For decades more girls than boys have gone to college, and men are seriously outnumbered by women in grad school. Maybe some attention should be directed toward helping boys succeed in school.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Rohingya
If 400,000 destitute people came across our US borders, we'd feel it. Charities, government units, media, all would be in an uproar.
But we have resources we could mobilize. Many more resources than, say, Bangladesh - which is where 400,000 destitute refugees have in fact come. They fled from their homes in Myanmar (Burma) in SE Asia, south of China and east of India.
But we have resources we could mobilize. Many more resources than, say, Bangladesh - which is where 400,000 destitute refugees have in fact come. They fled from their homes in Myanmar (Burma) in SE Asia, south of China and east of India.
The Atlantic has amazing pictures that for sure put a face on the problem.
Monday, October 9, 2017
A better place
A 65-year-old self-described "country boy" made news in rural MN. Looking out a window, he saw a girl making her way across his field. She turned out to be the girl whose face he'd seen online and on posters, a girl who had been kidnapped.
After 29 days of captivity, she had escaped that morning. He helped her and called the police. He not only helped her, but gave her the $7000 reward given to him for information leading to her return.
"What no one expected was the kindness and generosity that came straight from Earl’s heart today.," wrote Chief Wyffels [Alexandria MN] in a post on the department's Facebook page. "He believes that young lady that came running towards him that September day is the real hero and without hesitation, Earl handed the reward over to her, followed by a big hug. Thank you Earl, it is people like you that make this world a better place."
Sure is.
After 29 days of captivity, she had escaped that morning. He helped her and called the police. He not only helped her, but gave her the $7000 reward given to him for information leading to her return.
"What no one expected was the kindness and generosity that came straight from Earl’s heart today.," wrote Chief Wyffels [Alexandria MN] in a post on the department's Facebook page. "He believes that young lady that came running towards him that September day is the real hero and without hesitation, Earl handed the reward over to her, followed by a big hug. Thank you Earl, it is people like you that make this world a better place."
Sure is.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Blue Origin
Just fyi, SpaceX is not the only private company putting re-usable rockets into space. Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder, also founded Blue Origin for that purpose. In fact, their rocket booster was the first to ever go into space and return safely to earth (November 23, 2015).
"In March 2017, it was announced that Blue Origin acquired their first paying launch customer for orbital satellite launches."
"In March 2017, it was announced that Blue Origin acquired their first paying launch customer for orbital satellite launches."
Thursday, October 5, 2017
BFR
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Elon Musk says it's vital to figure out how to fund this very expensive enterprise of making humanity into a "multi-planetary species." He thinks they have a plan that will provide the money.
It's a progression through a sequence of rockets. Right now SpaceX uses its Falcon 9 to deliver cargo up to the International Space Station (ISS) for its customer, NASA. Next, the Falcon Heavy will take crew to the ISS for NASA, and then make trips to the moon to establish a base there.
Finally, another much bigger rocket will take the place of both of those. Til they find a good name, they're calling it the "BFR." You saw in Tuesday's post that it will not only go to the moon and to Mars, but also make commercial flights right here on earth, flying above the atmosphere.
There's much, much more to the plan on this video. One amazing thing they've learned after 16 successful landings of the Falcon 9 in a row . . is how to make a perfect propulsion landing. It's gotten so precise that Elon says the rocket doesn't need landing legs anymore. Incredible. They must have this landing skill perfected to take colonists to Mars.
Elon Musk says it's vital to figure out how to fund this very expensive enterprise of making humanity into a "multi-planetary species." He thinks they have a plan that will provide the money.
It's a progression through a sequence of rockets. Right now SpaceX uses its Falcon 9 to deliver cargo up to the International Space Station (ISS) for its customer, NASA. Next, the Falcon Heavy will take crew to the ISS for NASA, and then make trips to the moon to establish a base there.
Finally, another much bigger rocket will take the place of both of those. Til they find a good name, they're calling it the "BFR." You saw in Tuesday's post that it will not only go to the moon and to Mars, but also make commercial flights right here on earth, flying above the atmosphere.
There's much, much more to the plan on this video. One amazing thing they've learned after 16 successful landings of the Falcon 9 in a row . . is how to make a perfect propulsion landing. It's gotten so precise that Elon says the rocket doesn't need landing legs anymore. Incredible. They must have this landing skill perfected to take colonists to Mars.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Multi-planetary
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
"Fundamentally, the future is vastly more exciting and interesting if we're a multi-planet species than if we are not. You want to be inspired by things. You want to wake up in the morning and think, things are going to be great. It's about believing in the future, that the future will be better than the past. And I can't think of anything more exciting than going out there and being among the stars," Elon Musk speaking at the International Astronautical Congress a week ago
Decades ago, NASA was making dreams come true. Not so much anymore. Today, the inspiration comes from Elon. He inspires because he actually believes we can go to Mars, and because he (and his company SpaceX) are going to figure it out - and do it.
(cont'd tomorrow - Elon explains how they're going to get this done)
"Fundamentally, the future is vastly more exciting and interesting if we're a multi-planet species than if we are not. You want to be inspired by things. You want to wake up in the morning and think, things are going to be great. It's about believing in the future, that the future will be better than the past. And I can't think of anything more exciting than going out there and being among the stars," Elon Musk speaking at the International Astronautical Congress a week ago
Decades ago, NASA was making dreams come true. Not so much anymore. Today, the inspiration comes from Elon. He inspires because he actually believes we can go to Mars, and because he (and his company SpaceX) are going to figure it out - and do it.
(cont'd tomorrow - Elon explains how they're going to get this done)
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Less than 1 hr
News maker Elon Musk has another big idea. The rocket being designed for travel to Mars will also be used to . . revolutionize travel around Earth itself.
At a maximum speed of 27,000 km/h, any long distance destination will be reached in less than an hour. Watch the 2-minute animated video.
At a maximum speed of 27,000 km/h, any long distance destination will be reached in less than an hour. Watch the 2-minute animated video.
Monday, October 2, 2017
Polish design
Poland was not asleep during the long decades of Nazi and communist oppression, as you know. They held to their values and resisted their overlords. I just learned that they built hundreds of churches in defiance of government atheism.
In fact, "in the wake of World War II and under Soviet control, Poland built more churches than any other country in Europe . . a calculated affront to the proletariat-minded Modernism of the Soviets."
Go here for pictures of these very creative, different-looking churches.
In fact, "in the wake of World War II and under Soviet control, Poland built more churches than any other country in Europe . . a calculated affront to the proletariat-minded Modernism of the Soviets."
Go here for pictures of these very creative, different-looking churches.
Friday, September 29, 2017
Great Poland 3
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
More from the Poland speech of last July . . this time celebrating their enduring faith:
"When . . one million Poles gathered around Victory Square for their very first mass with their Polish Pope . . every communist in Warsaw must have known that their oppressive system would soon come crashing down. They must have known it at the exact moment during Pope John Paul II’s sermon when a million Polish men, women, and children suddenly raised their voices in a single prayer. A million Polish people did not ask for wealth. They did not ask for privilege. Instead, one million Poles sang three simple words: “We Want God.”
Catholic Christian faith is claimed by 90% of the Polish people.
More from the Poland speech of last July . . this time celebrating their enduring faith:
"When . . one million Poles gathered around Victory Square for their very first mass with their Polish Pope . . every communist in Warsaw must have known that their oppressive system would soon come crashing down. They must have known it at the exact moment during Pope John Paul II’s sermon when a million Polish men, women, and children suddenly raised their voices in a single prayer. A million Polish people did not ask for wealth. They did not ask for privilege. Instead, one million Poles sang three simple words: “We Want God.”
Catholic Christian faith is claimed by 90% of the Polish people.
photo: theguardian.com
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Got banking
Amylene Dingle lived with her husband and daughter in an impoverished part of Manila, the Phillippines. She had little going for her: no job, no savings, no credit history. But then she saw an ad on Facebook which changed her life.
Today she has a business that brings in $70 weekly profit. They have moved to a cleaner, quieter neighborhood. This story is about the company that got her going.
It's called Tala. It started in California in 2011 with the goal of providing banking services to people all over the globe who have no bank. Amylene responded to their ad and gave Tala access to her phone, Tala analyzed data they could access through her phone, and they gave her a small loan. She bought sandwiches with the money and re-sold them.
Today Tala has 4 million customers like Amylene in five countries: Kenya, the Phillippines, Tanzania, Mexico, and India.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Great Poland 2
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
More of the speech from Warsaw, Poland:
"Through four decades of communist rule, Poland and the other captive nations of Europe endured a brutal campaign to demolish freedom, your faith, your laws, your history, your identity — indeed the very essence of your culture and your humanity. Yet, through it all, you never lost that spirit. Your oppressors tried to break you, but Poland could not be broken."
Polish persistence, determination, and sheer creativity during Russian communist occupation was defiant and inspiring:
"They independently and secretly published forbidden books . . Underground universities operated in major cities, meeting in warehouses and churches."
More of the speech from Warsaw, Poland:
"Through four decades of communist rule, Poland and the other captive nations of Europe endured a brutal campaign to demolish freedom, your faith, your laws, your history, your identity — indeed the very essence of your culture and your humanity. Yet, through it all, you never lost that spirit. Your oppressors tried to break you, but Poland could not be broken."
Polish persistence, determination, and sheer creativity during Russian communist occupation was defiant and inspiring:
"They independently and secretly published forbidden books . . Underground universities operated in major cities, meeting in warehouses and churches."
black market: http://culture.pl/en/article/the-communist-regime-in-poland-in-10-astonishing-pictur
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Great Poland 1
Last July the U.S. president told the people of Poland that they have a friend in America. We love that they somehow sustained their identity and their values in spite of multiple hostile invasions. Here's some of the speech text:
"For two centuries, Poland suffered constant and brutal attacks. But while Poland could be invaded and occupied, and its borders even erased from the map, it could never be erased from history or from your hearts. In those dark days, you have lost your land but you never lost your pride.
"So it is with true admiration that I can say today, that from the farms and villages of your countryside to the cathedrals and squares of your great cities, Poland lives, Poland prospers, and Poland prevails.
"Despite every effort to transform you, oppress you, or destroy you, you endured and overcame. You are the proud nation of Copernicus — think of that — — Chopin, Saint John Paul II. Poland is a land of great heroes. And you are a people who know the true value of what you defend."
map of Poland in Europe: ontheworldmap.com
(cont'd tomorrow)
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Uber fight
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
London has 40,000 Uber drivers, who stand to lose income because "Transport for London" has denied Uber a license to operate, saying it is "not fit and proper." London also has about 3.5 million Uber customers who will have to re-organize their transportation needs.
Uber's general manager for London says, "Transport for London and the Mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice . . " So he's ready to fight it.
Assume there's been some negotiating. At least three things have happened so far: 1) Uber has hired a law firm to represent them, 2) they've launched a petition that got hundreds of thousands of signatures quickly, and 3) Uber's CEO apologized vaguely:
"On behalf of everyone at Uber globally, I apologize for the mistakes we've made."
And here is his tweet to Londoners: "Dear London: we r far from perfect but we have 40k licensed drivers and 3.5mm Londoners depending on us. Pls work w/us to make things right."
London has 40,000 Uber drivers, who stand to lose income because "Transport for London" has denied Uber a license to operate, saying it is "not fit and proper." London also has about 3.5 million Uber customers who will have to re-organize their transportation needs.
Uber's general manager for London says, "Transport for London and the Mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice . . " So he's ready to fight it.
Assume there's been some negotiating. At least three things have happened so far: 1) Uber has hired a law firm to represent them, 2) they've launched a petition that got hundreds of thousands of signatures quickly, and 3) Uber's CEO apologized vaguely:
"On behalf of everyone at Uber globally, I apologize for the mistakes we've made."
And here is his tweet to Londoners: "Dear London: we r far from perfect but we have 40k licensed drivers and 3.5mm Londoners depending on us. Pls work w/us to make things right."
Monday, September 25, 2017
Uber ban
"London’s days of [taxi] high prices, uncertainty, and danger ended when Uber started operating there in 2012," according to this author who lived there in the 1990's.
"Today, that was all thrown out as Transport for London (TfL), an Uber competitor in that it runs the Tube and franchises bus services, revoked Uber’s license to operate."
"[W]omen, in particular, have started to object to the decision."
One woman journalist wrote this piece about it, "Without Uber, London will be a more dangerous city for women" --
"[N]ighttime transport in London still leaves a lot to be desired, and the knowledge that you can book a door-to-door service without breaking the bank is intensely reassuring. Factor in the ability to track your route and send details of your trip to friends so they know exactly where you are, plus the stark reviewing system that discourages unacceptable conduct, and Uber feels significantly safer than most of the alternatives."
"Today, that was all thrown out as Transport for London (TfL), an Uber competitor in that it runs the Tube and franchises bus services, revoked Uber’s license to operate."
"[W]omen, in particular, have started to object to the decision."
One woman journalist wrote this piece about it, "Without Uber, London will be a more dangerous city for women" --
"[N]ighttime transport in London still leaves a lot to be desired, and the knowledge that you can book a door-to-door service without breaking the bank is intensely reassuring. Factor in the ability to track your route and send details of your trip to friends so they know exactly where you are, plus the stark reviewing system that discourages unacceptable conduct, and Uber feels significantly safer than most of the alternatives."
photo: http://mashable.com/2017/09/22/women-safety-uber-london/#3m33Qcl9Kkqa
Friday, September 22, 2017
Viral video
Millions upon millions of people have seen this viral video since it came out last winter. If you have any interest in the millennial generation, really, you should not miss it.
He says failed parenting strategies have produced a generation that thinks they can have anything they want in life just because they're special. But after they grow up and enter the "real world" they find that they're not special, that their mom cannot get them a promotion.
They find that "impact" doesn't happen in eight months. They find that they don't have effective coping skills to deal with stress.
"Job satisfaction and strength of relationships - there ain't no app for that. They're slow, meandering, uncomfortable, messy processes."
He thinks that the wisdom that their parents should have taught them will now have to come from leadership in the workplace. But there's another source. Some churches fill the wisdom gap with good leadership, thank God.
(Btw, these are generalizations. That means that there is some truth in these statements for large numbers of millennials. Generalizations do not apply to every single individual, by definition.)
He says failed parenting strategies have produced a generation that thinks they can have anything they want in life just because they're special. But after they grow up and enter the "real world" they find that they're not special, that their mom cannot get them a promotion.
They find that "impact" doesn't happen in eight months. They find that they don't have effective coping skills to deal with stress.
"Job satisfaction and strength of relationships - there ain't no app for that. They're slow, meandering, uncomfortable, messy processes."
He thinks that the wisdom that their parents should have taught them will now have to come from leadership in the workplace. But there's another source. Some churches fill the wisdom gap with good leadership, thank God.
(Btw, these are generalizations. That means that there is some truth in these statements for large numbers of millennials. Generalizations do not apply to every single individual, by definition.)
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Elon's pucker factor
There are lots of challenges to overcome before that mission to Mars (previous two posts) becomes a reality, considering what Elon Musk said this summer about his Falcon Heavy. That's the rocket which was designed from the first to put humans on Mars.
About building that FH, he said, "It's way, way more difficult that we originally thought."
How hard can it be? Well, way hard:
"It requires the simultaneous ignition of 27 orbit class engines."
"Impossible to test on the ground"
"Heavy buffet"
"Aerodynamics totally change"
"Triple vibrations and acoustics"
"There's a real good chance that that vehicle does not make it to orbit [November launch]. Set expectations accordingly. I hope it makes it far enough away from the pad that it doesn't cause pad damage. I would consider even that a win, to be honest."
"Whoever's on the first flight . . brave."
About building that FH, he said, "It's way, way more difficult that we originally thought."
How hard can it be? Well, way hard:
"It requires the simultaneous ignition of 27 orbit class engines."
"Impossible to test on the ground"
"Heavy buffet"
"Aerodynamics totally change"
"Triple vibrations and acoustics"
"There's a real good chance that that vehicle does not make it to orbit [November launch]. Set expectations accordingly. I hope it makes it far enough away from the pad that it doesn't cause pad damage. I would consider even that a win, to be honest."
"Whoever's on the first flight . . brave."
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
HI-SEAS Crew
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Two women and four men spent eight months in Mars-like isolation so that NASA could learn more about the effect that sort of mission will have on people. These six people are:
Laura Lark - originally from a small farm, she went to Brown University, then did 5 years as a software engineer for Google, plays Irish fiddle tunes
Ansley Barnard - she has designed aerodynamic bodywork for Indy 500 cars, and worked in engineering optimization at Ford Motor Co.; she hopes to become an astronaut
Samuel Payler - pursuing a doctorate in astrobiology, works on instruments to use on Mars basalt rock
James Bevington - a researcher in space life and statistics, now working for International Space University
Joshua Erhrlich - a systems engineer for Lockheed Martin, he worked on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch vehicle
Brian Ramos - graduated from International Space University, has both biomedical and engineering degrees
Each is highly accomplished, each one has a website, and there's a good chance that each one is personable and easy to be with. After eight intense/weird months, everybody came out alive.
Two women and four men spent eight months in Mars-like isolation so that NASA could learn more about the effect that sort of mission will have on people. These six people are:
Laura Lark - originally from a small farm, she went to Brown University, then did 5 years as a software engineer for Google, plays Irish fiddle tunes
Ansley Barnard - she has designed aerodynamic bodywork for Indy 500 cars, and worked in engineering optimization at Ford Motor Co.; she hopes to become an astronaut
Samuel Payler - pursuing a doctorate in astrobiology, works on instruments to use on Mars basalt rock
James Bevington - a researcher in space life and statistics, now working for International Space University
Joshua Erhrlich - a systems engineer for Lockheed Martin, he worked on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch vehicle
Brian Ramos - graduated from International Space University, has both biomedical and engineering degrees
Each is highly accomplished, each one has a website, and there's a good chance that each one is personable and easy to be with. After eight intense/weird months, everybody came out alive.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
HI-SEAS
This photo was taken on earth. Two women and four men were in isolation for eight months at this spot on a mountain in Hawaii - for research on what it's going to be like when a team of human beings actually goes to Mars.
About thirty-five million miles separates Earth from Mars at its closest. Space craft sent from earth in the past have taken 128-333 days to get there. When we finally send a crewed mission, it will require months of travel - in a small space, with little privacy.
This HI-SEAS V crew ate shelf-stable food and lived in 1200 square feet with tiny sleeping quarters. They performed scientific experiments, wore space suits every time they left the building, and went nowhere else.
They ended the project on Sunday (two days ago), celebrating with fresh air and tropical fruit.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Monday, September 18, 2017
Free conscience
(continuing last Friday's idea)
China's constitution is morally right to guarantee religious freedom. Too bad there is apparently nothing in that constitution making sure the government itself doesn't violate freedom of religion for its citizens. Freedom of religion is freedom to follow your conscience.
America also guarantees freedom of religion. Amendment #1 of the Constitution says: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
When I find some answers, I'll post them.
Friday, September 15, 2017
Crackdown
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
"Officially, China is an atheist country, but constitutionally guarantees religious freedom." That guarantee is a sham. Who really has freedom? The government or the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). And now they want to persecute Christians.
"In the name of maintaining “safety and beauty,” the CCP has bulldozed churches and torn down crosses. . . Since 2014, 1,800 crosses have been torn down by the Chinese authorities. . . Those who speak out against the CCP’s decisions are arrested and placed in black jails."
"Officially, China is an atheist country, but constitutionally guarantees religious freedom." That guarantee is a sham. Who really has freedom? The government or the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). And now they want to persecute Christians.
"In the name of maintaining “safety and beauty,” the CCP has bulldozed churches and torn down crosses. . . Since 2014, 1,800 crosses have been torn down by the Chinese authorities. . . Those who speak out against the CCP’s decisions are arrested and placed in black jails."
Thursday, September 14, 2017
No church kids
In China, the government takes steps to make sure that everybody is politically correct. Freedom of conscience? It's not important. Being "correct" - that's important.
"So they have begun banning children from church and other religious events. At least four regional governments in China have issued notices barring children from “joining Christian groups and attending religious activities,” reported UCAnews.com.
"Chinese officials stated that they will investigate both state-run churches and underground churches to ensure compliance."
"So they have begun banning children from church and other religious events. At least four regional governments in China have issued notices barring children from “joining Christian groups and attending religious activities,” reported UCAnews.com.
"Chinese officials stated that they will investigate both state-run churches and underground churches to ensure compliance."
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Generator
People are getting caught in acts of goodness after the hurricane disasters.
(Back story: people in Florida who have lost power have no AC, no lights, no refrigerator, etc., etc. They may be hot, hungry, and in the dark. But some have even greater need to generate some power.)
"On Thursday, Pam Brekke traveled almost 30 miles to an Orlando Lowe’s to buy a generator for her father, who needed it for his oxygen supply. She was next in line to get a generator when she realized the man in front of her got the last one. Brekke began to cry. When the man, Ramon Santiago, saw Brekke’s tears, he insisted that she take his generator.
“I’m very overwhelmed by that man,” Brekke told ABC News. “That gentleman was a great gentleman right there. God will bless that man.
"However, that’s not the end of the story. WFTV News 9 was at Lowe’s
Friday after the store received a shipment of generators. Lowe’s donated
one to a surprised and thankful Santiago.
"As far as giving his generator to Brekke, Santiago said that God “played a role in all of this” and placed him there at that time to help her."
(Back story: people in Florida who have lost power have no AC, no lights, no refrigerator, etc., etc. They may be hot, hungry, and in the dark. But some have even greater need to generate some power.)
"On Thursday, Pam Brekke traveled almost 30 miles to an Orlando Lowe’s to buy a generator for her father, who needed it for his oxygen supply. She was next in line to get a generator when she realized the man in front of her got the last one. Brekke began to cry. When the man, Ramon Santiago, saw Brekke’s tears, he insisted that she take his generator.
“I’m very overwhelmed by that man,” Brekke told ABC News. “That gentleman was a great gentleman right there. God will bless that man.
"As far as giving his generator to Brekke, Santiago said that God “played a role in all of this” and placed him there at that time to help her."
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Saved 2700
Rick Rescorla lost his own life, but saved 2700 others on 9-11 . . because he thought for himself. I really love the stories of these normal people who showed the hero within on that harrowing day.
Monday, September 11, 2017
Sept. 11
It's been 16 years since the shock of the 9-11 attacks in 2001. Islamic terrorist group Al-Qaeda killed 2,996 Americans, injured over 6,000 more, and caused $10 billion in damage. Out of the clear blue sky, literally, four commercial airplanes were hijacked and turned into weapons.
This morning in New York there will be a memorial service at 8:40 a.m. which you can watch here.
This morning in New York there will be a memorial service at 8:40 a.m. which you can watch here.
Friday, September 8, 2017
New rocket
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Falcon Heavy, the new rocket at SpaceX, "can lift more than twice the payload of the next closest operational vehicle . . at one-third the cost." Twice the weight, one-third the cost, undeniably impressive.
image: zmescience.com
Falcon 9 is the rocket SpaceX has already launched 15 times, and it's come back to land safely. Falcon Heavy uses three of those Falcon 9 engine cores for its first stage. All the cores have now tested successfully. The FH will come back to a landing pad on earth and be used again.
That is SpaceX's distinction - millions and millions of dollars saved, because the rockets can be re-used.
This is the rocket that will take NASA crew into space in 2018.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
SpaceX on track
SpaceX is having their most successful year yet, with twelve launches so far and another eight scheduled by year's end - more than any other company . . or even country.
The most powerful operational rocket in the world, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, was successfully tested a second time on Sept. 2, and will take its first flight in November.
"With the ability to lift into orbit over 54 metric tons (119,000 lb)--a mass equivalent to a 737 jetliner loaded with passengers, crew, luggage and fuel--Falcon Heavy can lift more than twice the payload of the next closest operational vehicle, the Delta IV Heavy, at one-third the cost."
The most powerful operational rocket in the world, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, was successfully tested a second time on Sept. 2, and will take its first flight in November.
"With the ability to lift into orbit over 54 metric tons (119,000 lb)--a mass equivalent to a 737 jetliner loaded with passengers, crew, luggage and fuel--Falcon Heavy can lift more than twice the payload of the next closest operational vehicle, the Delta IV Heavy, at one-third the cost."
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Cost of light
For thousands of years, human beings had one source of light in the night. Someone has actually found a way to measure the cost of light for a prehistoric human, and compare it to what humans pay now for the same level of light.
Candles cut the human cost of having light, but it was still expensive. "George Washington calculated that five hours of reading per night cost him £8 yearly -well over $1,000 in today's dollars."
But light bulbs "changed everything . . The amount of labor that once bought 54 minutes of lightt now buys 52 years of light."
How did that happen? A long sequence of technological improvements. Innovation created an abundance, a wealth of light.
photo: ozarkmountainhiker.files.wordpress.com
Using labor hours as a unit of measure, they say it took ten hours of chopping wood per day for six days to produce 1000 lumen hours of fire light. In modern terms, that's equivalent to 54 minutes of a light bulb shining. And no one has to chop wood for even a minute.
But light bulbs "changed everything . . The amount of labor that once bought 54 minutes of lightt now buys 52 years of light."
How did that happen? A long sequence of technological improvements. Innovation created an abundance, a wealth of light.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Ant mass
Ants - annoying, insignificant, tiny creatures. Annoying, yes. Insignificant, no. They don't look like much in your yard, but they're important in the big scheme of things.
"Lowly ants possess the greatest total mass of all land-dwelling animals . . . 15–25 percent of the total mass of living land animal tissue." Surprising, unexpected.
Scientist Hugh Ross thinks that the super high number of ants has helped preserve earth's suitability for human life. Their activity takes greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere. The soil is more beneficial for plants when ant hills are near, and ants remove 50+% of the detritus on the forest floor of tropical rain forests.
Scientist Hugh Ross thinks that the super high number of ants has helped preserve earth's suitability for human life. Their activity takes greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere. The soil is more beneficial for plants when ant hills are near, and ants remove 50+% of the detritus on the forest floor of tropical rain forests.
Monday, September 4, 2017
Bigotry
As the fall semester begins, 15 professors from Yale, Princeton, and
Harvard have published a letter of advice for the class of 2021. They urged students to think for themselves.
They say that pressure to conform to the dominant campus opinion is strong. The "tyranny of public opinion does more than merely discourage students from dissenting from prevailing views . . . It leads them to suppose that dominant views are so obviously correct that only a bigot or a crank could question them."
But a real bigot fears questions, fears "open-minded inquiry and robust debate," because he or she "is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices."
Therefore "open-mindedness, critical thinking, and debate are essential to discovering the truth . . they are our best antidotes to bigotry."
Good advice for students, and for all the rest of us, "Think for yourself" - and think things through.
They say that pressure to conform to the dominant campus opinion is strong. The "tyranny of public opinion does more than merely discourage students from dissenting from prevailing views . . . It leads them to suppose that dominant views are so obviously correct that only a bigot or a crank could question them."
But a real bigot fears questions, fears "open-minded inquiry and robust debate," because he or she "is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices."
Therefore "open-mindedness, critical thinking, and debate are essential to discovering the truth . . they are our best antidotes to bigotry."
Good advice for students, and for all the rest of us, "Think for yourself" - and think things through.
Friday, September 1, 2017
Businesses help
Here are some of the businesses giving help to Houston hurricane victims. It's in the nature of giving help to give that which you have:
Gallery Furniture - 2 locations open for shelter
HEB Grocery - sent mobile kitchens to provide meals, pharmacy
Bass Pro - providing 80 boats.
Duracell - sending free batteries to storm victims
Anheuser-Busch - sending 155,000 cans of drinking water
Airbnb - waving service fees, link free rooms to refugees
Waffle House - determined to stay open in worst conditions
Wal-Mart - 800 truckloads of supplies this week, 1700 next week
"For all the terrible news to come out of Houston, the response from individuals, communities and businesses around the country is a beautiful thing to behold."
Gallery Furniture - 2 locations open for shelter
HEB Grocery - sent mobile kitchens to provide meals, pharmacy
Bass Pro - providing 80 boats.
Duracell - sending free batteries to storm victims
Anheuser-Busch - sending 155,000 cans of drinking water
Airbnb - waving service fees, link free rooms to refugees
Waffle House - determined to stay open in worst conditions
Wal-Mart - 800 truckloads of supplies this week, 1700 next week
"For all the terrible news to come out of Houston, the response from individuals, communities and businesses around the country is a beautiful thing to behold."
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