was and what could have been. Also, each book in the series revolves around a different sport. These cover boxing and surfing respectively. Both of them offer an interesting story offering humor and insights into life.
"Ghost Bear"
I have a great interest in natural history and Stark's book has expanded my knowledge about an animal that I have vaguely aware of for decades, but knew very little about.
The bear in the title is the prehistoric North American giant short-faced bear. I say that I was familiar with it as I once lived within walking distance of the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles where the remains of thirty some-odd individual bears have been found. The author devotes a couple of chapters to the scientific work done there and his visit to the George C. Page Museum. He seems as bemused as I was over the cartoonish statue of a short-faced bear on the park grounds.
This book is a great guide to the Pleistocene and one of the more spectacular animals that during that time.
"Gods"
This book is a "Lincoln Lawyer" novel. I like Connelly's work, but much prefer the Harry Bosch books. But, this is an engaging read filled with a lot of ins, a lot of outs, and a lot of what-have-you's. A reader with a limber mind should enjoy it.
Monday, November 6, 2023
Reading Log: October 2023
The books that I read in the month of October 2023
 |
| October 2023 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson |
"Judgement Prey," John Sandford
"The Ninth Inning," A.J. Stewart
"Big Thaw," A.J. Stewart
"Devil's Backbone," A.J. Stewart
Cliff's Notes
"Judgement"
This is another book in John Sanford's "Prey" series. Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers team up to solve the cold blooded murder of a judge and his two sons.
"Naming"
As a volunteer "nature interpreter" at a botanic garden I experienced first hand the disconnect between the way visitors viewed the world and that of the professional staff. The author does a good job of discussing this and trying to reach some common ground.
"War and Peace
What did Abraham Lincoln mean by A house divided against itself cannot stand"?
Lincoln paraphrased the following passage from the Bible, Matthew 12:25, when he spoke of a house divided:
And Jesus knew their [the Pharisees'] thoughts, and said unto them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand."
Lincoln’s ‘House Divided’ speech teaches important lessons about today’s political polarization, the main point made by this book.
Miami Jones mysteries
Miami Jones is my favorite Florida based private detective. These stories are not only really good crime fiction they also can impart some interesting information such as what goes into making ice for a hockey rink or the running of a fishing tournament.
Monday, October 30, 2023
Going, Going, Almost Gone
International Dinosaur Month
 |
| Small Dinosaur: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Much to my chagrin, I almost missed out on the fact that October is International Dinosaur Month. But, it is not too late to celebrate with these books and movies.
Monday, October 16, 2023
Reading Log: September 2023
The books that I finished reading in September 2023:
 |
| September 2023 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Cliff's Notes:
"Shuffle" & "Manifesto"
"Harlem Shuffle" is apparently the first book in The Harlem Trilogy. And, "Crook Manifesto" is the second. They set stories about a furniture store owner against actual events. What is most interesting to me is that they offer an explanation of why an intelligent person may turn to a life of crime.
"Mysterious Beings"
I just have to mention that "The Complete Guide to Mysterious Beings" is well ahead in the running for the worst book that I will read this year. Even believers in mysterious creatures and the paranormal will start to doubt themselves after slogging through the "evidence" presented by this author.
"White People"
Spoiler alert: White people in America did not coalesce as a group until Malcolm X achieved national prominence.
"Fuzz"
An engrossing discussion of ongoing conflicts between humans and the species that happen to get in our way. But, no "laws" are actually broken.
Monday, August 14, 2023
World Lizard Day
World Lizard Day is celebrated on August 14 every year:
 |
| Outside My Front Door: photo by Cliff Hutson |
This day celebrates the diverse and often misunderstood world of lizards, and raises awareness for conservation efforts for the reptiles.
The name "lizard" doesn't correspond to a single scientific group. Lizards belong to the order Squamata, which they share with snakes. There are several subgroups within Squamata that are commonly called lizards, including geckos, iguanas, worm lizards and Autarchoglossa, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), a partnership of North American agencies, organizations and taxonomists that provides taxonomic information. All lizards are sometimes grouped under the suborders Lacertilia or Sauria, but ITIS doesn't consider these to be valid scientific groups.
While I like to think of myself as somewhat of a naturalist, I more into plants than animals and must admit that I have not make the effort to identify any of the lizards that show up in my yard or on my patio - including the little one (see above) that was hanging out on my front screen door.
Nor do I give them names. And, it seem that a lizard, with a name, which I looked forward to seeing on a weekly basis was not at all real.
Monday, April 17, 2023
California Native Plant Week - 2023
Celebrating Eight Days a Week
 |
| California Poppy: photo by Cliff Hutson |
This year, California Native Plant Week runs from April 15 thorough April 22 (Earth Day). The state is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet with more than 6,000 types of plants. I thought that I would share some photos of some of my favorites (in no particular order).
 |
| Five Spot: photo by Cliff Hutson |
 |
| California Bay: photo by Cliff Hutson |
 |
| Datura: photo by Cliff Hutson |
 |
| Tidy Tips: photo by Cliff Hutson |
 |
| Flannel Bush: photo by Cliff Hutson |
 |
| Matilija Poppy: photo by Cliff Hutson |
 |
| Shaw's Agave: photo by Cliff Hutson |
 |
| Sticky Monkey Flower: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Monday, March 27, 2023
Reading Log: February 2023
The books that I finished reading in the month of February 2023
 |
| February 2023 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson |
"The Big Ones: How Natural Disasters Have Shaped Us," Dr. Lucy Jones
"The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less,' Christine Platt
"The Forgotten Man." Robert Crais
Cliff's Notes:
"Gaia"
This book proposes that the earth is a living, self regulating organism. I firmly believe that this is a worthy hypothesis that bears investigation. I also feel that that Lovelock, the progenitor of the theory, seems to be one of the most ill-equipped scientists to argue in its favor.
My concern arises from his beliefs that pollution is not a a major concern, Big Oil would not lie to us about the effects of burning fossil fuels, and that non-industrial countries present a bigger threat to the environment than Europe or America.
All in all, I do not recommend this book.
"The Big Ones"
A very cool book about natural disasters, of all stripes, and how they have shaped history and (perhaps) the human psyche.
By waiting so long to write this review I have the benefit of seeing how the current flooding in California is evocative of what occurred in 1861-62; a history of which most Californians are unaware.
One lesson more of us should take to heart: "Love, thank, and cherish your loved ones every day of your ... ."
"Living with Less"
One of the things that I have trying to accomplish, with little success, over the past few years is paring down my possessions so that I can move to a much smaller home. Having stalled out in this endeavor I was hoping that this book might give me a jump start. It was not much of a help. But, that may just be me.
The author puts a lot of emphasis on discovering one's authentic self. It seems that my authentic self is someone who is mildly depressed and sits around the house wearing sweatpants.
"Forgotten"
Another fun read in the bestselling series of Elvis Cole and Joe Pike stories.
Monday, January 30, 2023
Life
On the Tenacity of Plants
 |
| Tenacious Plant: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Monday, January 2, 2023
Reading Log: December 2022
The books I finished reading in the month of December 2022
 |
| December 2022 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Cliff's Notes
"Dodo"
A friend and I recently discussed the books that have had an impact on our lives and this one immediately came to my mind. I first read it in 1996 and it shaped my outlook on the world and informed my work as a "nature interpreter" at the botanic garden where I volunteered. So, I decided to reread it to see how I feel about it after all this time.
It is still a great piece of writing combing scientific reporting with travel writing. Sadly, many of the situations it covers seem to have gotten worse rather have been ameliorated in any fashion. So, it is still highly relevant.
"Brief Lessons"
This book did not do much for me. This lessons are brief and as such lack much substance. We learn that the theory of general relativity and the theory of quantum mechanics are both true, yet contradict each other. The author seems to want the reader to accept this on faith; a word he disparages in other contexts.
One reviewer said that this book is a much better read than "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking. I don't find that to be the case.
"Andrea Hoffman"
This book came to my daughter's attention because the name is very close to her own and she decided to give me a copy.
I very much enjoyed it. While, at heart, I guess that it can be called a young woman's coming-of-age story it also provides a very interesting the world of finance in the 1980s. The author has a marvelous way with words. As an example; she describes as looking like ". . . he's been playing on a dusty floor with a toddler and a golden retriever." I very much recommend it.
"Myth"
Some say that this is a book that everybody should read, and now I have done it. Both Campbell and Moyers like to use words and drop names that send a reader such as myself to the dictionary or encyclopedia. That lies on me. Your mileage may be different.
"Paddle"
While I have still have not watched "Parks and Recreation", I am a fan of Nick Offerman. This is the third book of his that I have read. It is, in my humble opinion the least of them. That may be because it was the first one that he wrote and, dare I say it, it took him sometime to find his voice.
Part memoir and part his advice on how to live a fulfilling life it is immensely interesting. I certainly recommend to anyone aspiring to get into acting. However, while I do not think of myself as a prude, I learned far more about his martial relations with Megan Mullally than I care to know. Though, I am happy for them that their sex life seems to be mutually enjoyable. Also, I am the first to admit that I swear, cuss, or use foul language more than I should, but find these pages to just a bit too full of it.
[Note to self: Figure out the difference between "memoir" and "autobiography".]
"Genius"
Last month I read that this is one of the two books that was required reading for the people on Enron's trading floor, so I wanted to see what it was all about.
This book, originally published in 2000, details the rise and and fall (which nearly took the financial system with it) of LTCM. This 2011edition has an Afterward which shows that lessons were not learned. As James Cramer has noted, "perhaps the term genius should be reserved for Mozart and not for arbitrageurs."
I had already learned from Andrea Hoffman that this business is neither logical nor fair and that the party won't last forever.
Monday, November 21, 2022
Bird of Paradise
and A Bee
 |
| Bird of Paradise: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Strelitzia reginae has been adopted as the official flower of the City of Los Angeles. However, the plant, like so many of the people that live out here, is not native to Southern California.
Bird of Paradise is from South Africa, but it is hard to imagine our landscape without it. I guess that the same goes for the honey bee. Its predecessors came from Europe, after a long, strange trip to California. The first of them did not appear in Los Angeles County until 1854 or 1855 (depending on your source).
I think that it would be safe to say that most people are happy that both of these entities are well established and live amongst us.
Monday, November 7, 2022
Reading Log: October 2022
The books that I finished reading in the month of October 2022
 |
| October 2022 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Cliff's Notes
"Grizzly"
I have long felt that all life on Earth is interconnected, this collection of essays makes a compelling argument for that belief.
"Photography"
Spoiler alert: The author helped make it happen.
It was a good follow up to last month's book by Susan Sontag. And, to echo a comment about her book, if I had a better understanding of postmodern art I might have appreciated this one more than I did.
As the Belgian art critic and theorist Thierry de Duve said, " When a urinal is art, anything can be art; and when anything can be art, anybody can be an artist."
"Sentinel"
I have, over many years, enjoyed most of the Jack Reacher stories. This one not so much. Lee Child seems to be getting bored and his son may not be up to receiving the mantle.
"Caribbean"
Another entry in the Doc Ford series that I once enjoyed. Ford is a marine biologist, so forgive me when I make the pun that he jumped the shark several books ago.
"Salt"
Yet, another Doc Ford story. It, among other plots, builds upon "Caribbean Rim" and is even more implausible. It seems as though White had three plot lines in mind, but none of them were enough for a book by theirselves, so he mashed them in to one. I doubt that I will ever purchase another book by this author.
However, I am very glad that he made it through hurricane Ian.
"Breathless"
David Quammen is another author of whom I have long been a fan. His work frequently informed my work as a "nature interpreter". This book was not a disappointment.
Quammen, to steal from the back of the book jacket, once predicted a pandemic - in this book he describes the one that we are now living through, how it might have come to pass, and what may lie ahead. It is well worth reading.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)