Anyone reading this blog regularly has surely noticed my ramblings are on-again-off-again to say the least. Sometimes I feel like writing tons of stuff and sometimes I just don't have a lot to say. It's during those quite times that I am contemplating life, love, the universe, and everything in it. And speaking of the universe...
As far back as I can remember, I have been drawn towards the little bright lights in the night sky. Just like our ancestors must have done, I too gaze up and wonder about where we are in the universe and where we might someday go. I really began to get into astronomy when I was in about the 8th grade. My parents (or Santa Claus, depending on your point of view) bought me a cool 4-inch reflecting telescope for Christmas that year. Even as small an cheap as it was, I was able to see the rings around Saturn. After that, I was hooked.
However, as with every thing, life tends to get in the way. By the time I got into high school I was working at the family business after school and well into the night. Slowly, as time passed, so did my desire to spend night after freezing night looking into the sky. A few years later, while at sea on the USS Marvin Shields, I stepped out on deck after a midnight shift. There was no man-made light anywhere to be seen so the night sky was perfect. It really looked like a poster you might find at the planetarium. Well, many years have passed and I still try to enjoy astronomy when I can. I am lucky in that my youngest daughter is into it as well. This gives me someone close to share news stories and events with.
When I decided to return to college last spring, I had no idea what classes to take. So I decided to take Astronomy and I am so glad I did. I am currently the president of the Stellar Society (the Astronomy club) at GTCC and we are fairly active in promoting the Cline Observatory on campus, as well as many other events held at the school. In March we are hosting Tri-Star which will bring astronomers from across the state together for the weekend.
Once I become a teacher I certainly plan to integrate astronomy into my science and/or math classes as often as possible. I think it is important we understand the universe God has given us as well as our place in it.
MH
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Life's good...
As most of you are aware I have talked recently about looking up old friends online (specifically FaceBook) and have had the great fortune of reconnecting with a few of them. Tonight I spent a while talking to an old friend about the past. Man that really brought back the memories; some great ones, some so-so ones, and some bad ones. But that is how life is. You have to accept the bad times along with the good. Now of course I won't give details about the conversation, but like I said it really brought back the memories.
It also got me thinking about other things. Life goes by so fast that if you don't slow down occasionally an look around, you will miss out on a ton of cool stuff. For too many years I lived in a shell; a shell I made all by myself. In high school I was made to go straight to the family business after school, so my social life was non-existent. Then, as I got older, I would spend most of my time in front of a computer pounding out code (something I was good at and enjoyed) and I again neglected my social 'training' and never really felt like I fit in in a crowd.
When I realized that I wanted to teach, this was the very first concern my family raised. So, over the past two years, I have begun to break out of this shell. Of course I still spend a fair amount of time in front of a computer, but when I am at school or in public I make an effort to be more outgoing. I talk more, I smile more, and I even flirt a little from time to time. And you know what? It is making a difference. I no long feel out of place. I no longer sit alone and wonder. I do, however, still remain quiet and listen a lot, but I also speak with more confidence when I do decide to share.
I know I have made some very bad choices along the way, but everything has slowly shifted back into focus and I am happy with where I am today. I have great plans for the future as well (see the list of thing to do on my blog!). I guess what I am trying to say is that life is good so enjoy it.
MH
It also got me thinking about other things. Life goes by so fast that if you don't slow down occasionally an look around, you will miss out on a ton of cool stuff. For too many years I lived in a shell; a shell I made all by myself. In high school I was made to go straight to the family business after school, so my social life was non-existent. Then, as I got older, I would spend most of my time in front of a computer pounding out code (something I was good at and enjoyed) and I again neglected my social 'training' and never really felt like I fit in in a crowd.
When I realized that I wanted to teach, this was the very first concern my family raised. So, over the past two years, I have begun to break out of this shell. Of course I still spend a fair amount of time in front of a computer, but when I am at school or in public I make an effort to be more outgoing. I talk more, I smile more, and I even flirt a little from time to time. And you know what? It is making a difference. I no long feel out of place. I no longer sit alone and wonder. I do, however, still remain quiet and listen a lot, but I also speak with more confidence when I do decide to share.
I know I have made some very bad choices along the way, but everything has slowly shifted back into focus and I am happy with where I am today. I have great plans for the future as well (see the list of thing to do on my blog!). I guess what I am trying to say is that life is good so enjoy it.
MH
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Mother Earth...
The question of whether we are alone in the universe has two possible answers: either we are or we are not. If you really think about that, either possibility is equally astounding. Let's look at both possibilities:
1 - We are alone. This is it. The universe began/was created then we evolved/were created and that is it. Everything else in the universe is just for us to look at and admire. If that is the case then why are we so self-destructive? Why are we, as a people, so intent on destroying our home as well as each other? I would like to think that if this is it then we would try a little harder to get along with each other and take care of our ecosystem.
2 - We are not alone. The universe is teaming with life and we might even get to meet someone from another world someday. What would they think of what the find? Would you like them to see how we treat each other and how we are treating our planet?
Now, imagine being in a life raft at sea... There are two possibilities. You get rescued or you don't. Again, let's look at each possibility...
1 - You are stuck in the life raft for ever (at least the rest of your life). Let's assume for this little mental exercise that you have plenty of food. Would you take care of your raft? Would you ration your food to try to make it last? I would think that most of us would. We would hope to last long enough to find land or see another ship.
2 - After a few days at sea you get rescued. Knowing this would happen, you have not taken very good care of the raft and you have eaten all your food. What would your rescuers think about you if they found a damaged raft full of candy wrappers and trash? Wouldn't you be a little embarrassed?
Do you see the correlation between the two sets of questions? Why do we treat our 'raft' like we do? Why do we guzzle our 'rations' as if we will get rescued tomorrow? We need to look at the big picture and take responsibility for our actions. Issues such as global warming, using fossil fuels, and over population are causing irreversible damage to our only home.
I originally started out with the intention of talking about my views on the possibility of other life in the universe, but once I started typing it went in a different direction. Aliens made me change it.
MH
1 - We are alone. This is it. The universe began/was created then we evolved/were created and that is it. Everything else in the universe is just for us to look at and admire. If that is the case then why are we so self-destructive? Why are we, as a people, so intent on destroying our home as well as each other? I would like to think that if this is it then we would try a little harder to get along with each other and take care of our ecosystem.
2 - We are not alone. The universe is teaming with life and we might even get to meet someone from another world someday. What would they think of what the find? Would you like them to see how we treat each other and how we are treating our planet?
Now, imagine being in a life raft at sea... There are two possibilities. You get rescued or you don't. Again, let's look at each possibility...
1 - You are stuck in the life raft for ever (at least the rest of your life). Let's assume for this little mental exercise that you have plenty of food. Would you take care of your raft? Would you ration your food to try to make it last? I would think that most of us would. We would hope to last long enough to find land or see another ship.
2 - After a few days at sea you get rescued. Knowing this would happen, you have not taken very good care of the raft and you have eaten all your food. What would your rescuers think about you if they found a damaged raft full of candy wrappers and trash? Wouldn't you be a little embarrassed?
Do you see the correlation between the two sets of questions? Why do we treat our 'raft' like we do? Why do we guzzle our 'rations' as if we will get rescued tomorrow? We need to look at the big picture and take responsibility for our actions. Issues such as global warming, using fossil fuels, and over population are causing irreversible damage to our only home.
I originally started out with the intention of talking about my views on the possibility of other life in the universe, but once I started typing it went in a different direction. Aliens made me change it.
MH
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Catching up, cutting back, and reminiscing...
So I had a little free time last night while the NASCAR race was on (yes, I'm a fan) and I spent some time trying to find friends and family on FaceBook. I connected with a cousin in Phoenix, an old pal in Greensboro, and even a few folks I went to high school with 25+ years ago. Even though I have worked with (and played with) the changing technology over then years it still amazes me how easily we can connect to anyone anywhere instantly. I remember the time before the internet, before cell phones, and cable TV. Damn I feel old....
I also had to make a tough decision regarding school. I have decided to drop one of my classes this semester due to not having enough time to really do the work needed to do well. I was planning on having the whole summer off (from school) before starting East Carolina in the fall but I will need to retake American Lit then. I still have Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Calculus, Statistics, and History of Art (all except Art have labs as well) to keep me busy, so don't feel bad for me. I will still finish before August and hopefully get to hold on to my 4.0 GPA :-)
And on a li
ghter note...
The weather here today was absolutely gorgeous. I love cold weather but I also enjoy warm spring days as much as anyone. We went to the park today to walk and on the way there (and back) we must have seen 25-30 motorcycles out enjoying the weather. I really miss riding and I miss my bike, but it's probably not something I'll ever have again.
MH
I also had to make a tough decision regarding school. I have decided to drop one of my classes this semester due to not having enough time to really do the work needed to do well. I was planning on having the whole summer off (from school) before starting East Carolina in the fall but I will need to retake American Lit then. I still have Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Calculus, Statistics, and History of Art (all except Art have labs as well) to keep me busy, so don't feel bad for me. I will still finish before August and hopefully get to hold on to my 4.0 GPA :-)
And on a li
ghter note...The weather here today was absolutely gorgeous. I love cold weather but I also enjoy warm spring days as much as anyone. We went to the park today to walk and on the way there (and back) we must have seen 25-30 motorcycles out enjoying the weather. I really miss riding and I miss my bike, but it's probably not something I'll ever have again.
MH
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Technology and Society...
One of the biggest problems in society today is the fact that our technology is advancing so fast that we, as a society, are having trouble keeping up. We have extended the average life span to ever longer years, developed ways to communicate to vast numbers of people instantly and globally, and we have even successfully altered human brains with computerized circuitry. If the past 100 years are any indication then there is no telling where we will be by the year 2100.
Please bear in mind, of course, that these ideas are just my ramblings and not hard cold facts. I just think that technology is advancing so fast that we, as a whole, cannot keep up. Despite your beliefs on when and how man first appeared on Earth, it is pretty easy to conclude that after a certain number of years ours bodies begin to wear out. Recently, modern medicine has allowed people to live longer lives. But at what cost? As a society we are having issues dealing with them. Nursing homes are overcrowded and poorly staffed (my apologizes for the generalization of social workers; I know there are some great folks out there) by people who would rather be doing something else. One hundred years ago, people did not have to worry about retirement or old age because they did not really expect to have to deal with it.
And it is not just the elderly that are having to adjust. Certainly the middle-aged person struggling to learn to use a home computer would make a great example here, but I was thinking more about how children are changing to deal with our advanced technological world. Children today have instant access to everything they want and need (in general). Answering a question, for example, on nearly any subject is a internet search away. The desire to listen to a specific song, watch a favorite television show or DVD can be instantly satisfied. Because of this, keeping a child's attention for more than three seconds is a challenge. Look at how they interact today as compared to us as kids. Could you have ever imagined talking to your friends via instant texts or online? Again, I think this shows how they are being conditioned to expect instant gratification. I feel (and again this is simply my opinion) that this helps explain the abundance of 'attention deficit disorder' diagnoses. We (all of us) have grown to expect too much too quick. Want proof? Look in the 'get rich quick' section at the bookstore.
But back to the kids. I'm in my mid-40s. I remember buying my first home computer in 1982. I crashed my car and instead of getting a new one I used the insurance money to buy a TRS-80 desktop computer. It hard no hard drive and no floppy disk. No data storage at all and it only had 16k of memory. I'd be willing to bet no one reading this realizes what 16k means, but basically today's toasters had more memory. You had to type in every single line of a program to run it and when you turned the computer off, the program was gone. Anyway, my point is this. Most adults have seen the world grow and change and I am willing to bet that it continues to grow and change (assuming we don't destroy ourselves) for the foreseeable future. Can you imagine what kind of technology our kids or grandkids will get to play with? How will they deal with it? It is easy to imagine them developing in a much difference way psychologically. Not a bad way, mind you, just different.
I mentioned early something about altering human brains with electronics. Imagine a memory chip in your brain where you could store data just like on a computer and instantly retrieve it. No more lost addresses or phone numbers, no more grocery lists on paper, etc. These advancements are already here and the possibilities are endless; not only the good applications, but the bad as well. The problem, as I see it, is how do we deal with it as a society?
MH
Please bear in mind, of course, that these ideas are just my ramblings and not hard cold facts. I just think that technology is advancing so fast that we, as a whole, cannot keep up. Despite your beliefs on when and how man first appeared on Earth, it is pretty easy to conclude that after a certain number of years ours bodies begin to wear out. Recently, modern medicine has allowed people to live longer lives. But at what cost? As a society we are having issues dealing with them. Nursing homes are overcrowded and poorly staffed (my apologizes for the generalization of social workers; I know there are some great folks out there) by people who would rather be doing something else. One hundred years ago, people did not have to worry about retirement or old age because they did not really expect to have to deal with it.
And it is not just the elderly that are having to adjust. Certainly the middle-aged person struggling to learn to use a home computer would make a great example here, but I was thinking more about how children are changing to deal with our advanced technological world. Children today have instant access to everything they want and need (in general). Answering a question, for example, on nearly any subject is a internet search away. The desire to listen to a specific song, watch a favorite television show or DVD can be instantly satisfied. Because of this, keeping a child's attention for more than three seconds is a challenge. Look at how they interact today as compared to us as kids. Could you have ever imagined talking to your friends via instant texts or online? Again, I think this shows how they are being conditioned to expect instant gratification. I feel (and again this is simply my opinion) that this helps explain the abundance of 'attention deficit disorder' diagnoses. We (all of us) have grown to expect too much too quick. Want proof? Look in the 'get rich quick' section at the bookstore.
But back to the kids. I'm in my mid-40s. I remember buying my first home computer in 1982. I crashed my car and instead of getting a new one I used the insurance money to buy a TRS-80 desktop computer. It hard no hard drive and no floppy disk. No data storage at all and it only had 16k of memory. I'd be willing to bet no one reading this realizes what 16k means, but basically today's toasters had more memory. You had to type in every single line of a program to run it and when you turned the computer off, the program was gone. Anyway, my point is this. Most adults have seen the world grow and change and I am willing to bet that it continues to grow and change (assuming we don't destroy ourselves) for the foreseeable future. Can you imagine what kind of technology our kids or grandkids will get to play with? How will they deal with it? It is easy to imagine them developing in a much difference way psychologically. Not a bad way, mind you, just different.
I mentioned early something about altering human brains with electronics. Imagine a memory chip in your brain where you could store data just like on a computer and instantly retrieve it. No more lost addresses or phone numbers, no more grocery lists on paper, etc. These advancements are already here and the possibilities are endless; not only the good applications, but the bad as well. The problem, as I see it, is how do we deal with it as a society?
MH
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Big Game...
I have always liked football and I have always been a Steelers fan. I love to watch a good football game and I love to see the underdog come out on top (unless the Steelers are playing then of course I'll pull for them). As a freshman in high school (in the early 80s), I made the varsity team but was not allowed to play because I had to work at the family business after school everyday.
After high school and a partial semester at Western Carolina I joined the Navy. While stationed in San Diego I got my hands on an authentic Mark Gastineau jersey (NY Jets #99). Now I have always been a big guy. Roughly 6ft tall and very broad shouldered (due to years of loading furniture in the afore mentioned family business) so when I wore the jersey it fit well.
One of our many trips to Hawaii (I think I went 4 times courtesy of Uncle Sam) just happened to coincide with the Pro-Bowl. Without really thinking about it I wore the jersey when we went out on the town one night. A buddy of mine and I were walking downtown one evening when a couple of people mistook me for a pro football player and asked me for an autograph. I scribbled something illegible and they thanked me and went on their way.
MH
After high school and a partial semester at Western Carolina I joined the Navy. While stationed in San Diego I got my hands on an authentic Mark Gastineau jersey (NY Jets #99). Now I have always been a big guy. Roughly 6ft tall and very broad shouldered (due to years of loading furniture in the afore mentioned family business) so when I wore the jersey it fit well.
One of our many trips to Hawaii (I think I went 4 times courtesy of Uncle Sam) just happened to coincide with the Pro-Bowl. Without really thinking about it I wore the jersey when we went out on the town one night. A buddy of mine and I were walking downtown one evening when a couple of people mistook me for a pro football player and asked me for an autograph. I scribbled something illegible and they thanked me and went on their way.
MH
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