Black Moon Rising

Send us Fan MailThe cosmos keeps offering us fascinating phenomena to contemplate, from Black Moons to Saturn's temporarily vanishing rings. Unlike Blue Moons (two full moons in one month), Black Moons occur when we experience an extra new moon – completely dark and invisible to observers on Earth. This celestial event sparked a discussion about lunar calendars and how our ancestors used the 29.5-day lunar cycle as a natural timekeeper, something many cultures still honor today. Meanwhile, Saturn's rings are performing their own disappearing act through a "ring plane crossing," a natural optical illusion occurring every 13-16 years when the rings tilt edge-on relative to Earth. While this temporary vanishing act will reverse in November, scientists predict the rings will truly disappear in about 100 million years due to "ring rain."From astronomical wonders, we descended to earthly spectacles – including a bizarre incident at Boston Logan Airport where a passenger decided waiting for a flight was "too ordinary" and staged an impromptu striptease that ended with full nudity and state trooper intervention. This seemingly absurd news story raised serious questions about mental health and appropriate public behavior.We're particularly enthusiastic about the groundbreaking Netflix documentary "Sunday Best," which reveals Ed Sullivan as far more than just a television host – he was a courageous civil rights warrior. Despite network directives prohibiting physical contact with Black performers and threats from sponsors and viewers, Sullivan defiantly showcased Black artists during segregation, insisting on live performances and embracing talents like Pearl Bailey, Harry Belafonte, and the Jackson 5. The documentary features extraordinary archival footage alongside contemporary interviews with music legends who witnessed Sullivan's quiet revolution firsthand.Our conversation took several unexpected turns, from the bizarre WNBA dildo-throwing incidents (connected to a crypto meme coin group) to fascinating Halloween trivia (did you know 50% of American jack-o'-lanterns come from Illinois pumpkins?). As summer wanes, we reflected on holiday decorations and the merits of simplicity versus commercial excess. Whether you're fascinated by cosmic events, cultural history, or contemporary oddities, there's something in this episode to spark your curiosity and perhaps change how you view the world around you.Find our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/447251562357065/