I'm finally working on some new poems after not writing since April...thank goodness for vacation! I have some random questions about various topics related to the poems...I could use some background information.
1) Does anyone have any information (or can point me to a good source of info) about Van Gogh's relationship with a prostitute towards the end of his life? I seem to remember reading that she was the girl to whom he presented his severed ear, but I'm having trouble confirming that. I'd also be interested in knowing how they met, when they stopped dating, and if it was any influence on his suicide. Finally, any info on the lead poisoning that he allegedly suffered from?
2) Does anyone know what the contents were of the messages we've sent into space looking for alien life? If memory serves, there was a gold plaque attached to Voyager (?) with some specially-chosen symbols, along with a gold record and instructions on how to make a record player. What kinds of messages have been sent out via radio transmitters?
3) Speaking of transmitters -- how far away from Earth are our earliest TV broadcasts now? (I could probably calculate that myself, but I'm feeling lazy.)
4) I'm familiar with some of the more popular creation myths, but could use some obscure ones. Got any to share?
Thanks...
1) Does anyone have any information (or can point me to a good source of info) about Van Gogh's relationship with a prostitute towards the end of his life? I seem to remember reading that she was the girl to whom he presented his severed ear, but I'm having trouble confirming that. I'd also be interested in knowing how they met, when they stopped dating, and if it was any influence on his suicide. Finally, any info on the lead poisoning that he allegedly suffered from?
2) Does anyone know what the contents were of the messages we've sent into space looking for alien life? If memory serves, there was a gold plaque attached to Voyager (?) with some specially-chosen symbols, along with a gold record and instructions on how to make a record player. What kinds of messages have been sent out via radio transmitters?
3) Speaking of transmitters -- how far away from Earth are our earliest TV broadcasts now? (I could probably calculate that myself, but I'm feeling lazy.)
4) I'm familiar with some of the more popular creation myths, but could use some obscure ones. Got any to share?
Thanks...