NASA has been taking pictures of the earth from its environmental satellites for the past 50 years. They provide stunning views of the earth’s distinctive patterns and colors and, ultimately, transform the planet into a work of art. Recently NASA gathered a number of these pictures, added brief but helpful commentary, and bound them together into a book. Even better, they made the book free via an e-book (pdf) that can be viewed on any e-reader and as an iPad app. So if you have a little time, you can treat yourself to a unique view of many of the distinct landmasses and waterways that remind us that this good creation is not only our...

I love Downton Abbey. (Or at least I did until last night. I’m rather undecided going forward.) I love it for many of the reasons I love Mad Men. In addition to strong characters and the elements of love and betrayal and power and suspense that are part and parcel of good narrative, both shows are also period dramas set at particular times and places which aren’t just interesting in general but are experiencing great tumult and change and so help us understand not just something of where we came from but also who we are and where we are going. When we watch the debate over the women’s vote in Downton Abbey (or women’s pay in the...